Council News

Central Coast Council hosted an afternoon tea on Tuesday 9 December to recognise 53 local groups recently awarded funding through the annual Community Grants Program.The program plays a vital role in building a stronger, more connected community by enabling local organisations to bring meaningful projects and events to life.Council’s Community Grants Program comprises three key streams:•  

Central Coast Council has taken a landmark step in the region’s development by resolving to accept the largest contract in its history for the major capital upgrade of the Charmhaven Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).Council will formalise tender arrangements, valued at just over $144 million, with B.M.D Constructions Pty Ltd, marking this as a significant advance in Council’s future sewer infrastructure works.The upgrade will increase Charmhaven STP’s capacity to serve up to 75,000 Equivalent Persons (EP), with the provisions for additional growth to 150,000 EP, while supporting the health of local waterways and addressing existing challenges related to pollutant discharges.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of the project for the region’s long-term needs.“This resolution marks the largest contract ever awarded by Central Coast Council and ensures the reliable delivery of essential services both now, and into the future, as our community continues to grow,” Mayor McKinna said.“This project also provides a boost for local businesses and industry, with requirements for approximately 20% of the contract value to be delivered through local suppliers and contractors.”Water and Sewer Director, Jamie Loader said the upgrade ensures Charmhaven STP will meet compliance expectations now and into the future.“The significant upgrade to Charmhaven STP will address urgent operational, environmental, and regulatory risks, with robust risk management and oversight throughout the processes, ensuring we meet the current and future needs of our Central Coast community,” Mr Loader said.The project will be funded through Council’s long-term financial plan and will be supported by future revenue under the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) pricing determination.Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Remediation works complete Remediation works at Gosford City Car Park to repair, maintain and extend the lifespan of this well used facility are complete.Gosford City Car Park (located at 1 Baker Street) is multilevel facility with 650 car spaces that provides both permanent and casual parking for city centre workers, residents, and visitors to Gosford.

Council supports Koolewong bushfire impacted residentsCouncillors supported Mayor McKinna’s Mayoral Minute which acknowledged the heroic efforts of the emergency service teams and volunteers during the terrible Koolewong fire on the weekend.