Media Releases

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce that the Creative Journey open studio Art Trail is set to return over June long weekend, with expressions of interest (EOI) now open for local artists, makers and creative collectives.Led by Council, Creative Journey is an initiative that celebrates the region’s diverse and vibrant creative community by inviting the public into the working spaces of local creatives.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the return of the Creative Journey Art Trail reflects the strength and momentum of the region’s creative sector.“The Creative Journey Art Trail event is a wonderful celebration of the artistic talent that thrives across our region,” Mayor McKinna said.“Opening studios to the public not only showcases the incredible work of our artists but also strengthens community connection and supports the growth of our cultural economy.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Central Coast Development Control Plan - Heritage Conservation Controls, which is now on public exhibition until Monday 30 March.The draft controls have been reviewed to ensure they align with best practice heritage conservation standards, and comply with current legislation - while providing clear, consistent guidance for property owners and the wider community.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the exhibition period is an important opportunity for the community to review the proposed changes and share their feedback.“The Central Coast’s heritage is rich, varied and valued.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on updates and changes to the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP), which is now on public exhibition for 28 days.At its 24 February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council resolved to place the revised draft CMP on public exhibition, providing the community with a final opportunity to review changes made following previous rounds of consultation. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said this final phase of exhibition highlights the most recent updates to the draft CMP that reflects community priorities while addressing the complex challenges facing our coastline.“We’re inviting the community to share their feedback on the key revisions made to the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Plan,” Mayor McKinna said.“This exhibition presents the most recent updates to the draft CMP, shaped by what our community and stakeholders told us mattered most.” “Our coastline is one of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, and it’s essential that the community has an opportunity to review the proposed actions and tell us what they think.”Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the draft Open Coast CMP sets out a coordinated, long term approach to managing coastal hazards and protecting coastal environments along the Central Coast’s open coastline over the next 10 years.“We encourage residents, coastal users and stakeholders to review the draft program and provide feedback to help inform Council’s final decisions,” Mr Nicholls said. The draft Open Coast CMP and supporting information are available online, with feedback open from 2 March to 30 March 2026.Following the exhibition period, Council will review all submissions before considering whether to submit the program to the NSW Government for certification.To view the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program and make a submission, visit:

Council is proud to welcome the incoming 2026 Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Leadership Team, while also celebrating the outstanding achievements of the graduating 2025 team who have made a lasting impact on young people across the Central Coast.The Y4Y Leadership Team is a youth leadership program that brings together young people aged 15 to 24 who care about local community challenges and want to work collaboratively to create positive change, while gaining valuable leadership experience and skills.

Central Coast Council is inviting local skaters, scooter riders and community members to help shape the future of two new skateparks at Budgewoi and East Gosford.Community feedback is now open on the design of new skateparks at Halekulani Oval, Budgewoi and Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford though an online survey and poll at yourvoiceourcoast.com.The existing skate facilities at both locations are ageing and limited in their offerings. Council is planning modern upgrades that better reflect how these spaces are used today and into the future, catering for a wider range of ages, abilities and riding styles.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said community vision and input feedback will guide the design of the two new skateparks at Budgewoi and East Gosford.“Skateparks are for the people who use them, and we want to hear directly from our local skaters, scooter riders and families in these communities,” Mayor McKinna said.“We encourage residents to share their ideas so we can deliver fun, inclusive facilities that align with community expectations.”Have your sayCommunity members are encouraged to share their ideas on the style, layout and features they would like to see in the new skate parks, including what type of wheels they ride and how they want to use the space.Feedback for both skateparks can be provided online via a survey at yourvoiceourcoast.com until 23 March 2026.Council has engaged specialist skate park designers who will use community feedback to develop concept designs.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on a proposed Special Entertainment Precinct in Gosford, aimed at supporting a vibrant and growing night-time economy.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Gosford was the natural choice for the Central Coast’s first Special Entertainment Precinct, with the city centre experiencing strong residential growth and increased demand for after-dark activities.“Gosford is changing, with more people choosing to live in the city centre.

Central Coast residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals for free at two upcoming Chemical CleanOut weekends. These events provide a safe and environmentally responsible way to clear out hazardous items from your home, shed or garage.Chemical CleanOut event details:Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 MarchFormer Kincumber Waste Management FacilityCullens Road, Kincumber9am - 3.30pmNote:

District playspace, Illoura Reserve, Davistown

A wild rabbit control program is set to take place across Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, on 2 March 2026.Led by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Central Coast Council is participating in the program to release the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5) — also known as Calicivirus — at seven locations on the Central Coast:

Central Coast Council will commence a dredging program for The Entrance Channel on Monday 16 February 2026.The commencement of the project follows the June 2025 Ordinary Council meeting resolution to allocate $1.2 million to fund dredging in Tuggerah Lake.Councillor Rachel Stanton, Chair of the Coastal, Estuary and Floodplain Risk Management Subcommittee said Council’s dredging program responds to community feedback.“The start of this program shows Council’s commitment to turning community priorities into action.

Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the return of the Love Lanes Festival, taking place in Wyong on Saturday 7 February from 4-9pm.

Central Coast Council will transition Gosford City Car Park (levels 1-5) and the Pay By Plate Parking Area (ground level) at 1 Baker Street, Gosford, to cashless payments only from 2 March 2026.The change forms part of the Smart Technology upgrade and reflects current customer behaviour, with only 2% of transactions made in cash.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council’s Seniors Festival 2026 is set to be a vibrant celebration of our senior community and the invaluable contributions older residents make every day. The theme for 2026, ‘Live Life in Colour’, reflects the diversity, creativity and energy that seniors bring to the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to help shape the future of the region, with three major strategies now open for public feedback.The Draft Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030, Draft Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 and Draft Events Strategy 2026-2030 outline a long term vision to create more opportunities for locals and enhance the Coast as a great place to live, work and visit.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the three strategies are designed to work together to guide the region’s long-term direction.“These strategies set the direction for economic growth, tourism and events.

Central Coast Council announced the winners of the 2026 Australia Day Awards last night at Wyong Art House, with the overall Citizen of the Year Award going to Kerry Ann Groves for her outstanding commitment as a volunteer at San Remo Neighbourhood Centre for over 15 years.The Australia Day Awards were open to applicants from across the Central Coast region, with all nominees having the chance to be named as the prestigious, Central Coast Citizen of the Year.The individual awards span the following categories: Community Group AwardCommunity Life Award Senior Citizen Award Volunteer Award Young Person Award Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said these annual awards celebrate and recognise those who enrich and serve the community. “It’s a privilege to present these awards to remarkable local individuals and organisations, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our community and the positive effect they have on many lives,” Mayor McKinna said.“My congratulations go to all the 2026 award recipients and nominees.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is presenting three local youth events – Youth Day Out SoundWave music festival, Coast Swap clothes swap event and the Central Coast Skatepark Series - bringing young people together for fun in a positive and safe environment. Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said these events align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan and Youth Strategy goals and play an important role in supporting young people’s development and wellbeing.“From music and skating to fashion and sustainability, Council’s upcoming youth events are all about boosting confidence, connection and wellbeing while bringing young people across the Coast together for safe, positive fun,” Mayor McKinna said.“I encourage our community to help spread the word about these events and encourage young people to attend.”Youth Day Out - SoundWave Summer music festivalSoundWave Summer, an inclusive, alcohol-free music festival designed for young people aged 12 to 24 years. Exciting live bands and DJs, hands-on electronic music activities, local youth services &

Central Coast Council is proud to announce the launch of Laycock Street Community Theatre’s 2026 season, promising a rich tapestry of artistic excellence, community connection and entertainment for everyone across the Coast.With more than 30 productions and over 200 events planned throughout the year, Laycock continues to cement its role as one of the main cultural heartbeats of the region.The first half of 2026 features stand-out performances such as the Royal Australian Navy Band’s ‘At the Movies’ concert, the uproarious Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, and the enchanting Victorian State Ballet’s production of Aladdin.Families can look forward to a jam-packed calendar, including much-loved children’s shows like Trinket the Robot, The Farmy Farm and Room on the Broom.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Laycock Street Community Theatre is where the community comes together to experience the magic of live performance.“Laycock is more than a theatre, it celebrates our local talent and helps build the strong sense of community that makes the Central Coast such a great place to live,” Mayor McKinna said.“The mix of performances, educational programs and collaborative initiatives at Laycock help create a lively cultural space for our region.

Central Coast Council has completed a program of upgrades to fire trails across the region, improving access to bushland reserves and supporting community safety this summer.Council manages 223 fire trails as part of its ongoing support for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).These trails are a vital part of the Central Coast fire access network, which also includes other fire trails located on land owned by other authorities:

Central Coast Council is proud to announce completion of Vera’s Water Garden upgrades at The Entrance providing a fun, safe playpark for locals and visitors.Vera’s Water Garden has been transformed into a zero-depth water play park, improving safety, accessibility, and reducing ongoing maintenance.The new design features a range of interactive water elements all designed to spark movement, adventure and sensory play.

Following Central Coast Council’s resolution to implement a range of supports to assist affected residents of the Koolewong bushfire which ravaged the community last weekend, action is already commencing.Skip bins for use by fire impacted residents have now been delivered to Koolewong exclusion area, and waste collection services have re-commenced where bins are able to be accessed.