Central Coast Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of walking and cycling in Avoca Beach by providing feedback on the proposed design for a new shared pathway along Avoca Drive.The project aims to deliver a 3-metre wide concrete shared pathway between the Scenic Highway and Heazlett Park, Avoca Beach, enhancing safety, accessibility and active transport options for pedestrians and cyclists.It will also include kerb and gutter upgrades, drainage improvements to help manage stormwater and pavement restoration works.Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the project represents a long-awaited community priority and a major step forward in active transport planning.“This is a long-awaited project that responds to strong community demand for safer and more connected walking and cycling infrastructure,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We’ve developed the concept design based on earlier feedback and we’re now asking the community to take a look and help refine it before we move ahead.”The project will be delivered in three stages, with Stage 1 (Scenic Highway to Hillside Road) scheduled to commence construction in early 2026.Stage 2 (Hillside Road to The Round Drive) is planned to commence in late 2027.Stages 1 and 2 are funded through developer contributions, while Council continues to advocate for funding to deliver Stage 3 (The Round Drive to Heazlett Park).Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the infrastructure project delivers on Council’s commitment to building a more liveable and connected region.“This recreational infrastructure project is a great example of how Council is committed to helping the community achieve a healthy, active and sustainable lifestyle,” Mayor McKinna said.“The Avoca Drive shared pathway will make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle and stay active, while reducing pressure on our busy road network.“I encourage everyone to review the proposed design for a new shared pathway along Avoca Drive and have your say on the Your Voice Our Coast website.”The shared pathway aligns with Council’s Bike Plan, Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan and the Community Strategic Plan, which prioritise the creation of a regional network of accessible active transport options.Have your say View the concept design and FAQs:

Drivers across the Central Coast are being reminded to slow down this May, as Central Coast Council and NSW Police step up efforts to tackle speeding on local roads and increase safety in residential areas.The focus is on improving safety in 50km/h and 60km/h zones – areas where children, older adults, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are often present.Unfortunately, speeding continues to be the primary contributing factor in fatal crashes across the Central Coast.Our goal is to reduce the risk and severity of speed-related crashes and protect the most vulnerable members of the community. NSW Police Acting Inspector, Brendan Gregory said that while local streets may feel safer and familiar, they are no place for complacency behind the wheel."We want to remind the Central Coast community and visitors to slow down and take care on local roads,” Inspector Gregory said.“Even a few kilometres over the limit can be the difference between a near miss and a serious crash.“Police will be out in full force across the Central Coast throughout May, targeting speeding motorists and encouraging safer driving behaviour – especially in areas where people walk, ride and live.”‘Every K Counts’ and ‘Stop it… or cop it!’ – that’s the clear message from Police and Council, reminding drivers that slowing down can save lives. Council is working in partnership with NSW Police and Transport for NSW, under the Local Government Road Safety Program, to improve safety on Central Coast roads.Every kilometre over the limit increases both your stopping distance and your risk of a crash.

Central Coast Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan and resourcing strategies are now on exhibition for community feedback until 2 June 2025.The plans respond to the community’s vision to “strengthen and support our community, protect our environment and create an inclusive, prosperous and accessible place to live, work and thrive, for today and for future generations".The draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, ‘This is Our Future, Our Central Coast’, is a 10-year road map representing over two years of consultation and engagement and outlines community priorities under the themes of ‘Our People, Our Environment, Our Place, Our Economy and Our Leadership’.The accompanying draft four-year Delivery Program, one-year Operational Plan and resourcing strategies have been developed to enable the delivery of the community vision.

Central Coast Council are providing the opportunity for local makers and creators to submit their interest in hosting exhibitions, workshop and installations at the Gallery container in Toukley over the coming financial year.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith, is encouraging artists of all mediums to apply to be part of the Creative Spaces program for 2025-26.“Selected artists will be able to set up residence over a number of weeks and connect with the community through creative workshops, talks, and collaborations with other artists and installations throughout the year,” Ms Smith said.“Designed to foster innovation and creativity, the gallery container at Toukley Village Green provides an exciting space for selected artists to exhibit and connect with the community.“We’ve had some great artists and activations to date, and I look forward to seeing the creative ways the next group will use the space and engage with each other through art.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that he is pleased to see local artists, community members, visitors and local businesses benefit from this creative initiative.“Our Creative Spaces Program enables local creatives to develop their art practice, collaborate, meet peers, and share skills and resources in a dedicated space.“I encourage local artists to host an exhibition, workshop or installation at the Gallery container in the Toukley Town Centre.

Central Coast Council is inviting residential and business customers to have your say on future water and sewer service improvement options, and what you would be willing to pay for those services.

The annual Little Tern breeding season at Karagi Point, The Entrance North concluded in February, with Central Coast Council delighted to report another record-breaking outcome!Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year to breed and have historically chosen to nest at The Entrance on the Central Coast.Protected under both State and federal threatened species legislation, Little Terns are sensitive to a wide range of threats, including native and introduced predators, crushing and disturbance from vehicles, humans and domestic dogs, inundation of nesting sites and adverse weather conditions.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said that with support from the community, Council worked hard to create the right environment for nesting and ongoing breeding success and put in place a range of measures to protect the colony.“Over the last five years, Council has carried out best practice management to protect the Little Tern breeding colony, which has included fencing and signage installation, mitigating the threat of human disturbance and nest site inundation, nest monitoring, fox and avian predator control, environmental education / community engagement and site closures during large events.“It is so satisfying to see that these actions have once again resulted in record-breaking breeding success with an incredible 228 fledglings recorded – the most ever recorded along the NSW coast and nearly half of the total NSW fledgling count last season,” Mr Loader said.Monitoring over the last five years, has now shown Karagi Point to be the most important nest site in the state and is significantly contributing to the long-term survival of the species.In consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Council staff were well prepared ahead of the breeding season – a key to the success achieved.Mr Loader said despite the success seen, a range of unauthorised activities were still observed at the nest site.“This included large amounts of rubbish being left on site, discarded fishing line, people entering the fenced nesting area, unnecessary noise, flying of drones over the area and the presence of dogs – which are actually prohibited at Karagi Point.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to step back into the shoes of Wyong locals from the 19th Century by joining one of four Wyong Heritage guided Walks available to choose from this April and May.

Central Coast Council’s newly adopted Engagement Strategy reinforces its commitment to strengthening communication and collaboration with the community.Adopted at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 25 March 2025, the strategy sets out clear principles and guidelines for engaging with residents, ensuring they understand their rights and have meaningful opportunities to shape plans and projects for the Central Coast.Council Executive Officer Performance and Communications, Nicole Jenkins emphasised the importance of open and genuine dialogue between Council and residents to ensure decisions truly reflect community needs. “It’s essential that the community has an opportunity to have their say on the strategies, plans and decisions that affect them,” Ms Jenkins said. “Through this process, our community told us they wanted greater transparency, more inclusive spaces for youth, stronger accessibility for people with disabilities, diverse representation in decision making and a greater focus on place-based engagement – ensuring local voices shape local decisions. “After gathering community feedback in 2024, we worked with Councillors to refine the strategy even further, making sure the voices of the communities they represent were heard.“Over the next four years, we are committed to making our communication clearer and easier to understand, increasing face-to-face engagement, developing a First Nations Engagement Strategy and where possible, adopting a place-based engagement approach.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of enabling everyone in the community to have a fair opportunity to genuinely participate in Council’s engagement activities and help influence the decisions that affect our region now and in the future.“Our community wants to be actively involved in helping to shape local decision-making and the Engagement Strategy provides the framework to make that happen,” Mayor McKinna said.

Central Coast’s new district-level playspace at Picnic Point The Entrance, is already proving popular with locals and visitors!While officially opened on 15 April 2025, the playspace was ready for the community on Friday 11 April – ensuring it was open for the first weekend of the school holidays.The playspace features swing sets, slides, a multi-level climbing structure, an obstacle course, a flying fox, a junior climbing unit, shade and is fully fenced.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is calling on locals with lived experience of disability to share their ideas to improve access and inclusion for people with disability who live, work and play on the Central Coast.

The 2025 Central Coast Youth Week Awards were announced last night, Thursday 10 April 2025, at a celebration event, shining a spotlight on some remarkable young individuals who are making a difference.The Youth Week Awards, which coincide with NSW Youth Week, is an initiative of Central Coast Council and once again saw an extraordinary mix of achievements in arts and entertainment, community service, the sports, volunteering and  leaders helping those in need and creating positive change.Council Director Community and Recreation, Melanie Smith said these awards are just one way we can show our appreciation to young people who are shaping the future.“The Central Coast Youth Week Awards, now in its fourth year, is building a thriving network committed to supporting young people alongside the youth sector, industry and NSW Government,” Ms Smith said. “It was imperative to us that we recognise a diverse range of young talent as each contribute to making the Coast a place we can be proud to live, work and play,” Ms Smith said. The Awards event was not only a special occasion for all the nominees, but also their families and friends and other guests, who were able to appreciate and acknowledge the  extraordinary talent and abilities of young people on the Central Coast.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Awards are an important demonstration of the Central Coast’s support for young people and recognise that their contributions will influence the future direction of the Central Coast. “The quality of the entries for this year’s Central Coast Youth Week Awards was outstanding, and I congratulate everyone who has been named as a finalist.

Central Coast Council has a massive program of free or affordable events to keep children busy and entertained these Easter school holidays.The jam-packed program has activities that cater to many interests, including visual arts and craft, games and gaming, environmental, sustainable living, writing and literature, film, dance, swimming, basketball, skateboarding and other sports, family film nights and lots more.To make it easy for parents and carers to find out what’s on and where, Council has listed school holiday events on their website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-onSome highlights from the Easter school holiday program:What’s on at our Leisure CentresDive into learn to swim and coaching clinics that builds water confidence and improve skills, or join in the pool inflatable fun at Peninsula Leisure Centre for a splash of excitement.

Central Coast Council is taking strong action against illegal camping, with increased ranger patrols, new signage and stricter penalties to protect public spaces for both residents and visitors.With Easter approaching and a surge in visitors expected, Council is reminding the community that camping in residential streets, beach carparks and nature reserves is prohibited.To keep public spaces safe and accessible for everyone, ranger patrols will now operate seven days a week, from early morning and overnight, with fines issued to those who do not comply with the signposted rules.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said the increased enforcement aims to balance welcoming visitors while ensuring the local environment and community are safe and respected.“We love sharing our region with visitors, but it’s important that our public spaces remain clean, safe and accessible for everyone,” said Mr Loader.“Illegal camping can lead to litter, environmental damage and safety concerns, which is why we are increasing patrols and taking a stronger stance on enforcement.”The crackdown includes stronger penalties for illegal camping, with on-the-spot fines ranging from $110 to $2,200 and a maximum penalty of $110,000 for repeat offenders.Council has also reviewed and updated signage at key locations, restricting overnight parking between 10pm and 5am and making it clear that camping is not permitted.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of maintaining public spaces for the broader community.“Our beaches, parks, and reserves are some of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, and they belong to everyone,” Mayor McKinna said.“By addressing illegal camping, we are helping to ensure that locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy these spaces without disruption.”The message is simple – if you’re visiting the Central Coast, plan ahead and book an approved campsite.”Council acknowledges that some individuals who camp illegally may be experiencing homelessness.

Central Coast Council is excited to announce its line-up of events for NSW Youth Week, running from 9 to 17 April.

Central Coast Council has commenced Shutdown 4 of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade, marking another significant milestone in the region’s largest water infrastructure project this decade.

Central Coast Council is upgrading Vera’s Water Garden as part of The Entrance Revitalisation Project and is inviting the community to participate in a short poll to determine the future of Vera’s statue.The statue, a long-standing feature of The Entrance, is now under consideration for replacement as Vera’s Water Garden undergoes a significant upgrade to a modern, zero-depth splash park, enhancing accessibility and interactive play for all users.This upgrade will commence after the autumn school holidays, with expected completion by the spring school holidays, weather permitting.

Central Coast Council is reminding local business operators that run commercial activities on open space areas such as parks, reserves and beaches to apply by 21 April for a License of a Trade or Business on Open Space.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said any trade or business wishing to conduct activities on Council managed open space areas must apply for an annual temporary licence.“The application process for a licence to operate during the 2025-26 financial year, will run between 24 March and close 21 April,” Ms Smith said.“This is relevant to commercial operators that run activities such as personal training or group fitness, water recreation activities, schools or camps or hire of kayak, surf boards or stand up paddle boards, and also corporate group training, clinics and coaching.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the license process helps Council to balance the needs of all open space users. “Temporary licensing enables Council to provide equitable access to our limited public space for diverse activities, helps protect and preserve our natural environment, as well as ensures activities are safe and well-managed,” Mayor McKinna said. Application period closes 5pm, Monday 21 April 2025.For guidelines and application forms search  open space EOI at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 

The Central Coast Seniors Festival concluded on 16 March, leaving a trail of success with over 100 events, including two highly popular Seniors Expos.Building on this momentum, Central Coast Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing year-round support for older residents, supporting their continued wellbeing and active participation through services and initiatives aligned with the Council’s Positive Ageing Strategy.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said there are several programs currently on offer. “We are excited to continue our support through programs such as Tech Savvy Seniors, which has commenced, and the monthly Talking with Seniors Roadshow,” Ms Smith said. “The Tech Savvy Seniors program offers hands-on assistance to build skills and confidence in using computers, iPads, smartphones and online applications like email and social media.

MEDIA RELEASE The critically endangered Wyong Sun Orchid (Thelymitra adorata) may be elusive, but a collaboration between Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program is aiming to change that.An Australian first trial for this species has successfully trained scent detection dogs to locate these rare orchids by detecting underground tubers in a minimally invasive way.Using their remarkable sense of smell, three talented Spaniels, Paddy, Sully and Vera, are leading this innovative conservation effort.

Central Coast Council plans to allocate an extra $20million over the next four years in road renewals to improve local road conditions and address infrastructure work backlogs.Road renewal works include resurfacing and rehabilitation, providing long-term solutions as part of the full life cycle of road maintenance and management.Central Coast Council’s Director Infrastructure and Services, Boris Bolgoff said maintaining a road network of over 2,200kms is no small feat, which is why the largest percentage of Council’s budget and resources is allocated to roads.“This additional $20million investment is proposed to fast track priority road renewals and will be included in the draft Delivery Program and 2025-26 Operational Plan that will be placed on public exhibition in May,” Mr Bolgoff said.