Central Coast Council has developed a draft Squirrel Glider Species Management Plan (SMP) to help ensure that local bushland continues to support this threatened species, while balancing development needs for a growing region.The community is now invited to review the draft Plan and provide feedback online via Your Voice Our Coast, up to 16 September 2025.The Squirrel Glider, listed as a Vulnerable Species under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, is under threat due to habitat loss and urban development.The SMP outlines a framework for land use planning and development assessment to protect critical habitat areas and support the species’ recovery.The draft Squirrel Glider Species Management Plan includes:an understanding of the Squirrel Glider’s ecology on the Central Coasta planning framework for development proposals in key habitat areasmanagement requirements to support long-term conservation.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the Plan seeks to balance development with environmental protection and ensure the survival of the Squirrel Glider on the Central Coast."The draft SMP responds to Council’s Biodiversity Strategy and Sustainability and Climate Change Action Plan, which call for targeted species management and monitoring," Mr Nicholls said.“Over the past five years, Council has conducted specialised studies to identify suitable habitat areas, with regions around Tuggerah Lakes and Lake Macquarie highlighted as critical for the species.

From a new community centre and children’s playspace to upgraded aquatic centre surrounds and improved public spaces, Central Coast Council is asking the community to help shape the future of Toukley through the Toukley Community Facilities Masterplan, now on public exhibition.The draft masterplan sets out a coordinated long-term vision for the area between Heador Street and Ray Street, transforming it into a vibrant, accessible hub for sport, recreation, events and community services.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the draft masterplan provides a clear framework for staged delivery as funding becomes available.“This plan brings together a range of facilities and upgrades in one coordinated vision, ensuring every improvement works together to create a functional and accessible precinct,” Ms Smith said.“It builds on earlier stakeholder engagement with the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, Toukley Tennis Club and Toukley Lions Club, and responds to site constraints, community needs and projected growth. “Community feedback at this stage will help refine the concept before we move into detailed design phases for individual elements.”Key features in the concept include:a new 850m² community centrechildren’s playspace and interactive water playpicnic and event lawns, shelters and BBQ areasa multi-purpose court and skate plazaimproved parking, access and pathwaysplaza areas and upgraded surrounds to the Aquatic Centreexpanded childcare facilitiesretained tennis courts and upgraded amenities.Central Coast Council Acting Mayor, Doug Eaton OAM said community input will be key to shaping the final masterplan.“Toukley has always had a strong community spirit and this precinct is right at the heart of it,” Acting Mayor Eaton said.“This is your chance to help shape a space that brings people together, from sport and recreation to family activities and community events. “Whether you grew up playing tennis here, take your children to the aquatic centre or simply enjoy picnics on the lawn, your ideas can help make sure this area remains a vibrant focal point for generations to come.”The masterplan is unfunded at this stage and proposed to be delivered in stages over a number of years, subject to available funding from developer contributions and grants.Feedback can be provided via an online survey at yourvoiceourcoast.com or in person at a pop-up session from 11am to 1pm on Monday 8 September at Toukley Aquatic Centre.

Central Coast Council is inviting feedback on draft concept designs for the Woy Woy Foreshore Masterplan, now on public exhibition.

Central Coast Council’s Façade Improvement Support Program is back for 2025-26, offering matched funding of up to $5,000 for eligible businesses and commercial property owners to enhance the appearance and accessibility of their shopfronts.The initiative supports properties in the town centres of Gosford, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley, Woy Woy and Wyong, and opens for applications on Monday 1 September 2025.

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Chain Valley Bay, Gwandalan, Mannering Park and Summerland Point are encouraged to apply for up to $30,000 in funding through the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program, now open for applications.This annual program is a joint initiative between Central Coast Council, Delta Pty Ltd and local communities, aimed at supporting projects that enhance community infrastructure and services in the area.Central Coast Acting Mayor, Doug Eaton OAM highlighted the program’s role in empowering locals to bring meaningful improvements to their community.“Last year, almost $44,000 was allocated in funding to eight projects,” Acting Mayor Eaton said.“Among these was the Mannering Park Community Garden, which has grown into a vibrant hub for fresh produce and neighbourly connection.“Other funded projects included School Sailing at Mannering Park, Ride to Success, solar jetty lights for increased safety, Teddy’s Bear Picnic, community noticeboards and other community events.”Delta Company Secretary, Steve Gurney said the Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program is part of Delta’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mannering Park and surrounding communities.“Delta has a long-standing relationship with our local community.

Central Coast Council has commenced the next stage of planning for the proposed Toukley Desalination Water Treatment Plant, a key drought response project that would help secure the region’s drinking water supply in times of severe and prolonged drought.The proposed plant would be built next to the existing Toukley Wastewater Treatment Plant but only constructed if needed during a future drought.

Central Coast Council’s annual Lakes Festival has been recognised at the LGNSW RH Dougherty Events and Communications Awards, by winning the Innovation in Special Events Award.

Residents and businesses are being asked to ‘cast the spotlight’ on individuals and groups who are making the Central Coast a better place to live—by nominating them in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2026!Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said the annual awards highlight the local achievements of a growing community that is a fantastic place to live.“Each year the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the best and brightest from across the region.

Central Coast Council’s tourism marketing arm, Destination Central Coast, recently held the region’s first international showcase unveiling our beautiful region to a world-wide audience.The event named 'Meet Your Central Coast' held at Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, showcased the Central Coast as an ECO destination with nature-based experiences, 4-5 star accommodation and venues, food and wine tastings.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreational Services, Melanie Smith, said the collaboration presented the region as a united front as part of Destination Central Coast’s strategy to drive tourism from international markets which brings $39.6m expenditure into the region annually (source Tourism Research Australia, YE March 2025).“It was fantastic to be able to showcase our world class Central Coast businesses, including the fact they are only an hour’s drive from Sydney, to a very discerning group of global tourism operators,” Ms Smith said.Throughout the day, eight Central Coast tourism operators impressed the visiting group with an engaging array of activations to provide just a taste of what Central Coast has to offer inbound groups.The program featured quad bike and horseback riding with Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, a pearl and oyster mini masterclass with Broken Bay Pearl Farm, animal encounters with Australian Reptile Park and Iris Lodge Alpacas, complete with a chocolate and wine tasting by Firescreek Botanical Winery.Premium accommodation venues - Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, Encore by Mingara and the upcoming voco® Gosford – also presented, highlighting their international standard accommodation.Business Development Manager, Nathan Murray from Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures described the showcase as “a real milestone”.“It was fantastic to have so many international operators in the room and to be able to showcase (show off) our unique venue and offerings.“I think we proved this region isn't just a stopover, it's a destination in its own right, and we're ready to welcome the world,” Mr Murray said.Ms Smith added that tourism operators have now begun arranging their own on-site familiarisation events to offer agents a first-hand taste of their product and tour offerings to continue building relationships with international distributors.The Central Coast is now Ecotourism certified under Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised ECO Destination Certification, and is one of only eleven regions in Australia to hold this recognition in sustainable tourism.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the certification strengthens the Central Coast’s reputation as a leading eco-conscious destination which helps to attract even more visitors each year.“We’ve held an ECO destination status for the past two years, and it cements our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, responsible visitor experiences, and the protection of natural and cultural assets in partnership with our community and tourism operators.“We were immensely proud to host the recent inaugural showcase to support growth in international tourism and help put the Central Coast on the global map.“It strongly reflects the collaborative effort between Council and tourism operators whose collective aim is to see economic growth for the local economy, which will support more jobs and opportunities,” Mayor McKinna said.Visit lovecentralcoast.com/ecotourism to discover our region’s ECO journey and how you can be part of our journey to a greener, more sustainable future. 

Five local artists from diverse creative disciplines have been awarded commissions through Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central program.The 2024-25 round of commissions offer collaborative opportunities for the community to contribute to artworks that reflect the Central Coast’s diverse stories - including those of First Nations people, people living with a disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse residents.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the Creative Art Central program continues to be a powerful platform for local artists and community.“To improve cultural inclusion and accessibility, the 2024-25 program introduced a dedicated First Nations Category.

Central Coast Council is joining councils across NSW to celebrate Local Government Week 2025 from 4 to 10 August.The week is a chance to recognise the essential services that support daily life and help build strong, connected communities.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Local Government Week is an opportunity to highlight the many ways local government contributes to everyday community life. “Councils provide people-focused services that help regions to grow and thrive,” Mayor McKinna said.“For Central Coast Council, this includes maintaining parks and pools, managing libraries and community programs, supporting events and venues, caring for bushland and waterways, and delivering infrastructure and planning services and more.“Council’s role is to listen, plan and deliver.

Tuggerah Library will be closed Monday, 11 August 2025, for refurbishment works co-funded by the NSW Government and Central Coast Council.From Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 August, library services will be limited to:•    Collection of reserved items•    Item returns•    Staff-facilitated printing from customer devices•    Access to a reduced collection for ad-hoc borrowingNearby branches at Bateau Bay, Lake Haven and Gosford remain open.The $214,584 project includes new mobile shelving, upgraded study areas, refreshed children’s furniture, and a new soundproof booth to better meet community needs.These improvements will help ensure that library services continue to evolve to meet community needs and expectations.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of public art in our region by providing feedback on its new draft 10 year Public Art Plan and Policy.Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the draft plan provides a coordinated and strategic approach to managing public art across the Coast, while supporting local creatives, enhancing public spaces and strengthening regional identity.“Public art is a vital part of how we express who we are as a community.

Central Coast Council advises that the current Gosford Library will close its doors at 12pm Saturday 16 August, to begin the transition into the new Gosford Regional Library.The much-anticipated facility will open its doors to the public in early September.The closure marks the beginning of a new era in local library services – delivering an innovative, inclusive and accessible space where our community can connect, create and collaborate in the heart of Gosford.During the transition period:•  

The Central Coast’s rock fishing community turned out in strong numbers for the Gone Fishing – Rock Fishing Safety and Skills Day at Avoca Beach on Saturday 19 July, with 160 participants taking part in free workshops, live rescue demonstrations, lifejacket fittings and family activities.The free, full-day event was delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW with support from Central Coast Council, as part of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing rock fishing incidents along the coastline.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the day was a great opportunity to engage local and visiting fishers, particularly multicultural groups, with practical safety education.“Rock fishing is one of the Central Coast’s most popular but dangerous pastimes.

Central Coast Council has completed car park upgrades at Rogers Park in Woy Woy and Don Small Oval in Tacoma, enhancing safety, access and parking capacity at these well-used community sportsgrounds.

Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its design concept for 1A Jaques Street, Ourimbah inviting comments on features they like or would like to see improved.

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Tree Day by hosting two community planting events at Killcare Beach and Porters Creek Wetland, Wyong, on Sunday 27 July 2025.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP), to ensure it reflects the values and priorities of our Central Coast community.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in an artist’s studio?