Media Releases

Central Coast Council has released its Regional Economy Strategic Action Plan 2026–2027, outlining what Council will deliver over the next 12 months to drive the region’s economy.The plan is designed to support local jobs, attract new investment and support local industries and businesses to grow, with a focus on revitalising town centres, supporting events and creating more opportunities across the Central Coast.It brings together key actions from Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2026–2030, Destination Management Plan 2026–2029 and Events Strategy 2026–2030 into a clear, coordinated plan.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Regional Economy Strategic Action Plan 2026–2027 provides a clear path to strengthen local industries, grow tourism and support vibrant communities across the region.“The Central Coast is a growing region, and it’s important we work together to support our local economy,” Mayor McKinna said.“We’ve brought everything together into one simple plan so we can focus on creating jobs, supporting local businesses and improving our town centres.“We want to make it easier for businesses to operate here and help the Central Coast continue to grow as a place where people choose to live, invest, work and visit.“Working closely with industry, government, education providers and the community will be essential to delivering these actions and supporting our long-term economic growth.”The action plan sets a coordinated, region-wide approach to economic activity and outlines priority initiatives across three key strategies by:•    Supporting priority industries to grow and attract new investment to the region•    Attracting and retaining local talent through strong employment opportunities•    Improving awareness and perception of the Central Coast as a leading visitor destination•    Enhancing visitor experiences in key town centres such as The Entrance, Wyong, Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy and Toukley•    Making it easier for event organisers to plan and deliver events on the Central Coast•    Delivering a strong and balanced portfolio of high-quality eventsProgress will be tracked and reported to ensure transparent and accountable delivery for the community.View the plan here

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy – a long-term plan that will guide how people move around the region over the next 10 years.With more people choosing to walk, wheel or ride for everyday trips, the Strategy outlines how Council will deliver safer crossings, improved shared pathways and stronger connections between local schools, town centres and popular coastal destinations.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy is about creating safer streets and public spaces where people of all ages and abilities can move around independently and safely across the Central Coast.“Our community has told us that they want safer, more connected routes that are accessible for everyone," Mayor McKinna said.“We want to make it safer and easier for everyone to get around, whether you’re pushing a pram, using a mobility aid or hopping on a bike.

Central Coast Council has secured $600,000 as part of the NSW Government Greening Our City grant to deliver street tree planting and understorey vegetation across Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina.This project will run across two and half years and aims to help cool local streets, improve liveability and strengthen ecological connections across these coastal suburbs.

Central Coast Council is set to deliver an extensive program of events for the Winter season, with this period anticipated to be among the region’s most significant showcases of local culture, creativity and community.From late May until the end of June, the wide range of events will feature a diverse mix of food, arts and family-friendly activities in various locations around the Central Coast.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said June events on the Coast continue to be a highlight on the local calendar, bringing people together while showcasing the region’s unique character.“From our lush hinterland to our stunning coastline, these events celebrate the heart and spirit of our community,” Mayor McKinna said.“They support local business, encourage people to explore and rediscover the many beautiful places across the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council is proud to support National Reconciliation Week 2026, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to reflect on how each of us can contribute to reconciliation.This year’s theme, All In, calls for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day, and reinforces that reconciliation is not a spectator activity – it requires action, participation and genuine commitment from everyone.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that while the Central Coast community has made meaningful progress, National Reconciliation Week reminds everyone that there is still work to be done.“This year’s Reconciliation Week theme, All in, reminds us all that advancing the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is our shared responsibility as Australians,” Mayor McKinna said.“Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared local history, culture and achievements and explore how we can continue to build relationships that acknowledge the deep historical connection of First Nations people on the Central Coast.”“I encourage everyone in the community to participate in Reconciliation Week activities.”Beyond Reconciliation Week, Central Coast Council remains firmly committed to meeting the NSW State Government’s ‘Closing the Gap’ priority reform targets.

Central Coast Council has launched its Key Enabling Projects 2026:

Central Coast Council has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Barang Regional Alliance, adopted at the 28 April Ordinary Council meeting.

Central Coast Council’s Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is on public exhibition from Monday 18 May to Friday 24 July 2026. The LSPS identifies priorities for land use planning over the next 20 years, helping to inform Council’s strategic plans and guide key activities. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said while the draft has evolved to reflect the region’s future needs, many of the principles in Council’s original LSPS remain relevant including the focus on enabling growth in Gosford City. “Council is proactively planning for growth over the next 20 years, while preserving everything we value and love about life on the Central Coast,” Mayor McKinna said.“Renewing our town centres, ensuring we have good housing choices, protecting our natural areas, enriching cultural spaces, and advocating for efficient public transport continue to be key considerations.“The draft LSPS also proposes that new residential and employment areas are investigated and planned for, to ensure there’s enough zoned land to support new homes and jobs, with infrastructure coordinated and delivered in a timely manner.”The draft LSPS introduces place statements that identify the special qualities of places, as well as specific concerns and opportunities within local communities. Planning proposed in the Central Lakes District will ensure a coordinated response with Lake Macquarie Council to deliver housing, jobs and services in the northern areas.“We want to make sure people have a range of opportunities to participate in this important community planning.

MEDIA RELEASE  Gwandalan and Summerland Point communities, local sporting groups and visitors to Tunkuwallin Oval are now enjoying safer and easier access with two new carparks and landscaping completed by Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council is moving ahead with the first stage of upgrades to Kibble Park in Gosford, marking a significant milestone for the heart of the city.This vision has been strongly reinforced by the community, who have played an active role in shaping the Kibble Park Place Plan.

Central Coast Council has adopted and progressed a suite of key strategies to guide jobs, investment, tourism, events and employment land planning across the region.At its meeting on Tuesday 28 April, Council adopted the Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030, Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 and Events Strategy 2026-2030, and endorsed the Central Coast Employment Land Strategy for submission to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.Together, the strategies set a shared direction to grow industries, attract investment, strengthen town centres and ensure the Central Coast has the land capacity needed to support future employment growth. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the key Council strategies help set the Central Coast up for the future.“The Economic Development Strategy, Destination Management Plan, Events Strategy and Employment Land Strategy give Council a clearer direction to support local jobs and businesses while planning for our growing region,” Mayor McKinna said.“Together, they help guide steady growth across the Central Coast as a great place to live, work, invest and visit.”Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said Council will use a single annual action plan to guide the delivery of the strategies.“The Economic Development Strategy, Destination Management Plan and Events Strategy will be brought together through one Regional Economy Strategic Action Plan each year,” Ms Smith said.“This will set clear yearly priorities, support coordinated delivery and be considered as part of Council’s annual planning and budgeting processes.”About the strategiesEconomic Development Strategy – The strategy brings together a targeted program of work that supports business, activity, investment and employment, while continuing to build a strong and resilient regional economy.Destination Management Plan – The plan brings together actions across destination marketing and management, tourism product and infrastructure, and industry development to grow visitation, increase visitor expenditure, support regional dispersal and deliver broader economic and community benefits.Events Strategy – The strategy streamlines event processes, strengthens internal coordination and reviews key guidelines to support the growth of events across the region, making it easier for more events to thrive and benefit the Central Coast community.Employment Land Strategy – The strategy provides a long-term framework for protecting, enhancing and expanding land for employment-generating uses across the Central Coast.

Central Coast Council and NSW Police are stepping up efforts this May to reduce speeding on local roads.Speeding continues to be the biggest contributing factor in fatal crashes across the Central Coast, with most crashes involving local drivers occurring on local roads used every day.NSW Police Inspector, David Prevett said too many local families are still being impacted by dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

An exciting milestone has been reached in Central Coast Council’s $3.81million Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct, with construction continuing to progress on the much‑anticipated community facility for the north of the region.Stage one of the project has been completed, delivering a formalised access road and an 86-space carpark, including six accessible spaces, that will improve safety and ease of movement for both drivers and pedestrians.Stage two is now underway, with construction progressing on the playspace, followed by works to deliver the skatepark, pump track, supporting park infrastructure and landscaping. Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct project was an important investment in supporting the region’s growing northern communities.“This $3.81million investment in the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct is helping us deliver quality recreation and sporting facilities that meet the needs of our residents and support active, healthy lifestyles for our growing community,” Mayor McKinna said.“With support from the Australian Government, we are creating a modern, inclusive precinct shaped by community feedback, helping us deliver long‑term community infrastructure for this area.“Once complete, it will be a modern, inclusive destination where residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can be active, connect and enjoy the outdoors.”The $3.81million Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct is funded with $921,763 committed by the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and $2,888,237 by Central Coast Council. Federal Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP said the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct project was about working together to help deliver for the local community.“With a $920,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, construction of stage two of the Lake Munmorah Recreation Precinct is underway.

A long-term plan for the management of the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system has been prepared, and the community is encouraged to have their say.

Central Coast Council has celebrated the achievements, leadership and positive impact of local young people at its 2026 Youth Week Awards, held 16 April at The Erina Centre.The annual awards honour and recognise the positive contributions of young people aged 12 to 24 across the Central Coast.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna congratulated this year’s Youth Week Award winners and finalists.“These young people are making a real difference in our community and setting a powerful example for others,” Mayor McKinna said.“Their passion and hard work are something they should be incredibly proud of.

Central Coast Council invites the community to celebrate Heritage Month from 18 April to 18 May as part of the Australian Heritage Festival, with this year’s theme being ‘Change’.The theme encourages communities across Australia to reflect on how our history has shaped the places we live today, and how we continue to contribute to the stories that will shape our future.Council’s Heritage Month program builds on this theme by exploring how people, places and moments across the Central Coast have evolved over time, through a series of activities taking place in Gosford and Wyong.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Central Coast Heritage Month is a wonderful reminder of what makes the region such a special place to call home.“By bringing heritage stories to life in our town centres, we’re celebrating our past and recognising how change continues to shape our region,” Mayor McKinna said.One of the highlights of Heritage Month is a ticketed guided walking tour of Wyong town centre, led by the Wyong Family History Group.

Central Coast Council is encouraging residents, property owners and local businesses to collect free graffiti removal kits from Council to help keep our places and spaces clean, attractive and welcoming.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said tackling illegal graffiti is a shared responsibility and an important part of maintaining a vibrant and safe community.“Graffiti can take away from the beauty of our neighbourhoods, and the longer it stays, the more it tends to spread.

Central Coast Council is inviting local community groups and organisations to apply for funding through the 2026-27 Community Grants Program, which opens on 1 June 2026 to support community‑led projects, events and initiatives across the region.Funding is offered across three programs:

Central Coast Council is reaffirming its commitment to disability access and inclusion by ensuring people with disability can participate fully in community life, including entertainment, leisure and cultural activities.A key part of this commitment is improving access and creating environments where everyone can enjoy time with friends, take part in cultural activities and support local businesses.To help make opportunities for social and cultural inclusion easier to find, Council is developing an ‘Accessible Venues’ brochure that highlights entertainment venues across the region that offer accessible and inclusive experiences.The resource aims to promote venues that prioritise accessibility and inclusion and assist people with disability in choosing venues that meet their accessibility needs.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Accessible Venues brochure demonstrates Council's commitment to making community life inclusive and accessible for all.“We want to support everyone who enjoys going out, connecting with others and taking part in everything the Coast has to offer,” Mayor McKinna said.“By highlighting these venues, we’re helping to promote places where people with disability can feel welcomed, respected and able to access services.”Council is inviting local entertainment venue operators who are committed to enhancing accessibility to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be featured in the publication.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said entertainment venues that want to learn about ways to be more accessible and inclusive are encouraged to apply.“If you are a venue that prioritises accessibility and inclusivity through physical access, staff training, sensory friendly options, thoughtful design or implementing simple solutions, we want to hear from you,” Ms Smith said.“Featured venues will help community members identify places where they can participate with confidence and feel genuinely welcomed.”EOIs for the Accessible Entertainment Venues brochure are now open until 29 April 2026.For more information, visit the EOI webpage.ENDS

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to review and provide feedback on its draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and budget, and share feedback on whether the plans reflect community priorities.Council’s draft Delivery Program 2025-29, Operational Plan 2026-27, Fees and Charges 2026-27 and updated Long Term Financial Plan are on public exhibition for 28 days, closing on 6 May 2026.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said it’s now time for the community to review Council’s draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and budget and help refine our priorities as we plan our delivery for the years ahead.“When Council was elected, one of the first things we did was put our long-term strategic documents in place, including the Community Strategic Plan, our four-year Delivery Program and the annual Operational Plan, so we could clearly map how we will deliver what our community needs,” Mayor McKinna said.“The second year of our four-year year Delivery Program builds on our success in year one and remains focused on delivering the projects and services that bring our community’s vision to life.“The draft plans show we’re delivering on our promise to improve local roads and have allocated an additional $13.55 million over four years, on top of the $20 million already committed, bringing the total investment in road renewal to $203 million over four years.“We’re continuing significant upgrades to water and sewer services, investing in pathways, playspaces, sports fields and community assets, while ensuring we maintain strong financial management with a modest surplus forecast in the draft budget.“Now is the time for our community to review these important plans and tell us if we’ve got it right.”The draft plans show how Council is proposing to turn community identified priorities into actions, projects and budgets, and were developed based on what the community has told Council is important through elected Councillors, last year’s Integrated Planning and Reporting engagement process, ongoing community engagement and insights from customer service and social media.Strong financial management underpins the draft plan and budget, ensuring services and infrastructure are delivered in line with community expectations while balancing financial sustainability.Community members are encouraged to review what is proposed, share feedback and help refine Council’s focus and delivery for the years ahead.Following the public exhibition period, Council will consider all submissions before the updated plans are referred to Council before adoption in June 2026.To find out more and have your say, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com.