Media Releases

The health of rivers, streams and wetlands in the Tuggerah Lakes estuary system will be enhanced thanks to $4million in funding from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.The estuary system, made up of Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah, as well as interconnected waterways and upstream areas such as Wyong River, Ourimbah Creek, Tumbi Creek and Wallarah Creek, will benefit from the funding.Member for Dobell, the Hon Emma McBride, said:“The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver for the Central Coast, with funding to protect our local environment.“Tuggerah Lakes is at the heart of our community - a place to gather and a home for local wildlife.“I’m proud to have secured funding to protect Tuggerah Lakes for future generations.”Central Coast Council will deliver seven environmental restoration projects over the next two years to address streambank stabilisation, urban stormwater treatment, wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation, bushland restoration, water circulation and boat-based litter collection.Council Environment and Planning Director, Luke Nicholls said decades of vegetation clearing and urbanisation have contributed to water quality issues and habitat degradation.“This project aims to achieve lasting improvements in water quality and ecosystem conditions across the Tuggerah Lakes estuary catchment,” Mr Nicholls said.“It responds to environmental pressures that affect the health and usability of the lakes, including nutrient enrichment, sedimentation, erosion, litter and habitat degradation.”Council Acting Mayor, John Mouland acknowledged the importance of the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program to support the Tuggerah Lakes estuary system.“Our community has a strong connection to the lakes.

Central Coast Council has been advised by the NSW Government that Council’s Open Coast – Coastal Management Program (CMP) has received certification after meeting all statutory and mandatory requirements.The CMP was first exhibited in August 2025 and re-exhibited with amendments and feedback from the community and other stakeholders in March 2026, before the final document was endorsed by Council in April 2026.Council Acting Mayor, John Mouland congratulated Council staff on their work on developing the CMP, which involved extensive community engagement and stakeholder consultation.“Our coastline is one of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, this certified CMP reflects community priorities, while addressing the complex challenges facing our coastline,” Acting Mayor Mouland said.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said the certified CMP now sets out a long-term co-ordinated approach to managing coastal hazards and protecting coastal environments along the Central Coast’s open coastline over the next 10 years.“As well as outlining a clear direction for future years, certification also makes us eligible for grants from the NSW Government, to deliver on that management.“Having a NSW Government endorsement also strengthens our position in applying for Federal grants, particularly in dealing with some of the offshore sand nourishment actions envisaged within the plan,” Mr Nicholls said.Significantly the CMP adopts a preferred solution of sand nourishment underpinned by a buried rock revetment, for the management of coastal erosion at Wamberal Beach.View the final Open Coast Coastal Management ProgramENDS 

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is celebrating the creativity, leadership and achievements of local young people following the completion of three murals in public spaces as part of its Paint My Park program.The youth-led initiative has seen young people transform everyday public spaces into vibrant, meaningful artworks - creating a legacy that benefits communities across the Central Coast.The competed murals can be seen at BATO Yard Skatepark in Bateau Bay, Paddy Clifton Oval in Narara and Tunkuwallin Oval in Gwandalan - brightening important community spaces and helping deter vandalism through positive activation.Participants aged between 12 to 17 years worked alongside professional artists through workshops, design sessions and hands-on painting days to co-design and deliver large-scale murals, building confidence and skills while creating artwork that reflects their voices and contribute to local spaces.Funded by the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities grant program, Paint My Park was designed to reduce illegal graffiti while empowering young people to contribute to the places they live, connect and gather. The sites were carefully selected through community consultation and data identifying areas with higher levels of graffiti, ensuring the project delivered real, on-the-ground benefits for local communities. Council Acting Mayor, John Mouland said the program highlights the powerful role that our local young people play in shaping vibrant, connected communities.“These young people haven’t just created incredible artworks - they’ve helped create safer, more welcoming spaces and leave a lasting legacy, showcasing the creativity and leadership of our local young people,” Acting Mayor Mouland said.

Central Coast Council has launched Coastal Kids, a refreshed and unified identity for Council’s early education and care services that will strengthen community recognition across the region.Council’s early education and care services provide families access to quality, affordable childcare close to home, supporting children’s development and helping parents stay connected to work and community life on the Central Coast.Council Acting Mayor, John Mouland said the new Coastal Kids brand reflects what the community has told us matters most, which is safe and supportive early education for local families.“Coastal Kids is a vibrant new identity that will help families connect with Council’s early education and care services.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on proposed upgrades to the Ocean Beach Road and Rawson Road intersection in Woy Woy.The intersection is one of the busiest on the Peninsula, used daily by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and has long been identified as a key congestion point.The upgrade would replace the existing single-lane roundabout intersection with traffic lights, along with pedestrian crossing phases on all four sides and connecting paths.

Central Coast Council’s Draft Narara Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP) is now open for community feedback until Monday 13 July.The FRMSP includes various recommended actions for managing existing and future flood risks.

Central Coast Council is strengthening its partnership with the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee (CCDVC) to address the region’s consistently high numbers of domestic violence related incidences.With the Central Coast recording 1,910 domestic violence assaults in 2025, Council is taking proactive steps to support prevention, education and community leadership.The two-day free community forum will be held at Gosford Regional Library on 22 June and 27 July 2026, providing people with the knowledge and practical tools to recognise, respond to and help prevent domestic and family violence.The two-day program will cover:•  

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.