What’s planned for the year ahead?

When Council was elected, one of the first things we did was develop a long-term strategic plan, and a capital works program that outlined how we’ll deliver what our community needs during our term.

We also identified Councillor priorities that align with community values, to focus on areas of high importance to residents. 

Year by year, we’re delivering the projects and services that are bringing our community’s vision to life and enabling our region’s future growth. 

We’re now about to begin the second year of our four-year Delivery Program, and we want you to have your say on our plans for 2026-27. 

In 2025-26, Councillors allocated an additional $20 million to the Roads Renewal Program, and this year we plan to add an extra $13.55m in response to community feedback. This would take our total investment in roads to more than $200 million over four years and will result in major improvements to driver conditions. 

We’re planning significant upgrades to water and sewer services. Works on the $82.5 million Mardi Water Treatment Plant project and $144 million Charmhaven Sewage Plant upgrade are planned to continue, and these are crucial for ensuring we can provide high-quality water and sewer services as we grow. 

We’re proposing to establish a major projects team to guide the transformation of Gosford as our CBD. 

And we’re planning on budgeting more than $343m to improve community assets like shared pathways, play spaces and sports fields, that will enhance our quality of life. 

Our Delivery Program and Operational Plan have been designed to ensure the Central Coast remains a vibrant, liveable and inclusive place that can adapt to change and support growth. 

And we’ve aligned our plans to meet the objectives in Council’s long-term financial plan.

In all we do, we rely on engaging with our community to help us deliver our shared goals, and to refine our programs.

You can view our draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Fees and Charges and Long-term Financial Plan online at Your Voice Our Coast, or in-person at Council’s Customer Services Centres and have your say. 

Mayor Lawrie McKinna