Media Releases

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is continuing its commitment to creating cooler, greener and more liveable communities through its ongoing Street Tree Planting Program, which sees around 60 - 70 trees planted across the region each year.As a one-off initiative this financial year, Council has allocated an additional $150,000 for a street tree pilot program focused on the Peninsula suburbs.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said more trees means more shade, cleaner air and improved community spaces for people to enjoy. “These programs show our commitment to greener, more liveable neighbourhoods,” Mayor McKinna said.“We are planting more trees to help reduce heat stress, improve air quality, and make our suburbs more enjoyable places to live, work and play.“The Peninsula was chosen for the additional Street Tree Planting Pilot Program as it has been identified as a priority area under the Central Coast Greener Places Strategy.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Paddock to Lake creates a welcoming space for people to connect and explore healthy eating and cooking. “Paddock to Lake is a wonderful example of how food and shared experiences can bring people together,” Mayor McKinna said.“Council is proud to support programs that strengthen social connections, celebrate our region’s diversity, and help residents make informed choices about healthy meals.” Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the event combines practical cooking education with community connection.“Now in its annual return, Paddock to Lake will feature a live cooking demonstration from a local chef who will showcase simple, nutritious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce,” Ms Smith said. “Guests will then share a meal together in a group dining setting, with take-home recipes and cooking essentials provided to encourage healthy, affordable meals at home.”Social Inclusion Week, held from 23-30 November, aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society.

MEDIA RELEASE Applications are now open to join Central Coast Council’s youth leadership program ‘Youth-for-Youth’ (Y4Y) Action Team 2026.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents to come together and celebrate Social Inclusion Week 2025 at the Paddock to Lake community event, taking place at the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre from 11.30am-1pm on Thursday 27 November.

Council Acting Mayor John Mouland has welcomed the NSW Government’s Planning System Reforms Bill 2025, calling it a transformative step toward streamlining development processes and unlocking housing and economic growth across the region.Recently passed by both houses of Parliament, the Bill marks the most significant update to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in nearly 50 years.“This is a pivotal moment for regions like ours,” said Acting Mayor Mouland. “For too long, complex and overlapping planning processes have delayed the delivery of essential housing, infrastructure, and jobs.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is asking locals to tell them how they like to play, slide, climb, and swing as the region’s Playspace Strategy is updated.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council is pleased to announce the completion of improvement works at the iconic Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, which were funded by a Federal Government grant program.

Central Coast Council this week brought together more than 100 industry leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders at Gosford Regional Library for a forum focused on shaping the region’s future.Council shared updates on key projects including the Development Assessment Improvement Project, Road Renewal Program, 10-year infrastructure pipeline, Coastal Management Program, and Employment Lands Strategy.

Central Coast Council is progressing a series of flood studies across the region, aimed at improving community safety, resilience and preparedness for flood events.

Central Coast Council is continuing to transform Toukley Village Green into a vibrant cultural hub through its Creative Spaces program, which has been activating public spaces across the Coast for more than three years.Since mid-September, Central Coast artist Susan Merchant, also known as The Graphic Merchant, has been in residence at the Gallery Container.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents, community members and visitors to share their priorities and experiences to help shape a new Walking and Cycling Strategy for our region.Currently in development, the strategy will guide future investment over the next 10 years to improve walking and cycling infrastructure across the Central Coast.The goal is to better connect the region’s beaches, towns, schools and destinations with infrastructure that’s safe, accessible and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said community feedback is essential to ensure the Walking and Cycling Strategy reflects local needs.“Walking and cycling are part of everyday life on the Coast.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to share their thoughts on two draft policies that aim to support those navigating grief and remembrance in public spaces and on local roads.The Memorials in Public Places Policy and the Roadside Tributes Policy are now on public exhibition.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council is excited to announce the return of its popular ‘Come and Try’ free dog training sessions this November, following a successful pilot program last year.With 12 sessions scheduled across the Coast, the initiative aims to support responsible pet ownership and promote harmonious community living.

The Central Coast is gearing up for another round of second-hand shopping as the Garage Sale Trail returns for 2025.

The Central Coast’s most vibrant sustainability celebration is back!The Sustainable Future Festival returns to The Entrance Memorial Park on Saturday 15 November, bringing together education, entertainment and environmental action in one unforgettable dayNow in its fourth year, the festival is a feature of this year's Lakes Festival – a 10-day celebration of our waterways and community across the Central Coast.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Council is proud to support the Sustainable Future Festival. “This event brings the community together around shared goals for a cleaner, greener future.

Central Coast Council is inviting community members, community groups and local organisations to review and provide feedback on proposed changes to the Community Grants Policy and Guidelines, now on public exhibition.The draft policy proposes the introduction of a Sponsorship Program, with approximately 15% of the existing grants budget to be reallocated to provide multi-year support for applicants delivering significant, recurring events and activities across the region.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Draft Conservation Management Plan for Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park, open for public exhibition from Tuesday 7 October to Tuesday 4 November 2025.The Draft Conservation Management Plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide the preservation, maintenance and future development of these much-loved parks, ensuring their heritage values are protected for generations to come. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Gosford Memorial Park and Rotary Park are places that hold deep community significance.“These parks are more than green spaces, they are places of remembrance, gathering and connection.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to take part in National Water Week 2025, running from 20–26 October, under the theme “From Habit to Hero.”This year’s theme is playful, hopeful and empowering, reminding us that by changing small everyday water habits, we can all become heroes in protecting our most precious resource.Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said National Water Week is a great time for the community to reflect on how we use water.“Small changes, like turning off the tap or fixing a leak, can make a real difference.

Central Coast Council is developing a Youth Strategy for 2026–2030 and is inviting young people aged 12–24 who live, study or work on the Coast to share their opinions.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is proud to announce the winners of its flagship youth music competitions, Discovered and Battle of the Bands, as part of the 2025 Creative Engineers program.