Central Coast Council is inviting residential and business customers to have your say on future water and sewer service improvement options, and what you would be willing to pay for those services.

The annual Little Tern breeding season at Karagi Point, The Entrance North concluded in February, with Central Coast Council delighted to report another record-breaking outcome!Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year to breed and have historically chosen to nest at The Entrance on the Central Coast.Protected under both State and federal threatened species legislation, Little Terns are sensitive to a wide range of threats, including native and introduced predators, crushing and disturbance from vehicles, humans and domestic dogs, inundation of nesting sites and adverse weather conditions.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said that with support from the community, Council worked hard to create the right environment for nesting and ongoing breeding success and put in place a range of measures to protect the colony.“Over the last five years, Council has carried out best practice management to protect the Little Tern breeding colony, which has included fencing and signage installation, mitigating the threat of human disturbance and nest site inundation, nest monitoring, fox and avian predator control, environmental education / community engagement and site closures during large events.“It is so satisfying to see that these actions have once again resulted in record-breaking breeding success with an incredible 228 fledglings recorded – the most ever recorded along the NSW coast and nearly half of the total NSW fledgling count last season,” Mr Loader said.Monitoring over the last five years, has now shown Karagi Point to be the most important nest site in the state and is significantly contributing to the long-term survival of the species.In consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Council staff were well prepared ahead of the breeding season – a key to the success achieved.Mr Loader said despite the success seen, a range of unauthorised activities were still observed at the nest site.“This included large amounts of rubbish being left on site, discarded fishing line, people entering the fenced nesting area, unnecessary noise, flying of drones over the area and the presence of dogs – which are actually prohibited at Karagi Point.

Central Coast Council’s newly adopted Engagement Strategy reinforces its commitment to strengthening communication and collaboration with the community.Adopted at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 25 March 2025, the strategy sets out clear principles and guidelines for engaging with residents, ensuring they understand their rights and have meaningful opportunities to shape plans and projects for the Central Coast.Council Executive Officer Performance and Communications, Nicole Jenkins emphasised the importance of open and genuine dialogue between Council and residents to ensure decisions truly reflect community needs. “It’s essential that the community has an opportunity to have their say on the strategies, plans and decisions that affect them,” Ms Jenkins said. “Through this process, our community told us they wanted greater transparency, more inclusive spaces for youth, stronger accessibility for people with disabilities, diverse representation in decision making and a greater focus on place-based engagement – ensuring local voices shape local decisions. “After gathering community feedback in 2024, we worked with Councillors to refine the strategy even further, making sure the voices of the communities they represent were heard.“Over the next four years, we are committed to making our communication clearer and easier to understand, increasing face-to-face engagement, developing a First Nations Engagement Strategy and where possible, adopting a place-based engagement approach.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of enabling everyone in the community to have a fair opportunity to genuinely participate in Council’s engagement activities and help influence the decisions that affect our region now and in the future.“Our community wants to be actively involved in helping to shape local decision-making and the Engagement Strategy provides the framework to make that happen,” Mayor McKinna said.

MEDIA RELEASECentral Coast Council is calling on locals with lived experience of disability to share their ideas to improve access and inclusion for people with disability who live, work and play on the Central Coast.

Central Coast’s new district-level playspace at Picnic Point The Entrance, is already proving popular with locals and visitors!While officially opened on 15 April 2025, the playspace was ready for the community on Friday 11 April – ensuring it was open for the first weekend of the school holidays.The playspace features swing sets, slides, a multi-level climbing structure, an obstacle course, a flying fox, a junior climbing unit, shade and is fully fenced.

The 2025 Central Coast Youth Week Awards were announced last night, Thursday 10 April 2025, at a celebration event, shining a spotlight on some remarkable young individuals who are making a difference.The Youth Week Awards, which coincide with NSW Youth Week, is an initiative of Central Coast Council and once again saw an extraordinary mix of achievements in arts and entertainment, community service, the sports, volunteering and  leaders helping those in need and creating positive change.Council Director Community and Recreation, Melanie Smith said these awards are just one way we can show our appreciation to young people who are shaping the future.“The Central Coast Youth Week Awards, now in its fourth year, is building a thriving network committed to supporting young people alongside the youth sector, industry and NSW Government,” Ms Smith said. “It was imperative to us that we recognise a diverse range of young talent as each contribute to making the Coast a place we can be proud to live, work and play,” Ms Smith said. The Awards event was not only a special occasion for all the nominees, but also their families and friends and other guests, who were able to appreciate and acknowledge the  extraordinary talent and abilities of young people on the Central Coast.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Awards are an important demonstration of the Central Coast’s support for young people and recognise that their contributions will influence the future direction of the Central Coast. “The quality of the entries for this year’s Central Coast Youth Week Awards was outstanding, and I congratulate everyone who has been named as a finalist.

Central Coast Council has a massive program of free or affordable events to keep children busy and entertained these Easter school holidays.The jam-packed program has activities that cater to many interests, including visual arts and craft, games and gaming, environmental, sustainable living, writing and literature, film, dance, swimming, basketball, skateboarding and other sports, family film nights and lots more.To make it easy for parents and carers to find out what’s on and where, Council has listed school holiday events on their website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-onSome highlights from the Easter school holiday program:What’s on at our Leisure CentresDive into learn to swim and coaching clinics that builds water confidence and improve skills, or join in the pool inflatable fun at Peninsula Leisure Centre for a splash of excitement.

Central Coast Council is taking strong action against illegal camping, with increased ranger patrols, new signage and stricter penalties to protect public spaces for both residents and visitors.With Easter approaching and a surge in visitors expected, Council is reminding the community that camping in residential streets, beach carparks and nature reserves is prohibited.To keep public spaces safe and accessible for everyone, ranger patrols will now operate seven days a week, from early morning and overnight, with fines issued to those who do not comply with the signposted rules.Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said the increased enforcement aims to balance welcoming visitors while ensuring the local environment and community are safe and respected.“We love sharing our region with visitors, but it’s important that our public spaces remain clean, safe and accessible for everyone,” said Mr Loader.“Illegal camping can lead to litter, environmental damage and safety concerns, which is why we are increasing patrols and taking a stronger stance on enforcement.”The crackdown includes stronger penalties for illegal camping, with on-the-spot fines ranging from $110 to $2,200 and a maximum penalty of $110,000 for repeat offenders.Council has also reviewed and updated signage at key locations, restricting overnight parking between 10pm and 5am and making it clear that camping is not permitted.Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of maintaining public spaces for the broader community.“Our beaches, parks, and reserves are some of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, and they belong to everyone,” Mayor McKinna said.“By addressing illegal camping, we are helping to ensure that locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy these spaces without disruption.”The message is simple – if you’re visiting the Central Coast, plan ahead and book an approved campsite.”Council acknowledges that some individuals who camp illegally may be experiencing homelessness.

Central Coast Council is excited to announce its line-up of events for NSW Youth Week, running from 9 to 17 April.

Central Coast Council has commenced Shutdown 4 of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade, marking another significant milestone in the region’s largest water infrastructure project this decade.

The Central Coast Seniors Festival concluded on 16 March, leaving a trail of success with over 100 events, including two highly popular Seniors Expos.Building on this momentum, Central Coast Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing year-round support for older residents, supporting their continued wellbeing and active participation through services and initiatives aligned with the Council’s Positive Ageing Strategy.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said there are several programs currently on offer. “We are excited to continue our support through programs such as Tech Savvy Seniors, which has commenced, and the monthly Talking with Seniors Roadshow,” Ms Smith said. “The Tech Savvy Seniors program offers hands-on assistance to build skills and confidence in using computers, iPads, smartphones and online applications like email and social media.

Central Coast Council is upgrading Vera’s Water Garden as part of The Entrance Revitalisation Project and is inviting the community to participate in a short poll to determine the future of Vera’s statue.The statue, a long-standing feature of The Entrance, is now under consideration for replacement as Vera’s Water Garden undergoes a significant upgrade to a modern, zero-depth splash park, enhancing accessibility and interactive play for all users.This upgrade will commence after the autumn school holidays, with expected completion by the spring school holidays, weather permitting.

Central Coast Council is reminding local business operators that run commercial activities on open space areas such as parks, reserves and beaches to apply by 21 April for a License of a Trade or Business on Open Space.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said any trade or business wishing to conduct activities on Council managed open space areas must apply for an annual temporary licence.“The application process for a licence to operate during the 2025-26 financial year, will run between 24 March and close 21 April,” Ms Smith said.“This is relevant to commercial operators that run activities such as personal training or group fitness, water recreation activities, schools or camps or hire of kayak, surf boards or stand up paddle boards, and also corporate group training, clinics and coaching.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the license process helps Council to balance the needs of all open space users. “Temporary licensing enables Council to provide equitable access to our limited public space for diverse activities, helps protect and preserve our natural environment, as well as ensures activities are safe and well-managed,” Mayor McKinna said. Application period closes 5pm, Monday 21 April 2025.For guidelines and application forms search  open space EOI at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 

Central Coast Council plans to allocate an extra $20million over the next four years in road renewals to improve local road conditions and address infrastructure work backlogs.Road renewal works include resurfacing and rehabilitation, providing long-term solutions as part of the full life cycle of road maintenance and management.Central Coast Council’s Director Infrastructure and Services, Boris Bolgoff said maintaining a road network of over 2,200kms is no small feat, which is why the largest percentage of Council’s budget and resources is allocated to roads.“This additional $20million investment is proposed to fast track priority road renewals and will be included in the draft Delivery Program and 2025-26 Operational Plan that will be placed on public exhibition in May,” Mr Bolgoff said.

MEDIA RELEASE The critically endangered Wyong Sun Orchid (Thelymitra adorata) may be elusive, but a collaboration between Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program is aiming to change that.An Australian first trial for this species has successfully trained scent detection dogs to locate these rare orchids by detecting underground tubers in a minimally invasive way.Using their remarkable sense of smell, three talented Spaniels, Paddy, Sully and Vera, are leading this innovative conservation effort.

Inclusive play at The Entrance Waterfront Plaza has been improved with the addition of a 'We-Go-Swing' accessible swing and new shade sails.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to help tackle one of Australia’s most damaging invasive species through the Carp to Croc muster event, an exciting fishing event aimed at reducing European Carp populations in our local waterways.European Carp pose a serious threat to local ecosystems, degrading water quality and displacing native species.

Central Coast Council is dedicated to providing water and sewer services that cater to our community's needs.

More than 100 development industry professionals, along with Councillors and Council staff, attended the ‘Building a strong foundation for the future’ forum at Central Coast Council on Wednesday 19 March.The event offered a forum for Council to better understand the barriers to development and for the industry to better understand Council’s processes.Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the event generated helpful insights, ideas and improvement suggestions.“It was gratifying that so many industry professionals took time out of their schedules to participate,” Mayor McKinna said.“Our Council processes the highest volume of planning applications in NSW, with more than 2000 lodged last year.“We’re a busy region with a growing community.

Get ready for free family fun under the stars!