4 November 2026

Coastal lands protection scheme betrayed

In a dramatic confrontation between local governance and statutory planning law, an attempt by Central Coast Council to classify highly sensitive, State-acquired coastal land as "Operational" has been exposed as an unlawful overreach. Documents and ministerial interventions have confirmed that the Council’s controversial vote directly breached  the New South Wales Local Government Act 1993.

4 November 2026

Why Budgewoi’s sick are not to blame

The heavy, chemical tang of the afternoon breeze blowing off Lake Munmorah does not care about statistics, but the people who breathe it do. In Budgewoi, and across the wider Central Coast and Lake Macquarie regions, a toxic narrative has begun to settle over the community as thick and inescapable as the grey dust on their windowsills.

4 November 2026

Stoking the inflation fire

It came as no surprise yesterday that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) put the heads of struggling families on the ‘block’—wielding their large punishment mallet to pound them further into total penury. Once again, the burden of inflation is rigid adherence to a singular, one-eyed economic model—that clearly isn’t working—regardless of the human cost.

4 November 2026

Gas reserve bill brings carbon bomb closer

Evidence given by the gas pipeline peak body on October 23 into the Government's proposed Gas Reserve Bill has confirmed that the bill will make it easier to open up the massive Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory - - a carbon time-bomb waiting to explode.

4 November 2026

The Lakes Festival returns with a splash

The Central Coast has geared up with a spectacular wave of community spirit to celebrate during Lakes Festival from Friday 6 November to Sunday 15 November 2026. Now in its 11th year, the highly anticipated 10-day celebration will feature more than 30 diverse events scattered across 12 distinct waterfront locations, highlighting the region's stunning natural lakes and coastal towns.

4 November 2026

Segal report: a threat to free speech

Jillian Segal’s updated report on combating antisemitism, released on 30 October 2026, has drawn fierce criticism from human rights groups, legal experts, and progressive organisations, including The Jewish Council of Australia, who argue it poses a direct threat to free speech, academic freedom, and democratic rights in Australia.

4 November 2026

Have your say on the Central Coast's commercial centres

Central Coast Council is inviting feedback on the Draft Commercial Lands Strategy, a long-term plan to guide the growth and development of commercial centres across the region.

4 November 2026

Gosford finds its Latin rhythm

Gosford has found its rhythm, and judging by the response to Gozar Gosford, the community is hungry for more. William Street Plaza was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture on Sunday 1 November, in what has been touted as the largest known concentration of the plaza bringing music, dance, food, colour and creativity into the heart of the city.

4 November 2026

Annual return of the Little Terns begins

One of the Central Coast's smallest beachgoers are back, with the endangered Little Terns returning to The Entrance North for another breeding season.

4 November 2026

Gosford goes boom

Gosford has a new Halloween tradition, and the community response has been extraordinary. More than 650 people registered for Ghostford, Gosford's first precinct-wide Halloween celebration, transforming the city's high street into a destination for families and Halloween enthusiasts.

4 November 2026

Sustainable Future Festival returns

The Central Coast is set to become a hub for eco-conscious living as the Sustainable Future Festival makes its highly anticipated return. Running from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, the free, family-friendly event aims to inspire the local community to embrace waste reduction, circular living, and environmental preservation.

28 October 2026

Fast-tracked 'AI Factory' sparks outcry

An escalating battle over the future of the Central Coast landscape is taking shape in North Wyong, where a proposed hyperscale data centre has become the latest flashpoint in the Minns Government’s aggressive push to secure New South Wales as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier AI and digital infrastructure hub.

28 October 2026

The death of a landmark victory

On 7 October 2026, the highest court in the Commonwealth of Australia delivered a judgment that was supposed to change history. In a tense, closely watched 3–2 decision, the High Court ruled in favour of the Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group. A decision that has now been wiped out by the Minns Government.

28 October 2026

Grim economic plan

While the federal government promotes a tech-led economic roadmap, critics argue that the rapid rollout of hyperscale data centres carries hidden costs that outweigh the localised economic benefits. But the federal government's tech-focused strategy faces mounting pushback from around the country.

28 October 2026

More ways to camp make exploring NSW national parks easier

Exploring the great outdoors and experiencing the beauty of NSW's national parks is about to get easier for more people, with visitors now able to hire a caravan for their stay at just over four per cent of NSW national park campgrounds.

28 October 2026

Cheaper and easier access to medicines for woman

The Albanese Government is continuing to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women with an expanded pharmacy trial set to provide access to medicines.

28 October 2026

Lakeside creativity unleashed

The Central Coast’s vibrant creative spirit will be on full display on Saturday 7 November as two of the region's premier artistic hubs join forces for a major community showcase. The Tuggerah Lakes Art Society has partnered with the Central Coast Watercolour Society to host a massive Festival Market, at The Entrance Complex in Norberta Street.

28 October 2026

The right note at Battle of the Bands

The Central Coast’s next generation of musical talent has taken centre stage, with the winners of Central Coast Council’s 2026 Battle of the Bands youth music competition announced.

28 October 2026

Vote now the 2026 Christmas Card competition!

Local residents are being urged to cast their votes as the final countdown begins for the annual Emma McBride Dobell Photography Competition. Sponsored by the Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride MP, this year’s initiative invites the Central Coast community to decide which stunning local snapshot will feature on the official 2026 Dobell Christmas card.

28 October 2026

Reinstate Post Office payments Mr Mayor

Central Coast Labor MPs are calling on the newly appointed Mayor of Central Coast Council, John McNamara to reverse Council’s decision to cease payments of rates and water accounts at Post Office across the Central Coast.