Central Coast Residents Share Concerns Over Duplicate Image Replacement Issue

The issue of duplicate image replacement has been affecting the Central Coast community, with many residents expressing concerns about its impact on local businesses and daily life. A key fact is that the Central Coast Council has received over 50 complaints in the past month alone regarding duplicate image replacement.

The reason this issue matters now is that the Central Coast is undergoing significant development, including the Gosford CBD renewal and the proposed fast rail to Sydney. As the region grows and attracts more visitors and commuters, the need for accurate and reliable information is becoming increasingly important. Duplicate image replacement can lead to confusion and misinformation, which can have serious consequences for local businesses and residents.

In the Central Coast, the issue of duplicate image replacement is particularly relevant in areas such as Gosford, Wyong, and The Entrance. The Central Coast Council, in partnership with organisations such as the Gosford Erina Business Chamber and the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce, is working to address the issue. For example, the council has launched a program to review and update images on its website and social media channels, and is encouraging local businesses to do the same. The program is being implemented in specific locations such as the Gosford Waterfront, the Wyong Town Centre, and the Westfield Tuggerah shopping centre.

Understanding the Impact

According to data from the Central Coast Council, the region has seen a significant increase in complaints related to duplicate image replacement over the past year. In the 2025-2026 financial year, the council received 250 complaints, up from 120 in the previous year. The majority of these complaints came from residents in the Gosford and Wyong areas, with 60% of complaints related to images on social media and 30% related to images on websites. The average cost of resolving each complaint is around $500, which can be a significant burden for local businesses and residents.

In terms of specific statistics, a survey conducted by the Gosford Erina Business Chamber found that 70% of local businesses have experienced issues with duplicate image replacement, with 40% reporting a loss of revenue as a result. The survey also found that 80% of businesses believe that the issue is having a negative impact on the local economy. As of June 2026, the Central Coast Council has allocated $10,000 to address the issue, which will be used to implement a new image verification system and provide training for local businesses.

So what happens next? The Central Coast Council is encouraging residents and businesses to report any instances of duplicate image replacement to the council's customer service team. The council is also working with local organisations to provide education and training on how to identify and prevent duplicate image replacement. In the meantime, residents and businesses can take practical steps to protect themselves, such as regularly reviewing and updating their online presence and being cautious when sharing images online. By working together, the Central Coast community can reduce the impact of duplicate image replacement and ensure that accurate and reliable information is available to everyone.