Central Coast Council Adopts New Community Services Strategy, Prioritising Youth and Seniors

Central Coast Council has formally adopted a new Community Services Strategic Plan, a four-year roadmap intended to guide the delivery and funding of critical social programs across the region. The policy sets new priorities that will directly affect services for young people, seniors, and vulnerable families from Patonga to Lake Munmorah.

The strategy arrives at a crucial time for the local government area. It is one of the first major social policy frameworks developed since the council began its recovery from the period of administration that started in 2020. This plan signals a deliberate shift from a primary focus on financial stabilisation towards reinvestment in community wellbeing. Its adoption also coincides with persistent reports from welfare agencies about rising demand for support services, driven by housing unaffordability and broader cost-of-living increases impacting households across the Coast.

A Shift in Focus for Local Programs

For residents, the plan’s impact will be felt in tangible ways. It flags a comprehensive review of council-owned community facilities, which could alter hire fees for community groups and sporting clubs using halls in suburbs like Umina Beach and The Entrance. The strategy also specifically earmarks youth mental health and engagement as a key priority, proposing new partnerships with established service providers to expand outreach programs beyond the major centres of Gosford and Wyong.

Another core component is a renewed focus on services for the region’s ageing population. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the Central Coast has a demographic profile significantly older than the NSW average. In response, the plan outlines measures to improve accessibility at public buildings and parks and supports initiatives aimed at reducing social isolation among seniors. Local non-profits that rely on council grants will also be watching closely, as the strategy overhauls the Community Grants Program to better align funding with these new strategic priorities.

Implementation and Budgeting Next Steps

While the strategy sets the direction, the specific financial commitments will be determined through future annual budgets. The plan doesn't allocate new lump-sum funding but instead acts as a framework to guide council staff when making recommendations for the 2027-28 budget and beyond. The document references the need for “evidence-based decision making,” drawing on data from sources like the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) to identify areas of greatest need.

The next stage involves the council’s administrative staff developing detailed implementation and action plans for the first year. These proposals, which will contain specific program details and costings, are expected to be presented to the elected council for debate and approval during the first half of 2027. Community consultation periods will be required for any significant changes to service levels or the repurposing of community facilities, providing residents with an opportunity for input before final decisions are made.