Over the past year, Central Coast Council has focused on strengthening our organisation, our services, and our connection with the community.
From major infrastructure upgrades to new planning initiatives, we’ve worked hard to deliver better outcomes for our region — and for everyone who calls Central Coast home.
What We Delivered in 2024–25
In the past year, we’ve completed key projects including:
- Gunns Plains landslip remediation
- The region’s first-ever sensory garden
- Summer on Ice — the iconic community Christmas event
We also made it easier for small-scale developers to create local housing, and completed one of Tasmania’s largest-ever strategic urban planning projects — laying the foundation for future growth.
Looking Ahead
Our 2025–26 Annual Plan sets out the next steps. Backed by a $21.4 million capital works program, it includes:
- $4.3 million for new infrastructure
- $17.1 million for upgrades to existing assets
We’re also forecasting a budgeted operating surplus, delivered a full year ahead of schedule — a strong result that reflects our focus on financial sustainability.
Keeping Services Strong
Like all sectors, we’re feeling the impact of inflation and rising expenses. To maintain essential services and invest in what matters, the 2025–26 budget includes a 6% general rate increase.
For a medium sized residential household, this means an increase of $2 per week. Even with this increase, our rates remain lower than those of many neighbouring councils.
We know cost-of-living pressures are real, and we remain committed to supporting our community through:
- Flexible payment options
- Instalment plans
- A financial hardship policy for those who need it.
Thank You
This plan and budget continues our journey toward a stronger, more sustainable Central Coast — one that delivers for today while planning for tomorrow.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Our 2025–26 Annual Plan and Budget is all about action — delivering real, visible improvements that respond to community priorities and lay the groundwork for a stronger future.
Across the year ahead, Council will invest $21.4 million in capital works to upgrade roads and bridges, enhance our parks and playgrounds, support a vibrant local economy, and care for the places and people that make Central Coast unique.
Below, you’ll find some of the key highlights — practical projects and priority investments that reflect our commitment to delivering on our Term Plan and making Central Coast an even better place to live, work and visit.
Improving Our Infrastructure
- Replacement and upgrade of the Leven River Bridge on South Riana Road
- $934,000 to improve our public toilets, including the completion of new public toilets at Preservation Bay and a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility in Ulverstone
- $115,000 to repair damaged footpaths, including Hamilton Street, Ulverstone
- Entry improvements to the Hiscutt Park car park
- Completion of the Bertha Street stormwater outfall upgrade
- $720,000 to construct the Beach Road link of the Coastal Pathway in Ulverstone
- Continuing investment in road safety, with a total spend of $6.3 million on roads. This includes road reseals across the municipality, widening at Allison Road in North Motton, slip repairs at Wilmot Road, Rockliffs Road and Gees Road, intersection improvements at Preservation Drive and Griffin Place, and the completion of the Ironcliffe Road upgrade
Prioritising Our Parks and Playgrounds
- Nearly $1.7 million dedicated to maintaining and caring for our parks and open spaces
- $750,000 allocated for playground upgrades, including Fairway Park and Anzac Park
- New BBQ shelter at the Forth Recreation Ground
- Design and planning for Hiscutt Park upgrades
- Playground upgrades at Pioneer Park, Riana
Supporting Our Community
- Completion of a new community machinery shed at Maskells Road
- Supporting dog owners through new signage, a dedicated dog exercise area in Forth, and the launch of a responsible dog ownership campaign
- Upgrades to sport and recreation facilities
- Development of a sports infrastructure master plan
- Upgraded changerooms in Ulverstone to provide better facilities for female soccer players
- Accessibility improvements, including a new viewing platform at Beach Road and an expanded Changing Places toilet facility in Ulverstone
Caring for Our Environment:
- Over $320,000 invested in greening our urban environment and managing our natural resources
- Nearly $4.8 million in waste management, and $425,000 to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our waste management facilities
- Completion of the new Dial Range eco-friendly public toilet and mountain bike washdown facility
- Conserving water by installing an efficient underground irrigation system at the Ulverstone Showground
- Installing energy-efficient LED ground lighting at the Ulverstone and Heybridge Recreation Grounds
Investing in Our Economy
- Expansion and upgrade of the East Ulverstone Industrial Precinct
- Modernising our planning scheme
- Delivering a Central Coast investment campaign to the rest of Tasmania, Australia and the world
- Improvements to the Leven Canyon walking track
- Development of a Tourism Strategy
- Rolling out our Population Growth Strategy to attract 150 new Central Coasters each year, reduce the average age of residents, and improve educational attainment
- Developing and implementing an RV and Camping Strategy
- Completion of the Dial Range Values Study to assess its economic, social and recreational value
- Developing a tourism brand for the Dial Range and planning its future infrastructure needs
- Construction of a new trail linking Mount Dial to Mount Gnomon
Rates fund the essential services and facilities that support daily life in Central Coast — from rubbish collection and local roads to planning, parks and stormwater management. They also help deliver long-term priorities set out in Council’s Term Plan.
Council’s 2025–26 budget outlines a responsible financial plan that balances the need to maintain services with the realities of rising costs across all sectors.
Changes to Rates 2025-26
Like all sectors, we’re feeling the impact of inflation and rising expenses. To continue delivering the essential services our community relies on, the 2025–2026 budget includes a 6% general rate increase.
For a medium sized residential household, this means an increase of $2 per week. Even with this increase, our rates remain lower than those of many neighbouring councils.
Rates Discounts
Early Payment Discount
Council has made a change to the early payment discount for this year, with a reduction from 3.75% to 2.5% (excluding the fire levy).
This discount applies to ratepayers who pay their rates in full by 31 August 2025.
Pensioner Remission
Eligible pensioners may receive a State Government rates remission. This applies to holders of certain concession cards, such as Pensioner Concession Cards and Health Care Cards.
To check your eligibility, visit the State Revenue Office website or contact Council for assistance.
Financial Hardship Policy
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, help is available under Council’s Financial Hardship Assistance Policy.
Ratepayers can apply to defer payment or arrange a flexible payment plan. Early communication is key — please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
To learn more, visit our Rates page or get in touch with our Customer Service team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Annual Plan?
The Annual Plan is a one-year plan that Central Coast Council uses to guide our actions and priorities. It follows the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas) and helps us focus on what we need to accomplish in the short term.
This plan supports the long-term goals set by our elected representatives and allows us to work towards the main objectives and bigger picture goals in the Strategic Plan. It shows our commitment to the community and outlines what we aim to achieve this year.
How are the Annual Plan Actions determined?
Each year, Central Coast Council’s CEO, Directors, and Councillors collaborate to shape our Annual Plan Actions through a comprehensive operational planning process. This process carefully considers the Council’s strategic priorities, the resources needed, ongoing commitments, and the evolving needs of our community as we plan for the year ahead.
What is the budget?
Our budget outlines the projected income and expenses for the upcoming financial year, as required by the Local Government Act. It acts as a financial plan, guiding what we can deliver based on the revenue we expect to receive. While unforeseen costs may arise, this plan allows us to monitor and assess our financial performance throughout the year.
Why are my rates changing?
Rates are adjusted in line with the Council Cost Index (CCI) to ensure the financial sustainability of the Council. Over the past five years, Council rates have increased by 17.3% for the average residential property, while the Council Cost Index (CCI) published by Local government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has increased by 20.0% during the same period.
Holding prices down indefinitely has the impact of falling behind on critical upgrades and services – costs that continue to grow over time. To effectively respond and continue to deliver the same level of services, prices must also increase.
To continue delivering the essential services our community needs, the 2025–2026 budget includes a 6% rate increase. For the average household, this means around $2 extra per week. Even with this increase, our rates are still lower than those in nearby councils.
We recognise that many in our community are experiencing cost-of-living pressures, and we’re committed to supporting our ratepayers. Flexible payment options are available, including the ability to pay by instalments.
Our focus is on improving how we operate – modernising services, being more responsive, and delivering on the projects that matter most to you. Our efforts are already making a difference, and we hope you’ve noticed. This increase would help ensure we can keep providing the services our community expects and deserves.
Why is the rates increase higher than CPI?
Council’s costs don’t rise the same way household costs do. CPI measures the price of groceries, clothes and other consumer goods, but not the things Councils pay for. Construction materials, for example, have jumped more than 30% in the past three years – well above CPI.
We look after more than $800 million worth of roads, parks, pipes and buildings. Keeping all that in good shape costs a lot more than routine household bills. The proposed rate increase helps us get on top of rising costs.
After running at a loss for several years, we’re finally back in the black—and we did it a year sooner than planned. That means we’re managing the community’s money carefully and responsibly.
This places us in a better position to provide things that we know the community want and needs – like extra park upgrades and improved facilities.
Why are Council’s rates increasing by more than some other Councils?
What rates support is available?
Early Payment Discount
Council has adjusted its early payment discount this year, reducing the rate from 3.75% to 2.5% (excluding the fire levy). This discount is available to ratepayers who pay their rates in full by 31 August 2025
Pensioner Remission
Eligible pensioners may receive a State Government rates remission. This applies to holders of certain concession cards, such as Pensioner Concession Cards and Health Care Cards.
To check your eligibility or apply, visit the State Revenue Office website or contact Council for assistance.
Financial Hardship Policy
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, help is available under Council’s Financial Hardship Assistance Policy.
Ratepayers can apply to defer payment or arrange a flexible payment plan. Early communication is key — please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
To learn more, visit our Rates page or get in touch with our Customer Service team.
When are my rates due?
- Instalment 1: 31 August 2025
- Instalment 2: 30 November 2025
- Instalment 3: 28 February 2026
- Instalment 4: 31 May 2026
Documents
Contact Us
Got questions about the draft Annual Plan and Budget for 2025-26 or need help understanding your rates? Contact us below:
Phone: 03 6429 8900
Email: [email protected]