A legacy worth expanding
The Coastal Open Space System (COSS) is one of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, a visionary network of natural bushland reserves that has protected over 2,700 hectares of ridgelines and green spaces across the former Gosford City.
Central Coast COSS land.
30 April 2025
COSS was born in the 1970s, not out of environmental passion, but through a simple, practical decision by former Gosford City Council Chief Planner and Chief Engineer, working from the Rural Land Study.
Back then, Council realised it was too expensive to connect the steep ridgelines around Gosford to the city’s water supply, so they decided to leave them green.
"That decision gifted our region something incredibly rare: an expansive network of natural bushland reserves, protecting biodiversity and offering green spaces that have defined the character of the former Gosford City for decades," said Community Environment Network (CEN) Chair, Gary Chestnut.
"Yet, despite promises made in 2016 when Gosford and Wyong councils merged, COSS has not been expanded across the entire Central Coast.
"This is even more surprising given that Wyong has already acquired over 3,300 hectares of land classified as “Natural Assets”, an even larger area than Gosford’s COSS, through the same planning provisions applied in Gosford."
Both former councils had the same planning provisions, so why hasn't COSS been extended into Wyong?
Even more disappointing, Council recently rejected the chance to purchase a vital “missing link” property at Mount Elliot, despite staff recommending it and the money being available.
What is even more illogical is the available money comes from a reserved account where the funds can only be spent on the purchase of land to expand COSS. Eight councillors, including former Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna, voted against it. The land has now been sold.
If you care about protecting green corridors,supporting eco-tourism, and building climate resilience, now’s the time to ask your local councillor:
*Do you support expanding COSS across the whole Central Coast?
*What is your commitment to protecting our region’s natural future?
CEN is committed to making sure that COSS grows — but they need your voice too. Use this list of Councillor contacts to make your voice heard.
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