People often ask me what it’s like to be Administrator of a Council.Clearly there are challenging aspects, particularly when hard and unpopular decisions need to be made.By far the biggest positive about the job is the ‘window’ it gives you into the community.

All Central Coast beaches will remain closed this weekend due to concerns over water quality and floating debris following the recent severe weather.All beaches and ocean baths will remain closed until Tuesday 30 March, while Central Coast Council conducts further water quality tests and inspections of local beaches.Council is strongly advising all residents and visitors not to swim or make contact with our waterways as it may be detrimental to health.Council will provide an update to the community early next week, once further water quality samples are analysed.

Central Coast Council is progressing plans to redevelop Green Point’s Sun Valley Park with the construction of a safe, functional, inclusive regional playspace.The project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council and is expected to be completed by June 2021.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the vision of the redevelopment is to produce a regional playspace that will create opportunities for play and social engagement.“The community will benefit from upgrades to the basketball courts and carpark, as well as the construction of an inclusive regional playspace consisting of play equipment, park furniture, barbeques, drinking fountain, pathways, landscaping, fencing and a new amenity building,” Ms Vaughan said.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the redevelopment would result in a safe, functional, high quality regional playspace for the Green Point community.“Providing this new community asset will encourage an active outdoor lifestyle for a wide range of ages and ability levels,” Mr Crouch said.“This is exactly what the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to deliver, and I’m thrilled to see it becoming a reality.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said this project delivers on a number of community nominated goals outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan.“Council continues to listen to the community and delivering facilities and infrastructure based on community’s needs,” Mr Persson said.“The community can have confidence that important projects like this have been budgeted for as part of Council’s revised Operational Plan, and they will continue to progress as Council moves towards financial stability.”

Central Coast Council is reminding the community to jump online and fill out the survey on water, sewer and stormwater pricing by 28 March.Water, sewer and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Central Coast Council is supporting emergency services and assessing the initial impact of the recent severe weather event on the Coast’s roads, water and sewer services and waterways.Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Rik Hart said safety of road users and the community remains a priority, with crews on the ground surveying damage and responding to multiple incidents across the region.“As a result of the recent heavy rainfall and flooding across the Coast, many road surfaces have deteriorated due to water penetrating and weakening the underlying pavement.

Central Coast Council is once again celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival, with numerous events being held across the region this April to provide older residents an opportunity to participate in, contribute to and be included in community life.The largest event for seniors in the southern hemisphere, NSW Seniors Festival is especially significant on the Coast, with more than a quarter of the Coast’s population aged 60 years or older.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Seniors Festival helps to connect seniors with the range of local services, lifelong learning and leisure activities available across the region. “With a growing ageing population on the Central Coast, Council is committed to celebrating our older residents by promoting inclusion, independence and quality of life for all community members,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have put together a diverse calendar of events which seniors can access and enjoy throughout the month of April, including educational workshops, fitness programs and entertainment that will enrich their lives and support them to age positively as they grow older.“A highlight of the Festival is the Seniors Expo on 15 April at Wyong Race Club, which will feature a variety of stallholders from services and community groups around the Coast that support older people to age in a healthy and positive way.”All events are COVID-safe to ensure the wellbeing and safety of participants.Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the NSW Seniors Festival is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role seniors play in the Central Coast community.“Older residents are active in all facets of community life and add significant value and knowledge to our region as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents,” Mr Persson said.“Seniors Festival is a time to provide our growing older population with the chance to learn new skills and try different things, be active and or spend time with friends, new or old doing something you enjoy. “This is your time to shine as a senior on the Coast – have fun and celebrate your age, wisdom and experience in a fun and friendly environment!”Pick up a copy of the full program from your local library, 50+ Leisure& Learning Centres and Seniors Centres or view online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival. 

As of Monday morning, it is clear this major storm event will repeat the flooding of many of the homes damaged last year.

Councillors to attend financial briefing and meeting with Council’s CEOAs the Order made by the Minister for Local Government under Sections 438M and 438O of the Local Government Act 1993 expires on 29 April 2021, it is appropriate that steps be taken to transition back to an elected Council.Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said it was imperative that should Councillors return to office, they must understand their role and the systems that have been implemented to achieve good financial outcomes.“In my 30 day Interim Report I stated that Central Coast Councillors had not come to terms with the fundamental role of their position and their functions under the Local Government Act.

With a state of natural disaster declared for the Central Coast region, Central Coast residents are being advised to remain alert as severe weather continues to impact the region. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for Tuesday, which includes the Central Coast.

Following a weekend of very heavy rainfall and flooding across the Central Coast, Central Coast Council is urging residents to exercise caution when out on our roads, obey road warning and closure signs and avoid driving in and around floodwaters, with multiple local roads impacted by flooding. The Central Coast has experienced average rainfall of 350mm over the severe weather event, with expected moderate rainfall over the next few days.As at 5.45am this morning, flood levels at Tuggerah Lakes peaked at 1.52 metres and are currently at 1.48 metres and steady.

A selection of works from outstanding local ‘Makers and Creators’ will be featured across April as part of the inaugural creative activation 'Blank Canvas Central Coast'.Community members and visitors can experience and purchase works created by a group of world-class local artisans at pop-up retail spaces in Ettalong and Long Jetty.Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley said ‘Blank Canvas’ is an exciting opportunity for local creators to take over a prime retail location.“This fantastic initiative is about providing a platform for local talent to showcase their bespoke work and reach new customers,” Ms Cowley said.“We have an impressive and growing creative community on the Coast but many of our makers and creators don’t have their own shop front – ‘Blank Canvas’ provides that opportunity."This project is fully funded through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery grants program, an Australian Government bushfire recovery initiative.Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said featuring the work of talented locals would enhance the vibrancy of two major Central Coast town centres.“The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops are yet another reason for locals and visitors to head to Long Jetty and Ettalong,” Mr Persson said.“This initiative is a win-win for the Coast – not only are we creating employment pathways for local creators but we’re also helping to stimulate the local economy by driving visitation to two of our major business hubs.”A diverse selection of makers and creators will be featured across the month including indigenous artists Garry Purchase and Kylie Cassidy, surfwear designer Bird + Hill, Central Coast Drones, and fashion designer Carlie Ballard.The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops will be open from Thursday 1 April to Friday 30 April 2021 and are located at Long Jetty (Shop 11, 314-316 The Entrance Road) and Ettalong (199A Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach, behind Lords of Pour).Find more information at lovecentralcoast.com/blankcanvas

Central Coast Council continues to monitor and respond to areas across the Central Coast impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding as part of the current severe weather event. Council workers have been on the ground managing road closures, responding to water and sewer interruptions, inspecting beaches for erosion issues and supporting emergency services.Residents requiring flood assistance or support can contact SES on 132 500.Council crews are securing some landslips, which have occurred today.

With heavy rainfall expected to continue across the Coast today, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay well away from flood waters as it continues to respond to and monitor impacted areas across the region. Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart said Council workers have been on the ground managing road closures, responding to water and sewer interruptions and supporting emergency services, as severe weather and flash flooding impacts the region.“250-300mm of rain has fallen across the Coast over recent days, with further rain expected today and over the next few days,” Mr Hart said.“As at 9am today, flood levels Tuggerah Lakes are at 1.32 metres and may reach around 1.50 metres by Sunday afternoon. “This is higher than the April 2015 flooding event when levels peaked at 1.45 metres, but less than the February 2020 event which reached 1.67 metres when many roads and properties were flooded.“The flood peak may last 12 to 24 hours and the lake level may remain above the minor flood level (0.90 metres) until late Monday.

Following a day of very heavy rainfall across the Coast, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for further impacts, with a Severe Weather Warning still in place for the region and minor flooding current along areas of Tuggerah Lakes.  Current best projections from Bureau of Meteorology indicate that there will be likely localised flooding and residents should prepare accordingly.

Central Coast Council has undertaken precautionary works at The Entrance Channel and continues to monitor local roads, waterways and water and sewer systems as a severe weather warning for very heavy rainfall, including flash flooding remains in place for the Central Coast. Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart said residents of low-lying properties around Tuggerah Lakes need to prepare their homes and properties for potential flooding.“At 11.40am Saturday morning, the water level of Tuggerah Lakes measured at Long Jetty was 0.90 metres and rising.

Central Coast Council is closely monitoring the weather conditions as the Coast braces for a wet weekend.Administrator Dick Persson AM moved to reassure the community that Council was keeping a close eye on events as the rain moves down the Coast.“Council has enacted its incident management team, so that we can make sure we are across any potential impacts this weather system has on our region,” Mr Persson said.“Our staff have been monitoring local roads, waterways, water and sewer systems and The Entrance channel so that we may act when required.“At this point, we have a couple of local roads closed and no other significant impacts.“I am very aware that the community are concerned about the conditions at The Entrance Channel.

The Entrance will come alive from 11 to 28 March 2021 with Bright Nights @ The Entrance – a free creative lighting display taking place nightly at Waterfront Plaza from 7pm. The nightly spectacle, which is supported and funded by the NSW Government’s Festival of Place - Summer Fund, will see unique patterns projected onto the pavement and infrastructure, as well as a vibrant light show by the water that will introduce elements of surprise and discovery. Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said the unique event will draw community members and visitors to The Entrance town centre throughout the month of March. “This is the perfect excuse to get your family and friends together for an unforgettable night out at The Entrance,” said Ms Vaughan. “Immerse yourself in the vibrant light installation at The Entrance’s Waterfront Plaza or check out the hourly 15-minute light show by the water, which takes place nightly at 7.15pm and 8.15pm, with an additional show at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. “Entry to the light show by the water is limited for each session due to current COVID restrictions so patrons hoping to attend on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening are encouraged to book their free spot in advance to avoid disappointment. “For a special treat, why not enjoy dinner at one the fantastic nearby restaurants and then check out the show!’’ Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the event is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy everything The Entrance has to offer. “We acknowledge and thank the NSW Government for providing funding for this unique community event, which will allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy a free public art display right here on the Coast,” Mr Persson said. Member for The Entrance David Mehan MP said Bright Nights @ The Entrance will shine a spotlight on one of the Central Coasts loveliest locations, The Entrance waterfront. “Place activation has been successfully used by other regional cities to encourage visitors and I’m pleased to see that Council has now done the same for The Entrance,” Mr Mehan said. Bright Nights @ The Entrance is showing nightly at The Entrance Waterfront Plaza from Thursday 11 March to Sunday 28 March, kicking off at 7pm each evening and running until 9pm from Sunday to Thursday or 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. A free 15-minute light show by the water will take place at 7.15pm and 8.15pm nightly, with an additional show at 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

As most readers know I have extensive experience as an Administrator of four Councils.

A number of Central Coast Council projects are currently on exhibition for the community to provide real input and direction into.Projects open now for feedback include:Kariong Oval Recreational Area (until 21 March)Planning our water future (until 21 March)Mountain Bike Feasibility Study (until 22 March)Davistown and Empire Bay Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (until 26 March)Water, sewer and stormwater prices (until 28 March)Proposed Conservation Agreement for Porters Creek Wetland (until 29 March)Kibble Park Place Plan (until 29 March)The Entrance Place Plan (until 29 March)Helen Reserve, Gorokan - dog park (until 31 March)Active Lifestyles Strategy (until 5 April)Policy for Development Application Functions (until 7 April)Amended Code of Meeting Practice (until 21 April)Tuggerah Lakes foreshore restoration works (until 2022)Council places a high importance on ensuring community input is considered in key projects, and last financial year more than 6,000 contributions from our community helped shape 50 projects, plans and strategies.Council encourages residents to continue participating in their community, by sharing their thoughts, ideas and opinions to help shape our region.Read more and Have Your Say on projects that interest you at yourvoiceourcoast.com

A call to speak up against domestic abuse is the focus of a campaign developed by Central Coast Council, local Police, the Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Waters Liquor Accords and Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee. The campaign will deliver the simple and important message – if you see or suspect something, say something – to emphasise that everyone plays a role in ending domestic abuse. March 8 was International Women’s Day.