Cleverman’ is a TV series like none other – a dystopian sci-fi exploring Aboriginal origin stories in a contemporary context – and Central Coast locals and visitors can now step behind the scenes.An exciting new exhibition at Central Coast Council's Gosford Regional Gallery immerses visitors in the iconic series through an exploration of the storytelling, language and creativity in production design, costumes and props.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the exhibition is both fascinating and thought-provoking.“‘Cleverman’ is a one of a kind TV series and this exhibition takes us deeper into the important themes explored including class, racism and power,” Ms Vaughan said.“We are given an opportunity to reflect on the importance of First Nations storytelling and explore the incredible pieces featured in the show.”The ‘Cleverman’ series was created through a predominantly Indigenous cast and senior crew and premiered on ABC Television in 2016.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the exhibition provides a unique insight into Aboriginal origin stories.“This exhibition delivers powerful and thought-provoking messages and lets us explore the show’s sets, costumes and props,” Mr Hart said.“Whether you’ve seen the TV series or not, I’d encourage you to head to the Gallery for this unique and important experience.”‘Cleverman’ is an ACMI touring exhibition.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Rik Hart said whilst IPART’s decision to allow for a special rate increase of 15% for only three years is welcome it doesn’t go far enough to provide long term financial sustainability to Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today made one last call prior to departing his office by writing to the Minister for Local Government proposing the government should prevent dismissed councillors from standing in the next election.

Audited financial reports for 2019-20 adoptedCouncil has adopted the 2019-20 audited financial reports for Central Coast Council and the Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority. Council’s net operating result for the financial year ending 30 June 2020 is a deficit of $88.7M excluding Grants and Contributions for capital purposes.

This is my final column as Interim Administrator of the Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council has started construction of a new carpark on the existing grassed area in front of Lake Munmorah High School on Carters Road.This project is funded by the Australian Government with $900,000 from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program) and will service four local schools in the area and the growing Lake Munmorah community.Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the 50 space carpark, including two accessible spaces, will be an invaluable resource for the community, particularly those associated with the schools in Carters Road.“Parking can be a challenge in the busy education precinct for the growing Lake Munmorah community and this new carpark will be welcome news,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The carpark and associated traffic management works are expected to help with congestion and parking during the busy school drop-off/pick-up time periods.“Traffic flow, particularly for school buses, is expected to improve when the carpark is completed.“The project includes the construction of new footpaths around the carpark to link to the designated crossing points and a new pedestrian crossing.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said improvements to traffic congestion and additional parking will not only benefit the school community, but also residents and businesses operating from Carters Road.“The community has been calling for works on Carters Road and it is great to be moving forward with projects such as this new carpark in Lake Munmorah,” Mr Persson said.

Council is seeking community feedback about the next steps towards developing a Central Coast Stadium Masterplan. This includes looking at the rezoning options for the Stadium and its current land classification of Community ‘Sportsground.’ These are being reviewed to help facilitate Council’s refreshed plan for the Stadium to ensure it continues to meet community’s and hirer’s needs, and supports the local economy, on a sound financial basis for Council. Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said having greater flexibility in any adopted Masterplan design was important if Council was serious about having a Stadium Precinct and providing better connectivity to the city centre and waterfront.“We need to ensure that Central Coast Stadium reaches its potential – this is an outstanding facility located in an exceptional spot – directly adjacent to the beautiful Brisbane Water and within a short walk to the Gosford CBD.” “Council is currently constrained in how it can improve the site and allow complementary uses such as new retail activity,” Mr Persson said. Submissions can be provided until 5pm 21 May 2021.

Council is seeking community feedback about the next stage (Tranche 3) of the asset sales program that is part of its financial recovery plan. Council’s financial recovery plan required a review of Council’s property assets which could be disposed of to assist with the financial situation.

Central Coast Council has released the Stage 1 report for the Tuggerah Lakes Entrance Management Study.The report includes a summary of over 20 studies from 1987 to present relevant to entrance management at Tuggerah Lakes and provides key background information for the remainder of the study.Council Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the conceptual models contained in the report describe the complex nature of the processes and management of the Tuggerah Lakes entrance. “Following the 2020 flooding, we engaged the NSW Government’s professional specialist advisor, Manly Hydraulics Laboratory to undertake the Tuggerah Lakes Entrance Management Study, with the aim of developing an interim management procedure for The Entrance,” said Mr Cox. “Managing the entrance is a complex issue with no simple solution.

Asset sales became ‘THE STORY’ last week.The full list is now available on yourvoiceourcoast.

A joint Central Coast Council and Transport for NSW initiative is helping parents and supervisors with the important task of teaching learner drivers.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the Transport for NSW funded program sees Council deliver free workshops designed to provide practical and hands-on advice to younger drivers.“The workshops are designed to equip parents and supervisors to better explain and demonstrate the skills needed to be a good driver,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have a series of great tips to help you build an effective teacher-student dynamic and most importantly to help create safe and responsible drivers.“Younger drivers make-up almost one quarter of annual road fatalities despite representing only 15 percent of all licence holders – this is an alarming statistic that we all need to work towards bringing down.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said the workshops are an important part of Council’s commitment to road safety across the region.“When we teach the important skill of driving, we have a responsibility to help create safe and effective drivers,” Mr Persson said.“If you’re teaching a young driver or are about to start, I’d encourage you to register for one of our free workshops and be equipped with the skills and knowledge to create great drivers for the future.”The ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop is a two-hour program that provides practical advice to help supervise learner drivers and covers topics including:new licence conditions for learner and P plate drivershow to use the Learner Driver Logbookthe benefits of on-road driving sessionstips on supervising a learner driverthe importance of giving the learner constructive feedback. Erina WorkshopsDates:

Construction has begun on an exciting new redevelopment of the Narara Skate Park, one of the Central Coast’s oldest skate parks.Feedback from local skaters, riders and young people played an important role in the final design of the skate park’s layout.

Council’s Operational Plan 2021/22 ensures services continue for the communityCouncil will place its draft Operational Plan 2021-2022 including proposed Fees and Charges on exhibition for community feedback.Council’s Operational Plan provides residents with an overview of essential services, programs and capital works projects for the year ahead and is exhibited annually for community input.As part of Council’s plan towards financial recovery, the 2021/22 Operational Plan forecasts Council’s operating income as $666.8M (if IPART determine a 15% Special Rate Variation) from which Council will spend $659.8M on services and operational costs resulting in a modest surplus of $7.0M.

Over 12,800 voices have been heard on Central Coast Council projects since the beginning of this year, all helping to shape a shared vision and roadmap for the future of our region.Council’s Your Voice Our Coast online consultation hub is making it easy for the community to provide feedback on projects that interest them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Key community projects have included:Kariong Oval Recreational AreaMountain Bike Feasibility StudyDavistown and Empire Bay Floodplain Risk Management Study and PlanKibble Park Place PlanThe Entrance Place PlanHelen Reserve, Gorokan - dog parkActive Lifestyles StrategyStreets as Shared Spaces:

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today agreed with community requests for a formal community consultation process around a tranche of proposed property sales and reclassification items listed for consideration at tonight’s Ordinary Council meeting.  “There is still a need for Council to raise funds through the sale of surplus or ‘lazy’ assets if we are to pay down the huge debts run up by the suspended Councillors,” Mr Persson said.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM welcomes the Honourable Shelley Hancock MP, Minister for Local Government’s announcement today of establishing an independent public inquiry into the performance of Central Coast Council. Mr Persson said today’s announcement by the Minister to stop the suspended Councillors returning next week is great news for both the community and the Council. “My Final Report recommended this course of action as there is still a lot to do before the Council recovers from the disruption of the past three years.

Locals and visitors to the Coast will see a heightened focus on speeding across May as NSW Police and Central Coast Council roll out a collaborative road safety initiative.The clear message – Stop it.

Central Coast Council is celebrating our region’s passion for great food, wine and beer and amazing local produce with the inaugural Relish the Coast Food Festival, coming to Woy Woy town centre over 1 and 2 May 2021.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said the event will bring energy and vibrancy to the streets of Woy Woy over two unique days. “On Saturday 1 May, we will shine a spotlight on local restaurants as we invite locals and visitors to experience a taste of Woy Woy,” Ms Vaughan said. “Community members can explore our Woy Woy Food Map, which showcases fantastic local venues offering a variety of set menus and specials to enjoy. “It’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best eateries our region has to offer or uncover a hidden gem.”The fun continues on Sunday 2 May with Council’s ticketed Relish the Coast Food Festival at Woy Woy Oval from 12 to 4pm. “On Sunday, get your friends together and bring along a picnic mat for an afternoon of food and fun,” Ms Vaughan continued.“Enjoy fantastic live music and entertainment, check out the variety of food stalls on offer or head to the Six String Brewery pop-up beer and wine bar to sample some local drops.”  Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the event aims to support Woy Woy’s vibrant hospitality scene and draw visitors to the Peninsula. “Relish the Coast is an opportunity to celebrate Woy Woy’s lively local eateries and draw residents and visitors alike to the town centre, providing a boost to the local economy. “After what has been a rough year for our local hospitality and event sectors due to COVID-restrictions, now is the perfect time for the community to get out and about to enjoy everything the Central Coast has to offer,” Mr Persson said.Entry to the Relish the Coast Long Picnic Lunch on Sunday 2 May is free, however spaces are limited and community members are required to secure a ticket in advance to secure their spot. Head to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Relish the Coast’ to secure your space.  

Central Coast Council is developing a plan that will secure the Coast’s water supply for the future – the Central Coast Integrated Water Resource Plan – and is reaching out to the community for another round of consultation to help shape the plan. Council’s Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said that due to the ongoing expansion and population growth of the Central Coast, our demand for water is also growing. “Our current infrastructure on the Coast can only supply us with a limited amount of water, so we need to address ways to grow our supply, to meet our future demand levels,” Mr Loader said. “We are investigating and considering nine different supply and demand option types, from dams and desalination through to turning our wastewater into safe and clean drinking water.“We have assessed these nine options across a range of key criteria, and through this process, we have developed five preliminary ‘portfolios’ – or groups of options – designed to meet our water needs into the future. “Community feedback on these preliminary portfolios will be used to refine the portfolios for further analysis, so we encourage everyone to jump online and participate in our survey and tell us which portfolios you support.”Once finalised, these portfolios will become a key component of the Integrated Water Resource Plan.Residents can fill out the survey by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com/waterplan. The survey closes on 2 May 2021. 

My Final Report went to the Minister last week, as well as presented at an Extraordinary Council Meeting.I have recommended the Councillors not be allowed to return, and the September election be delayed allowing a public inquiry into the merger, particularly into what needs to be done to successfully complete it.It is pleasing that all seven local members of Parliament agree with this recommendation, although I suspect for quite different reasons.It is disappointing all seven continue to oppose any rate rise, even though they have all been briefed and I believe they understand there are no viable alternatives.At the time of writing I am unaware of what the Minister will do.