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.

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

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.

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

The New Zealand Warriors have once again chosen the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah as their official training ground and the coast as their ‘home away from home’ until at least June 2021.

Planning to support the future active lifestyles of the Central Coast region’s communities has begun.Over the next few months an Active Lifestyles Strategy will be developed, and Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say.Council Director Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley said the strategy will help guide strategic investment decisions for the range of public open spaces, sport and recreation assets in the Central Coast.“The development of the strategy will include an assessment of Council’s existing facilities, spaces and active infrastructure, as well as industry trends,” Ms Cowley said.“Vital to the development of the strategy however is our community’s feedback, and we want to hear how our open spaces are currently being used, what’s valued and what improvements might be required in the future to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said the Central Coast has an abundance of open space areas for a variety of recreational and sporting activities.“It is important that Council has a well-considered long-term framework for future land planning and management and prioritisation of infrastructure projects, whilst also providing clear criteria and direction for development to ensure there is adequate open space areas that accommodate the needs of our community,” Mr Persson said.For more information and to Have Your Say by 5 April 2021, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com

Central Coast Council will construct a new shared pathway along Malinya Road, Davistown to provide a dedicated off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists. The project is funded through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program) and will be the first stage in completing an important ‘missing link’ to connect Davistown and Kincumber. Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said Stage 1 works will see a 320 metre section of the shared pathway completed in the 2020-21 financial year. “Our community has requested this project which will deliver a key missing link of the NSW Coastline Cycleway,” Mr Bolgoff said. “This project aligns with Council’s commitment to deliver pathways that complete missing links and improve connections that offer healthy and environmentally friendly transport options. “Stage 1 works will focus on a 320 metre section of shared pathway along Malinya Avenue, Davistown from Coomal Avenue towards Henderson Road. “Subject to securing grant funding, Stage 2 works will take place in 2021-22 and see the new section of shared pathway span 585 metres to Henderson Road and will complete the link between Davistown and Kincumber.” Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said the project would deliver on key objectives outlined in the Central Coast Bike Plan and Central Coast Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP). “The Central Coast is hard to beat for walking and cycling and this new section of shared pathway will complete an important ‘missing link’ and is sure to be popular with both locals and visitors,” Mr Persson said. Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks MP said that she is thrilled to see this important project for the Davistown community underway. “The Davistown Residents association have been fighting to make this safety upgrade a reality with over 1,300 signatures on their petition for a shared pathway along Mailinya Road,” Ms Wicks said. “I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in important community infrastructure to help the Central Coast economy recover after COVID-19.” Stage 1 of the project is funded by the Australian Government with $911,892 from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program).

Moving around the Council offices this week has been a sad experience.

Outcome of Forensic AuditCouncil will continue to focus on implementing improvements in financial management and reporting following the conclusion of the legal and financial forensic analysis conducted by Clayton Utz.The legal and financial analysis review has not identified any evidence that the Council’s current liquidity issues or use of restricted funds in breach of the Local Government Act was the result of corrupt conduct. Council engaged Clayton Utz on 26 October 2020, and Clayton Utz engaged KPMG to undertake a targeted forensic review of a sample fund to gain understanding of Council’s financial accounting practices and adherence to the Office of Local Government Guidelines.   Council’s Domestic Waste Fund was selected as a sample fund.Director Corporate Affairs Natalia Cowley said that the scope of this forensic review was on reviewing a sample of actual financial transactions.“Clayton Utz’s findings from the sampling of waste transactions reviewed did not identify any transactions allocated to the Domestic Waste Fund that were not consistent with guidance provided by the Office of Local Government,” said Ms Cowley.Clayton Utz further stated that having regard to the reviews completed to date it would be reasonable for Council to conclude that further investigation would be unlikely to disclose any new or additional reasons for its current financial circumstances.   For this reason, no further forensic audit reports are recommended at this time.Administrator Dick Persson AM said he believed this review drew a line under further investigation by Council.“During the development of my 30-day Interim Report, the causes of the financial crisis became known, and the findings by Clayton Utz are generally consistent with my observations,” said Mr Persson.“Their analysis agrees that the current financial circumstances appear to have arisen from legacy issues associated with financial systems, transparency from the time of Council amalgamation and poor financial management practices.”“I see no value for the community in pursuing investigation after investigation, at the expense of Council resources actually getting on with implementing improvements in Council financial management.”Council Code of Meeting Practice to improve decision makingCouncil has adopted a draft Code of Meeting Practice, which will go on public exhibition on 10 March 2021 for 42 days.The draft Code proposes changes including:the publication day of agenda papers to be changedprovide for the conduct of all Council Meetings at Wyong Administration Buildinga requirement that Mayoral Minutes and Notices of Motion identify the source of funds where there is a financial impacta requirement to consult with the CEO (or appropriate delegate) in preparing Mayoral Minutes or Notices of Motion to identify source of fundsa limit on the number of Notices of Motion to one per Councillor per meetinga limit on the complexity and number of Questions with Notice to one per Councillor per meetinga requirement that Councillors make reasonable efforts to attend pre-Meeting briefings.The Code of Meeting Practice applies to all meetings of Council and Committees of Council of which the members are Councillors.

In looking into what has gone wrong with the Council, I formed a strong view that a major contributor was the 15-member council.Fifteen councillors are too large a number if you want them to act collaboratively.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today announced Mr David Farmer as the new Chief Executive Officer of Central Coast Council.Mr Persson said the appointment of Mr Farmer and his experience is crucial in leading Council toward recovery and will provide strong reassurance to the community that the tough decisions taken now will not be wasted. “David has had up to 40 years’ experience in Local Government in New South Wales and Queensland, each of his last three roles have involved major challenges in governance and finance, the same challenges that face this Council, and I’m encouraged knowing that David is well equipped in leading the Council through these issues,” said Mr Persson.Mr Farmer has been Chief Executive of four Councils over the past 23 years, 10 years at both Cairns and Wollongong City Councils and more recently at Ipswich, the fastest growing Council in Queensland.“David has a proven track record of success in operating large councils and has been selected based on this solid experience.” said Mr Persson.“The Central Coast community should feel very reassured that a new and strong CEO will deliver the positive outcome everyone wants to see.“I look forward to welcoming David to the position on 12 April 2021.”    EDITORS NOTESBio Attached - Mr David Farmer 

Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM will announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for the Council.Members of the media are invited to attend.Date:

Live theatre is returning to the Coast in spectacular form with Laycock Street Community Theatre announcing an exceptional line-up of performers for its 2021 season. Coasties and visitors can rediscover the joy of live performance with an incredible array of shows – from Hot Autumn Nights (Tim Freedman of The Whitlams) and James Morrison Quintet to the Victorian State Ballet’s Little Mermaid and Newk (The John Newcombe Story).Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Laycock Street is ready to accommodate the strong appetite for quality shows on the Coast.“We’ve been starved of live theatre for nearly 12 months and it’s so exciting to once again welcome incredible artists to perform on the Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“Laycock is an incredible live theatre venue – it combines quality with an undeniable energy and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said Laycock Street is a vital component of the Coast’s thriving arts scene.“It is impressive to see a community theatre attract such a strong line-up of performers and I encourage locals and visitors to take advantage.”Laycock Street Community Theatre’s 2021 line-up includes:Hot Autumn Nights – Tim FreedmanSnapshot:

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say on water, sewer and stormwater pricing.Water, sewer and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), who undertake a review of pricing every three to four years (the period is determined by IPART).This latest review by IPART requires Council to propose pricing for these services by September 2021 that will take effect from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2026.Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said community feedback is a crucial part of putting together Council’s submission.“We want to find out what’s important to you about how we provide water, sewer and stormwater services to the Central Coast,” said Mr Loader.“We will then balance this information with our assessment of how much it costs to produce water, treat sewage and ensure that stormwater is managed.“We want to assure the community this does not mean prices go up automatically, they could in fact go down or remain the same.“IPART will independently consider Council’s submission, which will include community feedback, and will set a fair price for customers.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said that he wanted the community to understand that this submission to IPART for water, sewer and stormwater prices is completely separate to the application for a rate rise that Council recently lodged.“Council applied to IPART for a 15% rate rise to help with Council’s financial recovery.

With a new harmonised rating structure to be introduced on 1 July 2021, Central Coast ratepayers will see an increase or a decrease in their rates depending on property values and location.The NSW Government has mandated that merged Councils’ rates be harmonised by 1 July 2021.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to contribute to discussions on mountain biking across the Central Coast.Community consultation on the Mountain Bike Feasibility Study discussion paper is open until 22 March 2021.Council Unit Manager Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said with participation in mountain bike riding as both a sport and a recreational activity increasing, it was important to plan ahead in a sustainable way.“There is currently no strategic framework for managing the rapidly increasing demand for mountain biking across the Central Coast,” Mr Sulkowski said.“As the demand for the sport increases, Council needs to have a way to balance the requirement of the sport with environmental and heritage protections for our natural areas.“By identifying the role that Council’s natural reserves may play in the provision of mountain biking experiences across the Central Coast, we will be better able to protect areas of high conservation and heritage value, minimise the building of unauthorised trail construction and maximise the safe use of Council reserves by all visitors.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said it was important for the community to engage in the discussion with respect.“We recognise there are different views within the community on how to respond to the demand for mountain biking on the Central Coast,” Mr Persson said.“However, our research shows there are also some areas of agreement – for example 95% of survey respondents supported mountain biking continuing in areas where it is currently allowed.“Our survey also showed that 87% were concerned about the lack of authorised trails for mountain biking and 75% about the lack of clarity regarding which trails are authorised.“I strongly encourage all members of our community interested in this topic to review the discussion paper and watch the information video before completing our survey.”In addition to the discussion paper and information video – community members are invited to submit a question regarding the discussion paper online though Council’s Your Voice Our Coast platform, or register to talk to our staff at a virtual drop in session.

Quarterly budget report confirms deficit reduction of $7.7M Council has provided the 2020-21 Q2 Business Report, which covers the progress of the operational plan actions, targets and financial performance for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020.Remedial actions to reduce Council’s operating deficit continue including a structural reduction in operating expenditure, reducing capital expenditure, secured bank loans, generating additional income and moving to sell underperforming assets.Council Administrator Dick Persson AM assured the community budget savings were continuing to be made, while delivering essential infrastructure and services to the region.“Good news is all our hard work to find savings and rein in spending is working with the deficit reduced by $7.7M,” Mr Persson said.“We are also recovering faster than expected from COVID with an extra $3.3M in income from our Holiday Parks, Leisure Centres and child care centres.“This is in addition to a reduction of $4.4million in operational expenditure, with reduction of materials, contracts and other expenses as a result of stringent expenditure control.“The capital works program has been reduced by $53.3M to $170M a year with priority given to essential services and delivering projects over several years.“However, despite all this great work, Council’s projected financial position at 30 June 2021 will still be unsatisfactory with a current forecasted loss of $107.4M.“So the hard work will continue to find the savings and deliver a balanced budget for next financial year.

The success or otherwise of any Council depends on several key factors.One is the role of the CEO [or the General Manager].

Council is calling on community members that have an idea for a business venture, which will make a difference to our community, to attend an information session for this year’s Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program.Council’s Director of Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the annual Social Enterprise Launch Pad Program supports the development of innovative new enterprise models within the region and helps to turn community focused business ideas into a reality.“The free program, which has been running since 2012, provides a step-by-step guide to research, plan, seek funding and establish a social enterprise that benefits our community – whether it be social, environmental or creative,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year’s development program will be delivered in a partnership between Council, Business Centre and Community Compass as a series of workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions from April to July 2021.“I’m pleased to hear of the successes that previous participants have had since undertaking the program and the positive contributions their social enterprise ventures have made to the Central Coast community.