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 

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 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:

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.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to have their say on two draft Floodplain Risk Management Plans and Studies now open for public comment.The two documents, one for the Northern Lakes catchment and the other covering the Davistown/Empire Bay catchments, have drawn on community response and floodplain risk management studies, to offer options that will help mitigate the risk of future flooding events.Council has also commenced the initial stages of the Floodplain Risk Management Study for the Woy Woy catchment and asking community members to provide suggestions on how they would like to see flooding issues addressed.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said that the plans focus on reducing the impact of flooding to residents and businesses within these catchments.“Our flood planning team and expert consultants look at a range of factors to evaluate a flood mitigation measures specific to each catchment,” Mr Cox said.“The plans also take into consideration feedback from consultation with the affected communities, and now is the time for these communities to make sure we have covered their areas of concern and that they understand the implications of the recommendations made.“For residents and business in the Woy Woy peninsula catchment, we are drawing on a number of historic plans to begin this process, we want them to help us understand the flooding impacts from a local point of view and encourage them to complete the survey.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said Council was providing several ways for the community to get involved, and he encouraged them to do so.“There are COVID-safe drop in sessions scheduled for the residents in all of these catchments as well as opportunity for virtual one-on-one meetings for the Northern Lakes and Davistown/Empire Bay catchments” Mr Persson said.“I highly recommend the residents take the time to read the documents and have a conversation with our staff about what it will mean for them.”Bookings are essential for all events.

In surveying the community recently about a proposed rate rise, many suggested alternatives be considered.

One of the Central Coast’s premier sporting venues is being revitalised with the upgrading of key facilities.Duffy’s Oval Recreation Precinct at Terrigal is home to the Terrigal United Football Club and Terrigal Little Athletics Club, as well as being a popular location for many other sports including BMX riding.Work has recently been completed on the upgrade of the amenities building and work is now underway on redeveloping the BMX track.The amenities building upgrade focussed on improving accessibility and functionality, providing male and female toilets, change room and showers, accessible toilet and shower, multiple store rooms, canteen and a club function room.Meanwhile, work underway at the BMX track includes upgrading the tracks’ jumps, asphalting berms and laying a synthetic surface on dirt sections.

Central Coast ‘Makers and Creators’ – individuals or groups who create something unique to share with the community and visitors – have an exciting opportunity to showcase their works. The inaugural creative activation 'Blank Canvas Central Coast' will give local makers and creators the opportunity to takeover a pop-up retail space in Ettalong or Long Jetty during April 2021. Selected makers and creators will be able to showcase and sell their works directly to locals and visitors. This project is fully funded through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery grants program, an Australian Government bushfire recovery initiative. To participate, complete and submit an Expressions of Interest by 11.59pm Wednesday 17 February 2021 at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/EOI

Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on location options for a new shared pathway between Mannering Park and Kingfisher Shores, Chain Valley Bay.Two options for the shared pathway – along the foreshore or road – are now on public exhibition.Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said this community advocated project would deliver an array of benefits for locals and visitors.“This project will improve pedestrian safety, connectivity between local destinations, and provide an additional recreational facility,” Mr Bolgoff said.“This pathway will achieve multiple important objectives – complete a missing link, loop around a scenic waterway, improve connectivity and offer a healthy and environmentally friendly transport option.”"Our community has flagged this project as a priority and it is identified in Council’s Bike Plan and s7.12 Developer Contributions Plan.“The project is not currently fully funded and completion is dependent on securing of grant funding and completion in stages.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said he encouraged community members to let Council know their preferred option.“A shared pathway connecting Mannering Park and Chain Valley Bay is an important amenity, particularly for community members who live in the area,” Mr Persson said.“Consider the two options presented and let Council know what you think will deliver the best results for locals and visitors to the Coast.”Option 1Location – along foreshore from Griffith Street, Mannering Park (along Delta Power land) to Kingfisher ShoresLength – 2.9 kilometresEstimated cost – $6.5millionOption 2Location – from existing path near Griffith Street, Mannering Park via Ruttleys Road and the Pacific Highway to the existing shared path at Tall Timbers RoadLength – 6.1 kilometresEstimated cost – $7.8millionCommunity members can find more information – maps, answers to FAQs, details of a Drop-in Information Session – and have their say by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com

15% rate rise application submitted as part of Council’s financial recovery   Council will formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a 15% rate rise.

Central Coast Council is planning the future water needs for our region and is looking to the community to be a part of the conversation.Residents can have their say on two important water projects:the Integrated Water Resource Plan:

My first three months as Administrator for Central Coast Council has involved working out what had happened, who was responsible, and most importantly what we needed to do to return the Council to a positive financial position.

Council is once again encouraging residents to clear out unwanted hazardous chemicals from around the home and correctly dispose of them for free at the next bi-annual Chemical CleanOut events.Community members can safely drop off their chemicals at Event Park, Kariong on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February 2021, as well as at Long Jetty Council Depot on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February from 9am to 3.30pm daily.Council Unit Manager Waste Services and Business Development, Andrew Pearce said the events are a perfect opportunity for residents to clear any hazardous materials leftover from DIY projects during self-isolation and over the holidays.“With the rise in home improvements and home clean outs in 2020, now is an ideal time to responsibly dispose of any leftover cleaning products and paints lurking around garages and sheds,” Mr Pearce said.“As these events occur around every six months, it’s also a great reminder to check smoke detectors and their batteries, both of which are accepted at these events.“Other items that can be dropped off include pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, fluorescent globes and tubes as well as any unknown or unidentified chemicals which are accepted for identification and correct disposal.“With COVID-19 restrictions in place, extra precautions continue to be taken for the continued safety of residents and staff onsite and as always we ask residents to remain in their vehicles when dropping off their hazardous waste.”Council Administrator Dick Persson AM praised the Central Coast community for their ongoing commitment to responsibly dispose of problem wastes.“These events allow residents to get hazardous materials safely out of harm’s way, while also allowing for the recovery of reusable materials and precious metals,” Mr Persson said.“With continuous record-breaking CleanOut events across the Coast each year, it is clear that Central Coast residents are eager to do the right thing and keep these hazardous materials out of landfills.”Up to 100 litres of paint can be accepted per vehicle, in containers of 20L or less.