Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has tonight presented to the community his 3-month Progress Report at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council. Mr Persson said this report, now 3 months into his term, brings the community up-to-date on events outlined in his 30-day Interim Report into Council’s financial mismanagement delivered in late 2020.

Referendum to be held to reduce Councillor numbers and consultation to be held on preference for ward structureA referendum will be held at the same time as the 2021 Local Government elections for community consideration to reduce the number of Councillors from 15 to 9.Before the referendum question is finalised consultation will be undertaken to gauge community preference for a ward structure or even for no wards at all.Administrator Dick Persson said it was important that the elected body of Council works in a constructive and effective way for the benefit of the Central Coast community.“I believe 15 Councillors is simply too many and does not facilitate collaborative and effective decision making and that has to change,” Mr Persson said.“The only way to change this is through a referendum so the community of the Coast will have a direct say in this change.“Wards is another area that needs review.

Central Coast Council is working with the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia NSW and ACT Division (IPWEA) to trial new technology using video footage and machine learning to deliver an automated assessment of road conditions.The exciting new technology has the potential to deliver superior data whilst also saving time and money.Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the system is designed to be easily mounted to Council vehicles which are already driven across the road network on a regular basis.“Our goal is to deliver thorough, regular and cost-effective assessments of our road network and this incredible new technology could see standard Council vehicles equipped to asses our roads,” Mr Bolgoff said.“Video and machine learning is the future of road assessments and indicators suggest that the technology we are trialling could provide a safer and more cost-effective means for monitoring and assessing 2,200 kilometres of Central Coast roads.”Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM said it is Council’s responsibility to explore and utilise the most effective techniques for maintaining and developing the local road network.“The Central Coast is an expansive region with an extensive road roadwork and it is exciting to be exploring a technology that offers the potential to provide us with better data in a more cost-effective way.”IPWEA is also working with Canterbury Bankstown, Georges River and Blayney Councils for the trial and there is no direct cost to Central Coast Council to participate.The evaluation of the trial will be released at the IPWEA state conference, at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley from Tuesday, 23 March until Thursday, 25 March 2021.

Recently I explained why I was proposing a rate increase.

The Ordinary Meeting of Central Coast Council scheduled for 6.30pm on Wednesday 27 January will now be held on Wednesday 3 February.

This is my 9th year as a Council Administrator.

Central Coast Council is extending the survey options for the community to have their say on a rate rise for the Central Coast.

Twelve exceptional Coasties have received Australia Day honours, including long-serving Meals on Wheels volunteer Paula Hardwick who was named ‘Citizen of the Year’ at yesterday’s 2021 Australia Day Awards on the Central Coast.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that the annual Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to recognise Central Coast locals who have contributed positively to many facets of community life.“Each of our nine winners and three highly commended recipients have enriched our community through their unique achievements and contributions and I am thrilled to congratulate them on this honour,” Ms Vaughan said.“Our Citizen of the Year for 2021, Paula Hardwick epitomises what it means to be an Australian, having committed her time as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels Central Coast for more than 20 years.“When COVID-19 restrictions came into effect last year and Paula’s role as a flight attendant ceased, she increased her commitment to Meals on Wheels and started volunteering several days a week to ensure her clients received nutritional meals and valuable social interaction during a difficult time.“Paula is passionate about bringing happiness and smiles through every delivery, so much so that she made it her mission to arrive dressed in a different costume for each delivery!“It’s this commitment to going the extra mile to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community that makes Paula a worthy recipient of our 2021 Citizen of the Year Award.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said Australia Day honours are a celebration of the diverse and remarkable contributions of extraordinary Australians.“I would like to congratulate each of the winners across the eight categories, as well as all of the nominees,” Mr Persson said.“To be recognised for your outstanding contributions to community life is an exceptional honour of which you should all be very proud.“Australia Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our history, to celebrate rich tapestry of cultures which make up our community and to look to the future.“In doing so, I would like to pay special acknowledgement to the Coast’s Indigenous community, the Darkinjung people, who play a vital role in shaping the future of our region.”A brief biography of each of the Australia Day 2021 award winners for the Central Coast is included below.Citizen of the Year (Winner) – Paula HardwickPaula has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels on the Central Coast for the past 21 years.

Locals and visitors to the Coast will have access to a series of breath-taking, inspirational and thought-provoking exhibitions hosted by Gosford Regional Gallery.Exhibitions across 2021 span awe inspiring surf photography, work inspired by the ‘elemental and sacred’ continent of Antarctica, representations of the interconnectedness of human, plant and animal beings, and a must-see exploration of First Nations storytelling.Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the exhibitions on offer over the next six months showcase the works of leading Australian artists including Ryan Heywood, Spencer Hornby, Reed Plummer, Luke Shadbolt, Ken Knight and Angela Valamanesh.“The Central Coast has truly become a hub for art and culture and I’d encourage locals and visitors to lock-in time to explore the incredible exhibitions we have planned,” Ms Vaughan said.“Even if heading to the art gallery isn’t usually your cup of tea, the diversity of the pieces that will be showcased this year means there really is something for everybody.“When you head to Gosford Regional Gallery you will also be able to explore our Foyer Gallery which showcases the work of local artists and of course take a wander through the serene Edogawa Commemorative Garden."Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM said he particularly encouraged visitors to the Coast to explore what the gallery has to offer.“The Central Coast is best known for spectacular beaches and bushwalks but the region has come into its own as a cultural epicentre and the exhibitions on offer at Gosford Regional Gallery this year are testament to this,” Mr Persson said.Exhibitions featured in the Main Gallery of Gosford Regional Gallery until 11 July 2021:It seems to come in wavesBe taken inside the perfect way through this awe inspiring exhibition of surf photography featuring the work of Ryan Heywood, Spencer Hornby, Reed Plummer and Luke Shadbolt.5 December 2020 to 31 January 2021.Ken Knight:

Celebrated journalist and creator of the recently launched Coasties magazine, Amy Nelmes Bissett has been announced by Central Coast Council as the 2021 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast.A Central Coast local, Amy is a freelance writer, editor and digital content creator whose work is regularly featured in international publications including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Refinery 29 and Grazia.In September 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions were impacting businesses across the Central Coast, Amy launched the Coasties lifestyle magazine and website with an aim to inspire locals to support local.Since then, Coasties has introduced the Coasties Card – a membership card which provides special deals and discounts to encourage the community to spend local across eateries, activities, and shopping, as well as beauty and wellness.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said that Amy has worked tirelessly to support local businesses through Coasties magazine, creating several platforms for the community to engage with and show support during difficult times.“Australia Day Ambassadors are high achieving Australians who provide inspiration and pride to our local community, and there is no doubt that Amy fits this brief,” Ms Vaughan said.“In a time when small businesses are struggling, Amy’s work through Coasties magazine has helped drive traffic into almost 400 local businesses, in just over three months!”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM congratulated Ms Nelmes on being selected for the special honour.“Amy is certainly someone the community can look up to at our Australia Day events,” Mr Persson said.“Not only is Amy a strong advocate of supporting local businesses, she has also established an impressive career in journalism, which has seen her words grace the pages of some of the world’s most reputable publications.”As 2021 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast, Amy will be attending and speaking at local Australia Day celebrations.Following careful consideration of public safety, Central Coast Council will not be holding any public events or fireworks displays this Australia Day.We encourage community members to keep safety at top of mind when planning Australia Day celebrations this year.

This week I want to address the frustration and anger felt about a possible rate increase.WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO PAY - is a common theme in letters and emails from ratepayers.As ratepayers you are ‘the shareholders’ of the Council.

Connecting with the Coast’s ‘Makers and Creators’ is now easier than ever through a new dedicated digital directory on the Love Central Coast website.Breathtaking beaches and a beautiful hinterland are synonymous with the Coast but the region’s vibrant and diverse town centres and hidden pockets – shaped by a growing community of unique Makers and Creators – are adding to the magnetic appeal of the region.Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the exciting new digital resource showcases the growing creative enclaves of the Coast.“We are home to a community of talented and forward-thinking individuals and this fantastic new digital directory makes it easier for all of us to discover and engage with their work,” Ms Vaughan said.“A Maker and Creator is an individual or group who creates something unique to share with our community and visitors.“Connect with a truly diverse range of bespoke small business owners who call the Coast home – from painters and poets to beekeepers and craft beer distillers.”The Makers and Creators microsite on the Love Central Coast website was proudly funded by the NSW Government through $50,000 from the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the digital microsite would boost the profile of local businesses.“This digital directory will not only help to promote the Central Coast and encourage more tourism for our region, but also make it easier for the community to discover unique and creative ventures taking place,” Mr Crouch said.“The ‘Love Central Coast’ website and its ‘Makers and Creators’ microsite really does show off the best our region has to offer and is something we can all be proud of.”Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the Central Coast’s growing creative community contributes significantly to the vibrancy and diversity of the Coast.“Talented individuals are increasingly choosing the Central Coast as the destination to establish themselves and their business, which makes an invaluable contribution to the region,” Mr Persson said.“Makers and Creators put so much passion into what they do and Council is thrilled that this invaluable new digital directory will introduce more locals and visitors to their work.”A taste of the Maker and Creator brands featured:Kyal and Kara, KK Homewares, professional renovators and designers, Bateau BayNicole Berlach, Botanical Artist, Umina BeachStef Rusbourne, Mowgli Studios, Long JettyBee Girl Honey Co., Producer, NoravilleGlee Coffee Roasters, Erina Heights & WyongFanelli Organics, Producers, Mangrove MountainCarlie Ballard, Fashion Designer, Umina BeachMcKenzie McCaffrey Poems, Poet, Umina BeachOnyx Coffee Spirits, Distiller, West GosfordRough Idea Designs, Potter, KincumberRowsie Lane, Florist, Long Jetty#untrashy – Environmental Activists, Ettalong BeachEast Coast Surfboards – Board Shapers, TuggerahExplore the Makers and Creators of the Central Coast or submit a free listing at lovecentralcoast.com

Central Coast Council has continued to monitor water quality at Canton Beach with daily sampling following a sewer rising main break in Wattle Street on 22 December.Council was scheduled to partially reopen Canton Beach today, however recent rain has seen water quality readings decline and the area is deemed unsuitable for swimming, fishing and recreational activities.Heavy rainfall increases the risk of our waterways being impacted by pollution due to stormwater run-off.Council works in partnership with Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in the Beachwatch Program to monitor and report on water quality across our region.Further information can be found on our website centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to have their say on options for a rate rise to secure the long-term financial sustainability and service delivery for the Central Coast.Council has notified the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of its intention to apply for a Special Variation (SV) of either a one-off ten percent remaining in the rate base for seven years or a one-off fifteen percent, remaining permanently in the rate base, inclusive of the 2021/22 rate peg of 2%.Acting CEO Rik Hart said he understood community concern about paying more rates but this was needed for Council’s long-term financial security and ongoing service delivery which would benefit everyone.“We have been open with the community about our financial situation and are taking significant steps to help our bottom line – we are selling assets, reducing staff numbers and materials and contracts, reducing the capital works program, looking at fees and charges and we have been able to secure further loans,” Mr Hart said.“The last thing we want to do is put more burden on our ratepayers.

It is understandable that the community is angry about the ‘full payout’ given to the former Central Coast Council CEO following his termination. I was too because as I said in my 30-Day Report, the former CEO did not adequately perform key parts of the role and therefore was a major contributor to the financial decline confronting the Council.However, given the provisions of the contract and the laws governing employee legal rights, a full payout of 38 weeks was necessary.

The BMX track at Duffys Reserve, Terrigal will be closed for two months while the track is being upgraded by Central Coast Council. Work will begin this week on upgrading the tracks’ jumps, asphalting berms and laying of a new polymer all weather surface   on dirt sections of the track.The redevelopment will make the track more accessible and functional, particularly during wet weather and will ensure it meets BMX Australia’s specifications.The $300,000 project is being funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Fund and is expected to be completed by mid-March.ENDS

Families have plenty of options to keep the kids entertained over the summer break, with Central Coast Council offering an exciting range of online and face-to-face school holiday activities to keep young minds occupied and imaginations stimulated. Parents, carers and guardians can visit the School Holidays event page on Council’s website to find out everything that’s taking place over the break, and can easily search for activities by date, location and age. There is something for all ages and interests, from green living workshops, robotics experiences and reading challenges to sports programs, craft workshops, laser tag challenges and much more. All face-to-face programs will operate in a COVID-safe way, including limited numbers in each workshop with all participants carers required to register with contact detail in accordance with NSW. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings. What's On at our Leisure CentresCouncil’s Leisure Centres have another packed schedule of swimming and sporting activities to keep kids active and busy these summer holidays.

Central Coast Council’s alarm system alerted crews to a sewer rising main break in Wattle Street, Canton Beach in the early hours on Tuesday 22 December 2020.A crew was dispatched to site and have contained flows being discharged from the site of the break.Clean-up works will continue through the day and community members and visitors should not swim at Canton Beach until further notice.

At the meeting of Council last Monday evening, I brought on an Administrator’s Minute to consider, in addition to the Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 10% previously resolved by Council, that consultation also be undertaken on an increase of 15%.

Central Coast Council accepted the offer of a principal and interest loan for $100M in an Extraordinary Council Meeting held this afternoon.The terms as dated 18 December are for a fixed 3 year loan amortizing over 15 years.   The loan will assist Council with a positive budget for the next financial year and long term 10 year financial plan.