Earlier this week the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal delivered their determination supporting Central Coast Council’s current rate structure for a further seven years, a decision that was a sensible one.

This outcome allows Council to continue to maintain current service levels, comply with current banking requirements and most importantly, allows us to continue without interruption our 10-year long-term financial plan that provides for long-term financial stability for the organisation.

This is a decision that factors in the unique situation this Council was in and the recommendation made by the Public Inquiry Commissioner ‘for the Administrator to ensure the completion of the Business Recovery Plan as adopted and amended by Central Coast Council since October 2020’

We’ve achieved one of the most significant financial turnarounds of any organisation in under 12 months, with the current and forecasted surpluses repaying the emergency loans over the next 10 years.

For the community – there is no increase to your rates. This is a continuation of the current rates you pay with the exception of the rate peg as determined by IPART every year.

Now that we have an outcome, Council will be examining services where we’re not meeting community expectations and reflect this in future operational plans for an incoming Council to consider.

Rik Hart, Administrator