Central Coast Council has released its latest Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive account of Council’s performance from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Administrator Rik Hart said the achievements were a credit to the staff who have delivered high quality services to the community while the organisation faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, La Niña wet weather conditions and the Council’s financial situation.

“The last 12 months have seen Central Coast Council transition from “fixing the financial problem” to building long term financial sustainability. As an organisation, we met all the financial recovery plan milestones, with the focus shifting towards consolidating and improving the performance of the organisation.”

“I acknowledge the passionate, persistent, and dedicated Council staff who have all played a significant role in reshaping this organisation’s direction. I sincerely thank you, the community of the Central Coast, for standing by this organisation in tough times,” Mr Hart said.

Achievements and highlights for 2021-22 include:

• Finalisation of the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (CCLEP 2022) and Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022 (CCDCP 2022), with notification of the new legislation in June 2022. The means that the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire planning controls have been harmonised, providing a uniform set of planning controls for the Central Coast. The new planning controls came into effect on 1 August 2022 and have helped streamline the development application and assessment process for the LGA.
• Preparation and endorsement of the Central Coast Water Security Plan, which sets out the future demand on the regions water supply and infrastructure, and a plan for action.
• Recognition of the Central Coast with ECO Destination Certification by Ecotourism Australia, making it one of the first regions in the country to be recognised for its strong, well-managed commitment to environmentally sustainable practices and high-quality, nature-based tourism experiences.
• Delivered a full calendar of community events and activities even through COVID-19 restrictions, including, Chromefest, the Harvest Festival, Taste of Toukley, Senior Week, Youth Week and many more.
• Delivered the hallmark Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf that features a state-of-the-art floating pontoon, accessibility features, solar lighting, and smart benches with mobile phone charging capability.
• Delivered essential and community infrastructure across the region, with the renewal and replacement of play spaces and equipment at Gwandalan, Green Point, North Avoca and Mardi; road upgrades at Berkeley Vale, Budgewoi, Copacabana, Long Jetty and Empire Bay; and continuation of the Tuggerawong shared pathway, with the section between February Street and Palmer Street constructed. A number of these projects would not have been possible without funding support from the NSW Government and Australian Government.
• Meeting community needs across a range of services:
  • Development and building: 3,283 building certification inspections undertaken, 488 new lots released, and 2883 development applications were lodged.
  • Waste management: 16,088,970 kerbside collections, 34,255 tonnes of household recyclables diverted from landfill, 59,294 tonnes of garden organics and biosolids diverted from landfill.
  • Leisure centres and pools: 2,148 Active Kid and First Lap vouchers redeemed (valued at $214,800), 722,821 attendances across Council’s six leisure centres and pools, 2,560 group fitness classes and 720 aqua fitness classes delivered.
  • Community facilities: 24,086 community hall bookings, 19,748 open space and reserve bookings, and 205 community leases managed.
  • Roads and drainage: 85,668 potholes filled, 280 kilometres of road grading completed, and 2.47 kilometres of drainage infrastructure constructed.

The audited financial statements for 2021-22 will form an addendum to the Annual Report once they have been audited and adopted by Council. 

Council’s Annual Report 2021-22 can be viewed on Council’s website. Search ‘Annual Report” at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au