Central Coast Council representatives will today attend the funeral of former Councillor Bob Ward to pay tribute to his commitment to Council and the community.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said he found Bob Ward’s local knowledge and passion for the Central Coast invaluable when the new Council was formed and he had left a lasting legacy to be proud of.

“Bob was well liked and respected for the work he did in the community.  He was a real gentleman,” Mr Reynolds said.

“He was keen to serve on the Local Representation Committee and his advice and commitment served the new Central Coast Council well.

“As well as his role on the Local Representative Committee, Bob served as one of Council’s representatives on the Joint Regional Planning Panel where he brought his dedicated local experience to bear on important development proposals.

“I would like to thank him for his dedication and service to the Coast community in a number of roles over a number of years.

“Bob has left a long and lasting legacy as a passionate advocate for the Central Coast community and will be missed.”

“On behalf of Central Coast Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends at this time.”

Bob Ward was elected to Gosford City Council in September 2012 and was Deputy Mayor for 2 years. He was the Chairman of Council’s Employment and Economic Development Committee. Bob was appointed, as one of the Central Coast Council's two representatives, on the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel in June, 2016. Bob was also a member of Central Coast Council’s Local Representation Committee and Chairman of Council's Community Working Group.

In an Gosford City Council End of Term Report in 2016, Bob Ward cited his proudest moment as Councillor:

"Projects that I have been especially proud of during my term were the approval of the triple tower Waterside development by the Joint Regional Planning Panel on a site that has become an eyesore for the community, and the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Oval, including the construction of a new grandstand with state-of-the-art facilities funded through Federal, State and Gosford City Council grants."

Council flags at both offices of Central Coast Council are at half-mast today in honour of Mr Ward.