Rates rise confirmed for FY 2020-21

Following a determination from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), Council has resolved to accept a rate rise of 2.6 per cent for the 2020-21 financial year.

The increase will take effect from July and will be incorporated into the ordinary and special rates.

In accordance with the Local Government Act, IPART approved a rate peg increase of 2.6% for 2020-21. This means that Council may increase total rate revenue in 2020-21 by 2.6% without any additional approval and will apply to all rateable land.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said that while the rate rise comes at a time of uncertainty, Council has put in place processes to assist residents in meeting their obligations.

“It was an extremely difficult and emotive discussion as raising rates at this time was not an easy decision. As a Council, we’re well aware of the challenging economic conditions Central Coast residents are currently experiencing,” Mayor Matthews said.

“I would certainly encourage all residents to contact our customer service team and investigate the hardship options we have put in place to assist the community. Council remains committed to delivering on key community projects and the revenue raised from ratepayers will help us serve the community by providing great customer experience, value for money and delivering on quality services.”

Council is forecasting revenue of $335.5 million from ratepayers over the next 12 months.

New water policies open for community comment

The quality and responsible use of water across the Central Coast remains firmly on Council’s agenda with two new policies set to go on public exhibition for 28 days.

Residents will be able to have their say about both the Draft Drinking Water Quality Policy and Draft Recycled Water Quality Policy after they were endorsed by Council to reach the next stage of consultation.

The Draft Drinking Water Policy consolidates the previous policies of the former Wyong and Gosford City Councils and demonstrates Council’s commitment to providing continuous supply of drinking water that is consistent with the requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Additionally, the Draft Recycled Water Quality Policy is based on the former Gosford City Council Policy and reinforces Council’s commitment to the responsible and sustainable management and use of recycled water consistent with the Australian Guidelines for Recycled Water.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said water quality and security remain key priorities for Council.

“It’s important to meet both the needs of our immediate population and for future growth that we ensure residents have access to high quality and safe drinking water. Both these policies reinforce our commitment to this vital resource,” Mayor Matthews said.

“I would urge all residents to have their say during the consultation period.”

Have your say online at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Academy of Sport receives funding boost

The Central Coast Academy of Sport has received a funding boost ahead of the end-of-financial year with Council endorsing a one-year sponsorship to the value of $44,150.

Council has a significant Sponsorship Program in place that provides a contribution in money or in-kind to support an activity in return for a certain specified benefit. Sponsorship is provided to assist groups, organisations and businesses seeking support for initiatives that provide benefits to the Central Coast community.  

This additional funding to the Central Coast Academy of Sport is the final funding from the 2019-2020 Sponsorship Program.

Mayor Lisa Matthew said that community sponsorship remains a key priority for Council for the betterment of the entire region.

“Since its inception in 2004, the Central Coast Academy of Sport has provided locally based sports development opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials and administrators within the Local Government Area,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Both the former Wyong and Gosford Councils supported the Academy, and we’re delighted to continue this strong relationship with this additional sponsorship.

“I would encourage eligible groups to apply for sponsorship when the next round opens for the 2020-21 financial year.”

Visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/funding to find out more about community funding and sponsorship opportunities.

Future Council meeting dates finalised

Future meetings of Central Coast Council will be held at the Wyong Chambers when health restrictions ease enough for Council to open them for public access. This access will be subject to any Public Health Orders that are in place.

If Public Health Orders allow the Council to meet in person before members of the public can attend, those meetings will be held in the Gosford Chambers.

Councillors adopted a revised meeting schedule and venue change for the remainder of 2020 with the inclusion of an ordinary meeting on 30 November to accommodate the changing dates of the Local Government NSW Annual Conference.

Adoption of Social Media Policy

Council has committed to a new social media policy to cover the conduct of its elected Councillors.

The new policy applies to all Councillors and informs them of their responsibilities in relation to the use of social media in an official or individual capacity which reflects on their position as a Council official, as well as the processes, guidelines and issues relating to the use of social media. This policy will be supported by guidelines to assist Councillors in how to navigate social media in practice.

Council has been in dialogue with the Office of Local Government to clarify best practice and it is understood that Councils from around NSW will be invited to contributed to a social media template in the second half of the year, though a timeframe for this new policy has yet to be set.

The application of the policy will be reviewed after 12 months.