Published On
24/05/2017Tourism experts to deliver best services for the industry and the Coast
Council will continue to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast with the assistance of expert external providers.
New Central Coast Urban Design Panel established and consent periods confirmed
Expressions of interest will soon be called for a newly created Central Coast Urban Design Panel to assist Council deliver high quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects.
Building a solid foundation for the newly elected Council
Council is finalising preparations for the upcoming local government elections, with the exhibition of a draft Code of Conduct, Code of Meeting Practice and Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.
Council will also be concluding the operation of the Local Representation Committee (LRC) – consisting of 18 former Councillors from the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the LRC had proven to be a valuable resource over the last 12 months.
“The LRC have provided invaluable advice on key issues around the environment, the economy and community issues unique to the Central Coast,” said Mr Reynolds.
“The conclusion of the LRC next month will allow some clear air between the operations of the committee and the election process – with the opportunity to nominate as a candidate commencing on 31 July.
“Irrespective of who may stand for election, this will allow an equal playing field to all of those proposing to stand for election in September.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the LRC for their ongoing commitment and contribution to Central Coast Council and I wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”
Exhibiting the draft Codes and Policies will provide potential candidates with a greater understanding of meeting processes and the expectations of Councillors.
The draft Code of Conduct is an integral part of Council’s governance framework and provides guidance on public comment, gifts and benefits and confidentiality; incorporating model code provisions prescribed by the Office of Local Government and additional provisions to support best practice.
Council’s draft Code of Meeting Practice aims to guide the effective, open and orderly conduct of Central Coast Council Meetings. A key decision-making mechanism, it is proposed that monthly meetings will alternate between Gosford and Wyong with webcasting set to continue.
The draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy outlines the assistance Councillors will receive when carrying out their civic functions, including travel expenses, carer expenses, home office expenses as well as the cost of professional development.
“With the local government elections fast approaching, we wanted the community to be aware of the requirements that will be in place from the first meeting of our new Council,” Mr Reynolds added.
“This suite of policies – once exhibited, reviewed and adopted – will allow our newly elected representatives to hit the ground running.
“I look forward to any community feedback as a result of this public exhibition, with our newly elected Council also having the ability to review and amend these policies following the election.
“These policies reflect key values and principles within our organisation, including transparency, respect, trust and inclusion; with a range of reporting and audit safeguards to ensure governance best practice.”
The draft polices and codes will be exhibited shortly, for a period of 28 days and will be available at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com.
Coast water prices remain stable
Water prices on the Central Coast will remain the same following the formal adoption of water, sewerage and drainage fees and charges for 2017-18.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has extended the term of the May 2013 pricing determinations to 30 June 2019. This means that the maximum 2016-17 prices, as specified in the 2013 determinations, will continue to apply until 30 June 2019, with no Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the decision would give the community some reassurance on water and sewerage prices.
“I particularly want to reassure residents living in retirement villages that the decision made last September to align the prices across the region is retained.
“Council is currently working on the process for the 2018-19 price review and determination.”
“In the meantime, any residents or businesses with questions should contact Council on either 4350 5555 or 4325 8222.”
Council’s Draft Operation Plan and Budget, which includes detail about rates, fees and charges for the next financial year is currently out on public exhibition and can be viewed at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com
Adopted Plan to create a more inclusive and accessible community
Following extensive community consultation and public exhibition, Council has tonight adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
The plan, developed in conjunction with staff, residents, local organisations and an External Disability Inclusion Reference Group – fosters an inclusive and accessible community for everyone on the Central Coast.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the plan outlines a range of strategies and actions that Council will implement over a four year period.
“Our Disability Inclusion Action Plan will enable people with a disability to better access Council services and facilities and participate in all aspects of community life,” said Mr Reynolds.
“Outcomes from the plan will be incorporated into Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, with a range of key performance indicators, timeframes and required resources responsible for implementation.
“Our staff will also be reproducing the document in a range of accessible formats, to ensure our Disability Inclusion Action Plan is available to everyone.
“This is a fantastic step towards inclusion across the region and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of the plan.”
A copy of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan will be submitted to the NSW Disability Council and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Council and the community work together to protect the heritage of the Coast
Council will prepare a planning proposal to include 136 new items of local heritage for formal recognition and inclusion in the current Local Environmental Plan.
There are currently 221 items of local and state significance listed in the Gosford Local Environment Plan. In June 2012, the former Gosford City Council resolved to fund a Heritage Study to examine the heritage of its local government area which has identified these new heritage items for inclusion.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said identifying these new items had been a great collaboration between Council, the consultant appointed to do the Study and most importantly, the community.
“Community members worked alongside the consultant – attending public meetings, doing important research, nominating items for inclusion and worked tirelessly to manage and promote their local heritage,” Mr Reynolds said.
"The new items listed are from a range of built forms – public schools, wharves, cafés, boatsheds, farms and private residences.
“The Planning Proposal including the 136 new items will be referred to the NSW Minister for Planning for a gateway determination and then will be subject to a further round of community consultation.
“So this is the first crucial step towards conserving some of our local built form heritage into the future.”
Every private property owner whose property has been identified as being of heritage significance, has been contacted directly by Council and been provided with information to understand the impacts of the listing.
37 property owners objected to the listing of their properties so those properties are not included in this listing and will be subject to a separate report that will be considered by the newly elected Council after September 2017.
Work is now underway to prepare one consolidated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to guide future development across the Central Coast.
$250,000 in grants to build a stronger Central Coast community
Fourteen community groups will share in $250,000 in Stronger Communities Fund grants endorsed by Council tonight.
Newly merged Councils, like the Central Coast, received $10 million under the State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund with $1 million earmarked for grants for local community groups.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this funding was a great outcome from the amalgamation and increased Council’s capacity to work with local groups to deliver projects and services the community need, want and value.
“It is great to see funds going directly to our many sporting, cultural, environmental and other groups who work hard every day to deliver important services to our community,” Mr Reynolds said.
“Council has now allocated $9.5 million of the $10 million from the Stronger Communities Fund to projects including major new local infrastructure, community services and local community projects that will enhance the lives of Central Coast residents.”
Council received 75 applications for Round 2 of funding. Successful recipients will receive confirmation via letter from Council shortly as will those groups that have been unsuccessful.
Local community groups are encouraged to apply for Round 3 of the Stronger Communities Fund which will open on 17 July 2017 and close on 11 August 2017.
More information on the Fund can be found at www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au/funds
Local Groups to enjoy $12,000 funding boost
Council has awarded over $12,000 to local community groups and individuals as part of the Community Subsidy Program, Neighbourhood Activation Program and Developing and Recognising Talent Program.
The Community Subsidy Program and Neighbourhood Activation Program were initiatives under the former Wyong Shire Council and the Developing and Recognising Talent Program was an initiative under the former Gosford City Council.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said these three programs targeted particular areas of need in the north and south of the Coast and continued to deliver great value to the local community.
“The Community Subsidy Program supports community efforts to maintain the quality of life of the community in the north of the coast by assisting with events, activities and programs that express community and cultural values, protect our natural environment, improve the urban environment and create jobs.”
The Entrance-Long Jetty RSL Sub-Branch and Central Coast Multicultural Childrens’ Resource Centre Incorporated will received $2000 each.
The Neighbourhood Activation Program supports the efforts of local volunteers and community members to improve the quality of life of the community of the north of the Central Coast.
“This is a fairly new program and is making a positive impact in local areas and I am pleased to see the Benevolent Society receive funding for a community expo,” Mr Reynolds said.
“The Developing and Recognising Talent Program supports residents in the south of Coast to represent their community in sporting and cultural pursuits.”
"It aims to inspire grass-roots sporting and cultural talent through profiling and assisting representative individuals and groups.”
“Thanks in part to this funding the Central Coast will be represented at important events including the World Championships of Performing Arts in the USA, the national U17 Championships and Swimming Australia Open championships,”
“I congratulate all the talented recipients for their commitment to their chosen field and I wish them the very best.”
Council is carrying out an extensive review of its community grants and sponsorships programs to produce a suite of funding opportunities that best meet the needs of the entire Central Coast Community.
Details on new grants programs, including guidelines and the application process and expected to be in place from July 1 2017 and an extensive community education campaign will be delivered prior to the new programs’ opening.
More information on Council’s Grant Funding Programs can be found at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au