Central Coast Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 which will deliver $791 million worth of investment in essential services and capital works will be placed on exhibition for public comment from 1 April, 2019.

The Draft Plan, which forms the second year of Council's Delivery Program 2018-21, will deliver $567.8million in essential services and $223.2million in capital works in the priority areas of roads; water and sewerage service infrastructure; protecting and enhancing the local environment; community facilities and open space and recreation infrastructure.

Council’s estimated operating income for the 2019-20 financial year is $560.1million, leaving an estimated budgeted operating deficit of $7.7million before capital grants and contributions.

Council is proposing a small deficit to ensure that Council meets community expectations in terms of services and infrastructure. This is part of a longer term financial strategy and Council will welcome community comment on the strategy.

Mayor Jane Smith said the Draft Plan continued Council’s commitment to prioritising key community needs and aspirations for the Central Coast in line with the Community Strategic Plan - Council’s contract with the community.

“The Draft Plan details every project and initiative we will deliver over the next year with a strong focus on consolidation of Council’s core operating systems, delivering community infrastructure and meeting sustainability principles,” Mayor Smith said.

“This reflects Council’s focus on continuing to align services including consolidation of information on one technology platform and some major changes to our operating income and expenditure including increases in electricity and fuel costs and an adjustment in annual charges and user charges in line with our Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) submission.”

Hundreds of projects are planned right across the Coast in the $223.2million capital works program. Priority spending areas include:

• $72.7million in Roads, Transport and Drainage
• $38.4million in Water and Sewerage
• $21.8million in Open Space and Recreation
• $16.3million in Facilities and Asset Management
• $9.4million in Economic Development and Project Delivery
• $4.5million in Business Enterprise
• $4.3million in Waste Services
• $3.1million in Natural and Environmental Assets
• $2.7million in Waterways and Coastal Protection
• $2.3million in Leisure and Lifestyle
• $1.1million in Libraries
• $148,000 in Learning and Education

“We will continue to review our operations to look for innovative ways to deliver services and take advantage of efficiencies to reduce the budgeted operating deficit,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council is in a strong financial position with our infrastructure, property, plant and equipment portfolio having a gross replacement cost of $10.2billion as at 30 June 2018 and investment portfolio which is managed to ensure that Council has sufficient funds to deliver services to the community.”

“Our community have identified their vision of where they want to see the Coast grow and be in 10 years’ time - we want a smart, responsible, green and liveable Central Coast and for all community members to have a sense of belonging.”

“This Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 will enable Council to deliver this for our community and continue to pave the way for a prosperous and positive future for our region.”

Budget Fast Facts

• $560.1million operating income
• $567.8million operating expenditure
• $52.4million capital grants and contributions
• $223.2million capital works program
• $7.7million budgeted operating deficit before capital grants and contributions

Council encourages the community to make submissions on the Draft Operational Plan 2019-20 from 1 April 2019. To view the Draft Plan, go to yourvoiceourcoast.com, Council libraries and offices at Wyong and Gosford. Submissions will be received up until 5pm Wednesday 1 May 2019.