Central Coast Council’s first integrated draft Operational Plan and Budget to deliver $551 million in essential services and a record $208 million in capital works is now on public exhibition.

73% of the record $208 million capital spend will be in the key areas of roads, transport and drainage projects, water and sewer and open space and recreation.  $55.3 million will be spent on new strategic projects for the benefit of the whole community.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the financially sound draft Operational Plan strikes the right balance between delivering essential services in local areas and focussing on big picture regional projects to benefit the entire Central Coast community.

“One of the key priorities for this new Central Coast Council is to build a solid foundation in preparation for the newly elected Council in September and we are well on the way,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Our finances are sound and strong.  We have significant buying power and one of the biggest asset bases in the State.

“We are using this strong position to tackle our infrastructure backlog and deliver bumper investment in our local road network, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and water and sewer assets to secure our water supply into the future.”

“There is also a strong investment in regionally significant assets that will drive investment, growth and tourism for the Central Coast.”

Regionally significant capital projects earmarked for funding in the Plan include $16.5 million to complete the Tuggerah Regional Sports Complex, $3.8 million to start construction of the Mardi to Warnervale Trunk Water pipeline, $2 million for Adcock Park upgrade, $1.5 million to progress the Performing Arts and Conference Centre and $600,000 to progress the Regional Library in Gosford.

Budget Fast Facts and key spending areas outlined in the draft Plan include:

• $552.9 million operating income
• $551 million operating expenditure
• $1.9 million surplus
• $28.2 million capital grants and contributions
• $207 million of capital works program - $55.3 million on regionally significant projects
• $71.7 million of capital on roads, transport and drainage projects – total spend of $189 million on roads
• $53.6 million of capital spend on water and sewer – total spend of $213 million
• $27.1 million of capital on open space and recreation – total spend $54 million

“Everything we are doing is designed to improve the quality of life for our residents, while helping to create jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Reynolds said.

“I would encourage anyone interested in the future of the Central Coast to take a look at the Plan and have their say.”

The draft Plan can be viewed at both Council Offices, all library branches or online at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com

Submissions can be made online at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com, via email at ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21 Gosford NSW 2250.

All submissions must be received by 5pm Tuesday 13 June.