Council commits to Action Plan towards financial recovery

Council committed tonight to the roadmap towards financial recovery by adopting the final 100 Day Recovery Action Plan.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Plan was a multi-pronged approach, and key to success would be keeping all stakeholders informed; most importantly ratepayers and residents. 

“Our Central Coast community expect us to address these financial issues as urgently as we can and we intend to do that,” said Mayor Matthews.

“All decisions taken during this period of rapid change will ensure essential services are maintained and the impact on our community is minimised.”

“Long term, this is about the financial stability of Council operations to deliver effective and efficient services to meet community needs and aspirations.”

Acting CEO Jamie Loader said that the immediate focus was still on a reduction in the rate of expenditure to address the cashflow issues of Council.

“We have found substantial savings in our capital works program for 2020/21; stopped all recruitment for new roles; released a portion of the contingency workforce; restricted financial delegations and staff overtime and finalised scope of the forensic audit of Council’s finances.”

“At the same time, a complete review and fully costed business restructure will get underway,” said Mr Loader.

To view a copy of the 100 Day Action Recovery Plan, go to the 19 0ctober Council Meeting Agenda page, Item 3.7 on Council’s website at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Coastal management program underway

Council tonight received the first report in the new program for managing our coastal areas, with the stage 1 scoping study complete for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchments.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean River Coastal Management Program is a partnership between six Councils, including Central Coast and includes the Brisbane Water estuary, Broken Bay and the Lower Hawkesbury river in our local government area.

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said the scoping study had highlighted the importance of these waterways to our local economy and the importance of collaboration.

“The scoping study has shown us that the economic value of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchments is significant, with more than $270 million in fixed foreshore assets, $45 million per annuum in tourism benefits, $5 million per annum in direct economic value from river-based industries and around $500 million per annum in associated industries,” Mayor Matthews said.

“This is why it is important to work collaboratively with our neighbours to ensure we have a plan to manage potential impacts such as sea level rise, urban development, waterway use and planning differences across the LGAs.

“Stage 2 of the CMP will include detailed studies that help to identify, analyse and evaluate risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities across the estuary system.”

The scoping study was funded by the partner Councils and the NSW Government through the Coastal and Estuaries Grants program. Further funding will be sought for the next stages of the coastal management program.

Council further simplifies coastal management challenges

Council is taking steps to further clarify coastal management responsibilities, moving that ownership of the land at The Entrance North and Wamberal Beach should pass to, or remain with, the State of NSW.

With the exception of the section of unformed road on Wamberal Beach, which will remain under Council ownership until permanent coastal protection works have been investigated, ownership complications at each location present challenges in proceeding with activities such as coastal protection works. This became further apparent during the recent coastal erosion emergency.

By resolving these issues, overall management of these coastal zones can be simplified and development applications can be prepared with less complication, facilitating the future management of these locations for the benefit of the community.

Alcohol Free Zones established for four years

Council has established Alcohol Free Zones (AFZs) in previously identified locations across the Central Coast in accordance with the State Government Ministerial Guidelines. Council will also review additional areas at Budgewoi in carparks adjacent to Central Coast Hwy as well as pedestrian laneways in Woy Woy. 

The aim of an AFZ is to reduce alcohol related crime, violence and anti-social behaviour in identified locations in order to help create a safer environment for the whole community.

Community feedback on AFZ’s was sought between 14 August 2020 and 11 September 2020 and a full list of locations and maps can be viewed at yourvoiceourcoast.com/afz

Council 2021 meeting dates

Council meeting dates have been set for 2021.

Meetings will be held on:

• 8 and 22 February
• 8 and 22 March
• 12 and 26 April
• 10 and 24 May
• 15 and 28 June
• 12 and 26 July
• 9 and 23 August
• 13 and 27 September (to be confirmed)
• 11 and 25 October
• 8 and 22 November
• 13 December

Two meetings will be held during the four-week caretaker period prior to the 4 September Council election, with the first two post-election meeting dates to be confirmed following the election.

The Mayoral election will be held at the first meeting in September.

A Public Health Order issued to minimise the spread of COVID-19 means meetings will be held at Wyong Chambers with the option for Councillors to attend remotely. When this changes, the meeting location will alternate between Wyong and Gosford.