Published On
26/07/2020Council focuses on delivering essential services and supporting the community
Central Coast Council tonight adopted its Operational Plan for the 2020-21 financial year. Council has budgeted $564.3 million for the delivery of essential services and $225 million for capital works across the local government area.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Operational Plan responded to these unprecedented times and ensured Council could deliver essential services within its financial means without letting go of long-term goals for the Central Coast community.
“This is a financially responsible budget that continues to meet the needs and aspirations of the Central Coast community in line with the Community Strategic Plan,” said Mayor Matthews.
“We have had to make income and expenditure adjustments which means that some capital works projects have been deferred and others have been prioritised for this financial year.
“We also have $33million in additional capital works projects which are pending external grant funding, or are ‘gated’ projects where the funding is released once the project meets set criteria to continue,” said Mayor Matthews.
“Hundreds of projects are still planned across the coast. Our capital works program invests in open space and recreation improvements; protecting and enhancing the local environment; essential infrastructure for water and sewer and roads; and a continuing innovation program to improve delivery of services in the long term. We are ensuring the Central Coast remains a great liveable region now and into the future with our investment in community resilience programs and finalising some big strategic plans about environmental management, including a number of flood studies, and continuing our climate action planning with the community,” said Mayor Matthews.
“We know this has been a tough time for many residents and local businesses. We are here to support and do what we can during these challenging times,” said Mayor Matthews.
CEO Gary Murphy added that Council would continue to respond to the evolving economic and public health situation, and also actively seek additional revenue opportunities through grant funding and other means.
“More than ever, our operating environment is dynamic and constantly changing as we respond like other businesses to the impacts of the Coronavirus on the local economy and household expenditure,” said Mr Murphy.
"We are not standing still. We will be reviewing Council’s financial performance throughout the year and making sound financial decisions about where we should focus spending aside from our delivery of essential services. For instance, what more we can do to provide economic stimulus for our region, helping local businesses get back on their feet faster,” said Mr Murphy.
The 2020/21 Operational Plan forecasts Council’s operating income as $551 million, leaving an estimated budgeted operating deficit of $13.3 million excluding capital grants and contributions. This differs to the forecasted operating deficit of $32.5 million in the publicly exhibited plan due to income an expenditure adjustments as a result of Coronavirus impacts.
Budget Highlights:
- $17.4 million - Open space and recreation improvements across the suburbs
- $59.8 million - Roads, transport and drainage
- $80.8 million - Water supply and sewer infrastructure
- $8.5 million - Waste services and business development
- $2.7 million - Libraries, learning and education
- $5.3 million - Environmental management
- $1.2 million - Energy management
To view Council’s 2020-21 Operational Plan and Budget, and Frequently Asked Questions, search “Operational Plan’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Council keeps water security front-of-mind
The quality and responsible use of water across the Central Coast remains firmly on Council’s agenda, with continued investment in major infrastructure projects that contribute to water security.
Water security capital works projects currently underway include:
- Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline ($61M)
- Mardi Water Treatment Plant Stage 3 Upgrade ($25M)
- Mangrove Creek Dam Spillway Rectification ($7.1M)
- Mooney Dam Water Pump Station Upgrade ($4.4M)
Drought management projects currently underway include:
- System wide leak detection program
- Woy Woy Ground Water Treatment Plant recommissioning
- Drought Response Desalination Readiness Assessment
- Recycled Water Scheme Review and Refurbishment
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 also plan for future growth by ensuring residents have access to high quality and safe drinking water. The Central Coast community are passionate about water conservation and have fully embraced Council’s live to 150L campaign. Council is supporting their conservation efforts with a continued focus on good infrastructure, management plans and the introduction of restrictions. Together we continue to help reduce pressure on our water supply,” said Mayor Matthews.
Two new draft water policies are also currently on public exhibition. Residents can have their say about both the Draft Drinking Water Quality Policy and Draft Recycled Water at Your Voice Our Coast. Have your say online at yourvoiceourcoast.com
Council reports on amalgamation progress
A comprehensive report has been presented on Central Coast Council’s amalgamation project plan and objectives, detailing what has been delivered to date, what is still to be completed and projected timeframe for completion.
The former Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council amalgamated in 2016 with the new Central Coast Council receiving $10million from the NSW Government to assist with the costs of amalgamating. In addition, Council was granted an additional $10million from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund to kick start the delivery of infrastructure and service projects.
Council has spent the $10million provided by the NSW Government New Council Implementation fund, plus an estimated amount of $38.7million funded by Council to date – which has seen the delivery of 127 of 173 (73%) of the amalgamation projects and 650 of the 790 (82%) individual actions completed. The remainder of the consolidation items will be completed by 30 June 2022.
Council has spent the $10 million New Council Implementation fund monies from NSW Government on the following, as permitted under the funding agreement:
- Initial work to enable Council to function – business registrations and licences, transfer of assets and liabilities;
- Redundancy payments for staff;
- Replacement signage;
- Change management programs for staff;
- Reviewing business processes and systems to support service delivery; and
- Contributing to the cost of upgrading and aligning Council’s IT systems.
In addition, Council received $10 million from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund to kick start the delivery of infrastructure and service projects. $1million was provided to Community Groups for projects in accordance with the Stronger Communities Fund guidelines. $9million was allocated to ten projects voted on by the community. Of the ten projects identified, the following nine have been completed:
- Umina and Niagara park playground upgrades;
- Avoca Beach foreshore protection works;
- Improved accessibility at key local beaches and lake reserves;
- Austin Butler Oval and Woy Woy Tennis amenities redeveloped;
- Starting blocks and electronic timing system at Peninsula Leisure Centre;
- Drainage and irrigation system at Alan Davidson Oval;
- Traffic flow improvements in Terrigal CBD;
- Elfin Hill Road foreshore protection works; and
- San Remo BMX track facilities.
The remaining project, to improve accessibility at community facilities and other council sites, will be completed by the end of September 2020.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said that getting to this point in the process of being a fully amalgamated Council has been a mammoth task and posed numerous challenges but is pleased with the progress made for a united and strong Central Coast.
"This process has seen Council staff review and consolidate region wide strategies, plans and policies to guide governance and create a framework which is contemporary and relevant. Council staff have been working hard to get to this point in the amalgamation process and I commend their efforts in being able to do this whilst still delivering essential services for our community at the same time – whether it be water, waste, roads or infrastructure or the many other services we deliver," said Mayor Matthews.
“I understand the community hold strong thoughts on the amalgamation process and concern over the cost of amalgamation, but we will continue to push for more funding from both the state and federal government to deliver more essential services and infrastructure our community, so we don’t carry the expense alone.
“Council will continue to finalise the amalgamation projects for our growing region and govern in a way that serves the community by providing great customer service experience, value for money and quality services in a responsible way,” said Mayor Lisa Matthews.