Council finances are on track for an end of year surplus this financial year, capital works are being rolled out and merger benefits are being realised according to two key reports presented at tonight’s Council meeting.

A revised Capital Works program will deliver $197.5 million in key infrastructure projects this financial year while also achieving an operating surplus of $10.3 million, excluding capital income.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is implementing a robust merger program which is transforming the organisation to better provide services that strengthen and support the Central Coast community.

“Our priority is to build a solid foundation in preparation for the newly elected Council in September 2017 and I believe we are in great shape to achieve that,” Mr Reynolds said.

“It is a huge task to bring two organisations together and it is a real testament to our staff who have had to pull systems and procedures together quickly while still maintaining essential service delivery to our community.

“We have established new legislative and governance requirements so we can operate as a single Council, implemented a new brand, aligned customer service processes so that residents can do business with us at whichever office they want to.

“As a unified Council we have hugely increased buying power which is already paying off – we have saved $750,000 a year by consolidating supplier contracts, $700,000 in insurance costs and by removing merchant fees at our Wyong office with an estimated saving of $240,000 for ratepayers.

“These savings are just the tip of the iceberg – we have done our homework and modeled the expected benefits and costs of the merger and forecast a net benefit of around $70 million over a ten year period.

“These savings can and will be put straight into better services and infrastructure for our growing community.”

Council is also adjusting its budget to make an important investment into a new technology platform – a future mode of operation – to future proof the business and make it easier for residents to access information and services 24 hours a day.

“This project is built off the back of us listening to our residents and taking action to ensure we can serve them to the best of our ability,” Mr Reynolds added.

“Both former Councils had ageing technology systems that required a revamp so the merger has given us a great opportunity to get one great system in place to serve the whole Central Coast.

“We expect to see significant financial benefits well into the future thanks to the creation of a united, effective and efficient organisation.”

Council is undertaking initiatives to better engage with the community through the recently adopted Engagement Framework.  Regular face-to-face interactions at pop-up stalls at events and shopping centres, online engagement tools and information sessions have all started.

Engagement for the first Central Coast Community Strategic Plan will start in March. It is this Plan that will help inform the new council in September 2017 as they set a delivery program for their term of office.

Residents can have a direct say in Council initiatives, programs and projects underway by going to yourvoiceourcoast.com.au