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Administrator Appointment
Mr Rik Hart is the Administrator of Central Coast Council

Administrator Appointment 

Mr Rik Hart is the Administrator for Central Coast Council, appointed by the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP. Mr Hart’s appointment followed the Minister’s announcement on 26 April 2021 of a formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council led by Commissioner Ms Roslyn McCulloch.

The Council was suspended on 30 October 2020 and the formal Public Inquiry led to the postponement of the local government election for Central Coast Council, which was scheduled for September 2021.

On 17 March 2022, Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman tabled the report into the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council, and took action to terminate all suspended Councillors, effective immediately.

On 1 June 2022, Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP announced the local government election for Central Coast Council (i.e., the return of Councillors) will be held on 14 September 2024. 

Until this time, the Administrator acts as the Council, effectively replacing the role previously performed by the Mayor and Councillors. 

Mr Hart assumed the role of Administrator from Mr Dick Persson AM who had been in the role since October 2020.

For information about the role of an Administrator, please read our Frequently Asked Questions below.

Administrator Community Pop-ups

Throughout 2023 Council Administrator Rik Hart will be out and about at community events to hear from residents about what matters to them.  The pop-ups will be at the following Council events and the date and time will be advised closer to the events.

•    Australia Day Community Event in Gosford (January)
•    Harvest Festival in the Central Coast Hinterland (June)
•    The Lakes Festival held Coast-wide (November)

Administrator’s Reports

Administrator's Messages

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    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Operational Plan ready to go for this financial year
    Have you had a chance to read Council’s adopted Operational Plan for this new financial year? The Operational Plan shows the key projects and commitments Council has agreed to deliver to the community over the next 12 months.This year’s focus is on maintaining our road networks, caring for community open space, and improving the response time for development applications over the next 12 months. In addition to these key focus areas, Council is committing to improving customer responses and delivering its newly endorsed Service Optimisation Framework, which looks at the what, why, and how of a service, to determine if it’s suitable and fit for purpose. This financial year will also see construction commence on two marquee projects for the Coast;
    11/07/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2023
    It was wonderful to kick off NAIDOC Week 2023 with a fabulous turnout at Central Coast Council’s Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea, held at the Wyong Administration building on Monday 3 July.NAIDOC Week is an important annual event held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, ‘For our Elders’, recognises the role that Elders play in First Nations communities and families, celebrating their leadership, knowledge, progression, advocacy, teaching and care for others.An outstanding local Elder, Aunty Leslie, was recognised at the Council ceremony with her family, friends, students and the broader community sharing stories about the powerful and life-changing impacts Aunty Leslie has had on their lives.
    04/07/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – 12-month forward plan for community engagement
    At the 27 June 2023 Council Meeting, I considered an Administrator’s Minute which aimed to increase transparency and foresight for the community on Council’s community engagement activities. I requested that Council prepare a publicly available, 12-month forward plan for community engagement, which can help keep the community informed and will detail how the community can get involved. Central Coast Council is about to begin its last complete financial year under the current period of Administration before Councillors return in September 2024.
    28/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy
    I am deeply saddened by the recent tragic bus crash in the Hunter Valley.
    20/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Thank you for joining me at the Taste of Wyong event for Harvest Festival 2023
    Thank you to everyone who attended the fantastic Taste of Wyong event in Wyong Town Park on Saturday 10 June, and to those who stopped by for a chat with me. It was fantastic to hear the diverse perspectives of the community members who came by the Central Coast Council tent, where our conversations ranged from parking, sewer services and development assessment, to tourism, community gardens, the Gosford Waterfront project, our mighty Mariners win, and more!The Taste of Wyong event was one of the 32 Harvest Festival hubs which brought the Coast to life over the weekend and shone a light on the region’s spectacular local produce. I really valued the chance to hear directly from members of our community about what matters to them and look forward to my next pop-up at Central Coast Council events later this year. For those who couldn’t make it on the weekend but would like to get in touch, you are welcome to contact me at theadministrator@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by writing to PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21, Gosford NSW 2250. Rik Hart, Administrator
    13/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Mighty Mariners victory a win for all Coasties
    I would like to congratulate the mighty Central Coast Mariners for their absolute thrashing of Melbourne City in the Grand Final of the A-League over the weekend. Alongside Mariners fans across the Coast and those who made it to CommBank stadium, I was elated when the team pulled out in front of City before half time, but it was the magic the team brought in the second half that was simply remarkable. Going up against the most well-resourced club in the League, it was the Mariners’ heart that propelled them above and beyond the Melbourne City side.As Mariners coach, Nick Montgomery said, “You can have as much money as you want, but you can’t buy class, and these boys are class.”Mariners, you have made the Central Coast incredibly proud. Rik Hart, Administrator
    06/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Administrator pop-up at Taste of Wyong on Saturday 10 June
    The Coast is set to come alive over the June long weekend, with Council’s Harvest Festival shining a spotlight on the wonderful food and produce the Coast has to offer. The Harvest Festival (10-11 June 2023) will be held in the hinterland regions and surrounds, while Taste of Wyong (10 June 2023) will bring Wyong Town Park to life. On Saturday 10 June, I’ll be attending the Taste of Wyong event, which is one of 32 Harvest Festival hubs, to host a pop-up stall where community members can speak to myself and Council staff about the issues that matter to them. This will be the second pop-up in a series I’m hosting at various Council events throughout this year, to chat with and hear from members of our community and increase opportunities for engagement. I invite the community to come down to Wyong Town Park to sample the wonderful offerings of local Wyong eateries, support our local businesses, and stop by to have a chat with myself about the issues that matter to you.I value the chance to hear directly from members of our community and look forward to the event on Saturday 10 June. For more information about Taste of Wyong, head to:
    30/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Cast your vote on the future design of Pelican Park, Woy Woy
    Council is asking community members to cast their vote on the future design of Pelican Park, Woy Woy.You can have your say on three design concepts below:Option 1 – Nature playThis option utilises the existing playspace envelope with a nature play theme and retains all existing vegetation but does not include rubberised soft fall.Option 2 – Pirate-themed playThis option retains the existing pirate play theme with a reduced playspace envelope to comply with standards for play equipment fall zones, and to keep clear of existing tree roots.
    23/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator's message - Sand transfer works to commence at The Entrance
    I’m very pleased to share that Council crews and machinery will be out on the sand berm at The Entrance channel in the coming weeks, commencing Council’s proactive program of works to move sand from the sand spit at The Entrance. The sand will be relocated to the northern foreshores of Karagi Point Reserve to renourish some of the eroded areas there, which put us in a stronger position if any flood mitigation works are required this winter. Although the focus of the works at this time is to protect and improve access and amenity around Karagi Point Reserve and the infrastructure there, these works will make it easier for Council to respond during a severe weather event, if one arises. Council has also chosen this timing as the critically endangered Little Terns have now flown to the northern hemisphere for winter.Protecting, restoring and managing our natural assets, including Tuggerah Lakes, is of high importance to Council and the strategic management of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel is undertaken on the foundation of expert studies, estuary and coastal management intelligence tools, and the expertise of specialist consultants and Council staff.Council is currently working towards the development of an Entrance Management Strategy through the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program.
    16/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Vote for Spencer in NSW Top Tourism Awards 2023!
    One of the Central Coast’s hidden gems of the hinterland, the riverside town of Spencer, has been selected as a finalist in the Tiny Town category in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2023. Cast your vote for Spencer to see this remarkable town acknowledged – voting closes this Friday 12 May at 5pm!The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the diverse and outstanding regional destinations in NSW, and it’s no surprise that Spencer has made it as a finalist. The small town of Spencer sits among some of the Coast’s most pristine natural beauty and is home to a thriving and tight-knit local community. While much of the Central Coast has faced major challenges over the last couple of years including the impact of COVID on tourism and multiple extreme weather events, this resilient town worked hard alongside Council’s Tourism Team to ensure it bounced back quickly and put the Central Coast back on the map. The community of Spencer prides itself on its local cuisine and outstanding tourism experiences for visitors, which helps bolster the social and economic benefits for the community. Tourism really is part of the fabric of Spencer and is well deserving of being a finalist in the Tiny Town category. Vote now:
    10/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Outcomes of the Central Coast Local Housing Strategy Forum
    Last week, Council hosted the Central Coast Housing Forum, where community representatives, not-for-profit housing providers, government agencies, developers, Members of Parliament and Council representatives all came together to discuss the housing situation on the Central Coast. The Central Coast is currently home to 348,000 residents.
    03/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – What your new land valuation means for your rates bill
    Over the last month, ratepayers across NSW have been receiving their land valuations from the NSW Valuer General.
    17/04/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Check out the new Visitor Information Centre, now open!
    It was great to check out the renewed Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance this week!
    10/04/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Have your say on Council’s draft plan for the next 12 months
    The Central Coast Council Operational Plan 2023-24 is now available for public comment, so it’s time to have your say!
    03/04/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Outcome of NSW State Election
    The outcome of the 25 March 2023 NSW State Election has led to a change of state government, with residents across NSW voting in the NSW Labor Party for the first time in 12 years.
    27/03/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Have your say on all things Gosford
    Last week, Council launched the Let’s Talk Gosford place-based community engagement project, which showcases multiple key projects, plans, strategies and infrastructure works planned for Gosford.
    20/03/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Inclusion for every body
    I was delighted to walk a stretch of the Tuggerah Lake Foreshore shared pathway at Long Jetty recently to check out the pictures Council has stencilled along the pathway.  The purposeful education campaign aims to raise awareness of pathway etiquette and safety for everyone and is an action of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2021-2025.
    13/03/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Roads update
    I was pleased to see a report come to the February Council meeting which provided a thorough update to the community on how Council manages the Central Coast’s extensive 2,000km road network and 1,100km drainage network.  The report (Item 2.9 – Critical road related grants and funding and associated delivery methodology) outlined some of the challenges to roads and drainage management, and the various funding streams available to Council to manage these assets for the community.  Roads management is without a doubt a ‘hot topic’ for residents, and Council acknowledges the frustration the community has felt about road quality over the last few years.  The relentless wet weather driven by three consecutive La Nina climate patterns over the last two years put extreme stress on all Councils along the NSW east coast to repair their road networks after widespread damage experienced.
    07/03/2023
    Administrator's Message
    ADMINISTRATOR MEDIA RELEASE – Administrator seeks to pause sale of Woy Woy Commuter Car Park
    In response to feedback from local community members, Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, has asked Council’s CEO, David Farmer, to pause negotiations between Council and any prospective owner of the commuter carpark at Woy Woy train station until after the NSW State Election.
    01/03/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s Message – Gosford Waterfront Project: Community says ‘just get on with it’
    At the 28 February Council meeting, Council staff provided an update on the Gosford waterfront’s revitalisation project, and a comprehensive engagement report was tabled which expanded on the preliminary engagement report released in December 2022.
    28/02/2023
Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Engaging our community is a core responsibly of local government and this ongoing dialogue with our community will continue. For more information about community consultation at Central Coast Council, please visit yourvoiceourcoast.com

  • On 26 April 2021 the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP announced a formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council to be led by Commissioner Ms Roslyn McCulloch. This followed a suspension order of the Central Coast Council issued by the Minister on 30 October 2020.

  • The Administrator constitutes the Council and must perform all the functions, powers and duties of the Council, which must be treated as if they were performed by the Council. The Administrator effectively acts as the Mayor and the Councillors. This means the Administrator conducts the Council Meetings and undertakes the administrative, civic and ceremonial functions of the governing body.

  • Councillors were terminated from office on 17 March 2022. Prior to this, while Councillors were suspended from 30 October 2020 until 17 March 2022, Councillors were not entitled to exercise the functions of civic office or receive any fee or other remuneration. Councillors who are suspended or terminated have the same rights as any other member of the public.

  • The administration period will continue until the Central Coast Council election on 14 September 2024. Central Coast Council has been in administration since 30 October 2020.

  • On 17 March 2022, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP, tabled the report into the Public Inquiry of Central Coast Council.

    Commissioner Roslyn McCullouch made eight recommendations, including that an Administrator be appointed to serve until the Central Coast Council (CCC) election.

  • The status of Central Coast Council being under administration is the decision of the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP.  The Minister gave reasons for this decision in their media release on 1 June 2022, which can be accessed on the Office of Local Government’s website here: www.olg.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/ministerial-releases/certainty-for-central-coast-council-poll/

  • The Administrator is here for residents to contact and engage with. The role acts as the Council and undertakes the responsibilities of the Mayor and Councillors representing the interests of residents and our communities. You can contact the Administrator by:

    Email -  theadministrator@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

    Post - PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21, Gosford NSW 2250

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