In less than 14 months’ time, elected Councillors will return to Central Coast Council, and the time leading up to the local government elections is critical to ensure that our community is ready and informed ahead of casting their vote on 14 September 2024.

I have been discussing the Councillor return pathway with the Office of Local Government (OLG) and other Administrators in NSW, with a view to developing a program for interested candidates in advance of the election. The OLG has indicated that Administrators must play a key role in supporting their Council to transition back to elected leadership. 

At last night’s July Council meeting, I got the ball rolling on this Councillor return program and asked the Council to prepare a series of public candidate information sessions beginning in October 2023. 

These sessions will be open to anyone interested in becoming a Councillor and will provide the necessary advice and guidance on how to prepare for election. 

Importantly, these sessions will outline what good governance is, and how the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) outlines the role of a Councillor. The Act emphasises the legislated requirement that Councillors must govern and make decisions (including financial decisions) based on what is best for the WHOLE of their community – not just representing the Ward they were elected within or a single issue they campaigned on. 

Between now and the September 2024 elections, I urge the Central Coast community to think seriously about the type of Councillor they want to elect to form part of their new governing body. 

The ideal candidate is someone who is ready and willing to represent the whole Central Coast community – not just their patch or ward; to work together with the balance of the governing body to uphold their responsibilities as outlined in the Act; and to serve the Central Coast community to the best of their ability.

Stay tuned for more information about the Councillor return pathway and how to get involved! 

Rik Hart, Administrator