Central Coast Council has welcomed the release of the Tuggerah Lake’s Expert Panel report, labelling it a great resource to support the ongoing management of Tuggerah Lakes.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Council was working to integrate the recommendations of the report into the Coastal Management Program underway for the Tuggerah Lakes system.“Council is legislatively required to complete coastal management programs, and the previous Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan will expire in December,” Mr Cox said.“This report is a great resource for us to integrate into the first stage of this program, the scoping study, and will provide a basis for use to further develop actions, recommendations and community engagement options going forward.“We will consider all 52 recommended actions identified by the Panel and integrate, where appropriate, into the coastal management program. “We will be working with the relevant government agencies, our stakeholders, technical experts and the community to ensure a well-rounded and broadly supported future plan that will see the Tuggerah Lakes estuary well managed into the future.”Council Administrator Rik Hart said the community engagement opportunities for the coastal management programs had been successful so far.“We have more than 770 responses to our survey so far, staff have spoken to over 200 residents and 270 residents have registered for ongoing involvement,” Mr Hart said.“Our staff are heading out to talk to more people over the coming weeks and have extended the closing date of the consultation to give them a chance to cover more areas of the region.“I’d strongly encourage all residents on the Central Coast, regardless of how close to the Coast you live, to take part in the engagement activities – everyone’s voice matters.”To take part visit Council’s Your Voice Our Coast website to learn more about the programs being developed.The first stage of the consultation closes on 15 June 2021.

Week one in the Administrator role has been somewhat challenging and to a degree filled with frustration.

Central Coast Council is reminding the community to have their say on the next stage of the asset sales program (Tranche 3), which closes for consultation 5pm Friday 28 May.The consultation forms part of Council’s business recovery plan, which along with the rate increase, required a review of property assets that could be sold to assist with the current financial situation.Council Administrator Rik Hart said to date there has been more than 800 responses from the community, along with spreading of misinformation.“There has been a lot of concerns raised from the community based on hearsay, which are completely inaccurate and creating unnecessary distress,” Mr Hart said.“It must be stressed that Council is only considering selling one percent of its property portfolio, and of what is listed for potential sale there are only 13 open space areas listed to be rezoned before sale, which are all in close proximity to other open space areas.“I implore the community to get the facts and take the time to read the frequently asked questions and the interactive map, which provides specific details for individual parcels, such conditions of sale to allow for continued public parking.“It is also important to note that only parcels classified as operational land and zoned for the correct purpose of sale, will initially go back to Council for endorsement to sell – these can be identified as the blue pins on the online interactive map.“Other properties that need to be rezoned or reclassified prior to sale require an in-depth, lengthy process that can take up to 18 months and includes further chances for the community to have their say.“I want to emphasise the significant liquidity issue that Council is facing, which needs to be resolved as quickly as possible in order for community infrastructure to be maintained and community services to continue.“The sale of assets, along with the 15 percent rate rise, are crucial components of our business recovery plan, which was adopted by the last sitting Council, and will allow us to deliver much needed capital to improve Council’s financial position and provide assurance to our lenders.“This urgent need for income may override historic strategic direction, with potential for the community better realised by the private sector.“Any parcels sold will not only provide economic return from the sale of land, but also provide opportunity to raise income from future rates as well as realise savings from maintenance costs and loss of depreciation of assets.“Properties are either being sold through a competitive sales and marketing campaign to ensure the best sale price or in the case of direct sales with a proposed buyer that properties are sold at no less than the market value determined by an independent valuer.“I encourage the community to inform themselves and if you are still concerned or any land that is earmarked for potential sale or have ideas about how the land could be better utilised make sure to have your say.”Community members are invited to check the facts and submit feedback via yourvoiceourcoast.com/asp.

Cleverman’ is a TV series like none other – a dystopian sci-fi exploring Aboriginal origin stories in a contemporary context – and Central Coast locals and visitors can now step behind the scenes.An exciting new exhibition at Central Coast Council's Gosford Regional Gallery immerses visitors in the iconic series through an exploration of the storytelling, language and creativity in production design, costumes and props.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the exhibition is both fascinating and thought-provoking.“‘Cleverman’ is a one of a kind TV series and this exhibition takes us deeper into the important themes explored including class, racism and power,” Ms Vaughan said.“We are given an opportunity to reflect on the importance of First Nations storytelling and explore the incredible pieces featured in the show.”The ‘Cleverman’ series was created through a predominantly Indigenous cast and senior crew and premiered on ABC Television in 2016.Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the exhibition provides a unique insight into Aboriginal origin stories.“This exhibition delivers powerful and thought-provoking messages and lets us explore the show’s sets, costumes and props,” Mr Hart said.“Whether you’ve seen the TV series or not, I’d encourage you to head to the Gallery for this unique and important experience.”‘Cleverman’ is an ACMI touring exhibition.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Rik Hart said whilst IPART’s decision to allow for a special rate increase of 15% for only three years is welcome it doesn’t go far enough to provide long term financial sustainability to Central Coast Council.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today made one last call prior to departing his office by writing to the Minister for Local Government proposing the government should prevent dismissed councillors from standing in the next election.

Audited financial reports for 2019-20 adoptedCouncil has adopted the 2019-20 audited financial reports for Central Coast Council and the Central Coast Council Water Supply Authority. Council’s net operating result for the financial year ending 30 June 2020 is a deficit of $88.7M excluding Grants and Contributions for capital purposes.

This is my final column as Interim Administrator of the Central Coast Council.