Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today released his final report to the community following six months of steering Council out of their financial calamity.  

Mr Persson said this report outlines a number of recommendations to the Minister for Local Government.   

“The most significant recommendation I make to the Minister is to take whatever action is necessary to prevent the return of the currently suspended Councillors, and to delay the September 2021 election to allow for a formal inquiry to determine what is needed to achieve the successful merger of the two previous Councils,” Mr Persson said.

“I’m calling for an inquiry but not for the reasons others might think, we know what happened here and my two previous reports provide this detail, there is nothing more to uncover. I encourage the community not to fall for the politicking of this issue.

Mr Persson outlines various reasons in his final report as to why Central Coast Council should remain in administration, most notably that the merge of the two former Councils was incomplete.  

“I believe the best outcome for Central Coast Council and the community would be a further extended period under administration, this would allow the new CEO, Mr Farmer and a new Administrator adequate time to complete the merger and rebuild community confidence without the distraction of elected representatives intent on playing out broader political agendas.” said Mr Persson.

“Should the Minister decide to allow the Councillors to return prior to the September election, I recommend Performance Improvement Orders are put in place, including the appointment of a financial controller, and I recommend that person be Mr Rik Hart.

“My final report was provided to the Minister for Local Government earlier in the week, we now await the Minister’s decision on the future of the suspended Councillors.”

The full report can be found by searching ‘administrator’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au  

ENDS

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EDITORS NOTES

Report Attached

Media contact: Cass McNamara 0439 488 448