18 MARCH 2022
ISSUE 334
News
Public Inquiry report released
Kariong Neighbourhood Centre (KNC) will soon have a new van, thanks to a $47,250 grant from the State Government’s Community Building Partnerships (CBP) program. See page 5
Out&About
Central Coast Watercolour Society’s (CCWS) Easter Exhibition will be held at Gosford Regional Gallery from April 14-27. See page 13
Business
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with the Public Inquiry report
The 13 suspended Central Coast councillors are to be sacked and the Council is to remain in administration until the next local government election following the release of the Public Inquiry report on March 17. After months of waiting, residents finally have access to the full report on the public inquiry into Central Coast Council. Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman, has tabled
the report, saying the State Government accepts all eight of its recommendations in principle. The first recommendations are that all civic offices be declared vacant immediately and that an Administrator be appointed until the next election of councillors. Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch has also recommended that Council’s Business Recovery Plan formulated in 2020 be completed and that information sessions be held for prospective
candidates prior to the election, providing information about the obligations and burdens on future councillors. She suggests mandatory training for newly elected councillors, including training relating to financial management specific to local government, within three months of the election. McCulloch recommends consideration be given to making it mandatory for incoming councillors to complete an accredited course for company directors, or and
See our website for the full interview with Adam Crouch
equivalent course developed specifically for local government, within 12 months of the election with refresher courses for councillors who have previously completed such courses. She suggests amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 to make it clear that monies raised through rate or charges levies must be used for the purpose for which they were levied. The report also recommends that consideration be given to removing Central Coast Council
as a water authority, with water supply and sewerage services to be administered in the same way as they are for other NSW councils. “The community rightly expects that its elected council officials adhere to the highest standards and this report makes strong recommendations to help improve the Council’s performance moving forward,” Tuckerman said. Continued page 2
More detail on the Public Inquiry findings ... page 21
The merger of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent is a step closer, with the Boards of Directors of both institutions unanimously endorsing the proposal. See page 21
Sport
The World Surf League’s year’s Central Coast Pro QS 3000 continues at Avoca Beach, with local favourites Molly Picklum and Macy Callaghan in good form. See page 32
Puzzles page 18
It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.
coastcommunitynews.com.au - 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net