14 C E N T R A L CO A S T CO U N C I L N E W S Council announces Green Grid Plan CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL has endorsed the Central Coast Green Grid Plan: Our Place, a policy of mostly motherhood statements The Policy appears to aim at providing guidance as Council develops further strategies for its Social Planning Districts and ultimately be included in the Comprehensive LEP. In its recommendation to the Administrator the report says that it introduces a strategic planning document which provides a mapped framework for future place-based planning on the Central Coast and examines the key natural environmental attributes of the region. A first of its kind for regional NSW, the Plan aims to deliver an interconnected network of open space that will keep the Coast’s major centres cool, encourage healthy living, enhance biodiversity and ensure ecological resilience. Council Administrator, Rik Hart said adoption of the Plan, at the 26 April Council meeting, is a key milestone in ensuring the region’s long-term liveability. “The Plan will be used as a framework for LGA-wide and local place planning in the region for the next two decades and beyond and is expected to streamline project alignment for future public projects,” Mr Hart said. “Members of the community have participated in extensive consultation throughout the development of the draft Plan. Council thanks the many and various groups who contributed their thoughts, time and energy at these workshops.” The Plan was placed on public exhibition in September and October 2021. There were 12 workshops; six internal and six external, consisting of three with the reference group, and three with other government agencies, including Lake Macquarie City Council. The feedback received at each of the workshops, combined with public submissions received while on public exhibition, provided valuable input into the development of the Plan. There is no direct cost in Plan adoption, with future strategic planning work intended to be completed in-house by Council’s strategic planning staff and supported by budget included in Council’s Operational Plan. Any future funding for identified projects will be sought via a mixture of internal Council funds (for projects on Council land), internal Government agency funds (for projects on other Government agency land) or through grant funding. For each project, an economic assessment will be made to determine the cost benefit of each project. Council election set for September 2024 Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has confirmed 14 September 2024 as the date for the next elections to be conducted for the Central Coast Council. This comes after councillors were dismissed in March following the release of recommendations from the public inquiry into the organisation. “By having the election fall into line with the next round of local government elections ensures that Council and ratepayers are not burdened with the substantial cost of holding two elections in a relatively short period,”Mrs Tuckerman said. “The recovery at Central Coast Council is well under way, but it’s critical we allow the Administrator and General Manager time to complete the reforms necessary to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the council.” “Keeping an Administrator in place until the next local government elections in 2024 will provide stability for residents and enable the council to address the recommendations from the public inquiry, before councillors return.” Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch made eight recommendations following the public inquiry into Central Coast Council including recommendations to vacate all civic offices and extend the term of the Administrator, implemented immediately. The remaining recommendations are supported in-principle, noting some are to be implemented by the council and others would require legislative change. Central Coast LGA – Total area: 184,511 sqkms, 120,000 sqkms or 65% native vegetation Council CFO moves on Central Coast Council has announced changes to its executive leadership team following the resignation of Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley who left the organisation on 16 June 2022. Ms Cowley will take up the position of General Manager at Coffs Harbour City Council. Council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said Ms Cowley was responsible for significant achievements at Central Coast Council which will have long-lasting positive impacts for the community. “Ms Cowley brought extensive experience with her when she joined Central Coast Council in October 2020 and used her expertise to help the organisation achieve one of the most significant financial turnarounds in Australian Local Government history,” Mr Farmer said. “I wish Ms Cowley all the very best in her new role as General Manager at Coffs Harbour City Council,” said Mr Farmer. Consolidated LEP soon to be implemented See Page 19 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022
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