News and Achievements

Read my submissions to the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council

As part of the Public Inquiry held into Central Coast Council, I submitted 3 documents as submissions:

• Submission to the Public Inquiry1.34 MB - 5 July 2021
• Supplementary Submission to the Public Inquiry447.53 KB - 28 Sept 2021
• Submission in Reply4.13 MB - 3 Nov 2021

I realise that these may be too long for many to read, however, there may be some information of interest - and if you are thinking of running for Council these might help you in understanding what goes on.

My response to the Report from the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council

On 17 March, the Minister for Local Government recommended that “all civic offices at Central Coast Council be declared vacant, effective immediately”. This decision removed local democracy from the Central Coast.

Read below for my comments in response

Click here to view my submissions to the Public Inquiry

More About: My response to the Report from the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council

Interview with Coast Community Newspapers - 2 March 2021

On 2 March 2021, I recorded an interview with Central Coast Newspapers to talk about the amalgamation, the Administrator’s reporting, the council’s financial collapse and the Local Government Minister’s response to the acute financial situation. Click here to view

Some of the NSW Government impact on Council budgets

The cost of amalgamation and cost shifting by the State government has added a significant burden to Council's budget.

More About: Some of the NSW Government impact on Council budgets

The State government must pay its fair share to Central Coast residents and ratepayers

The NSW Government amalgamated Gosford and Wyong Councils in May 2016. At no time had there been a referendum or poll of our community to ask if we wanted our Councils to merge.

More About: The State government must pay its fair share to Central Coast residents and ratepayers

Any referendum must ask the community about amalgamation

At the Council meeting on 3 February 2021, the Administrator resolved to conduct a Constitutional Referendum for the reduction of Councillors (from 15 to 9) at the September 2021 Local Government Elections. This may have some merit — but it is not enough.

More About: Any referendum must ask the community about amalgamation