News and Achievements

International Women's Day - 8 March

International Women’s Day is on 8 March each year. The theme for 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge.  I have been inspired by the personal courage of many women in our community. Thank you. 

#IWD2021   #ChooseToChallenge. 

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

While we are dealing with other crises - climate change has not gone away

The ABC recently reported that 17 Mayors and Councillors from NSW and QLD are calling for urgent Federal Government action to do more to protect communities from natural disasters caused by climate change. Central Coast Council currently has no voice and no representation in this conversation. In fact, it appears to be going backwards.

More About: While we are dealing with other crises - climate change has not gone away

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