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Administrator Appointment
Mr Rik Hart is the Administrator of Central Coast Council

Administrator Appointment 

Mr Rik Hart is the Administrator for Central Coast Council, appointed by the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP. Mr Hart’s appointment followed the Minister’s announcement on 26 April 2021 of a formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council led by Commissioner Ms Roslyn McCulloch.

The Council was suspended on 30 October 2020 and the formal Public Inquiry led to the postponement of the local government election for Central Coast Council, which was scheduled for September 2021.

On 17 March 2022, Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman tabled the report into the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council, and took action to terminate all suspended Councillors, effective immediately.

On 1 June 2022, Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP announced the local government election for Central Coast Council (i.e., the return of Councillors) will be held on 14 September 2024. 

Until this time, the Administrator acts as the Council, effectively replacing the role previously performed by the Mayor and Councillors. 

Mr Hart assumed the role of Administrator from Mr Dick Persson AM who had been in the role since October 2020.

For information about the role of an Administrator, please read our Frequently Asked Questions below.

Administrator Community Pop-ups

Throughout 2023 Council Administrator Rik Hart will be out and about at community events to hear from residents about what matters to them.  The pop-ups will be at the following Council events and the date and time will be advised closer to the events.

•    Australia Day Community Event in Gosford (January)
•    Harvest Festival in the Central Coast Hinterland (June)
•    The Lakes Festival held Coast-wide (November)

Administrator’s Reports

Administrator's Messages

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    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – 12-month community engagement calendar made public
    At last night’s Council meeting, I was pleased to finalise a public, 12-month forward plan for community engagement which outlines the key projects, initiatives, policies, strategies and plans that Council will be engaging the Central Coast community on this financial year. The Community Engagement Plan for 2023-24 was drafted in response to an Administrator Minute I tabled at the June 2023 Council Meeting and is now a public document which will soon be available to the community on Council’s engagement website, YourVoiceOurCoast.com. I am pleased with this outcome, which means the Central Coast community now has a thorough list of projects and timelines that the community can expect to be engaged on during the course of this financial year. The Central Coast has begun its last complete financial year under the current period of Administration before Councillors return in September 2024.
    23/08/2023
    Administrator's Message
    ADMINISTRATOR MEDIA RELEASE – Administrator encourages community to have their say on options for the future of Austin Butler Reserve, Woy Woy
    Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, is urging the community to have their say on the future of a parcel of land next to Peninsula Plaza in Woy Woy, within a consultation process that could provide millions of dollars to a community greening program.The parcel of land (Car park and curtilage, Austin Butler Access, WOY WOY, being Lot 19 DP 235385 [approximately 2000 m2part only]) was resolved to be placed on public exhibition to seek community feedback on whether the site should be retained in Council ownership or be sold to facilitate expansion of Peninsula Plaza.Administrator, Rik Hart said the community is being given the opportunity to decide about the long-term future of their area, in particular, from a community greening and street tree perspective.“Council has been contacted by the shopping centre owner and their major tenant, Woolworths, about the parcel of land next to Peninsula Plaza in Woy Woy, who are concerned about the viability of future operations in relation to logistics and public safety around current arrangements for the loading dock.
    22/08/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Next steps for the draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan
    At the 22 August Council Meeting, I will be asked to consider the revised Draft Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan before it is again released to the community for further comment. It goes without saying that dogs on the Central Coast are a polarising matter, and the extensive consultation process taken by Council has been to ensure that the broad nature of perspectives on this issue are thoroughly understood and listened to. Many community members are dog owners whose lives are enriched by their furry family member, while other community members feel that public spaces without dogs are equally as important for the Central Coast community. The new, simplified Draft Plan will respond to the extensive and varied community feedback received during the first round of consultation, as well as further detailed studies on the key issues of concern (including time restricted beach access for dogs, and the suitability of off leash areas at Davistown, Terrigal and Hamlyn Terrace). A consultation report detailing the community input Council has received during the first round of consultation was distributed to all stakeholders who provided feedback last week, however, it’s important to note that further consultation was and is still to come.
    15/08/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Council’s façade improvement program is back!
    Council’s successful façade improvement program is back!From 1 September 2023, businesses and commercial property owners will have the opportunity to access up to $5,000 to enhance their building façades and improve accessibility on their site. Last year, the pilot program saw 30 successful applications deliver improvements in Wyong, Toukley, The Entrance and Gosford.
    08/08/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Join us for the Mariners’ Civic Reception
    Join us in celebrating the outstanding achievement of the Central Coast Mariners!
    01/08/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Preparing for the return of Councillors
    In less than 14 months’ time, elected Councillors will return to Central Coast Council, and the time leading up to the local government elections is critical to ensure that our community is ready and informed ahead of casting their vote on 14 September 2024.I have been discussing the Councillor return pathway with the Office of Local Government (OLG) and other Administrators in NSW, with a view to developing a program for interested candidates in advance of the election.
    26/07/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Welcoming world-class athletes to the Central Coast
    Over the weekend, I was pleased to attend Germany’s open training session ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia &
    19/07/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Operational Plan ready to go for this financial year
    Have you had a chance to read Council’s adopted Operational Plan for this new financial year? The Operational Plan shows the key projects and commitments Council has agreed to deliver to the community over the next 12 months.This year’s focus is on maintaining our road networks, caring for community open space, and improving the response time for development applications over the next 12 months. In addition to these key focus areas, Council is committing to improving customer responses and delivering its newly endorsed Service Optimisation Framework, which looks at the what, why, and how of a service, to determine if it’s suitable and fit for purpose. This financial year will also see construction commence on two marquee projects for the Coast;
    11/07/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2023
    It was wonderful to kick off NAIDOC Week 2023 with a fabulous turnout at Central Coast Council’s Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea, held at the Wyong Administration building on Monday 3 July.NAIDOC Week is an important annual event held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, ‘For our Elders’, recognises the role that Elders play in First Nations communities and families, celebrating their leadership, knowledge, progression, advocacy, teaching and care for others.An outstanding local Elder, Aunty Leslie, was recognised at the Council ceremony with her family, friends, students and the broader community sharing stories about the powerful and life-changing impacts Aunty Leslie has had on their lives.
    04/07/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – 12-month forward plan for community engagement
    At the 27 June 2023 Council Meeting, I considered an Administrator’s Minute which aimed to increase transparency and foresight for the community on Council’s community engagement activities. I requested that Council prepare a publicly available, 12-month forward plan for community engagement, which can help keep the community informed and will detail how the community can get involved. Central Coast Council is about to begin its last complete financial year under the current period of Administration before Councillors return in September 2024.
    28/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Hunter Valley Bus Tragedy
    I am deeply saddened by the recent tragic bus crash in the Hunter Valley.
    20/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Thank you for joining me at the Taste of Wyong event for Harvest Festival 2023
    Thank you to everyone who attended the fantastic Taste of Wyong event in Wyong Town Park on Saturday 10 June, and to those who stopped by for a chat with me. It was fantastic to hear the diverse perspectives of the community members who came by the Central Coast Council tent, where our conversations ranged from parking, sewer services and development assessment, to tourism, community gardens, the Gosford Waterfront project, our mighty Mariners win, and more!The Taste of Wyong event was one of the 32 Harvest Festival hubs which brought the Coast to life over the weekend and shone a light on the region’s spectacular local produce. I really valued the chance to hear directly from members of our community about what matters to them and look forward to my next pop-up at Central Coast Council events later this year. For those who couldn’t make it on the weekend but would like to get in touch, you are welcome to contact me at theadministrator@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by writing to PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21, Gosford NSW 2250. Rik Hart, Administrator
    13/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Mighty Mariners victory a win for all Coasties
    I would like to congratulate the mighty Central Coast Mariners for their absolute thrashing of Melbourne City in the Grand Final of the A-League over the weekend. Alongside Mariners fans across the Coast and those who made it to CommBank stadium, I was elated when the team pulled out in front of City before half time, but it was the magic the team brought in the second half that was simply remarkable. Going up against the most well-resourced club in the League, it was the Mariners’ heart that propelled them above and beyond the Melbourne City side.As Mariners coach, Nick Montgomery said, “You can have as much money as you want, but you can’t buy class, and these boys are class.”Mariners, you have made the Central Coast incredibly proud. Rik Hart, Administrator
    06/06/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Administrator pop-up at Taste of Wyong on Saturday 10 June
    The Coast is set to come alive over the June long weekend, with Council’s Harvest Festival shining a spotlight on the wonderful food and produce the Coast has to offer. The Harvest Festival (10-11 June 2023) will be held in the hinterland regions and surrounds, while Taste of Wyong (10 June 2023) will bring Wyong Town Park to life. On Saturday 10 June, I’ll be attending the Taste of Wyong event, which is one of 32 Harvest Festival hubs, to host a pop-up stall where community members can speak to myself and Council staff about the issues that matter to them. This will be the second pop-up in a series I’m hosting at various Council events throughout this year, to chat with and hear from members of our community and increase opportunities for engagement. I invite the community to come down to Wyong Town Park to sample the wonderful offerings of local Wyong eateries, support our local businesses, and stop by to have a chat with myself about the issues that matter to you.I value the chance to hear directly from members of our community and look forward to the event on Saturday 10 June. For more information about Taste of Wyong, head to:
    30/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Cast your vote on the future design of Pelican Park, Woy Woy
    Council is asking community members to cast their vote on the future design of Pelican Park, Woy Woy.You can have your say on three design concepts below:Option 1 – Nature playThis option utilises the existing playspace envelope with a nature play theme and retains all existing vegetation but does not include rubberised soft fall.Option 2 – Pirate-themed playThis option retains the existing pirate play theme with a reduced playspace envelope to comply with standards for play equipment fall zones, and to keep clear of existing tree roots.
    23/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator's message - Sand transfer works to commence at The Entrance
    I’m very pleased to share that Council crews and machinery will be out on the sand berm at The Entrance channel in the coming weeks, commencing Council’s proactive program of works to move sand from the sand spit at The Entrance. The sand will be relocated to the northern foreshores of Karagi Point Reserve to renourish some of the eroded areas there, which put us in a stronger position if any flood mitigation works are required this winter. Although the focus of the works at this time is to protect and improve access and amenity around Karagi Point Reserve and the infrastructure there, these works will make it easier for Council to respond during a severe weather event, if one arises. Council has also chosen this timing as the critically endangered Little Terns have now flown to the northern hemisphere for winter.Protecting, restoring and managing our natural assets, including Tuggerah Lakes, is of high importance to Council and the strategic management of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel is undertaken on the foundation of expert studies, estuary and coastal management intelligence tools, and the expertise of specialist consultants and Council staff.Council is currently working towards the development of an Entrance Management Strategy through the Tuggerah Lakes Coastal Management Program.
    16/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Vote for Spencer in NSW Top Tourism Awards 2023!
    One of the Central Coast’s hidden gems of the hinterland, the riverside town of Spencer, has been selected as a finalist in the Tiny Town category in the NSW Top Tourism Town Awards 2023. Cast your vote for Spencer to see this remarkable town acknowledged – voting closes this Friday 12 May at 5pm!The NSW Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate the diverse and outstanding regional destinations in NSW, and it’s no surprise that Spencer has made it as a finalist. The small town of Spencer sits among some of the Coast’s most pristine natural beauty and is home to a thriving and tight-knit local community. While much of the Central Coast has faced major challenges over the last couple of years including the impact of COVID on tourism and multiple extreme weather events, this resilient town worked hard alongside Council’s Tourism Team to ensure it bounced back quickly and put the Central Coast back on the map. The community of Spencer prides itself on its local cuisine and outstanding tourism experiences for visitors, which helps bolster the social and economic benefits for the community. Tourism really is part of the fabric of Spencer and is well deserving of being a finalist in the Tiny Town category. Vote now:
    10/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Outcomes of the Central Coast Local Housing Strategy Forum
    Last week, Council hosted the Central Coast Housing Forum, where community representatives, not-for-profit housing providers, government agencies, developers, Members of Parliament and Council representatives all came together to discuss the housing situation on the Central Coast. The Central Coast is currently home to 348,000 residents.
    03/05/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – What your new land valuation means for your rates bill
    Over the last month, ratepayers across NSW have been receiving their land valuations from the NSW Valuer General.
    17/04/2023
    Administrator's Message
    Administrator’s message – Check out the new Visitor Information Centre, now open!
    It was great to check out the renewed Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance this week!
    10/04/2023
Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Engaging our community is a core responsibly of local government and this ongoing dialogue with our community will continue. For more information about community consultation at Central Coast Council, please visit yourvoiceourcoast.com

  • On 26 April 2021 the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP announced a formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council to be led by Commissioner Ms Roslyn McCulloch. This followed a suspension order of the Central Coast Council issued by the Minister on 30 October 2020.

  • The Administrator constitutes the Council and must perform all the functions, powers and duties of the Council, which must be treated as if they were performed by the Council. The Administrator effectively acts as the Mayor and the Councillors. This means the Administrator conducts the Council Meetings and undertakes the administrative, civic and ceremonial functions of the governing body.

  • Councillors were terminated from office on 17 March 2022. Prior to this, while Councillors were suspended from 30 October 2020 until 17 March 2022, Councillors were not entitled to exercise the functions of civic office or receive any fee or other remuneration. Councillors who are suspended or terminated have the same rights as any other member of the public.

  • The administration period will continue until the Central Coast Council election on 14 September 2024. Central Coast Council has been in administration since 30 October 2020.

  • On 17 March 2022, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP, tabled the report into the Public Inquiry of Central Coast Council.

    Commissioner Roslyn McCullouch made eight recommendations, including that an Administrator be appointed to serve until the Central Coast Council (CCC) election.

  • The status of Central Coast Council being under administration is the decision of the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Wendy Tuckerman MP.  The Minister gave reasons for this decision in their media release on 1 June 2022, which can be accessed on the Office of Local Government’s website here: www.olg.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/ministerial-releases/certainty-for-central-coast-council-poll/

  • The Administrator is here for residents to contact and engage with. The role acts as the Council and undertakes the responsibilities of the Mayor and Councillors representing the interests of residents and our communities. You can contact the Administrator by:

    Email -  theadministrator@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

    Post - PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259 or PO Box 21, Gosford NSW 2250

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