My Final Report went to the Minister last week, as well as presented at an Extraordinary Council Meeting.I have recommended the Councillors not be allowed to return, and the September election be delayed allowing a public inquiry into the merger, particularly into what needs to be done to successfully complete it.It is pleasing that all seven local members of Parliament agree with this recommendation, although I suspect for quite different reasons.It is disappointing all seven continue to oppose any rate rise, even though they have all been briefed and I believe they understand there are no viable alternatives.At the time of writing I am unaware of what the Minister will do.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today released his final report to the community following six months of steering Council out of their financial calamity.

The Terrigal Boardwalk and upgraded rockpool is now open providing a new attraction for locals and visitors and significantly improving access between The Haven and Terrigal Beach promenade.Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said the boardwalk and rockpool will deliver many social, health and economic benefits for our community.“The Terrigal Boardwalk and upgraded rockpool will deliver a great visitor drawcard to boost the region’s economy whilst providing a safe and inclusive space for social connection and to encourage active lifestyles,” Mr Farmer said.“This infrastructure provides a place where everyone can participate and enjoy this popular ocean front area.

Council’s region-wide plan to shape the future of parking on the Coast  Following a consideration of submissions and feedback provided by stakeholders and the community, Central Coast Council has adopted the Central Coast Car Parking Study and Implementation Plan (the Plan). The Plan provides Council with a solid framework to improve on the supply, management and overall quality of parking and transport services on the Central Coast. Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the Plan - which has been shaped through community consultation including public exhibition, online surveys, parking interview surveys and business surveys - outlines specific actions to deliver additional parking options across the region. “We know that car parking is a significant issue of concern to the community and this Plan provides a consistent integrated approach across the LGA to meet the community’s car parking needs – not just now, but well into the future as the Central Coast’s population continues to grow,” Mr Persson said. “Council is committed to delivering essential infrastructure to create parking options and solutions that address the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.”  The Draft Central Coast Car Parking Study and Implementation Plan was publicly exhibited from 9 June to 6 July 2020 and 3 to 16 August 2020.

The 2019-20 Waterways report card for the Central Coast has been released. The report examines the ecological health of Southern Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water, the lower Hawkesbury River and the larger coastal lagoons over the 2019-20 year, providing a clear picture of the health of our estuarine waterways here on the Central Coast. Central Coast Council Environment and Planning Director, Scott Cox said that whilst the report, which is compiled from ongoing monitoring and assessments, shows overall positive results it also provides a valuable tool to Council to identify areas for further investigation. “Council uses a recognised monitoring program to assess the ecological health of our waterways, allowing us to monitor their condition, track changes over time and target investment and on ground works to improve ecosystem health,” Mr Cox said. “For the 2019-20 year we have seen good or excellent results at 64% of sites including all of the southern Lake Macquarie sites, Cockrone Lagoon, Lake Munmorah and the majority of sites in Tuggerah Lake, Brisbane Water and the Lower Hawkesbury. “Other sites that have shown a mix of fair to poor results include Budgewoi Lake, Wamberal, Terrigal and Avoca lagoons, and some other sites where creek systems enter larger waterways. “These results will allow Council to review our management actions and plan for on ground works to help improve waterway health over time.“It is important to remember this program looks at ecological health for the waterways, while some of our waterways at times, look and smell in ways we don’t expect them to this is not always an indicator of poor health. “The program has shown that for 2019-20 the overall health of Tuggerah Lakes for example was quite good. “We still have a way to go, but these reports can help us make informed management decisions that help fix the problems at the source.” Council’s program is delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, using a scientifically robust methodology and is one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind provided by local government in NSW. Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM announced the release of the report card coincided with the first round of engagement for Council’s Coastal Management Programs. “We value how much our community care for their local waterways, and we want as many people as possible to take part in the engagement activities for the suite of Coastal Management Programs we have to develop for our region,” Mr Persson said. “This process provides a great opportunity for Council to work with our community in formulating these new plans, identifying priorities and together working towards a better future for our beautiful coast and waterways. “The information provided will go towards the development of four Coastal Management Programs we are developing, either on our own or in partnership with other local councils. “The process is set out by the NSW Government, and it will take some time, however this first round of engagement aims to understand what our community values about these important waterways and how they use them. “Members of the community will also be invited to sign up to take part in focus groups and other workshops that will take place throughout the whole process. “I understand that the community may feel this is just another plan or strategy, but as we have seen with the erosion issue at Wamberal, certified coastal management plans open the door for action and funding into the future. “We need to follow the process and get the right actions into these plans for the future. “I would encourage everyone on the Central Coast, even those living in areas that seem far disconnected from the coastal zone to take part in this survey so that we may understand what all waterways on the Central Coast mean to you.” To view the report card, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/waterwayhealth To have your say and sign up to be involved in the Our Coast, Our Waterways program visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/waterways  ENDS Additional information/quotes for each of the waterway categories Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Central Coast Council has been monitoring the ecological health of the Tuggerah Lakes estuary since 2011.

This is a big week in Council with the arrival of our new CEO, Mr David Farmer.I have said several times that his appointment will be the most important decision I make as Councils’ Administrator, and if Mr Farmer had been appointed three years ago then I wouldn’t be here.This is also the week we say goodbye to Mr Rik Hart and Mr Malcolm Ryan.Mr Hart and I arrived in November not sure what we would find.As A/CEO, Rik has taken on the difficult challenges involved in re-shaping the organisation and budget in a short time.

Central Coast Council continues the clean up effort after severe weather lashed the region nearly two weeks ago.The clean-up efforts have seen:more than 220 tonnes of wrack and flood debris collected from over 4km of foreshore710 tonnes of debris collected from beaches:

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Dick Persson AM has today released Mr Angus Gordon’s report ‘Review of The Entrance management Policies and Practices for the Central Coast Council’s Open Coast Lagoons’, supporting the key findings and all five recommendations made.Two weeks ago at the peak of the March floods, Mr Persson requested Council engage Mr Angus Gordan, Australia’s leading coastal engineering expert to review the policies and practices governing the open coast lagoons, particularly Tuggerah Lake, and provide recommendations if necessary on future management of the lake.

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Youth Week, held from 16-24 April, with a wide range of events that will allow young people across the region to connect, build skills, show off their talents, be inspired – but most of all have fun! The theme this year is ‘Together More Than Ever’, encouraging young people aged 12-24 to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives as well as create and enjoy activities and events. Council Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said Council has collaborated with local young people and youth service providers to help create an incredible calendar of events.“Youth Week is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the contribution young people make to our community and allow for their voices to be heard,” Ms Vaughan said. “What makes Youth Week unique is events are organised for young people, by young people, which helps build lifelong skills that assist with future employment opportunities, while simultaneously ensuring events on offer are what young people want and need. “Whether you’re a skater, creator, athlete or simply want to connect and relax with friends, there is something on offer for all ages, interests and abilities.”Throughout the week there will be music events showcasing our talented local performers and musicians – including the grand final of Discovered – as well as creative skills and skate workshops, fitness activities, a workshop on how to start a social enterprise to help kick-start young people’s business ideas and more. Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said Youth Week provides an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the many and varied contributions of young people to our community. “There are over 50,000 local young people living on the Coast,” Mr Persson said. “We are committed to creating and providing opportunities for our young people to connect and access activities that are fun, showcase their talents as well as help them to build skills that they can use in the future.“With such a great range of activities, events and celebrations taking place, I would encourage our young people to find out what’s happening and get involved.”For a full copy of the Youth Week Calendar, visit Council's Youth Week event page. Oasis Youth Fest, Make Your Way and Create Youth Week events are funded through Department of Communities and Justice Youth Week 2021 Grant.

With the fine weather over the Easter weekend, Council crews continued clean-up efforts to restore the coast’s roads, waterways and foreshores following the recent severe weather.

Most Central Coast beaches, ocean baths and estuarine swimming locations will open for the long weekend, however Council is advising residents and visitors that they swim at their own risk.Copacabana, Killcare and Umina beaches will however remain closed due to water quality concerns.The following swimming locations will also remain closed:-    Avoca Lagoon-    Canton Beach -    Chain Valley bay -    Gwandalan -    Pearl Beach-    Summerland Point (Sandy beach).Due to the extreme wet weather conditions and flooding events, storm water pollution may be impacting all swimming sites.

The Sports Hub has launched providing a new comprehensive online directory which showcases the Central Coast’s variety of sport and active recreation opportunities and makes it easy for the community to find something that suits their needs, abilities and interests.This website is part of Activate Central Coast is an exciting new initiative developed in partnership between Council, the Office of Sport and Sport Central Coast to encourage our community to participate in sport and active recreation whilst also supporting local sport and active recreation businesses, clubs and associations.Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said this initiative will provide a range of benefits for the Central Coast community.“It is well established that an active lifestyle contributes greatly to people’s wellbeing.

Central Coast Council’s Your Voice Our Coast online consultation hub provides opportunities for the coast community to have their say on projects that interest them.Projects open now for feedback include:Helen Reserve, Gorokan - dog park (until 31 March)Active Lifestyles Strategy (until 5 April)Policy for Development Application Functions (until 7 April)Draft Works-in-Kind Policies (until 16 April)Amended Code of Meeting Practice (until 21 April)Streets as Shared Spaces:

Central Coast Council’s premiere multicultural event, Flavours by the Sea, will return to The Entrance on Saturday 17 April, bringing the tastes, sights and sounds of the world to the Central Coast. Council Director Community and Recreation Services Julie Vaughan said community members and visitors are invited to come together for this special event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of our region. “Flavours by the Sea is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that make up our community, embracing the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing sensational music, art and cuisine from across the world,” Ms Vaughan said. “While the event needs to look a little different this year due to restrictions, attendees will still be able to enjoy free live entertainment from Christine Anu, Salsa Kingz and Dogma, as well as community groups Afro Moses, the Multicultural Fijian Association and the China Australia Friendship Association.“Foodies will be excited to taste the flavours of the world at the Spanish, German and Vietnamese food stalls or enjoy a drink at the Six String Brewery Beer and Wine Bar.

Central Coast Council is delivering a jam-packed program of online and face-to-face activities and events throughout the April school holidays, giving Central Coast families plenty of ways to keep young minds entertained and bodies active over the Easter break. Parents, carers and guardians can head to the School Holidays what’s on page on Council’s website to see everything that’s taking place - from nature tours, live entertainment and escape rooms to sports challenges, Easter crafts and skills workshops, there’s something on offer for all ages, interests and abilities. All face-to-face programs will operate in a COVID-safe way, including limited numbers in each workshop to ensure the health and wellbeing of participants. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays for the full list of events, details and bookings.What's on at our Town CentresBring the kids down to any of our four town centre locations for a range of fun activities for all ages.

All Central Coast beaches will remain closed this weekend due to concerns over water quality and floating debris following the recent severe weather.All beaches and ocean baths will remain closed until Tuesday 30 March, while Central Coast Council conducts further water quality tests and inspections of local beaches.Council is strongly advising all residents and visitors not to swim or make contact with our waterways as it may be detrimental to health.Council will provide an update to the community early next week, once further water quality samples are analysed.

Central Coast Council is progressing plans to redevelop Green Point’s Sun Valley Park with the construction of a safe, functional, inclusive regional playspace.The project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council and is expected to be completed by June 2021.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said the vision of the redevelopment is to produce a regional playspace that will create opportunities for play and social engagement.“The community will benefit from upgrades to the basketball courts and carpark, as well as the construction of an inclusive regional playspace consisting of play equipment, park furniture, barbeques, drinking fountain, pathways, landscaping, fencing and a new amenity building,” Ms Vaughan said.Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the redevelopment would result in a safe, functional, high quality regional playspace for the Green Point community.“Providing this new community asset will encourage an active outdoor lifestyle for a wide range of ages and ability levels,” Mr Crouch said.“This is exactly what the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to deliver, and I’m thrilled to see it becoming a reality.”Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said this project delivers on a number of community nominated goals outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan.“Council continues to listen to the community and delivering facilities and infrastructure based on community’s needs,” Mr Persson said.“The community can have confidence that important projects like this have been budgeted for as part of Council’s revised Operational Plan, and they will continue to progress as Council moves towards financial stability.”

People often ask me what it’s like to be Administrator of a Council.Clearly there are challenging aspects, particularly when hard and unpopular decisions need to be made.By far the biggest positive about the job is the ‘window’ it gives you into the community.

Central Coast Council is reminding the community to jump online and fill out the survey on water, sewer and stormwater pricing by 28 March.Water, sewer and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Central Coast Council is once again celebrating the NSW Seniors Festival, with numerous events being held across the region this April to provide older residents an opportunity to participate in, contribute to and be included in community life.The largest event for seniors in the southern hemisphere, NSW Seniors Festival is especially significant on the Coast, with more than a quarter of the Coast’s population aged 60 years or older.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Seniors Festival helps to connect seniors with the range of local services, lifelong learning and leisure activities available across the region. “With a growing ageing population on the Central Coast, Council is committed to celebrating our older residents by promoting inclusion, independence and quality of life for all community members,” Ms Vaughan said.“We have put together a diverse calendar of events which seniors can access and enjoy throughout the month of April, including educational workshops, fitness programs and entertainment that will enrich their lives and support them to age positively as they grow older.“A highlight of the Festival is the Seniors Expo on 15 April at Wyong Race Club, which will feature a variety of stallholders from services and community groups around the Coast that support older people to age in a healthy and positive way.”All events are COVID-safe to ensure the wellbeing and safety of participants.Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the NSW Seniors Festival is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role seniors play in the Central Coast community.“Older residents are active in all facets of community life and add significant value and knowledge to our region as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents,” Mr Persson said.“Seniors Festival is a time to provide our growing older population with the chance to learn new skills and try different things, be active and or spend time with friends, new or old doing something you enjoy. “This is your time to shine as a senior on the Coast – have fun and celebrate your age, wisdom and experience in a fun and friendly environment!”Pick up a copy of the full program from your local library, 50+ Leisure& Learning Centres and Seniors Centres or view online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival.