Council elections delayed more than two years
Local Government Minister Ms Wendy Tuckerman has announced Central Coast Council's next elections will be held in two years' time - on September 14, 2024.
The election will be held with the next round of local government elections.
Ms Tuckerman said this "ensures that Council and ratepayers are not burdened with the substantial of cost of holding two elections in a relatively short period".
"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."
Ms Tuckerman said that 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.
She said the other recommendations were "supported in-principle, noting some are to be implemented by the council and others would require legislative change".
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Mr Adam Crouch said the decision to remain in administration until 2024 would benefit local residents.
"The people of the Central Coast are telling me their key concern is having a functioning, sustainable council that's servicing their needs effectively," Mr Crouch said.
"We don't want to return to the bad old days of the previous council.
"Taking this extra time to put important processes and protections in place will ensure that doesn't happen, while also sparing ratepayers the cost and inconvenience of holding two elections in just over two years."
SOURCE:
Social media, 1 June 2022
Wendy Tuckerman, Minister for Local Government