Upcoming Council Elections: Q and A with Rik Hart on June 3

Central Coast Council will have a return to democracy with the elections for new Councillors in September. To more fully inform Avocans, we have invited Rik Hart, Administrator for Central Coast Council, to our next community meeting. You’re invited to hear his presentation and ask questions. We look forward to seeing you on Monday June 3, 7pm at the changed venue: Avoca Beach Surf Club.

The facts so far….

·        Elections for Councillors will take place on 14th September 2024.

·        Central Coast residents will be asked to vote for 15 Councillors overall.

·        The same ward system will operate for this council term.  This means Avoca Beach will be in the East ward and 3 Councillors will be chosen to represent us.

·        The previously ‘sacked’ Councillors (when Council went into administration) can run again if they wish.

·        When casting your vote, you will be asked to respond to a referendum. It will state:
“Do you favour a reduction in the number of Central Coast Councillors from fifteen to nine?  This will result in three Wards with each Ward electing three Councillors.”                                 

·        The results of this referendum question will determine the number of wards and Councillors from 2028 onwards.

·        Candidate nominations open on 5 August 2024 and close at noon on 14 August 2024.   As yet, no information is available about prospective Councillors.

·        Information sessions for interested parties have already been held.

 What we would like to know….                              

·        What financial shape is Central Coast Council in for the hand back to a democratically elected group of Councillors?

·        What financial expertise is expected from a newly elected Councillor? What training will be given?

·        Who is responsible for Council mistakes, staff, or Councillors?

·        Who makes the decisions on controversial planning matters? Is it Council staff, or Councillors?

·        Given there are 352,000 residents on the Central Coast, 15 elected Councillors equates to 23,466 residents for each Councillor.  If the referendum results in a cutback to 9 Councillors, that equates to 39,111 residents per Councillor.  This results in an extra 15,645 for each Councillor to represent.  Is this problematic?

·        In the above scenario, how would the 3 big wards be determined: Population, geographical area, or some other way? How would you prevent an imbalance? Can you provide a comparative assessment of the ratio of councillors in similar large population LGAs as Central Coast Council is the 3rd largest in NSW by population.

·        Will there be information accompanying the referendum that presents both sides of the argument?

·        The pay for previous Councillors was very low. How do you expect to attract good people if they’re not remunerated according to their responsibilities?

We will be asking Rik Hart these questions on Monday June 3. We invite you to be part of the Q and A and bring your questions!