Referendum on having nine councillors

Central Coast Council interim administrator Mr Dick Persson has formally resolved to hold a referendum in September about reducing the number of councillors to nine.

"It is my view that 15 councillors is too many for the effective operation of a council," he said.

"This large number does not facilitate collaborative and effective decision making, and often results in an adversarial environment which does not benefit the Central Coast community.

"The question will include an option on wards," Mr Persson said.

The referendum is expected to cost at least $214,700.

If adopted, the Central Coast would have one of the lowest levels of local government representation in NSW.

The change would not take effect until September 2024.

SOURCE:

Central Coast Council agenda 1.4, 3 Feb 2021