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Collapse Issue 518:<br />3 May 2021<br />_____________Issue 518:
3 May 2021
_____________
Collapse  NEWS NEWS
Council plans to sell Peninsula land
Tesch speaks against carpark sale
GUST welcomes consultation on park sale plans
Council budgets $13 million for the Peninsula
Government announces public inquiry into council
NSW Opposition calls for 'broad inquiry' into council
Council inquiry terms of reference released
Vietnam Vets join impromptu march to memorial
Local Member at Anzac ceremonies
Biscuit theme for Anzac Day
Search and rescue training for the Bays brigade
More bike storage needed at station, says Tesch
Bike paths should 'go all the way', says user group
Safety needed to walk or cycle to school, says Tesch
Bingo at Ettalong on Wednesdays
Umina CWA wins cookery trophy
CWA branch makes bereavement bags
Storm debris clean-up continues
Dunes planted with 2000 new plants
Guides hear of importance of speaking up
Lions accept entries for tea cosy show
Second driest April in 16 years
Collapse  PLANNING PLANNING
Application to modify three-storey Blackwall Rd plan
Two more townhouse proposals for Warrah St
Council sets strategic planning priorities
Panel appointments extended
Invalid application
Collapse  FORUM FORUM
Memorial Ave land provides significant habitat
Trees and cool open space are of more public benefit
Outrageous that local park sale is on agenda again
Contentment of ad hoc Anzac march
Leave wooded block intact for a hotter future
Bush parkland was reason for buying in Blackwall
'Improved planning outcome' test may still be subjective
Democracy should never be put on hold
Distress at sale of land and other council assets
Sell-off should be paused for much deeper inquiry
Collapse  HEALTH HEALTH
Aged care providers jointly call for government action
Collapse  ARTS ARTS
Folk club holds house concert
Patchwork group completes many projects
Collapse  EDUCATION EDUCATION
Variety Night performances to be held over two nights
School opens gates to parents for student pick-up
Annabelle wins four Australia athletics medals
Students congratulated on Anzac speeches
Catafalque party at Anzac assembly
Geography students study coastal processes
Secondary students investigate global warming
Umina starts enrolments for next year's kindergarten
Life membership for former childcare employee
Shadow Minister meets parents' groups
Collapse  SPORT SPORT
Ettalong Eagles firsts lead in pennant season
Umina pennant bowls results
Boxing starts again at PCYC
Bridge club holds special events
Bridge lessons for beginners
Diggers' Day at bowls clubs
Netball draw updated
Softball club to hold annual meeting
Goalkeeper training starts for Umina United
Coaches wanted for junior touch
The Lakes proved too strong for the Lions
Defeated in all grades
Netball association splits Junior Blue grade
Trial game at Woy Woy
Bowling clubs to vote on unification proposal

EXTRA!!!

Government announces public inquiry into council

The NSW Government has announced a public inquiry into Central Coast Council to investigate its financial management and ability to serve the local community.

Minister for Local Government Ms Shelley Hancock said a public inquiry would provide an independent, open, and transparent process to help improve the council's performance and sustainability.

"The performance of Central Coast Council, particularly concerning financial management, has been of great concern to the local community," Ms Hancock said.

"On behalf of all Central Coast ratepayers, I want to see Council performing in the best interest of the community.

"This public inquiry will help get to the bottom of the issues which have impacted its performance, resulting in my suspension of councillors and appointment of an interim Administrator.

"Any member of the public with concerns about the council can now raise them directly with the commissioner of the public inquiry."

Ms Hancock said she had appointed Ms Roslyn McCulloch as commissioner to undertake the inquiry.

"Ms McCulloch has three decades of experience in local government and planning law and conducted the 2019 public inquiry into Balranald Shire Council.

"At the conclusion of the inquiry, the commissioner will present a report to the Minister.

"The commissioner may make recommendations having regard to the findings of the inquiry, including issuing a Performance Improvement Order or dismissing Council."

Ms Hancock said the decision to hold a public inquiry also means that the local government election scheduled for the Central Coast in September would now need to be postponed until late 2022.

"My decision to order a public inquiry aims to give the community the best possible chance to restore confidence in its council," Ms Hancock said.

"As such, I have formed the view that it is in the public interest for all Central Coast councillors to remain suspended during the public inquiry process."

Council was first suspended in October last year with interim administrator Mr Dick Persson appointed to provide independent governance to address widespread financial, reputational and organisational issues.

Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Mr Adam Crouch has welcomed the appointment of Ms McCulloch as independent commissioner of the public inquiry.

"Ms McCulloch's experience in local government and planning law spans 30 years, and by all accounts, is a perfect fit for the job.

"The public inquiry's terms of reference are very broad and enable the commissioner to investigate council's financial situation as well as its ability to properly represent and serve our community.

"The public inquiry will also consist of public hearings where community members, as well as current and former council staff, can provide evidence to the commissioner.

"Establishing a public inquiry is the only way to keep the councillors suspended and I thank the Local Government Minister for making this important decision."





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