15 JANUARY 2021
ISSUE 275
News
Bluebottles arrive en masse
Fires ravaged waste management facilities at either end of the Central Coast on January 10 – the first time both Woy Woy and Buttonderry tips have experienced simultaneous fires. See page 5
Out&About
Family run business, The Outlook Riding Academy, is a little different to others, offering guests ponies, parties, and a psychologist. See page 17
A smack of bluebottle jellyfish has hit Central Coast beaches over the past week, causing major inconvenience for beachgoers.
Education
See page 4 for more
Community angst over prospective rate rises Central Coast residents have expressed grave concerns about prospective rate rises in the aftermath of the council’s financial blowout. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced it had received 2,700 direct submissions (in December) from concerned residents – the highest number of submissions ever received on a single topic. Residents are invited to have a say on the proposed rate rise for the region which could potentially be as high as 15 per cent. Council has notified (IPART) of its intention to apply for a Special Variation (SV) of either a one-off 10 per cent remaining in the rate base for seven years or a one-off 15 per cent,
remaining permanently in the rate base, inclusive of the 2021/22 rate peg of 2%. With a 10 per cent rise the average residential increase would be $2.13 a week ($111 p.a.) and the average business increase $6.11 a week ($318 p.a.). With a 15 per cent increase the average residential rate rise would be $3.20 a week ($166 p.a.) and the average business rise $9.30 a week ($477 p.a.). Acting CEO Rik Hart said he understood community concern about paying more rates, but this was needed for Council’s long-term financial security and ongoing service delivery which would benefit everyone. “We have been open with the community about our financial situation and are taking
Central Coast Council Acting CEO, Rik Hart
significant steps to help our bottom line – we are selling assets, reducing staff numbers and materials and contracts, reducing the capital works program, looking at fees and
charges and we have been able to secure further loans,” Hart said. “The last thing we want to do is put more burden on our ratepayers. “But if we do not have a substantial increase in our rate income as well, then even harder decisions will need to be made. “For our community that would mean a significant reduction or even elimination of services that they need and rely on us to provide. “Our first priority has to be the repayment of restricted funds, which were unlawfully used, so that does not become a burden for future generations. “This is a conversation our community has to have, and we want to hear from as many residents and ratepayers as possible.
“I urge all community members to keep an open mind, consider the information put before them, and to provide feedback over the coming weeks before Council determines in early February whether or not to formally apply to IPART for a Special Variation.” Information on the options being considered for an SV as well as a survey for ratepayers and residents can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com Council will consider a report about the Special Variation options, inclusive of community feedback, at its meeting on February 8. IPART will continue to accept submissions until March 1. Source: Media release, Jan 11 Central Coast Council IPART website, Dec 24
The festive season may be over, but there are still plenty of family fun activities available for the rest of the holidays. See page 34
Sport
The BMX track at Duffys Reserve, Terrigal, has been closed for two months while the track is being upgraded by Central Coast Council with funding from the State Government. See page 39
Puzzles page 22
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