1 OCTOBER 2021
ISSUE 312
News
Bodhi loves the big blue trucks
The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand group has welcomed opposition to a seawall as a solution to the beach’s ongoing erosion issues . See page 10
Business
With hundreds, if not thousands of Central Coast businesses impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, many have neglected keeping their emergency response plans up to date.
For Cleanaway driver, Mick Skillicorn, a highlight of his working week is the regular Wednesday round at Kariong.
Health
See page 27
See page 6 Bodhi Bennett greets the Cleanaway truck every Wednesday morning
Water rates could rise 34 per cent Residents of the former Gosford Council LGA still reeling from rates rises of up to 42 per cent which came into effect on July 1 could also face a 34 per cent hike in their water rates next year, if a Central Coast Council submission to IPART (The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) is successful. As IPART reviews the maximum prices that Central Coast Council can charge for its water, wastewater, stormwater and other waterrelated services from July 1, 2022, Council has also
determined to push for the 15 per cent general rate rise, which came into effect from July 1 for three years to be extended for a 10-year period (see separate story, page five). Council submitted its pricing proposal on water rates on September 10 and on September 28 IPART released its Issues Paper seeking community feedback. IPART Chair, Carmel Donnelly, said IPART would assess whether the price changes proposed by the Council represented good value for money for customers and were affordable. “The Council has proposed
prices that would increase typical household bills by about 34 per cent in the first year, and then by inflation after that,” she said. “The Council’s submission says the proposed price increase will ensure it could provide water services that meet its customers’ expectations now and into the future. “This includes good quality drinking water, and reliable water supply, wastewater, stormwater and other water services.” Council’s last proposal for water rates variation, in 2018/19, was refused.
“IPART did not find enough work had gone into the proposal to justify the prices Council was seeking,” Donnelly said. “We found then that Council had consistently underspent in a number of areas and made suggestions on how it could improve its data analysis.” Donnelly stressed that community feedback would form an important part of IPART’s assessment process. “We want to make sure people are asked to pay the minimum required for safe services to be provided,” she said.
Donnelly said on average, Central Coast residents pay the lowest water rates in NSW but that would not drive IPART’s decision. “We will be looking at what an efficient water utility should charge to provide the expected quality,” she said. “It is very important for residents to know that IPART will be undertaking a very thorough review. “We are especially keen to hear from residents what they expect and what is happening now with water services. See page 12
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is calling for more staff at Gosford Hospital‘s Emergency Department. See page 31
Sport
Players and teams from across the Central Coast have been recognised for their efforts on the AFL field at Hunter Central Coast AFL’s 2021 Elliot Davey Awards. See page 40
Puzzles page 18
It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.
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