11 MARCH 2022
ISSUE 333
Lower Hawkesbury in crisis as flooding continues
News
Five new probationary constables commenced duties at Brisbane Water Police District this week, along with two new officers at the Tuggerah Lakes District. See page 5
Out&About
Flavours by the Sea is set to return to Terrigal on Saturday, March 26, bringing the tastes, sights and sounds of the world to the Central Coast. See page 13
Business
Of all the areas on the Central Coast, the communities on the Lower Hawkesbury, including Spencer, have been doing it toughest during the current flood crisis. See page 3
Public Inquiry into Council now with Minister NSW Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has revealed under questioning that she has the report from Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch who conducted the public inquiry into Central Coast Council. At budget estimates this week Ms Tuckerman was questioned by the Opposition’s Mark Buttigieg who asked where the inquiry was up to. Ms Tuckerman replied: “I have received the review and I am doing my due diligence around the recommendations.” When pressed on a timeline for a public disclosure, Ms
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman (right) has the report with Premier Dominic Perrottet
Tuckerman refused. “Obviously, as I said, I have received the report and I cannot give you a timeline at this point as to how long it will take to do my due diligence around the recommendations,” Ms Tuckerman said.
Mr Buttigieg, the Opposition whip in the Upper House of NSW Parliament, asked if the Minister thought the ratepayers of the Central Coast deserved some answers, “given the higher rates, service cuts and massive redundancies they
have been facing”. “Absolutely,” Ms Tuckerman said. “I will be making sure that I am giving a timely answer with those considerations in place.” But she gave no timeline. The Minister also gave no indication as to how long she has had the report and did not reveal any of its contents. The public inquiry into the financial crises of the Council was called in late April last year by the former Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock. Public interviews of the key players concluded in October last year.
The Commissioner also interviewed some people in private but the public was never told who those people were and no transcripts were released. In State Parliament in February Member for Wyong, David Harris, talked about the predicament of the Council. “This House witnessed a debate on a petition last year which was brought about by the community’s anger about lack of answers as to why the financial predicament of the council had come about,” he said. “Central Coast Labor MPs at the timesupportedafull,independent, public judicial inquiry. Continued page 5
The wet weather didn’t stop the celebrations on International Women’s Day as dozens of women packed out the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus for a day of conversations, connections and community. See page 21
Sport
Terrigal athlete Allanah Pitcher’s historic teams silver medal was the highlight for NSW at the 2022 World Race Walking Team Championships. See page 32
Puzzles page 18
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