2 SEPTEMBER 2021
ISSUE 025
REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS
Doggy library a fetching idea
News
New intercity trains, called the Mariyung Fleet, have received the final tick of approval to start carrying rail travellers between Sydney and the Central Coast and Newcastle. See page 5
Out&About
A local organisation has sent a collection of ‘happy hats’ to the suburbs most affected by the current lockdown. See page 14
Education Local dog owners have created a ‘dog library’ to turn their affection for canines into something to build a sense of community during the lockdown. See page 13
IPART tells Council what is appropriate Administrator Rik Hart was told during a meeting he called with the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority (IPART) that it would be inappropriate for Council to seek to influence IPART when the full Tribunal was not present. Hart had sought an urgent meeting with IPART after it granted Council a 15 per cent rate rise for three years instead of permanently. Hart spoke out against the
IPART decision at the June 29 Council meeting, calling it irresponsible. As he adopted the rates and the operational plan for 2021, he said he would seek an urgent meeting with IPART to discuss the rate rise beyond three years. The meeting was held on July 27 and IPART has released a file note. Protest group, Protest Against Extreme Rates of Central Coast, asked IPART for the minutes. IPART replied, with a link to
the file note, and mentioned that it had improved its processes thanks to the group’s feedback. “Credit where credit is due, it was refreshing to get such a positive response from IPART recognising the importance of transparency around the Council’s behind-the-scenes lobbying,” group member, Jude Roxburgh, said. “Now we can see what they’re saying and correct any misinformation.” IPART attendees at the meeting were Carmel Donnelly
(Chair) Liz Livingstone (CEO) and Sheridan Rapmund (Director). Administrator, Rik Hart, and CEO, David Farmer, attended from Central Coast Council. The file note shows that IPART Chair, Carmel Donnelly, indicated that the full Tribunal was the decision-making body of IPART and as such it was not appropriate at the meeting for the council to seek to influence or provide details as the full Tribunal was not present. “Carmel noted that it was not appropriate to re-prosecute
previous decisions,” the file note said. “Carmel stated that as Chair she has a job to do, and she would discharge that responsibility with appropriate due diligence and without fear or favour.” The meeting started with Donnelly introducing herself as new Chair of IPART. Hart and Farmer both then gave brief introductions including their previous work history. Continued page 4
Umina Beach Public School has shared images of ‘Spoonville’ – a community initiative aimed at spreading joy during lockdown. See page 29
Sport
The Peninsula has scooped the pool at Surf Life Saving NSW’s Awards of Excellence, announced virtually on August 28, taking out four major awards including Surf Lifesaver and Youth Lifesaver of the Year. See page 32
Puzzles page 18
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