Central Coast Council has come under fire for reduced performance targets in its recently released draft Central Coast Council Operational Plan 2023-24.
While Council says the plan continues a focus on delivering services for the community while supporting Council’s ongoing financial sustainability, community activist Kevin Brooks has questioned why targets have been reduced despite huge hikes in general and water rates.
Speaking at the public forum prior to the March 28 Council meeting, Brooks highlighted longer DA determination times and reduced targets for road resurfacing and drainage infrastructure as outlined in the Plan.
“Over the next four years, Council will receive – on average – an eye-watering $70M per year extra as a result of last year’s combined general and water rate hikes – plus inflation on top,” Brooks said.
“So, we might have expected higher performance targets in this updated operational plan.
“Instead, targets are being reduced.
“Last year’s plan and delivery program set a target mean of 70 days to determine development applications.
“This year’s plan adds an extra 10 days to that target despite the Administrator promising a ‘big improvement’ after hiring 19 new people (staff and contractors).”
Brooks said roads should be a priority, but Council has reduced “even last year’s woeful target” on kilometres of road to be resurfaced.
“There’s also a reduction in kilometres of new drainage infrastructure,” he said.
“Not one of the 12 water and sewer targets on page 56 have been set higher than last year’s plan – drafted before water rates went up supposedly to fund improvements.”
Brooks also criticised a reduction in public health inspections and in completing maintenance on parks and reserves.
“A number of targets from last year’s plan have disappeared altogether – including more than 20 on disability and access, for example,” he said.
“This is what happens when you get taxation without representation.
“This plan is further evidence that the underlying causes of the financial crisis – management calibre, organisational culture, inefficiency and low productivity – have still not been addressed.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said some of the previously proposed measures were unrealistic in terms of being achieved.
“We need to continue building trust within the organisation,” he said.
“The financial performance of the organisation has turned around and Council’s steadfast financial management has increased our financial stability.
“This draft Operational Plan shows a continued focus on delivery of services to the community through prudent expenditure and incorporates the necessary adjustments to accommodate the increased depreciation trend and rising costs due to inflation.
“This is not a Central Coast Council problem but a challenge facing all councils in the current economic climate, and notably the limitations placed on councils to increase revenue.
“The draft Operational Plan shows our community that we are making sure our roads, open spaces, water and sewer assets and leisure and waste facilities are repaired and renewed.
“At the March 28 meeting, I amended the resolution to include a table identifying percentage changes in proposed Fees and Charges for 2023-24, compared to the same fee in 2022-23.
“This means the community will be able to easily see which fees and charges are proposed to change in the coming financial year, while providing greater transparency with the community.”
Hart said highlights in the draft Plan included: road and drainage upgrades and renewals; network improvements to strengthen water supply and sewer treatment; upgrades to leisure centres, playgrounds and sports grounds; pollutant trap upgrades and coastal erosion remediation works; community programs and events to build resilience and connections; town centre and tourism facility upgrades; and waste and resource recovery facility upgrades.
You can view the Draft Operational Plan and Draft Fees and Charges for 2023-24 at yourvoiceourcoast.com until May, with Hart encouraging residents to have their say.
Terry Collins