High expectations for new Central Coast Mayor

The election of Lawrie McKinna as the new Mayor of the Central Coast, with Doug Eaton as Deputy Mayor, marks an interesting ‘back to the future’ shift in the region’s leadership.

Both McKinna and Eaton bring years of experience from their time as mayors of the pre-amalgamated Gosford and Wyong councils, respectively.

Notably, both were keen supporters of the amalgamation of the former councils in their past roles.

Their local governance experience may be critical as the region navigates into the future.

The path to securing the two top positions was a collaboration.

McKinna’s Team Central Coast, a group of three nominally Independent councillors, joined forces with the Liberal Party’s five councillors to form a dominant voting bloc in the 15-member chamber.

This alliance has given them a slim majority over the two Independent and five Labor Party councillors, setting the stage for a clear direction on the Council’s major decisions.

While Team Central Coast is not a formal political party, their partnership with the Liberals suggests a likely default voting alignment throughout the four-year term.

However, the potential for Team Central Coast councillors to vote independently on critical issues could add some wriggle room on some contentious council decisions.

The chamber now also has a set of eight female councillors with sharp eyes and broad experience who will undoubtedly scrutinise important decisions in progress.

One of the first major challenges facing the new leadership is the 12-month Performance Improvement Order from NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig.

The entire council, including McKinna and Eaton, passed a Motion opposing the Order, signalling a unified resistance against what they see as a constraint on their ability to govern effectively.

Encouragingly, the recent Coast Community News (CCN) survey results foreshadowed McKinna’s rise to Mayor, reflecting a level of public confidence in his leadership.

This is a promising start after years of administrative uncertainty and inflationary pressures.

The Central Coast can look forward to what many hope will be a stable and productive period under McKinna’s leadership, and hopefully a much-needed reprieve for ratepayers and residents alike.

David Abrahams – Managing Editor