Bold vision for Council’s financial future

Central Coast Councillor Jared Wright promised a bold vision for Council’s financial future as he chaired the first meeting of the Governance and Finance Committee on May 13.

Wright used his opening address to say Council needed new ideas to combat the structural and external pressures it would face over the next decade.

He said he looked forward to working with fellow councillors and Council staff to think differently about the challenges, including everything from the macroeconomic impacts of US President Donald Trump’s tariff regime on our supply chains, through to localised issues, such as the use of technology and AI to improve services for residents.

“Our financial platform has certainly improved since we went into administration, and I think that is a testament to many of the new staff we have on board,” Wright said.

“Having worked with a lot of the senior team over recent months, it is clear they have a shared passion for delivering the best possible outcomes for ratepayers.

“When nothing changes, nothing changes, so I look forward to putting forward some fresh ideas, utilising my professional background within the financial services industry to further improve our financial outlook and ensure that we hold a strong financial platform into the future.

“I will also be welcoming the ideas of my fellow councillors, as I think it is important to incorporate a broad range of perspectives, acknowledging that we represent a diverse range of people here on the Central Coast.”

Wright said the Governance and Finance Committee would meet quarterly, aligning with the draft quarterly financial report, which councillors would be able to discuss before it was presented to the main council meeting every three months.

“Reviewing the quarterly report is an important opportunity for us to track our progress against our goals and objectives,” he said.

“It also helps cross-check that we are where we need to be, across all aspects of Council’s operations, from infrastructure spending through to our delivery of community projects.

“I am also always open to hear from the community about their ideas when it comes to our long-term financial sustainability, so I would encourage anyone with ideas to reach out to me as well.”