Water is Council’s greatest challenge

Editorial –

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner made famous the phrase “Water water everywhere”.

From the pipes beneath our streets to the sand dunes at our shoreline, water is shaping up to be one of the greatest challenges facing the Central Coast, and our Council.

This week, two seemingly separate stories highlight how difficult managing the watery element has become for local government: the proposed 20% hike in water rates, and the coastal erosion emergency at Wamberal and The Entrance North.

On the one hand, residents are being asked to pay significantly more for their water services, up to 22% more in 2026–27, plus inflation, regardless of what they say in Council’s consultation process.

Long-time Council critic Kevin Brooks described the consultation as “biased and manipulative,” with residents told the increase is a given and only feedback about paying even more would be considered.

Brooks also noted that water rates on the Central Coast have already risen by 51% over the past three years, without corresponding improvements in service.

Indeed, independent surveys show customer satisfaction is flatlining.

On the other hand, at the shifting shores of The Entrance North and Wamberal, rising seas and crumbling dunes are threatening homes and infrastructure.

In response, following an extraordinary meeting on May 6, Council called for the NSW Premier to declare a state of emergency, which would unlock powers to act decisively.

That didn’t happen, but the Government HAS agreed to a meeting on May 15 between relevant Ministers and the Council CEO and Mayor.

Meanwhile, Council held a second extraordinary meeting on May 13, voting to put in place a plan allowing beachfront home owners to carry out emergency protection works without lodging a development application if Thursday’s meeting comes to naught.

The contrast is stark.

In one case, Council is asking households to dig deeper into their pockets for basic water services.

In the other, it’s grappling with a literal land loss emergency, without the legislative or financial backing needed to respond.

The Central Coast is not unique in facing water-related pressures, but we are unusually vulnerable.

Our sprawling coastline, creeks, estuaries and lagoons make us both a water-rich and water-threatened region.

It’s a complex challenge that stretches beyond the remit of local government alone.

This is where the State Government must step up, not just with approvals, but with expertise and financial backing.

Likewise, federal agencies should be engaged.

Whether it’s ensuring fair and transparent water pricing or defending our coastlines, the Central Coast deserves coordinated, well-funded solutions.

Because while water may be everywhere, accountability and real assistance still seem to be in short supply.

David Abrahams – Managing Editor