Oath or Affirmation of Office
Councillors are reminded of their Oath or Affirmation of Office to undertake their duties in the best interests of the people of the Central Coast and Council and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities, and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act 1993, or any other Act to the best of their ability and judgement. Councillors are also reminded of their obligations under the Code of Conduct to disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.
Disclosures of Interest
Councillors are reminded of their obligation under Council’s Code of Conduct to declare any conflict of interest in a matter considered by Council.
Pecuniary interest: A Councillor who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned, and who is present at a meeting of the Council at which the matter is being considered, must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting. The Councillor must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting:
a) At any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed, or
b) At any time during which the Council is voting on any question in relation to the matter.
Non-Pecuniary conflict of interest: A Councillor who has a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter, must disclose the relevant private interest in relation to the matter fully and on each occasion on which the non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to the matter.
Significant Non-Pecuniary conflict of interest: A Councillor who has a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest in relation to a matter under consideration at a Council meeting, must manage the conflict of interest as if they had a pecuniary interest in the matter.
Non-Significant Non-Pecuniary interest: A Councillor who determines that they have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter that is not significant and does not require further action, when disclosing the interest it must also be explained why the conflict of interest is not significant and does not require further action in the circumstances.
Recording
In accordance with the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, you are advised that all discussion held during the Open Council meeting is recorded for the purpose of livestreaming the public meeting and verifying the minutes. This will include any public discussion involving a councillor, staff member or a member of the public.
Meeting Notice
The Extraordinary Council Meeting
of Central Coast Council
will be held in the Central Coast Council Chambers,
2 Hely Street, Wyong
on Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 6.00pm,
for the transaction of the business listed below:
1 Procedural Items
1.1 Disclosure of Interest................................................................................................................................ 6
2 Reports
2.1 Matter Laid on the Table - Matters arising from Proposal to Establish Committees of Council 7
2.2 Matter Laid on the Table - Consultation on Reforms to Council Meeting Practices......... 11
2.3 Status Update on Active Council Resolutions................................................................................ 12
2.4 Community Support Grant Program November and December 2024.................................. 14
3 Notices of Motion
3.1 Notice of Motion - Establishment of a Catchment to Coast Advisory Committee (CCAC) 19
3.2 Notice of Motion - Establishment of Advisory Committee re Mangrove Mountain Landfill.. 22
3.3 Notice of Motion - Council's Income Generating Assets........................................................... 24
3.4 Notice of Motion - Simplified Development Approval Pathway for Events......................... 26
3.5 Notice of Motion - Removal of the limit on Notice of Motions at each Council meeting 27
David Farmer
Chief Executive Officer
|
Item No: 1.1 |
|
|
Title: Disclosure of Interest |
|
|
Department: Corporate Services |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
That Council now disclose any conflicts of interest in matters under consideration by Council at this meeting.
|
Item No: 2.1 |
|
|
Title: Matter Laid on the Table - Matters arising from Proposal to Establish Committees of Council |
|
|
Department: Corporate Services |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2025/00016 - D16704156
Author: Briony Stiles, Team Leader Civic Support
Manager: Louise Rampling, Unit Manager Governance Risk and Legal
Executive: Marissa Racomelara, Director Corporate Services
Matter laid on the table (MINUTE 571/25) – Matter arising from Proposal to Establish Committees of Council.
Background
At the 25 February 2025 Ordinary meeting, Council resolved to lay Item 2.7 ‘Proposal to Establish Committees of Council” on the table.
If it is resolved to lift the matter from the table, debate will recommence at the point at which it was suspended, as set out below.
|
Proposal to establish Committees of Council |
|
A Motion was MOVED by Councillor McNamara and SECONDED by Deputy Mayor Eaton OAM:
|
|
That Council:
562/25 Establishes a Committee of Council structure comprised of the following: a) Community and Culture Committee b) Economic Development Committee as previously established c) Environment and Planning Committee d) Governance and Finance Committee e) Infrastructure and Assets Committee. 563/25 Adopts the attached Terms of Reference for each of the Committees of Council. 564/25 Delegates to the Environment and Planning Committee authority “To consider and authorise Councils response to State Significant Development Applications where Council is a statutory consultee, and where the meeting cadence of Council doesn’t align with the legislated timeframes for Council's submission to the determining authority”. 565/25 Notes the Mayor is automatically a member of each committee and appoints the Mayor as Deputy Chair of Economic Development Committee.
166/25 Appoints: · Clr Eaton as Chair of Environment and Planning · Clr McNamara as Chair of Economic Development · Clr Stanton as Chair of Infrastructure and Assets · Clr McWaide as Chair of Community and Culture · Clr Wright as Chair of Governance and Finance. 567/25 Defers the appointment of a representative of the Flood Risk Management Committee and the Protection of the Environment trust to the Environment and Planning Committee. 568/25 Appoints Clr Crowley as delegate and Clr Daniels as the alternate to the Traffic Committee. 569/25 Appoints Clr Neal as primary and Clr McNamara as alternate delegates to Central Coast Rural Fire Service District Liaison Committee. 570/25 Notes that the costs associated with the establishment and management of committees will be assessed and presented to Council as part of the Quarterly Budget review in May 2025, and for inclusion in the 2025-26 Budget.
|
|
An Amendment was MOVED by Councillor Neal and SECONDED by Councillor Walsh:
That Council:
1 Establishes a Committee of Council structure comprised of the following: a) Community and Culture Committee b) Economic Development Committee as previously established c) Environment and Planning Committee d) Governance and Finance Committee e) Infrastructure and Assets Committee. 2 Adopts the attached Terms of Reference for each of the Committees of Council. 3 Delegates to the Environment and Planning Committee authority “To consider and authorise Councils response to State Significant Development Applications where Council is a statutory consultee, and where the meeting cadence of Council doesn’t align with the legislated timeframes for Council's submission to the determining authority”. 4 Notes the Mayor is automatically a member of each committee and appoints the mayor as deputy chair of Economic Development Committee. 5 That the members, Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Committees be appointed on the basis of proportional representation based on the democratic principle that positions should be allocated on the basis of their support in the community. 6 Defers the appointment of a representative of the Flood Risk Management Committee and the Protection of the Environment trust to the Environment and Planning Committee. 7 Appoints Clr Crowley as delegate and Clr Daniels as the alternate to the Traffic Committee. 8 Appoints Clr Neal as primary and Clr McNamara as alternate delegates to Central Coast Rural Fire Service District Liaison Committee. 9 Notes that the costs associated with the establishment and management of committees will be assessed and presented to Council as part of the Quarterly Budget review in May 2025, and for inclusion in the 2025-26 Budget. 10 That the committee of council structure be reviewed after 12 months. 11 That staff investigate the affordable Housing Trust and the former Gosford Foundation Trust and Planning Committee.
|
|
FOR: Crs MacGregor, Castles, Crowley, Walsh, Neal, Smith and Lamont AGAINST: Crs McKinna, Mouland, Daniels, Eaton OAM, Stanton, Wright, McNamara and McWaide The Motion was put to the vote and declared LOST
|
|
The Motion MOVED by Councillor McNamara and SECONDED by Deputy Mayor Eaton OAM: was put to the vote. |
|
FOR: Crs McKinna, Mouland, Daniels, Neal, Eaton OAM, Stanton, Wright, McNamara and McWaide AGAINST: Crs MacGregor, Castles, Crowley, Walsh, Smith and Lamont The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED
|
|
The Matter arising was MOVED by Councillor McNamara and SECONDED by Deputy Mayor Eaton OAM:
Matter arising – membership of the committees 1 Appoint the following Councillors to the Community and Culture Committee a. Councillor McWaide as Chairperson b. Councillor Castles c. Councillor Daniels as Deputy Chairperson d. Councillor McNamara e. Councillor Lamont f. Councillor Walsh g. Councillor Neal as Alternate 1 h. Councillor Smith as Alternate 2 i. Councillor MacGregor as Alternate 3 2 Confirm the previous appointments to the Economic Development Committee a. Councillor McNamara as Chairperson b. Mayor McKinna as Deputy Chairperson c. Councillor Mouland d. Councillor McWaide e. Councillor Neal f. Councillor MacGregor g. Councillor Wright as Alternate 1 h. Councillor Smith as Alternate 2 i. Councillor Lamont as Alternate 3 3 Appoint the following Councillors to the Environment and Planning Committee a. Councillor Eaton as Chairperson b. Councillor Castles c. Councillor Mouland d. Councillor Smith e. Councillor Stanton f. Councillor Walsh g. Councillor MacGregor as Alternate 1 h. Councillor Lamont as Alternate 2 i. Councillor McNamara as Alternate 3 4 Appoint the following Councillors to the Governance and Finance Committee a. Councillor Wright as Chairperson b. Councillor Crowley c. Councillor MacGregor d. Councillor Eaton e. Councillor Lamont f. Councillor Smith as Alternate 1 g. Councillor Neal as Alternate 2 h. Councillor McNamara as Alternate 3 5 Appoint the following Councillors to the Infrastructure and Assets Committee a. Councillor Stanton as Chairperson b. Councillor Daniels c. Councillor Eaton d. Councillor Neal e. Councillor Smith f. Councillor Wright g. Councillor McNamara as Alternate 1 h. Councillor Lamont as Alternate 2
|
|
Item No: 2.2 |
|
|
Title: Matter Laid on the Table - Consultation on Reforms to Council Meeting Practices |
|
|
Department: Corporate Services |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2025/00016 - D16704247
Author: Briony Stiles, Team Leader Civic Support
Manager: Louise Rampling, Unit Manager Governance Risk and Legal
Executive: Marissa Racomelara, Director Corporate Services
Matter laid on the table – Consultation on Reforms to Council Meeting Practices
Background
At the 25 February 2025 meeting, Council resolved to lay Item 2.18 ‘Consultations on Reforms to Council Meeting Practices’ on the table. It is also noted that submissions on reforms to Council Meeting Practices were required to be made by close of business on 28 February 2025.
If it is resolved to lift the matter from the table, debate will recommence at the point at which it was suspended, as set out below. It is noted that, at the time debate was suspended, Councillor Neal was speaking on an amendment to the motion.
|
Consultation on Reforms to Council Meeting Practices |
|
A Motion to move the Recommendation was MOVED by Councillor Wright and SECONDED by Councillor Smith:
|
|
Recommendation
That Council endorses the submission to the Office of Local Government on the proposed amendments to the Model Code of Meeting Practice set out in Attachment 1.
|
|
Item No: 2.3 |
|
|
Title: Status Update on Active Council Resolutions |
|
|
Department: Corporate Services |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2025/00016 - D16618368
Author: Briony Stiles, Team Leader Civic Support
Manager: Louise Rampling, Unit Manager Governance Risk and Legal
Executive: Marissa Racomelara, Director Corporate Services
That Council notes the ‘Status Update on Active Council Resolutions’ report for active resolutions at Attachment 1.
|
Report purpose
To provide Council and the community with a status update on actions arising from resolutions made at Council meetings.
Executive Summary
This report provides a quarterly update on the implementation of Council resolutions during the period from 1 October to 31 December 2024. |
Background
It is a requirement under the Local Government Act 1993 that lawful decisions of Council are implemented without undue delay. Quarterly reporting on active Council resolutions provides transparency and accountability.
Report
The Status Update on Active Council Resolutions at (Attachment 1) provides an overview of the implementation of resolutions during the period from 1 October to 31 December 2024.
There are currently a total of 30 active Council resolutions. Since the last quarterly status update on 29 October 2024, a total of 47 actions have been completed.
Financial Considerations
Financial Year (FY) Implications
The proposal does not have financial implications for the current year or outer years in the LTFP.
Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) Impact.
The FY adopted budget includes the impact for this proposal.
Link to Community Strategic Plan
Theme 4: Responsible
|
Goal G: Good governance and great partnerships |
|
R-G2: Engage and communicate openly and honestly with the community to build a relationship based on trust, transparency, respect and use community participation and feedback to inform decision making. |
Risk Management
Proactively
tracking and reporting on the status of Council resolutions and their actions
reduces the risk of not meeting the community’s expectations or not
delivering on Council resolutions in a timely manner.
Critical Dates or Timeframes
See (Attachment 1) for specific deadlines for each action. The next quarterly report will be presented to the April 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting.
|
Status update on active Council resolutions 13.2.25 |
Provided Under Separate Cover |
D16650822 |
|
Item No: 2.4 |
|
|
Title: Community Support Grant Program November and December 2024 |
|
|
Department: Community and Recreation Services |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2017/02117-002 - D16596329
Author: Belinda McRobie, Manager Community Development
Executive: Melanie Smith, Director Community and Recreation Services
That Council:
1 Allocates $22,341.05 (inclusive of GST where applicable) from the 2024-25 grants budget to the Community Support Grant program for the months of November and December as outlined below and in (Attachment 1).
a) Pearl Beach Progress Association Incorporated - Rates Subsidy - $4,099.05
b) Gosford Pre-School Incorporated - Establishment of Yarning Circle - $3,500.00
c) Woy Woy Rugby Club Incorporated - Woy Woy Rugby Heritage Festival - $2,950.00
d) Youth In Performing Arts YIPA - Central Coast Incorporated - Youth in Performing Arts 2025 venue hire - $5,000.00
e) Crommelin Native Arboretum Incorporated Proprietary Limited - Pearl Beach Arboretum Environmental Art Trail - $1,432.00
f) Crestani Scholarships Limited - Music in the Garden - $360.00
g) Toukley Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated – TNC Community Centre - $5,000.00
2 Declines the following applications, for the reasons indicated in Attachment 1:
a) Lady Bumble Bee Art Pty Ltd -Comedy for a cause – project is ineligible.
b) Copacabana Public School P&C -Water Filtration Station - project is ineligible.
c) Gosford City Seagulls AUSSI Masters Swimming Club Incorporated - Monday nights swimming training - Insufficient information provided to make an accurate assessment.
d) Toukley Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated - Upgrade of Laptops for Community Support Staff - project is ineligible.
e) Curtain Bounce Incorporated - Heathers the Musical - applicant has received funding through the 24/25 Community Events and Place Activation grant program for their 2025 season.
3 Advises the unsuccessful applicants in point 2 (above) and direct them to alternate funding sources if relevant.
|
Report purpose
To seek endorsement of the recommendations for the Community Support Grant Program for the months of November and December 2024.
Executive Summary
This report considers the applications and recommendations for the Community Support Grant Program. The Community Support Grant Program remains open throughout the year to provide assistance for community activities that require in-kind support through the provision of subsidised access to Council services and financial assistance for community activities that require a small amount of support.
This program enables applicants to apply for funding support in a faster response time. |
Background
Council’s grant programs are provided to support the community to deliver quality programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate our local community, and align with the One-Central Coast Community Strategic Plan and build capacity across the entire Central Coast community.
The Community Support Grant Program is provided to support the community to deliver activities which require a small amount of funding and/or in-kind support. The Community Support Grant Program provides assistance for community activities that require:
· In-kind support through the provision of subsidised access to Council services.
· Financial assistance for community activities that require a small amount of support. The Community Support Grant Program provides a combined original budget of $300,000 annually as detailed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Community Support Grant Program
|
Program |
Original Budget |
Adopted budget |
2024-25 allocation to date (inclusive of GST where applicable) |
Recommendation allocation within this report (Inclusive of GST where applicable) |
Allocation to date + Recommendation within report (Inclusive of GST where applicable) |
|
Community Support Grant Program |
$300,000 |
$300,000 |
$127,963.96 |
$22,341.05 |
$150,305.01
|
|
TOTAL |
$127,963.96 |
$22,341.05 |
$150,305.01
|
||
Current Status
Applications submitted from 1 November – 31 December 2024 are considered in this report. The Community Support Grant Program provides up to $5,000 per project per financial year in combined funding and in-kind Council services to applicants who are a legally constituted not-for profit organisations, or auspiced by one.
Assessment
Of the five (5) applications not recommended for funding, three (3) are ineligible, one (1) does not contain sufficient information to make an accurate assessment and one (1) has been funded through another grant program. All applicants will be advised to discuss their proposal further with Council’s Grants Officers prior to resubmission in a future round.
Council’s Section Manager Community Development and the Community Grants Team assessed the Community Support Grant program applications, against the Community Support Grant Program guidelines.
Stakeholder Engagement
Regular emails with relevant information were provided to the community grants database.
Council staff conducted three grant writing workshops with thirty-seven attendees and four (4) grant information sessions with sixty-six attendees.
Additionally, Council staff also undertook two (2) drop-in support sessions with twelve (12) attendees to assist applicants with their submissions where required.
Financial Considerations
Financial Year (FY) Implications
The proposal has cost financial implications for the current FY and outer years in the LTFP.
Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) Impact.
The FY adopted budget includes funding for this proposal and the LTFP includes funding for the ongoing impact.
Council’s 2024-25 Operational Expenditure original budget allocates $300,000 to the Community Support Grant Program.
Expenditure is approved until the end of the 2024-25 financial year. Budget funds will expire at the end of each financial year.
No additional budget is required nor sought through this report. All actions within have been funded through existing and approved operational plan budgets.
Link to Community Strategic Plan
Theme 1: Belonging
|
Goal B: Creativity, connection and local identity |
|
B-A1: Work within our communities to connect people, build capacity and create local solutions and initiatives. |
Risk Management
All successful applications will receive a letter of offer outlining Council’s requirements of funding, service delivery and accountability for both Council and the funded organisation.
Applications recommended for funding are conditional on all relevant event/activity approvals being provided prior to the release of funds, and successful applicants are required to return any unspent funds for projects not able to be delivered as planned.
All successful applicants are required to submit a final project acquittal report no later than twelve weeks after the agreed completion date of the activity/project with copies of any photos, promotional materials, and evidence of payment/purchase for each funded item.
Critical Dates or Timeframes
Many of these grant applications are dependent upon support via Council’s grant program. Should decisions be delayed or not supported projects may not be undertaken.
|
Community Support Grant Program - November and December 2024 - Recommended and Not Recommended |
Provided Under Separate Cover |
D16613412 |
|
Item No: 3.1 |
|
|
Title: Notice of Motion - Establishment of a Catchment to Coast Advisory Committee (CCAC) |
|
|
Department: Councillor |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2024/00015 - D16585915
Author: Councillor Corinne Lamont
|
Councillor C. Lamont has given notice that at the Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 25 February 2025 she will move the following motion:
|
That Council:
1 Establishes the Catchment to Coast Advisory Committee (CCAC).
2 Adopts the existing CCAC ToR with amendments reflecting the adopted motion.
3 Commits Resources to provide administrative and logistical support.
Chief Executive Officer Response
The report titled “Proposal to establish Committees of Council” on this business paper seeks to appoint a Councillor to the Flood Risk Management Committee. The NSW Flood Prone Land Policy and the Flood Risk Management Manual both strongly recommend having a committee to oversee the governance and process of Flood Risk Management (FRM). Both the proposed Flood Risk Management Committee and the proposal within this Notice of Motion would fulfill that requirement, therefore only a single committee is required to be established.
In relation to the Terms of Reference and provision of administrative support, it is noted that a new committee framework is currently being considered. This framework contemplates the establishment of a number of Standing Committees, with advisory committees (also known as working groups, panels, advisory groups or similar) operating as sub-committees and reporting back to a parent Standing Committee. The framework contemplates standardised Terms of Reference for consistency.
If the Catchments to Coast Advisory Committee is characterised as a sub-committee, it would report directly to the relevant Standing Committee and, under the proposed framework, would not be provided with administrative support.
Alternatively, if the Catchments to Coast Committee is a special purpose committee reporting directly to Council, it could be resolved that the Committee be provided with administrative and logistical support (noting that this would, in turn, have financial implications). Any allocation of resources (including staff time) would need to be considered as part of a quarterly budget review or in the draft 2025-26 Budget.
Councillors Note
1. Establish the Catchment to Coast Advisory Committee (CCAC):
· Purpose: Advise on the management, preservation, and sustainability of coastal and catchment areas, aligning with the Coastal Management Act 2016 and other relevant legislation pertaining to the coastline and catchments of the Central Coast. The Committee will also fulfill part of the Coastal Management Program (CMP) community engagement requirement under the CMA legislation.
· Objectives -
§ Promote integrated planning and management of coastal environments and associated catchment areas.
§ Identify and assess risks to environmental, social, and economic values in the catchment-to-coast areas.
§ Provide recommendations on best practices, strategies, and actions to enhance resilience to coastal hazards, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable economic development.
§ Align Committee contributions with the preparation, implementation, and review of the Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the Central Coast.
2. Adopt Terms of Reference (ToR):
That Council adopts the existing CCAC ToR with amendments reflecting the adopted motion -
· Membership
a) Five (5) Councillors including, Cr Corinne Lamont as Chair, Cr Jane Smith as Deputy Chair, Cr Margot Castle, Cr Stanton and one other interested Councillor,
b) Six (6) community representatives, Six community representatives with expertise in environmental conservation and coastal management, appointed by resolution of Council following advertisement for expressions of interest. Nominations are to be in writing and will be circulated in full to Councillors for evaluation and consideration.
c) One (1) NSW DPIE representative (non-voting)
d) Two (2) staff members from relevant departments as determined by the CEO (non-voting), with one staff member designated as the coordinator.
e) Quorum- Five (5) members (minimum two Councillors and two community representatives).
3. Commit Resources:
· Provide administrative and logistical support.
Background
The Catchment to Coast Advisory Committee (CCAC) continued to operate
post-amalgamation of the Wyong and Gosford Councils and throughout the last
four (4) years of Administration. During this time, it successfully fulfilled
its intended purpose and objectives as stated in its existing Terms of
Reference (ToR). The committee has consistently contributed to the integrated
planning and management of coastal and catchment areas, in alignment with its
objectives and the Coastal Management Act 2016. This motion seeks to
re-establish the committee to continue its vital role.
Conclusion
The CCAC
will enhance collaboration, harness expertise, and ensure resilience and
sustainability in line with state-wide coastal management priorities.
Re-establishing the committee will build on its proven track record and further
strengthen the Central Coast’s approach to managing its valuable coastal
and catchment areas, ensuring compliance with the Coastal Management Act 2016
and related legislative frameworks.
Nil.
|
Item No: 3.2 |
|
|
Title: Notice of Motion - Establishment of Advisory Committee re Mangrove Mountain Landfill |
|
|
Department: Councillor |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2004/07718 - D16632602
Author: Councillor Jane Smith,
|
Cr J. Smith with the support of Cr C. Lamont, has given notice that at the Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 25 February 2025 she will move the following motion:
|
1 That Council establishes a Mangrove Mountain Advisory Committee for an initial period of 2 years.
2 The Committee includes the following members and representation:
a) Cr Jane Smith (Committee Chair)
b) Interested Councillors from Gosford West Ward
c) Council CEO
d) Council’s Legal Counsel
e) Up to 5 community/stakeholder representatives
f) Other relevant Council staff; and
g) Relevant NSW Agency representatives.
3 The Committee considers, monitors and advises on matters relating to the Mangrove Mountain landfill and its catchment including, but not limited to:
h) Short, medium and long term management of the site
i) Issues related to pollution risks from the site
j) Issues related to the health of the drinking water catchment.
4 At the end of the initial 2 year period, Council receives a report to consider whether to extend the term of the Advisory Committee.
Chief Executive Officer Response
The report titled “Proposal to establish Committees of Council” on this business paper seeks to establish a framework for Committees of Council. This framework contemplates the establishment of a number of Committees of Council, with advisory committees (also known as working groups, panels, advisory groups or similar) operating as sub-committees and reporting back to a parent Committee. The framework contemplates standardised Terms of Reference for consistency.
If the Mangrove Mountain Advisory Committee is characterised as a sub-committee, it would report directly to the relevant Committee of Council and, under the proposed framework, would not be provided with administrative support.
It is noted that an advisory committee was previously formed in 2017 to oversee issues relating to the Mangrove Mountain Gold Course/Landfill and Spencer dumping. At the time that committee was formed, there were legal proceedings on foot between Council and the owner/operator of the Mangrove Mountain site. Those proceedings were finalised in late 2023. The Environment Protection Licence which currently applies to activities on the site is regulated by the NSW EPA.
Nil.
|
Item No: 3.3 |
|
|
Title: Notice of Motion - Council's Income Generating Assets |
|
|
Department: Councillor |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2025/00016 - D16650313
Author: Councillor Jared Wright,
|
Councillor J. Wright has given notice that at the Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 25 February 2025 he will move the following motion: |
1 Schedules a Councillor briefing session to outline and analyse all of Council’s income generating assets including Lake Haven Cinema, Peninsula Leisure Centre, Gosford Swimming Pool and Central Coast Stadium, within the next three months.
2 Provides the following information be in the briefing session for the corresponding assets:
a) Financial performance (including any recent reports and assessments) over a 10-year period (or as long as practical)
b) Cost analysis and viability assessment
c) Community and strategic benefits
d) Relationships with external stakeholders to help run the asset (such as Venues Live)
e) Any recent undertakings to improve asset performance and draw in additional revenue
f) Details of any confidential agreements (if any).
Chief Executive Officer Response
To ensure that Council can be provided with all the relevant information to guide the discussion on Council’s income generating assets it is suggested that two briefings sessions are scheduled over the coming months.
It is suggested that the first session is scheduled for April 2025 to provide a high-level overview of the financial performance of these assets over a period, the main drivers of this performance, and the investment in these assets over the same period. In this session the various management models, partnerships and any relevant governance aspects will also be covered. At this session the Council may wish to identify specific details it wants to obtain, including the high-level aspects of viability, including any scenarios that Council may wish to explore.
The second session in June 2025 would be focused on delving deeper into the drivers of performance, community and strategic benefits, and the outcome of the scenarios identified during the April session.
Councillors Note
Understanding and seeking to improve Council’s income generating assets
Background:
Central Coast Council has emerged from administration, significantly improving its financial platform. However, it remains in the Council’s interest to further enhance its financial position to support infrastructure growth, key projects, and ongoing operations.
Council owns and operates (or has a stake in) a number of income generating assets, including Metro Cinema Lake Haven, Gosford Swimming Pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre, and Central Coast Stadium. Each of these assets presents various opportunities and challenges from a cost-benefit perspective. As the Council transitions out of administration, it is crucial to continue evaluating these assets' operational efficiency to secure a robust financial future.
A key example is Metro Cinema Lake Haven. The cinema industry faces ongoing challenges, such as competition from digital entertainment platforms and evolving consumer preferences. Following a recent investment in upgrading the cinema, it is imperative to assess its value to ratepayers across multiple metrics, including financial performance and community benefit.
Reason:
Ratepayers deserve transparency regarding the use of their funds and assurance that the Council operates effectively with a solid financial foundation. A comprehensive review of income generating assets will highlight opportunities for revenue growth and evaluate the feasibility and practicality of retaining these assets and enable well informed decision making going forward.
Nil.
|
Item No: 3.4 |
|
|
Title: Notice of Motion - Simplified Development Approval Pathway for Events |
|
|
Department: Councillor |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2025/00016 - D16654583
Author: Councillor Trent McWaide,
|
Councillor T. McWaide has given notice that at the Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 25 February 2025 he will move the following motion:
|
In recognising the importance of events to the Central Coast region, in both economic and social terms, I propose that Council resolves:
That Council:
1 Requests that the CEO draft and present to Council an Event Strategy, for the purpose of increasing events for the Central Coast and establishing a range of actions to work towards that purpose; and
2 Requests that the CEO investigate the opportunity to amend the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 to include provisions which would exempt temporary events on Council owned or controlled land from the requirement for development consent under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979. Noting that similar provisions were previously included in the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 (but removed from the Central Coast Local Environment Plan 2022 upon its adoption) and also noting that such events would be controlled under the existing requirement for operators to gain approval for use of Council land under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993.
Nil.
|
Item No: 3.5 |
|
|
Title: Notice of Motion - Removal of the limit on Notice of Motions at each Council meeting |
|
|
Department: Councillor |
|
|
11 March 2025 Extraordinary Council Meeting |
|
Reference: F2025/00016 - D16654682
Author: Councillor Belinda Neal
|
Cr B. Neal has given notice that at the Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 25 February 2025 she will move the following motion: That Council: 1 Amend its Code of Meeting Practice to remove the restriction limiting Councillors to one Notice of Motion (NoM) per Ordinary Council Meeting.
2 Allow Councillors to submit multiple NoMs per meeting, provided they comply with the established rules and procedures for submitting NoMs, including deadlines and content requirements.
3 Ensure that meeting agendas continue to be managed effectively to maintain meeting efficiency and ensure that all Councilors’ motions are given adequate time for discussion. |
Chief Executive Officer Response
A limit on the number of NoMs places strategic planning into focus and also enables suitable allocation of time to respond to a small number of otherwise unavoidable motions.
Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1993 defines the role of the governing body with a focus on strategy, policy and financial sustainability. Council substantially undertakes this role through the Integrated Planning and Reporting suite of documents. These set the long (Community Strategic Plan), medium (Delivery Program) and short term (Operational Plan and Budget) focus of Council. These plans are supported by the Resourcing Strategy which allocates assets, staff and budget to specific work programs. Specifically Section 8A(c) of the Act states (c) Councils should plan strategically, using the integrated planning and reporting framework, for the provision of effective and efficient services and regulation to meet the diverse needs of the local community.
Notices of Motion (NoMs) can be valuable opportunities to add items to the agenda of a council meeting and are often requests for action. A NoM must be moved, seconded and adopted in the same way a Motion is put up to Council to resolve.
As per the Code of Meeting Practice at clause 5.17 A Notice of Motion for the expenditure of funds or redirection of resources on works and/or services other than those already provided for in Council’s current adopted operational plan must identify the source of funding for the expenditure that is the subject of the Notice of Motion. Further, as per clause 5.18, Councillors are to liaise with the Chief Executive Officer (or their nominee) for assistance in costing Notices of Motion and identifying potential funding sources. The most efficient way to allocate funds or resources to a particular activity is through the Operational Plan and budget.
Almost all NoMs result in resource reallocation if not additional allocation. For this reason, it is important that Council has the opportunity to consider the implications of any NoM. To enable that information to be gathered for inclusion in the business paper, sufficient time must be allocated. In high performing councils, the use of NoMs to allocate resources to activities is minimised through effective forward planning and prioritisation. In addition to the community, Councillors have been active in guiding the development of the draft Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan which is the appropriate mechanism to reprioritise particular activities and services.
Councillors Note
