National

Central Coast Council election years away

By AAP Newswire

Jun 1, 2022

File copy of Wendy Tuckerman. — NSW Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the next council election will be held in 2024. -AAP Image

People living on the NSW Central Coast will have to wait more than two years to elect a new council to replace the one that was sacked more than two months ago.

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Local government minister Wendy Tuckerman says elections for Central Coast Council will take place when the next ordinary local government elections are held across the state on September 14, 2024.

The announcement on Wednesday comes after councillors were dismissed in March following the release of recommendations from a public inquiry into the organisation.

"By having the election fall into line with the next round of local government elections ensures that council and ratepayers are not burdened with the substantial cost of holding two elections in a relatively short period," Ms Tuckerman said.

"The recovery at Central Coast Council is well under way but it's critical we allow the administrator and general manager time to complete the reforms necessary to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the council."

The council was suspended in October and an interim administrator appointed after the council reported its deficit had blown out from $41 million to $89 million over a seven month period.

The NSW government was subsequently forced to cough up $6.2 million in emergency funding to ensure thousands of council workers and suppliers were paid.

A report by commissioner Roslyn McCulloch raised concerns about the financial management of council and made eight recommendations to improve accountability, including appointingÂ an administrator until an election is held.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press