Kevin Brooks – Ratepayers Choice

Three years ago, Central Coast Council told the community it must choose between higher rates or worse services.

We have ended up with both.

Annual revenue from rates has increased 39% in four years. Yet, priority services continue to decline.

• The average time for determining development applications has more than doubled.
• Water and sewer unplanned service interruptions, mains breaks, and leaks have all increased.
• 17% of our roads get the lowest possible one star AusRAP rating.
• Over 30% of customers surveyed did not think the Council’s response was “empathetic.”  

And Council still cannot balance the books.  The Long-Term Financial Plan forecasts future deficits without further special rate variations.

CEO David Farmer wants the “temporary” ten-year rate hike, approved primarily for the repayment of emergency loans, to continue indefinitely - even after the loans have been repaid.

Ratepayers Choice candidates reject this.

Our plan is for reforms within the organisation to improve management performance, efficiency, productivity, prioritisation, and organisational culture.

Resources need to be better aligned with strategic and community priorities.

For too long, our region has been held back by mismanagement and dysfunction in Central Coast, Gosford and Wyong Councils.

If you’re tired of paying higher rates for worse services, vote for change.  Vote for independent Ratepayers Choice candidates.

Kevin Brooks is a former elected Council Leader from the UK. He is a retiree having worked in senior positions in the public and private sectors, including global banks.