B2B with a Twist Publication - Work • Stay • Play October Edition Work Stay Play Summer 2017-18 Edition | Page 19

The council is up and running,
Mayor elected, meetings
underway, some committee’s
determined, numerous briefing
sessions happening and some
of the issues highlighted in
the election build up being
addressed, but so much more
to be done.
With that very brief appraisal, I ask for community patience and
understanding of the task ahead for this council.
One can’t understate the job ahead. From someone who has
had experience in local government (20+years) can I say that
I’m impressed with the diversity, knowledge and commitment
that my colleagues bring to the table. Whilst it is still early days,
I know we will not always agree, but these individuals who will
be ultimately responsible for the future of the Central Coast,
for the not only the next 3 years, but responsible for laying
I seek patience, because time is needed to allow all councillors
to get up to speed, to build their knowledge and settle in to the
task ahead. Changes to systems, procedures, legislation, even
for those with previous experience, take time.
Understanding that it’s a full-time commitment as a councillor,
it’s there because they don’t clock off for the day, every day
in everything they do, they’re still the councillor, answering
questions at the kids sport or school event, taking on concerns
and complaints whilst out shopping with the family, etc.
That loss of family and personnel space is the hardest thing to
come to grips with, as will it be with aspects of the media, who
wouldn’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Mark Twain, said “if you don’t read the paper you’re not
informed, if you do read it your misinformed”.
Some in media has already shown their hand in wanting to talk
it down - not talk it up.
All challenges for the council and councillors ahead, but I for
one, am confident and positive that the road ahead for the
CENTRAL COAST is good.
Chris Holstein
Deputy Mayor
Of the elected representatives, 25% less in number to the total
of the 2 previous councils, two thirds of the councillors are new
to the role. All are responsible for - the 330,000+ residents; an
asset base of $9.5 billion; an annual budget of $760 million; in
an area covering 1,681 sq kms; and community expectations
in a council that is the 6th largest urban area in Australia and
the 3rd biggest in NSW.
the foundation for the future, are committed to the region, is
positive.
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