The sixth largest council in Australia, Central Coast Council, is in the grip of a financial crisis with a forecast budget blowout of more than $200 million and accrued debts of more than $565 million.
"They don't expect to see things go from what seemed to be okay to what I'm calling the greatest financial calamity in the history of local government in New South Wales," Mr Persson said.Mr Persson's report details how the council went from a $65 million surplus to a $200 million deficit in four years.
Mr Persson defended the elected councillors, to a point, by maintaining they could not have been expected to be aware of the unauthorised use of the restricted monies, particularly when it was not detailed in reports to council. The administrator was adamant the council merger played only a small part in the council's "rapid financial decline".Members of the two Central Coast councils were opposed to the State Government's controversial amalgamation plans.Dick Persson stressed swift and decisive action was now required to turnaround the council's financial fortunes and warned it would be a rough road ahead for at least the next five years.
Unlawful means criminal, with criminal penalties, no less!!
What about the lies Baird and corruptgladys told about council mergers reducing costs? And why is no one in the media asking what happened about this 3 years earlier?
Absolutely disgraceful financial mismanagement and governance. That interim report blew my mind. And how on earth did the NSW Auditor-General miss this year after year!?
Just another Gladys f***up with all the costly amalgamations that many were against at the time. It was a political stunt to minimise local grassroots politics.
Typical. It will be the rate payers who have to bail these clowns out 😡 One word: ICAC
Over half a billion for a council? Fark. Enjoy the new rates and revenue raising.
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