Central Coast administrator staying at five-star Magenta Shores at ratepayers’ expense

THE Sydney local-government veteran parachuted in to oversee council mergers on the Central Coast has been living in lavish, five-star accommodation for months on the public purse.

Central Coast administrator Ian Reynolds has been staying in a villa at Magenta Shores at ratepayers' expense.

THE Sydney local-government veteran parachuted in to oversee council mergers on the Central Coast has been living in lavish, five-star accommodation for months on the public purse as his soaring expenses put his remuneration close to Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

The Express Advocate can reveal ratepayers have been picking up the bill for Castle Hill consultant Mr Reynolds to stay at world-class golf and spa resort Magenta Shores North Entrance, where villas range in price from $220 to $1800 a night, during his working week on the Coast.

The administrator — who was appointed by the State Government on a $320,000 salary, just shy of Ms Berejiklian’s total remuneration of $377,780, to take charge of Central Coast Council on May 12 last year — is entitled to “adequate” and “reasonable” accommodation expenses, as well as a fully maintained car before his unelected role ends at the next council elections in September.

Central Coast Council Ian Reynolds has plenty to smile about, taking home a $320,000 salary and staying in luxurious accommodation at ratepayers’ expense.

While the council would not reveal the precise cost of his accommodation, even if Mr Reynolds took the cheapest option of $220 per night it would amount to $1100 for a working week — nearly three times the average weekly rent of $380 for a unit on the Coast. It is not known if there is any discount for long-term stays.

A fully-furnished two-bedroom apartment just around the corner at The Entrance is currently available for $525 per week, complete with 180-degree views to the ocean and lake from the fifth floor.

Opponents say Magenta Shores, the region’s “most luxurious accommodation”, is not in line with the council’s expenses policy, which was approved by Mr Reynolds himself on August 10.

The outlook from a room at five-star Magenta Shores resort, just north of The Entrance.

They believe the 64-year-old — who made the Magenta Shores revelation at a recent business gathering — could have found much cheaper executive accommodation or “led by example” and joined tens of thousands of local commuters in making the daily grind between the Coast and Sydney.

“There are not too many Central Coast residents earning $320,000 a year and it seems obscene that the government is forcing ratepayers to foot the bill for its appointment at a time when our roads and other infrastructure is in need of funding,” NSW Opposition Central Coast spokesman David Harris said.

“The government has closed services, cancelled projects and ignored the community’s views on planning issues but still wants to punish local residents to pay for the wages and expenses of their hand-picked administrator.”

Magenta's world-class golf course.

The administrator expenses policy states that accommodation costs should be “justified” and “transparent”. But the council and other government departments have rejected requests for the full details to be released.

A council spokeswoman said ratepayers would have to wait for Mr Reynolds’ expenses to be revealed in a report­ later this year.

“The policy was adopted following public exhibition of a draft and no comments were received,” the spokeswoman said.

“As the administrator makes decisions that can impact on the local community it is appropriate and right that he live and work in the community he serves.

Five-star accommodation at Magenta Shores.

“Living locally ensures he can fulfil his duties more, be more accessible to the community and understand the issues affecting the region much better.”

The Express Advocate revealed last year that 18 former Gosford and Wyong councillors are being paid $24,000 for a total of 12 hours of consultancy work as members of Central Coast Council’s Local Representation Committee.

Mr Reynolds’ total package is about the same as council chief executive Rob Noble, who earns $364,000 a year. The council would not reveal any expenses of Mr Noble, who calls Bribie Island home, for “confidential” reasons.

MAGENTA SHORES’ 5-STAR LIVING

● World-class golf course

● “Highest comfort” rooms and villas

● Day spa to relax and rejuvenate

● Fine-dining restaurant and bar

One of the fine dishes at Barretts Restaurant, Magenta Shores.

● Lagoon-style pool and 20m lap pool — “both heated to perfection”

● Two tennis courts

● State-of-the-art gym

RE YNOLDS IN HOME STRAIGHT OF LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER

IAN Reynolds has had a long and distinguished career in local and state government.

Council CEO Rob Noble and administrator Ian Reynolds.

The Central Coast Council administrator was the State Government’s delegate who recommended the merger of Willoughby, Mosman and North Sydney councils last year during former Premier Mike Baird’s shake-up of local government in NSW.

He became one of eight former delegates to be given highly paid positions on new councils.

The Sydneysider is in the home straight of a long career in local government, which has included a stint as general manager of Blacktown Council (2000-05).

He went on to become Deputy Director General at the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure. In 2012 he established his own consulting firm, Ian Reynolds & Associates Pty Ltd.

Mr Reynolds worked at the former Gosford Council for five months in 2015 as the acting manager of development and compliance.

Last year then Local Government Minister Paul Toole said administrators including Mr Reynolds had been appointed because of their knowledge of the sector and demonstrated skills and experience.