Security ramped up, new rules set before heated Central Coast Council meeting
Police have been consulted, new rules are in place and council has called for calm at tonight’s Central Coast Council meeting. Here’s what to expect.
Central Coast
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Tensions are running high in the lead up to tonight’s Central Coast Council meeting, with police consulted, more security put on and new rules for the public.
The council has announced strict new rules which require members of the public to sign in for all council meetings in order to attend. Once the chamber is full, doors are closed.
In a statement released this morning, council has called for calm at the meeting following the “trend of social media comments inciting violent behaviour towards councillors and staff”.
The council has copped heavy backlash following the recent flooding of Tuggerah Lakes, with some residents planning a rally outside council and calling for Mayor Lisa Matthews’s resignation.
Council chief executive officer Gary Murphy said while the community can disagree with recent council decisions, any behaviour threatening harm would not be tolerated.
Cr Matthews’ has been questioned over actions in the lead up to the recent flooding of Tuggerah Lakes. Many residents believe council should have opened The Entrance Channel earlier to prevent flooding, however council has maintained its stance that earlier intervention would not have changed the flooding situation.
The call for Cr Matthews to step aside has been backed by councillors Greg Best and Bruce McLachlan who have described the issue as an “unprecedented collapse in community confidence in council”.
“I’m encouraging everyone in our community that’s had enough of this council to come along and demand council take Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance Channel seriously,” Cr Best said.
Council “corrects misinformation”
Council has also issued a statement wishing to set the record straight regarding incorrect information provided to the mayor in recent weeks.
Cr Matthews told the media that council had been waiting for NSW Government funding over dredging The Entrance Channel since June 2019, however an application for Rescuing our Waterways Fund was submitted in November.
“Council had also proactively submitted a prior request for funding in June 2019 outside of the program open period,” council stated.
Council staff also incorrectly indicated to Cr Matthews that council required approval to open an additional channel at The Entrance during the torrential rain.
“Central Coast Council holds licenses administered by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Crown Land) and by the NSW Department of Primary Industries authorising Council to undertake maintenance dredging and beach nourishment in the vicinity of the channel at The Entrance and The Entrance North following notification to the appropriate government department,” the statement read.
Chief executive officer Gary Murphy said there was no intention by staff to mislead the mayor or the community.
“Staff made an honest mistake in respect of the information they provided,” he said.
“The mayor has then unknowingly relayed this incorrect information to the media. It is a case of staff working round the clock during and after this natural disaster event. This matter has been addressed with staff.”
Council said members of the public can register for today’s meeting from 4pm and once the public gallery reached capacity, it would be closed. The overflow room will not be opened.
“Residents are reminded that council meetings are an opportunity to observe the council decision making process,” the statement read.
“While council meetings are open to the public, they are not public meetings.”