Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton and Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna both vying for administrators job

A  SUPER Central Coast Council could be headed up by existing Gosford and Wyong mayors after Local Government Minister Paul Toole wrote to all NSW councillors giving them the opportunity to apply to be administrators.

Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton on the site of the proposed boardwalk in Budgewoi.

A  SUPER Central Coast Council could be headed up by existing Gosford and Wyong mayors after Local Government Minister Paul Toole wrote to all NSW councillors giving them the opportunity to apply to be administrators.

All Gosford and Wyong councillors have received a letter from the minister stating they have three weeks to reapply for their jobs if they want to serve on newly merged councils until the next elections in March.

The announcement on an amalgamated Gosford and Wyong council is expected by June and councillors have until April 15 to reapply as councillors or apply to be an administrator, or both.

A council can be run by more than one administrator and both Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna and Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton have said they will nominate themselves for the role.

There was no question about it as far as Councillor Eaton was concerned who said he would be applying to be an administrator.

Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton said he will be applying for the administrator’s role.

“I am probably the most qualified and have the time available,” he said.

“I think we need someone local. I am the longest serving mayor and councillor, I received my Order of Australia Medal for services to local government and the Central Coast community.”

He said it was fair to ask councillors to reapply ­because some would have ­intended retiring in September when the usual election was expected to be held.

“No point reappointing someone who doesn’t want or can’t be there,” Cr Eaton said.

Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna said he would be applying for the rold of administrator

Cr McKinna said the process of reapplying was a “bit strange”.

“I thought the councillors would have stayed in place under the amalgamation until the elections next year,” Cr McKinna said.

“Then we get an ­expression of interest letter, it seems a bit complicated.

“I am quite happy to apply to be an administrator and as a councillor on the new council.”

It is understood a separate letter will be issued to general managers to apply for their roles on the new councils.

Successful councillors and general managers will be ­notified by mid-2016.