Three months ago, Central Coast Council had no understanding of its own financial position, and was incapable of paying wages to thousands of its own staff.
Given the Council’s total debt of $565 million, the path to recovery is long and difficult.
Interim Administrator Dick Persson AM has already taken significant steps to address the financial situation, including a reduction in the number of senior Council staff.
I thank Mr Persson for his work to date, and welcome Minister Hancock’s extension of Mr Persson’s appointment.
Mr Persson continues to be ably assisted by Acting CEO Rik Hart and Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Ryan. Recruiting a permanent CEO will be a focus for Mr Persson over the next three months.