With less than four weeks until the local government elections, Mayor of Gosford City, Councillor Laurie Maher has said that the collaboration of all political parties and cooperation between local Councils and all levels of government has been the secret to the wide variety of achievements accomplished by the current Council.

“Regardless of political persuasions, Liberal, Labor, Central Coast First, an Independent and a Greens Councillor have worked collaboratively to accomplish some major achievements across Gosford City during the past four year term.

"Together with the expertise and experience of long standing General Manager Peter Wilson, who retired in June 2012, the current Council has enjoyed significant success enhancing the quality of life for residents of Gosford City,” said Clr Maher.

Achievements have been momentous and far reaching.

“During the past four years, 15 playgrounds have been constructed, eight out of our nine surf clubs have been redeveloped, approximately $24 million worth of works has been undertaken in upgrading our roads infrastructure, the Status of Women Committee has been established, strategies have been implemented to promote and manage affordable housing and social inclusion and protect ecologically sensitive areas such as our Coastal Open Space System (COSS) and the Brisbane Water Estuary.

“Thousands of people have taken part in the challenge to revitalise the City of Gosford. Major accomplishments to this end include developing a community Masterplan to move the City forward, securing the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN), creation of a new Kibble Park in the City Centre and establishment of the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC).

“Council has also enjoyed numerous accolades and recognition during this time, including wins for Excellence in Communication in the prestigious Dougherty Awards, water safety, customer contact and cultural events including the 5 Lands Walk and Indigenous celebrations,” said Clr Maher.

In sharing the secrets of Council’s success, Clr Maher said cooperation is the key.

“The current Council has strengthened working relationships with Wyong Shire Council, moving toward the regionalisation of services to promote more efficient and cost effective service delivery to Central Coast residents.

“The formation of the Central Coast Water Corporation is a prime example of this cooperation and together the two Councils worked hard to guide our region through its worst drought on record. 

“The completion of the Mardi-Mangrove Link, which aims to boost dam levels to around 60 per cent by 2015, represents one of the most significant pieces of infrastructure ever to be implemented in our region,” said Clr Maher.

Clr Maher commented that over the past four years, Council has also continued to work together with all levels of government to see many major initiatives come to fruition.

 “The sinking of the HMAS Adelaide in April 2011 represents a significant event which represented the work of different levels of government, business and community groups working together over many years to establish an important tourist attraction.

 “Completion of the $4 million dollar Peninsula Recreation Precinct, installation of CCTV cameras in Terrigal and on the Peninsula and implementation of a permanent pathway for the 5 Lands Walk are also examples of projects achieved through cooperation of all levels of Government,” Clr Maher said.

Many Councillors serving in the current term are looking to stand again to provide expertise and guidance to the incoming Councillors.

“The experience and knowledge of re-elected Councillors will be invaluable to the newly elected Councillors. I look forward to seeing the continued growth and development of Gosford City, building on the achievements realised by the hardworking and dedicated Councillors serving in 2008-2012,” said Clr Maher.