Rebecca Smiley, Independent, The Entrance Ward

1/ financial experience
I run a small business in music education and performance, managing multiple team members. I am
familiar with the financial operations of a business. Holding the position of secretary of a not for profit
chorus for six years I was responsible for approving all bank transactions, working closely with the finance
coordinator. I manage the finances for Rise quartet. During my teaching career I managed financial
accounts for Aboriginal cultural programs and l coordinated the Tuggerah Lakes Learning Community Koori
Choir.

2/ work experience

Since graduating from university I have taught on the Central Coast for 21 years as well as teaching
preschool internationally. I have in depth experience of working with our local community – children,
parents and community leaders through the schools I have taught in. I now run a music education business
taking music into early learning centres across the Central Coast.

3/ community activism or involvement
I attend the CWA every Tuesday. I am the assistant director of a women’s chorus. I have supported the
Central Coast Council Discovered Choir. I have organised choirs for the Anzac Day services as well as
performed at Citizenship ceremonies. I have followed the SOS since attending the council meeting where
the DA was first mentioned for listing. I have attended council meetings and public events and have a keen
interest in how our local council is managed.

4/ What current public causes/issues do you agree with?

Wamberal SOS
Warnervale Airport
Dog off leash areas

5/ Why should I vote for you?
For over 21 years, I’ve been dedicated to educating hundreds of local children, showing my
commitment to our community’s success. As your councillor, I’ll focus on the critical issues: Roads,
Rubbish, and Reducing Rates, ensuring responsible development and prudent spending. I oppose state
government bailouts that come with strings attached, like unwanted high-rise developments. Our
community deserves fresh leadership, free from the mistakes of past councillors, who left us with the
largest debt in any council’s history. Let’s work together to ensure we never face such administration
challenges again. We deserve better, and I’m here to deliver that change.

1/ H1 (Solve road and drainage problem areas and partner with the State Government to improve road
conditions across the region). I would endorse this point. It is a priority as there is a plethora of pot holes on
our roads and it’s an issue and stress for many drivers on a daily basis.
2/ E4 – (Incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency in future design and planning, and ensure
responsible use of water and other resources) I would modify this point. While it is important to have
responsible use of water and other resources I don’t believe it’s the responsibility of the local council to be
pioneering renewable energies.
3/ F1 – (protect our rich environmental heritage by conserving beaches, waterways, bushland, wildlife
corridors and inland areas, and the diversity of local native species) I would endorse this point. The Central
Coast is renowned for it’s beautiful environment and protecting and conserving our natural areas is
important.

Q2/ Which upcoming plans already in the pipeline do you support?

Endorse
1/ Coastal Management Program for Tuggerah Lakes
2/ Public Toilets – Renewal program
3/ Colongra Bay – Boat Ramp and Foreshore Upgrade

Delete
1/ Central Coast Integrated Transport Strategy
2/ Biodiversity DCP Chapter
3/ Landscape/Street Design DCP Chapter

Q3/ Do you support keeping the 2021 ten year special rate variation (rate increase) beyond 2031?
Yes or no? NO

Government bureaucracies are riddled with inherent inefficiencies, particularly in procurement,
purchasing, maintenance, and construction. Unfortunately, these inefficiencies seem to be mirrored
within the council hierarchy. A clear example of this is how the council addressed the uneven slabs on
the footpath outside our main road home. Without any surface preparation, a cement-type filler was
hastily poured to reduce the gap between slab surfaces, presumably to prevent pedestrian trips and
falls. However, the filler cracked on the first night, dislodged by the second, and became its own trip
hazard by the third. The entire effort, which involved at least two council maintenance employees,

transportation, and materials, was rendered an expensive, futile mess as the filler washed away within
a week.
When asked what they were doing, the workers mentioned they were applying the same approach
across all footpaths. While it’s commendable that the council aims to make footpaths safer for
pedestrians, doing the job correctly the first time would be far more efficient than literally pouring
money down the drain. This one poorly executed task likely reflects a broader pattern of wasteful
practices across council infrastructure projects.

Q5/ How would you reduce expenditure

(Using the same operational plan for examples)

1/ 100071 – Gosford Regional Library and Innovation Hub $21,615,874
2/ 100002 – City Centre and Town Centre Wayfinding Signage – Various Locations $350,000