Central Coast Council - Special Variation of Rates Research 2021 - Your Voice Our Coast
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Central Coast Council Special Variation of Rates Research – 2021 Prepared by: Micromex Research Date: February 23, 2021
Table of Contents
Summary of Findings 5
Detailed Results 7
1. Performance of Council 8
2. Awareness of Special Variation of Rates 14
3. Support for a Special Variation of Rates 18
Appendix A: Additional Analysis 31
Appendix B: The Questionnaire 41
Background & Methodology
Why?
• Identify the community’s overall level of satisfaction with Council performance and
community assets
• Measure awareness levels and information received about the Special Variation (SV) of rates
• Measure levels of support and preference for SV options
How?
• Telephone survey (landline and mobile) to N=404 residents:
o 325 sourced from electronic white pages/SamplePages
o 79 acquired through face-to-face number harvesting
• Those who worked for Council/had someone in their household work for Council were
excluded from the sample
• We use a 5 point scale (e.g. 1 = not at all supportive, 5 = very supportive)
• Greatest margin of error +/- 4.9%
When?
• Fieldwork conducted 12th – 17th February 2021
3
Sample Profile
The sample was weighted by age and gender to reflect the 2016 ABS
community profile of Central Coast Council.
Gender Age Ratepayer status
33%
24% 24%
19%
Female 52% Male 48%
Ratepayer Non-ratepayer
18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ 77% 23%
Ward Do you identify as having a disability? Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander?
Budgewoi 21% Yes
4%
Gosford East 19% Yes
11%
Gosford West 19%
The Entrance 20% No No
89% 95%
Wyong 21% *Summary of Findings
Summary of Findings
Prior to completing the survey, 80% of residents claimed to be aware that Council is facing financial
difficulties.
Furthermore, prior to contact 58% of residents were already aware that Council is exploring
community sentiment towards a Special Variation of Rates:
• This is significantly above our SRV awareness benchmark (43%) and demonstrates that Council
(with support from other channels) has communicated the proposal to the Central Coast
Community.
Given both above awareness levels, it is perhaps unsurprising that satisfaction with Council’s
performance has been significantly negatively impacted by this news.
When exposed to the 15% Increase Option, 55% of residents were at least ‘somewhat supportive’ on
a standalone rating question:
• Those unsupportive of the 15% Rate increase nominated concerns around Council’s financial
mismanagement and the community affordability issues.
• Those supportive of the increase did not want to see service levels decline and see that the
increase is the only way that Council can address a serious financial shortfall
When exposed to the Rate Peg only option, 51% of residents were at least ‘somewhat supportive’.
Ultimately forced preference was split, 55% of the community preferred Rate Peg Only and the other
45% preferred the 15% Rate Increase – with the difference between the two scores not significant.
6Detailed Results
Detailed Results
Performance of Council
1. Performance of Council
2. Awareness of Special Variation of Rates
3. Support for a Special Variation of Rates
Appendix B: Further Demographics/Background & Methodology
Appendix B: Questionnaire
8Awareness of Council Facing Financial Difficulties
Q2. In late October last year, it was discovered that Central Coast Council was facing financial difficulties. Council had been spending more money than it
was receiving, both before and after amalgamation. The money came from restricted funds. (A restricted fund is a reserve account that contains money
that can only be used for specific purposes.) The money was not lost rather it was spent on infrastructure and services that directly benefited the
community. Prior to this call, were you aware that Council was facing financial difficulties?
Previous Previous
Non-
Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
Yes ‘%’ 80% 83% 78% 79% 79% 87%▲ 73% 84%▲ 69% 78% 83%
Base 404 192 212 97 97 133 77 311 93 200 204
Not sure
1%
No
19%
Yes
80%
Base: N = 404
▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of awareness (by group)
Prior to the survey call, the vast majority of residents (80%) were aware that Council was facing
financial difficulties.
9Satisfaction with the Quality of Assets
Q1a. Thinking generally about community assets, which include roads, footpaths, cycle ways, parks and play equipment, public buildings, public toilets,
etc. Overall, how satisfied, if at all, are you with the quality of community assets currently provided by Council?
Previous Previous
Non-
Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
Mean rating 2.84 2.97▲ 2.73 2.97 2.92 2.75 2.76 2.78 3.04▲ 2.87 2.82
T3 Box
64% 69%▲ 59% 71% 63% 63% 58% 61% 73%▲ 64% 64%
(codes 3-5)
Base 403 192 211 97 97 132 77 310 93 199 204
Central
Micromex LGA
Very satisfied (5) 5% Coast
Benchmark*
Council
Mean rating 2.84↓ 3.43
Satisfied (4) 25%
T3 Box 64%↓ 86%
Somewhat satisfied (3) 34%
Base 403 2,575
*Please note: this benchmark is an interim benchmark
Not very satisfied (2) 22%
for a point of reference only. The benchmark is created
using 6 LGA’s (Byron Shire Council, Great Lakes Council,
The Hills Shire Council, Lake Macquarie Council, Lithgow
Not at all satisfied (1) 14% City Council and Wingecarribee Shire Council)
0% 20% 40%
Base: N = 403 Scale: 1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied
↑↓ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (compared to the SRV Benchmark) ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (by group)
64% of residents are at least somewhat satisfied with the quality of community assets provided
by Council, which is well below our provisional benchmark of 86%. Please refer to Slide 13 for
further details.
10Overall Satisfaction
Q1b. Overall, for the last 12 months, how satisfied, if at all, are you with the performance of Council, not just on one or two issues, but across all responsibility
areas?
Previous Previous
Non-
Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
Mean rating 2.31 2.33 2.29 2.50 2.51▲ 2.16 2.08▼ 2.18 2.74▲ 2.35 2.27
T3 Box
44% 46% 42% 52% 53%▲ 38% 33%▼ 39% 60%▲ 46% 41%
(codes 3-5)
Base 404 192 212 97 97 133 77 311 93 200 204
Central
Micromex LGA
Very satisfied (5) 1% Coast
Benchmark
Council
Mean rating 2.31↓ 3.36
Satisfied (4) 18%
T3 Box 44%↓ 82%
Somewhat satisfied (3) 25%
Base 404 6,905
Not very satisfied (2) 23%
Not at all satisfied (1) 33%
0% 20% 40%
Base: N = 404 Scale: 1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied
↑↓ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (compared to the SRV Benchmark) ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (by group)
44% of residents are at least somewhat satisfied with the performance of Council over the last
12 months. This is well below our benchmark. As per the previous slide, those not previously
aware of the SV were significantly more satisfied than those aware of the SV – although the
former group was still well below our benchmark. 11Overall Satisfaction
Q1b. Overall, for the last 12 months, how satisfied, if at all, are you with the performance of Council, not just on one or two issues, but across all responsibility
areas?
5 100%
82% 82%
4 80% 75%
3.39
3.29
3.14
3 50%
44%
2.31
2 25%
1 0%
2018 (N = 611) 2019 (N = 602) 2020 (N = 606) 2021 (N = 404)
Mean rating Top 3 Box (at least somewhat satisfied)
Scale: 1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied
Satisfaction with Central Coast Council is significantly below readings obtained in the past
three annual Customer Experience surveys.
12Satisfaction by Awareness of SV and Current Financial
Situation
Q1a. Thinking generally about community assets, which include roads, footpaths, cycle ways, parks and play equipment, public buildings, public toilets,
etc. Overall, how satisfied, if at all, are you with the quality of community assets currently provided by Council?
Q7a. Q2. Q7a and Q2 combined
Aware of
Aware of
Aware of financial
Not aware/ financial Not aware/ Not aware/
the SV prior difficulties
not sure difficulties not sure not sure
to call and/or SV
prior to call
prior to call
Mean rating 2.70 3.03▲ 2.84 2.85 2.82 3.02
T3 Box 59% 71%▲ 65% 61% 63% 68%
Base 232 171 324 79 353 50
Q1b. Overall, for the last 12 months, how satisfied, if at all, are you with the performance of Council, not just on one or two issues, but across all responsibility
areas?
Q7a. Q2. Q7a and Q2 combined
Aware of
Aware of
Aware of financial
Not aware/ financial Not aware/ Not aware/
the SV prior difficulties
not sure difficulties not sure not sure
to call and/or SV
prior to call
prior to call
Mean rating 2.12 2.56▲ 2.25 2.57▲ 2.23 2.90▲
T3 Box 36% 54%▲ 41% 56%▲ 40% 69%▲
Base 233 171 325 79 354 50
Scale: 1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of satisfaction (by group)
Satisfaction with Council’s performance was significantly higher for those not aware of the SV
and that Council is experiencing financial difficulties prior to the call.
Differences were less pronounced on the ‘satisfaction with assets’ question.
13Awareness of a Special Variation of Rates
Detailed Results
1. Performance of Council
2. Awareness of Special Variation of Rates
3. Support for a Special Variation of Rates
Appendix B: Further Demographics/Background & Methodology
Appendix B: Questionnaire
14Awareness of a Special Variation of Rates
Q7a. Prior to this call, were you aware that Council was exploring community sentiment towards a Special Variation of Rates?
Previous Previous
Non-
Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
Yes ‘%’ 58% 66%▲ 50% 43%▼ 46%▼ 72%▲ 65% 65%▲ 34% 61% 55%
Base 404 192 212 97 97 133 77 311 93 200 204
Not sure
2%
Central
Micromex LGA
Coast
No Benchmark
Council
40%
Yes Yes ‘%’ 58%↑ 43%
58%
Base 404 7,874
Base: N = 404
▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of awareness (by group) ↑↓ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (compared to the Benchmark)
58% of residents stated they were aware of Council exploring community sentiment towards a
Special Variation of Rates prior to the call – well above our benchmark of 43%.
Older residents, males and ratepayers were more likely to be aware that council was seeking
a SV. 15Source of Information on a Special Variation of Rates
Q7a. Prior to this call, were you aware that Council was exploring community sentiment towards a Special Variation of Rates?
Q7b. (If yes on Q7a) How were you informed of the Special Variation of Rates?
Of those aware of the SV
Letter in the post from Council 55%
Media (eg: TV, newspapers, radio) 48% Net: Council-run
communications 67%
(39% of total population)
Word-of-mouth 40%
Other websites or social media
22% Other (specified) Count
channels not managed by Council
Council staff/Councilor/meetings 3
Council’s social media channels 16%
Rates notice 2
Council website 10% Community committees 1
Facebook 1
Emailed letter from Council 8%
IPART website 1
Council e-news 3% Petition 1
Survey 1
Other 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Base: N = 233
Of those that were aware of the SV prior to the call, mail from Council (55%), traditional media
(48%) and word-of-mouth (40%) were the most common ways of being informed about the SV.
67% of those aware of the SV (39% of the total sample) indicated they became aware via a
listed Council channel. 16Source of Information on a Special Variation of Rates
Q7a. Prior to this call, were you aware that Council was exploring community sentiment towards a Special Variation of Rates?
Q7b. (If yes on Q7a) How were you informed of the Special Variation of Rates?
Of those aware of the SRV
Previous Previous
Non-
Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
Letter in the post from Council 59% 49% 44% 59% 58% 54% 61%▲ 15%▼ 54% 56%
Media (eg: TV, newspapers, radio) 54% 41% 35% 31%▼ 52% 66%▲ 48% 45% 47% 49%
Word-of-mouth 38% 43% 44% 35% 41% 40% 38% 54% 39% 41%
Other websites or social media channels
18% 26% 38%▲ 28% 17% 11%▼ 21% 29% 22% 21%
not managed by Council
Council’s social media channels 15% 18% 17% 23% 18% 7%▼ 16% 20% 14% 19%
Council website 9% 12% 14% 9% 10% 10% 10% 10% 9% 12%
Emailed letter from Council 8% 9% 14% 9% 7% 5% 9% 2% 10% 6%
Council e-news 1% 5% 6% 2% 2% 3% 3% 2% 4% 2%
Other 2% 6% 0% 4% 2% 10% 4% 0% 3% 5%
Base 127 107 42 45 96 50 202 31 122 111
▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (by group)
17Support for a Special Variation of Rates
Detailed Results
1. Performance of Council
2. Awareness of Special Variation of Rates
3. Support for a Special Variation of Rates
Appendix B: Further Demographics/Background & Methodology
Appendix B: Questionnaire
18Concept Statement
Residents were read the following concept statement prior to
being asked to rate their support:
Council's projected financial result for the year ending 30 June 2021 will be a loss of
$115.1M. The loss includes $45 million of one-off structural costs to reduce Council’s
workforce, such as redundancy payments to staff in accordance with the Local
Government Award.
At the end of this financial year, accumulated losses over the past four years will
likely be more than $200M.
Accumulated debt (including the owed restricted reserves) will be in the order of
$565M. This has increased from $317M, which was the combined loan balance of
both the former Gosford and Wyong Councils when they amalgamated in 2016.
There was also an IPART (NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal)
decision in May 2019, reducing Council revenue by $39M through water and sewer
service charges.
Council is taking a number of measures to address the current financial situation,
such as:
• Reducing staff numbers back to pre-amalgamation levels
• Reducing materials and contracts
• Maintaining but not increasing infrastructure spending
• Obtaining bank loans
• Selling underperforming assets
• Generating additional revenue
19Concept Statement
Continued
These measures will not be enough to help with financial recovery and a special
variation in rates is required for the long-term sustainability of Council finances, to
repay borrowed restricted funds and for Council to be able to deliver the services
the community needs and wants.
A special variation in rates may affect households differently, as currently rates are
different in the previous Gosford and Wyong LGA’s – and the NSW Government has
indicated that these differences have to be removed or harmonised.
Since the amalgamation Council has been required to maintain two rating systems.
This was due to a four-year rate freeze imposed by the NSW Government. This
meant that Council could not adjust rates beyond the rate peg in the first four years
after amalgamation. Under current legislation Council must maintain one consistent
rating structure to ensure a fairer and more equitable system across all rating
categories within the Central Coast Local Government Area. This will be a separate
process to the special variation in rates and will also take effect from 1 July 2021
and will only affect general rates (being ordinary and special rates). The special
variation in rates does not apply to the waste and on-site sewer management
annual charges which also appear on Council rates notices.
Generally speaking, ratepayers in the former Wyong LGA have been paying more
than ratepayers in the former Gosford LGA as Council was unable to harmonise
rates until now.
Rates are an important revenue source for Council, representing 29% of Council’s
income. Council also receives grant funding from State and Federal Governments
and income from fees and charges.
20Concept Statement
Continued
At present, Council’s revenue is regulated by the NSW Independent Pricing and
Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). IPART limits the amount by which councils can increase
rates from one year to the next. At the moment, that amount, known as the rate
peg, is an annual increase of 2.0% for 2021-22. IPART determine the rate peg for
each rating year (which corresponds to a financial year) and the assumptions in the
special variation of rates application is 2.5% for future years. Normally Council’s
increase in rating income is from the application of the annual rate peg and is not
from increases in unimproved land values.
In considering a possible rate variation, Council looked at the rate levels of
neighbouring Councils. Even with a 15% rate increase, Central Coast ratepayers will
still be paying less than neighbouring Councils.
For example, on average:
• Lake Macquarie rates will be 35% higher than Central Coast rates
• Newcastle rates will be 43% higher, and
• Cessnock rates will be 14% higher.
Council’s priority has to be the repayment of restricted funds so that does not
become a burden for future generations. As such, a special variation of rates has
been identified as an option to address this problem.
Council acknowledges that any rate increase may adversely impact some
community members. Council has a Hardship Policy and alternative payment
options to assist ratepayers.
2115% Rate Rise*
Council proposes that in 2021-22 the rate increase would consist of the annual 2% rate peg and a further 13% Special Variation
(SV) that would be applied once in 2021-22 and will remain permanently in the rate base. From 2022-23 the rate peg (as
determined by IPART) will apply. Based on IPART information the assumed rate peg will be 2.5% from 2022-23 and onwards.
The exact amount you will pay will vary depending on the rating category for your parcel of land and the value of your land as
determined by the NSW Valuer General. These calculations are impacted from changes to land values and will be applied as
received from the NSW Valuer General.
Average ordinary rates for the Central Coast Council region will move by the following based on land values from early
December 2020. The SV increase does not apply to waste and on-site sewer management (OSSM) and annual charges which
also appear on rates notices:
• For residential – average increase of $3.20 per week
o former Gosford LGA average increase of $7 per week
o former Wyong LGA average decrease of $3 per week
• For business – average increase of $9.30 per week
• For farming – average increase of $5.30 per week
*Order of presenting the ‘15% Rate Rise’ and ‘Rate peg only’ options was randomised to reduce position bias.
2215% Rate Rise
This option forecasts the maintenance of the current levels of service, such as:
Construction of roads, footpaths, cycleways and drains would continue
Rubbish collection in public areas continues at similar service levels
Community events would be maintained, but not expanded.
Maintaining opening hours and programs at pools, libraries
Maintenance of sporting and community facilities, parks and gardens would remain as is, with no increase to mowing,
planting or maintenance
Environmental programs would be retained (e.g. weed removal and native vegetation programs)
Processing times for customer requests, applications and permits would remain the same
23Support for 15% Rate Rise
Q4a. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Previous Previous
Non-
Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
Mean rating 2.64 2.69 2.60 2.79 2.83 2.44▼ 2.59 2.56 2.94▲ 2.53 2.75
T3 Box
55% 54% 56% 66%▲ 63% 47%▼ 47% 52% 68%▲ 53% 58%
(codes 3-5)
Base 404 192 212 97 97 133 77 311 93 200 204
Very supportive (5) 8%
Aware of the Not
SV prior to aware/
Supportive (4) call not sure
19%
Mean rating 2.55 2.77
Somewhat supportive (3) 28%
T3 Box
51% 61%
(codes 3-5)
Not very supportive (2) 18%
Base 233 171
Not at all supportive (1) 27%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Scale: 1 = not at all supportive, 5 = very supportive
Base: N = 404 ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of support (by group)
55% of residents are at least somewhat supportive of Council proceeding with the 15% Rate Rise.
Although not significant, a marginally higher proportion of residents committed to the top 3 boxes
(somewhat supportive to very supportive) for those who were not aware of the SV prior to the call.
24Q4a.
Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise)
How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Not at all/ Very
Somewhat
Overall Not very supportive/
supportive
supportive Supportive
Council is to blame/we should not pay for their financial mismanagement 21% 38%▲ 14%▼ 2%▼
Fix the problem/needs to happen/sounds reasonable 21% 1%▼ 23% 49%▲
Would like to keep/maintain service levels 15% 2%▼ 12% 40%▲
Poor financial management/lack of trust managing finances in the future 15% 22%▲ 14% 4%▼
Will be hard on residents/too expensive/can't afford it 15% 22%▲ 18% 2%▼
General comments on poor Council services 12% 21%▲ 7% 2%▼
Comments about Council/staff e.g. someone needs to be accountable, removal of staff,
12% 17%▲ 13% 2%▼
etc.
Base 404 180 113 111
Please see Appendix A for remaining list of responses ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (by level of support)
The community appears to be polarized in their reasoning for level of support – see top
responses circled above (other responses are in Appendix A).
25Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise) Continued
Q4a. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Aware of Not Previous Previous
the SV prior aware/ Gosford Wyong
to call not sure LGA LGA
Council is to blame/we should not pay for their financial mismanagement 26%▲ 15% 25% 18%
Fix the problem/needs to happen/sounds reasonable 21% 20% 17% 25%
Would like to keep/maintain service levels 13% 17% 17% 13%
Poor financial management/lack of trust managing finances in the future 19%▲ 9% 15% 14%
Will be hard on residents/too expensive/can't afford it 14% 17% 15% 16%
General comments on poor Council services 11% 13% 12% 12%
Comments about Council/staff e.g. someone needs to be accountable, removal of staff, etc. 16%▲ 7% 16%▲ 8%
Base 233 171 200 204
Please see Appendix A for remaining list of responses ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (by awareness/LGA)
Those aware of the SV prior to the call were significantly more likely to make negative
comments on Council actions and management than those who were not aware.
26Rate Peg Only*
If no special variation in rates is applied, Council would only charge the annual increase of 2% allowed through the rate peg,
which is set by IPART. Based on IPART information the assumed rate peg will be 2.5% from 2022-23 and onwards.
The exact amount you will pay will vary depending on the rating category for your parcel of land and the value of your land as
determined by the NSW Valuer General. These calculations are impacted from changes to land values and will be applied as
received from the NSW Valuer General.
Average ordinary rates for the Central Coast Council region will move based on land values from early December 2020. The
special variation of rates increase does not apply to waste and on-site sewer management (OSSM) annual charges which also
appear on rates notices:
• Residential – average increase of $0.42 per week
o former Gosford LGA average increase of $2.08 per week
o former Wyong LGA average decrease of $1.37 per week
• Business – average increase of $1.24 per week
• Farming – average increase of $0.70 per week
*Order of presenting the ‘15% Rate Rise’ and ‘Rate peg only’ options was randomised to reduce position bias.
27Rate Peg Only
Given Council's financial situation, relying just on the annual rate peg increase would result in significant impacts to Council's
services, such as:
• Service closures including some library branches and community facilities
• Significant reduction in maintenance of facilities and infrastructure
• Significant deterioration of assets
• Significant reduction in road, footpath and drainage maintenance
• Significant reduction to environmental programs (e.g. weed removal and native vegetation programs)
• Longer processing times for customer requests, development applications and permits and closure of service points
• More staff reductions and follow on service reductions
• Reduced maintenance of sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds – no new facilities or major upgrades only renewals
based on safety
• No community events run by Council and no grants and sponsorship of other events
• Further sales of assets and land
• Significant increases in fees and charges
28Support for Rate Peg Only
Q5. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Previous Previous
Non-
Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
Mean rating 2.57 2.60 2.55 2.51 2.70 2.54 2.56 2.56 2.61 2.53 2.62
T3 Box
51% 51% 52% 53% 57% 48% 48% 49% 61% 49% 54%
(codes 3-5)
Base 404 192 212 97 97 133 77 311 93 200 204
Very supportive (5) 8%
Aware of Not
the SV aware/
Supportive (4) prior to call not sure
16%
Mean rating 2.59 2.56
Somewhat supportive (3) 27%
T3 Box
49% 55%
(codes 3-5)
Not very supportive (2) 23%
Base 233 171
Not at all supportive (1) 26%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Scale: 1 = not at all supportive, 5 = very supportive
Base: N = 404 ▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower level of support (by group)
51% of residents are at least somewhat supportive of Council proceeding with the Rate Peg
only option.
29Preferred Option
Q6. Which one of the two options would be your preferred option:
Previous Previous
Non-
Overall Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-69 70+ Ratepayer Gosford Wyong
ratepayer
LGA LGA
15% Rate Rise 45% 46% 45% 55%▲ 46% 42% 37% 44% 51% 45% 46%
Rate Peg 55% 54% 55% 45%▼ 54% 58% 63% 56% 49% 55% 54%
Base 404 192 212 97 97 133 77 311 93 200 204
Aware of Not
the SV aware/
prior to call not sure
15% Special 15% Rate Rise 45% 45%
Rate Peg Only Variation of
55% Rates
45% Rate Peg 55% 55%
Base 233 171
Base: N = 404
Results indicate that while there is a slight preference for rate peg only (the difference between
the 55% and 45% is not statistically significant at the 95% confidence level), a sizeable minority
of the community seemingly want to draw a line in the sand and move on.
30Appendix A: Additional Analysis
Background & Methodology
Sample selection and error
A total of 404 resident interviews were completed. 325 of the 404 respondents were chosen by means of a computer based random selection
process using the electronic White Pages and SamplePages. The remaining 79 respondents were ‘number harvested’ via face-to-face intercept
at several locations around the Central Coast Council LGA, i.e. Gosford Farmers Markets, Gosford Train Station, Lake Haven surrounds, San Remo
Coles/Tavern, Terrigal Waterfront, Tuggerah Train Station/Supercentre and Woy Woy Train Station/Umina Beach.
A sample size of 404 residents provides a maximum sampling error of plus or minus 4.9% at 95% confidence. This means that if the survey was
replicated with a new universe of N=404 residents, 19 times out of 20 we would expect to see the same results, i.e. +/- 4.9%.
For the survey under discussion the greatest margin of error is 4.9%. This means, for example, that an answer such as ‘yes’ (50%) to a question
could vary from 45% to 55%.
The sample was weighted by age and gender to reflect the 2016 ABS Census data for Central Coast Council LGA.
Interviewing
Interviewing was conducted in accordance with The Research Society Code of Professional Behaviour.
Prequalification
Participants in this survey were pre-qualified as being over the age of 18, and not working for, nor having an immediate family member working
for, Central Coast Council.
Data analysis
The data within this report was analysed using Q Professional.
Within the report, ▲▼ are used to identify statistically significant differences between groups, i.e., gender, age, ratepayer status, and previous
LGA.
Significance difference testing is a statistical test performed to evaluate the difference between two measurements. To identify the statistically
significant differences between the groups of means, ‘One-Way Anova tests’ and ‘Independent Samples T-tests’ were used. ‘Z Tests’ were also
used to determine statistically significant differences between column percentages.
Percentages
All percentages are calculated to the nearest whole number and therefore the total may not exactly equal 100%.
32Demographics
QD. Which suburb do you live in?
Suburb N = 404 Suburb N = 404 Suburb N = 404
Terrigal 5% Charmhaven 1% Wadalba 1%
Bateau Bay 4% Chittaway Bay 1% Watanobbi 1%
Narara 4% Copacabana 1% West Gosford 1%
Umina Beach 4% Davistown 1% Woongarrah 1%
Berkeley Vale 3% East Gosford 1% Wyongah 1%
Blue Haven 3% Empire Bay 1% Booker BayDemographics
QE. Do you or your household pay Council rates to Central Coast Council
for any of the following?
Employment status N = 404
Rate type N = 404 Currently in full time paid employment 39%
Currently in part time paid employment (at least 10
13%
hours a week)
Residential rates 80%
Currently in casual paid employment 6%
Business rates 3% Net: Employed 58%
Retired from paid employment 30%
None of these 20%
Home duties 5%
Studying at school, TAFE or university 2%
Currently looking for paid employment 3%
Other (disability pension/volunteer) 1%
34Q4a.
Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise) Continued
How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Not at all/ Very
Somewhat
Overall Not very supportive/
supportive
supportive Supportive
Comments about the amalgamation/rate difference in former Gosford/Wyong LGAs 8% 13%▲ 5% 3%▼
Council is wasting money/don't agree with spending 5% 7%▲ 4% 1%▼
More information/transparency is needed 5% 4% 9%▲ 1%▼
Other savings or revenue options should be found 5% 8%▲ 6% 0%▼
State or Federal Government should be fixing this 3% 6%▲ 1% 1%
No other options 2% 1% 1% 3%
Unhappy with the situation/position residents have been put in 2% 2% 5% 1%
Will pay if they do the right thing e.g. spend wisely, reverts back to 2.5% 2% 0%▼ 3% 3%
Would like to see improved service levels 2% 0%▼ 4% 3%
Council does not listen/consider community concerns/input 1% 3%▲ 0% 0%
Don't pay rates 1% 0% 2%▲ 0%
Feel like this is forced upon 1% 2% 0% 0%
No guarantee the issue will be fixed/will only pay the debt nothing extra 1% 2% 1% 0%
Only increase for one year/no guarantee it won't increase further 1% 3%▲ 0% 0%
Rates will increase anyway 1% 0% 0% 2%
There should be a cheaper alternative 1% 1% 1% 0%
We won't pay as much as other Council's nearby 1% 0% 0% 3%▲
Will invest in the future/provide jobs/keep the economy growing 1% 0% 2% 2%
Willing to pay some but 15% is too much 1% 3% 1% 0%
Other comments 7% 11%▲ 4% 5%
Unsure/no real opinion 2% 0%▼ 7%▲ 0%
Base 404 180 113 111
▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (by level of support)
35Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise) Continued
Q4a. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Aware of Not Previous Previous
the SV prior aware/ Gosford Wyong
to call not sure LGA LGA
Comments about the amalgamation/rate difference in former Gosford/Wyong LGAs 10% 5% 5% 10%
Council is wasting money/don't agree with spending 5% 4% 5% 4%
More information/transparency is needed 4% 5% 7% 3%
Other savings or revenue options should be found 5% 6% 4% 6%
State or Federal Government should be fixing this 5%▲ 0% 3% 3%
No other options 2%▲ 0% 1% 2%
Unhappy with the situation/position residents have been put in 2% 2% 2% 3%
Will pay if they do the right thing e.g. spend wisely, reverts back to 2.5% 2% 2% 2% 2%
Would like to see improved service levels 2% 2% 3% 1%
Council does not listen/consider community concerns/input 2% 0% 1% 1%
Don't pay rates 1% 1% 0% 1%
Feel like this is forced upon 1% 1% 1% 1%
No guarantee the issue will be fixed/will only pay the debt nothing extra 2% 1% 2% 1%
Only increase for one year/no guarantee it won't increase further 1% 1% 0% 2%▲
Rates will increase anyway 1% 0% 0% 1%
There should be a cheaper alternative 1% 0% 1% 1%
We won't pay as much as other Council's nearby 0% 1% 1% 0%
Will invest in the future/provide jobs/keep the economy growing 1% 1% 1% 1%
Willing to pay some but 15% is too much 1% 2% 2% 0%
Other comments 9% 5% 10% 5%
Unsure/no real opinion 1% 4%▲ 3% 2%
Base 233 171 200 204
▲▼ = A significantly higher/lower percentage (by awareness/LGA)
36Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise) – Verbatims
Q4a. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Example Verbatim Responses
Council is to blame/we should not pay for Fix the problem/needs to happen/sounds
their financial mismanagement reasonable
“I don’t think it is fair that the ratepayers have to bail “Council needs the money”
out the council from this financial mismanagement”
“Need to support the council”
“The ratepayers didn't cause the problem so council
should fix it without penalty” “It has to be done even though community shouldn't
be paying for it”
“It’s just frustrating to pay more for something that
“This option isn't too expensive considering its only a
the community didn’t do to create”
significant increase for one year”
“The rules have been created but council have
gone over the limits and spend in accord to their “Seems to be the only way forward and out of this
responsibility requirements” financial debt”
“Need to take responsibility of their own
mismanagement of funds rather than putting their “Ratepayers are the only people that can support
losses onto the community” the Council during this situation”
“Council has over staffed so the community should “This additional funding will improve council
not have to pay for that” mismanagement issues”
37Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise) – Verbatims
Q4a. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Example Verbatim Responses
Would like to keep/maintain service levels Poor financial management/lack of trust
managing finances in the future
“This option allows Council to continue maintenance “Lost faith in Council”
towards the local infrastructure”
“Council will just get into more debt with the
“Maintenance is necessity for council and the local additional funds”
area to recover” “Lost trust in Council to put the increased money into
the community in meaningful ways”
“This additional funding will prevent the assets from
“Would like to see they are more responsible in future
deteriorating”
if this does happen”
“This will help the council to continue maintenance
of the local roads” “Council doesn't spend funding fairly across the
area”
“Would not like to see a decline in any of the “Lost faith in Council and don’t believe that the 15%
services” even if its the better option will fix all the problems
because their interwoven within how Council
operates”
“Don’t want to see our services and assets cut off” “Council is untrustworthy with our money”
38Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise) – Verbatims
Q4a. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Example Verbatim Responses
Will be hard on residents/too expensive/can't General comments on poor Council services
afford it
“Council don't maintain roads anyway with the
“Can’t afford to pay the 15%” money they have spent”
“Ratepayers are in financial hardship currently where “No curb and guttering in my street”
a rates increase is completely unfair especially the
elderly should be a flat fee” “Facilities have already started closing before the
financial decision - Kincumber Tip, etc.”
“Council need to consider the amount of pensioners
living in the area who can not afford the larger SRV “Don't get the services we currently pay for”
increase”
“Understandably it is not good to increase the debt, “Not fair to pay more and receive same service
however, it is very hard for residents with a rates levels”
increase financially”
“Can't get any Council support even though high
“Tenants are going to struggle to pay higher rent due rates paid”
to high cost of living”
“Council still can't keep up with the maintenance of
the roads in the first place, yet they want to take
“Due to COVID everyone is suffering with financial money off the community just to make up for the
problems so there shouldn't be further increase” money they've already lost”
39Reason for Level of Support (Rate Rise) – Verbatims
Q4a. How supportive, if at all, are you of Council proceeding with this Option?
Q4b. Why do you say that?
Example Verbatim Responses
Comments about Council/staff Comments about the amalgamation/rate
difference in former Gosford/Wyong LGAs
“Don't agree with the large difference between
“Council’s financial department were partaking in
Gosford and Wyong rates”
criminal activities”
“Already a special variation for Wyong in 2013”
“Council are not taking accountability and
“We were unfairly forced into the amalgamation,
responsibility for their errors”
which has led to more financial issues and what we
have now”
“Council should take more time to sort things out
“Could not vote for the Wyong Mayor, but I have to
before doing a rate change”
pay rates”
“Central Coast rate money has been spent more in
“Too many Council workers that are not productive”
the Gosford area when they have been paying less
in rates for the past 4 years so it's not fair for us to
“The Government needs to do a proper equity into have to keep paying increased amounts”
what happened to hold people accountable”
“Gosford has more voters therefore more control, so
“Incompetent Councilor's and due to their Wyong doesn't get a choice in particular matters”
mismanagement, all Councilor's should be stood
down”
“Want the harmonisation of rates. It’s very important
“Need to do more internal management” to get the two areas united in rates”
40Appendix B: The Questionnaire
42
43
44
The information contained herein is believed to be reliable and accurate, however, no guarantee is given as to its
accuracy and reliability, and no responsibility or liability for any information, opinions or commentary contained herein, or
for any consequences of its use, will be accepted by Micromex Research, or by any person involved in the preparation
of this report. 45Telephone: (02) 4352 2388 Web: www.micromex.com.au Email: mark@micromex.com.au
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