End of the road for Business Central Coast

Originally known as the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC), the organisation was funded by a levy on business ratepayers in Gosford LGA and Wyong Council’s General Account.

Gosford Council had introduced a Business/Tourism Levy on all business ratepayers with half the levy going to the Corporation and the other half to Central Coast Tourism. Wyong Council was expected to contribute an equal amount but played ducks and drakes with funding for both the Corporation and Tourism.

It was a sound concept, but within a couple of years the General Manager of Gosford Council at that time, Keith Dedden was calling for the organisation to set out a clear strategy for the future. “We are in competition with other regions in NSW and Australia. Like us, they are all looking for new investment,” he said. Mr Dedden also called on Gosford businesses to have their say in the development of a strategy and business plan.

The Central Coast Regional Development Corporation was also seen as the vehicle to change the focus from the Gosford-Wyong parochial divide into a cohesive Central Coast region. However, as the years wore on the Corporation simply became a sink-hole for millions of dollars of ratepayers’ money as well as State and Federal Government funds for various projects which never saw the light of day. At no time did the organisation ever provide a plausible report on its activities to the business ratepayers of Gosford.

When first set up, the Corporation spent thousands on a shopfront in the Gosford CBD but, for the management, it was never grand enough and they were under the spotlight. In 2001 the Corporation got the opportunity to move to the back of the Ourimbah Campus in what is termed the 'Business Incubator'. It cost millions and, for the organisation, it was a great location as it was out of sight and out of mind.

The Business Incubator was intended to help start-up businesses but did nothing for years. It was only when the present General Manager, Kerry Ruffels, arrived on the scene two years ago. He filled it with start-up businesses, which has now resulted in a number of them growing and now moving on. Its only success in nine years.

In 2003, in a move to change its image, directors decided on a change of name and the organisation became Business Central Coast. Apart from that, nothing changed and it remained the directionless outfit it always was.

Meanwhile, with no financial controls or reporting systems in place, hundreds of thousands of dollars were squandered. Every project that was undertaken with Government funds required a logo plus huge amounts of promotional material and expensive announcements only to disappear into the dust. At least the money spent on all the artwork and promotions was spent locally. Over the past five years it became common knowledge that both Councils were becoming frustrated with the total lack of direction, but neither would do anything about it and in the end became part of the problem themselves.

After a succession of General Managers, two years ago Chairman John Dawson appointed Kerry Ruffels at a much reduced salary to the scandalous salaries paid to previous incumbents. He and Mr Dawson were the right people to lead the organisation, which, by this time had lost the support of both Councils and in 2008 their funding was withdrawn. The Department of State and Regional Development, which had always been supportive, picked up the tab which only covered the barest of wages and administrative costs.

Following the election of the Rudd Government, Business Central Coast’s fate was sealed. The new Government announced that all regions throughout Australia would have their own ‘Regional Development Australia’ organisations from 1 July 2009.

Consequently, both Business Central Coast (State Government funded) and the Central Coast Area Consultative Committee (Federal Government funded) are to be wound up and all staff made redundant – now having to reapply for their jobs in the new organisation.

Regional Development Australia – Central Coast
A new organisation, Regional Development Australia – Central Coast, is to now be established and will be jointly funded by both State and Federal Governments. Expressions of Interest from interested parties to be appointed to the regional committee were called for some months ago. However, at this stage the Federal Government has only announced the appointment of former Wyong Council General Manager, John Dawson as Chairman.

According to the Regional Development Australia website, the network is being established throughout Australia to provide a strategic framework for economic growth in each region. There are four key functions that underpin the role of the national network of RDA committees:
1. Provide advice on consultation and community engagement;
2. Regional planning;
3. Promoting whole-of-Government programs, policies and initiatives; and
4. Community and economic development.

The network will ensure that input is provided to the Australian, State and Local Governments on regional development issues and priorities; promote regions to secure sustainable long term jobs; promote investment and regional prosperity; and raise awareness of programs and services available to regional communities. The network will also play a key role in ensuring that advice about key issues in the regions is provided to all levels of Government.

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