Welcome to the new Central Coast Council

The NSW Electoral Commission declared the results on September 30, 2024, officially naming 15 new Central Coast councillors. The composition consists of five Labor councillors, five Liberal councillors (including one Independent Liberal), three Team Central Coast councillors, and two Independent conservation-focused councillors. The group includes three former mayors and one former federal Member of Parliament.

The first council meeting on October 8 will elect a new mayor and deputy mayor for two-year terms. While any councillor could theoretically be elected, the parties or groups with the most votes are expected to secure the positions. Former pre-amalgamation mayors Lawrie McKinna (Gosford) and Doug Eaton (Wyong) are highlighted as the two most likely mayoral candidates, though former MP Belinda Neal and former Central Coast Council mayor Jane Smith are also potential alternatives.

The list includes returning councillors such as Kyle MacGregor (Labor, Wyong Ward), who was suspended with Jane Smith in 2020, and Belinda Neal (Labor, Gosford West ward) and John McNamara (Labor, Wyong ward), both former councillors. New councillors include two from Team Central Coast: John Mouland (Budgewoi ward) and Kyla Daniels (Wyong ward). Other first-time councillors are three Liberals: Trent McWaide (Gosford West), Jared Wright (Gosford East), Rachel Stanton (The Entrance); three Labor councillors: Helen Crowley (Budgewoi), Sharon Walsh (Gosford East), Margot Castles (The Entrance); and Independent Corine Lamont.

Candidates have 24 hours from the declaration on September 30 to request a recount. A clarification confirms that Independent councillor Corinne Lamont is named in the article.