Gardener’s Viral Video Exposes Council Inefficiency in New South Wales
In a stunning display of efficiency, a local gardener has shamed the Central Coast Council in New South Wales by completing a clean-up job in under an hour, a task that residents claim would have taken council workers significantly longer and cost ratepayers a small fortune.
Nathan Stafford, owner of Nathan’s Lawns and Gardens, posted a video on TikTok showcasing his one-hour clean-up effort along Ocean View Drive in Terrigal, which had allegedly been neglected for years.
The video has garnered over 13,600 hearts, 225 comments, and 208 saves, with many viewers praising Stafford’s initiative and lambasting the council’s inefficiency.
Reaction and Debate
The video sparked a heated debate, with some commenters claiming that the council’s approach would have involved sending four workers, four traffic controllers, two spotters, and one supervisor, at a cost of around $6,000 to taxpayers.
Others expressed frustration with the system, citing instances of wasteful spending on similar projects.
However, some users raised safety concerns, pointing out that Stafford’s actions, although well-intentioned, may have put him at risk.
They argued that the council’s approach, while slower and more expensive, prioritized safety and accountability.
Stafford’s Motivation and Philanthropy
Stafford, who has been running his gardening and lawn mowing business since 2010, said that part of his motivation was to help those in need.
He has been uploading videos of his work to Instagram since 2016, including instances where he has performed work for free that councils have neglected.
Stafford also donates $2 from every merchandise sale to the Heart Centre for Children with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.
Council Response
As of yet, the Central Coast Council has not issued an official statement regarding the viral video.