Print Post Approved – PP100001854
April 2020
Published monthly (except January)
IN THIS ISSUE:
UON opens refurbished Food Science Laboratory Gibbens awards contract for $26m ING call centre building While Coast economy grinds to a halt Central Coast Council dithers on development opportunities Real Estate Academy joins with Realtair Life Health Foods 5 years on
Edgar Adams’ Editorial Staying positive amid the gloom Building & Construction Industry can get us out of this
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CON T EN TS
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Business news
5 Real Estate Academy joins with Realtair 6
Life Health Foods 5 years on
7 New owners put Sunken Money 7
Properties For Sale / Lease but not all 13 Recent property sales 14 How to stay profitable in a consumer crises 14 Warwick Ryan article
back on track
Regular features
Hotel Gosford redevelopment to start
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9 The Coast’s own brand reopens in Woy Woy shop State Awards to a halt Central Coast Council dithers on development opportunities 10 Sydney company wins tender for Terrigal Boardwalk 10 Council defers Local Strategic Planning Statement for 12 months
Contact
Edgar Adams’ Editorial
Staying positive amid the gloom Building and Construction Industry can get the
9 Big wins for local R&H agents at 10 While Central Coast economy grinds
+
12 Denny selling down portfolio –
4 Gibbens awards contract for $26m ING call centre building
20,00 0
11 Commercial and Industrial
3 UON opens refurbished Food Science Laboratory
Read ersh ip
Coast out of this mess
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Business Briefs
10 Central Coast Council news 11 Commercial and Industrial Properties For Sale / Lease 12 Property news 14 Business tips 15 Funny business
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Call Edgar Adams now on 0404 472 571 or email: edgaradams@ccbusinessreview.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
BUSINESS NEWS
UON opens refurbished Food Science Laboratory THE CENTRAL COAST is well along the way to cementing its place as a leading Food Innovation Region with the opening last month of the refurbished Food Science Laboratory at the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast Campus Ourimbah. Refurbished at a cost of $1 million, as part of the UON’s $2.6 million teaching space investment in the Campus, the Laboratory was officially opened by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO along with Faculty of Science Pro VicChancellor Professor Lee Smith and Frank Sammut Executive Officer of Central Coast Industry Connect. The opening was attended by a number of representatives from the region’s food industry. “We see Ourimbah as a Centre of Excellence for Food Science, and an opportunity to strengthen our engagement with industry and community on the Coast,” said Prof. Zelinsky. “Food Science is one of four University programs which are only offered here on the Central Coast.” “Presently, there are around 100 undergraduate students studying food science and human nutrition on this campus and I am very proud that over 90% of our Food Science graduates find employment within three months of completing their degrees,” he said. “One of the ways Newcastle is different from other universities is that our research activities are strongly aligned to industry needs. We see it as part of our mission to deliver industry-ready graduates to regional businesses. And that is particularly the case here on the Central Coast.”
UON Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alex Zelinsky AO with Dean of the Ourimbah Campus Dr. Brok Glen and CCIC Executive Officer, Frank Sammut. Referring to the region’s food manufacturing capacity Prof. Zelinsky said, “The food industry is a significant contributor to the Central Coast economy and employment. Well-known brands such as MARS Food, Sanitarium, and Cordina Farms all operate in the region. Leveraging off this strength, we aim to build a central hub of related food activity.” “We could not do this without our partners on the Coast. In partnership with Regional Development Australia, Central Coast and Central Coast Industry Connect, the University will work closely with industry partners, many of whom are here this morning. Together we will develop strategic initiatives that respond to the needs of the local food sector, supporting regional development and job growth,” he concluded.
Laboratory opening a Key Milestone for Central Coast Food Innovation Region Commenting on the significance of the Food Science Laboratory at the Ourimbah Campus, CCIC Executive Officer, Frank Sammut said, “ “Today is another milestone in the journey of making the Central Coast a Food Innovation Region. Since the inception of this initiative, established by Regional Development Australia Central Coast in 2017, we have made significant progress in bringing this concept to reality for industry.” “A key milestone early in our journey was the signing of a MOU between UON, RDACC and CCIC, recognising that industry, government and the university needed to work closely together to drive the food initiative to gain outcomes of economic growth and jobs for our region.
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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
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BUSINESS NEWS
Gibbens awards contract for $26m ING call centre building CENTRAL COAST PROPERTY developers, Gibbens Group have awarded the contract for the construction of their $26 million office building project at North Wyong to Erina based builder Stevens Construction. Construction will commence in June/July with completion in June 2021 and will create 350 jobs during construction. Gibbens Group CEO, Matthew Gibbens, said the company had executed a longterm lease with ING for 3,600 sqm of space over three levels including the ground floor for a call centre and staff parking and will accommodate 600 people. (ING have operated a call centre at Tuggerah Business Park for the past 25 years and will relocate when the project is completed) To be known as the Wyong Office Tower the building at 4 Dulmison Avenue, Wyong overlooks Pacific Highway and Wyong Golf Course and is part of the Wyong Business Park which the Gibbens Group are developing. The building will comprise a total gross floor area of 5,519 sqm on a 12,268 sqm site and will include a ground floor cafĂŠ and outdoor garden / breakout area. Secure external car parking for 300 vehicles is provided for. Office suites available The top floor of the Wyong Office Tower will comprise 10 strata office suites ranging in size from 51 sqm to 153 sqm in a corporate format with views across Wyong Golf Course. Wyong Business Park The site on which the ING development is being built covers 8.26 Ha and comprises a self storage complex and industrial /warehousing buildings which Gibbens Group are repurposing in stages. Showroom or office strata units are available for lease or purchase.
Nor th-East View
ING Dulmison Avenue
CKDS ARCHITECTURE
project #
P.O. Box 958 Ph 02 4929 1843 Newcastle NSW Australia ACN 129 231 269
4 Dulmison Ave, Wyong, NSW
GSPublisherVersion 565.10.26.17
admin@ckds.com.au www.ckds.com.au
18146
Perspective View 2 drawing #
DA-7002 AS NOTED
issue
B
18/04/2019
this document is the copyright of CKDS Architecture PTY LTD check and verify all dimensions on site. refer any dicrepancies to the designer before proceeding with the work. do not scale drawings manually or electronically. drawing shall not be used for construction until issued for construction by designer.
Tyrepower and Woolworths Service Station at Lisarow Business Park.
Lisarow Business Park The Gibbens Group are also developing Lisarow Business Park at 900 Pacific Highway, Lisarow, a property which they acquired from Albany International some years ago which was a sizeable industrial complex and which they have repurposed. The original factory building is now occupied by Pluim Commercial Interiors, Storage King and other tenants.
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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
Artists impression by Osmosis Digital Studio
Development Application
4
Gibbens in mid-March signed a Heads of Agreement with a large bottling company looking to relocate from Sydney with 150 new jobs for the Central Coast. Meanwhile, with direct access to the Pacific Highway construction of a Woolworths.EG Fuel service station is near completion with a new 10-year lease having been signed. Trading will commence in late April. In addition, adjacent to the service station is a new Tyrepower outlet for Blain and Jacqueline Vandersteen who own and operate 6 Tyrepower franchises. This property will be the Head Office for their operations. Mini unit complex To satisfy a demand for small industrial type units Gibbens are developing a mini-unit complex of 74 units. In Stage 1, 25 of the 39 units under construction have been sold at prices from $127,000 - $285,000 Stage 2 will comprise 35 units from 50 – 100 sqm and range in price from $160,000 -$285,000 plus GST. Sales Agent Brad Rogers from Raine & Automated transactions in MYOB and XE Horne Commercial said that buyers like the Personal backedand upare with 30 years location and qualityservice of the product within inCommitted the price range small business to of making your business grow operators.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Real Estate Academy joins with Realtair EAST GOSFORD BASED national real estate training and systems development company, Real Estate Academy, has joined forces with Australian PropTech innovator, Realtair. The acquisition by Realtair, a middleware platform serving the real estate industry, was announced on March 24. It represents a deal that places the company at the forefront of progressive technology development and delivery in Australian real estate. Realtair CEO and Founder, Peter Matthews, said they had been working with Real Estate Academy Founder and CEO, Lee Woodward, over the past two years to refine this collaboration. “Lee and his team are experts at the onboarding, delivery and training of real estate technology,” said Matthews. “The Real Estate Academy sales training platform dovetails seamlessly with the entire Realtair sales process workflow of Pitch, Sign, AuctionNow and Flow. Our clients will receive world class service delivery when signing up for our solutions.” The acquisition comes one month after Realtair announced its merger with online auction platform, AuctionNow. Since then, AuctionNow has been gaining huge traction, particularly with the current impediments placed on face-to-face auctions from the coronavirus. As innovators in the digital training arena and specialists in applying technology to sales techniques for real estate professionals, Woodward and his team are ideally placed to complement the existing services offered by Realtair by helping the industry move forward in a manner aligned with the needs of the today’s
(L-R) Lee Woodward, Peter Matthews, Damien Cooley (AuctionNow) tech savvy (and now, tech-reliant) agents and consumers. Woodward said, “It’s a crazy world at present. So to be offered the chance to expand at a time when, like so many businesses right now, we were facing the very real potential of closing our doors after more than twenty years in business, was incredible. My team and I are now part of a team of 150 in two countries and I am proud to say that 61 Webb Street, East Gosford is now officially the new Realtair headquarters.” Woodward said that for existing Real Estate Academy members, it will be business as usual moving forward. “This expansion and collaboration allows for our major events, The Complete Salesperson Course
and The Complete Leader, to be integrated with great technology into the future of real estate for all our existing members and the wider Australia real estate community.” While Woodward says there will be opportunities to grow the team in the future as a result of the merger, now is the time to lock down and learn. “We need to learn the products and services, treat every client like gold, and show them love and compassion in one of the most testing times in the world. I urge all business leaders to speak to other business leaders with the idea of total collaboration and expansion in mind. Consider what’s possible around you. Success is never a solo performance.”
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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
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EDITORIAL
Edgar Adams discusses local issues
Staying positive amid the gloom AS MANY WOULD know, this editor has been around for a while and weathered the ups and downs that life over 81 very interesting years throws at us. From the early 1960s onward Australia went through several recessions engineered by government to control inflation that resulted in businesses bankruptcies and unemployment. Over time the country drifted out of these downturns and moved on. One of the worst was the early 1980s when interest rates went through the roof. The last downturn we had was the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-08 and before that Paul Keating’s “Recession we had to have” in the early 1990s and it caused a lot of financial harm to a lot of people. The GFC was a different animal but in general it has been plain sailing for 28 years. We are now in unchartered waters and no one knows what the effects of the coronavirus will be except that it will end. Right now the world’s brightest minds are working on a cure and when that happens the Reset button will be pushed and just like after the end of World War II people who have been cooped up will get out, and where they can, make it happen. Of course, a lot of people will be hurt and there will be some pretty sad cases of good businesses going under.
Presently it is a matter of hunkering down and surviving the next three to six months as best we can. There is no question that the hospitality and education sector will take a massive hit as will retail although retail has been on the skids long before this. While all this is happening we should not forget that we were just coming out of the worst bush fire season for 30 years and those affected are still struggling to get back on their feet. Right now both federal and state governments are throwing billions at keeping people going on a day to day basis and for a change the banks are recognising their responsibilities but in the longer run we will need to get the economy going. Building and Construction Industry can get the Coast out of this Because of its very nature the building industry has not been closed down and we hear that the Federal Minister for Industrial Relations, The Hon. Christian Porter MP is working closely with Sally McManus, Secretary of the ACTU to make certain that the building industry, and others, get through this. They may be from totally opposite sides of the spectrum but they understand the significance of these industries to the economy.
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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
And, being at the pointy end Central Coast Council, councillors and planning and environment staff should be working flat out to Approve all the DA’s they have held up. Please read Page 14 – While the Central Coast economy grinds to a halt Central Coast Council dithers on development opportunities. An ABS report of employment by industry in June 2019 shows that 13,761 local people are employed by the building industry and when you add the supporting professions of about 5,000 that makes 15% and as of today all of these people would still have a job while most of those in the retail, hospitality and services industries are out of work. What this means is that the very government body that can help get our region out of this mess is our Council. And if they refuse or prevaricate the Secretary of the Planning Department needs to step in. Everyone else is doing their bit. Edgar Adams Editor
BUSINESS NEWS
Life Health Foods 5 years on FIVE YEARS AGO next month, then Federal Member for Dobell, Karen McNamara, officially opened a new food manufacturing facility at Berkeley Vale for Life Health Foods Australia Pty Limited. Owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Life Health Foods is a sister company of Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Co and was set up to manufacture a range of fresh and innovative plant-based meal products for the Australian and New Zealand consumer market under the LHF brand in a new purpose built 6,000 sqm factory. Life Health Foods (LHF) acquired Sanitarium’s Vege Delights brand and its manufacturing plant and through its entrepreneurial business model has continued to innovate and produce plant-based foods that meet the changing consumer demands and improve the health and wellbeing of Australian and New Zealand consumers. At the time 57 Sanitarium staff were employed in the Vege Delights brand and they transitioned to LHF. Fast forward to 2020 and LHF have widened their range of products and now employ a total of 130 people with the plant operating 24-hours a day from Sunday to mid-day Fridays. Originally built to allow for expansion of their canning, frozen foods and chilled vegetable smallgoods production lines the factory has increased its capability adding two additional production lines making fresh meat like plant based foods as well as
The Life Health Foods team. fresh wholefood soups and meals. General Manager, Dean Epps, saying, “we have doubled the business in five years and growth this year will top 30%.” “As more Australians move to plant-based foods it is essential that we drive innovation. We are in a fast moving high-tech industry and are committed to continual improvement in what is a globally competitive business.” Mr Epps was full of praise for the 130 people who work at LHF. “We have a great workforce and all of them live on the Central Coast which offers them the perfect work-life-balance. We are also able to offer them a career path and opportunities to be involved in this rapidly growing industry and by virtue of that, they believe in the value of our business.”
Life Health Foods’ Alternative Meat Company products LHF brands include: Vegie Delights, Bean Supreme, Alternative Meat Co., Alternative Dairy Co, Naked Kitchen. Vegie Delights and Bean Supreme brands are sold nationally through Woolworths and Coles supermarkets nationally. Their plant based The Alternative Meat Co brand selling burgers, sausages and mince products are sold nationally through Coles supermarkets and are found within the meat category. Life Health foods also exports its brands to New Zealand, Pacific and South East Asia. Mr Epps said, “We support Australian manufacturing, local communities creating jobs, manufacturing and suppliers and prioritise sourcing Australian grown ingredients.”
CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
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BUSINESS NEWS
New owners put Sunken Monkey back on track
Hotel Gosford redevelopment to start
The Sunken Monkey Hotel Erina NEW OWNERS OF The Sunken Money Hotel at Erina have achieved what was thought to be the impossible. Since buying the property in December 2018 they have worked with licensee, Sean Wagstaff, who in just six months has taken the hotel off the NSW Liquor & Gaming Violent Venue List and cleared its name making it a family friendly pub once again. Mr Wagstaff, with a 20-year career managing hotels in Kings Cross and Byron Bay was given the brief to turn the property around and he has achieved that in a short space of time. In January this year the owners appointed Events manager Saia Latu as Functions and Events Manager. “When this hotel first opened it had a good name for events and I want to bring that back,” said Mr Latu.
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The property has multiple function areas, with capacity of over 200 to smaller areas with 50 capacity suitable for business events from lunches to expos. The hotel’s Garden Bar overlooking Erina Creek has been refreshed and returned to being a popular spot for local business people winding up their week, as has The Bistro dining room. Built in 1998, the iconic hotel, firstly known as Woodport Inn and subsequently renamed The Sunken Monkey Hotel by its previous owner. The people behind the purchase are Rodney and Brett Matterson from the Sutherland Shire in Sydney who are looking forward to creating a venue that aligns with their corporate vision statement: The first choice entertainment venue for local families and businesses looking for great food, facilities and relaxation within a safe and friendly atmosphere.
Construction on the $10 million redevelopment of the Hotel Gosford will commence in late March 2020. Stage one of the process will include a new gaming room, bathroom facilities and the exterior of the existing building. “We’re ecstatic to get started and deliver a high standard pub to Gosford but appreciate this first phase will be challenging as we continue to trade through these works,” said Jordan Harris, Owner of Hotel Gosford. Stage two will see the conversion of the existing gaming room in Hotel Gosford into the newly designed public sports bar area on the corner of the pub. “We will be honouring the historical connections of Hotel Gosford through the new design with high ceilings, and interior touches to highlight what the Hotel means to the community,” added Mr Harris. The major component of the redevelopment will be Stage 3. In this final stage, Hotel Gosford will undergo the demolition of the existing public bar, back of house, bistro and beer garden, which will see an estimated 70% of the hotel rebuilt from the ground up. Mr Harris said that only 30% of the ground floor is under the existing 4-storey 100 year old structure which is being completely renovated but to look as much like it originally did as possible. The parts being demolished were added on in the 60/70s so are of no historical significance. The entire renovation is aimed at keeping the look of the pub in line with the 1920’s origins of the original building. “The full process will take approximately 44 weeks which is an incredible timeline considering the amount of work that is due to be completed. We would expect to see the entire pub complete for a relaunch in early 2021,” Mr Harris said.
Our solicitor, Sam Haln, can advise and assist you to get your sponsorship approved for temporary and permanent skilled visas. Some areas of the Central Coast are also eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. If you have skills and qualifications in demand in Australia, or wish to join an Australian family member, Sam can assist you in finding and applying for the right visa. Sam also advises and represent clients at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for reviews against visa cancellations and refusals. Taperell Rutledge providing legal services to the Central Coast since 1958. T A P E R E L L L
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BUSINESS BRIEFS
Big wins for local R&H agents at State Awards
Raine & Horne Coastal Director Brett Hunter with Raine & Horne CEO Angus Raine Real estate franchise group, Raine & Horne held their annual NSW State Awards at Star Casino in late February with two local franchises coming away with big wins against stiff competition from over 150 franchises across the state. Raine & Horne Gosford/East Gosford owned by the Tilden Family were recognised as the No.1 office in NSW for Property Management in 2020. At the same time the sales team came in at 3rd place for the volume of sales across the state while Head of Property Management, Katie Tilden and Senior Manager Lauren Herkess were inducted into R&H’s illustrious “Chairman’s Club” which is reserved for the network’s elite performers. Commenting on their success General Manager Susan Tilden said, ““Having run the office for 30 years, I believe we have the experience and industry knowledge which helps us to put in place strong processes to ensure that our customer, whether that’s a landlord or a tenant, is at the front of our mind.” At the same time Raine & Horne Coastal with offices at Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Saratoga and Erina owned by the Hunter Family took out a string of awards and took out the top award for selling more property by value than any other franchise on the Central Coast. In addition, they were No.5 across the whole of NSW including metro, regional and rural and took out the Auction Shield for conducting more auctions than any other non-metro office in the state. The Coast’s Own Brand reopens its Woy Woy shop Home grown Central Coast clothing company, drøm has reopened its Woy Woy shop after spending the last few years selling its merchandise at markets and pop ups all over the region. Business has been booming and with plans to expand in a number of ways this
Raine & Horne Gosford/East Gosford Property Management Team year founder Gary Berman needed a base. “When we saw our old store was available we jumped at the chance” he said. “It’s amazing how many people remembered us from the Peninsula. We Gary Berman had built up a loyal following so that was a great reason to return. We also liked the fact the shop has changed to now accommodate a work room which we can utilise for printing.”
While the Woy Woy shop will be drøm’s base, Berman still plans to be mobile. “We will do many of the same markets and events, but we also plan to get to new areas as part pf our expansion plans” Berman added. Before going to press drøm announced it had just signed Roosters half back Kyle Flanagan as their ambassador.
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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
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CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS
While Coast economy grinds to a halt Central Coast Council dithers on development opportunities RIGHT NOW, THE Central Coast economy has been brought to its knees as most businesses are forced to close down and put off workers. It is a diabolical situation that puts a focus on what industry sectors drive an economy and what sectors depend on them. The Construction and Manufacturing sectors create employment for 22% of the region’s workforce while a further 5% or more provide professional support services. That is almost 30% of the workforce that continues to work away while the rest of the Coast, except for health workers (paid by the government) closes down. Meanwhile Central Coast Council is sitting on, delaying or frustrating hundreds of Development Applications that could be approved at the blink of an eye. By their own admission the number
of Development Applications outstanding at the end of December 2019 was 550 with 490 under assessment. CCBR understands that a significant number of these could be held up in Council’s Environment Department where nebulous economic ‘concerns’. As a result Central Coast Council has yet again, made the list of the Slowest 5 Councils in the State, ranking 3rd slowest with an average of 818 days from DA lodgement to report to Panel. CCBR is aware of five multi milliondollar projects that are being held up by council because of height limits (again) or objections by activists. All of these will create substantial employment opportunities for the region and enormous rateable income when completed. Time for government to “step in” Recent reforms to the EP&A Act and
Sydney company wins tender for Terrigal Boardwalk Central Coast Council is set to commence construction on the Terrigal boardwalk project and rockpool restoration works in April 2020 with the contract being carried out by a Sydney company. The project is being jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government, Central Coast Council’s Unit Manager Economic Development and Project Delivery, Jamie Barclay said construction works are currently scheduled for completion by the end of the year and ready for public use early January 2021, however the schedule may be impacted by weather or other unforeseen events. “The tender has been awarded to Sydney company, Land & Marine Ocean Engineering Pty Ltd. The project which has been held up for some thirty years by Terrigal anti-development activists, supported by councillors of the past took a positive turn when 2,000 residents signed a petition supporting the project and handed it to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.
CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
“Despite Central Coast Council’s own survey showing 81 per cent of the community supports a boardwalk, every single Labor and Green Councillor voted against the project. It is disappointing their opposition to such a fantastic project has delayed construction, said Mr Crouch. Council was successful in securing a $2.9million Restart NSW Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund grant for the boardwalk from the NSW Government and committed an additional $2.9million through the yearly capital works budget to deliver this project. The 277-meter-long boardwalk design includes a viewing platform, integrated seating, lighting, access to the rock platforms and smooth integration with the existing walkways either end, which creates a continuous link to the town centre. The rockpool renovation project is supported by a $250,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
new regulations give the Planning Secretary of DPIE new powers to seek to prevent delays to applications and resolve disputes between agencies for integrated development. Additionally, one of the 10 Objects of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (ESPA) 1979 are: “… to promote the orderly and economic use and development of land” and “(d) to promote the delivery and maintenance of affordable housing” So if a DA has been held up by state agencies or a council more than 40 days, the Planning Secretary can “step in” to resolve the issue or even issue the concurrence or approval. Developers or consent authorities experiencing delays in obtaining GTAs or a requisite concurrence should consider referring their development applications to the Planning Secretary requesting that the step in powers be exercised.
Council defers Local Strategic Planning Statement for 12 months In an obvious move to further delay the Central Coast Local Environment Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) Central Coast Council at its 9th March meeting moved for a further extension of the process delaying its implementation by up to five years. Former Coastal Environment Network CEO and Mayor, now Deputy Mayor, Cr Jane Smith put forward a five point amendment that includes local character statements be included and that council get a 12 month extension for the adoption of the local strategic planning statement. The move was commended by Labor’s Cr Sundstrom and the vote supporting the move was unanimous. The finalisation of the draft LEP and the draft DCP will now be deferred while council works on its Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).
PROPERT Y NEWS
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KINCUMBER - OFFICE IN THE INDUSTRIAL HUB
WYONG - FREE STANDING INDUSTRIAL SPACE
WYOMING - PRIME SHOWROOM/OFFICE
New vacant OR tenanted industrial units showing 5% net return. Concrete tilt panel, high clearance, approx. 165m2 Inc mezz office, undercover parking supplied. Close to the M1, only 1hr to Sydney. FOR SALE - $430,000 + GST (If Applicable)
FOR LEASE
CHARMHAVEN - THE FAIRMILE, BETTER QUALITY
High quality factory & warehouse units, high & wide roller doors, brilliant natural light, great parking & concrete precast construction. Some units have DA approved mezzanines. FOR SALE/LEASE – FROM $371,000 + GST/$22,400 N/ PA + GST
Visit our website for additional properties and more information centralcoast.ljhcommercial.com.au
This 599m2 approx. office & warehouse combo gives your business a little bit more of everything. WHS 509m2 approx. with high clearance precast concrete space & high/wide roller door. FOR LEASE - $68,885 PA GROSS + GST
WEST GOSFORD - WAREHOUSE/SHOWROOM/ OFFICES
Approx. 694m2 in total. Air-conditioned offices/ showrooms, good size kitchen, male & female bathrooms, high clearance, 3 phase power, 4 on-site car parks + truck access. FOR LEASE - 76,400 N/PA + GST
WEST GOSFORD - MAIN ROAD EXPOSURE JUST REDUCED
Approx. 400m2 warehouse Inc mezz, approx. 1,000m2 of land. Reception, office, male & female bathrooms, parking, large hardstand + awning/wash bay area approx. 60m2. IN1 zoning. FOR LEASE - $69,500 Gross per annum + GST
Suite 401 / 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259 87 Mann Street, Gosford NSW 2250
Phone 4353 7700
HUGE EXPOSURE FOR LEASE Suite 3, 36-40 Victoria Street East Gosford
FOR SALE
110 Somersby Falls Road, Somersby
Ultimate Somersby Warehouse / Distribution Facility • • • • • •
12-Meter-high, clear span design 2.1 meter high security fenced perimeter Cubic capacity of approx. 102,000m2 � Roller shu�er access points Rear loading awning 92 parking spaces on site
FOR SALE
85 Pile Road, Somersby
Expression of Interest • • • •
2.25 Hectares IN1 Industrial Zone Fully Fenced & Cleared EOI Closes 4pm Friday 8th May
Brad Rogers 0459 921 122
Brad Rogers 0459 921 122
rhccc.com.au
Local Knowledge & National Strength
High proole, ground oor, corner position. Located at main intersection on Central Coast Highway. Customer car park on site. 1x undercover reserved space for tenant. 122 sqm internal area. Awning signage area. Ducted air conditioning, 3 phase power, ceiling, lighting, white walls. Lee Woodward 0414 877 780 | 02 4323 7606 lee@vcmanagement.com.au www.vcmanagement.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
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PROPERT Y
Denny selling down portfolio – but not all
SHOP 4/1A LONDON DRIVE, WADALBA FOR LEASE
JOIN McDONALD’S, 7 ELEVEN & ISUZU Rare & hard to secure 114m2 ground floor premises directly behind 7 Eleven & McDonalds in Wadalba. Near new with sleek modern construction perfect for retail, professional or food & drink uses. Plenty of on grade parking, don’t miss this unique offering available now $36,049.96 + Outgoings + GST.
218 WISEMANS FERRY RD, SOMERSBY FOR LEASE
Modern Somersby Industrial Unit Located just 2 mins from the M1 Sydney Interchange and approx. 10 mins from Gosford CBD. Concrete panel construction with a ground floor area of approx. 180sqm including WC, shower, kitchenette and an area that could simply be enclosed to create a reception/ showroom area (if required). The carpeted mezzanine office area at the front is approx. 40sqm. The warehouse area has an insulated roof with translucent panel and hi-bay lights, 100 amps, 3 phase power, 4.6 metre wide roller shutter with minimal internal height of 6.4 metres. $26,400pa (GST free) plus outgoings.
4/4 BURNET ROAD WARNERVALE
FOR LEASE
Close to M1 Motorway This well presenting concrete panel industrial unit is within a gated complex. Located within the Warnervale Industrial area that is zoned IN1 General Industrial. A high clearance industrial unit is 9approx. 200sqm. On the ground floor with a 30sqm mezzanine storage area, including a welcoming airconditioned office or showroom area, kitchenette, high and wide roller door and 2 allocated car spaces. $34,500 Per Annum Net + GST. Contact: Mark Davies 0422 442 858 Daniel Mason 0403 889 530 Chris Watson 0402 430 213 Prices shown with * are inclusive of GST.
4325 0208 83 MANN STREET, GOSFORD 2250 www.chapmanfrazer.com.au
CENTRAL REAL, THE property development arm of entrepreneur, property developer and car dealer, Tony Denny, is reducing its operations on the Central Coast to a more sustainable level, focusing more on financing local developers, builders and some aspects of other industries. Central Real has appointed agents Cushman & Wakefield to market six development sites in Terrigal, Gosford and Point Frederick with Expressions of Interest closing 23rd April 2020. Commenting on the move Mr Denny said, “We are incredibly proud of the six high quality apartment buildings we have built and delivered over the past four years and will continue to develop/build one building every two years.” “Our latest development, Peninsula at Point Frederick, is expected to be completed towards the end of next year subject to an expected delay of six months due to the virus. This of course may change either way depending on the supply chain/personnel situation,” he said. “We have identified that there is a need by some local developers for funding, especially in the building phase of their projects. We would supply the funds to complete these projects using larger, well established local building companies, who would satisfy our QS and software reporting requirements,” Mr Denny said. “We believe, through our team’s experience, we would be quicker, more dynamic and reactive than banks, thus ensuring quicker payments. Building funding is the number one obstacle faced by developers,” he said.
Tony Denny Luxury car and boat finance Mr Denny is an avid luxury car collector and has maintained his interest in luxury cars following the closure of his car museum. He has joined forces with Sydney financial services firm Magnolia Capital to develop a car and boat consignment funding financial product. “Where a customer who has left his correctly priced quality asset with a reputable dealer for a consignment sale and requires a partial advance prior to the sale of their asset we may be able to assist,” says Mr Denny. “The amount is paid back when the asset is sold. The interest rate starts at 12% pa and is calculated daily. The demand for this type of product appears to be quite strong,” he said.
Get results! SPECIALIST MEDICAL & PROFESSIONAL SUITES
TUGGERAH 154 Pacific Highway
Ideally located on the Pacific Highway within the established Tuggerah Straight Commercial Centre, these Specialist Medical & Professional Suites are perfectly situated. Neighbours include Healthscope Medical Centre, PRP Radiology, Pathology, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Dentist, Psycologists & more. With a variety of suites available and plenty of parking, opportunities include both ground floor and level 1 suites. Tuggerah Medical & Professional Rooms range from 13m2 to 24m2 and start from as little as $1,250 per month +GST. Level 1 accessed via lift or stairs hosts suites from 59m2 with the East Wing Professional Suites ranging from 73m2 to 103m2 there is a size to suit a variety of Professionals including Medical, Financial, Legal etc... Other tenants include BCF, Super Cheap Auto and Romi’s Café and make this an ideal location with plenty of parking. Features include • Flexible lease terms • Very Competitive rentals • Excellent parking • Air-conditioning • Carpets, kitchenette • Balcony access for most suites
For further details please contact Julie Davies on 4355 5111 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY IN CCBR For further information phone 4367 0733 or email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au
PROPERT Y
Owner occupier buys in Tuggerah Business Park An owner occupier, has purchased Unit 1, 16 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park paying $720,000 plus GST. The 235 sqm unit with 130sqm mezzanine is part of a new complex of 10 units by Chris Weeks a Newcastle developer. It is the third development for Weeks whose first project was a 12-unit complex in 3 Fleet Street, Tuggerah Business Park which saw most sold off the plan and shortly after completion. His second project was a 31-unit complex at 12 Reliance Drive completed late last yeara which saw all units sold off the plan. Sole sales agent, Ty Blanch from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast said, “the developer has tailored the developments to meet market demand. Where
Owner occupier buys West Gosford industrial unit
most industrial developments have a ratio of units to site space of around 52% Chris Weeks has reduced his to around 40% allowing for extra wide driveways
The sale was negotiated by Brad Rogers and Andrew Dunn from Raine & Horne Commercial Erina. Health and wellness business buys into Platinum Erina
to get trucks in and out easily and with plenty of parking space. On top of that the quality of the units and their inclusions are exceptional.”
A health and wellness business owner has purchased Suite 1.04b a ground floor suite in the Platinum Building at 4 Ilya Avenue, Erina. Price paid for the 64 sqm suite was $360,000 (GST not applicable). Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Erina negotiated the sale. 7.2% gross return for Tuggerah industrial property
An owner occupier has purchased Unit 16, 44 Nells Road, West Gosford paying $238,000 plus GST. The 75 sqm unit is part of a 25 unit complex known as Acacia Industrial being developed by
An investor has paid $975,000 (GST not applicable) for an industrial investment property at 6 Mildon Road, Tuggerah providing a gross return of 7.2% per annum. The property comprises 4 industrial units all of approximately 160sqm on a 1,598 sqm corner lot with ample hard stand car parking spaces. Two leases were fixed and two have expired although still tenanted at an annual rental of $70,527 per annum gross. Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.
Service CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
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BUSINESS TIPS
MIND YOUR BUSINESS
By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants
How to stay profitable in a consumer crisis AT THE TIME of writing this, businesses face consumer nervousness. Consumer spending is an essential engine of the Australian economy. We need Australians to spend their money, and you need them to spend it with you.
Pricing can be one strategy to entice consumer spending and therefore maintain profitability in difficult times. Before you slash prices, crunch the numbers. Watch your margins Its important to know how low you can go. First calculate your gross margin by working out your revenue minus cost of goods sold (COGS). Know your gross profit and your net profit minus cost of goods sold (COGS) and overheads. If your calculations leave you with a profit margin in your forecast, you’re on the right track. If they don’t, reach out for help early in order to troubleshoot. This is not the time for guesswork. Know your customer acquisition cost. This is the cost spent on acquiring new customers (marketing, quotations, networking, etc.) divided by the net profit you’ve made per new customer. The result may well lead you to review
your marketing campaign. Consider what is working, throw out what’s not and use this time to think creatively and innovate. Review your pricing strategy Discounting can be a good way to reward your loyal customers, attract new customers and move your stock in a short period of time. Place conditions on a discount such as a time limit or bundle deal such as x% off your second item. Be careful not to undercut your value. Rewarding payment on time will also help to incentivise your customers to pay on time, i.e. X% off for payment before a certain date. This can be useful for cashflow purposes. Our simple message at this time is don’t be left alone. Seek help if you’re concerned. Plan, execute, review, repeat.
“I’m sorry, we have to stand you down without pay!” “I have no work for my employees because I have been prevented from opening my café. Can I simply stop paying my permanent staff without sacking them? I do not want to lose them”
By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers THIS HEALTH AND economic catastrophe that has landed on our shores is exposing aspects of the employment system, about which most employees and employers were completely unaware. When was it that an employer could simply stop paying their permanent employees? In the 20 years working as an employment lawyer, on no more than handful of occasions has an employer client enquired about doing this. Yet, since its inception, there has always been stand-down provisions in the Fair Work Act. In the last week, there have been a torrent of enquiries from employer clients, who have lost their business revenue, about their right to stop paying permanent employees without terminating them. The announcement by the Government of the $1,500.00 per fortnight wage subsidy will diminish some employer’s requirements in this space. However, many will still use this avenue, because it is so convenient.
CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
The system does have this (little-known) avenue allowing for employers to stand employees down without pay. It is necessary because it allows employers – who have no use for those employees for a period – to continue to employ them until the employees can be usefully employed again. So, what are the limitations? There are two essential elements: 1. The employee cannot usefully be employed in the business; and 2. The reason for this is for any cause for which the employer cannot reasonably be held responsible. This provision of the Fair Work Act is rarely used. When it is,it is used in circumstances of third-party industrial action that affect a business of where there is a factory fire. Importantly, it is not tied to the viability of the business; but rather the utility of the employee in the circumstances. ‘Does this mean that the employees are terminated?’ No, employees are not terminated in the circumstances. They remain employed. In fact, they continue to accrue annual leave and personal leave. What about if an employee takes annual leave instead? Is that a stand down?
No, when an employee is on authorised leave – which could be annual leave, sick leave, or parental leave - they are not formally stood down. So what’s the difference between being stood down and made redundant? 1. Redundancy arises when the role the employee is carrying out no longer exists in the business structure, either because it has been outsourced, their duties have been handed to other roles, or the business has reduced demand and, therefore, does not need as many workers roles performing similar actions functions. 2. The employer does not need to establish that this arose for reasons beyond our control. 3. Unlike when an employee is stood down – when an employee is made redundant, they are terminated. Employees are paid their entitlements. The system is flexible There will be many twists and turns ahead of us in navigating this pandemic. However, we have seen thus far in the course of this crisis, that the system is flexible enough for employers to deal with financial catastrophe. The announcement by the Government of the $1,500.00 per fortnight wage subsidy will dramatically change the need for the stand down option to be exercised by employers.
FUNNY BUSINESS
FATHER MURPHY WALKS into a pub in Donegal, and asks the first man he meets, ‘Do you want to go to heaven?’ The man said, ‘I do, Father.’ The priest said, ‘Then stand over there against the wall.’ Then the priest asked the second man, ‘Do you want to go to heaven?’ ‘Certainly, Father,’ the man replied. ‘Then stand over there against the wall,’ said the priest. Then Father Murphy walked up to O’Toole and asked, ‘Do you want to go to heaven?’ O’Toole said, ‘No, I don’t Father.’ The priest said, ‘I don’t believe this. You mean to tell me that when you die you don’t want to go to heaven?’ O’Toole said, ‘Oh, when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now.’ The police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up his patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and carried out a breathalysers test. To his amazement, the breathalyser indicated no evidence of the man having consumed alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer said, “I’ll have to ask you to accompany me to the Police Station. This breathalysers equipment must be broken.” “I doubt it,” said the man, “Tonight, I’m the designated decoy.” The bank robbers tied and gagged the employees in one room and the Manager
in his office. On their way out they noticed the Manager was making desperate noises to catch their attention. Moved by curiosity, one of the burglars loosened the gag and heard the man’s plead: “Please take the books, too - I’m $5000 short!” A guy was in a cave, looking for treasure. He found an old lamp, rubbed it, and a genie came out. The genie said “I will grant you three wishes, but your ex-wife will get double.” The man agreed, and said “I wish I had a mansion.” The genie granted it, and his ex-wife got two mansions. The man said “I would like a million dollars.” The genie again granted it and his ex-wife got two million dollars. Then the man said, “Scare me half to death.” Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. As they lay down for the night, Holmes said:” Watson, look up into the sky and tell me what you see?” Watson said, “I see millions and millions of stars.” Holmes: “And what does that tell you?” Watson: “Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Theologically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small and insignificant. Metrologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?” Holmes: “Somebody stole our tent.” Two Ladies Talking in Heaven. 1st woman: Hi! My name is Wanda. 2nd woman: Hi! I’m Sylvia. How’d you die?
1st woman: I froze to death. 2nd woman: How horrible! 1st woman: It wasn’t so bad. After I quit shaking from the cold, I began to get warm & sleepy, and finally died a peaceful death. What about you? 2nd woman: I died of a massive heart attack. I suspected that my husband was cheating, so I came home early to catch him in the act. But instead, I found him all by himself in the den watching TV. 1st woman: So, what happened? 2nd woman: I was so sure there was another woman there somewhere that I started running all over the house looking. I ran up into the attic and searched, and down into the basement. Then I went through every closet and checked under all the beds. I kept this up until I had looked everywhere, and finally I became so exhausted, I just keeled over with a heart attack and died!!! 1st woman: Too bad you didn’t look in the freezer ---we’d both still be alive!
Quote of the month Great businesses are not built by extraordinary people but by ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Michael Gerber
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS graphicbydesign.com.au phone 4365 6777 suite 3.11 platinum building 4 ilya ave, erina nsw 2260
CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW APRIL 2020
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EXCLUSIVE CORPORATE BENEFITS
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Overseas model shown.
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THE BENEFITS FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES – Preferential Corporate Pricing1 – 3 year / 60,000kms complimentary scheduled servicing2 – Reduced delivery fee of $995 (ex GST) – Priority ordering and allocation – Encore Privileges Programme, including: - Service loan cars or complimentary pickup/dropoff - Lexus DriveCare, providing 24-hour roadside assistance - Lexus Exclusive events Find out more at Lexus.com.au/Corporate To access the Lexus Corporate Programme please contact Chris Andrews from Lexus of Central Coast LEXUS OF CENTRAL COAST | 13 Kangoo Road, Somersby PH 02 4340 3500 | www.lexusofcentralcoast.com.au | MD067075 1. Conditions apply. See your Lexus dealer for further details. 2. Complimentary servicing expires at 3 years or 60,000kms from the date of first registration, whichever occurs first. * Eligible models for the Corporate Programme are subject to change and may vary from time to time. Please contact your local Lexus Dealer for more information.