Central Coast Business Review June 2022

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June 2022

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O E SS N T H

Construction to commence on Gosford RSL Redevelopment Boosting manufacturing on the Central Coast Coast returns to Labor Page 8 Edgar Adams’ Editorial A poisoned chalice for Labor?

Central Coast at World Hydrogen Summit Rotterdam

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CON T EN TS

In this issue Edgar Adams’ Editorial 4

A poisoned chalice for Labor?

Business news

6 Speakers 6 Insights at CC Sustainability Association May function 12 Community First Bank relocates to Platinum Erina

5 Coast returns to Labor

12 New owner for Lakeside Newsagency

6 Tuggerah Super Centre ownership

12 Tuggerah Super Centre Manager to

change

continue following sale

7 Central Coast at World Hydrogen Summit Rotterdam 7 Star Scientific wins New Economy Innovation Award 8 Central Coast exporters meet NSW Trade and Investment Commissioners

13 Café opens at Nexus 13 Bendigo Bank relocates regional office

Gosford RSL Redevelopment 9 UON appoints Key2 Realty to source student accommodation 10 Managing Supply Chain Risk in the Post-Covid World 10 NAB joins CCIC as major sponsor 11 Boosting manufacturing on the Central Coast - A Labor promise

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to Erina 14 Council rates to be maintained following IPART decision 17 Property sales and leases

8 Another successful Air Show 9 Construction to commence on

Read e

20,00rship 0

20 Four priorities for the ATO this tax time 20 Small business strategy to chart future course 20 Warwick Ryan - So…. What is ‘reasonable’ overtime?

21 Troy Marchant - Mind your business – Small business defense against inflation 22 Funny business

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Central Coast Business Review Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved.

Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

Phone 02 4367 0733 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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EDITORIAL

Edgar Adams discusses local issues

A poisoned chalice for Labor?

FIRSTLY, THOUGH, our congratulations to Dr Gordon Reid and Emma McBride on their election in Robertson and Dobell and also Pat Conroy in Shortland which flows down into the northern end of the Central Coast.

With three Members who are part of the government the Central Coast’s voice should certainly be heard in Canberra.

While the Senate votes are still to be counted we can assume that Senator Deborah O’Neill will be elected also. A Central Coast resident Ms O’Neill can always be relied on to the support the region.

The May 2022 Federal Election will go down as a watershed moment in Australian political history, not because there has been a change in government but because we will now have a government influenced by a huge number of independents all with the belief that their ideas will save Australia and the World.

The Teals – financed by a squllionaire who inherited his wealth from a corporate raider – all come from a privileged upbringing and little knowledge if any of the world prior to 1990 when peace across the World broke out and set us on a path to global prosperity.

But first we must congratulate Mr Albanese and Labor for taking government although he will have to navigate his way around the Teals and The Greens all of whom think fairies grow at the bottom of the garden.

The Liberals have been their own worst enemy, and this is also the case in NSW. Who are they?

We know exactly where we are with Labor – Left. But the Liberals have some idea that they can be all things to all people. It doesn’t work. Trying to capture the middle ground isn’t easy and this election has shown that there is no middle ground.

Right now there is little middle ground within the Liberal Party it is mostly Left and very little Right.

While Mr Morrison had to navigate a period of untold turmoil, firstly with bushfires, then drought and finally COVID on too many occasions he showed he did not have the capacity to relate to people at any level.

No leadership.

But it goes further. The Liberals at the grass root level have lost their way in finding good quality candidates and giving them time to get established out in the electorate.

The Liberals need to understand that they are competing with a highly organised professional group of career politicians who cut their teeth in the union movement and local government. To them politics is not a hobby it is a ruthless, no holds barred occupation. The niceties of life don’t enter their head.

As for the Greens, and now the Teals, we have here a very dangerous grouping of activists who have the capacity to undermine our very democracy.

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Their plan is to change the world at any cost and they have some idea that Australia will set the example.

As for the poisoned chalice Mr Albanese moves into government as the world is changing at rapid speed. It started with COVID and is now being intensified with the Russia Ukraine invasion that has seen sanctions on Russian gas and oil.

Russia and Ukraine produce almost 30% of the world’s grain.

Europe, totally dependent on Russian gas and oil, is now being forced to put climate change on hold as they wake up to the reality that renewables don’t cut it. At the same time in California and Texas the lights are out due to their reliance on renewables.

Food prices are skyrocketing worldwide and causing inflation to take off. No Australian government can control this.

Supply chain issues because of the pandemic have caused all sorts of shortages from commodities to goods and this could last years.

Costs that have been held down for 30 years since we engaged with China are rising as we wake up to the fact that we have been living in a bubble and the party is over.

Unemployment is the lowest in 48 years so there is only one way for that to go.

Australia’s success since Federation has been stable politics. Liberal or Labor no riots when the government changed. It is CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

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BUSINESS NEWS

Coast returns to Labor THE CENTRAL COAST has returned to its roots as an ALP stronghold with Member for Dobell being convincingly reelected and Dr Gordon Reid, with the help of The Greens out voting Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks.

Early results showed Dr Reid with 39% and Mrs Wicks 39% of the first preference count. The Greens got almost 10% which secured Dr Reid’s position. All up, eleven candidates stood in Robertson.

In Dobell Ms McBride got 43% with Liberal candidate receiving 39%, again The Greens’ almost 9% of the vote ensured Ms McBride would walk in.

The two candidate preferred vote after the first day’s count showed Ms McBride with 56.5% and Dr Feneley with 43.5%. Ms McBride increased her margin this time around from 51.5% in 1999.

Ms McBride is the daughter of the most popular State Member the Coast has ever had, the late Grant McBride, who represented The Entrance Seat for almost 20 years. During that time he was Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast.

Ms McBride was Chief Pharmacist and Emma McBride MP then Deputy Director of Pharmacy at the Central Coast Local Health District for ten years until 2016 when she was elected the Member for Dobell. In the last parliament she was Shadow Assistant

Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation, Ed Husic MP and Member for Dobell Emma McBride (centre) announced in early May that an Albanese Labor Government will boost manufacturing jobs on the Central Coast by funding a Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub with a $17.4 million investment in a Food Manufacturing Hub at Lisarow (See Page 11)

Dr Gordon Reid MP Minister for Mental Health and Shadow Assistant Minister for Carers.

Dr Reid is the son of Woy Woy funeral director Bryan J Reid Funeral Services, Gordon Reid attended Umina Public School and then Central Coast Grammar School. He achieved his medical degree at the University of Newcastle and subsequently worked Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong hospitals.

Elected in 2013 Mrs Wicks leaves a legacy that saw the University of Newcastle establish the recently opened Central Coast Clinical School and Research institute and ensured funding of $18 million in the 2019 Federal Budget for a new campus in the Gosford CBD for the UON. She also saw the Australian Taxation Office built in Gosford although her claims that 600 taxation people work in the building have always been disputed with many saying there are less than 100.

Across business, property, criminal, family law and wills & estates law, our teams include

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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BUSINESS NEWS

Tuggerah Super Centre ownership change At the same time that Aventus acquired the Super Centre/Bunnings site they acquired a 5.58Ha vacant site 11 Bryant Drive opposite the Centre, also from Bunnings, paying $3,750,000.

Tuggerah Super Centre $4.4bn portfolio of strategic real estate infrastructure in the best metro locations and growth corridors.”

In 2015 Aventus acquired the Centre, including a Bunnings Wearhouse, on a 7.16Ha site at 2 Bryant Drive Tuggerah from Bunnings Properties Pty Limited paying $41,250,000.

Following the purchase Aventus refurbished the Centre which now has a 90% occupancy.

FOLLOWING THE MERGER of ASX listed Aventus Capital Limited with HMC Funds Management Limited in March earlier this year Tuggerah Super Centre’s ownership will now come under HMC’s control.

A media release from HMC Capital in February 2022 says, “Listed in November 2020 with $800m of assets, HDN is now Australia’s leading daily needs REIT with

$30 million development on 11 Bryant Drive site approved Aventus was planning to develop the vacant site and had lodged a Development Application in 2019 for a $30 million retail and food and drink complex. The Central Coast Local Planning Panel deferred a decision in July 2021 to allow adjoining property owners to comment and was approved in February this year.

The complex will comprise three large retail buildings over 10,000 sqm, two 700sqm dining zones as well as alfresco dining, drive-thru and take away restaurants.

Centre Manager, Vicki Westwood will continue to manage centre with HMC Capital appointing her Retail Manager.

Ms Westwood has been involved in the management of the Centre from the time when it was developed and owned by Terrace≈Tower Group is 2007.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Central Coast at World Hydrogen Summit Rotterdam CENTRAL COAST HYDROGEN research and development company Star Scientific recently represented the Coast at the World Hydrogen Summit at Rotterdam. Star Scientific were part of a large contingent of Australian hydrogen companies and government representatives that were centred around a major marketing effort led by Austrade.

Star Scientific played an integral role as their Global Chairman, Andrew Horvath is a member of the global hydrogen advisory board of the Sustainable Energy Council, the body that organised the event.

Both Mr Horvath and Deputy CEO Matthew Hingerty addressed the event, which included global public and private sector leaders in hydrogen. While hydrogen has rapidly developed as an important source of renewable energy, Mr Horvath and Mr Hingerty emphasised the important role that green hydrogen and Star Scientific’s unique catalyst, HERO® will play in providing carbon-free process heat for industrial purposes. Both men emphasised the historic pilot project between Star Scientific and Mars Foods Australia.

Indeed, the historic collaboration between the two Central Coast pioneers was featured on the world stage during the World Hydrogen Awards, where it was nominated for the Project category.

Unfortunately, they had to settle for second best behind the multi-billion project in Saudi Arabia to create the new sustainable city of Neom – pretty prestigious company for Berkely Vale!

Mr Horvath said that “while we were disappointed not to win, Neom is a highly publicised multi-billion dollar project and this was the second time it had won the award. But make no mistake, we were overwhelmed by the interest shown in the Mars Food project. It is a real testament to Bill Heague and all the team at Mars – the world is noticing.”

Mr Horvath said Star Scientific was looking to further discussions on HERO® and the Mars Food pilot at the Americas Summit in Washington DC is October, which is being sponsored by the United States Government.

Star Scientific wins New Economy Innovation Award Meanwhile, earlier this year in March, Star Scientific won the 24th Annual South by Southwest® (SXSW) Innovation Awards in the New Economy category, held in Austin, Texas recognising the most innovative tech developments in the connected world.

Commenting on the win Mr Horvath said, “We are absolutely thrilled that our HERO® was selected as winner for these prestigious awards.”

Star Scientific’s Deputy CEO Matthew Hingerty, Global Group Chairman, Andrew Horvath, and CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council, Fiona Simon at the Austrade stand at Rotterdam.

Innovators and creators from around the world vied for top honours in this unique, long-running SXSW competition.

“The Award is recognition of our ability to put renewable hydrogen into use with HERO® today, to solve real energy challenges, and in particular the energy draw of the digital economy,” Mr Horvath said.

“The most logical, viable pathway to decarbonising our entire world is through technologies that address the heat and energy requirements across a products’ whole production process, and HERO® does that.”

The digital economy demands a huge amount of energy, but solar, wind and batteries won’t serve its total needs – which is why there is so much interest in green hydrogen as an energy source. HERO® can liberate the energy stored in renewable hydrogen without the complexities of burning it. With HERO® for instance, data centers and other Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure can be energy independent.

The beauty of HERO® is its scalability.

When partnered with technology such as

the new generation of super-critical sCO2 turbines, HERO® can be utilised for smallscale, off-the-grid power generation purposes, particularly in regional and remote locations.

South By Southwest® (SXSW) is an annual award hosted to celebrate and honour the individuals and companies who do the most innovative, creative, and inspirational work in their respective fields.

Mr David Gaian, Star Scientific’s representative at the SXSW Innovation Awards

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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BUSINESS NEWS

Central Coast exporters meet NSW Trade and Investment Commissioners

NSW Trade and Investment Commissioner to India Vishwesh Padmanabhan CENTRAL COAST BUSINESSES looking to export to India and ASEAN countries had the opportunity to meet recently appointed NSW Trade and Investment Commissioners to India and ASEAN countries, Vishwesh Padmanabhan and Andrew Parker at a information session on Friday 6th May hosted by RDA Central Coast at the Ourimbah Campus prior to them taking up their posts in Mumbai and Singapore.

Both will assist NSW businesses looking for opportunities to export to the Indian and ASEAN markets as well as promote stronger education links between the countries, also tourism and attract investment into NSW. Mr Padmanabhan provided an overview of the Indian market and outlined the new Australia – India Free Trade Agreement and the opportunities that might create for NSW businesses.

Mr Parker gave an overview of the ASEAN market and the opportunities this may create for NSW businesses.

They were accompanied by Janice Goh, Trade and Investment Director, Singapore.

The meeting was arranged by Sharon Foster, Senior Export Advisor with the Department of State and Regional Development. For more information about accessing these markets and export assistance email sharon.foster@ investment.nsw.gov.au The New South Wales Government has an international network of investment specialists in 11 offices that provide comprehensive assistance and advice to prospective investors. They can be contacted to discuss your requirements. This service is free and confidential.

The NSW Government has an international network of investment specialists in eleven offices that provide comprehensive assistance and advice to prospective investors Greater China – Murray Davis, Shanghai India - Vishwesh Padmanaghan, Mumbai Japan – Michael Newman, Tokyo South Korea – Yoojin Kim, Seoul Singapore – Janice Goh, Singapore UAE – Moin Anwar, Abu Dhabi USA – Joe Kaesshaefer – San Francisco Vietnam – Kien Van Nguyen, Ho Chi Minh City ASEAN – Michael Parker, Singapore

Another successful Air Show A unique view of the Central Coast Airport taken from an inverted Pilatus PC21 trainer during part of the Air Force Roulettes display at the Air Show.

The Central Coast Airshow held at Central Coast Airport, Warnervale on 14th and 15th of May has been declared an outstanding success in spite of the weather conditions early in the weekend although each day ended up with plenty of blue sky.

While crowds were down on last year they were still estimated to be around 20,000 on each day.

The Airshow brought together some of Australia’s leading stunt pilots and featured some of the rarest planes in the country including one of only four World War II Spitfires and a US Kitty Hawk fighter aircraft also from World War II Highlight of the Airshow included a display by the Air Force Roulettes the RAAF’s aerobatic display team who flew up from their base in East Sale in Victoria.

On both days one of the RAAF’s new fifth generation fighter jets, a F-35A Lightning 11 aircraft from RAFF Base Williamstown closed the day to the delight of the huge crowd.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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BUSINESS NEWS

Construction to commence on Gosford RSL Redevelopment UON appoints Key2 Realty for to source student accommodation

Architect’s render of new Gosford RSL Club building GOSFORD RSL WILL proceed with the redevelopment of the club transforming it into a landmark building at the Gateway to Gosford and a stand-out venue for the Gosford region.

Uniquely designed by WMK Architecture, with construction by local contractor North Construction & Building, the $45 million upgrade will see the club transformed into a contemporary space that embraces and builds community.

The 3-storey venue will feature a distinctive porte cochere entry, RSL museum and reception servicing both the RSL and the adjoining motel on the ground floor.

The first floor will contain a cafe, lounge, bar, multiple indoor and outdoor dining options, kids play area, and teenage retreat.

The second floor will showcase sophisticated conference and event spaces, sports bar and brewery.

An additional 154 car parking spaces will be added on site to accommodate the expected increase in patron numbers.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this project to life after many years of planning and delays caused by the recent pandemic,” said CEO, Russell Cooper. “Our Club has

Another successful Air Show Your Central Coast Airport Association Inc Chairman, John Codrington said that with the success of this year’s Airshow it now becomes a fixture in the airshows calendar across Australia.

“We are fortunate that this event is so strongly supported by Central Coast Council,” he said.

Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) Chairman Lawrie McKinna opened the show on Saturday morning while Greater Cities Commission Executive Director, Sarah Williams opened Sunday’s proceedings.

gone from strength to strength over the past decade with our popularity demanding significant expansion. After reviewing many options, the decision was made to construct an entirely new venue which will be a stunning building marking the gateway to Gosford and the Central Coast.

“We are a local business and it means the world to us to be able to partner with a successful and capable local builder in North Construction & Building.

“This is a very special project for us,” said North Managing Director, Matthew Cook. “Not only is it a significant year for North, celebrating our 35-year Anniversary, but we also now get to celebrate being awarded our largest community construction project to date.”

The Gosford RSL Redevelopment represents more than just another building project for North. “Our site teams and subcontractors live locally, and this is North continuing to build in the community and help create the “Gateway to Gosford and the Central Coast.”

Construction is expected to commence in June 2022 with anticipated completion late 2023. The existing RSL Club will remain operational throughout construction.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Central Coast Aero Club General Manager, Andrew Smith said the weekend had been a great success and provided a big boost to the Central Coast economy. “It helps to highlight the many benefits a light aviation precinct would bring to the Central Coast. A precinct of this nature would not only create around 2,500 local jobs, but help to unlock the surrounding endorsed employment lands and create multiple flow-on effects for local suppliers and associated industries,” he said.

Key2 Realty Manager Ashleigh Williams and UON Executive Dean of Central Coast Professor Mike Bowyer The University of Newcastle have named Key2 Realty as their preferred real estate agent to actively source long-term residential rental property options for their students on the Central Coast.

Key2 Realty is a social enterprise that specialises in managing residential investment properties across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie regions.

Key2 Realty’s Business Manager Ashleigh Williams said, “Key2 Realty is extremely proud to be the University of Newcastle’s preferred real estate agency”.

“As a social enterprise, we offer property management services to any residential landlord, and our profits are directed to community support programs for those living in disadvantage, such as education scholarships.”

The University of Newcastle’s Executive Dean of the Central Coast Campuses, Professor Mike Bowyer said that whilst the partnership will assist students at the Ourimbah Campus, the University will be seeking student rental options for the growing Campuses in the heart of Gosford, including the student medical campus and the CBD campus when it is completed.

“The need for affordable housing on the Central Coast is crucial, this includes student housing, and we look forward to working with Key2 Realty who will seek out residential rental properties for students on our behalf.”

“Working with an agency such as Key2 Realty, with an in-depth knowledge of the local area, combined with unique expertise in affordable housing, will ensure we are notified of suitable accommodation as soon as it becomes available,” Professor Mike Bowyer said.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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M A N U FAC T U R I N G N E W S

Managing Supply Chain Risk in the Post-Covid World NAB joins CCIC as a major sponsor

TXM Principal Tim Lean speaking to members of the Hunter Central Coast Supply Chain Forum in April IN LATE APRIL, Central Coast Industry Connect, on behalf of the Central Coast Hunter Supply Chain Forum hosted a seminar at the University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus for manufacturers and logistics operators titled Managing Supply Chain Risk in the Post-Covid World presented by Tim McLean, one of Australia’s most respected manufacturing and supply chain practitioners and thinkers and Principal of TXM Lean Solutions.

The Covid 19 pandemic has brought the most dramatic disruption of supply chains since the Second World War with the long tail of this disruption likely to last for at least another two years. However, beyond Covid, it has highlighted the vulnerabilities in global supply chains and the importance of understanding and managing supply chain risk.

A 2020 global study of supply chain managers highlighted that well before the pandemic, major disruptions that interrupted supply for more than one month were occurring every 3.7 years. Tim McLean’s presentation discussed the challenges facing modern supply chain managers and offered effective strategies to manage and mitigate supply chain risk.

The disruption brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic while severe was not the first. Disruptions caused by: World Trade Centre Attacks 2001, Sars epidemic 2003, Hurricane Katrina 2005, Fukushima nuclear disaster 2011, Failure of the Hanjin Shipping Company 2017 China-US Trade War 2018, Brexit 2021 and now War in Europe have alerted US and European companies to the frailties of the global supply chain.

Mr McLean highlighted the cost of being out of stock for one month and the time it takes to make up lost margins.

“What drives supply chain risk?

• Replenishment lead times, • Source country risk CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

• Robustness of logistics in supply chain, and • Diversity of supply.

So, the question is; What steps are you taking to reduce your risk? With some of the answers being: • Long term thinking – at least two years, • Understanding your extended value stream and identifying vulnerabilities, • Reducing lead time – vertical integration, onshoring, closer suppliers, • Buying small frequencies more often, • Establishing longer term service level agreements with suppliers providing longer term certainty of demand, and • Putting in place limited strategic stock for known vulnerabilities. In other words, don’t wait for the shortage to occur.

Mr McLean said that while manufacturers in the United States and Europe had identified these risks due to disruptions that had occurred over the past twenty years and had taken steps to mitigate their supply chain risks by onshoring and introducing strategies to avoid disruption, Australians had put their head in the sand and ignored all the signs.

Covid 19 and now the war in Europe has left Australian manufacturers and businesses that chose to rely totally on imported products to now feel the pain.

Mr McLean pointed out that business needs to take a holistic view vis-a-vis cost savings and margins over the longer term.

He was then joined by Wayne Dicks , CEO of TrendPac and Andrew Borg, Supply Chain Director of Mars Food who discussed how they adapted their supply chains to deal with Covid and what they are doing to manage risk into the forward, which was in line with Mr McLean’s presentation.

The supply chain disruption this time around will be permanent and require all businesses to rethink their cost of doing business.

Central Coast Industry Connect Chairman, Frank Sammut with Tiffany Morgan NAB Managing Partner Hornsby Central Coast and NAB Central Coast Senior Business Banking Manager, Kevin Ure CCIC Chairman, Frank Sammut said, “I am pleased to announce the National Australia bank have recently become a major sponsor to Central Coast Industry Connect Limited and its clusters. As a not for profit organisation we rely heavily on sponsorship funds to enable to supplement our other funding sources to be able to support the work we do for our local manufacturers.

The NAB have been an active member of CCIC for a number of years and when the opportunity arose to be a sponsor, they were keen to be able to step in and support us.

More to come on this announcement next month.

HMA Launches Manufacturing Awards for 2022 The 2022 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Inc. (HMA) will hold its annual gala awards’ event at NEX, King Street Newcastle on Friday 28th October 2022. Fourteen categories will be available for application which includes the re-introduction of the Apprentice of the Year - Manufacturing award category.

The Launch of the 2022 awards program was held last night on the premises of the 2021 Manufacturer of the Year – 50 Employees or More, Molycop and was co-hosted by Brain Industries, the 2021 Manufacturer of the Year Less than 50 Employees winner.

M A N U FAC T U R I N G N E W S

6 Speakers 6 Insights at CC Sustainability Association May function Connect, to develop a cluster of businesses actively seeking to improve their sustainability, and the sustainability of the community as a whole. It has rapidly grown to include manufacturers, builders, developers, retailers, local governments and social enterprises, all keen to contribute resources to projects that sustainably enhance the region.

The Executive Committee comprises: Bruce Cottrill, Managing Director, Bib’n Brace, Chris Haddrill, Managing Director, Risk and Safety Solutions, Elisabeth Blik, Principal, WildBlueGlobal, Maxine Cottrill, CCSA General Manager

Networking session following presentations by speakers at the Central Coast Sustainability Association’s May function (Photo courtesy Marc Charette, Work Pics 360) THE CENTRAL COAST Sustainability Association’s May R.E.E.L. TALKS function held at the Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah saw an audience of 60 people hear six local owner/inventors tell their inspiring stories about how they are making a global impact for a brighter future.

Headline Speaker was Saul Griffith whose presentation was zoomed into the meeting. An Australian engineer and inventor Mr Griffith is founder and chief scientist of Otherlab, an independent R&D lab he helps government agencies and major corporations understand energy infrastructure and deep decarbonisation.

He is also founder and chief scientist at Rewiring America a non-profit business dedicated to widespread electrification as a means of fighting climate change, creating jobs, making our air cleaner, and saving the future for our children.

Insight into energy useage on the Central Coast by Postcode and how this could be substantially reduced over time Speakers and their topics included: Sam Kirk, Principal Scientist at Star Scientific – Hydrogen’s place in a clean future, Barbara Ketley, CEO at Milestone Bellanova – Sustainable sells, Daniel Orris, Executive General Manager at Stabilised Pavements Australia Somersby, Trevor Harshorne, Chairman at Jazoodle a accounting software app – Valuing sustainability, The Kids Table – hearing from the next generation in a Q&A style panel.

What is R.E.EL.?

Relevant – Real, useable technologies and ideas, Environmental – practical solutions with lasting impact,

Boosting manufacturing on the Central Coast

Daniel Orris, Executive General Manager, Stabilised Pavements Australia talking about sustainable construction (Photo courtesy Marc Charette, Work Pics 360) Economical – Financially sustainable, Local – Talks by experts from the Central Coast.

The function was sponsored by Risk and Safety Solutions.

Central Coast Sustainability Association was founded in 2020 as an initiative of the NSW Department of Heritage and Environment and Central Coast industry

Proposed Food Manufacturing Hub at Lisarow Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation, Ed Husic MP and Member for Dobell Emma McBride announced in early May that an Albanese Labor Government will boost manufacturing jobs on the north end of the Central Coast by funding a Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub. The Coast has a strong history of manufacturing, especially in food and beverage,

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Community First Bank relocates to Platinum Erina

In 1966 Elcom Credit Union was founded to service employees of the Electricity Commission of NSW’s power station employees at Vales Point, Munmorah and Eraring and moved their Head Office to Gorokan in the 1990’s In 2007 Elcom Credit Union merged with Community First Credit Union and today has a membership base of 54,599 of which 5,300 are members through the Erina Branch and 5,000 through Gorokan Branch.

Regional Manager is Natalie Kamphuis who is responsible for Erina and Gorokan branches.

In 2019 Community First Credit Union was granted a banking license.

New owner for Lakeside Newsagency

Community First Bank Regional Manager, Natalie Kamphuis at the Bank’s new Platinum Erina location The Community First Bank (formerly Community First Credit Union) has relocated its Erina Branch from Erina Fair to the Platinum Building, Erina.

Community First was founded sixty years ago as the Sydney Water Board Credit Union, subsequently becoming Community First Credit Union as it expanded.

Phillip and Lyn Chan have sold Lakeside Newsagency at The Entrance after 20 years of ownership.

This newsagency was a sub-agency of the original The Entrance Newsagency.

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

When property developer Bob Dunnet built Lakeside Plaza in the late 70’s the subagency opened.

This gave room for the original newsagency to expand into educational books that supplied all the local schools and universities and it wasn’t long before Lakeside Newsagency became a fully fledged newsagent in its own right, and as the educational books business grew the newsagency was relocated to the northern end of the Entrance Road.

Lakeside Plaza Newsagency relocated within the Plaza last year for the third time and is now located with a brand new fitout, outside of Coles Supermarket.

The business has a has a very high Lotto turnover.

The purchaser is Annie Yang Jing who has a retail background and she intends to make no changes to this very successful newsagency.

Graham and Scott McMullen negotiated the sale which was the 4th time they have sold the business.

Tuggerah Super Centre Manager to continue following sale Tuggerah Super Centre Manager, Vicki Westwood will continue to manage centre with HMC Capital appointing her Retail Manager.

Ms Westwood has been involved in the management of the Centre from the time when it was developed and owned by Terrace Tower Group is 2007.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Bendigo Bank relocates regional office to Erina

New café opens at Nexus

Bendigo Bank has relocated its Northern NSW Regional Office to the Platinum Building Erina after 15 years at East Gosford.

Headed by Senior Operations Manager Tony Gravass and Team Leader Business Customer Management Team, Danielle Lerway, the Bendigo Bank Regional Office is responsible for 58 Bendigo Bank branches across all NSW and ACT. On the Central Coast there are five Bendigo community owned Bendigo Bank franchises: East Gosford, Kincumber, Lisarow, Ettalong Beach and Wyong.

The Coastal Brew Café at Nexus Wyong The Nexus Smart Hub in the Golflinks Commercial Campus at North Wyong has added a new service for tenants with the introduction of a café seating 10 persons inside and 25 on the deck outside.

Alana Wright has leased the location and established The Coastal Brew Café offering lunch, all day breakfast menu and graband-go food, employing a team of baristas and in-house chef.

Mrs Wright was formerly Area Supervisor for four McDonald’s Restaurants in Sydney for twenty years.

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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14

CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS

Council rates to be maintained following IPART determination THE INDEPENDENT PRICING and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved Central Coast Council’s 2022 Special Variation to maintain rates at their current levels for an additional seven years, equalling ten years in total to 2031.

Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart said IPART’s determination supporting the continuation of Central Coast Council’s current rate structure for a further seven years is a sensible decision.

This outcome allows Council to continue to maintain current service levels, comply with current banking requirements and most importantly, allows us to continue without interruption our 10-year long-term financial plan that provides long-term financial stability for the organisation,” Mr Hart said.

“It’s a decision that factors in the unique situation this Council was in and the recommendation made by the Public Inquiry Commissioner ‘for the Administrator to ensure the completion of the Business

Recovery Plan as adopted and amended by Central Coast Council since October 2020.’

“It has taken time, but we now have two independent entities on the same page.

“We’ve achieved one of the most significant financial turnarounds of any organisation in under 12 months, with the current and forecasted surpluses repaying the emergency loans over the next 10 years.

This is a continuation of the current rates with the exception of the rate peg as determined by IPART every year.

“Now that we finally have an outcome, I have requested the CEO and senior staff to examine services where we’re not delivering to community expectations and reflect this in future operational plans for an incoming Council to consider.

Council’s CEO, David Farmer said this major milestone will draw a line under the Council’s financial crisis, and the organisation can focus on consolidating and improving the performance of the organisation.

“We are currently performing better than budget, with a high level of staff vacancies, but we know this is causing difficulty in our delivery of services to our customers in a number of areas,” Mr Farmer said.

Now that we have longer-term stability for our rates revenue, we can carefully reinvest in services where we are not currently meeting community expectations of service levels, for example into our vast road network and vegetation management.

“I recognise this has been a difficult time for the community, and I thank you for your patience, understanding, and for your comments and contributions about what needs to be done to improve Council and services,” Mr Farmer said.

The Draft Long Term Financial Plan and Delivery Program will be considered in the Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 May 2022 to be placed on Public Exhibition for public comment at yourvoiceourcoast.com.

Council to re-affirm Central Coast Regional Planning Panel members At its May 24th meeting Central Coast Council re-affirmed the appointments of the following representatives as Council nominees to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel: Greg Flynn (Panel Expert Nominee) Anthony Tuxworth (Panel Community Nominee) Stephen Leathley (Alternative Expert Nominee) Lynette Hunt (Alternate Community Nominee) The representation will continue until the next council elections in 2023 or 2024.

Mr Flynn is Principal Planner at idep Consulting and was from 1998 to 2014 Principal Town Planner at Gosford City Council and between 1988 and 1994 Manager Urban Planning at Gosford City Council.

Mr Tuxworth is Principal Town Planner at Coastplan Consulting. From 1999 until 2004 he was Manager Development Assessment at Gosford City Council Mr Leathley is Planning Director at Insite Planning Services. He has been a member of Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hawkesbury and Wingecarribee Regional Planning Panels since December 2017.

Lynette Hunt has worked in varying senior roles in the NSW government for over 20 years.

Council reluctantly voted on Monday, May 11 2020, to accept the constitution of the Local Planning Panel that took over the councilors’ previous role in deciding development applications.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

A most unhappy Cr Jan Smith (formerly Mayor) claimed that the planning panel was being forced on the community and the council. She is reported to have said that taking away council’s decision powers was an abomination.

Cr Smith put forward an alternative list to that provided by council staff, of ten community members for the panel which only included one name from the list recommended.

Those invited were: Gregory Flynn, Sue Francis, Stephen Glenn, Lynette Hunt, Geoffrey Mitchell, Paul Dignam, Glenn Watts, Scott McGrath, Marc Elsie, David Kitson.

The expert members included Gregory Flynn, Sue Francis, Stephen Leachley, Linda McClure, Grant Christmas and Garry Fielding and were chosen by council from a field of 220 provided by the State Government.

Significantly Council kept the background of the appointees confidential in attachments provided to councilors but not the public.

At the time Cr Marquat, Greg Best, Jilly Pilon, Rebecca Gale and Bruce McLachlan abstained while Cr Bourke voted against it.

Cr Holstein did not take part in the vote as he had a conflict of interest.

Labor Councillors plus Cr Smith and Cr Greenway voted in favor.

The planning panel now decides development applications that are: contentious; depart from standards by more than 10 per cent; are sensitive such as those involving heritage, liquor licences, or have more than three storeys.

Council staff deal with lesser developments by delegated authority.

In the time since the Regional Planning Panel was constituted it has “approved’ two significant developments in Gosford CBD with impossible conditions. St Hilliers has been forced to reconsider their entertainment and hotel precinct which was to be the second stage of their Central Coast Quarter development on the old Gosford Primary School site in favour of a twin tower residential development which only received approval earlier this year.

Similarly, the Lederer Group’s Gosford Alive project on the Kibbleplex site in Gosford was “approved’ with impossible conditions. They have now put the property on the market and having sold the Imperial Centre which they had invested some $20 million have quit the Central Coast.

In both cases, as with numerous othes over the years, the conditions were generally in line with the objections raised by two serial objectors: Community Environment Network (CEN) of which Jane Smith was a long time CEO and a private company Friends of Gosford Pty Ltd the sole shareholder and director was the late Malcom Brooks and now his wife Particia Brooks.

Both of these developments were seen to be significant drivers of the Gosford economy into the future and had they been approved in a timely manner and with these conditions construction of both would not be well underway and possibly completed.

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16

PROPERT Y

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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PROPERT Y NEWS

Strong demand for Stevens Group Sawmill Erina development

Sawmill Erina development – corner Avoca Dr and Entrance Road Erina

SALES FIRSTLY IT WAS a sawmill – milling hardwood timber that Undeveloped Somersby industrial lot went to the shipbuilding and sells for $533 per sqm bridge building, construction An owner buyer has bought a 3,490sqm and manufacturing across lot at 9 Somersby Falls Road, Somersby the Coast and into Sydney with the intention of building a diesel and played in the early develrefueling station. opment of the Central Coast.

Price paid was $1,860,000 plus GST. When sawmilling stopped The rectangular undeveloped site the 22,000sqm property on has a 112 metre frontage to Somersby the corner of Avoca Drive Falls Road Sawmill Erina industrial units and The Entrance Road at Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Erina became a BP service station and with Commercial Central Coast negotiated Mackenzie Stevens, said that Stage 4 and a number of large format sheds at the rear the sale. what it will comprise is under consideration. went through many lives finally ending up as a storage area for caravans.

The site that incorporates the corner blocks, industrial area and a number of old PROFESSIONAL & SPECIALIST MEDICAL SUITES residential homes along Avoca Drive is now being developed by the Stevens Group in 4 Stages.

Getting approval from Council has taken several years however Stage 1, comprising a BP service station and artisan food and drink centre, and 2 with 56 storage units ranging in size from 36 sqm to 151sqm are nearing completion.

Sales agent for the development, Brett Hunter from DiJones Commercial Central 152-154 PACIFIC HIGHWAY TUGGERAH Coast reports that enquiry has been strong Easy Parking, great exposure, well maintained & presented property with well known quality tenants including with “five buyers for every unit” and all but a Trader Vics, BCF & Super Cheap Auto, PRP Radiology, Australian Clinical Labs Pathology, Fullerton Health Medical few fully leased.

Centre, Geriatrician; Psychologists, Dentist, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Cafe & more.

These units have sold for an average of Ideal for the Professional, Legal, Financial or Medical Specialist with sizes from 16m2 up to 95m2 suitable to Lease $,4000 sqm. or Purchase.

Stage 3, a continuation of State 2 will comprise a self storage complex at ground Features include: level plus three levels above with unit sizes • Flexible lease terms • Competitive rentals • Excellent parking around 9sqm will see construction start in • Air-conditioning, carpets, kitchenette • Balcony access for East Wing suites September this year. The self storage com• Exposure of Complex to Tuggerah Straight plex will be managed by Stevens Group.

Stevens Group Development Manager For further details contact Julie Davies on 0402 779 186

FOR LEASE

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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PROPERT Y NEWS

$370 per sqm for vacant Tuggerah industrial block An owner buyer has paid $1.5 million plus GST for a 4,047 level block at 131 Mooramba Avenue, Tuggerah The site is zoned IN2 light industrial and is located off Lake Road near the Central Coast Regional Sports complex.

Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Manufacturer consolidates to new factory at Berkeley Vale

Owner occupier buys Erina commercial unit

An owner occupier has paid $670,000 plus GST for Unit 13 a 157sqm commercial office space at 40 Karalta Road, Erina.

The property comprises 7 offices, separate reception area, meeting room and 3 car spaces. In addition it features a large balcony to the rear of the building and large front windows.

Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease Sydney investor buys Kincumber industrial unit A Sydney investor has paid $670,000 (GST not applicable) for Unit 9, 6 Kerta Road, Kincumber and plans to occupy the property himself in due course.

The 145sqm unit with 3 car spaces plus an additional 50sqm adjoining land currently leased with container storage Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

LEASINGS Strength and conditioning coach leases at Berkeley Vale Gee Recovery, a sports and recovery rehabilitation specialist has leased a 225 sqm space comprising two industrial units at 7 Tumbi Creek Road, Berkeley Vale.

Terms of lease are 1 year with 1 year option at a rental of $52,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

Inovaair, manufacturers of air purifiers, will consolidate their manufacturing activities in the Tuggerah area with the leasing of a 3,000sqm freestanding factory building at 10 Corella Close, Berkeley Vale.

Recently completed, Building B is part The Blind Crew expands leases in Aston Road, Erina

Window covering specialists, The Blind Crew are expanding their business to include shutter, awnings and automation and have leased a 420sqm industrial unit at 12 Aston Road, Erina. (formerly occupied by Mobility to You).

Terms of lease for Unit 2 are 7 years with 5 year option at a rental of $52,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Bendigo Bank leases at Platinum for regional office Bendigo Bank has leased suite 2.24 a 50sqm office suite in the West Wing at Platinum Erina for their NSW and ACT Regional Office.

Terms of lease are 2 years with 2 year

of industrial complex comprising 3 freestanding industrial buildings Terms of lease are 5 years with a 5 year option. Rental was undisclosed.

Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease. option at a rental of $25,000 per annum plus Outgoings (estimated at $8,000 per annum) plus GST. The lease was negotiated by Steve Skipper from S J Skipper & Associates Pty Ltd. Community First Bank leases at Platinum Erina Community First Bank has relocated from premises at Erina Fair leasing Suite 1.03a, a ground floor shopfront space in the East Wing at Fountain Plaza Erina.

Terms of lease for the 69sqm space are 5 years with 5 year option at a rental of $40,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST The lease was negotiated by Nicole Barr from Commercialhq Stratco leases at Somersby Manufacturers of sheds, garages, patios and carports, Stratco, have leased a 1,978sqm warehouse at 6 Chivers Road, Somersby to service the Central Coast market complementing their Newcastle and Sydney locations.

Warehouse 1 is part of a complex of 4 stand along warehouses Terms of lease are 4 years with 3 year option at an undisclosed rental ( Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Unity Bank

Extending support for small and medium sized businesses

SME RECOVERY LOAN SCHEME

EXTENDED

Unity Bank welcomes the Government’s extension of the existing SME Recovery Loan Scheme to support small and medium-sized businesses in their recovery.

We are one of only a handful of lenders on the Central Coast who have been approved to assist the local community in injecting capital back into their business under the SME Recovery Loan Scheme. We are pleased to continue our ongoing participation and currently accepting applications for assessment.

How can Unity Bank assist under this scheme?

Eligible SMEs can apply for: n Unsecured loans up to $200,000 n Secured loans up to $5,000,000 (refer to acceptable commercial securities within the Treasury link below) n Variable rates n Principal & Interest n Term of up to 10 years

n An interest accruing repayment holiday of up to 12 months n A further interest accruing repayment holiday of up to 12 months (maximum 24 months in total) n Credit eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply

Eligibility and full Government details can be found here: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-recovery-loan-scheme For further scheme details, loan criteria or to discuss a scenario, please contact Darren Hooper to discuss your specific needs.

Darren Hooper – General Manager Central Coast p: 4350 5256 | m: 0418 618 530 e: dhooper@unitybank.com.au | w: unitybank.com.au

Unity Bank, your SMERLS provider on the Central Coast.

Important Information © 2021 Unity Bank Limited. | ABN 11 087 650 315 | AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 240399 | BSB 882 000. Any advice or information contained within does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Please review our Disclosure Documents https://www.unitybank.com.au/about-us-disclosure-statements.html before acquiring any product.

20

BUSINESS TIPS

So…what is ‘reasonable’ overtime?

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

The days of the 9 to 5 working week are long gone with both employers and employees often enjoying the benefits of more flexible working arrangements. These arrangements can allow employers to respond to surges in demand, and employees to enjoy the flexibility for an improved work/life balance and the additional income overtime provides. Flexible working provisions are often covered in employment overtime arrangements. Reasonable overtime clauses are something we often see included in employment contracts, but do any of us actually know what counts as ‘reasonable’?

Reasonable overtime clauses ensure that an employer can request that an employee works additional hours. This can be beyond the employee’s ordinary hours, outside the agreed number of hours, or outside the usual spread of ordinary hours. However, the question often asked by both employers and employees today is what is reasonable overtime? What makes it reasonable or unreasonable, and who gets to decide?

What happened?

The recent decision saw the Federal Court give a rare ruling on what reasonable additional hours are.

In this case, the worker was a recently arrived migrant from Ghana who had commenced employment within three weeks of arriving in Australia. The worker was

employed by Sydney’s largest meat wholesaler, Dick Stone Pty Ltd., and was working 50 hour weeks, with shifts beginning at 2:00am. At the time, the employee had no knowledge of his rights under Australian employment law.

The employment form and commencement pack presented to the worker contained a letter stating that his “ordinary hours” were 50 hours per week. The Court also noted that the employment document did not detail the rate of pay, nor mention any entitlement to overtime. The employer confirmed that the worker did not receive overtime payments for hours worked in excess of 38 hours per week. Instead, a “blended rate” which incorporated overtime had been utilised by the employer consistently since 2013.

Ultimately, the Federal Court decided that it was unreasonable of Dick Stone to require or request that the worker completed an additional 12 hours every week, over and above the 38 hours stipulated by the Award and beyond the requirements of section 62 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), and the National Employment Standards.

Can employers contract out of minimum standards?

Despite the worker entering into his employment contract, the Court found that the worker had ‘no choice’ but to work the 12 additional hours per week as contracted

by Dick Stone. The Court found that section 62 of the Fair Work Act 2009 was a ‘minimum standard’ and ‘parties cannot contract out of it’. Which means that, even though the signed contract allowed for 12 e additional hours per week, that clause did not override the requirements of section 62.

Why was the request for additional hours ‘unreasonable’?

Justice Katzmann found ‘obvious risks’ associated with the worker’s overtime.

The lengthy shifts significantly increased risk due to fatigue, whereby the worker was required to use knives and lift heavy weights within the scope of his employment.

Regardless of whether the 50-hour week ‘aligned with Dick Stone’s business needs’, it was held that this did not mean the additional hours were reasonable in the worker’s case. The Court also noted, pursuant to the Meat Industry Award, that the usual pattern of work in this part of the meat industry is to work from 4:00am, not 2:00am.

This case was also influenced by the fact the worker was a recent migrant who did not understand Australian employment law. Reference was also made to the fact that the role required the use of sharp knives as well as other dangerous implements and considered how long working hours may have increased the risk of an accident occurring.

What does this mean for employers?

This recent Federal Court ruling has limited the scope of what some employers may see as ‘reasonable’ additional hours. So, it is in the interests of employers to be clear – up front – about the likely scope hours (including overtime) required as part of the role. Especially, where the worker is young or from a migrant background.

Just because an employer believes that a role may require extended hours, this does not mean the court will accord to this perspective. To avoid the scrutiny of the court, ensure that you are transparent in your dealings with, and expectations of, the employees regarding the hours implicit in the role.

We recommend that employers review their employment documents in relation to these developments, to reduce any underlying risk in your current employment arrangements.

Four priorities for the ATO this tax time The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has today announced four key focus areas for Tax Time 2022.

The ATO will be focusing on: • record-keeping • work-related expenses • rental property income and deductions, and • capital gains from crypto assets, property, and shares.

These ATO priority areas will

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

ensure that there is an appropriate level of scrutiny on correct reporting of deductions and income, so that Australia continues to have a strong tax system that can support the Australian community. Taxpayers can take steps to lodge right the first time.

Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh said, “The ATO is targeting problem areas where we see people making mistakes.”

"It’s important you rethink your claims and ensure you can satisfy the 3 golden rules” Mr Loh said.

1. You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed.

2. If the expense is for a mix of income producing and private use, you can only claim the portion that relates to producing income.

3. You must have a record to prove it.”

BUSINESS TIPS

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants

Small business defense against inflation Inflation is a concern for small business.

Levels in the USA are worrying, and while it is not as bad here in Australia, trends such as higher cost of living and increasing interest rates have us all on alert. At the time of writing this, the current inflation rate is 5.1%. Small businesses need space and opportunity to rise out of crisis control and into the growth zone. Here are some positive strategic steps…

Pricing strategy A blanket price hike is rarely well received by customers, however there are some more palatable pricing strategies that will help you to recoup rising expenses. You might consider a loss leader strategy, which is when you

A poisoned chalice for Labor? the reason we are seen as a safe and stable place for global investors to invest in.

This is now in jeopardy.

Finally, will Mr Albanese be PM for the next election or Mr Shorten. The unions must be popping champaign corks with ACTU Secretary Sally McManus cock o’ hoop.

The Australian Building and Construction Commission is now on the skids as the unions take over. After all the unions and the union and ALP controlled mega superannuation funds funded this election.

identify a key product and accept running it at a loss, but cross promoting other high value products/services and overall increasing the breadth of your sale. Focus on high margin goods and services. Small scale increases in short intervals can help too, and feels less offensive than one big jump.

Manage wages Many small business owners feel forced to offer high wages to attract and retain talent, and to give regular pay rises. The impact on your bottom line is significant and irreversible. However, if you take the time to know what motivates your talent, you can offer competitive packages through incentives such as flexible hours, wellbeing initiatives, professional development and more.

Renegotiate supplier contracts It is possible that you have fixed your agreements with suppliers, and it is likely the arrangement was made when the environment was very different to now. It is reasonable to request a renegotiation of a contract if it means keeping the professional relationship healthy, strong and mutually beneficial.

It’s no good for your supplier to lose a good customer.

It is also hugely beneficial to diversify your suppliers. Too many small busi-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Does it mean much for business on the Central Coast?

Well, the big issue will be whether this Labor Government understands small business. In the past its been all about big business and big unions. The Central Coast’s 24,000 small and medium sized business owners will be holding their breath.

Hopefully the new government will honour its promise to fund a food manufacturing hub at Lisarow (see Page 11).

For all the billions of dollars the Feds and

Boosting manufacturing on the Central Coast but currently has no pilot facilities for product development.

As part of this commitment, Labor will invest $17.14 million to create a Food Manufacturing Hub on the Coast, which will be backed up by $34 million from industry.

It will be managed by not-for-profit manufacturing network, Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC).

nesses rely heavily, if not solely, on one or two suppliers. This means the customer is at the supplier’s mercy in relation to quality, supply and price. Diversification keeps the competition for your business strong and healthy.

Streamline your cash flow processes It is critical that businesses have up to the minute debt and credit information so they can make informed present and future financial decisions. At AdviceCo, we are platinum members of Xero and proficient in other systems that not only make life easier for business owners, but saves them money. If you don’t have this in place, or don’t believe you are operating it at its maximum capacity, please speak to us.

The last point is to consider the human side. When announcing a price change to your customers, discussing wages with your team or a new contract with your suppliers, remember the financial pressure they’re feeling too. Go gently and be sympathetic yet honest. Financial messages are difficult to deliver, and can easily offend the receiver. It can be beneficial to get professional support before you fire anything off.

If you need to arm your business against the threat of inflation and need strategic tailored advice, please contact us for a complimentary Discovery Meeting: mail@adviceco.com.au

the Berejiklian/Perrottet Government have poured into Western Sydney at the expense of other electorates, including the Central Coast, it looks like that won’t do them a jot of good come March 2023.

Edgar Adams Editor

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

This will create 285 jobs, made up of 85 during construction and another 200 ongoing jobs in food product manufacturing.

This project has the full support of CCIC and their partners TrendPac, Regional Development Australia, and the University of Newcastle with food manufacturers Sanitarium, Mars Food, Sara Lee, and Agrana supporting the initiative.

The Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub is strategically located at Lisarow near a unique mix of local and national food and beverage manufacturers and smaller artisan food producers.

The hub will be based at Lisarow and will house a purpose-built facility designed to grow local food manufacturing businesses and attract more manufacturers to the region.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

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22

FUNNY BUSINESS

A man comes to Mrs. Smith’s door and says, “There’s been an accident at the brewery.

Your husband fell into a vat of beer and drowned.”

Mrs. Smith wails, “Oh, the poor man! He never had a chance!”

The man says, “I don’t know about that.

He got out three times to go to the bathroom.”

A priest is driving along a country road when a trooper pulls him over. He immediately smells alcohol on the priest’s breath and notices an empty wine bottle in the car.

He says: “Have you been drinking?”

“Just water,” says the priest.

The cop replies: “Then why do I smell wine?”

The priest looks at the bottle and says: “Good Lord! He’s done it again!”

A hobo knocks on the door of the St. George and the Dragon Inn. The landlady answers. “Could you give a poor man something to eat?” asks the hobo.

“No!” yells the woman, slamming the door in his face.

A few minutes later, the hobo knocks again. “Now what do you want?” the woman asks.

“Could I have a few words with George?”

An investment banker decides she needs in-house counsel, so she interviews a young lawyer. “Mr. Peterson,” she begins, “would you say you’re honest?”

“Honest?” replies the lawyer. “Let me tell you something about honesty: My father

lent me $85,000 for my education, and I paid back every penny the minute I tried my first case.

“Impressive,” says the banker. “And what sort of case was that?”

“My father sued me for the money.”

A man with a huge grin approaches a priest.

“Bless me father, for I have sinned,” he says.

“I’ve spent the week with seven beautiful women.”

“Do not fret, my son,” says the priest. “All you need to do is take seven lemons, squeeze the juice into a glass and drink the juice.”

“Will that cleanse my sin from me?”

“No, but it’ll wipe that stupid smile off your face.”

I was driving when I first saw the flash of a traffic camera. I figured that my picture had been taken for speeding, even though I knew I wasn’t. Just to be sure, I went around the block and passed the same spot, driving even more slowly. But again the camera flashed.

Thinking this was pretty funny, I drove past even slower three more times, laughing as the camera snapped away each time I drove by at a snail’s pace. Two weeks later, I got five tickets in the mail for driving without a seatbelt.

“What does the word ‘contemplate’ mean?” the college student asked his English professor.

“Think about it,” the professor answered.

“Ugh!” the student groaned. “Can’t you just tell me?”

A man is on trial for armed robbery. The jury comes back with the verdict. The foreman stands, clear his throat and announces,

“Not guilty.”

The defendant leaps to his feet. “Awesome!” he shouts. “Does that mean I get to keep the money?”

A woman walked up to an elderly man rocking in a chair on his porch.

“I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret for a long, happy life?”

“I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said. “I also drink a case of whisky a week, eat fatty foods and never exercise.”

“That’s amazing,” the woman said. “How old are you?”

“Thirty-six.”

The police are called to an apartment and find a woman standing over a lifeless man, holding a bent and twisted five-iron. The detective asks, “Is that your husband?”

“Yes,” replies the woman.

“Did you hit him with the golf club?”

“Yes, I did,” sobs the woman.

“How many times did you hit him?” asks the detective.

“I don’t know,” she replies. “Five, six, maybe seven times. Oh look, just put me down for five.”

Quote of the month Irrepressible enthusiasm and the endurance to withstand setbacks seem to be crucial entrepreneurial trademarks.”

Dever Brown, The Entrepreneur’s Guide

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2022

For Sale

For Lease

14/1 Bounty Close, Tuggerah For Sale – Contact Agent

44-48 Hely Street, West Gosford EOI

18/310 The Entrance Rd, Erina Contact Agent

13/4 Fairmile Close, Charmhaven $27,400 p/a + Outgoings

The property has been owner occupied since it was built and boasts 342 square metres of office space, including 6 separate offices, full kitchen and amenities and 6 car parking spaces.

Located in West Gosford 2000sqm parcel of land with development potential for 40 units STCA. Currently 3 houses on 3 titles with holding income.

With its prime Erina location, this 140sqm premises (including mezzanine level) will be perfect for any form of Gym, Fitness groups, Dance Studio, yoga, Pilates, and more!

Brand new and conveniently located in the Charmhaven Industrial precinct, is this outstanding industrial unit for lease.

Rick O’Toole 0413 285 235 Brett Hunter 0410 630 222

Andrew Dunn 0458 864 236

Jaimy Vegter 0421 323 102

Rick O’Toole 0413 285 235

40 & 41/2 Warren Road, Warnervale For Sale – Contact Agent

458 Pacific Highway, Wyong Contact Agent

1/25- 27 Alison Rd, Wyong For Lease - $132,000 p/a + GST

2/319 Mann Street, Gosford $30,000 p/a + GST

At 62sqm, This presents as a rare investment opportunity to buy 2 lots forming one of the largest Units in the complex together. This type of development is highly desirable.

The property features a mixture of large industrial and manufacturing sheds, large secure yard compound and a residential cottage.

A modern and updated office offering a balanced mix of open plan workspace, boardrooms and multiple office suites. Will suit all types of professions and offers flexibility for any business needs.

Set in a busy industrial, full security complex in the Gosford CBD, is this vacant 139sqm unit immediately available for occupation.

Rick O’Toole 0413 285 235

Michael Flood 0499 293 909

Andrew Dunn 0458 864 236

John Meares 02 4365 0645 Jaimy Vegter 0421 323 102

Move your business to the Premier Erina Location: The Sawmill Occupation expected September / October 2022 subject to completion.

Brett Hunter 0410 630 222 Jo Hare 0428 240 959 sawmillerina.com

The Sawmill Erina is one of the most soughtafter commercial hubs on the Central Coast and we are proud to present to you the opportunity to lease within this wonderfully designed mixed use commercial development. We have multiple units ranging in sizes from 39sqm - 155sqm* providing options for a wide range of businesses looking for a central base. Applications are coming in fast so don’t wait to apply! dijonescommercial.com

THE FIRST-EVER FULLY ELECTRIC BMW i4.

The thrilling BMW i4 heralds a new era of electric driving.

It imbues true sports heritage delivering electric performance that goes beyond feeling fast – to feeling alive.

It’s time to experience this ultimate electric driving machine.

Find out more at Worthington BMW today.

Worthington BMW 1 Kangoo Rd, Somersby.

Ph (02) 4340 9988. worthingtonbmw.com.au LMCT 16016