Central Coast Business Review July 2022

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July 2022

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Sydney developer buys Archibald site in Gosford John Singleton continues investing in the Central Coast Sanitarium pays $55m for Berkeley Vale warehouse NSW Budget – What the Central Coast got Page 8 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Good news for Gosford

NSW Government announces $18M for University of Newcastle Gosford campus

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CON T EN TS

In this issue Edgar Adams’ Editorial 4

Good news for Gosford

Business news 5 NSW Government announces $18M for University of Newcastle Gosford Campus 6 John Singleton continues investing in Central Coast 6 Woolworths to expand Warnervale warehouse 7 Sydney developer buys Archibald site in Gosford 8 VenuesLive to manage Central Coast Stadium 10 Sanitarium pays $55M for Berkeley Vale warehouse 10 CENTRAL COAST INDUSTRY FESTIVAL 11 Chamberlain Group to be inaugural Industry festival sponsor 11 Customers return to The Chocolate Factory as shop opens again after Covid 12 University of Newcastle maintains position as top 200 university in the world 12 New premises for Saige Accounting 13 Southern Cross Austereo appoints Head of Sales for Central Coast 13 Pauline Wright appointed Magistrate of Local Court of NSW 13 North Officially Rated Under iCIRT

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14 Council announces Green Grid Plan 14 Council election set for September 2024 14 Council CFO moves on 15 Scentre Group moves ahead with plans for Tuggerah 15 Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club development plans move to next stage 16 Unique Erina investment property sold prior to auction 18 Renovators Discount Depot leases at Erina 19 Consolidated LEP soon to be implemented 19 NSW BUDGET - $115 million for Coast – billions for Western Sydney 20 Romantic relationship and the workplace – when does consensual intimacy cross the line?

20 Time to switch to Single Touch Payroll Phase 21 Mind you business – Covid relief is over for business owners, and now the struggle is real.

22 Funny business

Regular features 4 12 14 15 20

Edgar Adams’ Editorial Business briefs Central Coast Council news Property news Business tips

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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.

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EDITORIAL

Edgar Adams discusses local issues

Good news for Gosford READING CCBR THIS month has to give us some hope for the future.

But first a little history!

Looking back ten years, prior to the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong councils, there was a window when it was all ‘go’ for Gosford and excitement was in the air.

Development Applications for residential units that had been held back for donkeys years by council were approved en masse under the McKenna / Anderson council, giving developers and investors real confidence. Significantly, high-rise developments sailed through.

And then in 2015 the Baird state government amalgamated Gosford and Wyong Councils which turned out to be an utter disaster.

Anthony Roberts MP was appointed Minister for Planning in 2017 around the time that the government had come out with the 2036 Central Coast Growth Plan and announced that he would make the Plan work and importantly for Gosford said he would see the Town Centre and waterfront revitalised. To do that he appointed Coordinator General Lee Shearer to make it happen and established a fully staffed Central Coast regional office of the Department of Planning.

Ms Shearer bought in the State Government Architect to come up with what he called a ‘Framework’ for the revitalisation of Gosford.

The University of Newcastle while moving

ahead with construction of the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute adjacent to Gosford Hospital, announced that they would build a campus in Gosford with a proposal for a three-way partnership between them and the Federal and State Governments.

Confidence was brimming.

And then the wheels fell off!

The 2019 state election saw in the Berejiklian Government, Minister Roberts was moved out of Planning to Gaols, Ms Shearer was dropped and the regional office of the Department of Planning closed down and moved to Newcastle. In the end the 2036 Growth Plan was substituted for a no-growth plan full of motherhood statements.

The Berejiklian Government became the government for Western Sydney and no interest in the Central Coast.

At the same time, the developer of the former Union Hotel site fell over and the site was sold to another developer who went broke. Also, the Frogy’s site has gone nowhere as the developer apparently couldn’t move his funds out of China. The Lederer Group and St Hilliers had big plans for their sites and the funds to move forward but the Regional Planning Panel made sure that would never happen.

The one constant in all of this was John Singleton, the one man who has never lost focus on what Gosford could become.

In the end the only project that got off

the ground was The Bon Tower and Bon Pavilion Restaurant totally funded by Mr Singleton. Unfortunately, Mr Singleton doesn’t get the accolades from the community that he deserves.

And we mustn’t forget the Harris Family who, also believe in Gosford, and invested $12 million in refurbishing the Gosford Hotel.

And so to the events of the last month!

With an election in the offing Premier Perrottet, accompanied by Treasurer Matt Kean, and Cities Minister Rob Stokes came to Gosford on Saturday of the June long week end to announce $500 million toward construction of a fast rail line between Sydney and Newcastle and, by the way, $18 million as the State’s contribution toward a new Gosford Campus for the University of Newcastle (see Page 5) This Government has dragged its feet on funding since 2019. The Feds came up with their share in the 2019 Budget but while this State Government literally poured billions into Western Sydney they refused to contribute a trifling $18 million to educate the young people of the Central Coast.

Also last month, came the news that a Sydney developer had acquired the former Union Hotel site with development approval for The Archibald, a 26 level twin tower project that the developer says work will start by the end of the year (see Page 7).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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BUSINESS NEWS

NSW Government announces $18M for University of Newcastle Gosford campus ITS BEEN A long time coming but persistence has paid off on the part of CCBR and the Gosford Erina Business Chamber with the NSW Government announcing a commitment of $18 million for a new University campus in Mann Street, Gosford.

Saturday morning of the long weekend saw NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet MP, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch in Gosford to make the announcement.

The UON Gosford Campus will be a multi-faculty academic and innovation facility and will cut the numbers of students forced to leave the Central Coast to study at university.

Artist’s impression of University of Newcastle’s proposed Gosford Campus

The new campus will be developed on the 4,650 square metre site at 299-309 Mann St, Gosford.

Design work has begun and the new facility is expected to be completed in 2025.

The University of Newcastle first flagged their intention to locate a campus in Gosford on the former Mitre10 site owned by the NSW Government in 2018.

The Federal Government quickly came to the party supporting the proposal with an (l to r) NSW Treasurer Matt Kean MP, Greater Cities Commission Executive $18 million contribution plus Director Sarah Winter, University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky student places in the 2019 AO, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet MP and Minister for Cities Rob Stokes Federal Budget, thanks to MP announcing the NSW Government’s commitment of $18 million for former Member for Robertson, University of Newcastle Gosford Campus Lucy Wicks.

The NSW Government was ernments to realise our vision of creating a also approached at the same time to supnew health and business innovation camport the project with a contribution of $18 pus in the heart of Gosford.” million plus providing the former Mitre10 “We expect to build to more than 900 site in Gosford which the government has students studying at the Gosford campus owned for some 20 years and has never within its first decade of operation, with developed it. identified courses in allied health, biosciHowever, it has taken the NSW ence, digital transformation, law, business Government almost 3 years to come on and innovation. board with support.

In partnership with the Federal and UON Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex State governments we see an incredible Zelinsky AO who was present for the opportunity to activate the Central Coast announcement said, “We are delighted to Education and Employment Precinct and partner with the Australian and NSW govfurther revitalise the Gosford CBD,” he said.

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BUSINESS NEWS

John Singleton continues investing in the Central Coast JOHN SINGLETON’S CONFIDENCE in the future of the Central Coast continues as he recently unveiled his latest investment plans for the Central Coast with a luxury boutique hotel at Mt White and restoring the former Hawkesbury Inn to its former glory as well as a 40-60 room motel alongside the Elanora Hotel at East Gosford.

With the first stage of his long term plans for the boutique lodge having been approved by Central Coast Council, Mr Singleton aims to proceed with what he calls a “10 star” restaurant and 20-room boutique hotel. This follows his acquisition of the former 3.27 hectare Hawkesbury Inn property on the corner of Pacific Highway and Ashbrookes Road opposite his Saddles Restaurant in September 2020.

Council’s approval in March was for a house and four bed and breakfast suites however his long-term plan is for the luxurious Lodge.

Meanwhile, having bought the Elanora Hotel in 2019 carrying out substantial multi

million dollar renovations to the property, Mr Singleton is now working on a 40-60 room motel to compliment the hotel.

He is also totally renovating The Bon Pavillion restaurant in Gosford at present with a complete refit that will transform it into a bar and steakhouse. Plans are for it to reopen in August which will be a boom for the Gosford CBD. Mr Singleton’s confidence in Gosford’s future has seen him in recent years invest millions firstly the $35 million Bonython Tower in Gosford, the first major investment in Gosford in over 30 years and the Bon Pavillion restaurant. In December last year the Ravello Residences, with 40 luxury apartments on the Gosford Waterfront.

In 2018 he opened Saddles Restaurant at Mt White on a 10 hectare property near his home Strawberry Hills, which has become an iconic destination judged by Conde Nast as the most beautiful restaurant in the world.

Woolworths to expand Warnervale warehouse

Proposed Woolworths warehouse and regional distribution centre in Warnervale Plans for a major expansion of the Woolworths warehouse and regional distribution centre at Warnervale are now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The proposed $67.6M alterations and additions to the existing centre at 11 Warren Rd will add an extra 27,767sqm of warehouse storage to the facility.

Plans include an upgrade of the existing service entry to create an express entry for trucks. Vehicle access will continue via Warren Rd with provision for additional entry movements from Woolworths Way. The existing hardstand areas are to be expanded for a truck refuelling and maintenance/wash facility, with two new weigh-

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

bridges and extra on-site truck parking.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) says the existing centre, built in 2005, is outdated and needs an upgrade in technology, and increased capacity to handle more product lines and provide faster deliveries to Woolworths supermarkets.

There will be another 30 full-time operational jobs as well as 100 construction jobs during the building stage.

The application, environmental impact statement and accompanying documents related to this State Significant Development (SSD-33701741) can be viewed online at www.planningportal.nsw. gov.au/major-projects

John Singleton

NSW BUDGET 2022-23 What the Central Coast got University of Newcastle Gosford Campus $18.2M contribution to new Campus.

Social Housing - $6.5 million $5.84 M for upgrades to social housing $660,000 for a new social housing project.

Infrastructure - $14.1 million $7.3M for Warnervale Town Centre water and sewer plan. $6.8M for Mardi water treatment plant upgrade.

Roads - $64.46M for planning continuing construction $26.0M for continuing construction of Pacific Highway at Lisarow $25M for planning and commence construction Tumbi Road and Central Coast Highway, Wamberal intersection $5.46M for planning Manns Rd between Stockyard Place an Central Coast Highway, West Gosford, $7.0M commence construction Blackwall Road and McMasters Road, Woy Woy. $1.0M design work on Pacific Highway through Wyong Town Centre Rail - $29.2M $27.7M upgrade etc of Tuggerah Train Station $1.5M Planning for Tuggerah commuter car park Sundry odds and ends chasing votes $764,000 2 Ambulance stations – Kincumber and Lisarow

BUSINESS NEWS

Sydney developer buys Archibald site in Gosford SYDNEY-BASED DEVELOPER ALAND has bought the landmark The Archibald site on the corner of Mann and Donnison Streets, Gosford with plans to start construction this year.

The 5,656 sqm site hit the market in late May after owners MacArthur Projects Pty Ltd was placed in Liquidation and with agents Colliers International appointed to sell the property with Development Approval for two towers, up to 26 storeys high, with 289 apartments, sky bar, hotel as well as 167 hotel suites comprised in the project.

ALAND CEO George Tadrosse confirmed that the sale was finalised in mid-June after an Expression of Interest process run by Colliers International which closed in March.

“It’s a sensational site right in the heart of Gosford, which is increasingly being seen as a key regional location,” Mr Tadrosse said.

“We’re delighted to have secured the property and look forward to taking the plans for the project forward to deliver a fantastic new addition to the Gosford skyline.

“Subject to planning, we are looking at launching the project sales in spring and starting construction this year.”

Mr Tadrosse said while the next step was a comprehensive project review, he expected that “bringing the development to life” would happen quickly.

“We have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the city and we’re excited to get this project underway,” he said.

ALAND head of development Ryan Lane said that depending upon pre-sales they expected construction to start in the fourth quarter of this year. He confirmed they would largely stick to the Dickson Rothschild architectural design, approved in 2019.

“Aesthetically we are very happy with the approved design and we will only be looking to make minor design changes to support ‘best practice improvements’ targeted at constructability, liveability, and functionality,” Lane said Construction on The Archibald started Artist’s Impression of the proposed The Archibald development on the corner of Mann in early 2020 when and Donnison Streets, Gosford the Union Hotel was demolished and and property management”. sewer lines relocated thus preserving the They were established in 2002 and have Development Approval. built more than 30 developments across ALAND is an Australian-owned family the Sydney region with current probusiness, described as “one of Sydney’s jects including The Hoxton in Liverpool, largest and leading private groups working Paramount on Parkes in Parramatta and within development, construction, finance The Gladstone Village in Merrylands.

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BUSINESS NEWS

VenuesLive to manage Central Coast Stadium CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL has confirmed that VenuesLive will take over management of Central Coast Stadium bringing a diverse offering of sports games and entertainment for the local community to enjoy and boost the region’s economy.

Council continues to own Central Coast Stadium, with the venue also remaining home to the Central Coast Mariners and their games. This will be supplemented with a fresh program of events that appeal to large-scale audiences.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said VenuesLive is one of Australia’s largest private stadium operators and a great fit in helping Central Coast Stadium reach its full potential.

“VenuesLive will bring their vast industry network to the venue, with the aim of gradually increasing the quantity and diversity of event offerings for the local community to enjoy,” Mr Hart said.

“With VenuesLive having extensive experience in managing some of the country’s most high-profile stadiums, I’m confident that a quality program of entertainment and sports events will be ahead at Central Coast Stadium.

“This partnership will allow the opportunity to attract even more visitors to our region, providing a tourism boost to the local economy and hopefully generate revenue for local businesses.”

VenuesLive Managing Director, Daryl Kerry said the company was delighted to have been appointed operator of Central Coast Stadium and is looking forward to working with stakeholders and the local

Central Coast Stadium Gosford community to build an exciting new era for the venue.

“Central Coast Stadium is one of Australia’s most picturesque venues and it also has the support of a passionate, vibrant local community who deserve a thriving sport and entertainment precinct,” Mr Kerry said.

“We are thrilled to get the opportunity to work with Central Coast Council, home club the Central Coast Mariners and key business stakeholders on the Coast, but we are also looking forward to listening to the fans who bring the colour, energy and excitement to the events.

“Central Coast Stadium has almost unlimited potential and we want to help take it to the next level and become a highlysuccessful hub of sport and entertainment, as well as welcoming business, community,

charity and cultural activities on the magnificent Central Coast.”

Council is due to begin the transition of management from the start of July 2022.

VenuesLive is a leading provider of management and hospitality services to venues and events. It operates three of Australia’s most iconic stadiums – Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia), Optus Stadium in Perth, and CommBank Stadium in Western Sydney, as well as providing catering services to other key venues including McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, WIN Stadium & Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium at Kogarah, Sydney Olympic Park Venues and Sydney Motorsport Park. Central Coast Stadium will a fourth stadium under the VenuesLive operational umbrella.

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

Sanitarium pays $55m for Berkeley Vale warehouse THE PROPERTY INVESTMENT arm of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, which owns the Sanitarium Health Food Company, has acquired a warehouse and distribution hub at 3 Sanitarium Close, Berkeley Vale located adjacent to the Sanitarium manufacturing facility and national warehouse paying $55 million.

The property is currently leased by third-party logistics giant Linfox as a foodservices distribution centre servicing the raw materials and finished stock from Mars Food Australia on a 30 years lease which it is understood expires in 2023. The Mars manufacturing facility is in Corella Close with the Linfox hub nearby.

The vendor was the Singapore-listed ESRLOGOS Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns $5.6 billion of logistics assets including 21 properties in Australia including the Linfox operation.

The acquisition will provide Sanitarium with “future warehousing and distribution facilities to service increasing consumer demands for its products”, a Sanitarium spokeswoman said.

“The facility is key to optimising the company’s future growth plans and is a positive development for the growing hub of food industry expertise and employment on the NSW Central Coast,” she said.

Sanitarium manufactures Weet-Bix and Up & Go breakfast products.

The property acquired comprise three interconnected buildings that offer a combined gross floor area of 27,762 square metres.

Proposed Woolworths’ Warehouse and Distribution Centre at Warnervale ESR-LOGOS Funds Management, manager of the REIT, said the sale of the warehouse to the church organisation was struck at an 18.5 per cent premium to the $46.4 million fair value of the property.

It was also 62 per cent higher than the $34 million the ARA Logos Logistics Trust paid in 2018, highlighting the extent to which industrial property values have soared over that time.

The property was originally built to service Mars Food Australia production facility opposite some thirty years ago.

Speaking to one of the agents involved in the purchase Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial echoed the sentiment of Sanitarium that it is a great acquisition securing the future logistics needs for the company on the Central Coast.

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Customers return to the Chocolate Factory as shop opens again after Covid

The Chocolate Factory owner Andrew Yiasemides THE CHOCOLATE SHOP and café at The Chocolate Factory at West Gosford has reopened after two years of Covid lockdowns with customers, mostly from Sydney, returning in increasing numbers.

The Chocolate Factory owner Andrew Yiasemides said it had been a tough time but production of Limar Nougat, marshmallows and other fine chocolate products produced at the West Gosford factory had kept the company running.

Covid has had no effect on our manufacturing production which Mr Yiasemides said has been showing a 25% annual increase in recent years.

“One of our major customers is supermarket chain Aldi which sells our nougat under our own brand name Nougat Limar across their entire supermarket network across Australia,” he said. “It is very unusual for Aldi to sell products under any brand other than their own, however we have developed a strong relationship with them since they approached us almost ten years ago,” he said.

Mr Yiasemides said that they had been developing a growing market in the USA prior to Covid however supply chain issues and the huge shipping cost increases had killed it off.

Meanwhile he has developed a new automated production technique to continuously chocolate coat marshmallows and this product along with all their marshmallow products is now their fastest growing product.

Now that we can see clear air we are ramping up our retail business with our Shop and Café now open 7-days. “We have an online membership of over 13,000 people and we have just appointed Missing Link Social Media marketing agency to expand reach into the online market as well as to bring more people into our shop,” he said.

The Chocolate Factory and Shop employs up to 25 staff.

Chamberlain Group to be at inaugural industry festival expo THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP, the world’s largest manufacturer of automatic garage door openers, based at West Gosford has signed on to be first exhibitor at the inaugural Central Coast Industry Festival Expo, to be held from 1st to 3rd September this year.

A global leader in smart access solutions for the residential and commercial sectors Chamberlain will showcase its market leading products, award-winning manufacturing capabilities, sustainability initiatives and career pathways.

Chamberlain is a Central Coast and Australian success story behind the Merlin®, LiftMaster® and Grifco® brands.

The Central Coast Industry Festival Expo is an initiative of Central Coast Industry Connect, a not-for-profit industry organisation for the advanced manufacturing and food/drink production sectors in the region.

Head of Operations – Oceania, Graeme Sheekey, said collaboration and embarking on a lean manufacturing journey have been critical to the company’s success.

“As part of that journey, we joined Central Coast Industry Connect, and they helped connect us with other local manufacturers.

We learnt so much from visiting their facilities and then customising what they do for our operations.”

Support for apprentices Mr Sheekey said that Chamberlain began focusing on developing skills in-house through apprenticeships in 2018 and will showcase the skills of their existing apprentices on day two of the expo, which will bring industry, schools and universities together to highlight the variety of careers on offer within the advanced manufactur-

Graeme Sheekey ing, food, beverage and agriculture sectors Mr Sheekey said Chamberlain is on track to become a zero-waste facility at West Gosford by 2025, making it more attractive to the younger generation as an employer of choice.

“The Central Coast Industry Festival is a great opportunity for Central Coast manufacturers to collaborate and showcase what we do,” he said.

The Central Coast Industry Festival and Expo will be held at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi from August 22-September 3.

To learn more about the festival and expo or express interest in being an exhibitor, contact festival organiser Alex Blow at alex@centralcoastfoodalliance.com.au.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

New premises for Saige Accounting University of Newcastle maintains position as top 200 university in the world

Saige Accounting and Financial Advisors’ new office at 34 Karalta Road, Erina Saige Accounting and Financial Advisors have moved into new offices at 34 Karalta Road, Erina after 15 years in the Platinum Building nearby.

However pandemic issues delayed the official opening until mid-June when Saige’s partners were able to invite clients and friends to the office opening.

Completed in November last year, Karalta Thirty4 has been created out of what was a 1,167m2 outdated warehouse building that has been converted into a refined and elegant office suite by Tuggerah architects, RZK Group.

With its new four commercial tenancies, the entry is via a covered alfresco courtyard and café.

The building is designed with a combination of intimate, formal and public spaces.

Environmental and sustainability issues have also been considered with 80 solar panels reducing power needs and lowering the ‘Saige footprint’. The building is a stylish example of urban renewal with a modern industrial twist.

University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor and President Alex Zelinsky AO University of Newcastle has affirmed its position as a world leading university, climbing a further four places to rank 192 in the world in the QS World Open plan office space University Rankings.

RZK Group Director and Principal Architect, The Top 200 result continues the Claudia Rosznercki said, “the project entailed University’s strong year-on-year improveWHEN EXPERIENCE MATTERS the adaptive reuse of an existing structure by ment in these rankings since 2014. In just remodeling the entire building façade to genunder 10 years we have climbed more than CORPORATE INSOLVENCY & erate a modern and refined urban presence 100 places in our world ranking, despite fierce global competition. with visual and community appeal. WeBANKRUPTCY are PERSONAL SPECIALIST University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, proud of the transformation of the old warehouse into a building of prominence”.

Contact Shaw Gidley Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said “This ongoing improvement is a testament to the Commenting on their vision for the project Newcastle 02 said, 4908 Saige Senior Partner, Karen Hendriks “we 4444 dedication and expertise of our staff and love the space and the outcomes were 3344our absolute commitment to being a Tuggerah 02that 4365 achieved. The transformation is incredible” world-leading university for our regions.”

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Southern Cross Austereo appoints Head of Sales for Central Coast

radio plays an important role in connecting the community, reaching nearly 60% of the Central Coast population each week.

Pauline Wright appointed Magistrate of Local Court of NSW

Southern Cross Austereo Head of Sales for Central Coast Tim Manton Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) which operates radio stations 107.7 Triple M and 101.3 Hit FM has announced the appointment of Tim Manton as Head of Sales for the Central Coast.

Mr Manton joined SCA in December 2021 after three years as Group Sales Manager at Paramount Australia and New Zealand and seven years with the Nine Entertainment Company where he held a number of senior executive positions the last being Group Business Manager.

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is one of Australia’s leading media companies reaching more than 95% of the Australian population through its radio, television, and digital assets. Under the Triple M and Hit network brands, SCA owns 99 stations across FM, AM and DAB+ radio. Locally

Pauline Wright Well known Gosford lawyer, Pauline Wright, has been appointed a Magistrate of the Local Court of NSW. Ms Wright was a Partner at P J Donnellan & Co having joined the firm in 1999, becoming a Partner in 2007.

Ms Wright has been active in the law for the whole of her career. She was a Councillor of The Law Society of NSW for many years and President in 2017, before being elected President of the Law Council of Australia in 2020. She was first elected President of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties in 2019/20, only the second woman to have held that role. She had served as Vice President for 21 years and

was again elected President for 2021/22.

She is President and was a founder of the 5 Lands Walk Inc., a community arts body which organises the State Government award-winning 5 Lands Walk community arts event held annually on the Central Coast.

She also founded and was President for seven years of 5 Lands Artists’ Collective Inc. North Officially Rated Under iCIRT Tuggerah based North Construction & Building has further cemented its reputation of being a trusted building partner by receiving a 4.0 Gold Star rating under the new independent Construction Industry Rating Tool, iCIRT. The rating tool, pulls together thousands of data points to understand the character, capability, capital, conduct and other vital aspects of building professionals and their projects.

Whilst the register is currently geared towards the residential construction sector, North believed it was important for the commercial building industry to participate as well.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

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CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS

Council announces Green Grid Plan

Central Coast LGA – Total area: 184,511 sqkms, 120,000 sqkms or 65% native vegetation CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL has endorsed the Central Coast Green Grid Plan: Our Place, a policy of mostly motherhood statements The Policy appears to aim at providing guidance as Council develops further strategies for its Social Planning Districts and ultimately be included in the Comprehensive LEP. In its recommendation to the Administrator the report says that it introduces a strategic planning document which provides a mapped framework for future place-based planning on the Central Coast and examines the key natural environmental attributes of the region.

A first of its kind for regional NSW, the Plan aims to deliver an interconnected network of open space that will keep the Coast’s major centres cool, encourage healthy living, enhance biodiversity and ensure ecological resilience.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said adoption of the Plan, at the 26 April Council meeting, is a key milestone in ensuring the region’s long-term liveability.

“The Plan will be used as a framework for LGA-wide and local place planning in the region for the next two decades and beyond and is expected to streamline project alignment for future public projects,” Mr Hart said.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

“Members of the community have participated in extensive consultation throughout the development of the draft Plan. Council thanks the many and various groups who contributed their thoughts, time and energy at these workshops.”

The Plan was placed on public exhibition in September and October 2021.

There were 12 workshops; six internal and six external, consisting of three with the reference group, and three with other government agencies, including Lake Macquarie City Council. The feedback received at each of the workshops, combined with public submissions received while on public exhibition, provided valuable input into the development of the Plan.

There is no direct cost in Plan adoption, with future strategic planning work intended to be completed in-house by Council’s strategic planning staff and supported by budget included in Council’s Operational Plan. Any future funding for identified projects will be sought via a mixture of internal Council funds (for projects on Council land), internal Government agency funds (for projects on other Government agency land) or through grant funding. For each project, an economic assessment will be made to determine the cost benefit of each project.

Council election set for September 2024 Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has confirmed 14 September 2024 as the date for the next elections to be conducted for the Central Coast Council. This comes after councillors were dismissed in March following the release of recommendations from the public inquiry into the organisation.

“By having the election fall into line with the next round of local government elections ensures that Council and ratepayers are not burdened with the substantial cost of holding two elections in a relatively short period,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The recovery at Central Coast Council is well under way, but it’s critical we allow the Administrator and General Manager time to complete the reforms necessary to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the council.”

“Keeping an Administrator in place until the next local government elections in 2024 will provide stability for residents and enable the council to address the recommendations from the public inquiry, before councillors return.”

Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch made eight recommendations following the public inquiry into Central Coast Council including recommendations to vacate all civic offices and extend the term of the Administrator, implemented immediately.

The remaining recommendations are supported in-principle, noting some are to be implemented by the council and others would require legislative change.

Council CFO moves on Central Coast Council has announced changes to its executive leadership team following the resignation of Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley who left the organisation on 16 June 2022.

Ms Cowley will take up the position of General Manager at Coffs Harbour City Council.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said Ms Cowley was responsible for significant achievements at Central Coast Council which will have long-lasting positive impacts for the community.

“Ms Cowley brought extensive experience with her when she joined Central Coast Council in October 2020 and used her expertise to help the organisation achieve one of the most significant financial turnarounds in Australian Local Government history,” Mr Farmer said.

“I wish Ms Cowley all the very best in her new role as General Manager at Coffs Harbour City Council,” said Mr Farmer.

Consolidated LEP soon to be implemented See Page 19

PROPERT Y NEWS

Scentre Group moves ahead with plans for Tuggerah

Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club development plans move to next stage

Image of proposed Tuggerah Town Centre Masterplan prepared for Scentre Group SCENTRE GROUP HAS lodged a request to prepare a planning proposal for their land at 60 Wyong Road, Tuggerah (the former Wyong abattoir property situated between the Westfield Tuggerah shopping centre and M1 Expressway), known as the Tuggerah Gateway Site.

The planning proposal seeks to create a new community to support the existing Westfield Tuggerah Centre with a range of low, medium, and higher-density housing options to meet future housing demand.

The planning proposal will be supported by a site-specific Development Control Plan (DCP) to ensure appropriate built form guidelines are applied in the development design, and a Planning Agreement to provide monetary contributions and works in kind to support the development of the site.

The site has been identified in numerous strategic plans as a key gateway to the northern Central Coast.

The development of the site will see Tuggerah evolve as a more integrated centre, contributing to its desired future character as a sustainable and vibrant centre, and bringing increased activity, vibrancy and viability to the centre.

The Planning Proposal was considered by the Local Planning Panel on 23 June 2022 where independent advice on the proposal was received.

Just prior to the NSW State Election in March 2019 Scentre Group had proposed a $2.8 billion Tuggerah Town Centre development with a masterplan covering 70 hectares which then Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts supported.

The masterplan land included new community facilities, large green spaces and parklands, and the creation of active transport connections to an updated transport interchange at Tuggerah station.

Along with the addition of more entertainment, leisure and dining options at Westfield Tuggerah, the plan also includes residential, commercial office and coworking space, hotels and serviced apartments, senior and aged care living, health and education facilities.

Following the 2019 election the plan was shelved.

The expansion and revamp plans for The Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club that will see it create its own city in Doyalson, have taken the next step.

Central Coast Council at its May 24th meeting approved a planning proposal to rezone the site to allow for revamped RSL Club building, housing, childcare and medical facilities, hotel and extensive recreational facilities including a go-karting track and paintball.

Council’s Administrator Rik Hart said it was important to note that this was a planning proposal at this stage and not a development application (DA). “That planning proposal, now that it is signed off by the council, goes to the State Government,” he said.

A complete redevelopment of the 45 hectare site is on the cards and will see low density residential dwellings, seniors housing, medical facilities, childcare centre, service station, food outlets, and hotel accommodation.

The planning proposal seeks to change local planning controls to allow for the relocation and expansion of DoyalsonWyee RSL Club and gym.

The 45 hectares for the massive expansion The redeveloped of the 45 hectare site would be carried out in stages over the next 20 years.

The complete redevelopment, expected to create more than 900 jobs, will include around 140 low density houses, 220 seniors’ houses.

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Ideal for the Professional, Legal, Financial or Medical Specialist with sizes from 16m2 up to 95m2 suitable to Lease or Purchase.

Features include: • Flexible lease terms • Competitive rentals • Excellent parking • Air-conditioning, carpets, kitchenette • Balcony access for East Wing suites • Exposure of Complex to Tuggerah Straight

For further details contact Julie Davies on 0402 779 186 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

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PROPERT Y

Central Coast For Sale

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1/202-204 The Entrance Road, Erina

1,2,3/26-30 Railway St. Woy Woy

• Highway exposure • Fully fitted out • 262m2 with 7 car spaces • For Sale by EOI

• Medical Centre Investment • 677m2 • $273,000 Annual Rental plus GST • For Sale by EOI

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

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PROPERT Y NEWS

Unique Erina investment property sold prior to auction

Investor buys unit off-the-plan in The Key on Gavenlock

Brett and Garth Hunter from DiJones Commercial Central Coast have sold a unique commercial property at 375-385 Terrigal Drive, Erina opposite McDonalds at Erina Fair on behalf of Central Coast Christian Life Centre Ltd for $6 million just hours before auction.

The property, on a 6,043sqm corner site zoned E3/C3 comprises a café and large retail space of 405sqm, 3-bedInvestor buys Gosford retail on 6% pa return

An investor has paid $615,000 (GSST not applicable) for Shop 5, 119 Mann Street, Gosford.

The 100sqm retail space is currently leased to a nail salon for $38,218 per annum including Outgoings plus GST until December 2023 with renewal option.

Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Sydney developer buys Somersby industrial site A local developer who has developed two other industrial on the Coast in recent years has bought a 4,382sqm level block at 2 Pinnacle Close, Somersby.

A DA approval for 14 units applies to the property Price paid was $2.3 million plus GST Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

room manager’s residence, 3 semidetached townhouses plus 47 car parking spaces surrounded by manicured gardens.

Possible annual return on the property is $252,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. The vendor is a local investor who will be looking for new tenants to lease the space.

Investor buys Tuggerah unit An investor has paid $790,000 (GST not applicable) for Unit 1 of 360 sqm at 6 Morton Close, Tuggerah.

The commercial office unit is one of a 6-unit complex on the corner of Gavenlock Road and includes three dedicated car spaces.

The sale was negotiated by Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast.

Currently nearing completion, The Key on Gavenlock complex comprises 14 units in the first stage and 20 units in the second stage on a 6,717 sqm lot at 51-53 Gavenlock Road, Tuggerah.

With all but a few units remaining Unit 6 of 179sqm has sold to an investor for $599,650 plus GST or $3,350 per sqm.

The development is being marketed through Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast.

Wyong shop to be convenience store A Sydney buyer has acquired a 315sqm retail shop at 46 Pacific Highway, Wyong and will occupy it as a convenience store.

Price paid was $600,000 plus GST. Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the sale.

Local business buys Somersby unit off-the-plan

A local business has paid $1,580,000 plus GST for Unit 3 in a complex under construction at 43 Pile Road, Somersby The 566.7sqm unit comprises mezza-

nine office with carpet and air-conditioning. Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

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PROPERT Y NEWS

LEASINGS

Renovators Discount Depot leases at Erina

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3-year option at a rental of $96,888 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Energy company leases at Tuggerah Energy company EnergyVolt Pty Ltd has leased a 291 sqm unit in the new 12 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park complex.

Terms of lease for the 219 sqm unit are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $37,500 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Jaimy Vegter from DiJones Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease

Newcastle based retailer of bathroom, kitchen and laundry products, Renovators Discount Depot, have leased units 2 and 5 at 241 The Entrance Road, Erina.

Terms of lease for the 473sqm space are

Distributor leases Tuggerah factory/ warehouse A distributor has leased unit C at 7 Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah Business Park.

The unit comprising a total of 1,477sqm of workspace includes 877sqm clear span factory.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3-year option at a rental of $105,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ty Balance and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

EnergyVolt leases Tuggerah unit

Electrical company, EnergyVolt Pty Ltd has leased Unit 4 at 1 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park.

The 700sqm unit comprises 470sqm warehouse with additional 80sqm showroom and 150sqm air-conditioned office space.

Terms of lease are 5 years with 5-year option at a rental of $95,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

4 years with 4 year option at a rental of $89,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease

Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Global Skills leases Gosford office Employment services company, Global Skills, has leased suites 1 and 2, a 403sqm office space comprising 6 separate glass partitioned offices, open plan workspaces and eat-in kitchen at 15 Watt Street, Gosford.

Wyong retail food shop leased A Korean fried chicken operator has leased Shop 10, 14-16 Alison Road, Wyong in the historic Chapman Building.

Terms of lease for the 35sqm space are 4 years with 4 year option at a rental of $21,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. Josh Nercessian from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease.

Disability services company leases at The Entrance Disability services company, WISE Employment has leased a 69sqm shop at 64-66 The Entrance Road, The Entrance.

Terms of lease are 3 years with no options at a rental of $25,000 including Outgoings plus GST. Ben Purdue from LJ Hooker Commercial Terrigal negotiated the lease.

Restaurant leased at The Entrance A restaurateur has leased Shops 1 and 2 at 89-95 The Entrance Road, The Entrance to be operated as a Mexican restaurant.

Located at The Oaks Waterfront Resort both spaces have formerly operated as a restaurant and bar.

Shop 1 of 158sqm with access to hotel lobby comprises fully equipped bar area and seating area.

Shop 2of 491sqm comprises fully equipped kitchen and cool rooms, large dining area and additional bar/ café area at the front of the premises.

Terms of lease are8 years with 2 x 8 year options at a rental of $170,000 per

annum including Outgoings and GST. Rio Williams from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

CON T INUED ART ICLE S

$115 million for Coast – billions for Western Sydney NSW TREASURER MATT KEAN handed down his first Budget on 21st June and Western Sydney scored the lions’ share of the roads budget with over $1.5 billion the Central Coast was lucky to get $64.46 million.

By contrast with just one project for Western Sydney the Treasurer has allocated $60 million for a footpath between Sydney Opera House and Parramatta Park.

UON Campus for Gosford The University of Newcastle will receive $18.4 million toward a new Gosford Campus (see full story Page 5).

Social housing Social housing on the Central Coast is a blight on our society and yet this Treasurer could only find $660.000 for one new housing project for the region.

Commenting on the social housing crisis that the Treasurer has ignored Coast Shelter CEO, Michael Starr said, “ “ The shortfall of social and affordable housing on the Central Coast is at crisis point. We are seeing a spike in people accessing the basics of life just to get by, let alone being able to pay rising mortgages or rent. Residential vacancy rates across the Coast have hovered around 1% for over a year now, resulting in a chronic undersupply of affordable housing.

The peak body for Community Housing esti-

mates an extra 5,000 new social houses per annum need building over the next 10 years need to address shortfalls-this budget goes nowhere near this and has missed the opportunity to respond to demand for people on low to very low incomes. “ Roads In respect to roads $64.5 million has been allocated for planning and new construction. Of this $26.0 million has been allocated for the long drawn out road construction works at Lisarow.

In respect to funding to upgrade the Pacific Highway through Wyong Town Centre no specific mention has been made in this budget. However, in March this year the 2022-23 Federal Budget allocated $336 million to relieve congestion through the town in partnership with the State Government to contribute $84 million In contrast over $1.5 billion will be spent on road infrastructure in Western Sydney.

Infrastructure $7.3 million contribution towards water and sewerage infrastructure for the Warnervale Town Centre.

As one person who is familiar with the infrastructure needs of the Central Coast and in particular Warnervale / Wadalba area said, ‘this is a drop in the bucket.”

Consolidated LEP soon to be implemented The much anticipated Consolidated Central Coast Local Environmental Plan (CCLEP), the result of the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils in 2016, will soon be implemented, providing a consistent planning framework for the region and pathway towards a smoother process for development applications and assessment.

In making the announcement Central Coast Council said the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has indicated the CCLEP will be gazetted by the end of June, but some final adjustments are being made to ensure flood planning controls for development are consistent with those being applied across NSW. An LEP is the primary legal planning document for guiding land use and planning decisions made by Council.

Through zoning and development controls, the LEP allows Council to manage the way in which land is used to strategically plan for the region and shape and support our local communities.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said a consolidated CCLEP has been a key deliverable of the amalgamation of the former

Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils in May 2016.

“Once in effect, developments will be assessed against a single LEP and DCP, which will help to simplify the development process for applicants and also mean that Council staff can further streamline processes to promote greater efficiency for assessment of development applications,” Hart said.

“The Consolidated LEP provides the foundation to progress further improvements to the local planning framework.

“A consolidated DCP will come into effect concurrently with the consolidated LEP. “The next stage of updating the LEP will be the environmental lands review (also known as the deferred lands) which will be exhibited before the end of 2022.”

DPE has advised the LEP will be gazetted by June 30 and will have a one-month deferred commencement, meaning that it will come into force one month after gazettal.

This allows time for Council to switch its processes to the new LEP, as well as for applicants to familiarise themselves with the CCLEP.

Edgar Adam’s Editorial – Good news for Gosford CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

And more good news was that Central Coast Council had awarded professional stadium operators, VenuesLive the management rights for Central Coast Stadium in Gosford. Built in 2000 this valuable asset has never reached its potential and Council has had the good sense to realise that they don’t have the expertise to run such a facility.

NSW Budget an insult to the Central Coast With an election in mind it was obvious that the 2020 State Budget would be a Western Sydney Budget.

We have provided a review of how the Central Coast fared in the Budget on Page 19.

It certainly appears that the Perrottet Government, as with the Berejiklian Government, long ago decided that the Central Coast, being a Labor voting region, was not worth the effort.

A Minns Labor Government come March 2023 is looking quite attractive.

Edgar Adams Editor

North Officially Rated Under iCIRT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

“We are proud to be one of the very first commercial focused construction companies to be given a 4.0 Gold Star rating and listed on the iCIRT register,” said Matthew Cook, North Managing Director. “Trust is the foundation of our business and has long been a differentiator in this industry.

For property owners, buyers or anyone who works with or supplies to the construction sector, being able to access a register of trustworthy developers, builders, and others involved in the delivery of reliable, built assets is a game-changer for reducing risk in decision making.

This improved transparency is part of the NSW Government’s multi-pillar reform program to restore confidence in the building sector for consumers and the broader community.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

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BUSINESS TIPS

Romantic relationship and the workplace – when does consensual intimacy cross the line?

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

GOOD WORKPLACES AND teams are built on the foundations of strong relationships. At times those relationships can become complicated. This is particularly evident where romantic relationships exist or develop in the workplace or associated workplace environments.

In today’s modern workplaces, the abuse of power and inappropriate conduct are appropriately, no longer tolerated. However, the realities of modern workplaces and relationships raises many questions: • In what circumstances is initiating a romantic or sexual relationship possible in the modern workplace, and when is it likely to be crossing the line?

• Given how much time we spend at work, is the beginning of a relationship now confined to online apps, or can one hope to find romantic connection with a colleague or associate at work?

• Where is the line in the workplace between consensual flirtation and/or sexual harassment?

• Is it different when policies don’t expressly prohibit an employee from engaging in consensual intimate relations with other employees?

• In such circumstances, is an amorous employee liable to be terminated?

This fraught scenario of romance and intimacy in a workplace environment was recently scrutinised by the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC / the Commission). The case considered the situation where a Professor (Dr Morrison) engaged in consensual intimate contact of a sexual nature with a student of the Australian National University (the University) while on a University retreat. The distilled facts were that the professor and a student disrobed late at night and proceeded to skinny dip and engage in consensual intimate contact. The University later terminated Dr Morrison’s employment as a result of the incident due to it conflicting with his duties as an employee of the University and its relevant policies.

The original decision found the

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

Universities decision to terminate Dr Morrison for this conduct (although consensual) was disproportionate and harsh under s 387 of the Fair Work Act (FWA). That decision was appealed by the University. On appeal, the Full Bench came to the opposite view finding that this conduct warranted Dr Morrison’s dismissal as he was in breach of his duties under the Universities relevant policies.

In overturning the decision, the Commission considered whether, despite no express prohibition of intimate relations, Dr Morrison was in breach of his workplace polices and therefore his duties.

Additionally, while the consensual act was never in dispute, the question being examined by the Commission was whether the Universities relevant policies were applicable, whether Dr Morrison was in breach of any of these polices and, finally whether any policy breach justified his dismissal.

The Universities workplace policies outlined several duties which staff were obliged to follow concerning relationships within the workplace environment including with colleagues and students. These included: • A duty to declare a “close personal relationship” with a student if the staff member supervised or assessed them; • A requirement that the employee discharge their duties with care; • A requirement for employees not to improperly use their position to gain an advantage or cause detriment; • A requirement that employees avoid behaviour that may be reasonably perceived as emotionally threatening; and • That employees refrain from acting in a way that would unfairly harm the reputation or career prospects of other staff and students.

The Commission found that Dr Morrison’s employment contract obliged him to comply with the Universities relevant policies.

Therefore the only reasonable conclusion was that all his obligations as a senior academic with respect to a student applied, even if the duties of supervision had ended with the student.

On that basis, it was found that Dr Morrison was in breach of his duties under the Universities policies. Furthermore, this was found to be a valid reason for his dismissal under section 387 (a) of the Fair Work Act. An important take away from this case is noting that the consensual act was not expressly prohibited but rather it was how that act, combined with other breaches

including a failure to disclose the relationship, amounted to Dr Morrison’s actions being ‘incompatible’ with his duties as a professor within the workplace.

So, the answer is yes, consensual intimacy can be found to be a breach of workplace policy and a valid reason for dismissal. However, like many aspects of workplace relations, ‘it depends’. While the Commission wished to avoid adopting any overly censorious, puritanical or wowserish approach, it’s clear that care and diligence must be taken when engaging in consensual intimacy in any form of work capacity, on work grounds, or if you are employed in a position of trust and responsibility. It is also clear that these considerations extend beyond relationships between colleagues and have implications for employees pursuing relationships with people they are supplying a service to (in this example, education).

For employers, the best approach is to consider these complications in relation to your current policies and procedures. For employees, the best approach is to understand your role, obligations and employers workplace policies. Those workplace policies outline the manner and standard of behaviour that is expected in the workplace. Importantly, the absence of a specific workplace policy which allows or prohibits consensual intimacy (or anything for that matter) should not be interpreted as a green light.

Time to switch to Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been writing to employers to let them know that Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 is here. Employers that can switch but have not yet done so are urged to start reporting as soon as possible.

As of 14 June, there are over 144,000 employers reporting STP Phase 2 information for over 1.7 million individuals.

ATO Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig said that the 2019-20 budget expanded the data collected by the ATO through STP. This expansion of data collected is also known as STP Phase 2 and began on 1 January 2022.

“For employees, STP and STP2 mean that pay, tax,and super information is reported to us each time they are paid.

They can easily view their year-to-date tax and super information in ATO online services, or through their registered tax agent, whenever they want to check.

BUSINESS TIPS

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

Small business owners currently face government legislated (and industryled) wage and superannuation increases, increasing energy and supply costs, a tight labour market and increased pressure from the ATO. Where can a business owner – who employs Australians and supports the Australian economy – buy a bucket?

Labor government’s commitment to an increase in minimum wages of 5.2% that was announced on 15 June.

In addition, the super guarantee (SG) increase from 10% to 10.5% will occur on 1 July 2022. Wages have increased organically across many industries too, in particular construction, as a way to keep talent. This is a reflection of the tight labour market. The rising cost of energy is being felt by many business owners too. One-third of small businesses experienced energy hardship due to COVID, the Small Business Power Research Report from the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia found, and that has left one in five with an energy service debt leading business owners to resort to personal savings as a means of payment.Business owners are concerned about the ATO’s resumption of tax debt collection as well as meeting business finance and commercial rent obligations.

The issue: Small businesses are now scrambling to prepare to meet the

The smart approach: The simple starting point is to crunch

By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants

COVID relief is over for business owners, and now the struggle is real

the numbers harder than ever before.

Never has it been more important than to flex your accounting software and accounting team of professionals for full visibility of where every dollar related to your business travels.

A good accountant will look holistically at your business and consider where efficiencies can be made, income can be generated, projects can be planned, resources can be structured and, bottom lines can be saved. An accountant can look at your loans, your suppliers, your human resourcing, your technology, your sales and marketing, your tax and finance structure, your infrastructure, your business plan and personal finance goals and then outline where you can save and make money.

If you haven’t got a plan to meet the rising cost of running a business, or a picture of how these increases will impact your cash flow, you need one.

Join our complimentary business workshop on 3 August for more information and strategies.

Visit www.adviceco.com.au

WHY BUSINESS OWNERS ON THE CENTRAL COAST CHOOSE CCBR TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS

It’s simple. ✓ They can reach over 20,000 business readers every month. ✓ Most widely read and trusted business publication on the Central Coast. ✓ The repetition of your ad every month means readers will get to know you and remember you. ✓ Independent surveys show 94% of readers will use the CCBR for reference when looking for suppliers. ✓ The quality of the publication and the content means readers retain the CCBR for future reference.

Call Edgar Adams now on 0404 472 571 or Email: edgaradams@ccbusinessreview.com.au

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2022

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FUNNY BUSINESS

AN OLD MAN goes to confession. He tells the priest that on Friday night, he’d been in the bar when he met a young woman.

“Maybe 22,” he says. “A gorgeous blonde. I started lusting, Father.”

“Yes,” says the priest, “Lust is a dangerous sin.”

“There’s more,” says the man. “We went back to her place and made passionate love for hours.”

The priest pauses. “And how long has it been since your last confession?”

“I’ve never come. This is my first.”

“How is this your first confession?”

“I’m Jewish.”

“Then… why are you telling me all this?”

“Telling you? I’m telling everyone!”

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 couple of dog owners are arguing about whose pet is smarter.

“My dog is so smart,” says the first owner, “that every morning he waits for the paperboy to come around. He tips the kid and then brings the newspaper to me, along with my morning coffee.”

“I know,” says the second dog owner.

“How do you know?”

“My dog told me.”

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?”

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Thomas J Watson, Founder IBM

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