Central Coast Business Review June 2023

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June 2023

Published monthly (except January)

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The Sawmill Erina development sold out

Frustrated developers head to Court Waterside Gosford site on the market Industrial land values taking off

Focus on town centres

Central Coast Mariners off to Grand Final as over 20,000 fans fill Stadium

THIS MONTH

TOUKLEY

Little progress over 30 years

Page 4 – Edgar Adams’ Editorial Council’s DA process stifling economy

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CON T EN TS

In this issue 4 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Council’s DA process stifling economy

5 Frustrated developers head to Court 6 Central Coast Mariners off to Grand Final as over 20,000 fans fill Stadium 7 Waterside Gosford on the market 8 Gosford RSL marks completion of main structural works 9 More talk as Council considers another Local Housing Strategy 10 NSW Government re-commits to supporting Calga Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary 10 5 questions business owners should ask their accountants 11 ‘Pathways to Manufacturing’ pilot launched 12 New life for Haven Beach Cafe and Kiosk

public holidays 14 Focus on Toukley – Opportunities a long time coming 15 Council approves 3-year funding for Academy of Sport 18 Toukley investment property sells at auction on 7.5% gross return

consolidates in Gosford 13 Industree Group announces new Brand Ambassador

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18 Industrial land values taking off 19 The Sawmill Erina development sold out 19 Avoca Beach Liquor store sells 22 Funny business

Regular features 11 Manufacturing news 12 Business Tips

12 Beda Chartered Accountants

CONTACT

13 An employee’s right not to work on

15 Central Coast Council news 17 Property News 22 Funny business

Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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 2023

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EDITORIAL

Edgar Adams discusses local issues

Council’s DA process stifling economy WE ALL ACCEPT that the 2016 forced merger of Gosford and Wyong Councils has been a disaster right from start.

The first phase in the amalgamation of Central Coast Council saw the Administrator back off from anything contentious leaving it to the elected council. So the whole organisation virtually went into limbo for eighteen months until we ended up with an elected council.

This council under Mayor Jane Smith, former CEO (part-time) of Community Environment Network, resulted in one of the most dysfunctional organisations ever to be foisted upon ratepayers and business anywhere.

It ended up mismanaged, over staffed and in colossal debt and something more sinister – an Environment and Planning Department with a dislike for property developers and anyone who wanted to build a factory or business on an industrial zoned site and employ people.

The banks woke up and in November 2020 forced the Government appointed Administrator, Dick Persson who appointed a CEO Rik Hart to get the finances and staffing, among other things, under control.

It worked and now this Council, under Administrator Rik Hart who took over from Dick Persson and CEO David Farmer, Council’s finances are in good shape.

One thing that hasn’t changed however is the workings of Council’s Environment and Planning Department.

(Putting the words Environment and Planning together to form a Department

of Environment and Planning has to be one of the more absurd oxymorons ever. However, it explains Council’s priorities when it comes to the growth of the region.)

While the hierarchy at Council has sat back and allowed a culture of delaying and denying legitimate Development Applications to thrive, exasperated property developers are now falling back on the only remedy they have – the Land and Environment Court.

It matters not that Council staff are tied up in Court hearings that finally result in them losing almost all cases. And the legal costs it seems are worth the effort of denying any form of development.

There are two issues here.

One is residential subdivisions and here at present Council is opposing around 3,000 lots that could and should be developed at once. Additionally, builders across the Coast who just want to build a house in established residential areas are finding that a simple Development Application will take 12 months or more to get approval.

Meanwhile, building costs are skyrocketing, builders are going broke and people are living rough because the housing supply has been stymied by people within council who see their job as denying any form of development.

This month CCBR focusses on the frustrations of developers who see no way out and are heading for the Land and Environment Court.

As the Court brings down its Decisions on

these cases CCBR will be highlighting the reasons behind each.

While housing is a critical issue there is also the issue of building on industrial zoned land and the absurd reasons behind refusals and delays.

The bottom line behind all of this is that Council has no concern for the damage it is doing to the regional economy.

Having fixed all the financial and staffing issues it is now time for this Council to remedy the economic damage and get on with the job of growing the Coast’s economy and creating jobs.

Meanwhile to throw people off the scent, Council has come up with a draft Local Housing Strategy (see Page 9) which they put out for public exhibition in January and in April held a ‘Consultation Session’ with key stakeholders to comment on.

In their media release they say: “Council recognises that it has an important role to play in addressing local housing issues, by ensuring that there is an adequate supply of land in appropriate locations through land use zoning, co-ordinating infrastructure delivery and managing development assessment processes efficiently.”

What hypocrisy!

Edgar Adams Editor

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Frustrated developers head to Court AS CENTRAL COAST Council continues to obstruct Central Coast property developers and builders in approving Development Applications frustrated developers are taking action in the Land and Environment Court.

Currently 15 cases have been listed for mention and another 8 are heading to court.

Apart from industrial land that is depriving Central Coast people of employment there is a huge backlog of residential subdivisions which council is deliberately holding back as well as simple building blocks throughout the Coast where local builders face delays of up to 12 months.

One case in point is the Wadalba East Landowners Group who have been put through the wringer by this council.

While NSW has a housing crisis with people being forced to sleep in their cars, on the Central Coast there are over 3,000 potential residential sites that could be approved immediately.

In the end most, if not all of these cases will be approved by the Land and Environment Court and Central Coast ratepayers will be footing a colossal legal bill.

Apart from health and other government employment the construction industry on the Central Coast is the largest employer with 13,307 people employed as at 30 June 2022. Also, the number of construction businesses totalled 6,364 making it by far and away the largest employment sector.

The building and construction industry on the Central Coast has always been the backbone of the regional economy.

The construction industry is underpinned

Somersby Industrial Estate. Established 1960s, note undeveloped land throughout the Estate by the region’s population growth that runs at around 1% per year and is currently estimated to be 358,113 and forecast to grow to 415,2036.

To achieve this requires investors and developers to create the conditions whereby land is brought to market for new homes to be built. However, investors and developers are now finding the risk of doing business on the Central Coast is greater than in other areas like Lake Macquarie, who are actively chasing investors and developers to areas like Morisset and Cameron Park.

Not just about new homes – also about jobs As serious as getting a DA through for a residential sub-division or a house or a swimming pool is there is also the issue of getting approvals on industrial (employment lands) zoned lots to build a factory.

One would expect that having bought an industrial zoned block they could expect to build a factory across the entire site.

Not so when it comes to having to deal with the Central Coast Council.

In nearly every case across the region environmental issues take preference over reality.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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BUSINESS NEWS

Central Coast Mariners off to Grand Final as over 20,000 fans fill Stadium Frustrated developers head to Court CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Packed out! Central Coast Mariners win Semi Final at Industree Group Stadium - Photo courtesy of Ayush Kumar Venues Live IT WAS A historic night for Central Coast Mariners as well as for Gosford with 20,052 fans filling the Industree Group Stadium in Gosford.

In an exciting game the Mariners swept to victory against Adelaide with a 2-0 score taking them to a Grand Final in two weeks time, the first time they have reached a Grand Final in 10 years.

It was also the first time the Stadium had been packed out for nearly 20 years.

Gosford town centre was full of fans and all venues that were open were packed.

Commenting on huge crowd Industree Group’s CEO, Jon Fleming said, “Industree Group’s decision to become naming rights partner of Industree Group Stadium was further vindicated on Saturday night.

Witnessing the Mariners win through to the 2022/23 A-League Grand Final in front of a record home crowd of 20,000+ on Saturday

evening was an epic moment for the local community, our customers and Industree Group team members who were there to support our team. Onwards and upwards for our Mariners!”

Bill Heague, General Manager of Mars Food Australia a long time major sponsor of the team, said, “MasterFoods is all about turning up the flavour and the mighty Mariners have truly brought that this season. For over a decade we’ve been proud partners with the club, and we like to think our inflatable MasterFoods Squeezy Sauce bottles as extra members of the team at each home game. We’re big believers in the great talent of the Central Coast community to deliver Australia’s best - a belief we share with the club. Our 300 Associates will be cheering on the Mariners to bring home the cup!”

The next event a the stadium will be Sunday 4th June with Roosters v Bulldogs.

As an example, in the old Gosford Council area the Somersby Industrial Estate, an industrial area zoned for industry in the 1960s, saw an environmental culture take hold with huge areas of industrial land being treated as quasi national park and quarantined, even though privately owned.

The so-called endangered Somersby Mint Bush and some Aboriginal rock carvings have been used to actually stop industrial land being used to build a factory.

Where this situation has occurred on larger lots the owners have been forced to establish protection zones fenced off and subject to annual council inspections.

Elsewhere, on smaller lots it is simply impractical to carry out the responsibilities and obligations council requires.

Since the amalgamation of the two Councils a culture of using the ‘environment’ to stop industrial buildings to be built has taken over the whole area.

With the opening of NorthConnex the number of Sydney businesses looking to relocate to the Central Coast has increased to the extent that developable land has increased from around $300 per sqm to $600 per sqm.

However, thanks to the intransigence of Central Coast Council this demand, while there are large tracts of industrial zoned land available, is ensuring that none is being built on and the opportunity to create jobs for Central Coast residents is being squandered.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Waterside Gosford site on the market NEW HONG KONG Macau Australian Pty Ltd owners of the 50-70 Mann Street, Gosford development site have placed the property on the market engaging agents JLL in conjunction with Highland Project Marketing to offer the property for sale via Expressions of Interest closing Wednesday 21 June 2023 at 4.00pm.

New Hong Kong Macau Australian Pty Ltd, owned by Chinese businessman and builder, Jian Wang acquired the property in 2015 and engaged East Gosford architects, CKDS Architecture to draw up plans for a landmark development overlooking Brisbane Water.

Earlier, in 2000 successful Sydney property developer, Spurbest Pty Ltd, bought the 8,456 sqm site with frontages to Mann Street, Baker Street and Georgiana Terrace from the Central Coast Leagues Club who had given up on plans to develop it themselves.

Spurbest owner Phillip Sulistio, a successful Sydney developer could see the opportunity in investing in Gosford and bringing life back into a very dead town centre.

The development would comprise a six tower mixed commercial and residential development, one of which would rise to 16 storeys. It would include 235 apartments, a hotel, cinemas and underground car park for 500 cars.

It was to be the start of the renewal of Gosford CBD but a recalcitrant Gosford Council along with a majority of Councillors, supported by an anti-development minority group ensured that it would never happen.

An exasperated and frustrated Mr Sulistio gave up and sold the property to Mr Wang.

Architects render of proposed Waterfront Gosford development Coincidentally Mr Wang acquired the property around the time that a new and progressive Gosford Council was elected.

Under Mr Wang’s instructions CKDS drew up new ambitious plans in accordance with the new Council’s bonus height allowance to encourage investors into Gosford.

The new project, to be known as Waterside, would comprise 500 residential units in 3 Towers: Mann Street Tower 33 floors, Baker Street Tower 31 floors and Georgiana Tower 25 floors. In addition there would be a 80-room hotel, 9,300 sqm of commercial, cinema and retail and food premises.

The old Brisbane Water County Council building will be refurbished for use as a cinema / performance space.

Gosford Council with new Mayor, Lawrie

McKinna and CEO Paul Anderson ast the helm promptly approved the project and there were celebrations all round.

Not long after the euphoria had died down however, Mr Wang discovered he could not get his money out of China. (A situation that also occurred at the same time following approval of the old Union Hotel site, now under construction by new developer ALAND).

To preserve the Development Approval the derelict buildings on the site were demolished and the community lived in hope that the new development would appear.

Eight years after buying the site Mr Wang’s company New Hong Kong Macau Australian Pty Ltd has finally put the property on the market.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Gosford RSL Redevelopment marks completion of main structural works THE GOSFORD RSL redevelopment project at West Gosford reached a milestone in early May with a traditional tree hoisting ceremony on site officially marking the completion of all major structural works.

The landmark building at the gateway to Gosford is now 65% complete and on track to open in early 2024.

Commenting on the progress of the project RSL Club CEO Russell Cooper said, “We are pleased to mark this significant milestone in the construction of the new Gosford RSL Club.”

The ultra-modern, 3-story venue is the culmination of a collaborative partnership between the Club, North Construction & Building, WMK Architecture, The APP Group and many more trade contractors and suppliers.

John Melvin, North Director of Construction Operations congratulated all involved including North employees and sub-contractors. “We can’t wait to experience the venue upon completion,” he said.

Once the new Club is operational with patrons enjoying the new spaces, North will demolish the existing Club and establish

John Melvin, North Director of Construction Operations addresses key stakeholders at May Topping Out Ceremony an additional 154 car parking spaces to accommodate the expected increase in patron numbers.

The existing RSL Club continues to remain operational throughout construction.

Mr Cooper said, “we are a community owned organisation and from the inception of this project we have been insistent on creating a venue that Gosford and the Central Coast can be proud of.

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CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS

More talk as Council considers another Local Housing Strategy SEVEN YEARS AFTER amalgamation Central Coast Council has decided that it would be appropriate to develop a Local Housing Strategy for the region undoubtedly bought on by the critical shortage of affordable housing in the region.

Having placed a draft Local Housing Strategy on public exhibition in January Council invited ‘key stakeholders’ in the region to attend a Consultation Session on 27th April prior to 3rd May when the opportunity to comment closed.

Stating the obvious in their invitation Council said, “The draft LHS explores the challenges associated with housing such as continuing rapid population growth, the shortage of low-cost rental accommodation and the lack of diversity within the existing housing stock and identifies a vision and key objectives to address these challenges.

Council recognises that it has an important role to play in addressing local housing issues, by ensuring that there is an adequate supply of land in appropriate locations through land use zoning, co-ordinating infrastructure delivery and managing development assessment processes efficiently.

Council also recognises that a coordinated approach across all levels of government and the private and for-purpose sectors is required to create diverse and sustainable housing outcomes on the Central Coast.

The draft LHS seeks to implement local actions identified through the Central Coast Regional Plan 2041, and has been developed

following extensive community and stakeholder consultation. This has included feedback received in 2022 through the Housing Strategy Discussion Paper and feedback received by Council during consultation on other relevant strategies and plans.

Subsequently the Consultation Session saw a mix of industry representatives, housing providers and residents put their views with the key feedback and discussion points including: 1. The strategy relies on outdated data – 2016. It was acknowledged and agreed that this needs to be reviewed and updated to use to 2021 Census data.

2. The housing providers in the room expressed that they are crying out for opportunities to joint venture with government at all levels to address the urgent crisis and social housing needs of the Coast, and they feel that more needs to be done.

3. The land supply to meet the targets in the Regional Plan is not there. There was discussion about the fact that shovel ready, fully serviced land is needed and was discussed, and that the Planning Delivery Unit (a part of the NSW Planning and Environment Department) will be reviewing infrastructure and making recommendations to try and get in front of this.

4. Continued delays with Council were flagged as an issue to meet the outcomes in the strategy.

Additionally, the Central Coast Chapter of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) submitted an extensive review of the issues facing the Council and the region in respect to housing and land development with 14 Recommendations that included: *Updating 2021 Census data used in the Strategy, *clearly align the Social Planning Districts with the District structure of the Central Coast Regional Plan (CCRP) 2041, *Commit to a further review of height and other bonus provisions, and DCP controls to facilitate the future vision of the CCRP with respect to density and diversity, *Add an Action to analyse land use within 800m of the Coast’s 11 train stations and key shopping centres, to identify how land might be better utilised for higher density consistent with CCRP, *Council’s actions should be squarely centred on delivering timely housing completions to meet dwelling targets by adopting an urgent approach to finalising plans and including an Action aimed at reducing assessment timeframes. * Reinstate the small lot housing provisions on R2 zoned land to facilitate density and diversity in accordance with the CCRP. *Add an action to conduct a review of caravan parks and manufactured home estates across the whole LGA and do more to support this form of development where warranted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS TIPS

NSW Government re-commits to supporting Calga Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

5 questions Business Owners should ask their Accountant

By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants

NSW Premier The Hon Chris Minns with Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong The Hon David Harris with Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch at Calga Wildlife Walkabout Sanctuary in early May NSW PREMIER CHRIS Minns has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to provide a grant that would support the Calga Wildlife Walkabout Sanctuary sanctuary’s work to rehabilitate rescued wildlife.

Wildlife habitat in the Central Coast sanctuary would be better protected with the fulfilment of the NSW Government’s $50,000 election commitment.

Support from the NSW Government would go towards additional fencing, work and equipment to better protect animals on the Sanctuary site and accelerate recovery of degraded areas.

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was established in 2000 by the late Barry Cohen, former Minister for the Environment in the Hawke Government and Member for Robertson. He subsequently sold to the Barnard Family in 2005.

It protects 170 acres of private natural land in Calga and is a natural fenced environment where Australian animals move freely and visitors can walk amongst the flora and fauna.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP said: “This is just the start of creating a sanctuary that will continue to provide education, conservation and protection of our native animals right here on the Central Coast.”

I spend approximately 10 days a year (or around 80 hours) on Professional courses, working with other accountants, asking them what there are doing in their practices to keep learning. It is important to listen to the market and to never stop the drive to improve. I have heard some accountants say that clients get worried about their fees, which can be a concern if there is no advice which adds to the client bottom line. Here are 5 questions you should be asking at a minimum to your accountant.

1. C an you provide me with a fixed fee for the work you’ll do for us?

Almost always, the clients who speak to their accountant several times a week have that arrangement in place. When the barrier of ‘what might this cost?’ is taken away, you are much more likely to call and talk with your accountant before you make an important decision. I also observe that, in many cases, clients who regularly communicate with their accountants tend to be the more successful business owners in the room.

2. What is my break-even point?

This refers to the level of sales required to fully cover general business overhead, and it is the point where you start to move into profit. Depending on your business, you might break this down to a monthly, weekly or daily breakeven point.

It is not as simple as it might seem, since some costs vary with sales volume, whereas others are fixed. Your accountant will be able to analyse your cost structure and let you know the level of sales required to break even.

3. What drives my revenue?

If you ever think (or if your accountant ever suggests to you) that you need to increase sales, do you know where to start? What are the key drivers of your revenue? In many businesses, revenue can be broken down to this formula: Number of Customers x Transaction Frequency x Average Transaction Value = Revenue CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

BUSINESS NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

It may or may not be this same formula for your particular business. Ask your accountant where you should focus. Your accountant might tell you to concentrate on one or more of the following areas: • Retaining existing customers • Generating new leads or enquiries • Converting leads to new customers (or new jobs) • Getting existing customers to buy from you more frequently • Analysing your pricing strategy • Looking at ways to sell more on every transaction There are a variety of strategies to look at. But to start, ask your accountant this: At my level of gross profit margin, if I increase my prices by 20 percent, how many of my customers could I afford to lose before I am any worse off? The number might surprise you — and help you with your pricing strategy.

4. Are my financial results good, bad or indifferent?

If you’re lucky, your accountant will take you through an analysis of your financial performance each year, pointing out key ratios such as gross profit percentage, days locked up in receivables and inventory, and others.

(If they are not doing that, then ask them to do so!) But the question to ask is: Is that good, bad or somewhere in the middle?

Who knows, for example, if a gross profit of 42 percent is where you should be? Ask your accountant what the trends are like: Is the number increasing or declining, or steady? And depending on the response, what is the accountant’s insight as to why that might be happening?

Equally as importantly, ask about benchmark data. Comparative data by industry is becoming more readily available. For example, in Australia the ATO provides key benchmarks on its website for a variety of industries.

5. What are your most successful clients doing?

Most accountants work with many business clients. Some are very successful; some are doing okay; others, of course, are struggling. So why not ask your accountant what their observations are on what their top 10 clients are doing to make them successful?

It is a great question to ask, and if you pick up just one idea you could implement to improve results, it is worthwhile.

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‘Pathways to Manufacturing’ pilot launched

Student participants at Kariong Mountains High with industry leaders from Chamberlain Group and Trendpac; Investment NSW (Julie Lockyer); Training Services and Department of Education representatives; and Skills Lab Late May saw the Modern Manufacturing Commissioner, Lisa Emerson, working with the Industry & Investment Partnerships team and Department of Education, launch the Pathways to Manufacturing initiative at Kariong Mountains High School on the Central Coast.

This pilot initiative will introduce high school students to advanced technologies that industry has identified as being essential and the skills needed to use them. Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) Frank Sammut said “it’s great to see our youth showing interest in manufacturing and taking part in this pilot. Delivering these

specific skill sets provides the direct alignment to the industry’s need and to do this as a micro credential provides the students a flexible pathway to employment”.

This program has been designed to encourage a steady pipeline of skills and talent into the NSW manufacturing industry. Pathways to Manufacturing is a continuation of the successful Driving Digital Skills Program and is an initiative being led by Investment NSW with the Department of Education. Partnering with CCIC, manufacturers participating in the initiative include Chamberlain Group, Sara Lee, Trendpac, Crossmuller and Elecbrakes.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

New life for Haven Beach Café and Kiosk

Beda Chartered Accountants consolidates in Gosford

Dan Kruze (right) with Beda Team

Andrew Smith and Scott Price at their Haven Beach fish and chip kiosk Yellowtail Restaurant chef and owner Scott Price has acquired The Haven Beach Café at the Haven boat ramp in Terrigal with plans to bring the iconic venue back to life.

Mr Price established Yellowtail Restaurant at Terrigal six years ago offering the Central Coast’s finest dining experience and bought in Andrew Smith as Restaurant Manager.

Since then Yellowtail has become one of the Central Coast’s favourite dining destinations founded on using the very best local produce, a top wine list, friendly staff, great service.

Now. with Yellowtail well established Mr Price and Mr Smith have acquired The Haven Beach Café from owner of 18 years Vesna Tindall with plans to bring it back to life.

Their first move has been to refurbish the fish and chip kiosk and create new menu offering sustainable fish and chips, burgers and coffee.

Since opening in April offering coffee, fresh juices from 6.30am Thursday to Sunday and premium fish and chips and burgers for lunch everyday the Kiosk has attracted a new and growing customer base looking for a new experience.

Meanwhile, the pair are working on reopening the restaurant with a 100-seat capacity, which is now undergoing a total refurbishment with a new kitchen that will see it reopen in time for the summer offering a Spanish menu with a beach vibe catering for a wider demographic with tapas small plates with a seafood focus.

Beda Chartered Accountants have consolidated the practice to an expanded office space at 40 Mann Street, Gosford and closed their Wyong office with all staff relocating to Gosford.

Beda had operated the branch office in Wyong as Berkmans Chartered Accountants since Anthony Berkman sold his long-established Chartered Accounting firm in July 2021 with Mr Berkman continuing as a Consultant.

Beda Managing Director Dan Kruze established the firm originally at Somersby buying out a small practice in 2016 subsequently moving to Gosford three years later.

Commenting on the move Mr Kruze said, “We had a wealth of knowledge and experience in both offices so bringing the team together to the one place will help us combine this knowledge so we can provide a better service. The whole team is excited about working together in the new office and watching the revitalization of Gosford around us.”

More talk as Council considers another Local Housing Strategy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

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SMSF Lending Term Deposits and more!

*Work with UDIA to understand demand for seniors housing and downsizers and identify incentives for delivery. *Improve the feasibility analysis report by including the Gosford CBD, sites along the Southern Growth Corridor and Peninsula; and ensuring the analysis for The Entrance and Long Jetty considers the existing traffic limitations and cost implications of addressing them. *Add an Action to analyse land use within 800m of the Coast’s 11 train stations and key shopping centres, to identify how land might be better utilised for higher density consistent with CCRP. *Consider higher density growth opportunities in other areas such as Erina Valley, West Gosford and Bateau Bay.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Industree Group announces new Brand Ambassador

Molly Picklum with Industree Group CEO Jon Fleming With their commitment to “always getting better”, local business, Industree Group has recently partnered with local surfing sensation, Molly Picklum. and to have her on board as their new Brand Ambassador.

Currently ranked No. 3 in the world, Ms Picklum is a 20-year-old surfing prodigy from Shelly Beach, an elite athlete devoted to being the best surfer in the world.

Facing enormous eight-foot waves, Molly won the prestigious Hurley Pro Sunset Beach event in Hawaii in February 2023, her first WSL Championship Tour win.

Molly also became women’s world No. 1 following the victory. On the Australian 3H 180x100 Mar23 Final V2.pdf

1

leg of the WSL Championship tour, wearing the yellow leader’s jersey, Molly placed runner-up to defending champion Tyler Wright at the Rip Curl Pro event at Bells Beach and finished in the Quarter Finals at the Margaret River Pro. The next leg of the 2023 WSL Championship Tour is a big one for Molly being the Surf Ranch Pro in California, a two-day wave pool event held on 27-28 May. Molly’s professionalism, passion and resilience is setting a new standard in the sport, while her down-to-earth and humble nature, makes Molly a fan favourite on the surfing circuit. The teenage surf prodigy’s trophy cabinet is filling up rapidly, despite her career having only just begun.

Commenting on Ms Picklum’s appointment as Brand Ambassador, Industree Group CEO, Mr Jon Fleming, said, “As an Australian owned and operated, designer and manufacturer of premium Personal Protective Equipment who are dedicated to supporting the local community, Industree Group are thrilled to have the talented surfer onboard as their Brand Ambassador.”

“It is Molly’s strong sense of community and passion for the environment that makes this a natural partnership for Industree Group.”

Industree Group is also a naming rights sponsor of the Central Coast Stadium, now known as Industree Group Stadium, demonstrating their strong ongoing commitment to supporting local sport and the community.

28/3/2023

4:05 pm

BUSINESS TIPS

An employee’s right not to work on public holidays

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers IT CAN BE very difficult for businesses, especially those operating 24 hours 7 days a week, to ensure their workforce is properly resourced throughout the year. Public holidays can present a real issue. Employees often expect to spend public holidays with their family and friends and perhaps have a long weekend away, but despite this, businesses need to continue operating, CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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14

FOCUS ON TOUKLEY

Toukley – Little progress over 30 years LOCATED ON THE northern gateway to the Central Coast, Toukley including Canton Beach, Norah Head and Noraville, is sandwiched between Lake Budgewoi and Tuggerah Lake and the ocean with a total population of 9,909 at the time of the 2021 Census.

With a population of 4,557 the predominant age group in Toukley is 60-69 years while the age group in Canton Beach with a population of 1,202 is 70-79 years.

At Noraville with a population of 3,001 the age group is 50-59 years with households being mostly couples with children.

Similarly Norah Head with a population of 1,149 comprises the same demographic.

Across the area the median weekly personal income is $668 indicating that the majority of the population receives welfare support. This is consistent with the fact that of the total population of 9,909 on Census night only 2,706 reported that they were in work.

One of the oldest settled areas of the Central Coast, Toukley once a busy shopping centre, has seen little progress over the past thirty years. However, there are few business and commercial vacancies across the area where the largest grouping of businesses comprise medical and health services plus NDIS providers.

One business operator who has had a business in Toukley for almost 30 years commented that the place has not changed in that time. “We have seen endless reports out of Wyong Council and Central Coast Council but nothing ever comes from them,” he said. “Central Coast Council in mid 2019 came up with concept designs for the Toukley Village Green but that seems to have died a natural death,” he said.

Toukley town centre – Photo courtesy of Ideal Photography In recent years a growing number of food businesses have sprung up and all appear to be doing well. One business, Blue J’s Café in Canton Beach Road, opens 7 days and has been in operation for the past ten years with the owner telling CCBR that they are always busy and more so at weekends with an influx of visitors passing through.

Known as The Ary Toukley the Toukley RSL Club has been at the centre of the Toukley community since established in 1948 and today is the largest employer in the area Tourism Traditionally a holiday area Central Coast Council owns and operates two caravan parks one at Canton Beach and the other at Norah Head. Two privately owned parks are located on Beach Parade, Toukley where CCBR understands, the owners would like to redevelop however have been frustrated by council over many years.

Norah Head with a population of 1,149 is a hopping off spot for beach goers and

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surfers where Soldiers Beach is one of the most popular in the region. Cabbage Tree Harbour is one of the few places on the Central Coast with a boat ramps suitable for deep sea fishing boats and a permanently manned marine rescue base.

Norah Head Lighthouse, while fully functional as a coastal navigation aid, has been repurposed to offer unique accommodation along with lighthouse tours.

Property prices The main road into Toukley offers blocks with lake frontages on either side and for many years has been seen as having possibilities for redevelopment.

Median property values reported by Corelogic for the past 12 months: Houses Units Toukley $732,200 $519,980 Canton Beach $754,805 $548,490 Noraville $758,328 $517,187 Norah Head $963,609 na

CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS

Council approves 3-year funding for Academy of Sport IN WHAT HAS been explained as an investment in local sport Central Coast Council have confirmed funding over the next three years with the Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS).

The funds will be used for regional talent identification across the Central Coast before placing those recognised young athletes into quality pre-elite programs. It gives prospective future champions the chance to develop and train at home connecting these young people with quality coaching and high performance support resources without the necessity of moving to metro areas.

The funding comes ten years out from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and confirms the NSW RAS network as a breeding ground for our country’s Olympic Champions. Considered by some as one of the most successful junior sporting talent programs, the Regional Academy of Sport (RAS) network can boast that 59 past athletes have gone on to represent their country in the past two Olympic Games, those being Tokyo and Rio De Janeiro. Further to that impressive statistic, those past Academy Alumni went on to win 31% of our nation’s medal haul at those two events.

Chief Executive Officer of the CCAS, Mr. Brett O’Farrell said “We know the average Olympian that competes is aged between 24 and 26 years of age, looking forward to Brisbane 2032, and knowing that our athlete cohort is primarily aged 14 to 16, it simply makes sense to invest in the young sporting generation in regional NSW right now.”

Other benefits of the funding will be used in partnerships with State Sporting

Georgie Clune (Golf) and Ryan Vesper (Triathlon) pictured with the CCAS Netball squad at the 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games Organisations and will allow for important research projects and coach development programs across the state. There will also be inclusive talent Identification programs concentrating in under-represented groups in regional NSW. These specifically designed talent ID days focusing on finding more participants to the high performance pathway from Aboriginal backgrounds, multi-cultural communities, disabled and dis-advantaged families in regional NSW and at the same time build on the capacity for regional youth leadership.

O’Farrell continued, “Not only is the Academy of Sport system within NSW proud of the number of quality athletes it produces, but our investment in develop-

ing young people is probably our highest priority. We believe we are playing a strong part in creating job ready, mentally resilient people. Our aim to support the future generations to lead a healthy lifestyle that ultimately shapes our country.”

The CCAS has supported over 4 400 athletes since it’s inception 19 years ago. In 2022, the CCAS contributed $2.34 million to the local Central Coast economy, and invested in 100 coaches and volunteers who contributed to over 5,500 volunteer hours across 14 talent programs with 231 athletes in programs. The 2023 plans will see further growth in our athlete and program numbers due to this essential support supplied by the Central Coast Council.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2023

15

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BUSINESS TIPS

An employee’s right not to work on public holidays CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

and require adequate staffing to do so.

So, what powers do employers have to require their employees to attend work on public holidays?

In March 2023 the Federal Court confirmed that if an employer wants an employee to work on a public holiday, the employer must specifically request the employee to work on that day and must give the employee the opportunity to accept or refuse the request.

In that case, a group of employees worked a roster of 7 days on and 7 days off. This particular year, the employees’ 7 day roster period included the Christmas and Boxing Day public holidays. The employer told the employees they were required to work on those days, unless a leave form had been submitted and approved.

Consequently, the employer received an influx of leave requests for the Christmas period. As the business required a certain number of staff to be at work 24 hours a day in order to operate, the employer approved a random selection of employees’ leave requests and told the remaining employees they had to work the public holidays. The court found that the employer did not give those employees a choice to work the public holiday, rather it required them to.

A request, not a command Employers can ask employees to work public holidays in various ways, including: • publishing a draft public holiday roster (well in advance of the public holidays) and making it clear to employees who have been assigned to work on public holidays that they can accept or reject the roster, • putting out a call for volunteers to work particular public holiday shifts, • an employee “opt-in” request for particular public holidays.

Employers cannot require or demand that employees work on a public holiday, even if the public holiday falls within an employee’s usual roster or set work hours, or the employee will receive penalty rates or overtime for working the public holiday.

Reasonableness An employer’s request for an employee to work on a public holiday must be ‘reasonable’ in the circumstances i.e., their business operations require it, they have given the employee enough notice in advance of the public holiday, or they are offering to pay the employee penalty rates or overtime to work the public holiday. The employee’s employment status i.e., casual or full-

time, must also be considered.

On the Other hand, an employee’s refusal to work a public holiday must also be reasonable i.e., because of personal circumstances such as family responsibilities, the employer did not give enough notice in advance of the public holiday, or they are not receiving penalty rates or overtime to work the public holiday.

Conclusion Employers should review their employment agreements to ensure that any provision dealing with public holidays does not specify that employees are, or may be, required to work on public holidays. Employers can face fines up to $16,500 for an individual and $82,500 for a corporation if they are found to have required an employee to work a public holiday without first asking them, and then receiving their response.

We recommend that professional advice be sought to ensure your employment agreements and public holiday rostering practices are appropriate.

Please contact Hicksons’ Partner, Warwick Ryan, at warwick.ryan@hicksons.com.au should you need any assistance or guidance.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2023

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PROPERT Y NEWS

Industrial land values taking off THE NSW VALUER General’s Report on NSW land values at 1 July 2022 reveal that land value increases on the Central Coast have taken off as supply fails to meet demand with the highest increase being in industrial zoned land.

While land value movements tended to flatline in 2019/20 values took off in 2020/21 and continued into 2021/22.

The one anomaly is that of residential values which showed an increase of 3.6% in 2019/20 and then jumped 45.4% the following year and then eased back to 15.6% in 2021/22.

Change in land values 2020/21 – 2021/22 Property zone

% change 2020/21

% change 2021/22

Industrial

23.0%

46.1%

Commercial

34.7%

24.7%

Residential

45.4%

15.6%

Rural

29.7%

22.2%

Other

34.8%

20.4%

Industrial On the Central Coast Industrial land values flatlined in 2019/20 and then took off in the following two years.

Increases over the past four years were: 2021/22 +46.1% 2020/21 +23.0% 2019/20 +02.4% 2018/19 +19.1% The Valuer General’s report says: while the largest increases were in Sydney South West region at 70.9% followed by Sydney Central West region at 61.1% due to continued limited supply and very strong demand from the logistics and e-commerce sectors.

The strength in the Sydney market is having a flow on effect to the Central Coast where agents are reporting significant enquiry that they are unable to meet and this is particularly so since the opening of NorthConnex in October 2020.

An example of industrial value increases across the region were: Address

Zone

Area

is particularly so in respect to Gosford where the number of commercial developments now under construction will create a new demand.

An example of commercial value increases across the region were: Address

Zone

Area

% inc 2021/22

Webb St. East Gosford

B2

759 sqm

22.6%

The Entrance Rd. Erina

B5

2,134 sqm

23.3%

Parsons Rd. Lisarow

B2

2,565 sqm

20.0%

Anzac Rd. Tuggerah

B6

1,177 sqm

43.6%

Pioneer Rd. Tuggerah BP

B7

5,828 sqm

53.9%

Amsterdam Cct. Wyong

B6

2,358 sqm

54.6%

Terrigal Esp. Terrigal

B2

234sqm

16.9%

Oscar St. Umina Beach

B2

455 sqm

14.4%

The Entrance Rd. Long Jetty

B6

842 sqm

20.4%

Residential Residential values on the Central Coast increased by 15.6% however this increase needs to be view by increases in recent years: 2021/22 15.6% 2020/21 45.4% 2019/20 3.6% 2018/19 -6.9% The Valuer General says: There was an overall strong increase in residential land values in the Central Coast local government area between July 2021 and July 2022.

Englobo residential land (future development land) showed some of the highest growth for residential land on the Central Coast during 2022 which resulted in a very strong increase. The drivers for this particular type of property are considered to be a chronic shortage of new residential land coming to market.

An example of residential value increases across the region were: Address

Zone

Area

% inc 2021/22

Avoca Dr. Avoca Beach

R2

923 sqm

29.6%

Keats Ave. Bateau Bay

R2

695 sqm

7.6%

% inc 2021/22

Cedar Cres. Blackwall

R2

904 sqm

22.8%

Ocean Pd. Blue Bay

R1

816 sqm

17.5%

Corella Cl. Berkeley Vale

IN1

3,258 sqm

44.5%

Tooheys Rd. Bushells Ridge

IN1

23.19 Ha

19.9%

Laelana Ave. Budgewoi

R2

556 sqm

22.0%

Del Monte Pd. Copacabana

R2

607 sqm

34.9%

O’Hart Cl. Charmhaven

IN1

3,033 sqm

39.7%

Cochrone St. Kincumber

IN1

3,275 sqm

19.9%

Dalnott Rd. Gorokan

R2

531 sqm

90.2%

Kuch Pl. Kariong

R2

645 sqm

11.2%

Railway Cr. Lisarow

IN1

7,354 sqm

60.3%

Palm Tree Rd. Wyong

IN1

3,011 sqm

54.6%

Wakool Cr. Woongarrah

R2

501 sqm

18.8%

Jensen Rd. Wadalba

R2

4,244 sqm

44.5%

Burnet Rd. Warnervale

IN1

6,007 sqm

43.8%

Pile Rd. Somersby

IN1

4,170 sqm

86.6%

Marstan Cl. West Gosford

IN1

1,966 sqm

32.5%

Commercial On the Central Coast commercial land values increased by 24.7% in 2021/22 having increased by 34.7% in 2020/21 The Valuer General says: All regions across NSW experienced increases in commercial land values primarily driven by consumer confidence returning to commercial markets and a resurgence in development activity following subdued conditions due to the pandemic.

Commenting on the increase in the Hunter region compared with the Central Coast one agent said that this would be due to the large number of commercial developments coming onto the market in Newcastle in particular. Conversely, on the Central Coast there has been no major commercial developments come onto the market for a long time. This CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2023

Rural The Valuer General’s Report says: There was a strong increase in rural land values in the Central Coast local government area between July 2021 and July 2022. This growth level was broadly consistent across all rural zones and locations.

The drivers in this property class are similar to other residential market segments, however these properties have a lifestyle element which is sought after. These properties continue to be sought after in 2022, however aligning more with the broader residential trend across the Central Coast.

Valuation increases over the past four years were: 2021/22 22.2% 2020/21 29.7% 2019/20 2.5% 2018/19 6.9%

PROPERT Y NEWS

The Sawmill Erina development sold out Avoca Beach Liquor store sells

The Sawmill Erina. Front left vacant lot site for Six String Brewery DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL and commercial units across the Central Coast remains strong evidenced by the success of the recently completed first three stages of The Sawmill development on the corner of Central Coast Highway and Avoca Drive, Erina.

A joint venture between property developer Stevens Group and Miles Property Pty Ltd, owners of The Sawmill site saw sales off the plan for 58 units in the Stage 2 of the development all sold well in advance of completion. Stage 1 being a BP Service Station at the front of the site.

Units ranged in size from 28sqm up to 155sqm selling agent Brett Hunter from DiJones Commercial reporting that units commenced selling at $3,900 per sqm and ended will over $5,000 per sqm.

“Already we have had resales above $6,000 per sqm setting a new benchmark for industrial on the Central Coast,” Mr Hunter said.

Buyers ranged from investors to builders, electricians, security and air conditioning businesses as well as gyms and, at the smaller end, lifestyle buyers for personal use.

At the front of the site Stevens Group secured BP for a service station which Stevens Group CEO Brett Harrod said is the only inbound service station between Erina and West Gosford The next stage to be built will be a 4-level Self Storage project with 300 storage units with construction to start in September this year.

Meanwhile, Mr Harrod said that Stevens are working on two projects to be located

on the corner. The first will be an emergency medical centre that will be operated by a group of local doctors and the second will be a new brewery for Six String Brewery that will comprise brewery and restaurant large enough to include entertainment.

For the joint venture partners getting approvals from Council and Roads and Maritime Services took seven years highlighting the risks developers face when contemplating an investment.

A bottle shop and liquor store at Shop 6, 179 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach has sold for $1,425,000 (GST not applicable) to an investor.

The property comprises 151 sqm off road retail space located in small complex with parking.

Leased to BWS liquor store chain owned by Endeavour Group on a 5 year lease from February 2021 with 2 x 5 year options at a current rental of $93,944.71 with annual CPI increases or 4% whichever is the lesser.

The property was last traded in 2006 and was on the market for 29 days.

Ty Blanch and Rio Williams from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale and commented that they had received over 50 enquiries.

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For Sale

For Lease

6/3 O’Hart Close, Charmhaven

1 Tourmaline Avenue, Pearl Beach

• A quality industrial unit within a busy complex • Approx. 319m2 combined floor area + 100m2 of yard area • E4 General Industrial (formerly IN2 Light industrial) • 5 allocated car spaces

• Iconic fine dining restaurant for over 2 decades • Located on the foreshore of Pearl Beach • Amazing opportunity for a first class restaurateur/operator • Available now

Mark Davies 0422 442 858

Michael Hanson 0420 307 216 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2023

19

20

PROPERT Y NEWS

SALES

Toukley investment property sells at auction

The property is leased to retailer Beachin Surf who has occupied it for 26 years at a current rental of $93,764.90 Gross plus GST. It was sold with a new 5 x 5 year lease that commenced December 2022.

Investor buys Lisarow factory with government tenant in place

Rio Williams from L J Hooker Commercial Central Coast reports that the property at 262 Main Road, Toukley that they took to auction in early May sold for $1,241,000 (GST not applicable) giving the buyer a gross return of 7.5% per annum.

The property on the corner of Main Road and Summerside Street comprises 449 sqm or ground floor retail space along with an additional upper level space for storage or office use.

It sold at auction after a 4 week campaign that saw five registered bidders two of which were online, to a Sydney buyer.

A Sydney investor has paid $8.5 million (GST not applicable) for a 4,905 sqm factory / warehouse building on a 1.11 hectare site on the corner of Sunny Bank Road and Sylvania Way, Lisarow.

The property was sold by Ben Curran from Colliers Newcastle with lease in place

Anthony Scarcella Focus Marketing Area Specialist Gosford, Erina & Kincumber

Suite 401/1 Bryant Drive, TUGGERAH NSW 2259 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2023

to the Australian Electorate Commission at a rental of $637,00 per annum plus Outgoings and GST for a term of 3 years with no option.

Aged care support operator buys large space in Tuggerah Business Park

A locally owned aged care support operator has paid $1,850,000 plus GST for a 702 sqm warehouse space at 1 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park.

The unit comprises showroom, mezzanine office, high clearance warehouse space and 2 large roller doors at the rear.

Brad Rogers and Mark Davies from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Begin with the No. 1 TOP OFFICE INTERNATIONALLY NUMBER OF SALES 2021 – 2022

Central Coast (02) 4353 7700

87 Mann Street, GOSFORD NSW 2250

PROPERT Y NEWS

Fruit and vegetable wholesaler buys West Gosford industrial

Fruit and vegetable wholesaler, The Fruit Spot, has purchased two vacant strata titled industrial warehouse units with cool room facilities at 23 Jusfrute Drive, West Gosford paying $1,060,000 plus GST. The property comprises units 2 and 3 of 400sqm plus 107sqm mezzanine offices and Car parking spaces previously operated as a food distribution business.

The sale was negotiated by Rick O’Toole from DiJones Commercial Central Coast.

Sydney developer buys rare undeveloped block in Wyong Town Centre A Sydney developer has beaten five other registered bidders to buy a vacant development site owned by Central Coast Council in the centre of Wyong.

Sold at auction in early May after a twomonth campaign with the original date being cancelled, the 854 sqm property sold above the reserve price for $580,000.

Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast took the property which is five minutes walk to Wyong Railway Station to auction on behalf of Central Coast Council.

Local investor buys Somersby industrial unit A local investor has paid $500,000 (GST not applicable) for Unit 1 / 37-39 Somersby Falls Road, Somersby.

The113 sqm unit is part of a 14 unit complex built in 2021 and originally sold off the plan for $260,000.

Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Development site at Warnervale sold with DA The last industrial development site in the Warnervale Industrial Estate has sold to a owner occupier buyer .

Comprising an area of 10,900sqm the property has a current Development Approval for a 5,000sqm warehouse building with 2 years remaining on the consent. the property sold for $3,750,000 plus GST. Last traded in 2018 for $1,650,00 it was on the market for 6f5 days.

Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale Tenant buys Tuggerah unit The tenant at Unit 4/16 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park has purchased the property paying $530,000 (GST not applicable).

The 144 sqm unit is part of a 10 unit complex constructed in 2020.

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

LEASINGS Food business takes short lease at West Gosford

A local food business, Authentic Flavour Co, has signed a 1 year lease with 1 year option on a 48 sqm retail space at 37 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford.

Rental is $16,500 per annum including Outgoings plus GST. Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Manufacturer leases warehouse space at Tuggerah Business Park A local manufacturer has leased Warehouse C at 2 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park, a 1,081 sqm space.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 2 year option at a rental of $120,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. Mark Davies from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Geoff Tilden from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

NDIS company leases ground floor office in centre of Gosford

Wholesaler leases Wyong unit

Amazing Procare Pty Ltd, a NDIS provider, has leased a 173 sqm ground floor office space at 166 Mann Street, Gosford.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $56,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST. A local wholesaler of specialty parts has purchased Unit 7, 20 Donaldson Street, Wyong paying $765,000 plus GST. The unit 247 sqm unit with mezzanine floor area includes air-conditioned office and high clearance warehouse, kitchenette and amenities with 2 large

roller doors. Completed in 2021 and known as The Grove the complex comprises 13 units with Unit 7 being at the front.

Mark Davies from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2023

21

22

FUNNY BUSINESS

A PRISONER COMPLAINS to the guard as he first arrives at prison. “Even the judge knows I’m being imprisoned for a crime I never committed!”

Guard: “What are you in for?” Prisoner: “Attempted murder.”

An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%.

He went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, “Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.”

“Oh, I haven’t told my family yet,” he said.

I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I’ve changed my will three times!”

Police officer: “I pulled you up just 15 minutes ago and told you your car is too heavily overloaded. And now I find you still driving without reducing the load.

I’m going to have to take away your driver’s license.”

Driver: “You’re kidding me, right? The license can only weigh 20 grams tops!”

My girlfriend said, “You act like a detective too much. I want to split up.”

“Good idea,” I replied. “We can cover more ground that way.”

Boss: “Why is it that I always catch you goofing off?”

Employee: “That’s easy! It’s because you walk so quietly.”

Husband: “Soon we will be married for 10 years. I will get you a nice new car for our anniversary.”

Wife: “Oh darling. Nothing would please me more!”

And so the husband got her nothing for the anniversary.

A man goes to a lawyer: “What is your fee?” Lawyer says: “$1,000 for three questions.” Man: “Wow - so much! Isn’t that a bit expensive?”

Lawyer: “Yes, what is your third question?”

An ant, a spider and a centipede are throwing a party.

The ant realises that they are running low on beer so he offers to head out to buy some more beers.

The centipede says, “No, let me do it.

You’d take too long. I have a lot more legs than you - I can do it faster!”

The bugs agree. 10 minutes pass... then 20 minutes, then 30, then more. The spider asks, “What’s taking him so long?” The ant decides to head out to investigate.

He opens the front door and sees the centipede outside. The ant asks, “Hey man, what’s taking you so long?” The centipede replies, “I’m still putting on my shoes.”

I was at the airport today and saw a man collapse on the luggage carousel. He slowly came around.

What’s it called when you keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results? Voting.

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I’m driving with this guy, and he runs right through a stop sign.

So I say, “Hey, that was a stop sign.” And he says, “I drive like my brother!” A few blocks later, he plows right through a red light. I say, “You just ran a red light.” And he says, “I drive like my brother!” So now we’re coming up on a green light, and he slows down. I’m confused, so I say, “It’s green; why are you slowing down?”

He says, “My brother might be coming.”

During a lesson about adjectives, my friend, an elementary school teacher, asked her class to describe their mothers.

One boy described his mother’s hair as auburn.

Impressed by his sophisticated word choice, my friend asked, “How do you know her hair colour is auburn?” Her student replied, “Because that’s what it says on the box.”

“Has your son decided what he wants to be when he grows up?” I asked my friend.

“He wants to be a garbageman,” he replied.

“That’s an unusual ambition to have at such a young age.” “Not really. He thinks that garbagemen work only on Tuesdays.”

Quote of the month “Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel.”

Anonymous

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