Gosford Central Community News
March 14, 2011
Your independent local newspaper
New depot to help deliver building program
Issue 005
Holstein cleared of allegations iberal candidate for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein has welcomed a Council report clearing him of allegations raised by Labor candidate Ms Katie Smith that he was using Council facilities to conduct his campaign for the state seat of Gosford.
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usgrid (formerly Energy Australia) has relocated its logistical headquarters to Somersby to help deliver one of Australia’s largest infrastructure programs.
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The new 22,000m2 warehouse and distribution centre will become the centre of the electrical supplier’s $8 billion network upgrade, including the holding station for major electrical equipment such as transformers and cables. Ausgrid’s managing director Mr George Maltabarow said the Central Coast was fast becoming an important cog in the company’s operations. “Our network administrative services
on the Central Coast are based at Tuggerah and we’re building a new superdepot at Ourimbah,” Mr Maltabarow said. “They are now joined by our central warehouse at Somersby that will become the key point to supply equipment needed for our $8 billion network upgrade.” Mr Maltabarow said Ausgrid already had 350 people stationed on the Central Coast helping to deliver $600 million of electrical upgrades and
70,000 maintenance tasks each year across the region. “We have now directly employed another 13 people from the Central Coast to help run this new warehouse,” he said. “It is a central point for our network operations, so its location, scale and technology will help drive even greater efficiency in delivering one of Australia’s largest infrastructure programs.” The site was previously used by Coles as a central
distribution facility, but has since undergone an $11 million fit out to allow the safe and efficient storage of electrical equipment. “It will accommodate an expected 64% increase in general materials and three times the number of cable deliveries required for our capital works program,” Mr Maltabarow said. “It will also mean a more secure, safer and better controlled facility.” Media Release, 3 Mar 2011 Allyn Hamonet, Ausgrid
Woy Woy Rd receives upgrade grant
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he NSW Government has provided $128,000 for the upgrade of Woy Woy Rd, Kariong, with completion expected by mid-March.
“These upgrades will provide a safer, smoother route for motorists”, said Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Katie Smith. “I look forward to the upgrades completion in
mid-march and an improved journey on Woy Woy road”, said Ms Smith. “I’d ask everyone persevere. I have experienced the congestion that has built up this week
first hand. “But can assume you that there will be a greatly improved journey on Woy Woy road once the project is finished,” she said. Ms Smith said she is
aware that there are other road works underway and has asked everyone to take care. “This is a difficult time but the end result will be worth it,” she said. Media Release, 4 Mar 2011 Katie Smith, Labor
Ms Smith sent a letter to the Gosford Council general manager Mr Peter Wilson stating that it had been brought to her attention by several members of the public that Cr Holstein may be using Council facilities to benefit his campaign. “Matters reported included holding meetings with relevant persons in the Mann St building and use of Council staff for campaign matters,” said Ms Smith. “I am now aware that he is holding meetings with members of the public to discuss campaign matters in Council run buildings. “It is not case where he is meeting with community groups operating out of the building as an invited speaker but he is actually running his campaign on these occasions,” said Ms Smith. Cr Holstein said the unfounded allegations concerned the use of the Over 50s facilities and a recent meeting with the shadow minister for arts Mr Anthony Roberts. “This just goes to show that this is nothing more than dirty politics from a candidate who represents a party that has nothing to say and nothing constructive to offer the people of Gosford,” Mr Holstein said. “Both matters were referred to Gosford City Council for a thorough investigation and the general manager Mr Peter Wilson has confirmed that absolutely no evidence of any misuse of Council facilities or staff could be
found,” Mr Holstein said. In a letter from Mr Wilson to Cr Holstein it was confirmed that there was no evidence Cr Holstein had used the facilities inappropriately. “Investigations were also undertaken into the allegation of Council staff assisting you in your campaign,” said Mr Wilson. “A number of staff were interviewed and there is no evidence to support this allegation,” he said. Cr Holstein has announced that he is now calling on Ms Smith for an immediate apology for the unfounded allegations and an apology to Gosford Council for “wasting their resources and time in a needless investigation”. “As the Premier has said sorry for the appalling performance of her Labor government for the past 16 years, the Labor candidate must also issue an apology. “Let’s get real, while the Labor candidate is wasting time on looking for any grubby issue to build her profile, I am focusing on the people of this electorate. “I am fighting to ensure Gosford gets the investment in critical services and infrastructure denied by this do nothing, deliver nothing Labor Government,” Mr Holstein said. Media Release, 17 Feb 2011 Chris Holstein, Liberal Peninsula News, 21 Feb 2011