Gosford Central Community News
April 11, 2011
Your independent local newspaper
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Ph: 4325 7369
Issue 006
Council considers merger n a Mayoral Minute in its meeting held on Tuesday April 5, Gosford Council resolved to investigate the possible amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils.
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The West Gosford intersection
Concerns over West Gosford intersection he Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has raised concerns over the fate of the West Gosford intersection reconstruction as a result of the new Liberal-National State Government.
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Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the Peninsula business community is concerned that the current approval and funding of the signalised intersection at the Central Coast Highway-Brisbane Water Drive intersection may be scrapped, but newly elected member for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein said he is looking for the best option for the long term at the best value. “I’ve been fighting for it for 14 years and I now see my responsibility and my job to make sure that it happens,” said Cr Holstein. “This project, be it the current proposal or an upgraded proposal, still has to go through the NSW infrastructure program as outlined by Barry O’Farrell, because of the cost of the project,” said Cr Holstein.
“But the previous government has allocated no funds for the project and we are advised by the RTA through Council not a month ago, that it didn’t matter what happened at the election, there’s still another two years before work can commence. “I am not satisfied with that answer and will be seeking to give it the highest priority,” said Cr Holstein. “One of the things we will be doing is seeking to ensure whether reconsideration can be given to ensure an ultimate solution can be given to the intersection.” Mr Wales said it is extremely important that the new State Government give certainty to the intersection construction. “The business community on the Peninsula cannot afford further delays, especially after the
exhaustive consultation process already undertaken by the RTA”, said Mr Wales. The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is concerned that the incoming Government will revisit the flyover option which had previously been discounted by the RTA. “The approved signalised intersection design will cost around $100 million to build and take two and a half years, whereas the flyover option will blow the cost out to $280 million and take up to four years”, said Mr Wales. “The flyover would also eliminate the north bound right turn into the West Gosford RSL, Office Works and Spotlight creating severe impacts on those businesses which depend on easy access. “It would also disrupt the intersection hierarchy from
West Gosford right through to East Gosford and simply transfer traffic congestion further down the highway into the Gosford CBD. “Investigating the flyover option would also delay the project another 18 months and reach the same conclusion that the RTA has already reached, it’s too expensive and will have unacceptable disruptions on business,” he said. “The reconstruction of the intersection has been on the books for over 25 years and with every delay the cost of the work continues to spiral. Let’s get cracking and get the approved work started,” said Mr Wales.
Council has requested the provision of independent, comprehensive, objective and quality information on the possible merger be placed on the Agenda for the next central Coast Regional Organisation of Councils (CCROC) as the basis for extensive consultation. According to the Council report, the two Councils have been working closely in all aspects of operation. “The staff at both Councils have been working closely together to maximise efficiency, reduce duplication, develop common policies and develop and deliver projects across the Central Coast.” According to the report, other areas could benefit from further cooperation including waste operations, library services, child care services, fleet operations, information and technology services, human resource services, environmental plans,
development control plans, community strategic plans, fees and charges and policies. The concept of the merger has been discussed between the Councils in the past, with the last debate taking place in 2003 when the then Minister for Local Government, the Honourable Tony Kelly, wrote to all NSW Councils seeking a response on the actions being taken to review their boundaries and identify areas for further cooperation. Gosford Council undertook a statistically valid phone survey across the Local Government Area. As a result of the survey, Council concluded that 42.8 per cent were opposed to the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils with 39.5 per cent in support and 17.7 per cent did-could not answer. Council Agenda MM.6, 5 Apr 2011
Kaitlin Watts Interviewee: Chris Holstein Media Release, 27 Mar 2011 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Possible future signage
Skimming devices found on ATM
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etectives are appealing for public assistance after skimming devices were discovered attached to an ATM in Mann St, Gosford, on Tuesday, April 5.
A member of the public found two devices glued to an ATM at a financial institution on Mann Street, Gosford, just after 10.40am.
Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command and Forensic Services Group attended the scene and conducted inquiries.
The items were seized for examination. Local detectives are appealing for public help as they continue their inquiries.
Investigators are keen to speak with two men who were in the vicinity of the ATM about 6.30am yesterday. They have released closed-circuit television (CCTV) images of the two
men. Police believe the men might be able to help them with their inquiries Anyone who knows the identity of the men or their current whereabouts is urged to contact Gosford
Detectives via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Media Release, 6 Apr 2011 NSW Police Media