Issue 033 of COAST Community News

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May 21, 2012

Your independent local newspaper

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Issue 33

Optic fibre map for Gosford BN Co has released a new fibre map for the area of Gosford.

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The new map details the rollout area in line with NBN Co’s commitment to release information on each new rollout module as it is announced. Each new module covers up to 3000 homes and businesses. NBN Co has also recently released a new online interactive map that allows members of the community to check the status of the rollout by typing in their location or postcode. With the new map now released, NBN Co’s construction partners can undertake detailed on-site design and survey works leading to the installation of fibre in this coverage area in months to come. On average, it will take 12 months from the start of construction until residents and business owners will be able to order active high speed broadband services. Email, 15 May 2012 Melanie Wellington, N2N Communications

Some WorkCover positions to leave Gosford orkCover announced to its staff on Wednesday, May 16, that changes to responsibilities and accountabilities for the Director roles in its Workers Compensation Insurance Division would occur.

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Three of the four Director roles will be based in Sydney. Once the selection of the Directors for the redesigned roles is in place, work will continue to determine what functions will be in Sydney or Gosford. The changes within the Workers Compensation Insurance Division aim to improve services to customers, system providers and stakeholders

and to improve the effectiveness and efficiencies of the Workers Compensation System in NSW. The head office will remain in Gosford. Local government election candidate Mr Ian Kilpatrick said the announcement was a “tragic blow” to the Central Coast. “The Central Coast is again being disadvantaged. “We already have one of

the highest unemployment rates in Australia. “Our youth unemployment is at over 33 per cent. “We need more jobs not less on the Central Coast. “Those employees who will transfer back to the Sydney office now will have to join the thousands of commuters either facing the F3 or being crammed onto the trains. “It just does not make sense.

“Rents in Gosford are far cheaper than in Sydney. “Why doesn’t the State Government relocate more people to Gosford to achieve the same efficiencies of scale? “I understand the Governments need to cut costs, but it is not fair that the Central Coast residents should bear the brunt of this,” said Mr Kilpatrick. Labor spokesperson for The Entrance Mr David Mehan said the Public Service Association estimated that up to 100 staff may be affected by the cuts. “The O’Farrell

government’s commitment to the Central Coast must be questioned following this announcement. “Once management is moved back to Sydney it won’t be long before the whole of WorkCover’s head office function is returned to Sydney. “Should this happen it will be an strain on families who, just eight years ago, moved to the Coast from Sydney and it will effect business in the Gosford CBD,” said Mr Mehan. Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein said: “In 2002 , when WorkCover relocated its Head Office

from Kent St, Sydney, to the current site in Gosford, it was planned that approximately 500 people would be relocated.” "Staffing numbers at the Gosford Head Office will continue to remain above this level," he said. Media Release, 17 May 2012 Ian Kilpatrick, East Gosford Media Release, 17 May 2012 Steve Norris, WorkCover Media Release, 18 May 2012 Chris Holstein, Gosford MP


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