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FRE
May 7, 2013
Your independent local newspaper
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Issue 57
Ph: 4325 7369
Heritage awards inners of Gosford Council’s inaugural Gosford City Heritage Awards were announced at a special ceremony held in Council Chambers on Thursday, May 2.
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The awards acknowledge the efforts of those who actively conserve heritage as well as educate and promote heritage and history within the Gosford LGA. The awards also formed part of celebrations for Australian Heritage Week and the National Trust Heritage Festival 2013. Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the Heritage Awards showcased the number of dedicated individuals focused on the preservation of our local history. “These awards give us a chance to publicly thank the individuals and organisations that invest their time and skills into caring for and preserving our heritage. “We were blown away by the number and quality of entries, especially as this is the Heritage Awards’ inaugural year. “Some of the award recipients have made movies, written books and even
established museums all devoted to documenting and educating people about our heritage. “Congratulations to all of the deserving award winners for your outstanding contribution to our city,” said mayor Cr McKinna. The Excellence in Heritage Conservation award went to the Gunyah at Terrigal for extensive conservation works of the interior and exterior of the c. 1911 building and its adaptation as a dental surgery. The Excellence in Interpretation Projects award went to Bob Fitzgerald for the writing, direction and production of the documentary film Ettalong Beach, Then and Now, which was shown for the first time at the Ettalong Festival 2012. The St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre Museum at Kincumber South, which was established by volunteers Zeena Elton and Bridie Murphy and provides a
historical display depicting the history and artefacts of the St Joseph’s Home for Boys, also received an Excellence in Interpretation Projects award. The Excellence in Historical Research and Publication award went to Marie Riley for her book Kincumber South Remembered: A Social History of the Community and the Boys Home. The book concentrates on the settlement of Kincumber South and the history of the St Joseph’s Boys Home which was established in 1887. Marie dedicated four years to the project including collecting oral histories and researching the history and people of Kincumber South. The Outstanding Achievement Award went to Keith Paull for his committed research into the history and heritage of the Upper Mangrove Creek area, including collecting the stories of the area, plotting the sites of early settlement and recording the oral histories
The Gunya building at Terrigal preserved by Mr Tony Collins Inset: Mayor Cr Mayor McKinna presenting Mr Tony Collins with his award
and genealogies of the families within the area. Gwen Dundon also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for her overall dedication to local history and heritage.
Gwen has published six books celebrating our local history, donated significantly to the Local Studies section of the library and tirelessly supports others in their historical research and
promotion of our significant heritage. Media Release, 3 May 2013 Gosford Council Media
Court rules on short term holiday lettings decision was passed in the Land and Environment Court at 5pm on Thursday, May 2, prohibiting the owner of 24 Charles Kay Dr, Terrigal, from using her house for short term letting, effective in two months’ time.
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The decision was made by Justice Rachael Ann Pepper following complaints made by next door neighbours John and Rosemary Dobrohotoff who told the Court the house was regularly used for bucks’ parties and the like. Gosford Council interim director of environment and planning Mr Eddie Love said Council would continue to have discussions with the Department of Planning regarding state wide issues
surrounding short term holiday letting. Mr Love said the property at 24 Charles Kay Dr was zoned 2(a) Residential and council had corresponded with owners requesting that they address neighbourhood concerns in relation to the use of this premises. “Issues surrounding short term holiday letting have been seen across the Gosford LGA,” said Mr Love. “As this case was not an isolated occurrence it was
decided by council to define and allow ‘short term holiday letting’ of dwellings for no more than four bedrooms without consent. “Letting arrangements for five and six bedroom properties would require consent and for dwellings over six bedrooms the use would not be permitted. “The above clause was incorporated into the Draft Gosford Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2009 with the view that short term holiday
letting would be addressed by the NSW Department of Planning,” said Mr Love. “The Draft LEP for Gosford is currently under review by council and the Department of Planning. “Short term holiday letting is an important economic activity in coastal cities across NSW and we will be working with the relevant bodies to find workable solutions for all involved,” said Mr Love. Greens MP and spokesperson for tourism and housing Ms Jan Barham said the decision made by the Court was a good one. “The Court’s clarification that homes in residential
zones that were intended for long-term occupancy are inappropriate for tourism purposes is an important outcome for local communities,” said Ms Barham. “In coastal areas especially, the use of homes for short-term tourism rentals has seen many potential homes lost to permanent residents, causing a shortage in housing supply. “In terms of tourism use, holiday letting has not served the community well. “Local government faces a difficult task in addressing housing availability and affordability. “This decision clarifies the
use of approved residential dwellings for permanent residents, which should free up dwellings to ease the housing stress and ensure that tourism occurs in appropriate areas,” Ms Barham said. Media Statement, 3 May 2013 Eddie Love, Gosford Council Media Statement, 3 May 2013 Kerri Douglass, Office of the Chief Justice, Supreme Court of NSW Media Release, 3 May 2013 David Barham, Office of Jan Barham MLC