Issue 123 of COAST Community News

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December 16, 2015

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Issue 123

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Gosford’s city centre development approvals approach $700 million A

lmost $700 million worth of development has now been approved in Gosford’s city centre after the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel gave the green light for another landmark development.

The Panel approved a $234 million mixed use development opposite the Gosford City Council Administration Building in Mann St. The Waterside development on the corner of Mann St, Georgiana Tce and Baker St includes three towers rising up to 33 storeys, an 80 room hotel, two cinemas and a tavern as well as 500 residential apartments, over 600 car parking spaces and other commercial and retail premises.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, said the JRPP decision would cement Gosford’s position as the regional capital of the Central Coast.

“This is the second, vital game changer the panel has approved for Gosford this year,” Cr McKinna said.

“For too long the site opposite Council’s administration building that used to house the Froggy’s skating rink has sat dormant.

“But now it’s finally set to be reactivated and play a defining role in the social and economic revitalisation of our city’s centre by delivering another much needed tourist facility and iconic structure only a stone’s throw away from Gosford’s waterfront,” he

said.

Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Paul Anderson, said the community’s dream of a vibrant and bustling city centre in Gosford was fast becoming a reality.

“Gosford’s importance as a regional city has been recognised by the NSW Government and unlocking its potential means embracing new opportunities for stimulus and growth like the panel and Council has over the past year.

“Along with the almost $460 million worth of development already approved for the city centre, today’s decision is set to fill Gosford’s skyline with even more cranes to build a world-class city here on the Central Coast.

“I would also like to once again thank the Council staff who have worked tirelessly to review this development and provide very comprehensive reports to the panel,” Mr Anderson said.

Council had recommended that the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel approve the development.

Media release, Dec 4, 2015 Gosford Council media

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Development Address Description 1. Waterside Cnr Mann St and Georgiana Tce Three towers, Commercial, residential, cinema, hotel, tavern 2. Mariners Plaza Cnr Mann St and Donnison St Two towers, 26 storeys and 28 storeys, retail, hotel, residential 3. Mixed use 27A to 37 Mann St & 125 Georgiana Tce 16 storeys, retail, commercial, restaurant and residential 4. Quantum Towers Henry Parry Drive Two towers residential 5. Retail and Shop Cnr Erina St and Henry Parry Dve 2 x residential towers, 15 storeys and 12 storeys Top Housing 6. Telstra-Transfield 12-23 Mann St 15 storeys, 140 residential flats 7. Commercial and 43-45 Beane St 20 storey shop top housing plus 4 storey residential flat building on Keevers residential Land 8. Mixed use Duttons Tavern Mann St 14 storeys, residential flats with ground floor tavern 9. ATO Cnr Mann St and Georgiana Tce Commercial building 10. Performing Arts Location to be confirmed 1,000 seat theatre with studio and other facilities Centre Source: Hunter and Central Coast JRPP website, development and planning register, Dec 15, 2015

$ Value $230 million $157 million $50 million $50 million $37 million $34 million $26 million $18 million $? $30 million

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Council resolves to acquire part of Wyong Grove T

he acting CEO of Wyong Council has been authorised to acquire approximately one quarter of the Wyong Grove school site and carriage way at a fair market value.

A mayoral minute presented to the November 11 ordinary meeting of Wyong Council resulted in the Council resolving to go ahead with an attempt to acquire those parts of the former public school considered essential for organisations such as the Wyong Drama Group.

The plan is to acquire those land and buildings either by agreement or compulsory process.

The council authorised the acting CEO to execute all necessary documentation relevant to the acquisition.

The school site, when purchased, will be classified as operational land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993.

If the site has to be obtained using a compulsory process, it will be done “pursuant to the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991,” according to the adopted mayoral minute.

Council will make an application to the Minister for Finance to commence compulsory

Wyong Drama Group members protest the sale of the Grove

acquisition of part of the site.

The entire school site was recently sold by the Department of Education, at auction, to a Sydney developer, for $4.45 million.

If the Minister gives his consent, then Council can begin negotiations with the new owner to acquire the part of the site currently used as the Wyong Grove Cultural and Community Hub. Mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said Council was true to its word and would now pursue compulsory acquisition so this important site can continue as a community facility.

“We went to the auction in good faith and were hopeful of securing the site ourselves due to its high importance to our

community,” Cr Eaton said.

“I even told bidders at the auction we would seek to compulsorily acquire the site – so everyone knew what we wanted to do.

“So now it is time to act.

“We can’t afford the whole site, so we will now move to try to acquire the part of the site which will provides the best value for the community.”

Council spent over $100,000 upgrading the former school buildings which are currently home to a number of local community and drama groups.

It is these buildings Council will now seek to acquire under compulsory acquisition arrangements.

If the owner wishes to develop the rest of the

site, it will be subject to the normal Council development application process.

“This whole process has caused a great deal of stress in the local community which has been really unnecessary,” Cr Eaton said.

“The State Government broke its promise to the community but Council will not, and will now step in and attempt to save this important community facility.”

In NSW, all levels of government can acquire privately owned land for public purposes.

They may acquire the whole property, part of a property or an interest in the property, including easements for power lines, sewer or water.

Most privately owned land, required by

government for public purposes, is acquired by negotiation and agreement between the landholder and the acquiring authority.

The process is expected to take several months.

“Obviously the hall is not included on the basis that the arthouse is developed and it has a studio of the size of the hall and is more adaptable,” Cr Eaton said at the November 11 general meeting of Wyong Council.

Cr Eaton said he expected the fair market value of the area Wyong Council wishes to purchase to be between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Acting CEO of Wyong Council, Mr Rob Noble said he had received a briefing from the relevant

director following a discussion with the purchaser of Wyong Grove.

“They are in discussion with another buyer for the purchase of a small part of the site that is similar to what we are looking at,” Mr Noble said.

“The level of pricing they are looking at is rather alarming to me and we need to keep that in mind,” he said.

The motion to move forward with the compulsory acquisition of a portion of the site was carried unanimously.

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Mayoral minute 1.6, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council Media release, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council media Meeting transcript, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

Councillors bullied into amalgamation vote even out of 10 Gosford councillors have voted to inform the NSW Government they are willing to amalgamate with Wyong Council.

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The NSW Government has required all NSW councils deemed “unfit” to stand alone to make 50-word submissions by November 18 outlining their amalgamation preferences.

Gosford’s deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle moved that “… based on its understanding that continuing as a stand-alone Council is not acceptable to the NSW Government…

Council’s first preference is that Gosford City Council voluntarily merges with Wyong Shire Council.”

Cr Doyle went on to give Gosford’s second preference, which was for Gosford City Council to merge with the southern part of Wyong Council up to Sparks Rd and for the remaining northern part of Wyong Shire Council to merge with Lake Macquarie City Council.

“I find it hard to believe that we haven’t been provided a choice as councillors,” Cr Doyle said in opening discussion on the proposed motion.

“As a working party, we took the opportunity to meet with the minister to express our fears, and I must say, they were met with respect and concern,” he said.

Cr Doyle said a meeting with the local government minister, Mr Paul Toole did allay his fears about having no say in the process “a little”.

“I say a little, because I

From left: Cr Jim McFadyen, Cr Gabby Bowles, deputy mayor Cr Craig Doyle and Cr Jeff Strickson debate the future of Gosford Council

still have some concerns that a voluntary forced amalgamation is our first choice,” he said.

He said Wyong’s early move, by a margin of one vote, in favour of the formation of a Greater Central Coast Regional Council through a merger with Gosford, stymied the debate about options available to Gosford.

“I really think we have been bullied and coerced

into a corner from which there is no recovery,” he said.

Cr Hillary Morris said she would not vote in favour of the amalgamation.

“I find it incomprehensible that we have been told to amalgamate or else,” Cr Morris said, citing the fact that IPART had found Gosford to be financially sustainable.

“What happens if we stand alone?” she asked.

“I don’t agree that we don’t have a choice; we are denying our residents the right to a voice.”

Cr Morris outlined the legislative process that would need to be followed if Gosford did elect to defy the minister’s advice and state a preference to stand alone.

She questioned whether the $10 million funding promised to councils who volunteered to amalgamate

plus $10 million for infrastructure would come near to covering the costs of amalgamation.

“In our submission we talked about figures of $37 million and $31 million, that leaves a shortfall of $48 million.

“Where will it come from, the sale of assets, the sale of public land, a special rate variation? “I will refuse to succumb to the bullying of the state government for

a paltry $20m,” she said.

Cr Gabby Bowles added: “It really does feel like we have been backed into a corner on this one.

“I would ordinarily be putting up one hell of a fight but the State Government has been very clever and would not be heading into this situation if they were not confident of the outcome,” Cr Bowles said.

“While amalgamation would not be my preferred situation under ordinary circumstances, I believe what we are facing now are exceedingly extraordinary circumstances.”

Cr Bowles said she would support the motion on the basis that it meant Gosford’s elected representatives would remain in their roles until the September 2016 election.

“I believe it is imperative our community has a voice throughout the process...

Gosford’s assets, infrastructure and staff, we can’t fight for them if we are not here,” she said.

Cr Jeff Strickson said the benefits of amalgamation could be as much as $196 million over 20 years and that was “too much to gamble”.

Who is going to pick up the shortfall if we don’t amalgamate?” Cr Strickson asked.

“I believe it is for the best intentions of the rate payers for the two councils that we do amalgamate and carry on so we can represent the people of the new area,” he said.

Cr Bob Ward said he would support the motion because a single voice for the Central Coast would give the region strength on planning issues.

Continued P3

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Community Access November 27, 2015

r Phil Walker, chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, has congratulated Gosford and Wyong Councils on their agreement to voluntarily merge as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform process.

The seat of Robertson is currently held by Liberal MP Ms Lucy Wicks, who won it in 2013 from Labor’s Deborah O’Neill with a margin of three per cent.

Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal lives in Woy Woy and has publicly announced she is running for pre-selection.

Mr David Abrahams from Killcare has also announced his intention to stand for pre-selection.

Pearl Beach resident Mr Van Davy has also announced he is running.

Mr Davy said he did not belong to a local branch but was a member of the “central policy branch”.

The non-Peninsula candidate is Ms Ann Charlton, who is a senior member of Senator Deborah O’Neill’s staff and lives in Wamberal.

Mr Davy said he had been a member of the ALP for 50 years and wanted to represent the ALP because: “The ALP represents the best chance working Australians and their families have to achieve decent living standards and ‘people control’ over the shaping forces on society.

“The Labor Party needs communicators who can engage with uncommitted voters, especially voters in Labor’s ‘lost’ heartland of centrist workers,” he said.

“I do this well, as an educator who sketches the ‘big picture’ in ways that workers can understand,

Media statement, 17 Nov 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach Media statement, 20 Nov 2015 David Abrahams, Killcare Reporter: Jackie Pearson

“The decision to voluntarily merge will ensure that our community will now have an opportunity to have a say in how our new Central Coast Council will be formed and that the region will be able to access $20 million in support from the NSW Government, to assist offsetting a small portion of the total amalgamation costs that will occur,” Mr Walker said. “ R e g i o n a l Development Australia

osford and W y o n g Councils have agreed to an historic, voluntary merger as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform package.

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Gosford councillors vote for ‘voluntary forced’ merger Gosford councillors have voted in favour of “voluntarily” merging with Wyong Council, despite claiming they had been forced, bullied and coerced.

Gosford’s deputy mayor Cr Craig Doyle said that his first preference was for a “voluntary” merger, but that “we haven’t been provided a choice”.

“I still have some concerns that a voluntary forced amalgamation is our first choice,” he said.

“I really think we have been bullied and coerced into a corner from which there is no recovery,” he said.

Cr Hillary Morris said she would not vote in favour of the amalgamation.

“I find it incomprehensible that we have been told to amalgamate or else,” Cr Morris said, citing the fact that IPART had found Gosford to be financially sustainable.

Cr Gabby Bowles added: “It really does feel like we have been backed into a corner on this one.”

But she said she would vote in favour of the merger.

“I believe it is imperative our community has a voice throughout the process ... Gosford’s assets, infrastructure and staff, we can’t fight for them if we are not here,” she said.

Cr Jeff Strickson said the

benefits of amalgamation could be as much as $196 million over 20 years and that was “too much to gamble”.

Cr Bob Ward said he would support the motion because a single voice for the Central Coast would give the region strength on planning issues.

Cr Deanna Bocking spoke briefly to thank the community for its support and passion along with the staff, CEO and fellow councillors.

Cr Vicky Scott said: “I am not going to fall on my sword for peanuts”, comparing the $20 million funding on offer with the over $700 million turnover of the existing councils.

Cr Jim McFadyen added: “I will not be supporting this motion or selling out the majority of the community or council staff.”

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna noted that during his three years on council its financial position had gone from an $8 million deficit to a $36 million surplus.

“This council in my opinion is fit for the future, so I never thought we would have to worry about any amalgamation.

“At the meeting last week, it was very clear they will force us which is wrong but looking at what is happening in Gosford, if

we do agree to amalgamation we can work with the Government to get the best outcome for the community.”

The day after the Gosford Council vote, Dr Joseph Drew from the University of New England’s Centre for Local Government said NSW councils were being forced into amalgamations unlikely to benefit local communities on the basis of flawed methodology.

Serious flaws in the methodology used by IPART to declare councils fit or unfit raised questions that were being ignored in the Government’s rush to amalgamations, Dr Drew said.

“Why didn’t the Government or its independent experts at IPART see these obvious flaws which were pointed out on numerous occasions?” Dr Drew asked.

“What will be the negative impacts on residents and ratepayers following decisions made on the basis of these flawed assumptions?

Media release, 18 Nov 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford and Wyong Councils Media release, Nov 17, 2015 Dr Joseph Drew: University of New England Gosford Council meeting 17 Nov 2015 Reporter: Jackie Pearson •More stories on Council merger page 8 and 9

THIS ISSUE contains 77 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Both Councils submitted their merger preference to the NSW Government before the November 18 deadline – with it likely that a Central Coast council could be proclaimed late December and come into effect early next year.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the agreement was a defining moment in the Central Coast’s history.

“Although time was against us, I’m very pleased with how both Councils have worked hard to protect the interests of their communities and the Central Coast,” Cr McKinna said.

“I’m confident that this monumental decision to voluntarily merge means that the community’s voice will not be lost, which is something the NSW Government couldn’t guarantee under a potential forced amalgamation.

“We’ll also have access to $20 million in support from the NSW Government for the voluntary merger that will make sure funding from our recent operating surpluses is not diverted away from vital service, facility and infrastructure improvements.

“There’s no doubt that merging our two organisations will be challenging, but my fellow Gosford councillors and I are looking forward to working alongside our Wyong counterparts to achieve the best outcome for the residents of the Central Coast,” he said.

Wyong’s deputy mayor, Cr Lynne Webster, said she was pleased Gosford Council was coming to the party and agreed voluntary amalgamation is the only way to go.

“The only way now is forward.

“We have to work together to ensure a Central Coast Council continues to deliver the best possible services our community need and want.

“I believe we can do it and this decision means we have secured a much needed $20 million injection of funding for our

region.

“This decision will put the Central Coast on the map as a region in its own right and I believe will ensure we get a lot more funding and recognition in the future.”

Gosford’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson and Wyong’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble will now meet to create a staff transition team and start on plans to amalgamate the two Councils.

An informal meeting of the two councils will be held at Wyong Council chambers on Wednesday, December 4, which will be the first time the two councils have met since deciding on the merger.

Central Coast’s board members look forward to working with all sectors to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for the entire Central Coast,” he said. “ R e g i o n a l Development Australia Central Coast is confident the decision to form the one united entity will allow the Central Coast to proactively brand and market itself as a desirable region to visit, live and invest, which in time will greatly assist in

addressing the region’s higher than average unemployment rate.

“We look forward to assisting all levels of government, business and the community to proactively work together to deliver the vibrant and successful future that the Central Coast rightly deserves,” Mr Walker said.

Media release, Nov 18, 2015 Elizabeth Westrup, Regional Development Australia Central Coast

Splitting Wyong Council in two is delusional ne of Wyong’s Save Tuggerah Lakes Party councillors, Cr Lloyd Taylor, has accused Lake Macquarie City Council of wanting to steel Wyong Council’s money.

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He has been critical of moves by Lake Macquarie Council to see the Wyong Local Government Area cut in half at Sparks Rd and absorbed into Gosford to the South and Lake Macquarie to the north.

“Lake Macquarie Council is trying to dispense with the Wyong Local Government Area by making a recommendation to the State Government to cut Media release, Nov 16, 2015 Wyong in two,” Cr Taylor Gosford and Wyong Council said. media “Neither Lake Meeting transcript, Nov 25, Macquarie Council 2015 Wyong Council general nor Gosford Council meeting have any idea how the Jackie Pearson, journalist community thinks and I

am sure our community would not agree with the idea of a “forced retreat” from the waterfront,” Cr Taylor said.

“Lake Macquarie City Council is ‘planning for increased flooding and changes to the foreshore lines that may occur as a result of sea level rise’,” he said.

“They want to develop an adaptation plan which is double speak for no more development on land at Pelican or Blacksmiths.

“If a ratepayer wants to build a new home, they won’t be permitted.

“I had a phone call from a local in Wyong

concerned if we were amalgamated with Lake Macquarie that many waterfront properties would have restrictions imposed on them which would affect their 149 certificates.

“I am against and idea that either Lake Macquarie or Gosford lay a finger on Wyong.

“They only want Wyong because our finances are in order and want to steal money from our region,” he said.

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Email, Nov 16, 2015 Lloyd Taylor, Wyong councillor

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Issue 122

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14 storey development approved for Mann St

Issue 82

$20 million government

Cr Vicky Scott spoke against merging with Wyong Council at Gosford Council's extraordinary general meeting

can relate to their lives, that cuts through the neo-con and Green propaganda that ‘there is no difference between the major parties’,” Mr Davy said.

“I want to see more parliamentarians in Labor’s leadership structure who have less interest in career, factional power, number-crunching and branch-stacking and more interest in, and with more demonstrated skills in research; identification of national concerns and national opportunities; genuine data-based collaboration with the membership and specialists; formulations of appropriate responses to national concerns; policy-development, political education of the Australian public; forward strategic thinking,” he said.

He has urged branch members who consider voting for him to make Ms Charlton their second choice.

Belinda Neal won the seat of Robertson in 2007 in a tight race but lost pre-selection to Deborah O’Neill in 2010.

Mr Abrahams said he is running to offer members a communitybased candidate who wants to push for local policies, particularly around innovation and youth employment.

As lead advocate for the early NBN rollout and as Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast I’ve assisted in attracting significant investments to the region,” he said..

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Historic forced support is a small portion of amalgamation costs voluntary merger M agreed to

Three Labor candidates are from the Peninsula Three out of the four Labor Party candidates running for pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson are Peninsula residents.

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December 2, 2015 23 November 2015

m a j o r development worth around $17.6 million in the heart of Gosford’s city centre has been approved by Council.

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The 14 storey mixed use development comprising a ground floor tavern, 75 residential units and basement car parking level will be built on the current Duttons Tavern site in Mann St. This development will maintain and upgrade the tavern that currently serves the surrounding area, provide new residential opportunities that support Gosford’s development as a regional city and is located close to public transport.

The maximum height of the development complies with the Gosford Local Environment Plan but a minor variation in the floor space ratio has been approved.

Allowances have also been made for car parking.

The existing tavern does have some ground level parking at the rear in Paul Lane and there will be one level of basement car parking.

Earlier plans for the development included a level of parking above the ground floor but issues of overshadowing Kibble Park meant the plans had to be revised so the development will only provide 33 parking spaces.

Two podium levels will include 15 residential units.

Floors three through to 12 will house another 54 residential units and there will be two penthouse apartments on the top floor.

The proposal includes 24 one bedroom units, 47 two bedroom units and four three bedroom units.

The tavern will be a redevelopment of the existing Duttons tavern and the hours of operation will

be in accordance with the liquor licence for the existing tavern.

The owner of the site, Mr Bob Bourne addressed the council meeting before the development was approved.

Mr Bourne said the first development application he attempted to get approved through Gosford Council in the early 1970s took eight years to get accepted.

Mr Bourne said, on this occasion, the professionalism of council staff had been “breathtaking”.

Mr Bourne suggested that the nature of the new Mann St development went handin-hand with the rejuvenation of Gosford hospital and could provide future homes for hospital staff.

The owner of the building that adjoins the development site spoke against the motion.

He complained that a quantity surveyor’s report had not been released and questioned how he could make comment on the development without seeing its contents.

He was informed the report could not be made public because of copyright.

He said he had owned the property adjoining the development since 1995.

He said he had been contacted by a party representing Mr Bourne in 2013 to offer around $2 million to purchase his building and land.

“I have had some discussions with Bob over the years and I told him some months before he lodged this development I was prepared to sign as consenting owner if he wanted to include my property, if he would pay costs of DA approval and it would be adjusted on sale to any purchaser.

“He did not accept my letter and I can’t sell to someone who wants to buy my property for only a fraction of what it is worth.”

A report to the council meeting referred to the potential of the neighbouring property, which is located between the Bourne development site and the Imperial Centre, to become “isolated”.

He complained that Gosford Council had not sent him information regarding the redevelopment prospects of his site.

Deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle questioned whether or not council had addressed all concerns relating to the neighbouring property.

Director for governance and planning, Ms Danielle Dixon said Council did have an obligation to look at the adjoining property and make sure this site has acceptable setback and that staff were comfortable the site could be developed and the setbacks were adequate.

However, Ms Dixon said

it was unlikely the adjoining property would be developed to the same scale.

“If you only have one site then you are constrained, which is why we gave preferences and additional incentives.

“We think there is a possible development than can occur on that site but not to the same scale,’ Ms Dixon said.

Most councillors who asked questions about the Bourne development were mainly concerned with the issue of available parking.

Mr Bourne was allowed to substitute some parking spaces by undertaking to run a mini bus for the tavern.

It was resolved that the proximity of the building to Gosford train station and bus routes meant that some units could be sold without an attached car space.

Cr Gabby Bowles said parking was her main concern but concluded that she didn’t think it was a bad thing to have reduced parking spaces.

“We should be pushing people to more sustainable and public transport,” Cr Bowles said.

“I think this is a positive and unique opportunity because it is in the heart of our city and will accommodate people who don’t necessarily want their own car,” she said.

“Tying parking spaces to properties in the strata plan

gives price points that we may not otherwise have in our city and it will improve the city,” she said.

“We need people living in our city if we want it to thrive.

“This is a really creative and positive outcome to encourage those who do not want to own a vehicle.”

Cr Craig Doyle also spoke in support of the development’s approval.

He said making single units available in the heart of Gosford would give young professionals a good entry point to the property market.

“Wouldn’t it be great to have some young professionals in the centre of Gosford creating more demand,” he said.

Mr Bourne told the meeting he was eager to progress the development to construction certificate stage as early as possible in 2016.

Almost $460 million worth of development has now been approved for Gosford’s City Centre by Council and the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel.

Meeting transcript, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Agenda item gov.155, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

STOP PRESS s we were going to press, the Federal Senate had voted resoundingly in favour of a motion by Sen Deborah O’Neill

A

calling on the Federal Government to abandon the decision to build an Australian Tax Office on the Gosford waterfront.

was carried 37 to 28 and also called for consultation with the community for any future federal infrastructure investment for the Central Coast.

Senator O’Neill’s motion

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal may be the only remaining Peninsula candidate for Labor pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson.

The nominations of two of three local candidates, reported in the last edition of Peninsula News, have faced administrative obstacles.

Killcare resident Mr David Abraham has withdrawn his nomination after being informed it was invalid due to what he described as “a small administrative anomaly”.

“In the interests of unity and clarity, I will now withdraw from the Robertson pre-selection race rather than appeal this matter,” he said.

Pearl Beach candidate Mr Van Davy has acknowledged he was unable to furnish the names of five supporting members required for nomination.

He said he had requested access to a database of local ALP members so he could canvass them for support.

He said that he would lodge an appeal if his nomination was not accepted.

Describing herself as a community activist and former Gosford councillor, Ms Neal said she was the only Labor candidate ever to have successfully won the seat of Robertson from a sitting Liberal Member.

“I have been a resident of the Central Coast and the Peninsula for 30 years and have raised my family here and run a business here.

“I love this community and our environment, but we are not getting our fair share from either Federal or State government.”

“I am very aware of both the benefits and challenges of calling the Central Coast and the Peninsula home, and I want to stand up and fight for our fair share of funding and resources.”

Ms Neal said she believed most observers expected that

Ms Belinda Neal

an overwhelming majority of Peninsula Labor Party members would support her in the preselection.

Ms Neal said she had always been a strong advocate for the local community.

She claimed to have secured more Federal funding for the Peninsula and Robertson overall during her time as Federal Member than the Liberals had done in the previous 10 years.

“As the MP for Robertson, I ran a successful campaign for a Regional Cancer Treatment Centre at Gosford Hospital with a Federal Government grant $28.5 million and negotiated the support of the NSW Government for ongoing operational costs.”

She said she had “obtained Federal funding for our schools and hospitals, commuter car parks and a new freight rail corridor to reduce delays and disruptions for commuters, obtained CCTV in the Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina CBDs to counter antisocial behaviour and secured funding for massively-improved water infrastructure for the Peninsula”.

She said she was “passionately committed to securing more training assistance and new Youth employment programs to give our young people better opportunities”.

“Whatever your politics, you have to agree that what has happened to TAFE under successive NSW and Federal

FREE E FRE 7 December 2015

Fire brigades to get station improvements

Belinda Neal may be only Peninsula candidate governments is a disgrace,” she said “I will fight to make sure our young people have access to the skills and learning they need to succeed in the future.

“I will not rest until we have restored an affordable, high-quality TAFE system and ended the farce of $100,000 uni degrees.”

Nevertheless, Ms Neal said she was not resting only on her record: “Ï want to achieve new goals for the people of the Peninsula and obtain the best results for our community.

“Working as an MP is all about achieving for the community,” Belinda said.

“I have spoken with many Peninsula residents, about local issues, and I have gained new insights on how to further improve our health services, enhance education, secure better infrastructure and encourage local jobs.”

Ms Neal said she had worked in close cooperation with many Peninsula and Gosford community partners over the years, including church-based charitable organisations, social welfare organisations, disability services, youth support groups, mental health support groups, women’s groups, parents and citizens organisations, unions and the union movement as a whole.

She said she had “a great record in Council and as an MP of standing up for sustainability, meaningful action on climate change and conservation of our natural and built heritage”.

She said she had the trust of the environmental movement on the Central Coast, including the Greens.

“At the next election, Labor must attract Green preferences to have any chance of winning Robertson,” she said.

Media release, 30 Nov 2015 Belinda Neal, Woy Woy Bay Email, 1 Dec 2015 Dave Abrahams, Killcare Interview, 1 Dec 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach

Both Pearl Beach and the Bays Rural Fire Brigades have been permitted to submit development applications to undertake projects to improve their stations.

Gosford Council has agreed to donate the services associated with the applications.

The project to be undertaken to improve the Pearl Beach RFS facility will be the construction of an additional tanker bay with a new office and new meeting room.

The current station comprises of two bays.

One houses a Category 1 heavy tanker and the other a Category 12 personnel carrier.

The station does not have a meeting/training room and lacks appropriate storage space.

If the brigade was to accommodate a second tanker it could not be stored in the current bay.

The rear of the Bays RFS Station will be extended to house a meeting room, office, kitchen, amenities, change and store room.

The improvements will align the station to the RFS building standard.

The kitchen and amenities at the station were in poor condition and below the required standard, according to a report from council staff.

Detailed drawings for Pearl Beach and The Bays Stations were

not available but similar projects to be undertaken at Wamberal and Mangrove Mountain indicated that Council would donate around $5500 to $6000.

It said the Gosford Rural Fire Service was responsible for all bush fires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and other fire related incidents.

This also extended to bush fire mitigation, planning and public education.

Gosford Council has had a long history of working in partnership with the Gosford Rural Fire Service, according to the report.

Under the Act, Councils have the responsibility and funding obligations for the establishment of a Fire Control Centre, the establishment of Rural Fire Brigade Stations, the supply of ancillary vehicles, the maintenance and repair of the vehicles, the insurance of all vehicles, the maintenance and repair of all buildings dedicated to the RFS, the insurance of all buildings dedicated to the RFS; and the general costs associated with the running of the RFS. The report stated that the existing Rural Fire Brigade stations at Pearl Beach and The Bays were aged and had limitations that required upgrading to meet Rural Fire Service and local brigade needs for kitchen and amenities.

Gosford Council agenda CON.40, 24 Nov 2015

Neal alleges defamation Labor preselection candidate for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has alleged Peninsula News has defamed her in a front page article published last edition.

Ms Neal claimed the article was inaccurate and untrue, defamatory and damaged her reputation.

She said that whether or not Peninsula News had the intention or reason to damage her reputation that had been its effect.

Peninsula News does not believe the article was defamatory, but apologises for any hurt or

embarrassment it may have caused her.

As a gesture of goodwill, further distribution of Peninsula News was stopped when Ms Neal raised her complaint and material in the article was deleted from online editions.

Apart from the media release used in the lead article on this page, and seeking an apology and retraction, Ms Neal has not submitted any corrections of fact for publication.

Peninsula News, 4 Dec 2015 Mark Snell, editor

THIS ISSUE contains 77 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

December 16, 2015

December 11, 2015

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

he Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday, December 14.

Wyong Council agreed at its December 9 meeting to make a submission to the JRPP endorsing the development.

At this stage, the applicant is seeking ‘concept approval only’ for the works to take place in three operational stages, with subsequent detailed development applications being lodged for each future stage.

The development would include demolition of existing buildings and construction of a shopping centre with a supermarket, shop top housing, hotel accommodation, restaurant, multi-purpose function space, and ancillary parking and other works.

Moving a motion for Wyong Council to endorse the development and make a submission to the JRPP in support of the developer, Cr Lloyd Taylor said: “We need to support the applicant on this particular one because

A photomontage of the proposed development within its surrounding coastal context

it is a huge commitment, a commitment that very few developers can make.

“This is a $300 million project that will kick start the Central Coast and The Entrance,” Cr Taylor said.

“This will really kick start investment in this tourist Mecca.

“It will be the highest building on the Central Coast but that is a good thing.

“It will hopefully kick start other sites and other areas.

“We want businesses to succeed and grow and employ more people and this development is going to deliver.”

Cr Adam Troy seconded the motion and said: “It is not every day you get a $300 million development in council chambers, it is a milestone on the Central Coast.

“It is going to be one of those focal points, a pretty special place and I can’t wait to see it happen,” he said.

The site covers 21,357 square metres and takes in the existing Lakeside Plaza Shopping Centre and surrounding sites.

According to a report prepared by Wyong Council staff for the consideration of councillors at their

December 9 meeting, the project is expected to generate 660 full time jobs, post construction.

The proposal includes a retail podium and two towers and seeks variation to a number of Wyong Council’s planning controls.

The site is identified as a ‘key site’ under Wyong LEP 2013 which allows for a bonus building height of 113.8 metres.

The bonus building height is provided in return for “significant public benefits to be provided to the community and to stimulate further development and

viability of town centres,” according to the report.

The proposed shop top housing would include 478 dwellings.

The development would also encompass a 108 room hotel and parking for 1,433 cars.

The podium would make available 13,250 square metres of lettable retail space fronting Dening St, Taylor St and The Entrance Rd. There are two levels of retail floor space along The Entrance Rd frontage and ground floor retail space along the Taylor St frontage containing a supermarket and a major

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Issue 123

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Gosford’s city centre development approvals approach $700 million

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel T

Your independent local newspaper

Issue 83

retail tenancy.

The proposal includes two levels of basement parking and rooftop parking (179 spaces) with shade sails above the podium.

Above the retail space, facing The Entrance Rd, shop top housing is proposed, comprising 48 residential apartments over three storeys.

Within the northern (Dening St) end of the building is a restaurant and function/convention space (at the hotel lobby level).

The next level up would be a landscaped level (referred to as the oasis level) which is located directly below the tower buildings and would contain two pools, landscaping, day spa, decks and a bar.

Above this level, the development proposes two towers with 250 residential apartments (27 storeys) within a residential tower located on the corner of The Entrance Rd and Dening St. One hundred hotel rooms (6 storeys) and 110 residential apartments (11 storeys) would be located within a second tower building located on the corner of Taylor St and Dening St.

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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lmost $700 million worth of development has now been approved in Gosford’s city centre after the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel gave the green light for another landmark development.

The Panel approved a $234 million mixed use development opposite the Gosford City Council Administration Building in Mann St. The Waterside development on the corner of Mann St, Georgiana Tce and Baker St includes three towers rising up to 33 storeys, an 80 room hotel, two cinemas and a tavern as well as 500 residential apartments, over 600 car parking spaces and other commercial and retail premises.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, said the JRPP decision would cement Gosford’s position as the regional capital of the Central Coast.

“This is the second, vital game changer the panel has approved for Gosford this year,” Cr McKinna said.

“For too long the site opposite Council’s administration building that used to house the Froggy’s skating rink has sat dormant.

“But now it’s finally set to be reactivated and play a defining role in the social and economic revitalisation of our city’s centre by delivering another much needed tourist facility and iconic structure only a stone’s throw away from Gosford’s waterfront,” he

said.

Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Paul Anderson, said the community’s dream of a vibrant and bustling city centre in Gosford was fast becoming a reality.

“Gosford’s importance as a regional city has been recognised by the NSW Government and unlocking its potential means embracing new opportunities for stimulus and growth like the panel and Council has over the past year.

“Along with the almost $460 million worth of development already approved for the city centre, today’s decision is set to fill Gosford’s skyline with even more cranes to build a world-class city here on the Central Coast.

“I would also like to once again thank the Council staff who have worked tirelessly to review this development and provide very comprehensive reports to the panel,” Mr Anderson said.

Council had recommended that the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel approve the development.

6

4

3

5

Development 1. Waterside 2. Mariners Plaza 3. Mixed use 4. Retail and Shop Top Housing 5. Telstra-Transfield

Media release, Dec 4, 2015 Gosford Council media

7

2

1

6. Commercial and residential 7. Mixed use

Address Cnr Mann St and Georgiana Tce Cnr Mann St and Donnison St 27A to 37 Mann St & 125 Georgiana Tce Cnr Erina St and Henry Parry Dve

Description Three towers, Commercial, residential, cinema, hotel, tavern Two towers, 26 storeys and 28 storeys, retail, hotel, residential 16 storeys, retail, commercial, restaurant and residential

$ Value $230 million $157 million $50 million

2 x residential towers, 15 storeys and 12 storeys

$37 million

12-23 Mann St

15 storeys, 140 residential flats

$34 million

43-45 Beane St

20 storey shop top housing plus 4 storey residential flat building on Keevers Land

$26 million

Duttons Tavern Mann St

14 storeys, residential flats with ground floor tavern

$18 million

Continued P3

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

www.gosfordnews.org

Coast C Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 3 SShare

Performing Arts Centre state funding and location still unclear

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NEWS

$10 million federal funding for Performing Arts Centre confirmed

enator for NSW, Ms Deborah O’Neill, welcomed news the Federal Government had finally agreed to fund its one-third share of the construction of a performing arts centre in Gosford.

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“I am glad that I was able to drive the funding for our own performing arts centre by committing $15 million before the last election,” Sen O’Neill said.

But the project was still under a cloud as local Liberal MP, Mr Adam Crouch, appeared to be at odds with his boss NSW premier, Mr Mike Baird, over the site of the complex and the state’s contribution to the project.

According to Sen O’Neill, Mr Crouch had said NSW would only fund the complex if it was built on Poppy Park on the waterfront, a site Gosford Council had ruled out.

Meanwhile, Mr Baird, during a visit to the Coast last week, stated the government was working with Gosford Council to determine a site saying: “The good news is, there’s one coming.”

“So either Mr Crouch

has got it wrong or Mr Baird doesn’t know his planning minister, Mr Rob Stokes, has told Mr Crouch that the $12 million funding was contingent on the Poppy Park being used,” Sen O’Neill said.

“I hope the Liberals can stop bickering about this important project and let the Council get on with the building.”

According to Sen O’Neill, the Commonwealth funding had come from the “Growth Plan for the Central Coast” implying that the $10 million was not fresh money but had simply been redeployed from the funding promised for the Kibbleplex regional library and community hub concept.

However, the office of Lucy Wicks has called that statement by Sen O’Neill completely false and intended to confuse the community and that the $10 million was in addition

to the $7 million that has been in the past two federal budgets for the Kibbleplex concept.

Sen O’Neill said she had secured a Labor pledge of $15 million for the arts centre before the last federal election, and had recently written to Gosford Council supporting the project.

“I have been right behind a Central Coast performing arts centre for a decade,” Sen O’Neill said.

“The community has wanted and needed this for almost two decades.

“Now it needs to go in the right place, where the community wants it,” she concluded.

Media release, Dec 7, 2015 Scott Coomber, office of Deborah O’Neill Interview, Dec 11, 2015 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks Jackie Pearson, journalist

From left Paul Fletcher, Nikki Webster, Mark Thomas, Brad Tham from Gosford HS, Lucy Wicks, Patrick Brennan

he Gosford Regional Performing Arts Centre is among three local projects to receive funding under the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund, boosting Central Coast jobs and improving community infrastructure.

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Federal minister for major projects, territories and local government, Paul Fletcher, joined member for Robertson Lucy Wicks in Gosford to announce the $10.5 million in funding for projects that were successful under round two of the program.

“Lucy Wicks has been fighting hard for this funding, which contributes the vital final piece of the puzzle to help build an iconic Performing Arts Centre for this region,” Mr Fletcher

said.

Ms Wicks said the funding would ensure the local community has a ‘cultural heart’.

“Locating a performing arts centre in Gosford has been a vision for our region for decades.

“Thanks to this funding announcement, this dream can be a reality,” she said.

“The submission is for a 1,000 seat multipurpose auditorium and a 200 seat studio and associated facilities, as part of a

world class piece of civic infrastructure.”

Mr Fletcher also announced Terrigal Rugby Club would be receiving $275,000 to upgrade the Terrigal Trojans clubhouse, and $304,000 to knock down and rebuild a new amenities block for Woy Woy Peninsula Little Athletics at McEvoy Oval in Umina Beach.

Media Release, Dec 7, 2015 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

Jingle all the way

Christmas trading hours

From all the little helpers at Imperial Centre,

We’ll be closed Christmas Day.

have a joyous and safe Christmas season.

Supermarkets will be open on Boxing Day.

www.imperialcentre.com.au

Follow us:

171 Mann Street, Gosford

/imperialcentregosfordcbd

(02) 4324 4299

@imperialcentregosford

NEWS

Page 4 - Coast Community News - December 16, 6, 2015 Share

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Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan adopted

Quantum Towers gains finance and work has commenced nitial site preparation has commenced at the site of the Quantum Towers development at 7 Watts St, Gosford backing on to Henry Parry Dve.

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Mr Tony Gilmour, principal of Central Coast Select Properties said the developer, an Australianowned family company called Tilrox, had received finance approval for the Quantum Towers project from the Commonwealth Bank two weeks ago.

“They are just beginning with security fencing and some light site preparation before Christmas and we have been told construction will commence by the end of January and is expected to take 18 months,” Mr Gilmour said.

He said securing finance is often a stumbling block for developers with projects in Gosford.

“It can be a stumbling block because of the big five [banks] not having confidence in Gosford,” he said.

“In the past, projects in Gosford were started and then folded, and the banks lost money.”

osford Council adopted a key plan to protect the region’s vast coastline and many beaches at its last meeting for 2015, held on December 8.

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Trucks deliver security fencing at the site of the Quantum Towers development

However, according to Mr Gilmour, Tilrox “hung in and persevered until they secured finance for the project”.

The Quantum Towers development consists of two 14-storey towers and the development application was approved by Gosford Council around two years ago.

Mr Gilmour said 80 of the 110 one and two bedroom apartments have already

been sold with two-thirds going to investors and the other third purchased by owner-occupiers.

The main selling features of the project have been its mid-point price range, proximity to Gosford train station and the split-level design of most apartments that will allow flow-through.

Some of the apartments have three balconies offering views to Rumbalara reserve and Brisbane Water.

The complex has underground parking, a small amount of retail and commercial space, a pool deck and gardens.

Mr Gilmour said some of the remaining apartments will be placed on sale in the new year at a price point of around $400,000.

Interview, Dec 15, 2015 Tony Gilmour, Central Coast Select Properties

Key actions within the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan will now be reviewed and prioritised for implementation.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the plan would play a vital role in making sure Gosford’s coastline is managed in the best way possible.

“From Patonga up to Forresters Beach, there’s no doubt that our beaches are an integral part of our great lifestyle and also attract many visitors,” Cr McKinna said.

“But Gosford’s beaches are vulnerable to many coastal hazards that could potentially impact property development, public infrastructure and recreational activities all along our coastline.

“These hazards include beach erosion, shoreline decline, sand drift, coastal inundation and climate change.

“I’m confident this latest

plan will get the balance right between managing these coastal risks and preserving the natural beauty and amenity of our beaches, as well as the public’s access to them.

“Key actions have been recommended for each Gosford City beach based on their specific risks and issues along with beachwide actions to improve things like water quality, beach nourishment, dune management, emergency erosion responses and community education,” he said.

The Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan was developed with support from the NSW Government’s Coastal Zone Management Program and involved extensive community consultation in 2015.

Media release, Dec 9, 2015 Gosford Council media

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Coast C Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 5 SShare

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NEWS

Five storey building approved for Avoca Beach development application for a proposed five-storey mixed use building on Cape Three Points Rd Avoca Beach has been approved by Gosford Council at its meeting on Tuesday, December 8.

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It was the fourth time in 2015 that the development had been discussed at a Gosford Council meeting The plan was submitted on February 17 and amended plans were submitted in March and May. Fifty five submissions were received objecting to the proposal and the key issues were size and scale being out of keeping with the locality and concerns with parking and traffic safety in Cape Three Points Rd. The applicant was given a height variation of 30 per cent but based on natural ground level a report to council argued that the actual height variation would be closer to seven per cent based on natural ground level.

The matter was deferred

The site for the mixed use development on Cape Three Points Road

at Council’s August 11 meeting to allow a further site inspection with particular emphasis on the height of the proposal compared with adjoining properties.

The architect was also asked to provide a photo montage showing indicative levels of the proposal and adjoining development.

The site inspection took place on September 15

and was attended by five councillors, three council officers and approximately 20 members of the public.

Issues raised at the site inspection by councillors and members of the public included bulk and scale, inaccuracies in the traffic report and insufficient parking.

The architect did not submit the requested photo montage, individual

storeys were not indicated on the height profiles and the height profiles weren’t located in position to indicate the external corners of the building.

The architect, who was present at the site visit noted that the architectural plans would be modified to delete proposed roof top terraces above two units.

The staff recommendation to the December 8 ordinary

meeting of Gosford Council said that council give consent for the development comprising ground level retail, with 27 units of shop top housing and a basement car park.

The development will be located at 14, 16 and 18 Cape Three Points Rd and will be subject to conditions including the provision of 17 spaces for visitor parking and common property in

any future strata plan.

The subject land is located on the southern edge of the Avoca Beach local commercial zone and adjoining land to the south, east and west is zoned low density residential.

As a result, it was the conclusion of both Gosford Council staff and a majority of councillors that nearby residents in the low-density residential zone needed to expect that the form of development likely to occur can reflect an adjoining zone.

Cr Chris Burke referred to the nearby Avoca Palms property as an example of a development of similar bulk and scale to the project in question and stated that it was a well-accepted part of the local area.

The approval of the project was carried by one vote with councillors Scott, Morris, McFadyen and Bocking voting against the motion.

Agenda item GOV.164, Dec 8, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Meeting transcript, Dec 8, 2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Bakery, Lincoln Red Beef, The Banana Bread Man, Hawkesbury Fresh Produce, Delightfully Fresh Organics, Tar 10, Bills

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Preserves, Jacques Kitchen, Larry’s Free Range Eggs, Peats Rigde Produce, The Apple Man, Meltic Beef plus many others.

Gosford City Farmers’ Market will feature a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, primary produce including gourmet jams and preserves, olive oil products, pestos, macadamia nuts and fresh home made products. The market will include other food related items as well as high quality “foodto-eat” vendors. Flowers, plants and trees will also be available for sale.

Additionally the market will also feature hand-made products other than food such as artists, designers and other quality artifacts.

The market will operate each Sunday from 8.00am till 1.00pm Rain, Hail or Shine.

Gosford City Farmers’ Market Gosford Racecourse, 4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford West

NEWS

Page 6 - Coast Community News - December 16, 6, 2015 Share

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EPA directed to the wrong creek to do testing he NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has declared two creeks in the Central Coast water catchment in good health and confirmed that it continues to work with Verde Terra landfill on setting new licence conditions prior to its re-opening.

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The creeks that were found to be in good health were Stringy Bark Creek and an unnamed creek.

The EPA has confirmed that the unnamed creek was tested because it was thought, at the time of testing, to be Hallards Creek.

In September, residents had reported discoloration of Hallards Creek to the EPA, which resulted in the tests being conducted.

“When we went out to do the sampling we were accompanied by members of the community who had concerns about Hallards Creek,” said EPA manager of regional waste compliance, Mr Rob Hogan.

“They understood one of the creeks was Hallards Creek and it was only once the results were reviewed and the GPS coordinates mapped that it turned out we sampled Stringy Bark Creek and the unnamed creek,” Mr Hogan said.

In other words the creek that was of greatest concern had not been tested.

“Stringy Bark Creek shows a very good diversity of micro vertebrates, and it does drain from the catchment that the landfill is in,” Mr Hogan said.

He said Hallards Creek

Hallards Creek when the EPA was first alerted to the pollution by residents

would be tested but acknowledged: “Usually with water pollution incidents you would need to get out there within the first couple of days.”

Verde Terra landfill at Mangrove Mountain is currently not receiving waste and has not done so for around 18 months, according to Mr Hogan.

The landfill was being investigated as a potential source of creek pollution but that investigation has not yet been finalised.

According to Mr Hogan: “The EPA and the Office of Environmental Health (OEH) met with members of the local community on September 30 who guided them to areas of the Ourimbah Catchment they

believed had been subject to pollution from upstream land uses.

“Testing of water catchment included chemical and macroinvertebrates analysis to determine water quality, including pollution impacts.

“Chemical analyses for a broad range of metals and pollutants were below Australian guidelines for fresh and marine water.

“Test results for macroinvertebrates, small insects that live in fresh water, showed there was high diversity, including those sensitive to pollution.

“This is a strong indicator of good creek health.

“However, Stringybark Creek did show elevated

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levels of the plant nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus relative to water quality guidelines,” he said.

“Elevated nutrients can lead to an increase in nuisance weed or algal growth, however no weed or algal problems were observed.”

To ascertain the source of the elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus the EPA will undertake further sampling of the Ourimbah Catchment and work with Wyong Council.

Mr Hogan also commented on the status of Verde’s licence to continue operating the Mangrove Mountain landfill.

Mr Hogan said he could confirm that a fruit juice manufacturer located adjacent to the nearby golf course had an agreement with Gosford Council to pipe wash water and waste water onto the Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club Golf Course because it has fertilising qualities.

He confirmed that the Mangrove Mountain Landfill is not licensed to take any liquid waste.

“The EPA sets very stringent conditions on its license in terms of surface water monitoring and ground water monitoring to detect any potential threats.

“We require lining of the landfill cells and appropriate management of the leachate

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and the water that comes out of the landfill mass.

“Orders from the Land and Environment Court last year required that before the landfill can start operating again, the EPA needs to be satisfied changes will be protective of water, public health and the environment.”

Mr Hogan said the EPA required the operator to produce highly-detailed technical reports about the lining, leachate and waste management.

Appropriate sections of those reports will be included in the new license conditions to be set by the EPA. The reports are being produced by the landfill operator but, according to Mr Hogan, the Land and Environment Court orders state that they must be produced to a level that the EPA is satisfied with.

“That does require someone with a significant level of expertise in landfill management,” he said.

According to Mr Hogan, the EPA has seen draft reports and provided comments and the reports are nearing their final review.

He also confirmed the original landfill cell was lined at the time of construction.

“The EPA has not received any advice that there are other areas that waste was filled in unlined pits,” he said.

According to Mr Hogan, the EPA has a range of approaches to ensure facilities comply with their licenses, including surface and ground water monitoring, announced and unannounced inspections, “and we take our own samples and observations and there is annual reporting,” he said.

Residents of Mangrove

Mountain have reported regular truck movements in and out of the landfill site and have expressed concerns that waste could still be arriving at the site.

“We are confident the operators are sticking to the requirement not to take any waste during the current ban that has been in place for approximately 18 months.

“There are some other operations going on in terms of maintaining parts of the site,” he said.

Construction of the new cell at the landfill, including its lining, would not be finalised until the technical reports are signed off and the licence varied.

He said it is difficult to put a precise date on when that will occur.

“There is a requirement in the court orders that they reduce the height of the mound by six metres by August 2017 and that is a key date we have been working towards.

“It will certainly be in the first quarter next year that we will be looking to provide a varied licence,” he said.

Mr Hogan said: “The court orders are pretty clear in that they set a maximum tonnage that is allowed to be received and also material that is allowed to be received on the rest of the golf course,.”

Mr Hogan urged anyone with concerns about the Mangrove Mountain to contact the EPA with their information.

Media release, Nov 24, 2015 Elizabeth Coad, Environment Protection Authority Interview, Nov 26, 2015 Rob Hogan, Environment Protection Authority Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Community groups angry Research confirms over disallowance of ongoing effectiveness of notice of motion traditional advertising Based on their research and worldwide experience, international marketing company NRS Media has provided the following 10 compelling statistics to help convince small to medium enterprises (SMEs) of the effectiveness of advertising in traditional mediums.

As small businesses have a limited budget, they’re often cautious about investing in marketing, so having some real facts and figures can help them justify their expenditure.

1. $1 spent on advertising benefits an SME 8x as much as a larger firm Small businesses are often wary about spending money on advertising, wrongly thinking it’s the sole realm of big companies. But even though they have less money to spend, they will see more impact when they do advertise.

2. An investment of $1 in newspaper advertising gives an average return of $11.89 in revenue According to research by the Direct Marketing Association, the return that small businesses can get when they invest in newspaper advertising is eleven times their expenditure. See the research by the DMA at http:// printinthemix.com/fastfacts/show/414.

3. Advertising is the second most effective marketing method, behind word of mouth Some people think advertising doesn’t work, or that they’d be better investing their time in social media. But only 35% of small businesses think social media is successful. Advertising and word of mouth are both more effective.

4. 64% of SMEs say their advertising has been a success Small businesses might think advertising only works if you’re a big corporate but that’s simply not true. Even more small businesses could experience success if they had the support of a media partner who could guide them to create the most effective campaign.

5. 61% of small businesses with high levels of growth advertise, consult marketing advisers, or have their own marketing experts. Only 43% of small businesses not experiencing growth do If you need to grow their business, advertising is important. It’s actually one of three elements that marks out high-growth businesses from other SMEs. 6. An estimated 46% of digital ad impressions aren’t actually seen by people This shocking figure is a surprise to many people. Why pay for adverts that can’t be viewed?

7. Clickthrough rates from online ads are falling, from 9% in 2000 to just 0.2% in 2012 As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective. Not only are they less likely to be seen, they’re also less likely to clicked. That makes it much harder to reach out to people. The figure is likely to be less again in 2015. Traditional advertising can help.

8. TV, newspaper and magazine advertising is more likely to be noticed than online ads As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective.

9. Traditional media is also more likely to be trusted Newspaper, magazines and TV ads all have the highest level of trust, at 63%, 62% and 61% respectively. Radio and billboards aren’t far behind and are trusted by 58% and 55% of consumers. However, online ads are less trusted, with search ads coming in at 44%. That drops to 33% for banner ads. It makes sense for small businesses to place their budget into areas where they can influence people and grow trust. These statistics show that that area is traditional advertising.

10. 88% of consumers still use print to get information Despite what some people say, print is far from dead. So if you are worried that people don’t use print anymore, this research can help. It showed that 63% of people like print ads, compared to just 25% for online adverts.

This information has been supplied based on newspapers of all types and sizes around the world. The trust and effectiveness factor will be far higher for newspapers such as those published under the Central Coast newspapers banner, as they are highly regarded for their content and are read from cover to cover because of their relevance to their readership and longer shelf life.

ave East Gosford Reserve and several other community groups have expressed anger at a last-minute decision by Gosford Council CEO, Mr Paul Anderson to disallow a motion regarding the reclassification and sell-off of 25 parcels of community land.

S

They had filled the public gallery for the council’s meeting on December 8 but left shortly after learning the item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

Councillor Hillary Morris had attempted to place an urgency motion on the agenda for the last Gosford Council meeting of 2015 on December 8.

Cr Morris’ intention was to convince her fellow councillors to vote for some of the earmarked parcels of land to be taken off the list for potential resale.

Ms Sue Chidgey, from Save East Gosford Reserve, said: “A notice of motion was put to Council with the hopeful intention of removing some of our reserves from Council’s list.

“Dozens of supporters arrived for the Council meeting and were told only 20 minutes before that the Notice of Motion had been taken off the agenda due to legal reasons.

“These supporters were people who had travelled miles, arranged baby-sitters for their children, knocked back work-shifts and missed family commitments to attend.

“We now have to wait until Council’s meeting on Tuesday, February 9 to be heard.

“The continued distress to communities could have been avoided if Council had consulted with the affected communities in a more transparent way,” she said.

“Public lands should not be put up for re-classification and sell-off to make money for Council.

“They should be protected and maintained.

“I represent Save East Gosford Reserve, which has a membership of more than 380 local-residents and their families.

“We are trying to save our beautiful reserve which is the last natural bushland around East Gosford and Springfield.

“Other groups of supporters for the protection of neighbourhood reserves have slowly emerged as

The East Gosford reserve that is a parcel of land earmarked for reclassification and possible sale by Gosford Council

word spread.

At the meeting, Mr Anderson noted the item had, based on legal advice, been withdrawn from the agenda.

Cr Vicky Scott asked for an explanation of why the motion was illegal.

Mr Anderson said he had advice that, under the Local Government Act, council could not reconsider an item they had already reconsidered within three months.

He said Cr Morris’ notice of motion had been received on November 25, which was within the three months, but hadn’t been published until December 3 or 4.

“I did explore avenues to look at whether the notice of motion could have been used as a recision motion but it could not have been considered because the [original] resolution was made as a resolution and section 238 sub clause 2 [of the Local Government Act]

deemed it to be an unlawful motion,” Mr Anderson said.

Cr Vicki Scott asked Mr Anderson to explain why the problem with the motion had not been picked up earlier.

“The matter was picked up when the notice of motion was put in the agenda and it was my mistake, my bad effort,” Mr Anderson said.

He said he had put the matter aside after receiving the notice of motion from Cr Morris and having legal discussions about it.

“I was overcome with a whole range of work on the voluntary or involuntary merger,” he said.

“It was my mistake and there was no one else to blame but me.”

Media release, Dec 12, 2015 Sue Chidgey, Save East Gosford Reserve Meeting transcript, Dec 8, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Councillors and community groups object to high handed actions taken ouncillors and community groups have opposed the first actions taken by a project control group (PCG) put in place to start work on the potential amalgamation of Wyong and Gosford Councils.

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The PCG consists of the mayors and deputy mayors of both Wyong (WSC) and Gosford Council (GCC) and the CEO from each council.

The group has written to the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP, outlining issues it believes need to be addressed to enable the new council to “continue to deliver quality services to the Central Coast community.”

The submission and covering letter made recommendations in relation to: the wording of an amalgamation proclamation; the makeup of an implementation committee; and the repeal of the Central Coast Water Corporation Act 2006 and the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996.

“We recommend the mayors and deputy mayors of GCC and WSC be appointed as members of an implementation committee for the new council during the transitional period,” the submission also said.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the intent of the letter and submission

was to get matters before the minister that both councils thought were important.

He said the Water Corporation had been replaced by the joint water authority and that the request to repeal the airport act was driven by Wyong Council.

Cr McKinna said councillors, staff and senior executives from both Wyong and Gosford Councils were waiting for Mr Toole to announce whether he would approve the amalgamation.

He said a meeting with the minister in November that had been attended by both mayors, deputy mayors and CEOs did discuss the idea of the mayors and deputies being on an implementation panel should an amalgamation occur.

However, the Community Environment Network (CEN) chairman, Mr John Asquith said he was concerned that the letter and submission to Mr Toole had only be signed by the two council chief executives and that only four elected representatives would be on the implementation committee if amalgamation goes ahead.

Mr Asquith said that would mean the community’s other 14 elected representatives would have no say in the formation of a new council for the Central Coast.

“The letter was not a result of a Council resolution nor of a public or open meeting,” he said.

“CEN believes it is beyond the powers of the mayors and deputy mayors acting alone.”

The letter to Mr Toole, signed by Mr Paul Anderson, CEO for Gosford Council and Mr Rob Noble, acting CEO for Wyong Council, said that the submission regarding an amalgamation proclamation had been “informed by input from the councillors of both councils”.

However, Wyong councillor Bob Graham said the letter and submission had been circulated to councillors on the evening of Thursday, December 3 with the deadline for comments being the following day at 12:00pm.

Cr Graham said he believed the letter and submission were not legal documents because they had not been resolutions of either Council.

“There has been no public consultation, nor was there a properly constituted Council meeting to discuss these interim arrangements,” CEN’s Mr Asquith said.

“It results in most of the community being disenfranchised in both Gosford and Wyong.

“It is an undemocratic proposal which bypasses the community and most elected councillors.”

Council elections are not expected until at least September 2016 but, according to Gosford’s Cr McKinna, Mr Toole has said they could be deferred until May 2017.

CEN has written to Mr Toole requesting that the proposal from the PCG be rejected outright and that a process be put in place which allows the public and other councillors to participate.

“The process should include: open Council meetings, including all current Wyong and Gosford councillors; no sidelining of duly elected councillors; no change to decision making until a council election; and community participation in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice,” Mr Asquith said.

“If the NSW Government wants council

amalgamations, it is their responsibility to ensure the representation and democratic interests of ratepayers are safeguarded.

“There is no urgency and therefore no impediment to a proper process being followed“.

According to the letter to Mr Toole from the two CEOs, the PCG was established shortly after each of the Coast’s existing councils resolved to make amalgamation with the other its first choice after being told by the NSW Government that it was unfit to continue as a stand-alone council.

The PCG had met three times by December 4 when the letter and submission were sent to Mr Toole.

It had identified that the two councils had “evolved a range of business and administrative processes, some of which are reasonably well aligned and others (more critically) which are not,” the letter said.

The letter said both councils would be happy to assist the minister in wording a proclamation for the amalgamation of the Gosford and Wyong Local Government Areas.

The submission accompanying the letter identified what the PCG

called “critical provisions” that sections 214(1) and 218C(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 could be the subject of facilitating provisions in an amalgamation proclamation.

It covers the delegation of functions and powers and asks the minister to make those that existed prior to amalgamation carry over into the new council.

The submission also suggested that the proclamation should be worded to allow for the continuation of financial reporting and delivery plan implementation of both existing councils until June 30, 2017.

It also called for the Gosford and Wyong rating structures to remain unaltered until such a time as the new council can adopt a rate equalization model.

Media release, Dec 8, 2015 John Asquith, Community Environment Network Letter and Submission, Dec 4, 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council Rob Noble, Wyong Council Interview, Dec 8, 2015 Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council Interview, Dec 8, 2015 Bob Graham, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Page 10 - Coast Community News - December 16, P 6, 2015 Share

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Brisbane Water and Erina Creek floodplain management plans adopted

T The closure of a single lane on Henry Parry Drive caused fraffic to bank up throughout the Gosford CBD

Burst water main results in Gosford CBD gridlock

T

he Gosford CBD experienced traffic gridlock on the afternoon of Friday, December 11 when a burst water main forced the closure of one lane of Henry Parry Dve.

Gosford Council crews worked to complete emergency water main repair works as traffic was at a standstill along Henry Parry Dve and streets feeding off the arterial road.

In particular, the closure

affected the southbound lane of Henry Parry Dve between Georgiana Tce and Broadview Ave. Traffic diversions were in place at the corner of Donnison St and Henry Parry Dve.

Motorists experienced major delays for several hours from just after 2:00pm.

Media alert, Dec 11, 2015 Gosford Council media

wo plans to deal with current and future flood risks along the shores of Brisbane Water and Erina Creek were adopted by Gosford Council on December 8.

Key actions recommended in the Brisbane Water Foreshore Floodplain Risk Management Plan and Erina Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan will now be reviewed and prioritised for implementation.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said both plans were an important part of Council’s efforts to tackle the flood threats facing residents in these areas.

“Brisbane Water has a unique layout, is close to the ocean, and many residents live in its low-lying foreshore areas,” Cr McKinna said.

“Erina Creek is one of

Brisbane Water’s largest sub-catchments and is vulnerable to flooding caused by ocean storm surge, high rainfall, wind wave action or sea level rise.

“The plans we’ve adopted recommend a series of mitigation actions to manage flood risks within and around Brisbane Water and Erina Creek.

“Key actions include amending planning requirements, improving emergency responses, upgrading infrastructure, and boosting the community’s understanding of flood risks,” he said.

Both plans were adopted by the Council following

extensive community consultation this year.

“I would like to sincerely thank every member of the community who provided feedback on these plans, especially those who were able to attend our information sessions,” Cr McKinna said.

“I’d also like to assure the community that we have carefully considered the effect any flood mitigation actions might have on property values or insurance premiums, and other development issues, as part of the plans.”

Media release, Dec 8, 2015 Gosford Council media

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Coast C Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 11 SShare

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Councillors reject staff recommendation and refuse a development

NEWS

$453,000 funding for COSS

development application for a residential flat building at 3 to 5 Lynne Ave, Point Frederick has been refused by Gosford Council.

A

A report to the December 8 general meeting of Gosford Council recommended that councillors give their approval for the project.

However, following a failure to find a councillor willing to move the motion in support of the development application, Cr Hillary Morris moved an alternative motion, that council refused the DA due to the bulk and scale of the proposed project, its impact on a heritage item and on the surrounding neighbourhood.

“When I first read the recommendation I was very disappointed,” Cr Morris said.

She said the developer had considered the impact of their plans on the heritage item located on part of the site but that the development was still not in keeping with the nature of that heritage building.

The existing heritage building is known as Cora Lynn.

Overshadowing and the

view loss to the neighbouring property at 2 Duke St was unacceptable, Cr Morris said.

A speaker in favour of Cr Morris’ motion to refuse the development said he believed the development’s setbacks still didn’t comply with Gosford Council’s requirement and that the heritage building would be “completely overwhelmed”.

The speaker said his property, at 2 Duke St, had a primary view that is to the west and the proposed development would “totally obliterate everything.

“Views means sky, and this is cutting out the sky, the night stars, there is nothing in this proposal that offers anything for 2 Duke St,” the speaker said.

He said the proposed development would also have a financial impact on the owners of surrounding property as it would have an impact on their potential for redevelopment in the future as, in order to offer views and to deal with overshadowing,

future developments would have to be in excess of seven storeys.

The site was located in an area in transition from single dwelling houses to residential flat buildings.

Surrounding properties to the east, north and west are residential flat buildings but each has less floors than the proposed development.

The DA was amended at several points during the process to reduce the number of units from 22 to 20 and to reduce the height on the southern side by two storeys or 6.5m.

The plans were further amended in August to delete an eighth level.

The residential flat building was to be built beside and behind the heritage item.

Agenda item Gov. 173, Dec 8, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Meeting transcript, Dec 8, 2105 Jackie Pearson, journalist

From left, Mr John Asquith from the Community Environment Network with parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC

osford Council’s unique Coastal Open Space System (COSS) connections and rehabilitation project will receive $453,000 in funding thanks to the NSW Government’s Bush Connect program through the NSW Environmental Trust.

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Mr Scot MacDonald MLC, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, visited Gosford on Tuesday, December 8, to announce the successful funding for the project.

Established in 1984 and unique to Gosford Council, the COSS is a network of reserves supporting natural vegetation that are managed by council for a number of environmental and community values.

“This project will aim to maintain and improve the

environmental values of lands identified for COSS and the wildlife corridors that complement COSS lands,” said Mr John Asquith Community Environment Network chairman.

“The grant of $453,414 will provide bush regeneration to landholders and also on public land, he said.

“We will also engage landholders and encourage new Land for Wildlife (LFW) members through workshops, field days and

The rejected Lynne Ave development

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education activities, “We look forward to working with our partner organisations to implement this project over the next 6 to 10 years.”

Areas identified as having significant ecological, cultural and historical value have been earmarked for future protection and conservation by Gosford Council.

Media Release, Dec 9, 2015 John Asquith, Community Environment Network

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Short term rental policy issues resolved

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he use of a five-bedroom house at 31 Ocean Dve, MacMasters Beach as a short-term rental has been approved by Gosford Council, subject to conditions.

The development application was deferred at Council’s November 24 meeting to allow time for a site inspection.

The application for short term rental accommodation of the dwelling at 31 Ocean Dve, MacMasters Beach is the result of compliance action by Council.

The house had previously been advertised aggressively on websites resulting in its occupancy by up to three groups in any given week.

Gosford Council took action to stop the property from being used as a shortterm holiday rental as it deemed its use to have been outside the development standards of exempt development and that it was affecting the amenity of the residential neighbourhood.

As a result it had not been used as a short-term holiday rental for seven months prior to Gosford Council’s decision on December 8.

Council had received

written complaints from occupiers of dwellings located within 40 metres of the subject property over a 12 month period which identified issues of concern relating to the impact of the use as an exempt development on the amenity/environment of a neighbourhood.

The site inspection took place on December 1 and was attended by six councillors and two council officers, the site owner, their consultant and eight objectors.

During the site inspection, issues raised by councillors and the public included: management of the rental and the requirement for a local agent to be engaged; monitoring of noise levels within the proposed 12 month approval period; location of the short-term rental use in a residential area; and Byron Bay Management Plan for Short Term Lets.

The owner has now

been granted conditional approval to resume letting the property for a period of 12 months to ensure any impacts are appropriately managed before ongoing approval is given.

Conditional approval included the requirement for the owner to appoint a manager who could be contactable 24 hours per day and have a local representative to manage guest, neighbour and property issues.

Short term holiday letting has historically been seen alongside long term leasing of residential dwellings as an activity that did not require any form of development approval.

A change in the nature of the operation of the activity in recent years in some locations has highlighted the issue as to whether the use should require town planning approval.

It is acknowledged that ‘party houses’ have caused distress to some local

residents and that some short-term holiday lets are advertised for purposes such as ‘bucks’ and ‘hens’ parties.

Gosford Council resolved to provide a legal basis for the administration of short term rental accommodation via exempt provisions and development standards within the Gosford LEP 2014 and Gosford DCP 2013.

Council also established controls for examples of uses not in accordance with community expectations for their neighbourhood For most short-term holiday operations this is sufficient to provide a legal basis for the activity with little need for further Council input or involvement.

The current four bedroom maximum for short-term residential accommodation (as exempt development) reflects the maximum size of most dwelling houses (89 per cent of total dwellings in Gosford at 2011 Census are up to 4 bedrooms) in most local areas.

This bedroom limit encompasses the vast majority of short-term

holiday lets and provides a reasonable delineation point for a ‘domestic’ scale.

A development application is required for short-term residential accommodation with more than four bedrooms to address issues such as car parking, traffic and water/ sewer demand, waste generation, use of outdoor areas such as swimming pools/spas or outdoor open entertaining areas and noise.

Council can also impose conditions providing management controls relating to the amenity/ environment of the local area.

The two-storey house with an in-ground swimming pool is located on the southern side of Ocean Dve surrounded by one and two storey residential development including single dwellings and dual occupancies.

The report to Gosford Council noted that the ability to accommodate at least 10 guests at any one time and the likelihood that guests are unrelated

persons rather than family members has the potential to impact on behaviour of short term tenants.

Frequency of use of the dwelling for short term rental accommodation by different guests and the number of guests has the potential to increase car parking, traffic, waste and noise in the neighbourhood.

The report also noted that management action is required during booking arrangements to identify and confirm no more than four vehicle car parking spaces are available and that on-street parking is limited to not more than one car in the street immediately adjacent to the property frontage.

Management action is also required to develop stringent procedures for vetting of potential guests.

Agenda item GOV.165, Dec 8, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Meeting transcript, Dec 8, 2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

December 16, 2015 - Page 13

NEWS

From one property to 1,000 in 30 years

Other Regional News - In brief Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260.

Given the advent of a Greater Central Coast Council in

the near future, following is a summary of news articles published in the most recent edition of each of our sister Central Coast publications.

The full articles and more, as well as all previously published editions, can be seen on

line on our website www.

CentralCoastNews.net Copies of these other publications may be obtained from our offices in Gosford, by subscription, or from a myriad of locations in the areas covered by each publication.

FREE

Premier Mike Baird (centre back) with the team from Pacific Link Housing

SW premier, Mr Mike Baird, has officially opened the refurbished Dunbar Way housing estate in North Gosford to mark the 30th anniversary of local community housing provider, Pacific Link Housing.

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Attending a function on the site, Mr Baird congratulated Pacific Link on the refurbishment of the estate first built in the 1960s.

“The improvements included in the project will ensure that the 100 homes here at Dunbar Way remain in use for many years to come,” Mr Baird said.

The premier also congratulated Pacific Link Housing staff on their work with tenants.

“This is a group of people that says ‘we’re by your side’. “’We’re here to give you the opportunities that others haven’t given you’ and I want to thank all the staff who do that on a daily basis,” he said.

The Gosford-based not-for-profit, which began work as a community

housing provider with one staff member in 1985, now manages more than 1,000 properties across the Central Coast and Hunter regions.

“Most people who find themselves in need of social housing are in need through no fault of their own,” said Pacific Link chairman, Mr David Bacon.

“It’s our role to provide the housing and wrap-around support services these families need to overcome disadvantage and regain their independence.

“At Dunbar Way, the government agreed to transfer management of homes on the site to Pacific Link, and in return Pacific Link agreed to fund and manage the refurbishment project at a cost of around $500,000.

“The result is a great project that secures the future of the site and provides a range of enhanced facilities that benefit residents,” Mr Bacon said.

“Management by experienced local community housing providers will ensure assisted tenants receive the help and support they need,” said Pacific Link CEO, Mr Keith Gavin.

“Affordable rental dwellings can also be used to transition tenants from the social housing system, through schemes supported by the community and social housing sector.”

Media release, Dec 2, 2015 Keith Gavin, Pacific Link Housing

November 27, 2015

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 82

Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263.

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel

Councillors from both councils meet and form a joint transition team

Citizens’ panel recommended to determine new Council structure

The Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday

Wyong and Gosford councillors held their first meeting on December 2 following the historic decision to voluntarily merge the t two Central

Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP has said if the State Government moves forward with its undemocratic plans to merge Wyong and Gosford Councils without...

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Joint submission to minister a matter of expediency

Councillors and community groups object to high handed actions taken

Councillors, executives and staff await their fate

A letter and submission sent to the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP, was intended to encourage him to consider issues of importance to the Gosford and Wyong councillors and their...

Councillors and community groups have opposed the fi rst actions taken by a project control group (PCG) put in place to start work on the potential amalgamation of Wyong and Gosford Councils.

The councillors, executives and staff of Wyong Council are currently waiting for the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP, to announce their fate.

New Chinese Theme Park agreement needed due to government delays

Council receives report on breaches of confidentiality and related matters

Private Members Bill introduced to stop Wallarah 2

Following a confidential meeting of Wyong Council, its acting CEO Mr Rob Noble was authorised to attempt to negotiate a new contract for the sale of the land on ...

Issues relating to breaches of confidentiality and the use of “closed” council meetings were again discussed at Wyong Council on November 25

Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP, has introduced a Private Members Bill called the “Wyong Special Area (Protection) Bill 2015” which actively seeks to block..

The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net

Council seeks changes to JRPP arrangements Gosford Council voted to prepare a submission to the NSW Department of Planning supporting reforms to the Pre-Gateway Review Process, which is a process for reviewing planning proposals that a council has refused or failed to consider.

The proposed changes to the review process will enable greater transparency, improved timeframes and greater community awareness.

However, the reforms do identify an increasing role for Joint Regional Planning Panels, who will carry

out the assessment and determination of the pregateway reviews.

As part of its submission, Gosford Council resolved that it would suggest that a number of possible changes were made to the role of Joint Regional Planning Panels in plan making, community engagement and development assessment processes.

Some of the reform ideas that Council resolved to put forward included allowing councils that demonstrate strategic capacity for regional planning and strong

assessment capability to be the determining authority for development applications of regional significance instead of Joint Regional Planning Panels.

The Council has also called for the membership of the joint panels to be reconsidered to make sure each included a majority of regional experts and representatives, and enabled greater involvement from expert urban planning staff from the region.

Email, Nov 11, 2015 Gosford Council media

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Peninsula Community Access Edition 382

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

7 December 2015

Peninsula News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2256 & 2257.

Belinda Neal may be only Peninsula candidate

Neal alleges defamation

Fire brigades to get station improvements

Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal may be the only remaining Peninsula candidate for Labor pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson.

Labor preselection candidate for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has alleged Peninsula News has defamed her in a front page article published last edition.

Both Pearl Beach and the Bays Rural Fire Brigades have been permitted to submit development applications to undertake projects to improve... p j p

Council renegotiates licence C with Everglades Country Club

Endangered bushland rezoned as residential

Erina Services centre S decision ‘will be remembered’

Gosford Council has renegotiated a licence with the Everglades Country Club in Woy Woy to allow extensions of buildings at the club.

Gosford Council will rezone a block of endangered bushland in Wagstaffe Ave, Wagstaffe, as residential, despite objections from the Community Environment Network.

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has described the NSW Government’s decision to locate a new Services NSW centre at Erina and not in Woy Woy as a course of action the Peninsula community will

Property to be considered in urban edge study

Excavator cuts power to 1200 premises

New bike spaces at Woy Woy station

The water quality at the Peninsula’s nine monitored swimming spot is dependent on the efficiency of Gosford Council’s sewerage system, according to the ...

Around 1200 homes and businesses in parts of Woy Woy, Horsfi eld Bay and Phegans Bay experienced a power outage on Tuesday, November 24, ...

Contracts have been awarded for the installation of 50 secure bike spaces at Woy Woy station, according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast...

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net They can also be seen on www.PeninsulaNews.info

FORUM

Page 14 - Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 P 015 Share

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/forum

Most of 600 jobs will be relocated staff

Rock-pool is dangerous wish to draw to the attention of your readers and of course Gosford Council the dangerous access to MacMasters Beach rock-pool.

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The access steps end a couple of metres above the water - depending on the tide.

So older locals frequently have to use their hands on the rocks to get stable access to and from the pool.

The access is a danger to older swimmers as well as to families with very young children.

It also discriminates against a neighbour of mine

FORUM who has vision impairment.

Many who use our rock-pool are week-ender families and tourists and Gosford Council wants to revive the dying tourism industry on the Coast.

Gosford Council has done a magnificent stabilisation job on the

waterfront at Terrigal Haven.

Why is Gosford Council so slow and not using the same big blocks of sandstone to fix the access to Mac’s rock-pool?

Building a small “shed” of national park-style toilets at the rock-pool would also be a stroke of genius.

m I the only one annoyed by the deception, if not the outright lies, being touted by our ‘liberal’ MPs?

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The only jobs that will be created, and hopefully not all 600 of them, will be to replace those who refuse to relocate from Canberra.

What will happen to those who don’t want to leave their friends and communities?

Will alternative

Scouts becoming too politically correct

have lived in Gosford for 35 years.

We had a Grace Bros, a cinema and many other specialty stores and Gosford was a great place to live.

Now we’ve been promised a training facility for nurses, a new library, a new building where Froggies used to be and a Performing Arts Centre where Gosford Public School was.

My grand children moved out of the school after many of the local parents took up several petitions to save the school, being ultimately unsuccessful in those attempts.

We were upset over the school’s closure after

FORUM 100 years of service to the community but when we were told that it would be replaced by a Performing Arts Centre, we thought that this was a great idea as a Performing Arts Centre was something that is needed and would be used.

Once again, all promises have been broken.

Gosford is forever being left behind.

The water front is wasted – no new development has been commenced for many years.

Email, Nov 30, 2015 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

Letters to the editor should be sent to: Coast Community News PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 or mail@gosfordnews.org See Page 2 for contribution conditions

Email, Dec 10, 2015 Ian Crook, MacMasters Beach

Sick of broken promises

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employment be offered to them?

To paraphrase Shakespeare, there is something rotten in the state of NSW.

FORUM

Gosford doesn’t need a new taxation office but it does need the promised Performing Arts Centre.

Just once in my life it would be nice if politicians actually stuck to a promise.

In the event that the proposed taxation office does get the go ahead, then I will do all I can to get every student of the Gosford Primary School to sit on the land where the old school resided until the development approval is overturned.

As a member of the Australian Monarchist League and ex-Boy Scout, I am disappointed that the Boy Scouts are dumping “God, Queen and Country”.

References to “cheerful” and “thrifty” are also set to be axed.

Republicans are trying to destroy our constitutional

FORUM monarchy.

Will they try to change our flag next?

My attitude is that if it’s working, why change it?

They say that all this is to modernise our lives.

What will it cost us to

change?

All who value the freedom and the way of life of this country, and realise it’s all due to our constitution being under the Crown, are needed to step forward.

Letter, Nov 23, 2015 Raymond Madden, East Gosford

Suggested sites for ATO building

Letter, Oct 11, 2015 Jacqui Walls, North Gosford

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ith the kerfuffle over the proposed ATO building on prime waterfront land (and conflicting stories thereunto), what about using existing derelict sites?

A simple ride on the Route 40 bus has identified at least two.

For starters, there is the old Mitre 10 building, on the corner of the Pacific Hwy and Beane St. I used to shop there for stuff that Bunnings didn’t have, although it did cost be a bit more.

Also, on the corner of Beane St and Watt St is the

FORUM long abandoned hairdresser.

It’s been vandalized with graffiti, had windows smashed, been temporarily boarded up (which didn’t last long), vandalised again, and now boarded up again.

I expect the place to be torched next.

Iin the meantime, I cannot imagine why it was put there in the first place as it would’ve had very little passing trade.

No doubt in the spirit of ‘people participation’ your readers can suggest some more sites.

Email, Dec 14, 2015 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

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Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 15 Co SShare

olice have charged a teenager after he allegedly assaulted two police officers at North Gosford on December 5, 2015.

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dragged her along the ground for several metres until he was able to break free.

The officers pursued the teenager into Gertrude St where OC spray was deployed and the teenager was handcuffed and arrested with the assistance of other police.

Police will allege that during a search, they located an illicit drug, believed to be ice, along with a small quantity of cash.

The 16-year-old boy was taken to Gosford Police Station and later charged with assault police, hinder police, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possess prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on January 15, 2016.

Media release, Dec 5, 2015 NSW Police media

Stolen property recovered at Springfield

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wo men have been charged after an alleged break and enter at Melbourne St, Gosford.

About 6am on Thursday, December 10, the two men forced entry into a new villa on Melbourne St. Once inside, the men allegedly stole numerous white goods from the premises, including a cook top, oven, clothes dryer, and a range-hood, loading the items into a waiting car, before driving from the scene.

Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command attended after being called by a witness.

About 6.30am, police located the car at a home on Sherwood Dve, Springfield.

ON THE BEAT

Man charged with 16 property-related offences

16-year-old boy allegedly assaults police officers At around 1:25am, police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command were patrolling Gertrude St, North Gosford when they noticed a teenager acting suspiciously.

The teenage boy left a stationary motor vehicle and walked away from the officers.

Upon conducting a search, police eventually found the teenager hiding at the front of a block of units on Hills St. The officers spoke to the teenager and commenced a search during which he allegedly became aggressive and knocked the female constable to the ground.

The teenager allegedly then resisted being handcuffed by the male constable during which time he knocked the female constable to the ground again.

She was able to hold onto the teenager who continued to pull away.

The teenager allegedly

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/on-the-beat

man has been charged with 16 property-related offences, including an incident where property was allegedly stolen from hospital patients in Gosford.

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Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command commenced investigations after property was reported stolen from two patients undergoing treatment at a hospital in Gosford on Wednesday, October 21.

Officers were able to identify the man who allegedly used several stolen credit cards at stores around Gosford.

The man was also linked to an incident on Wednesday, November 11, when two cars were allegedly broken into in a car park on Racecourse Rd. On Tuesday, December 1,

the man was also allegedly linked to another incident at the hospital when a phone charging station was stolen.

About 12.20am on the morning of Thursday, December 10, patrolling officers spotted a black Holden Commodore in the forecourt of a service station on the Pacific Hwy at Wyoming.

Officers stopped and spoke to the occupants and allegedly recognised one of the occupants.

The man was arrested

and searched.

During the search, officers allegedly located jewellery and other property believed to be stolen and housebreaking implements on his person.

The 48-year-old man was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with 16 offences: obtain benefit by deception (x9); destroy/damage property (x2); steal from motor vehicle (x2); steal fixture from building; goods in custody; and possess housebreaking implements.

The man was formally refused bail to appear

olice are appealing for information following the assault of a man and malicious damage in Kincumber South on December 6, 2015.

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At around 5:15pm, two men, aged 23 and 29, were at a car park on Empire Bay Dve, Kincumber South, when they saw four men in a white Nissan Pulsar enter the location.

Police were told a man confronted the 29-year-old, demanded money, and then punched him in the face.

The 29-year-old and the

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 23-year-old ran from the scene to a car parked nearby and were chased by two unknown men.

The two unknown men approached the parked car and attempted to open the

door before one of the two men kicked the car’s sidedoor mirror.

After several attempts to enter the vehicle, the offenders left.

Officers from Brisbane Water Local Area Command were notified and commenced investigations.

Police would like to speak to the four men who may be able to assist them with their inquiries.

The first man was described as: Caucasian appearance, 175cm tall, tanned skin, solid build, and wearing black shorts, black runners and no shirt.

The second man was

Media release, Dec 10, 2015 NSW Police media

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Media release, Dec 10, 2015 NSW Police Media

Car park fracas at Kincumber South

Police arrested two men, aged 29 and 28, at the location and recovered the stolen property from the work site.

They were taken to Gosford Police Station were both were charged with aggravated break and enter.

Both were granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on January 19, 2016.

,PDJH E\ (PLO\ &UHOOLQ /LVDURZ 3XEOLF 6FKRRO

before Gosford Local Court on Thursday, December, 10.

Brisbane Water Local Area commander, superintendent Danny Sullivan, said the arrest was a testament to proactive efforts by officers to reduce crime in the local area. “Having property stolen is always heartbreaking, but to have property stolen while undergoing treatment in hospital is a particularly low act,� Spt Sullivan said. “The arrest of this man reflects the daily dedication and commitment of my officers to keep the people of the Central Coast safe and secure,� he said.

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described as: Caucasian appearance, aged in the 20s, 175cm tall, slim build, darkish-blonde hair, and wearing black sun-glasses, dark-coloured shorts and no shirt.

The third man was described as: Caucasian appearance, 175cm tall, solid build, sandy-coloured hair, and wearing boardshorts.

The fourth man was not described.

Media release, Dec 7, 2015 NSW Police media

HEALTH

Page 16 - Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 P 015 Share

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/health

Christmas decorated buses are for a good cause

Salmonella warning for festive season f you are barbecuing or cooking up a Christmas feast over the festive season, Central Coast Local Health District is urging residents to prepare and handle food carefully to avoid getting sick.

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Passengers are invited to hop aboard and enjoy the Christmas cheer

usways Gosford drivers are hoping for a bright Christmas for the Cancer Council as the Christmas Bus Initiative hits the road for the second year running.

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Staff at Busways’ Gosford depot have decked out five buses with Christmas decorations and have taken them out on the road for route services.

Fundraising tins will also be on board for customers who wish to donate their loose change for a local

charity nominated by the depot.

The initiative was a success last year with Busways raising over $2,400 in donations for various charities.

Busways marketing and sustainability manager, Ms Donna Frith said: “The

depot teams have decked out their buses to put a smile on the face of our passengers, from the littlest ones to the oldest.

“They’ve chosen a local charity to raise funds for to give back to the local community.

“We’re hoping we can

top the amount raised last year,” she said.

Busways Wyong has four Christmas Buses raising funds for Camp Breakaway.

“Busways invited passengers to hop on and enjoy a ride on a Christmas bus if they see it in their local area,” Ms Frith said.

“Salmonella typically doubles in the summer, compared with the winter months,” said district public health nutritionist Lesley Marshall.

“Christmas can be a time of higher risk for food poisoning because the weather is hot, the fridge is overloaded and we’re cooking for more people than we usually do.” she said.

Central Coast Local Health District states that following a few simple rules and using common sense will help ensure residents enjoy their festive feast without paying for it later.

One of the key messages Ms Marshall said was to

“Keep it clean, keep it cold or keep it hot”.

“Correct food temperatures are very important in the warmer months, especially for seafood, which is a popular Christmas lunch choice,” she said.

“It is very important to keep seafood at below 5°C to reduce the risk of food poisoning,” “Separate all raw and cooked foods so you are not using the same utensils or cutting boards for different foods and don’t let raw meat juices drip onto other foods,” Ms Marshall said.

Email, Dec 14, 2015 Lauren Nicholls, Central Coast Local Health District

Media release, Dec 10, 2015 Thomas Wong, Busways

Men invited to join ‘Decembeard’ entral Coast residents are being encouraged to partake in Bowel Cancer Australia’s initiative ‘Decembeard’ this December to help promote, raise awareness and raise funds for Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.

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p: 02 4339 7446 m: 0431 468 723 m: 0434 980 700 e: enquiries@relativecare.com.au w: www.relativecare.com.au

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Central Coast resident Douglas McFarland is taking part with the goal of raising $5,000 in memory of his father.

“Having lost my father to bowel cancer five years ago, when I saw the Decembeard campaign, I felt compelled to contribute,” Mr McFarland said.

“Everyone has been affected by cancer, this cancer took away the most important man in my life.

“If my actions can assist tackling the disease, then I

will give all I have.

“I want to encourage people to get on board by supporting either financially or sharing via social media, or choosing to grow a beard themselves,” he said.

Women and children can also take part by making, baking or faking a beautiful beard in this worldwide campaign that also takes place in the UK, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.

Email, Dec 4, 2015 Joshua Lucas, Dosh Public Relations

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Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 17 Coa SShare

HEALTH

Culturally-specific prostate cancer resource launched

14 per cent of people with HIV remain undiagnosed o acknowledge World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 1, the team at the Central Coast Local Health District Sexual Health Clinic encouraged people at risk of HIV to get tested.

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/health

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It is estimated that around 10,500 people in NSW are living with a diagnosed HIV infection.

Despite significant progress being made in prevention efforts and increasing HIV testing and treatment uptake, approximately 14 per cent of people with HIV remain undiagnosed.

Dr Debbie Allen, district medical director of HIV and Related Programs, said those most at risk include men who have sex with men and people from countries where there are high rates of HIV infection.

Anyone who has had unprotected sex with a person at high risk should also be tested.

“HIV can affect people of all ages, genders, races and cultures, and is often transmitted by people who don’t know they have it.

“The good news is that HIV testing is easier and more accessible than ever before.

“Early detection means people can start treatment that will improve their health and prevent transmission to others,” said Dr Allen.

In NSW, over 90 per cent of people with HIV who visit public HIV and sexual health clinics are now on treatment.

Most people receiving treatment have a similar life expectancy to people without HIV. People can visit their GP for testing, or free and confidential testing is available at the Holden St Sexual Health Clinic in Gosford.

Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Casey Virgin, Central Coast Local Health District

Traditional indigenous dance at the men’s health conference held in Terrigal that was the catalyst for the prostate cancer resource

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entral Coast local, Mr Mick Pittman, has helped launch Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prostate cancer education resource.

The launch was held at the Bangarra Dance Theatre in Sydney on October 23.

The education resources were developed by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

Mr Pittman of the Central Coast Aboriginal community is a prostate cancer survivor and PCFA ambassador.

He became involved with the PCFA’s support group as soon as he was diagnosed in 2008.

Mick has since trained with the PCFA to provide information and support to Indigenous men and groups prior to and following diagnosis.

These culturally specific education resources are the first of their kind and have been developed in consultation with the ATSI

community.

Mick is very pleased that culturally specific resources have now been developed and said: “When a black fella sees it, he’ll say that’s for me.”

The education resources aim to ensure that all cultural communities in Australia have easy access to information that will help men and their families understand prostate cancer.

Three flipcharts have been specifically developed to provide men in Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) communities with balanced information about prostate health, prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment options and advice for carers and partners on how to deal with a cancer diagnosis.

Dr Mick Adams, senior research fellow of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet from Edith Cowan University, said: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men are not comfortable in discussing

issues associated with sexual and reproductive health, including prostate cancer.

“Quality-information availability and awareness are crucial to early identification and decisionmaking in prostate cancer,” Dr Adams said.

For information about the new education resources, or to access the Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Prostate Cancer Healthcare Programs monographs, visit www.pcfa.org.au.

Media release, Oct 23, 2015

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EDUCATION

Page 18 - Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 P 015 Share

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Christmas carols a success

$3,500 grant for Aspect Central Coast

ember for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP has congratulated Aspect Central Coast School for their successful application for a $3,500 Eco Schools Program grant, which helps instill environmental awareness and appreciation in children.

M

Mr Crouch said the NSW Environmental Trust grant would help the school implement local and practical environmental education initiatives for their students.

“I am delighted that Aspect Central Coast School proposed a project called ‘Autism Support Vegetable and Herb Sensory Garden’ in a bid to achieve horticultural practices for

those students wanting to go onto agricultural studies,” Mr Crouch said.

Environment minister, Mr Mark Speakman, said the Eco Schools grants would help young people to learn and value the natural environment.

“They help educate students on the importance of protecting the environment for future generations,” he said.

“All of the primary and secondary school children participating in these innovative environmental projects will transfer their learning to peers, family and communities, which will generate an environmental legacy.”

Media release, Nov 27, 2015 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch

Joanne Harris Scholarship Fund unveiled

P Part of the crowd that attended this year’s Point Clare Public School’s Christmas carols event

oint Clare Public School has hosted its most successful carols night with performers on the night ensuring that the Christmas spirit is alive and well at the school.

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“A huge thank you to everyone involved in what was a very successful and fun filled night,” said fundraising convener Kayla McNeill.

“So many generous parents, teachers and students selflessly gave up their time to make the event possible,” she said.

Over $6,000 was raised from the school’s raffle and carols night with the school raising over $15,000 in profit during 2015.

Point Clare Public School is reminding parents that students in Years 1 to 6 return to school next year on Thursday, January 28 and parents of Kindergarten students will receive a personal letter with their start date.

Email, Dec 8, 2015 Kayla McNeill, Point Clare Public School

For FITNESS, FUN and FRIENDSHIP GOSFORD SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS holds a class every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm at the Church of Christ Hall, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming

$7 per Night Come and join in n on the fun!

No partner necessary No special clothes - just soft shoes Lively music New dancers welcome

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rofessor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD, CVO unveiled NAISDA (National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association) Dance College’s new scholarship program, the Joanne Harris Scholarship Fund, during the launch of its end of year production of KAMU in November.

One of Australia’s premier Indigenous training college, NAISDA has a tradition of producing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers since 1976.

The scholarship program, available to NAISDA Developing Artists, will have a ‘whole of career approach’ and provide funding in the areas of early talent identification, tertiary studies support for NAISDA Developing Artists,

recognising talented and committed Developing Artists and transition to early career support.

“The substantial bequest will provide an immeasurable positive influence for the NAISDA Developing Artists,” Executive Director of NAISDA Kim Walker said.

“2016 will be an extremely exciting time for NAISDA as we celebrate 40 years, “We’ve got a lot planned including a community Open Day, a two week

season at Carriageworks Sydney, as well as a midyear show and workshops at the new Wyong Artspace to celebrate NAIDOC week and NAISDA’s presence on the Central Coast.” Ms Walker said.

The scholarship program will be launched in 2016 to coincide with NAISDA’s 40th anniversary.

Media Release, Nov 30, 2015 Alison Orren, Brilliant Logic

Narara has end of year events arara Public School has hosted its carols night with the Principal thanking those who attended.

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“This proved to be a wonderful community evening and I sincerely thank every person who attended the event,” said Narara Public School’s principal, Mr Dave Stitt.

“Congratulations to all of our performers, our wonderful band and to Ms Brennan and the teachers who worked incredibly hard

to have the children practice for the night,” he said.

The school also finalised the installation of their new ‘Early Intervention’ playground, complete with soft fall and markings.

“We are excited to have an up to date, safe area for our EI kids to play in,” Mr Stitt said.

Narara Public School

also held a ‘Step up Day’ on Monday, December 14, where students were able to spend time with their 2016 classroom teacher with the principal stresses that there will not be any class changes from this point forward.

Email, Dec 8, 2015 David Stitt, Narara Public School

Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 19 Coa SShare

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/education

EDUCATION

Community College course leads to employment

Steve Hobday is a scholarship graduate teve Hobday, a local Mangrove Mountain student is one of 41 students who have graduated year 12 this year as a part of the Smith Family’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Project (IYLP).

S

IYLP is a program that funds young Aboriginal people from mostly remote and regional Australia to complete their education in metro capitals at some of the country’s best schools.

Steve undertook his HSC schooling at Saint Joseph’s College in Hunter’s Hill and has now applied to study medicine.

The Smith Family’s CEO Dr Lisa O’Brien said: “I congratulate all of our IYLP graduates as they celebrate this special milestone in their educational journey.

“Working together with our partner schools, we also help the students to improve their leadership skills, broaden their educational

horizons and develop their aspirations for the future.”

Dr O’Brien said, “The Year 12 or equivalent attainment rate among all young Aboriginal people is 58.5 per cent, a figure significantly below the 86.5 per cent for the rest of the population.

“It is an outstanding result that half of our students have applied for or been accepted into jobs for next year, a further 19 have applied for University or TAFE, and two are taking gap years before starting their studies in 2017.”

Students who have completed the Certificate III in Aged Care at the Central Coast Community College Media release, Nov 17, 2015 Emily Jacob, the Smith Family

School to have family liaison officer

family liaison officer will be introduced to Our Lady of the Rosary primary school in Wyoming according to principal Mr Frank Cohen.

A

“For 2016 and 2017, the school will have a family liaison officer (FLO) for two days per week,” Mr Cohen said.

“The role of this person will be to offer counselling and pastoral support services for our school families who may experience difficult personal circumstances that are impacting their general flow of life.

“We will still have the services of a counsellor, but the FLO will be able to better support all of the pointy end needs of families,” he said.

This decision came after

the departure of Sister Geraldine from the school.

“Upon moving to the school this year I have heard many times over, what a loss Sister Geraldine has been to our school and the pastoral support she offered our families.

“Whilst I can’t replace Sister Geraldine, I believe I have been able to secure the next best option,” Mr Cohen said.

Newsletter, Nov 25, 2015 Frank Cohen, Our Lady of the Rosary primary school

tudents undertaking the Certificate III in Aged Care at the Central Coast Community College have managed to secure employment with a range of Aged Care providers on the Coast.

S

Thirteen of the 15 students who completed the course have now gained work with Henry Kendall Aged Care in Wyoming, The Orchards in Lisarow and Aurrum in Erina, to name just a few.

Ms Mary Grace Suarez Little, who has recently been offered a job at The Orchards, said: “Enrolling in the Certificate III Aged Care course at the college was the best decision I made.

“The trainer was fantastic and I love working with the elderly.

“The Orchards were so impressed with the training

that I had received, they offered me a full-time job,” she said.

Executive director of the Central Coast Community College, Mr Johnathan

Davis said: “Our Aged Care trainer, Ms Pam Hackett, is a practicing nurse with over 30 years industry experience in both the UK and Australia.

“We have high expectations of our students, which is evidenced by the high number that get offered work,” she concluded.

Media release, Nov 11, 2015 Johnathan Davis, Central Coast Community College

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OUT&ABOUT

Page 20 - Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 P Share

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Shipbuilders Memorial officially opened

Active environmentalists receive BAT awards s 2015 draws to a close, the Community Environment Network (CEN) has been recognising the hard work of many groups and volunteers that have been working for the environment in our region.

A

Kincumber Rotary Club members in period costume at the opening

T

he opening of the Kincumber Shipbuilders Memorial was held at the Kincumber Foreshore on Sunday, November 29.

More than 43 descendants of local shipbuilders as well as a large number of locals attended the opening.

The opening was also attended by Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, the member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks MP, a number of Gosford councillors and the director of the Australian National Maritime Museum, Mr Kevin Sumption.

Members of the Kincumber Rotary Club

dressed in period costume for the opening and the crowd was entertained by poets, songwriters and a local chorus group dressed as sailors.

The official party and descendants attended a function at the Kincumber Library after the opening to view a display of local shipbuilding history.

The main memorial features the skeleton of a ship and was created by local sculptor, John Woulfe.

The lawns in front of the sculpture contain

plaques that acknowledge the parties involved in the creation of the memorial and those who have helped sponsor it.

The names are engraved in black granite and set on sandstone blocks.

Rotary is seeking sponsorship from the community and local businesses to complete the funding of the project.

Contributions will be recognised on the plaques at the main memorial.

There are an additional 20 memorials to individual

shipbuilders to be placed around the foreshore.

The shipbuilders memorial project was the brainchild of Terrigal resident and Rotarian, Graeme Davies and the project was managed by Booker Bay resident and Rotarian, Eric Perrett.

Tim Bowland, the public relations officer of Kincumber Rotary said: “Both these men have spent the last few years working tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.”

Media release, Dec 3, 2015 Rotary Club of Kincumber

2nd & Last Sunday No Market December 27

challenge to the proposed expansion of a Rocla sand mine at Calga.

Laurie and Jo Eyes also received special recognition for their sustained effort to “uncover the truth about the proposal for a Regional Airport in Wyong”.

The overall BAT Award was received by Ms Bernadine Mitchell, for her significant achievements over 27 years in leading and coordinating the Copacabana Dunecare Group.

Ms Mitchell has also been an active member of her community through the Surf Club, Copacabana Community Association and local school.

CEN chairman, Mr John Asquith, thanked all members, supporters and friends for their efforts throughout the year and wished to acknowledge the difference they were making in protecting the environment and the Central Coast.

Media release, Dec 2, 2015 John Asquith, CEN Chairman

No one should have to go it alone.

The opening ceremony by the shipbuilders memorial

EVERY MONTH ALL WEATHERS

Each year, CEN calls for nominations and gives out the BAT Awards, based around a cricket theme that reflects the need to “Be A Team”.

The awards presentation was held on November 26, and the following recipients were acknowledged.

Rookie of the Year was won by Ms Barbara Gorman, who worked tirelessly to fight against Wyong Council’s tree policy.

Best 12th Man was Mr John Wiggin, described as a stalwart of the local environment scene, who continues to support a range of organisations, often behind the scenes.

The award for Most Outstanding Community Group was given to Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance, set up in 2011 to support over 15 individual Sustainable Neighbourhood groups.

Most Outstanding Campaign was a special recognition award given to the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, for their commitment over many years to a successful court

is printed on 100% recycled paper products, even the ink is made from vegetable matter.

So when you’re done reading this paper please recycle it or give it to someone else to read

Please donate now salvos.org.au/hope 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

PRESENTS

MT PENANG GARDENS 18-22 December 2015 6.30-9.30pm

Come along to see the stunning lights display on the Central Coast. đ Themed interactive light displays; Mad Hatters and Santa’s sleigh.

đ Meet Elsa from Frozen. đ Christmas music and drum circles. đ Nativity scene with live animals. đ Join the Scavenger Hunt and support Ronald McDonald Family Room.

đ Face painting, jumping castles, food vendors and much more! $15 PER FAMILY (max. 2 adults & 3 children under 18); $5/person; children under 3 free.

Buy your tickets at the gate: Parklands Rd, Mt Penang Parklands, Kariong.

(2 minutes from the M1 Gosford exit).

Call 4340 1002 to buy tickets in advance.

Follow us on Facebook for updates Facebook/Mt-Penang-Gardens-Event-Park.

Supported by

SANTA WILL BE THERE!

OUT&ABOUT

Page 22 - Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 P Share

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Outdoor movie night achieved long term benefits

Iconic art work unveiled osford Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Paul Anderson, unveiled a $30,000 iconic art work at the Gosford Regional Gallery on December 10.

G

The movie night was held at Henry Kendall High School

entral Coast children with disabilities and their families were recently treated to an outdoor movie night at Henry Kendall High School in Gosford.

C

The night was made possible through a community partnership involving Central Coast Highway contractor Seymour Whyte, the Cerebral Palsy League and Northcott Disability Centre.

The three organisations have collaborated on Cerebral Palsy League’s ‘Metal for Mobility’ program which uses the sale of scrap metal from Seymour Whyte’s Central Coast Highway upgrade in West Gosford to fund community projects for local children with disabilities.

“This is a great example of a collaborative program which has a really positive impact on local families and individuals living with

cerebral palsy and related physical disabilities,” Seymour Whyte project manager Brad Binns said.

“The program is straight forward, easy to implement and achieves amazing outcomes,” Cerebral Palsy League CEO Angela Tillmanns said.

“It is also an opportunity to engage staff and promote environmental sustainability through metal recycling, while supporting people with disabilities to live the life they choose,” Ms Tillmanns said.

The Central Coast Mariners were among a number of community groups in attendance at the event, with wheelchair sports demonstrations and

food stalls also featuring on the night.

“The event gave local families the opportunity to meet each other and discuss their own experiences of raising children with disabilities,” Northcott’s area manager for the Central Coast, Alison Newman said.

“These types of events often result in families developing friendships and they become a source of informal support for one another.

The event also coincided with social inclusion week which aims to ensure that all Australians feel included and valued.

“This high profile sculpture’s interactive sound and visual elements will assist visitation, provide engagement within the gallery and communicate a strong sense of place and regional identity,” he said.

The sculpture features three large Koi fish – a tribute to the popular Koi pond in the gallery’s Japanese garden.

Mr Austin said he was inspired by the Koi fish bending and twisting into the hint of a letter ‘G’.

“Each of the sculpture’s fish forms a ‘G’ shape to represent both Gosford and the gallery,” Mr Austin said.

“My hope is that children and adults will immediately recognise Koi G, especially given that I’m sure the humble Koi fish swimming in the Japanese garden’s pond provide a long lasting

memory for all gallery visitors.”

Council set up the Gosford Foundation Trust to encourage and facilitate benevolent acts by individuals, families or organisations who wish to donate real estate, art or funds for public use.

“The Gosford Foundation Trust is designed to fund recreational, cultural, environmental and other community facilities, programs and projects that benefit the Gosford community,” Mr Anderson added.

“This new art work was an ideal public initiative for the trust to support and help raise awareness about the great role it plays in our community.”

Media release, Dec 7, 2015 Gosford Council media

Email, Dec 14, 2015 Claire Absolum, Northcott

you can bring to a child this Christmas

Artist Graham Austin with his Koi G sculpture at the Gosford Regional Gallery

Leader of a Samaritans Emergency Relief Centre, Pat, ƌĞĐĂůůƐ ŚĞƌ ũŽLJ Ăƚ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ Ă ŐŝŌ of hope with the Clyde* Family one Christmas: We had a woman visit us, she’d recently escaped an abusive husband and she had a young daughter. When she came in the door I said to her, what does your daughter want for Christmas? All her daughter wanted was a doll. Well, I pulled Ă ŵĂŐŶŝĮĐĞŶƚ ĚŽůů ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ƌĞĐĞŶƚ ƚŽLJ ĚŽŶĂƟŽŶƐ ĨƌŽŵ Ă local business and she just burst into tears. She said to me “I don’t believe it, you’ve done so much for me today and because of you I’ll have a Christmas I would have never had”.

Created by Green Point artist, Mr Graham Austin, the 1.5 metre sculpture entitled Koi G, aims to inspire philanthropy for the arts in Gosford City.

“I’m very pleased the Gosford Foundation Trust could donate $20,000 towards the creation of this artwork and Council was able to provide the remaining funding that was needed,” Mr Anderson said.

“Graham Austin’s sculpture was chosen from 14 other submissions following a rigorous selection process.

“It will now sit proudly and permanently in the gallery’s main foyer to demonstrate that each visitor donation plays an important role in the long-term sustainability and vision of one of the Central Coast’s premier cultural facilities.

GIVE ONLINE AT:

www.samaritans.org.au Just $30 can make a difference.

Send your donation to: PO BOX 366 HMRC NSW 2310 or Phone: 4960 7100 Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

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*Names have been changed.

The social welfare arm of the Anglican Church in the Hunter, Manning and Central Coast.

Demand for copies of Coast Community News has been extremely high lately.

If you can’t wait to get your copy - read it online!

If you lent yours to someone that won’t give it back - read it online!

Missed an edi on or want to re-read something - read it online!

Simply go to www.centralcoastnews.net They’re all there and it’s FREE Want to share something you find really interes ng, see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 23 C SShare

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/out-and-about

Liquor Accord bans extended to include illicit drug and outdoor violence

OUT&ABOUT

Christmas card design presentation

ederal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP announced to Parliament recently that the Brisbane Water Liquor Accord has extended its Barred from One, Barred from All program to target illicit drugs and violence around local licensed premises.

F

Ms Wicks said: “The change comes from the work of the Tackling Drugs and Alcohol Committee, which has developed a number of community-led strategies for the Central Coast.

“To ensure that the community is aware of this initiative, new artwork is on clear display now in pubs and clubs in my electorate.

“There is a genuine confidence that these steps will complement and support the united front presented by the community and police towards antisocial behaviour and illicit drug activities on the Central Coast.

“I am advised that the accord has already resulted in venues being safer for patrons, staff and the community, so extending it to drugs and violence was voted on and passed unanimously by members of the liquor accord.

“This fantastic result demonstrates the hard work and diligence by those involved in the Tackling Drugs and Alcohol Committee in Robertson.

“I commend committee member, Zane Tredway, licensee of the Central Coast Hotel and Secretary of the Brisbane Water Liquor Accord, for his work

in this area.

“Committee member and Brisbane Water Local Area Command Superintendent, Danny Sullivan told me he is already seeing a very positive response to these measures in our community.

“The new poster has been viewed by around 3,000 people online already.

“Another initiative that the committee is looking at is the Party Safe program, which we would like to be able to support and extend.

“This program will target 15 to 18 year olds and focus on alcohol, drugs and mental health.

“It is called ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ and involves a series of community forums.

“These forums will help reach parents and students and will encourage access to support groups, hotlines, online support and drop-in centres.

“This has been a tremendous community effort of which the Central Coast can be proud,” Ms Wicks.

Media release, Dec 4, 2015 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

The winning entry used as a Christmas card cover

ederal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP, will host a special presentation for all the Central Coast children who participated in her Christmas card design competition.

F

The presentation will be held on December 15 at Bendigo Bank, East Gosford.

Over a hundred students aged five to 12 from across the Robertson electorate sent Christmas card designs to a theme of a ‘Christmas Miracle’.

“I was so inspired with the

creativity and imagination of our youth,” said Ms Wicks.

“The winning pictures are featured in my annual Christmas card, distributed to hundreds of Central Coast residents and businesses, and my Parliamentary colleagues.”

This year’s winners included: Annie Lowbridge,

aged 8 from Avoca Beach Public School, Brendan Hattley, aged 10 from Kariong Public School and Catherine Tran-Le, aged 8 from Erina Heights Public School.

Media release, Dec 11, 2015 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks

Domestic violence charitable foundation launched

T Lucy Wicks MP holding up the new Central Coast Liquor Accord poster in Parliament

The team at

he Marie Lowndes Charitable Foundation will be launched at the Central Coast Leagues Club on Friday, December 18.

Federal member for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara MP and Federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP will jointly launch the Marie Lowndes Charitable Foundation.

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The launch will take place at 10:00am in the Leagues Club’s Kendall Bar. The Foundation will fund a new coordinated, preventative and responsive program to address

domestic violence on the Central Coast.

Media alert, Dec 14, 2015 Laurie Maher, Coast Shelter

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS DIRECTORY COMMUNITY GROUPS ABC - “The Friends” Support group for Public Broadcaster.

Aims. safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year + social afternoons Well-known guest speakers 4341 5170 www.fabcnsw.org.au

Central Coast Family History Society Inc. Resources, information & advice to study your family’s history. 1st Sat 1pm Lions Community Hall, 8 Russell Drysdale St, E. Gosford. www.centralcoastfhs.org.au

4324 5164 Central Coast Over 30s Social Group Inc We offer social contact, entertainment events & new friendships for people in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s & 60’s etc.

Our events range from; Live Music, House Parties, Restaurant Nights, BBQ’s/ Picnics, Trips Away & lots more - For a FREE calendar call call 0422 243 101 or cco30s@live.com.au

Central Coast Pension & Welfare Officer Network This group of Volunteers, trained by DVA, to look after servicemen & women, meets at Ourimbah RSL Club at 10:30am 2nd Fri - Feb to Nov 4322 1505 Central Coast 50+ Singles Social Group Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & Socialising each w/e.

Our friendly group can be contacted for our monthly programme all areas of the coast 4396 3640 0437 699 366 50pssg@gmail.com

Gosford Politics in the Pub Come and solve the problems of the world over a friendly drink and a bite to eat. Guest speakers.

First Thurs 6pm Dutton’s Tavern 161 Mann St, Gosford 0438 363 108 Rotary Club of Gosford North A very active community minded club with many projects focussed on assisting youth.

If you are keen to support our great projects, get involved with our fun club or discuss joining, please contact Graham Black 0410 509 071, grahamblack@iprimus.com.au

Rotary Club of Kariong/Somersby International service club improves lives of communities in Australia and overseas.

Fun-filled activities, fellowship and friendship breakfasts. Phillip House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am 4340 4529 kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au

Seniors Computer Club Central Coast Inc. Beginners Class PC or Mac, Mon or Tues. Other Classes Mon to Fri, 10am to 12 md or 1pm to 3pm. Mthly Meeting with Guest Speaker, 1st Monday of month. All at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre. Information 02 4369 5692 U3A Central Coast Mature age people are invited to participate in a wide range of courses to broaden the mind and make new friends 0408 704 701 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au

Page 24 - Coast Community News - December 16, P 6, 2015 Share

Koolewong, Point Clare & Tascott Progress Association Aims to provide resources for communication. Special guests, community involvement, heritage, diversity, education, safety and small business opportunities.

Point Clare Community Hall 2nd Thurs Bi Monthly.

0412 462 218

COMMUNITY CENTRES Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Tai Chi, Scrabble, Darts, Table Tennis, Indoor Bowls, Patchwork, Yoga, Fitness, Gentle Swimming, Line Dancing, Cards, Variety Social, Womens Group, Zumba, Crochet, Computers 4304 7065 Gosford-Narara Neighbourhood Centre School Holiday activities, playgroup, multicultural programs, community activities - Rooms for Hire

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

volunteers and community organisations. We also provide training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Information Sessions “Bridge to Volunteering” Held regularly across the Central Coast 4329 7122 recruit@volcc.org.au

Wyoming Community Centre Programs and activities incl.

Yoga & Zumba classes, Art and Craft classes, Playgroup & Vacation Care, Support groups, Book Club, Community Garden, Rooms for Hire, Work Development Orders, Centrelink Volunteer hours 4323 7483 reception@wyomingcc.org.au

HEALTH GROUPS Alcoholics Anonymous meet every Wed 1230pm Someone cares Anglican Church 3 Mann St Gosford 4323 3890

4363 7111 Medusa Moves Is a gentle movement class catering for people with Parkinson’s Disease for Parkinsons’s sufferers & over 50s, stretching, guided dance moves & cuppa all for a gold coin donation.

1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the months at The Rhythm Hut Faunce St Gosford 0439 856 554 0417 223 543 ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products delivered to your door, for all your continence, wound care and respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support available 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au

HISTORY GROUPS Brisbane Water Historical Society • Coach tours • School educational tours • Annual Street Stalls • Participation in History Heritage Week Celebration Margaret Pearce 4325 2270

Better Hearing Australia Central Coast admin@gnnc.com.au Hearing loss management 4329 4477 Support and educational group 7 groups across the coast Green Point Community Providing practical experience Centre Fellowship of First and confidence Provides information and referral Fleeters Central Coast Learn the benefits to hearing services, a meeting place for For anyone interested in early aids - Better hearing community groups, OOSH history or early family histories.

Australia Central Coast cave, exercize classes, school Don’t need to be a First Fleeter.

4321 0275 holiday programs, playgroup, Wyong RSL Club 2nd Sat www.centralcoast.betterhearingaustralia. arts & craft, room hire, and 10:30am org.au much more.

4323 1849 4367 7591 Central Coast Parkinson’s MUSIC Support Group Kariong Neighbourhood We aim to help individuals and Centre Brisbane Water Brass their families better manage ‘KNC provides the local Brass Band entertainment living with Parkinson’s Disease community with a meeting for the community playing Guest speakers are a regular place and hub for groups, all types of popular music feature of our meetings. services and information.

Rehearsal every Tuesday 2nd Tue - 1.30pm Regular activities include Early 7.30pm-10pm 1800 644 189 childhood clinic, free family 0419 274 012 law advice, active playgroup, Central Coast Prostate computer classes, OOSH JAZZLEAGUE Cancer Support Group services, fitness classes, arts Live Jazz Bands - Come to (Gosford) & crafts, over 50’s friendship listen, Come to dance Meet last Friday Month group, youth group, social Free - Every Sun Terrigal Uniting Church groups and many more Central Coast Leagues Club 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal services. We also have an Gosford 2-5pm 9.30am to 12 noon extensive resource and DVD www.jazzleague.net 4367 9600 library for members to borrow. www.pcfa.org.au KNC membership starts at only Soundwaves $5 per year.

Men’s acapella 4 part harmony Central Coast Prostate 4340 1724 chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Cancer Support Group wwww.knc.net.au Central Coast Leagues Club (Wyong) Kieran - 0407 267 675 Meet last Monday Month Kincumber khutton58@gmail.com Toukley RSL Club Neighbourhood Centre jbthomson51@gmail.com Homes Ave Toukley • Exercise classes 10.00am to 12 noon • Yoga for adults and children Sydney Welsh Choir 4356 9300 • Community eco garden Cultural not for profit www.pcfa.org.au • Room hire organisation performing at • Health support groups concerts and various venues to • Counselling Dying with Dignity NSW, promote the Welsh culture with • After school activities Central Coast our singing, also performing for 4363 1044 Working to give those charity fund raising. www.kincumber.nsw.au suffering unrelievedly from 4369 3378 terminal or incurable illness Mingaletta Aboriginal the legal right to request & Tempo Terrific Community Torres Strait Islander receive medical help to die Showband Corporation Quarterly Meetings Active showband available The Mingaletta community 4369 8053 to play at your community centre provides its members function. Wide ranging and other community groups a Gambling Solutions repertuore. Always seeking new meeting place and referal hub Gambling help counsellors members, come and join us for education, health, well-being provide free, confidential, and have fun with music. and cultural programs through professional service to Follow us on Facebook consultative services and gamblers, family and friends.

Every Monday 5pm to 7pm community programs.

Available Woy Woy, Kincumber, Kincumber Uniting Church Mon-Fri 9am 4pm Gosford, The Entrance.

4365 4414 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4344 7992 www.tempoterrific.com 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

GROW - Grow Groups are small friendly groups formed to Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure learn how to overcome anxiety, and Learning Centre depression, and loneliness Regular events Fitness, Yoga, and improve mental health & Handicrafts, Mah jong, Bridge, well-being. Weekly meetings Line dancing,Tai chi, Painting, at Bateau Bay, Woy Woy and Bush walking, Indoor bowls, a new group starting at Wyong Zumba, Computer and Ipad soon. Grow is anonymous, free courses, Bingo, Concerts on 1st and open to all. Bring a support and 3rd Thursday of month. person if you like. Details 1800 Duffy Road Terrigal 558 268 or Joan 4384 5152 www.grow.org.au terrigal50plus@outlook.com

Volunteering Central Coast Refer potential volunteers to community organisations and provide support to

Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal Help with shopping and cooking classes

have fun and play together.

0 to 5 yrs Wednesday 10am-12noon Thursday 10am-12noon Friday 10am-12noon and 1.30pm-3pm Gosford Uniting Church Hall 129 Donnison St Gosford 4325 3695 gumnutsguc@gmail.com

POLITICAL PARTY Central Coast Greens Branch of Greens NSW, active regarding ecological sustainability, social and economic justice, peace and non-violence, grassroots democracy and getting elected 3rd Thur centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

Australian Labor Party Ourimbah/ Narara Branch Discussion/action community issues - 3 levels of Government Niagara Park Primary School 7.30pm 1st Mon each month 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

Politics in the Pub Central Coast Discussion of important political, social, economic, education, land philosophy issues in a non partisan manner - 4th Thur every month besides Dec

Networking breakfast?

Every Thur 7:15am - 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson

WOMEN’S GROUPS

BPW Central Coast Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, well-being and friendship.

CCLC Bridge Club All women welcome to attend Duplicate Bridge-partner not monthly dinner meetings. required for most sessions.

Be enlightened. $40 covers two Central Coast Leagues Club course meal and speaker.

12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri Sat Community transport available 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon to and from centre 4323 3456 Chris Levis 0438 989 199 network@bizplus.com.au

www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au

Central Coast Art Society Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paintouts Tuesdays 4349 5860 for locations Workshops - 4363 1156 9.30am - 12.30pm 1st and 3rd Wed Social Meetings 1.30pm 4th Wed Gosford City Arts Centre.

4325 1420 publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

Central Coast Cake Decorators Guild Sugarcraft demonstrations conversation and lunch Visitors welcome 4th Sat - 10am Walamba 50+ leisure and Learning Centre Gosford 4382 6236

bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast

Brisbane Water Evening View Club Social activities, outings and functions monthly - new members welcome Tours, Dinners, Lunches, Theatre/Cinema, fashion parades Dinner meeting with guest speaker 4th Tues each month 4325 1688 or 0466 513 600 Country Women’s Association (CWA) Quilting, patchwork, spinning, knitting, crochet and more 9-2pm Every Fri, Opposite Terrigal Bowling Club 4385 9503 or 4384 3696

lsroe@bigpond.com.au

Gosford RSL Ladies Indoor Bowls Central Coast Social indoor bowls Frid Handweavers, Spinners 9am - 12pm RSL Club and Textile Arts Guild 4344 5812 or 0412 773 441 Spinning and weaving, PROBUS CLUBS patchwork and quilting, felting Gosford RSL and other fibre and fabric crafts, All Probus clubs have Sub-branch community quilting bees - Day interesting guest speakers, Women’s Auxiliary and Night Groups friendly atmosphere, make new Raise money for the welfare of 4325 4743 friends, fellowship, intellectual veterans and their families. RSL www.cottagecrafts.net.au stimulus, and social activities.

Club West Gosford 4th Mon 2pm Central Coast Lapidary Probus Club of Avoca 4323 7336 Club Minerals & Gems 10.15am 3rd Mon Avoca Beach Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Bowling Club Inner Wheel Club Faceting, Enamelling, Stone www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/ of Terrigal Field-trips & fossicking avocabeach Share friendship, social activities Weekly Workshops 4382 3372 Tues and Thurs 830am-230pm as well as fundraising for local, national and international Thurs evening 6-10pm PUBLIC SPEAKING projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Duffy Ourimbah Develop confidence by Road Terrigal 4362 2246 improving your speaking skills.

4369 0302 - 4384 1490 Meetings are entertaining and terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com CCLC Indoor Bowls educational.

Ladies - Mon 10am Kincumber View Club Mixed Social - Mon & Wed 7pm Brisbane Waters Breakfast For ladies looking for a place 2nd & 4th Sundays 1.30pm Toastmasters Club to make friends. Interesting 4363 2360 or 0403 994 313 8:30am-10:30am speakers, lunch, bus trips, 2nd and Last Sat each month movie days and home Central Coast - The Hive and Library Erina functions. 4th Tues Davistown Soaring Club Inc Shopping Centre RSL Club 11am Gliding Club, Learn to fly, 0459 240 183 4390 2527 Instruction FREE to members Blue Gum Flat Toastmasters Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd Mon 7.15-9.30pm Ourimbah RSL 4362 7227

SERVICE GROUPS Lions Club of Woy Woy 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club 0478 959 895 Make new friends and have fun while serving your community.

Come and have an Air Experience Flight All Welcome 14 and up for Training Flying at Bloodtree Road Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun ( weather permitting) 0412 164 082 0414 635 047

Central Coast Women’s Health Centre We offer counseling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services are provided by women for women

www.ccsoaring.com.au

www.cccwhc.com.au

Fellowship of Australian Writers A friendly and supportive group for new and old writers. Gives encouragement and critique of your work. Workshops and competitions 10am 3rd Sun Conference room Gosford Hotel 4363 2627 centralcoastfaw@live.com

Soroptimist International Brisbane Water Soroptimists speak for women and girls of all nations through awareness advocacy and action by supporting national and international programs 2nd Thur 6:45pm - Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd Wamberal 4367 6331

4324 2533

Northern Settlement Services - Volunteers Volunteers needed for friendly visits to the elderly in nursing homes.

People with a second language sibrisbanewater@siswp.org encouraged to apply. tempoterrific@live.com National Parks Association Training support provided Central Coast WOWGIRLS Wave 4334 3877 Tuggerah Lakes Showband Twice weekly bush walks on the of Wisdom Inc cvscc@nsservices.com.au An enthusiastic group of people Central Coast and further afield, WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom who play brass instruments, varying distances and grades of SPECIAL INTEREST connects women and local meet every Tuesday and difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, businesses around a common Thursday to rehearse their fauna, floral, history. Keep fit theme of well-being. to share Brisbane Water crowd-pleasing music and play and make friends. wisdom and explore life’s Caravan Club at community events 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 potential. located on the Central Coast Park Rd Band Hall Regular Powwows, WOW and looking for new members Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm Spirituality in the Pub Wisdom gatherings, WOW www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/bwcc 0407 406 669 A forum with Q&A and two days and WOW courses check 4344 4363 speakers prompt conversations our website for activities.

PLAYGROUP within the community & to www.wowgirls.com.au Biz Plus Networking encourage dialogue about info@wowgirls.com.au Association Gosford Gumnuts spirituality.

Attention business Playgroup 1st Tues March to October owners - are you keen Parents and children meet 2nd Tues November to grow your business socially for the parents to make 7.30 to 9pm and in the process build friends and learn more about Grange Hotel Wyoming worthwhile relationships? parenting p g and the children to 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261 Then whyy not attend a Biz

Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 25 C SShare

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/out-and-about

Art of Mindfulness public talk to be held

OUT&ABOUT

EAT&PLAY SATURDAY 19 th Dec 7.00 pm Holiday Themed Christmas Concert Enquiries 4342 6716 CWA Hall Woy Woy 4342 6716

public talk to promote peace on the Central Coast will take place in Erina Heights on Saturday, January 9 with an international Buddhist teacher.

The Gosford Diary A For events in post code areas 2250, 2260 and 2251

If you’ve got something happening in Gosford LGA area over the next few weeks, let us know about it and we’ll list it here for you, for free. Contact details are on page 2.

See the Peninsula News for events in post code areas 2256 & 2257 and the Wyong Regional Chronicle for events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 & 2263

Wednesday, Dec 16 Christmas Carols in Terrigal, on the grassed area at the ANZAC memorial, 6:30pmFriday, Dec 18 Christmas Lights in the Gardens, Mt Penang Gardens themed ifrom 6:30pm to 9:30pm until Tuesday, Dec 22

Thursday, Dec 17 Christmas Carols in The Hive, Erina Fair, featuring Gosford City Brass Band, Gosford City Concert Band, Gosford Primary School Band and Narara Valley High School Band, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

the Afro Fusion Band, Kincumber Hotel Stonefish, Avoca Beach Hotel

Sunday, Dec 20 Central Coast Jazz League featuring John Mackie and Yuki Kumagai, Central Coast Leagues Club, 2:00pm to 5:00pm Central Coast Mariners versus Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, kickoff 5:00pm Christmas Fest in Kibble Park, 6:00pm to 9:00pm Carols in the Garden at Edogawa Gardens, East Gosford led by members of the Sing Australia choir, entry by donation, 5:00pm

Friday, Dec 18 Terrigal’s Biggest Christmas Party, Grand Ballroom Crown Plaza, bookings essential, from 6:00pm til late Carols at Twilight, Christmas Market, Fare Craven Café and Christmas Cave

Saturday, Dec 19 Dinosaurs Alive opens at the Australian Reptile Park and runs until January 27, 9:00am to 5:00pm seven days but closed Christmas day Johnny Devilseed featuring Paul Rubie, Six Strings Brewery, Erina 7:00pm Berias Masseque and

Thursday, Dec 24 Family Christmas Eve carols night in Kibble Park, Gosford 6:30pm to 9:00pm Ben Woodham, Kincumber Hotel

Thursday, Dec 31 The Entertainment Grounds and Gosford Council New Year’s Eve Twilight Race Meeting, Gosford, from 12:00pm, last race 6:43pm Gosford Waterfront New Year’s Eve Festival, rides, foods stalls, entertainment and fireworks 5:00pm to 9:30pm with fireworks at 9:15pm Central Coast Mariners versus Wellington Phoenix, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, kick off at 7:00pm

Sunday, Jan 3 Central Coast Jazz League featuring Benny’s Boys, Central Coast Leagues Club 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Friday, Jan 8 Central Coast Mariners versus Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, kick off 7:40pm

Saturday, Dec 26 Brent Murphy and Jenny Marie Lang, Kincumber Hotel

Sunday, Dec 27 Central Coast Jazz League featuring City to Surf Six Jazzband, Central Coast Leagues Club 2:00pm to 5:00pm Kuta Groove, Kincumber Hotel

Sunday, Jan 10 Central Coast Organic Market, Mangrove Mountain Hall

Sunday, Jan 17 Avoca Beachside Market, Heazlett Park Foreshore, Avoca Beach, 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, a Buddhist monk, will be visiting the Coast for the first time after teaching in the UK, Asia and most recently in Canada.

The public talk, the Art of Mindfulness, will be hosted by the Khedrubje Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Wamberal.

Resident teacher of the Khedrubje Centre, Gen Kelsang Dawa said people of all ages will benefit and are welcome to attend.

“During this special public talk, Gen-la Khyenrab will introduce the practice of mindfulness.

“Mindfulness is an important skill to learn because it helps us maintain our composure in our busy and often crazy lives.

“Developing a relaxed mind is quite easy to do.

“It’s keeping it that’s tricky,” he said.

Kelsang Dechen, education program coordinator of the Centre, said: “This event will provide a wonderful opportunity to learn how to meditate and to develop mindfulness with an experienced, internationally renowned teacher.”

The event will held at the Performing Arts Centre, Central Coast Grammar School.

Media release, Central Coast Meditation

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20% OFF HUT-WIDE! ALL DRUMMING CLASSES, DRUMS + DRUM ACCESSORIES. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 1st - 14th DECEMBER www.therhythmhut.com.au

Formerly known as North Gosford Café is now under new OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT Now known as Gotta Takeaway Open from 6am Mon - Sat and 8am Sun For all your coffee and brekkie needs

Ph. orders welcome 0411 561 571 2/344 Mann St North Gosford

ATTENTION all food outlets and music venues. Advertise in this directory, this size for only $60+GST in full colour!

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Antenna & Digital Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555

DANCE

Central Coast Bush Dance & Music Association

ENTERTAINMENT

The Troubadour Folk & Acoustic Music Club

SATURDAY 19th Dec 7.00PM

Holiday Themed Christmas Concert CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716

February 13 Bush Dance with Snake Gully Admission $18 incl. supper Folk Fed Affiliates & Pensioners $15,

Students 13 to 18 $8

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1998 Daihatsu Terios All Wheel Drive

Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

Experience Folk Music at its best at East Gosford Progress Hall @ 7.30pm Henry Parry Drive

Self Defence Real solu ons to real threats Krav Maga Proven to work www.closecombat.com.au

Advertise your business here Pricing starts from $30 + GST 4325 7369

WANTED Cash paid for good quality swords & knives. War & movie memorabilia also shop display units For large collections home visit available

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Volunteers wanted to read Central Coast Newspapers for recording on websites for sight impaired readers

Central Coast Newspapers has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track.

However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so.

From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them.

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Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 27 C SShare

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/sport

Sport

Lauren Smith aims to play cricket for Australia orth Gosford’s 1 9 - y e a r- o l d Lauren Smith was selected to play for the NSW Lend Lease Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League for the second consecutive year.

N

“This was my second year so I definitely feel like I have secured a spot in the team and I am definitely looking to play for the women’s national team in the future,” Ms Smith said.

There are six state teams in the national women’s competition and, last year, the Breakers won both the national league and the T20 competitions.

This year the season ran from early October until late November and the NSW side won every game convincingly with one exception.

They were beaten in their second-round match against the South Australian Scorpions who beat them by one wicket.

The WNCL final was played at Hurstville on November 29 between the two outstanding sides, the SA Scorpions and the NSW Breakers.

Healy.

Again, in the match against Tasmania, Lauren Smith’s bowling was instrumental in the dismissal of Bardsley for one run (LBW) and Churchland for a duck, so the Breakers were able to get the whole ACT side out by the 47th over for 192.

Lauren has been playing cricket since the age of Lauren Smith in her NSW Breakers uniform Unfortunately this year the Breakers were defeated

by South Australia.

However, Lauren Smith’s season had some notable highlights including scoring the winning run in the opening game against Western Australia.

In their match against Queensland at the beginning of November, Lauren was bowling when Courtney Hill was caught out by Ellyse Perry.

Against Tasmania, which the Breakers won by 33 runs, Lauren bowled out Katelyn Fryett and her bowling was instrumental in getting two other wickets in the 45th and 47th overs in combination with the fielding work of Alyssa

Hylton Moore Oval to have new amenities building ver $1 million will be spent on facelifts for two local amenities after resolutions passed by Gosford Council at its November 10 meeting.

O

Council approved an over $400,000 redevelopment of the amenities building at Hylton Moore Oval at East Gosford.

Located on fields five and six, the new amenities building will provide the community with male and female disabled toilets,

staff and referee change rooms, storage and canteen facilities.

Works have commenced and will be completed by April 2016.

Email, Nov 10, 2015 Gosford Council media

seven and was introduced to the game by her brothers who are somewhat jealous now that she is officially the best cricketer in the family.

She considers herself an all-rounder with bowling as a strength and she is mainly an off-spinner.

Ms Smith said she was excited to be a part of the Breakers but acknowledges the competition was tough,

describing her time with the Breakers as “special and crazy”.

As one of the youngest players in the NSW side, Lauren’s aspirations to be considered for national selection depended on how the Breakers perform throughout the competition.

“It is a great time for younger girls coming up through the ranks,” she

said.

Lauren plays her club cricket for the Northern Districts women’s grade but growing up, her Central Coast club was always Umina District.

Website, Dec 14, 2015 Live.cricket.com.au Interview, Oct 13, 2015 Lauren Smith, NSW Breakers Jackie Pearson, journalist

Sport

Page 28 - Coast Community News - December 16, 2015 P 5 Share

Mariners’ play-to-entertain style has negative effect

A

bad night at the office for Roy O’Donovan, an empty supporters’ bay and an on-song Melbourne City side all had a part to play in the Central Coast Mariners’ harrowing 1 to 5 loss at Central Coast Stadium on Thursday, December 3.

In fact, Melbourne City FC gave the 4,500 faithful Coast fans (those who didn’t join the Yellow Army match boycott at ‘the pub’) a memorable demonstration of what entertaining attacking football looks like.

It was always going to be challenging to get Central Coast families to attend two home games that were only four days apart and most had elected to attend the afternoon game against the Western Sydney Wanderers on the preceding weekend.

The other reason the stadium was eerily quiet was summed up by the ‘Gone to the pub’ banner at the front of the usual supporter’s bay.

Even the brass band decided to join the ongoing protest by A-League supporter groups against the FFA’s banning policies by boycotting the match.

The Central Coast Mariners took to the field with a formation change and, essentially, a brand new back line, in the match against Melbourne City.

For the first 20 minutes the fresh back line combination of Joshua Rose, Jake McGing, Jacob Poscoliero and Storm Roux looked like they might be able to put a lid on the home side’s habit of conceding early goals this

season.

The Mariners seemed to be willing to build attack from the back line and the opening 20 minutes saw some good team work between Anthony Caceres and Nick Fitzgerald down the right side of the field.

A cross from Melbourne number nine Harry Novillo to Aaron Mooy looked promising for the visitors but was effectively dealt with by Josh Rose.

Mariners’ lone striker Roy O’Donovan missed two early chances which could have greatly changed the whole complexion of the match.

Harry Ascroft also looked bright for the Mariners in the opening quarter, but received a warning after a foul on Ivan Franjic at the 10

FREE

November 13, 2015

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Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 81

December 11, 2015

Council resolves to acquire part of Wyong Grove

T

he acting CEO of Wyong Council has been authorised to acquire approximately one quarter of the Wyong Grove school site and carriage way at a fair market value.

A mayoral minute presented to the November 11 ordinary meeting of Wyong Council resulted in the Council resolving to go ahead with an attempt to acquire those parts of the former public school considered essential for organisations such as the Wyong Drama Group.

The plan is to acquire those land and buildings either by agreement or compulsory process.

The council authorised the acting CEO to execute all necessary documentation relevant to the acquisition.

The school site, when purchased, will be classified as operational land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993.

If the site has to be obtained using a compulsory process, it will be done “pursuant to the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991,” according to the adopted mayoral minute.

Council will make an application to the Minister for Finance to commence compulsory

FRREEEEE

T

November 27, 2015

Wyong Drama Group members protest the sale of the Grove

acquisition of part of the site.

The entire school site was recently sold by the Department of Education, at auction, to a Sydney developer, for $4.45 million.

If the Minister gives his consent, then Council can begin negotiations with the new owner to acquire the part of the site currently used as the Wyong Grove Cultural and Community Hub. Mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said Council was true to its word and would now pursue compulsory acquisition so this important site can continue as a community facility.

“We went to the auction in good faith and were hopeful of securing the site ourselves due to its high importance to our

community,” Cr Eaton said.

“I even told bidders at the auction we would seek to compulsorily acquire the site – so everyone knew what we wanted to do.

“So now it is time to act.

“We can’t afford the whole site, so we will now move to try to acquire the part of the site which will provides the best value for the community.”

Council spent over $100,000 upgrading the former school buildings which are currently home to a number of local community and drama groups.

It is these buildings Council will now seek to acquire under compulsory acquisition arrangements.

If the owner wishes to develop the rest of the

site, it will be subject to the normal Council development application process.

“This whole process has caused a great deal of stress in the local community which has been really unnecessary,” Cr Eaton said.

“The State Government broke its promise to the community but Council will not, and will now step in and attempt to save this important community facility.”

In NSW, all levels of government can acquire privately owned land for public purposes.

They may acquire the whole property, part of a property or an interest in the property, including easements for power lines, sewer or water.

Most privately owned land, required by

government for public purposes, is acquired by negotiation and agreement between the landholder and the acquiring authority.

The process is expected to take several months.

“Obviously the hall is not included on the basis that the arthouse is developed and it has a studio of the size of the hall and is more adaptable,” Cr Eaton said at the November 11 general meeting of Wyong Council.

Cr Eaton said he expected the fair market value of the area Wyong Council wishes to purchase to be between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Acting CEO of Wyong Council, Mr Rob Noble said he had received a briefing from the relevant

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/sport

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

he Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Issue 82 Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday,

December 14. $20 million government vernment Wyong Council agreed at its December 9 meeting to make a submission support is a smalll portion of to the JRPP endorsing the development. n costs amalgamation At this stage, the

Historic forced voluntary merger M agreed to

director following a discussion with the purchaser of Wyong Grove.

“They are in discussion with another buyer for the purchase of a small part of the site that is similar osford and to what W we yareolooking n g at,” Mr Noble said. have Councils “The level of pricing agreed to an historic, they are looking at is voluntary rather alarming tomerger me and as of keep the that NSW we part need to in Government’s mind,” he said. Fit for theTheFuture motionreform to move forward with the package. compulsory Both Councilsacquisition submitted of a portion the site their merger ofpreference wasthecarried to NSWunanimously.

Government before the November 18 minute 1.6, deadline Mayoral – withNov it11,likely 2015 that a CentralWyong Coast council Council could proclaimed late Mediaberelease, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong December andCouncil comemedia into transcript, effect earlyMeeting nextNov year.

11, 2015 Gosford mayor, Cr Wyong Council ordinary Lawrie McKinna said the meeting Jackie Pearson, agreement was a journalist defining moment in the Central Coast’s history.

“Although time was Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 against us, I’m very pleased with how both Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 Councils have worked E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net hard to protect the interests of their communities and the Central Coast,” Cr McKinna said.

“I’m confident that this monumental decision to voluntarily merge means that the community’s voice will not be lost, which is something the NSW Government couldn’t guarantee under a potential forced amalgamation.

“We’ll also have access to $20 million in support from the NSW Government for the voluntary merger that will make sure funding from our recent operating surpluses is not diverted away from vital service, facility and infrastructure improvements.

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

is Australia seeking r Phil Walker, chair of Regional nal applicant Development ‘concept approval only’ atedforGosford Central Coast, has congratulated and Wyong the works to take Councils on their agreement to voluntarily as part of place in merge three operational the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform process. stages, with subsequent

G

“The decision to voluntarily merge will ensure that our community will now have an opportunity to have a say in how our new Central Coast Council will be formed and that the region will be able to access $20 million in support from the NSW Government, to assist offsetting a small portion of the total amalgamation costs that will occur,” Mr Walker said. “ R e g i o n a l Development Australia

“There’s no doubt that merging our two organisations will be challenging, but my fellow Gosford councillors and I are looking forward to working alongside our Wyong counterparts to achieve the best outcome for the residents of the Central Coast,” he said.

Wyong’s deputy mayor, Cr Lynne Webster, said she was pleased Gosford Council was coming to the party and agreed voluntary amalgamation is the only way to go.

“The only way now is forward.

“We have to work together to ensure a Central Coast Council continues to deliver the best possible services our community need and want.

“I believe we can do it and this decision means we have secured a much needed $20 million injection of funding for our

region.

“This decision will put the Central Coast on the map as a region in its own right and I believe will ensure we get a lot more funding and recognition in the future.”

Gosford’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson and Wyong’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble will now meet to create a staff transition team and start on plans to amalgamate the two Councils.

An informal meeting of the two councils will be held at Wyong Council chambers on Wednesday, December 4, which will be the first time the two councils have met since deciding on the merger.

Media release, Nov 16, 2015 Gosford and Wyong Council media Meeting transcript, Nov 25, 2015 Wyong Council general meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

O

addressingdevelopment the region’s oarddetailed Central Coast’s board A photomontage of the proposed development within its surrounding coastal context higher than average rd toapplications members look forward being lodged it is a huge commitment, Cr Adam Troy December 9 meeting, viability of town centres,” rate. ctorsforunemployment working with all sectors each future stage. forward to a commitment that very seconded the motion and the project is expected according to the report. to ensure that the best The“We look development The proposed shop top assisting levels of few developers can make. said: “It is not every day to generate 660 full time evedwould outcomes are achieved includealldemolition housing would include existing buildings business “This is a $300 million you get a $300 million jobs, post construction. ntralof government, for the entire Central The proposal includes 478 dwellings. andand construction the communityof to project that will kick start development in council Coast,” he said. the Central Coast and The chambers, it is a milestone a retail podium and The development shoppingworkcentre together “ R e g i o n a la proactively two towers and seeks would also encompass Entrance,” Cr Taylor said. on the Central Coast. a supermarket, to deliver the vibrant and raliawith Development Australia “It is going to be one variation to a number a 108 room hotel and top future housing,that “This will really kick fidentshop successful Central Coast is confi start investment in this of those focal points, of Wyong Council’s parking for 1,433 cars. accommodation, m thehotel the Central Coast rightly tourist Mecca. the decision to form a pretty special place planning controls.

The podium would deserves,”multi-purpose Mr Walker “It will be the highest and I can’t wait to see it one united entity willrestaurant, The site is identified as make available 13,250 space, and said. allow the Central Coastfunction building on the Central happen,” he said. a ‘key site’ under Wyong square metres of lettable randancillary parking and Coast but that is a good to proactively brand The site covers 21,357 LEP 2013 which allows retail space fronting release, Nov 18, 2015 works. and market itself as aotherMedia square metres and takes for a bonus building Dening St, Taylor St and Elizabeth Westrup, Regional thing. a motion desirable region to visit, Moving Development Australia “It will hopefully kick in the existing Lakeside height of 113.8 metres.

The Entrance Rd. to ch infor Wyong Council live and invest, which Central Coast start other sites and other Plaza Shopping Centre The bonus building There are two levels st inendorse the development areas. time will greatly assist and surrounding sites. height is provided in return of retail floor space along and make a submission According to a for “significant public The Entrance Rd frontage “We want businesses to the JRPP in support of prepared by benefits to be provided and ground floor retail the developer, Cr Lloyd to succeed and grow and report Taylor said: “We need to employ more people and Wyong Council staff to the community and space along the Taylor support the applicant on this development is going for the consideration to stimulate further St frontage containing a of councillors at their development and supermarket and a major this particular one because to deliver.”

Splitting Wyongg Council usional in two is delusional

ne of Wyong’s Save Tuggerah Lakess Party councillors, Cr Lloyd ie City Council of wanting to Taylor, has accused Lake Macquarie steel Wyong Council’s money.

He has been critical of moves by Lake Macquarie Council to see the Wyong Local Government Area cut in half at Sparks Rd and absorbed into Gosford to the South and Lake Macquarie to the north.

“Lake Macquarie Council is trying to dispense with the Wyong Local Government Area by making a recommendation to the State Government to cut Wyong in two,” Cr Taylor said.

“Neither Lake Macquarie Council nor Gosford Council have any idea how the community thinks and I

unity am sure our community would not agree withh the reat” idea of a “forced retreat” from the waterfront,”” Cr Taylor said.

“Lake Macquarie City Council is ‘planningg for increased flooding and hore changes to the foreshore lines that may occur as a se’,” result of sea level rise’,” he said. velop “They want to develop an adaptation plan which is double speak for no more development on land at Pelican or Blacksmiths.

“If a ratepayer wants to build a new home, they won’t be permitted.

“I had a phone call from a local in Wyong

Issue 83

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel

concerned if we were amalgamated with Lake Macquarie that many waterfront properties would have restrictions imposed on them which would affect their 149 certifi ficates.

“I am against and idea that either Lake Macquarie or Gosford lay a finger on Wyong.

“They only want Wyong because our finances are in order and want to steal money from our region,” he said.

retail tenancy.

The proposal includes two levels of basement parking and rooftop parking (179 spaces) with shade sails above the podium.

Above the retail space, facing The Entrance Rd, shop top housing is proposed, comprising 48 residential apartments over three storeys.

Within the northern (Dening St) end of the building is a restaurant and function/convention space (at the hotel lobby level).

The next level up would be a landscaped level (referred to as the oasis level) which is located directly below the tower buildings and would contain two pools, landscaping, day spa, decks and a bar.

Above this level, the development proposes two towers with 250 residential apartments (27 storeys) within a residential tower located on the corner of The Entrance Rd and Dening St. One hundred hotel rooms (6 storeys) and 110 residential apartments (11 storeys) would be located within a second tower building located on the corner of Taylor St and Dening St. Continued P3

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Email, Nov 16, 2015 Lloyd Taylor, Wyong councillor

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com l t

A free newspaper with in-depth Wyong Local Government Area news!

minute mark.

Novillo started to make his mark on the match from about the 15th minute and the pressure was definitely felt by the Mariners’ defenders and midfield.

Goal keeper Paul Izzo was able to deflect a pretty brash shot from Novillo at the 16th minute.

Shortly after, Anthony Caceres cleverly drew a foul, resulting in a yellow card for Jack Clisby, and took a free kick for the Mariners that was knocked away by Patrick Kisnorbo, recovered by Mitch Austin, but ultimately ended up back in Melbourne City’s possession.

Mitchell Austin showed his attacking potential with an excellent length-of-field run, but his pace could not be topped off with any goalscoring prowess from the home team.

Austin made another great run at the 24th minute and his pass did connect with O’Donovan on that occasion, but the striker was unable to convert.

Shortly after, Harry Novillo did an excellent job at the other end of the park giving Melbourne City a one-goal lead and giving him his third goal for Melbourne City in three games.

The demeanor of all 11 Central Coast Mariners players did noticeably dip as soon as the visitors scored.

At several points between the Novillo opener and the half-time whistle, the Central Coast Mariners put together promising periods of attacking play and, at times, looked like they deserved to score.

Roy O’Donovan certainly couldn’t complain about the service coming from his

midfield – it just was not to be his night.

Harry Ascroft managed to stave off a cross from Mooy to Navillo just before half time, but then a sloppy Poscoliero pass gave Bruno Fornaroli, with help from Paartalu and Navillo, the opportunity to make sure the Mariners went to the change rooms in no doubt about which team was in control with the gap widening to 0 goals to 2.

Shortly after half time, Nick Fitzgerald had a great run and a direct shot on goal that was the best of the game thus far for the Mariners.

Seconds later the Mariners were attacking again, but a cross from Mitch Austin could not connect with anyone to result in a goal.

Mid-field tussles and glimpses of attack from the Mariners characterized the next 15 minutes of the match.

Good work from Fitzgerald and Roux around the 52nd minute again failed to ignite O’Donovan and a quick counter-attack saw Izzo fumble and nearly take

Melbourne to a three goal lead.

A frustrated punt from Fitzgerald shortly after was an easy save for Melbourne’s keeper Thomas Sorensen.

At the 57th minute Novillo did score a third goal with a shot across the keeper.

It was very much an individual effort but it did cut through several Mariners’ defenders to get there.

With half an hour remaining, Austin, Caceres and Fitzgerald combined to attempt to save face for the home side, but their efforts were easily thwarted by a sound Melbourne defence.

At this point, Walmsley’s coaching for the home side started to look questionable.

His replacement of Josh Rose with Michael Neill had some home fans scratching their heads.

Shortly after, Ascroft was replaced with the fresh defender Tomislav Uskok to make his first A-League and Mariners appearance.

Melbourne City ramped up the pressure on the Mariners’ defence with a string of corners leading in to the 70-minute mark when

O’Donovan was replaced

by Joshua Bingham as the Mariner’s final substitution.

Bingham looked like he might make a difference for the home side with a promising run, but Melbourne’s fourth goal came shortly after – a Mooy assist for a Stefan Mauk finish.

Uzkok’s debut was somewhat marred when he accidentally and literally knocked out team mate Storm Roux, resulting in Roux being removed from the field with suspected concussion and reducing the Mariners to 10 men for the remaining 15 minutes.

The home side defended bravely for that 15 minutes and Mitchell Austin gave the Mariners one goal with a stylish penalty shot into the right hand corner of the net.

McGing, Fitzgerald, Liam Rose and Mitchell Austin continued to try their hardest, but the weight of the score was crushing and five minutes extra time seemed like extreme punishment for the Mariners’ squad.

Emotions can be difficult to contain when a team is three goals down at home, and when a free kick to Melbourne City, taken by Mooy in the final minute of extra time, gave the visitors the goal that buried the game, the local supporters decided to be the first out of the car park.

Melbourne City showed superior skill and style with a performance worthy of finals football.

The Mariners players looked crushed as they shook hands with the supporters who did stay the course.

Now in eighth place with only five points, Tony Walmsley has an uphill battle to restore the faith of fans and players in his “play to entertain” mantra.

Match transcript, Dec 3, 2015 Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City FC Jackie Pearson, journalist

Coast C Community News - December 16, 2015 - Page 29 SShare

SPORT

State of the art facility for Trojans’ clubhouse

V8 Supercars Sydney 500 could move to Gosford

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w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/sport

he season finale of the V8 Supercars competition could be moving to a street circuit in Gosford but mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna has said he cannot comment.

“I can’t say anything about it,’ Cr McKinna said.

“I have not had a meeting about it but I was a guest of the V8 Supercars at the Sydney 500 [held on the weekend of December 5 and 6 at Homebush],” he said.

“It is an operational thing but if I was asked if I thought it would be a great thing for the Coast, of course it would.

“It would be huge.

“The decider has a 300 million viewing audience from all over the world.”

In terms of time frame or the logistics of setting up a track, Cr McKinna said: “I don’t know anything of that and if I knew I would say no comment.

“The rumours are it is a street circuit,” he said.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday, December 7, V8 Supercars is understood to be in top-level talks to secure state-government backing for the move to Gosford.

“V8 Supercars wants to dump the Sydney 500 because, despite state government funding of the initial construction of the 3.2km circuit through the streets of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, it has lost millions of dollars each year staging the event,” the Sydney Morning Herald article said.

According to the Fairfax Media article, funding for a street circuit in Gosford would be more attractive to the Federal and State Governments because

it would be in a regional centre.

The article said the preferred location for the track would take in Dane Drive and provide extensive views of Brisbane Water.

CEO of V8 Supercars, Mr James Warburton told the Herald that it did have an alternative if it decided against returning to Sydney Olympic Park for the 2016 season decider.

“We have many, many, many alternatives in our minds, but at the end of the day, we’ll announce all that when we make a decision,” Mr Warburton said.

Interview, Dec 15, 2015 Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council Article, Dec 7, 2015 Mark Fogarty, Sydney Morning Herald

Could this be the future route for Gosford’s V8 Supercars street circuit

Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP gave the members of the Terrigal Trojans an unexpected Christmas present

ember for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP has helped make Terrigal’s Christmas wish come true with $275,000 to upgrade the Trojans Rugby clubhouse into a state of the art facility.

M

Mrs Wicks said the funding under the Coalition Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund will transform The Haven into a hive of activity.

“With its picturesque beach setting, the Trojans clubhouse has always had the potential to be a centrepiece at one of the best amateur sporting fields in the world,” Ms Wicks said.

“I’m proud to confirm this funding which can deliver much needed facilities for this iconic and popular community hub – the Trojans Clubhouse.

“The revamped venue will include modern conference and events spaces, enabling the club to cater for functions of up to 300 people.

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“There are also plans for a gymnasium, creating a commercial opportunity for an operator, and a kiosk which can be utilised for all events held at Terrigal Haven.

“This will create even more jobs and opportunities, not only for locals using the facilities but also for nearby businesses as more visitors will be attracted to our region.

“I recognise the outstanding work of the Trojans club, its supporters, and Regional Development Australia Central Coast for helping to secure the funding for this project.”

Terrigal Trojans club president, Mr John Stevens said the Federal Government will contribute half of the total cost, which

will enable the Club to transform its facilities.

“The clubhouse has been a part of the Terrigal landscape for 10 years – but we’ve realised that it could be better utilised,” Mr Stevens said.

“This grant will help develop a state of the art facility, including a permanent club room for our junior and senior clubs, additional storage space and a canteen.

“The canteen will allow continuous business in the nearby restaurant while also being able to run club events in a separate area, or combine both, in a flexible space.”

Media release, Dec 11, 2015 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

SPORT

Page 30 - Coast Community News - December 16, P 6, 2015 Share

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/sport

Kariong students excel at schools’ tennis tournament

Matthew Graham receives NSW Institute of Sport award

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arliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC has congratulated Matthew Graham for his success at the 2015 NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Awards in Sydney recently

Matthew Graham from Narara received the Australian College of Physical Education Academic Excellence Award – General for his achievements in winter sports.

Mr MacDonald said Matthew was one of a number of NSWIS athletes who have achieved

extraordinary success during 2015.

This has been another outstanding year in sport and I congratulate all the athletes, coaches and sport programs named as finalists for this year’s NSWIS Awards,” Mr MacDonald said.

The NSWIS Awards recognise achievement

across 10 categories including academic triumphs, team and individual performances, coaching and sport program success and excellence in vocation and sport.

Media release, Nov 21, 2015 Mitchell Cutting office of Scot MacDonald

The ITS primary school team

hirty three students from the International Tennis School at Kariong competed in the Eastwood Thornleigh District Tennis Association’s (ETDTA) schoolboys’ and schoolgirls’ tennis tournament recently.

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T ide Char T FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

Time - Height(m) Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

0503 0.52 1127 1.73 WED 1809 0.32

17

0217 1.44 0812 0.59 1422 1.50 2054 0.38

20

16 19 SAT

THU

SUN

0018 1.37 0600 0.56 1218 1.66 1901 0.34

18 FRI

0320 1.51 0420 1.61 0927 0.56 1040 0.50 1531 1.45 MON 1641 1.42 2151 0.38 2247 0.37

21

0517 1.71 0611 1.80 1147 0.41 1247 0.32 1745 1.42 WED 1844 1.43 2340 0.36

24

0120 0.37 0751 1.92 1430 0.22 2028 1.43

26

27

0339 0.47 1004 1.82 MON 1641 0.30 2245 1.36

29

22 TUE

25 FRI

23

28 31 THU

3

0013 1.32 0553 0.65 1204 1.52 1841 0.49

SAT

TUE

1 FRI

0208 0.39 0838 1.92 1516 0.22 2115 1.41

0524 1.55 1201 0.58 WED 1746 1.26 2332 0.54

9 SAT

12 TUE

0059 0.46 0731 1.79 1410 0.33 2002 1.38

7 THU

10 SUN

0100 1.32 0644 0.71 1247 1.43 1924 0.53

0609 1.63 1248 0.49 1834 1.30

2 SAT

5 TUE

8 FRI

0150 1.33 0742 0.74 1339 1.34 2011 0.56 0436 1.47 1106 0.66 1651 1.24 2246 0.56 0016 0.50 0650 1.71 1330 0.40 1919 1.34

0141 0.43 0225 0.40 0814 1.86 0856 1.89 1450 0.26 MON 1531 0.22 2045 1.42 2130 1.45

0312 0.39 0400 0.40 0940 1.90 1026 1.87 1615 0.21 WED 1659 0.22 2217 1.48 2306 1.49

13

SAT

0254 0.42 0922 1.89 1600 0.25 2201 1.39

30

0245 1.36 0342 1.40 0850 0.75 1001 0.72 1441 1.27 MON 1547 1.24 2103 0.58 2156 0.58

6

THU

0031 0.36 0702 1.88 1341 0.25 1937 1.43

0423 0.53 0507 0.59 1045 1.73 1124 1.62 1721 0.37 WED 1800 0.43 2329 1.34

4

SUN

0116 1.39 0701 0.58 1316 1.58 1957 0.37

11

14 THU

0452 0.43 1113 1.79 1745 0.26 2358 1.50

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs - Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min

In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

The highly regarded school teams’ events are sought-after titles for both secondary and primary school players, with the individual events running for six days.

The International Tennis School’s (ITS) secondary team of Rhys Searant, Matt Ellis, Ryan Harford and Teodora Jovic took out the ETDTA Secondary Schools Team Championship with a hard-fought battle with Chatswood High School.

The primary schools team events consisted of three different tournaments on the day with two players per team in mixed doubles, boys’ doubles and girls’ doubles.

ITS captured the primary schools mixed doubles event with Oliver Ryan and Sarah Mazaraki.

Nick De Vivo and Adam Miller made it to the final of the primary boys’ doubles event and Georgia Booker and Gloria Jovic made it to the semi-finals of the primary girls’ doubles.

Individual events saw ITS dominate the field with Rhys Searant taking out the open schoolboys event, Nick De Vivo and Riley Courtney captured the year seven boys’ double title and many more making it to the finals of other events only to be narrowly defeated.

ITS director of tennis, Mr Greg Brownlow said the players fulfilled all expectations and followed the school motto of one percent better every day and take no shortcuts.

“I was very happy with the performance of our students throughout the tournament and look forward to the next event.”

Media release, Dec 3, 2015 International Football/ Tennis School

New boat ramp and surrounds for Terrigal Haven ouncil will invest almost $900,000 as part of the re-design of Terrigal Haven Boat Ramp in order to improve existing conditions and public access.

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Construction of the new boat ramp, access platforms and beach stairs are also included as part of the project, which is expected to start in April 2016.

Terrigal Haven Boat Ramp was identified as a site for improvement as it is one of only two boat ramps that provide direct access to the ocean within the

Gosford City region.

Email, Nov 10, 2015 Gosford Council media

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