Issue 132 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

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May 5, 2016

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Issue 132

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Council continues to defy state government over PAC site n defiance of the NSW Government’s wishes, Gosford Council has determined to prepare a specific plan of management for the War Memorial and Poppy Park to ensure the areas continue to be community open space.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, used his casting vote on April 26 to support a motion for council to prepare a plan of management to ensure Poppy Park and the War memorial have a declared purpose. Cr Hillary Morris put the notice of motion and said: “There has been a great deal of consternation regarding the protection of both the War Memorial site and Poppy Park. “As both sites are owned by Crown Lands, it is appropriate for council to develop plans of management as required under the Crown Lands Act. “Currently both sites have a generic plan of management, however, a more formal plan of management should be implemented to ensure both parks receive declared purpose status.” Long-standing arts campaigner, Ms Margaret Hardy, spoke in favour of the motion. “I am here representing the people who want the performing arts precinct built on the former school site,” Ms Hardy said. She noted that the NSW Government was insistent that the regional performing arts centre should be built on the Poppy Park site. She said the War Memorial and Poppy Park both represented a “memorial and it should be honoured”. “Given their importance, they should have a specific plan of management

Gosford Council will draft a specific management plan for the War Memorial and Poppy Park to keep them as open community spaces

developed in consultation with the community to set out how council will manage the land and how it will be conserved and developed,” Cr Morris said when speaking for her motion. “I have heard from the community loudly and clearly that they don’t want anything else built there,” Cr Morris said. Cr Deanna Bocking attempted to amend the motion so that the “declared purpose would include permitted uses for a performing arts centre with the land being predominantly open space, so it does have a declared purpose but doesn’t rule out having a performing arts centre there”. The amendment was seconded by Cr Chris Burke. Cr Bocking said there had been support to build the performing arts centre on Poppy Park since 2013 and recalled quotes from previous newspaper reports referring to it as the

“centrepiece of the Gosford waterfront” that would kick start the CBD’s revitalisation and a “game changer”. “We are taking a gamble that we could lose any funding at all for the Performing Arts Centre,” Cr Bocking said. “The only comment I have got from the community thus far is ‘just build it’,” she said. “The State Government owns the school site, so I am pretty sure they want to sell it to the highest bidder to put funds back into local school improvements. “The RSL is happy, FOPAP is happy, it is in the DCP, we have the cost of land covered in federal and state grants, so why not just get on with it? “What people will not get over is Gosford’s ‘mode of going nowhere operation’ that we seem to be stuck in,” she said. Cr Burke then spoke in support of Cr Bocking’s proposed amendment. “This has been going on

for 20 years,” Cr Burke said. “Whenever we are close to having something happen on the waterfront, we hear from a silent minority, this time 2,000 people out of 165,000,” he said. Cr Burke said he believed that if the NSW Government and Federal Government were contributing $22 million towards the $32 million project, “they should have a say in where it should go.” Cr Bob Ward also supported the proposed amendment. “The amendment doesn’t say the site of the performing arts centre should be the War Memorial or Poppy Park, but that a plan of management should include that potential use,” Cr Ward said. “Why cut off that option entirely, we might rue the day we did that,” he said. Cr Jeff Strickson said the issue of where to locate a regional performing arts centre had been discussed for the whole eight years he

had been a councillor. “I just want to see Gosford move forward, and if we keep procrastinating, it is not going to move forward, we are going to lose this. “If we have alternate sites and the opportunity to negotiate with the State Government, I would encourage officers to do that sooner rather than later, because the only people who are going to suffer here are the people of the local government area. Cr Bocking, Strickson, Burke and Ward voted for the amendment but it was defeated by Cr McKinna’s casting cost. Gosford Council’s CEO Mr Paul Anderson said before anything could be built on the Poppy Park, council would have to take ownership of the land (which it currently manages for Crown Lands) and have any title extinguished. He said the land had been valued at $3 million and would need to be purchased

by Gosford Council from the Department of Lands. Mr Anderson also said that the Poppy Park site had only been used as a potential site “for the purpose of getting state government funding”. Cr Vicki Scott also spoke in favour of the original motion. “I don’t know how the State and Federal Governments can ignore what the people are saying because it is loud and clear that the people want the entertainment centre on the school site,” Cr Scott said. “The State and Federal Government would prefer to put ugly office blocks on the school site so the office workers can enjoy the view,” she said. In closing the debate, Cr Morris said: “Poppy Park showed the community what can be done when you show imagination on a piece of open space like that. “I don’t want to lose a precious piece of open space. “As far as I am concerned, I am happy to accept the loss of state money and hope that the Federal Government would fill the gap. “I was never happy with the location or the design; I accepted it as a concept plan that allowed us to go out and get the funding,” she said. Votes for and against the motion were also split at four a-piece, so Cr McKinna used his casting vote from the chair to support the motion for council to prepare a specific plan of management for the War Memorial and Poppy Park and for it to remain as open community space. Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 NM.7 Meeting transcript, Apr 26, 2016 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Community Access March 24, 2016

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Issue 129

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Central Coast Tourism funding to continue until July 2017 osford Council funding to Central Coast Tourism will cease on July 1, 2017 and the future of the organisation will not be decided until a new, merged Central Coast Council is up and running.

Council resolved to enter into a one year agreement with Central Coast Tourism, for the period from July 2016 to June 2017, at its ordinary meeting on March 22. Central Coast Tourism had earlier that day announced that 2015 had been a record-breaking year for tourism in the region. “The latest ﬁgures released by Tourism Research Australia indicate the value of the local visitor economy has surpassed $900 million,” said Central Coast Tourism CEO Ms Robyn Abernethy. That is a 25 per cent year on year growth for the visitor economy and, according to Ms Abernethy, the impressive results were delivered as a result of marketing, industry collaboration, new product and the Australian dollar. Central Coast Tourism is a regional tourism body responsible for destination management, marketing and development. It has been funded by two key stakeholders: Wyong Council ($150,000 per annum) and Gosford Council ($416,210 per annum). The likely amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils was one of the reasons for ceasing the

organisation’s funding. The scale of a new Central Coast council may provide the opportunity to deliver this tourism function in-house, according to Gosford Council. Gosford Council entered into a Deed of Agreement with Central Coast Tourism in 2007 for the organisation to build a Tourist Information Centre, administration ofﬁces and carpark. Council agreed at the time to provide a grant of $190,000 and a loan of $190,000 for constructing the facility on land at Kariong owned by the NSW Government. Central Coast Tourism (as of March) owes Gosford Council $110,484.58 and it has three vehicles owned and registered in Gosford Council’s name. The future ownership of the vehicles has been a

matter of correspondence between Central Coast Tourism and Gosford Council since August 2015. “The contribution that Gosford Council has made to Central Coast Tourism over time has been signiﬁcant,” according to a staff report to council’s ordinary meeting on March 22. “Questions have also been raised over a long period of time on value for money considerations and beneﬁts for the tourism sector and the community as a whole,” the report to council said. According to the report, a key part of the council’s Economic Development Strategy is to review its ongoing role and alignment of goals with Central Coast Tourism. In addition to the impact of a large, combined Central

Coast regional council on tourism, the NSW Government is currently reviewing Destination NSW which may have large-scale impacts on all regional tourist organisations and that report is due shortly. The report to Gosford Council also stated that a recent brieﬁng from Central Coast Tourism to Gosford and Wyong Councils requesting that funding continue until 30 June 2017 highlighted a number of areas for improvement. In December, both Councils provided four options to the Central Coast Tourism board: an exit strategy and a oneyear marketing strategy if funding ceased on June 30, 2017; an exit strategy if council funding ceased on June 30, 2016; an exit strategy if funding ceased on December 31, 2016;

or present a long term plan that identiﬁed an improved model to drive enhanced performance by the organisation if funding continued beyond 2017. On February 11, the chairman and treasurer of Central Coast Tourism made a presentation to both councils and recommended funding continued until June 30, 2017. According to the staff report to Gosford Council, some of the advantages of continuing funding for another year were: continued marketing momentum; continuation of Destination NSW campaigns; and continuation of the NSW Trade Investment Business Events Tourism Attraction Project. According to the report, Central Coast Tourism has eight full-time employees plus casuals and volunteers.

At a meeting on March 10, Wyong Council resolved to also continue funding until June 30, 2017, subject to Gosford Council’s agreement to the same terms. Central Coast Tourism will be required to pay all outstanding loans to Gosford Council by June 30, 2017 but will be required to return the three vehicles on or before June 30, 2016. In a written statement, the chair of Central Coast Tourism, Mr Sam Panetta said: “Central Coast Tourism’s board is pleased that Gosford Council resolved to continue funding the organisation until June 30, 2017. “The tourism industry on the Central Coast delivers signiﬁcant beneﬁts to the local economy,” Mr Panetta said. “Over the next 15 months, Central Coast Tourism will work with both councils and consult with the new council entity to ensure the continued development of this vital sector of the local economy,” he said. “One key project Central Coast Tourism will drive is the next Destination Management Plan for the Visitor Economy 2017-2020, along with maintaining the destination’s presence in domestic and international markets.”

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Community Access Edition 391

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Issue 130

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April 12, 2016

Joint council meeting to discuss merger osford councillors met with their Wyong colleagues at Wyong on March 29 to discuss merger transition plans.

Bright sashes were wrapped around special trees in the Brisbane Ave Reserve at Umina for International Day of the Forrest and Tree

Trees Day sashes protest Council plans

A tree in Jumbuck Cres Reserve at Woy Woy was decorated for International Day of the Forrest and Tree

Their action was part of the Save Central Coast Reserves

campaign. Bright coloured sashes were wrapped around special trees in reserves on the Peninsula to mark the community’s opposition to plans by Gosford Council to reclassify and potentially sell several reserves. Trees in the Jumbuck Cres Reserve in Woy Woy were also dressed in red sashes for the

occasion. Reserves in Pozieres St, Umina, Abion St Umina, Mackenzie Ave Woy Woy and Jumbuck Cres Reserve in Woy Woy are also under threat of being reclassiﬁed from community land to operational land which could result in their sale. Email, 21 Mar 2016 Amie Raz and Sue Chidgey, Save Central Coast Reserves

The timing of any dissolution of Gosford and Wyong Councils to form a new Central Coast Council is still unknown but considered highly likely. The joint meeting was chaired by Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM. Both Cr Eaton and Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the priority was to ensure the community get the services they need from day one. “There’s no doubt these are uncertain times,” Cr McKinna said. “It’s also a difﬁcult time for the over 1,900 staff at both Councils who we depend on to deliver the community’s vital services, but it’s reassuring to know that a number of protections are in place for them.” Deputy mayor of Gosford, Cr Craig Doyle said the joint meeting had highlighted the presence of “exceptional fractures within Wyong Council”. Cr Doyle said that, in his role as chair, Cr Eaton had ruled questions out of order “if other people had opposing views or wanted more information which didn’t ﬁt the agenda. “He can’t necessarily do that with us [the Gosford councillors] because we don’t know what the internal politics are up there.” According to Cr Doyle, fortnightly meetings held between the two mayors have “nothing to do with the amalgamation. “No steering committee has been set up on behalf of the councillors at all, no matter what Doug [Eaton] says. “That has not happened and is not happening and hence the call for another monthly meeting. “The majority of the two councils want to work

positively... and there are enough strong, positive people that aren’t going to be led around by the horns. Cr Hillary Morris said she had made it clear that she though the joint meetings were an excellent idea. “I made it very clear that I absolutely do not support a Warnevale Regional Airport,” Cr Morris said. She said she understood that the next meeting was be held at end of April in Gosford and that Cr McKinna would be chair. Councillors were briefed on a future delivery model that would bring tourism in house to a new Council by June 2017, the Draft Central Coast Regional Plan, Warnervale Airport, the Gosford Regional Library Plan and rural ﬁre service arrangements in a new council. In response to comments made after the meeting, Cr Eaton said: “It is true that at the joint meeting there were a few councillors who were generally opposed to the merger, who took the opportunity to do some political grandstanding. “So I did say something along the lines, ‘everyone knows that there are some here who are against the merger, but I see no point in having joint meetings if they degenerate into political point scoring’,” Cr Eaton said. “In terms of my regular meetings with Cr McKinna, they are all about the merger ,” Cr Eaton said. Media release, Mar 30, 2016 Wyong Council media Interview, Apr 4, 2016 Craig Doyle, Gosford Council Hillary Morris, Gosford Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

Issue 89

Kangy Angy land sale supported by some

A view of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre from the adjoining lawn

Potential heritage listing further complicates theatre’s future he potential heritage listing of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre by Gosford Council has opened another chapter in the ongoing struggle over the future of the theatre.

Theatre owners, Beth and Norman Hunter continue to ask patrons to support their proposal to expand the theatre. Gosford Council refused the Hunter’s development application in 2015 but the couple resubmitted an amended proposal in December, 2015. However, Gosford Council recently included the theatre on a list of potential sites to be considered for local heritage listing. As a result, Friends of Avoca Beach Theatre, Old and New is asking community members opposed to the expansion of the theatre to write to Gosford Council’s heritage ofﬁcer, Rebecca Cardy, arguing in favour of its

heritage listing. “There is no doubt that the theatre deserves this listing,” said the Friends of Avoca Theatre Old and New facebook page. “The most prestigious heritage firm in New South Wales, Clive Lucas Stapleton and Partners, was asked to review the application and concluded that the theatre is of great heritage value. “The National Trust, which has been involved in protecting the theatre since 2001 when they first classified it as important, has recently written to the general manager of Gosford Council, urging that it now be government listed. “The Trust goes even further to say that it should be listed at the more

important state-level. “They point out that Avoca theatre: is the only surviving beachside single screen in NSW; that it’s only one of two which is still owned and operated by the same family for 65 years; and that its Panastereo, a surroundsound system, has historic signiﬁcance. Norman and Beth Hunter, on the other hand, argue that to keep the theatre operating in an area with such high land holding costs means it has to expand. “The proposal has always retained the existing theatre,” a ﬂyer distributed to theatre patrons by the Hunters said. “All our plans continue to include the existing theatre building as is. “It remains a single storey

theatre with the auditorium intact and the lawn area remaining beside it, albeit smaller. “We will build, beside the theatre, three new small auditoriums seating between 31 and 55 patrons and another auditorium seating 161 people, each with comfort and great viewing paramount. “This will be a two-storey building. “Behind the theatre there are ﬁve units each with their own underground parking. “We know that as a single screen we cannot continue. “The sensible ﬁnancial decision would be to close. “We hope that with the proposed extensions we will be able to continue to serve many more generations.” Facebook, Apr 3, 2016 Friends of Avoca Beach Theatre Old and New Flyer, Mar 2016 Save me a seat at Avoca

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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ot all Kangy Angy residents are opposed to the development of an inter-city train maintenance facility in the area.

The proposed intercity ﬂeet maintenance site during local ﬂoods

One such resident, solution to some of those

decision to sell land at Kangy Angy to Transport for NSW that the proposal would Mr Dean Innes spoke problems. has been deferred by Wyong Council for two months to allow signiﬁcantly impact on at Wyong Council on In responding to residents to make further representations to Transport for NSW endangered ecological March 23 in favour of the questions from Cr Doug communities, PCTs regarding possible alternate locations for the facility. that contain threatened proposed sale of council Vincent, a representative

Spokesperson for the Kangy Angy Residents Action Group, Mr Tony Caldersmith spoke against the sale of the land at the Wyong Council meeting on Wednesday, March 23, describing it as ecologically sensitive floodplain land to be sold to make way for a railway fleet maintenance facility. “There is compelling evidence that the site is unsuitable for the proposed development given the flooding and environmental constraints of the land… alternative sites without those constraints are available and should be taken up,” Mr Caldersmith said. The land would be

rezoned to make way for the rail facility. “No less than four endangered ﬂoodplain ecological communities occur within the site and it provides foraging and habitat for a range of threatened and critically engendered species including yellow-bellied gliders, squirrel gliders and the powerful owl. “Also, a tributary of Ourimbah Creek ﬂowing through the site is a known biodiversity ‘hot-spot’ for rare and threatened amphibian species such as the green and golden bell-frog and the green-thighed frog,” he said. “We don’t want our

wildlife to be railroaded.” According to the Environmental Issues Report prepared by Conacher Consulting, December 2015, the Land and Environment Court would be likely to find that the site is unsuitable for the proposed development. The site also presents considerable constraints in terms of flooding and bushfire and a development of the type and scale proposed would be likely to have an unacceptable and significant impact on a number of species or their habitats. The report found

land to Transport for NSW. “There is a group of people in the north of the street who would like to see it proceed,” he said. Mr Innes said the development would create the opportunity for a new land bridge to deal with ﬂooding and even a children’s playground. According to Mr Innes, Transport for NSW had promised a landscaped buffer to make sure the facility was permanently Media release, Mar 21, 2016 hidden. “We’ve also engaged Environmental Issues Report Summary, Dec 2015 our own planner to look Michelle Nicholson, at various ways to get Kangy Angy Residents around development Action Group restrictions in the area and this development is a

species habitat, areas that contain habitat for vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered threatened species, wildlife habitat linkages and a riparian area and watercourse of fourth order and an important wetland area. It further states that alternative sites for the proposal which would result in a reduced impact on local biodiversity should be investigated.

of the Kangy Angy Residents Action Group, Mr Tony Caldersmith said Transport for NSW had said it was too early to discuss community beneﬁts. “The railway people said it was all too early; they were not going to talk about that yet, we are not down to that level of planning,” Mr Caldersmith said. Mr Caldersmith also conﬁrmed that Wyong Council had not, at any stage, approached residents about the idea of selling the land to Transport for NSW.

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“When this project was first mooted by the former Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein during the March 2011 NSW election, the Chamber raised questions over the original estimated cost of $30 million and the completion date of 2015,” said Peninsula Chamber president, Mr Matthew Wales. “Not unsurprisingly, we find the cost has now blown out to a staggering $115 million which is nearly four times more than the original estimates,” Mr Wales said. “It’s one thing to make election promises but to not deliver on time or on budget is quite another. “The Chamber is now very concerned that the project could be mothballed because the additional funds haven’t been budgeted for,” he said. However, Mr Holstein’s daughter Cr Gabby Bowles has defended the project. “I think it is pretty convenient that the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is having a go again,” said Cr Bowles She said the removal of the Woy Woy level crossing had been identified as a major and necessary infrastructure project by both the council and the NSW Government for 20 years. “It is not unusual when you’ve got assets affected by different levels of government for there to be back and forth between those levels especially when a project is between major steps,” Cr Bowles said. Mr Wales said: “We want to know who prepared the original estimates and why they were so grossly underestimated. “We also want to know why the project was allowed to proceed without fully understanding the real cost of the works. “The works that have been

completed serve no useful purpose unless the rail underpass is constructed. “The Peninsula could end up with a very expensive road to nowhere unless someone comes up with the money to bail out the project. “With that sort of money we could have kerbed, gutter and drained the whole Peninsula. “Instead we get a very expensive lead-in road with no underpass. “On top of the cost blowout, the project is already 12 months behind schedule with little or no prospect of it being completed before 2018. “The Peninsula once again gets the raw end of the stick albeit a very expensive one.” Cr Bowles called the Chamber’s criticisms unhelpful and accused it of neglecting the needs of Woy Woy’s business owners. “I don’t think the process is helped when you have organisations like the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce coming out against it,” she said. “I struggle when the Peninsula Chamber comes out and wants to criticise infrastructure projects that would assist Woy Woy when many would argue the chamber has ignored Woy Woy for years. “I am not going to say process has been perfect or the costing perfect, I am not going to say we shouldn’t be further down the track with the project but I struggle when the main critic shows a disregard for that area of the Peninsula. “The residents want it, the businesses need it so shouldn’t we be pushing to make it a reality and not nail the cofﬁn shut?” Cr Bowles said she had every conﬁdence Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna and Council chief Mr Paul Anderson were “pushing as hard as they can to have this infrastructure project realised.” Media release, 14 Apr 2016 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Interview, 14 Apr 2016 Gabby Bowles, Gosford Council

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he NSW minister for finance, services and property, Mr Dominic Perrottet has initiated the latest flurry of debate about the regional performing arts centre and the former Gosford Public School land by announcing that a second office building was to be developed on that land.

From left community service director Glen Scorer, Julie Aitchison, Robyn Carr, Kylie-Ann Scott and Rotary president Shane Johnson

Volunteers receive community service awards Three local volunteers were recognised for outstanding dedication in their chosen ﬁeld at a special Rotary Club of Umina dinner meeting on Wednesday, April 13.

Julie Aitchison for her enthusiastic efforts in gaining a heritage grant, researching and recording the ﬁrst 50 years history of Umina on DVD. Ms Robyn Carr was commended for her untiring efforts of service at most levels of leadership and organisation with Umina Surf Lifesaving Club. Ms Kylie-Ann Scott was recognised as group leader of First

Woy Woy Sea Scouts. Ms Scott has coordinated the total refurbishment of the dilapidated Scout hall as well as growing the membership from seven to 103 active and participating young members in the past two years. Media release, 14 Apr 2016 Geoff Melville, Rotary Club of Umina

Anzac marches planned Marches and services will be held around the Peninsula to commemorate Anzac Day on Monday, April 25. The dawn service march starts from Woy Woy Station at 5:15am heading to Memorial Park in Brick Wharf Rd, Woy Woy. The main march from Deepwater Plaza to Memorial Park in Brick Wharf Rd, Woy Woy, begins at 10am with a service to follow at 10:30am.

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Issue 131

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Second building announced for former school site

Each volunteer received a Community Service Award. The club’s community service director Mr Glen Scorer cited Ms

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April 21, 2016

May 5, 2016

18 April 2016

Underpass ‘over-designed, under-budgeted’ says Chamber Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has claimed that the rail underpass project had been “grossly overdesigned and woefully under-budgeted”.

A view of Turpentine Rd, Kangy Angy under water in January

THIS ISSUE contains 42 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Land sale for railway facility deferred

Residents who live around the reserve at 195 and 196 Brisbane Ave, Umina, wrapped trees in the reserve in sashes to mark the International Day of the Forest and the Tree on Sunday, March 20.

Peninsula

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4 April 2016

April 7, 2016

Media release, Mar 23, 2016 Gosford Council media Agenda item GRO.2, Mar 22, 2016 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Media statement, Mar 23 Central Coast Tourism Inc Jackie Pearson, journalist

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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Edition 390

A service at Empire Bay will take place at 11am at the War Memorial. A number of road closures will also occur. There will be minor trafﬁc delays on Railway St and Brickwharf Rd from 5:15am to allow for the dawn service from the station. Blackwall Rd at Woy Woy will be closed to all trafﬁc between Victoria Rd and Brisbane Water Dve for the Anzac Day march at 10am.

Trafﬁc on Brisbane Water Drive will also be stopped at The Boulevarde to allow march participants to cross to the opposite side of the road. At Empire Bay, Kendall Rd from Shelly Beach Rd to Sorrento Rd will be closed for the duration of the Anzac service at 11am. Media alert, 12 Apr 2016 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council

THIS ISSUE contains 68 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government would deliver on an election pledge to relocate more than 300 public service roles to Gosford, with Government Property NSW submitting a Development Application (DA) to Gosford Council for a proposed mixed-use commercial building to be located at 20 Mann St, Gosford. The 300 public servant jobs from the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation (DFSI), would be housed in the mixed-use building and Mr Perrottet said another 130 jobs would be created during the design, planning and construction phases, with an additional 330 ongoing indirect jobs being generated on top of the 300 permanent jobs announced by Mr Perrottet. The DA, submitted on Monday April 18, included the new six-storey, 7,000 square metre mixed use building, with an active street front and ground floor alfresco dining. Mr Perrottet said the DA was the first part of a broader plan that would seek to open the Mann St site to a mix of uses accessible by locals and tourists, including dining, residential, retail, accommodation, parking and public open spaces. Mr Perrottet said the DA lodgement would give Gosford locals an opportunity for a closer look at the first step in the government’s plan for the

Senator upset by school site announcement he announcement that a second public service ofﬁce is to be built on the Gosford waterfront is further proof that the Liberals ignored the wishes of the local community, according to Senator Deborah O’Neill.

T The latest NSW Government concept plan for the former Gosford Public School land with arrow pointing to NSW ofﬁce building at 20 Mann St

site. “With the DA lodgement, we are starting a process that will give the local economy a real boost and deliver hundreds of jobs to the Gosford CBD,” he said. According to Mr Perrottet, the announcement would help to energise the local economy, extend and revitalise the CBD, and increase opportunities to live and work on the Central Coast. “The NSW Government is committed to the health and prosperity of the whole state, and today’s announcement is great news for Gosford and the Central Coast,” he said. “The influx of new public sector workers means millions in consumer spending on local businesses every year, which will be a fantastic economic injection for the local community. “Add to that the tens of millions in investment that development of the site will attract, and hundreds of new jobs in the construction phase and beyond, and you can see the flow-on effects of this relocation will be really significant for Gosford and the Coast.” The DFSI building will include some street-level retail and al-fresco dining as part of a broader plan for

the sale and redevelopment of the vacant 1.16 hectares making up the former school site, with proceeds from the sale to go to Restart NSW for reinvestment into new infrastructure. According to Mr Perrottet, Government Property NSW is engaging in ongoing consultation with community groups and organisations. Information about the development will also be posted on the GPNSW website and the community will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal when it is placed on public exhibition by Gosford Council. The government will also hold a community dropin day, with details to be advertised in the local media and on GPNSW’s website closer to the date. The DA will be assessed against the normal planning criteria, just like any other development, with Gosford Council assessing the application and the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) being the responsible determining authority. The timeframe for assessment will depend on Gosford Council, though it is expected that the DA will be determined by the end of 2016. An Expression of

Interest (EOI) process for the government to secure a development partner is expected to be released in May. The EOI will seek a development partner for the mixed use building in the DA, together with the future development of the remaining 1.1 hectares. Construction of the new DFSI building is expected to be completed by mid-2018, with the relocation of DFSI staff to follow. The DA announcement coincided with the NSW Government committing to a further 10 year lease at 92100 Donnison St, Gosford, where over 620 staff from the State Insurance Regulatory Authority, Safe Work NSW, Insurance and Care NSW and Legal Aid NSW are located. “Prior to the last election, we said we were committed to improving employment opportunities here on the Central Coast, and today’s announcements show we mean business,” Mr Perrottet concluded. Media release, Apr 6, 2016 Dominic Perrottet, minister for finance, services and property Media release, Apr 19, 2016 Kelly Burke, NSW Finance, Services and Innovation

NSW finance minister, Mr Dominic Perrottet announced recently that a six-storey mixed-use commercial building housing 300 finance department workers would be built next to the Australian Tax Office on the old Gosford Public School site. “The state and federal Liberals have once again proved they believe they are above consulting the people of the Central Coast, who have clearly indicated to Lucy Wicks they didn’t want the ATO building on the waterfront,” Senator O’Neill said. “The Gosford community welcomes the jobs, but this iconic waterfront precinct is not the place for public service buildings that will lock away land promised to the public. “There are many sites in the heart of the Gosford CBD that are begging for government buildings and the business they will bring to local commerce.” Documents requested from the Federal Government by Senator O’Neill late last year regarding the procurement of the school site for the ATO building include a letter from Mr Perrottet to federal finance minister, Mr Mathias Cormann pitching the school land for federal projects. “Mr Perrottet steamrolled the school site through for use for

government buildings with scant regard for the community’s vision for the picturesque site,” Sen O’Neill said. “My office and those of state MPs David Harris and Kathy Smith have been inundated with calls from concerned citizens who demand to know who is pulling the levers to hand over a proposed arts and cultural precinct to be used for government buildings instead. “The blame lies solely at the feet of the federal Liberals in cahoots with their NSW counterparts, and the people of the Coast have an impending opportunity to tell them what they think of such disdain for their views.” The member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch said: ”Sen O’Neill’s hype knows no boundaries”. Mr Crouch has held a series of meetings at his Erina office to ensure community leaders were aware of “the facts” surrounding the NSW Government’s plans for the former Gosford Public School site. He said the combined footprint of the DomaAustralian Taxation Office building and the recently-announced state government office building was 40 per cent of the available Gosford Public School land. Conunied P3

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adalba b a s e d women’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, Kamira, is continuing a seven year battle for increased funding to better meet the demand for its services.

Cate Hewett of Kamira

operate at capacity due to ongoing funding issues. “Presently, funding issues have prevented the Wadalba facility from ﬁlling half of its beds, forcing the facility to turn away hundreds of women in need and forcing the most in need onto waiting lists up to 12 weeks long,” Ms Matthews said. Kamira chief executive, Ms Cate Hewett said the facility’s lack of funding meant Kamira cannot employ the staff it needed to run at capacity, let alone expand its services. “Kamira is funded by both state and federal health departments on typically three year grants,” Ms Hewett said. “However, Kamira is currently operating off a one year extension grant

which has caused huge problems with retaining staff. “The NSW Health Department has failed to provide any additional funding since it built the Kamira facility in 2009. “There are currently 11 beds ﬁlled out of a possible 22. “Cost wise, to increase the number of beds ﬁlled to 13 we would be looking at $112,157 per bed. “Based on this cost model, Kamira would need an additional $656,314 to increase its services to a minimum of 24 women and their children,” Ms Hewett said. According to Ms Hewett, joint funding from NSW Health and the Federal Department of Health and Family

and Community Services could appropriately cover this, yet despite her best efforts, Ms Hewett’s attempts to vitalise Kamira have been falling on deaf ears for close to seven years. “In 2011, NSW Health commissioned a business review by Ernst and Young for the facility. “The three month review recommended additional funding be provided to Kamira to deliver a full capacity service, but this funding was not delivered. “I’ve written to every health minister since 2009 about the incredible demand for, and the subsequent community consequences of not providing treatment to these women, and still nothing. “It’s unbelievable how little they care about these women and their children,” Ms Hewett said. Kamira received 620 requests for service in 2015. Women remain on the facility’s waiting list for four to 12 weeks. Ms Hewett also urged people to write to their local MP’s about the state of Kamira and women’s health services. “Please urge your MP to help Kamira. “The Government built the facility, now they need to fund it,” she concluded. Interview, Apr 6, 2016 Lisa Matthews, Kamira Director Interview, Apr 6, 2016 Cate Hewett, Kamira Chief Executive Journalist, Dilon Luke

he Entrance Motor Registry closed its doors for the last time on Thursday, April 21.

Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan MP said the NSW Government “shut down the motor registry, dismissing the concerns of residents that the closure will see not a single NSW Government office left within The Entrance electorate.” Mr Mehan said he had opposed the closure since it was first announced. He said he had been working with Services NSW and Wyong Council to attempt to maintain a service in The Entrance. “The State government has refused to listen to the public on this issue,” Mr Mehan said. “My office has been flooded with calls from people who want to know how the government

expects to deliver a service to our area,” he said. “As of lunchtime on Friday, April 22, more than 65 members of the community were turned away and told to go elsewhere. “The minister clearly has never been here to see the site. “Only someone from Sydney would believe that driving from The Entrance to Tuggerah is a short drive. “I will continue to work with Wyong Council and the community to see a government service delivered for our area,” Mr Mehan said. Media release, Apr 22, 2016 David Mehan, member for The Entrance

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Council continues to defy state government over PAC site

Issue 90

Rehabilitation centre forced to Another motor turn away hundreds of women registry closed

n defiance of the NSW Government’s wishes, Gosford Council has determined to prepare a specific plan of management for the War Memorial and Poppy Park to ensure the areas continue to be community open space. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, used his casting vote on April 26 to support a motion for council to prepare a plan of management to ensure Poppy Park and the War memorial have a declared purpose. Cr Hillary Morris put the notice of motion and said: “There has been a great deal of consternation regarding the protection of both the War Memorial site and Poppy Park. “As both sites are owned by Crown Lands, it is appropriate for council to develop plans of management as required under the Crown Lands Act. “Currently both sites have a generic plan of management, however, a more formal plan of management should be implemented to ensure both parks receive declared purpose status.” Long-standing arts campaigner, Ms Margaret Hardy, spoke in favour of the motion. “I am here representing the people who want the performing arts precinct built on the former school site,” Ms Hardy said. She noted that the NSW Government was insistent that the regional performing arts centre should be built on the Poppy Park site. She said the War Memorial and Poppy Park both represented a “memorial and it should be honoured”. “Given their importance, they should have a specific plan of management

Gosford Council will draft a speciﬁc management plan for the War Memorial and Poppy Park to keep them as open community spaces

had been a councillor. “I just want to see Gosford move forward, and if we keep procrastinating, it is not going to move forward, we are going to lose this. “If we have alternate sites and the opportunity to negotiate with the State Government, I would encourage ofﬁcers to do that sooner rather than later, because the only people who are going to suffer here are the people of the local government area. Cr Bocking, Strickson, Burke and Ward voted for the amendment but it was defeated by Cr McKinna’s casting cost. Gosford Council’s CEO Mr Paul Anderson said before anything could be built on the Poppy Park, council would have to take ownership of the land (which it currently manages for Crown Lands) and have any title extinguished. He said the land had been valued at $3 million and would need to be purchased

by Gosford Council from the Department of Lands. Mr Anderson also said that the Poppy Park site had only been used as a potential site “for the purpose of getting state government funding”. Cr Vicki Scott also spoke in favour of the original motion. “I don’t know how the State and Federal Governments can ignore what the people are saying because it is loud and clear that the people want the entertainment centre on the school site,” Cr Scott said. “The State and Federal Government would prefer to put ugly office blocks on the school site so the office workers can enjoy the view,” she said. In closing the debate, Cr Morris said: “Poppy Park showed the community what can be done when you show imagination on a piece of open space like that. “I don’t want to lose a precious piece of open space. “As far as I am concerned, I am happy to accept the loss of state money and hope that the Federal Government would fill the gap. “I was never happy with the location or the design; I accepted it as a concept plan that allowed us to go out and get the funding,” she said. Votes for and against the motion were also split at four a-piece, so Cr McKinna used his casting vote from the chair to support the motion for council to prepare a specific plan of management for the War Memorial and Poppy Park and for it to remain as open community space. Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 NM.7 Meeting transcript, Apr 26, 2016 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

David Mehan outside The Entrance Motor Registry

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Public-private partnership proposed for PAC site he NSW Government will be urged to offer discounts to a developer to purchase the remaining Gosford Public School land if they are prepared to include a performing arts centre in their development plans.

Local NSW members of parliament and some ministers will receive letters from Gosford Council asking for their support to sell part of the former Gosford School site to a developer at a discounted price so that it can incorporate the regional performing arts centre. This latest move came as a result of Cr Hillary Morris moving a motion for Gosford Council to urge the NSW Government to donate the remaining land parcels from the public school sell-off to Gosford Council so it can build the performing arts centre on the waterfront. During the debate of Cr Morris’ motion, mayor of Gosford, Cr Lawrie McKinna, said he could not see the NSW Government giving the council the land but they may “come to the

party” if a developer was prepared to acquire the land and work with council and government to build a performing arts facility. Gosford Council’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson, suggested the wording of an amendment, which was subsequently adopted and carried as the motion. Mr Anderson said he suggested the amendment could state that Gosford Council would write to local members of the NSW Parliament requesting consideration of the state government providing a discount to developers provided they considered

including a performing arts centre in their ultimate development plan. The amendment was supported by Cr Strickson, Burke, Ward and Bocking and opposed by Cr McFadyen, Scott and Morris (Cr Craig Doyle and Cr Gabby Bowles were absent from the April 26 meeting). “The State Government is more likely to provide a discount rather than give the land away totally,” Cr Bob Ward said. “Surely if we can get a discount payable to a developer on the basis of building a performing arts centre, we are going to get

what we set out to achieve,” he said. “It is a decent compromise.” Mr Anderson also suggested that a publicprivate partnership would be workable if it included a caveat to state that if the performing arts centre was not built within a specified timeframe, the NSW Government would resume ownership of the land. At several points during the debate, Cr Morris attempted to urge her fellow councillors to debate her original motion, which called for the state to gift some of the school land back to the

community. “It is the people’s desire to see some of the Gosford Public School site come back into their hands for the performing arts centre,” Cr Morris said. “I struggle with public private partnerships as suggested by the mayor and I would prefer the motion to stay as it stands,” she said. “I don’t want to end up in a situation where the land is sold, the development application gets approved and the land just sits there.” In speaking for her original motion, Cr Morris said: “I am sure it has not escaped anyone’s attention that there are certain controversies surrounding the location of the performing arts centre. “When Gosford Council undertook its community engagement strategy in 2009-10 to determine the future direction for the Gosford city centre, the community’s preference was to build the performing arts centre on the old public school site.” She said there had been a lot of controversy over the decision to relocate Gosford Public School, and one of the reasons the community accepted the move, “was

because a cultural hub was agreed to be built on the site at that time. “Now, 60 per cent of the Gosford Public School site is remaining and it should be dedicated to Gosford Council for the purpose of building a performing arts centre.” Cr Morris said she wanted to remind her fellow councillors that any land owned by the state is, in fact, public land. She said the former Dubbo Central School site was dedicated as a cultural hub. In response, Cr Bocking said: “I think it would be a wonderful thing if the State Government would donate land to council but earlier on this evening we were informed by the State Government that money from the former school site had already been forward spent on improving our local schools.” Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 NM.9 Meeting transcript, Apr 26, 2016 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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MacDonald confirms Performing Arts Centre location arliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald has responded to a letter from member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch in regards to a Regional Preforming Arts Centre in Gosford.

Mr MacDonald has confirmed that the NSW Government understands that all levels of government support the Regional Performing Arts Centre intended to be built at Gosford City Park. Mr MacDonald also noted that he had not received formal advice from Gosford Council that they have an alternative location to consider. “The site was selected after extensive consultation

and an appropriate rezoning followed,” he said. The NSW Government has committed $10 million to the proposed Regional Performing Arts Centre and a further $2 million towards a connected conservatorium. In December 2015, the Commonwealth Government committed $10 million towards the proposed $30 million Performing Arts Centre. “I am advised that in March 2016, Gosford

Council confirmed it had $10 million allocated for the proposed Regional Performing Arts Centre,” Mr MacDonald said. “We look forward to Gosford Council submitting a Development Application to enable the next step towards this exciting project.” Letter, Apr 21, 2016 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch

Poppy Park looking down from the War memorial remains the NSW Government’s preferred site for a regional performing arts centre

Community Environment Network Calling all Citizen Scientists CCMDC need you! Help the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre monitor local biodiversity, water quality and marine debris in your area. If you have always wanted to be part of a program collecting scientific information that contributes data to a larger pool, then now is your chance.

PUBLIC LANDS – Save PEAT ISLAND Jane Smith, CEO, Community Environment Network

Peat Island and associated public lands are located on the northern side of the Hawkesbury River next to the boat ramp and parking area. Rezoning is progressing through the planning system and are expected to go through Gateway in coming months. It is important that Peat Island is retained in public hands and is not used for private housing due to its; 1. History and cultural heritage for both indigenous and nonindigenous settlement; 2. Central location in a magnificent unique landscape which is part of a contiguous landscape of 1.5 million hectares, some of which is World Heritage ; 3. Providing public access to and around the Hawkesbury River Valley; 4. Importance in maintaining the ecological integrity of the surrounding National Parks. Peat Island needs to be held in safe hands for the benefit of all Australians for all time. Help by joining the Friends of Peat Island on the CEN website.

Citizen Science programs involve everyday community members collecting data, either as individuals or a group. Programs are run all over the world covering many different areas, adding to knowledge banks about a particular topic and monitoring change over time. Here on the Central Coast, the CCMDC will be collecting data in four different areas. The programs will gather information about species diversity and abundance, water quality in local estuaries and collection and auditing of marine debris. We need as many sets of eyes, hands and feet as we can to get on board and help gather this important information. The idea is to collect data for each program at regular intervals. So if you like to dive, walk on the beach or down by your local lakes/ lagoon, then we would love your help by simply recording what you see while doing so.

Photo: Robb Westerdyk

on this page. See our website for more information or to register: www.ccmdc.org.au This project is supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme The idea is to collect data for each program approximately once a month. So if you like to dive, walk on the beach or down by your local lakes/lagoon, then we would love your by simply recording what you see while doing so.

CCMDC Citizen Science Training Days Water Quality Monitoring in Estuaries Sat 30 April 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm The Entrance Community Centre Followed by on-site demonstration at lakeside location Rock Platform Biodiversity Sat 7 May 2016 9:30am - 2.00pm Start at Banksia Community Centre Followed by practical training at Bateau Bay Beach rock platform Marine Biodiversity Sat 14 May 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm Marine Discovery Centre Followed by training dive at The Haven (own gear required) Marine Debris Survey Sat 21 May 2016 9.30am - 12.30pm Copacabana Beach Surf Club Followed by beach walk All training days involve an outdoor component and will therefore require sturdy footwear.

Bookings essential To register: visit www.ccmdc.org.au

Details of training days listed on this page, otherwise, see our website for more detail: www. ccmdc.org.au

Details of training days listed

Our Central Coast - Worth Protecting The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

Support CEN - Become a member - Volunteer - Make a donation

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Ph: 4349 4756

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Seven months of lobbying results in a small amount of transparency - Chidgey ave Central Coast Reserves w e l c o m e d Gosford Council’s agreement to provide basic information on its website about parcels of community land it is considering for rezoning and sale, but highlighted its concerns about the lack of information behind Council decisions to date.

At the Gosford Council meeting on Tuesday, April 26, Cr Hillary Morris submitted a notice of motion requesting council to list, on its website, details of the 25 reserves, parks and green spaces targeted by its land sale strategy. The information requested in the notice of motion included: a map/location for each parcel of land; its history or acquisition/purchase date; an environmental impact study for each parcel; and time lines for each part of the process toward reclassification and sale. After some discussion,

Jake Cassar gives a Bush Tucker demonstration at the Yarram Rd, Bensville Reserve

council resolved to upload the address and a map showing each lot that has been identified for reclassification and potential sale. “This is a first step towards some transparency in the process, as to date, council had not formally advised the community of its intentions,” said Ms Sue Chidgey, spokesperson for Save Central Coast Reserves.

“In addition, council agreed to place a link to the information on its website to make it more easily accessible. “Council agreed to adding information on the individual sites, as it comes to hand, including information about the time-line for submissions and public hearings. “It is disappointing that the community has had to lobby for over seven months

to get even this small amount of transparency around this land sale process”, Ms Chidgey said. “We are still not getting a clear picture of the timeline on the process or the terms of reference for the independent consultant that will be appointed to conduct public hearings,” she said. “This is a good outcome to get the addresses and maps on Gosford Council’s

website. “However, it highlights what information is not available,” said Ms Jane Smith from the Community Environment Network. “Reports in previous council business papers refer to council’s property group undertaking a review of the lands owned by council to establish sites with sale potential,” Ms Smith said. “The community has asked for the information from that review to be made public, however, council has resisted,” she said. “This raises questions about whether this information exists and what assessment was done by council staff in identifying those lands. “Several of the sites have environmental significance which the communities involved hope the consultant will fully assess,” said Sue Chidgey. “We would also hope that a good overview of the social benefits of the reserves be included in the consultant’s report. “We strongly believe that

several of the sites should not have made the list in the first instance due to these very obvious reasons. “There is also some confusion about the exact lots identified. “Even the Wamberal Memorial Hall, dedicated in 1921, appears to be up for grabs. “Local community members are alarmed that council may be considering destroying this local recognition of service in favour of selling the land off for development,” Ms Chidgey said. “There are now seven community groups representing a large portion of the targeted sites. “The communities concerned value their special neighbourhood sites and will argue strongly to retain them for the community and/or the environment, now and into the future.” Media release, Apr 28, 2016 Sue Chidgey, Save Central Coast Reserves

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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.

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Seven storey development at Point Frederick approved $6.2 million 20-unit flat building in Lynn Ave Point Frederick has been given development consent by Gosford Council, even though several councillors expressed concerns about the project.

The development will include a six-seven storey flat building and two basement car parking levels. Council considered the proposal to be generally consistent with the land’s mixed use zoning. A report from staff recommending consent said the development would provide higher density housing in the city centre as well as in a location that has good access to public transport and is within walking distance from the commercial core and Gosford Waterfront. A speaker in favour of the development said Point Frederick was earmarked for growth in developments and that the proposal was appropriate and to scale.

A photomontage of how the six-to-seven storey flat building (pictured at rear) in Lynn Ave, Point Frederick would appear He said he conceded that also spoke against the enormous impact on the area because of the extra the existing road network development. “I feel it is it out of traffic and extra parking. was narrow when compared “Unfortunately, any report to normal standards, but that character and that we the developer would make should have been more we get is for the individual Section 94 contributions to mindful of that at the time DA and not for the impact of extending the 30 per on the wider area. help with infrastructure. “It is hard to see how During the debate cent height bonus to Point Lynn Ave will cope. about the development Frederick,” Cr Morris said. “Currently we have a “I think we should be application, Cr Deanna Bocking said she had number of Development deferring this DA, having a for Point good look at the strategic concerns about its location. Applications “The road it is on looks Frederick, six in total, with plan for Point Frederick to like it is going to have trouble 240 units, three of which look at parking, traffic flow coping with 20 extra units are for Lynn Ave which is a and how we are going to deal with waste issues,” she and 40 extra residents,” Cr small street,” she said. “This level of said. Bocking said. Cr Vicki Scott said Cr Hillary Morris development will have an

she would not support the DA because it only had 25 parking spots including visitor parking for a development that would include at least 40 bedrooms and not many children. “You’ve only got one car space per unit,” Cr Scott said. “I know that meets the requirements, but it doesn’t make it right and doesn’t make it workable.” Cr Scott said Lynn Ave was a “laneway not a street”. She said residents had already described the parking problems in the area that were set to worsen as more developments came online. Cr Chris Burke said all questions about the DA had been answered at the site inspection. “It basically ticks all the boxes, so I am for the development,” Cr Burke said. Due to the absence of Cr Craig Doyle and Cr Gabby Bowles, the vote was split four all, so Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna used his casting vote to approve the

application. Cr Vicki Scott subsequently moved that Gosford Council call on the NSW Government to review SEPP requirements on development applications so they take into account the character of the neighbourhood, traffic flow and the impact the development would have on the neighbouring area. She moved that such requirements should include issues such as parking, traffic flow, setbacks and access to public transport, and her motion was carried. Cr Jeff Strickson then moved that the traffic issues surrounding the Lynn Ave development be referred to the traffic committee.” Cr Strickson’s motion was also carried. Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 GOV.31 Meeting Transcript, Apr 26, 2016 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 7

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Retirement village residents not receiving rebates available elsewhere

housands of retirement village residents have signed a petition calling on Gosford and Wyong councils to give water and sewerage rebates for Central Coast pensioners.

A second petition will be presented to NSW Parliament calling for the amendment of the Local Government Act to ensure residents of retirement villages within Gosford and Wyong council areas receive the same eligibility for water concessions afforded to pensioners in all other regions. Senator Deborah O’Neill said that in the name of fairness and equity, the councils should change their policy of denying water and sewerage rebates to the residents of retirement villages. “Under the Local Government Act 1993 no 30, Sydney Water accepted that a pensioner discount applied to residents living in retirement villages,” Sen O’Neill said. “Retirees on the Central Coast do not receive the

same concession as those who are customers of Sydney Water or Hunter Water. “Sydney Water offers a maximum rebate of $500 per year compared with $175 on the Coast.” In one village alone, Tarragal Glen in Erina, 500 signatures had been collected. “The councils have not budged on this issue, claiming that their water and sewerage services were on the whole much cheaper than Sydney Water’s rates,” Sen O’Neill said. “These residents are living on fixed incomes and any extra charges they incur puts extreme pressure on their budget at a time in their life when they should not have to have these sorts of concerns.” A report will be completed by Gosford

Council outlining the options available to request amendments to the next NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) determination for water supply and sewerage charges for retirement villages. The resolution to prepare a report came after Cr Bob Ward moved that Gosford Council needed to act to achieve more equitable service fees for retirement village owners and residents. According to Cr Ward, IPART’s current determination includes a provision that retirement villages should be charged on a non-residential basis, which is similar to the method followed to charge businesses, rather than the lower residential rate that formerly applied. Council will also request

Petitions lodged over lack of land sale strategy our petitions, with over 1,800 signatures, were lodged with Gosford Council in relation to its land sale strategy.

A single petition with 1,697 signatures said that there was no documented land sale strategy that had gone out for community consultation and that there had been no community consultation as part of the review of council’s portfolio of sites being considered for reclassification and sale. The petitioners called on Gosford Council to develop a strategy and put it on exhibition for public comment and undertake community engagement

to assess the true social, environmental and economic value of any sites being considered as having sale potential. Three of the petitions were related to the potential sale of community land in Winter Cls and Eagle Cls Lisarow. Petitioners stated that the parcels of land were highly valued by the local community and that their sale would detract from the community. Petitioners also argued

that residents used Winter Close Reserve on a regular basis to congregate, play and connect with other members of the community. Petitioners requested that council reconsidered the proposed sale. Matters raised in the petition will be considered by the planning consultant who will be engaged by council to oversee its current land sale strategy. Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 GOV.37 (P.2, P.3, P.8, P.9

32 Mann Street, Gosford Community drop-in sessions Government Property NSW is hosting two community drop-in events to provide information about plans for a proposed new sixstorey mixed use development at 32 Mann Street Gosford. The proposal consists of a mid-rise commercial building with ground ﬂoor cafes and retail use. To ﬁnd out more about this proposal, come along to: Central Coast Leagues Club Kendall Room Dane Drive, Gosford

Drop in any time on: Tuesday 10 May, 5pm – 7.30pm Wednesday 11 May, 10am – 2pm

For more information, visit www.property.nsw.gov.au

amendments to local government and water management laws in relation to pensioner concessions on rates, water and sewerage charges to enable it to potentially implement a system to provide a rebate to residents of retirement villages. Cr Ward said he had been receiving complaints from retirement village residents about the increases in sewerage fees. “One village faced an increase of over 1,000 per cent,” Cr Ward said. “Council charges the village and then the village on-bills to residents, so they are sheeting the pain to the retirement village residents. “They are vulnerable members of society, as the majority live on fixed income and face extreme difficulties in meeting these increased charges. “It is critical that council determine a more equitable position on the calculation of sewerage charges and

should declare a moratorium until the matter is dealt with. He also raised council’s inability to provide rebates, as such concessions can be granted for sole occupants, but not for retirement village residents, as they lease rather than own their properties. Cr Chris Burke said he believed the residents of retirement villages were currently being rorted by IPART by being charged on a non-residential basis, as businesses. “This is a big increase in living expenses which they can’t afford.” Cr Vicki Scott also supported Cr Ward’s motion and said she had been contacted by a significant number of retirement village residents over this issue. Cr Hillary Morris asked Gosford Council CEO, Mr Paul Anderson whether there was any immediate assistance that could be provided to retirement village residents who could

not afford their sewerage charges. “We offer any resident or rate payer undergoing difficulty the opportunity to talk to us about entering into a payment plan,” Mr Anderson said. “However, in these particular circumstances, the bill is not from us but from the retirement village itself, so the village could talk to them about a payment plan. Mr Anderson said only two councils across NSW are currently impacted by IPART pricing on sewerage and water rates, Gosford and Wyong. Notice of motion, Apr 26, 2016 Bob Ward, Gosford Council Meeting transcript, Apr 26 Media release, Apr 27, 2016 Scott Coomber, Office of Senator Deborah O’Neill

Public invited to learn more about second building on former school site

he NSW Government is holding community drop-in sessions to provide information about its plans to build a six-storey mixeduse development on Mann St, being the second building on part of the former Gosford Public School site.

The development was announced by the NSW minister for finance, services and property, Mr Dominic Perrottet, in April, when Property NSW lodged a development application with Gosford Council to build a mixed-use commercial building on some of the land at the former Gosford Public School site. The NSW government released a concept plan for the vacant land remaining at the school site, including the six-storey building. Work has already commenced on the construction of a building that will house staff from the Australian Taxation Office on the corner of Mann St and Georgiana Terrace. The ATO and the NSW Government building between them represent 40 per cent of the land on the former school site. The concept plan for the remainder of the school site included mixed use and residential buildings along with a multi-storey car park.

The NSW Government originally listed the development as 20 Mann St, but following an update to Land and Property Information’s mapping systems, and on advice from Gosford Council, the government was informed that the address of the development application is now 32 Mann St. The drop-in sessions will be attended by project representatives from Government Property NSW. Government Property NSW is committed to engaging with the community on this important project. The community is able to comment on the Government’s plan now that it is on public exhibition through Gosford Council. The drop-in sessions provide even more opportunities for the community to find out more about the project and also provide the Government with any feedback on the proposal.

An Expressions of Interest for a development partner is expected to be released in May. Subject to approval of the DA, the building is expected to be completed in late 2018. The drop in sessions with be held in the Kendall Room at the Central Coast Leagues Club on Tuesday, May 10, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm and on Wednesday, May 11 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Media statement, May 4, 2016 Sharon Kalina, NSW Finance That

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Minor amendments to 20 unit Terrigal development approved

Council underspends by $20 million osford Council is now forecasting an estimated surplus of $20 million for the 2015-16 financial year.

In its 2015 Operational Plan, a surplus of $6 million was expected. However, based on actuals for the first nine months of the 2015-16 financial year, Gosford Council is now forecasting an estimated surplus of $20 million. This increase is due primarily to a reduction in overall operating costs. The proposed budget for the 2016-17 year is based on the approved rate peg of 1.8 per cent with no application made for a Special Rate Variation. General fund annual charges were based on the CPI forecast, and water, sewerage and drainage annual charges were based on the Independent Regulatory and Pricing Tribunal (IPART) determination.

User fees and charges were set for statutory, cost recovery and market-based charges with all other fees increased by 5 per cent. Expected interest and investment revenue is based on the forecast interest rates for the 201617 financial year. In terms of expenditure, employee expenses were maintained within the award increase of 2.8 per cent and other expenses increased by the forecast CPI for 2016-17. Proposed expenditure for water, sewer and drainage is in line with the IPART determination. According to a report to the April 26 Gosford Council meeting, the 2014-15 year resulted in a $36 million surplus, well in excess of the result for 2013-14, which was a surplus of $12 million.

The 2014-15 net operating result for the year (before grants contributed for capital purposes) was $13 million, which was $23 million ahead of budget, and $20 million better than the 2013-14 result. The strong result was attributed to a higher than budgeted amount received in grants (both operating and capital) of $19 million, as well as additional revenue from interest returns and other revenues of $11 million. Employee costs were lower than budgeted by $4 million, as a result of a management restructure, while other expenses were generally in line with the budgets. Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 GOV.34

Section 96 amendments have been approved for the mixed use development on the corner of Pine Tree Lane and Ash St Terrigal.

inor amendments to a mixed use development at 10 Pine Tree Lane in Terrigal have been approved by Gosford Council.

The original application was determined by council on April 16, 2014, so the Section 96 application was referred to the April 29 general meeting because it was made within five years of the original consent. Modifications that were approved included: minor

internal modifications to layout of units; minor modifications to external walls, balconies, window and door openings, entry feature, front stairs and access lift; changes to the elevations to reflect the revised internal floor layout; material altered; windows

and doors altered; and size of unit areas adjusted and number of units reduced from 21 to 20. The site contained former tennis courts at the corner of Ash St and Pine Tree Lane. Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 GOV.32

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NEWS

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Council seeks ongoing funding of Legal Centre

Avoca Beach Caravan Park extension proposed

osford Council resolved that the mayor would write to the Commonwealth Attorney General calling for continued funding support for the Central Coast Community Legal Centre (CCCLC).

The proposed land at Avoca to potentially be rezoned as an extension to the existing caravan park.

and on Carolina Park Rd, Avoca Beach, could be used for a caravan park, following a decision by Gosford Council to endorse the preparation of a planning proposal.

Using this land as a caravan park would act as an extension to the adjoining Palms Caravan Park that has been in operation for over 40 years and currently provides for 130 long and 40 short term stays. The proposal involves creating an enabling clause to permit ‘caravan parks’ as a use with the consent of council on the land, which is currently zoned for low density residential. It is anticipated that the land could accommodate a potential total of 13 moveable dwelling sites. Among other things, Council considered that the proposal has strategic merit as it would contribute to the supply of affordable housing at a time when there is a significant demand for such

housing. The land is located in an area where all necessary physical services are available and the use would be a minor extension to the existing long established caravan park. Council gave in principal support to the proposal and sought a Gateway Determination from NSW Planning to enable it to proceed. The land has been zoned for residential purposes since 1968. In 2006 Gosford Council granted consent for a nine lot subdivision then issued a construction certificate in 2015, but no development has taken place on the land. The planning proposal applicant has stated that the subdivision of the land is not

financially viable due to the high costs associated with road construction to service the subdivision. According to a staff report to the April 26 Gosford Council meeting: “The owner of the land has explored other development options that are permitted in the R2 zone but believes that the expansion of the caravan park will result in the best outcome for the area and the environment”. If the planning proposal is adopted, any future application for such a development would be subject to a formal planning assessment. Gosford Council agenda, Apr 26, 2016 GOV.33

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The legal centre is a not-for-profit community based service that seeks to provide free and accessible legal services to community groups and individuals who live, work or study on the Central Coast. The centre is currently funded by the federal government until 2017, but if funding is threatened as expected, the centre will be in danger of closing. Cr Vicki Scott raised the issue of the CCCLC’s plight via an urgency motion at the council meeting on April 26. Cr Scott said the centre worked in collaboration with other community legal centres, Legal Aid NSW, community organisations

and private solicitors. It is part of a national association of community legal centres committed to social justice and defending human rights. Community legal centres are funded by a variety of bodies including the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department, the Legal Aid Commission, the NSW Public Purpose Fund, Lagal Aid NSW, and the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. “While access to their legal information and advice services is not means or merit tested, the CCCLC focusses specifically on people from low socio economic backgrounds

or those who otherwise face multiple levels of disadvantage in accessing the legal system,” Cr Scott said. Cr Scott moved that the mayor of Gosford, Cr Lawrie McKinna, on behalf of council and the community, write to the Attorney General calling on him to at least maintain current funding support by the Federal Government for the CCCLC in the 2016 election. The motion was passed unanimously. Urgency motion, Apr 26, 2016 Vicki Scott, Gosford Council

Federal Budget includes money for roads

he 2016 Federal Budget included funding for two key projects: $110 million in 2016/17 for capacity improvements to four sections of the M1 Pacific Motorway; and, $700,000 to upgrade the Langford Dve and Woy Woy Rd Intersection at Kariong.

NRMA President, Mr Kyle Loades welcomed these windfalls and the increases in Roads to Recovery and Blackspots funding. “These measures will give Gosford Council a greater pool of money to improve local roads,” Mr Loades said. Media release, May 4, 2016 Paul Pottinger, AAP Medianet

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Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 11 SShare

lack spots in Avoca Beach, Gosford and Narara will be fixed as a result of new funding under the Commonwealth Government’s Black Spot Program.

Federal minister for infrastructure and transport Mr Darren Chester and federal member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks MP both announced the funding of $800,600 on Friday, April 22. Mr Chester said the projects were recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and would be delivered during the course of 2016-17. Ms Wicks nominated the black spot at Avoca Dr to be fixed. “At Avoca Beach, members of the local community alerted me to the dangerous bend near The Round Dve,” she said. “I nominated the black spot in July and I’m proud to say we can deliver $163,000 in funding to help make this stretch of road safer,” she said. “With so many shops, cafes, a Scout Hall and homes nearby, locals are aware of many incidents and close calls on this

The award recognises the quality of support programs provided by Pacific Link since 2011, when the group first introduced education scholarships to help tenants achieve their goals. Since then, more than 430 Pacific Link tenants from the Central Coast and Hunter have benefitted from a growing range of assistance programs including education scholarships, learner driver lessons, sport and recreation scholarships, laptop purchase programs and training for employment initiatives. “PowerHousing is a peer group organisation that includes Australia’s leading affordable, community and social housing groups, which together house more

bend”, Ms Wicks said. “Thanks to this funding and the work of Gosford Council, we can install a concrete barrier on the eastbound travel lane and improve the shoulder, which runs for about 150 metres, but can see cars travel at around 60 kilometres an hour around the bend.” “What’s more I’m advised that work is due to commence within weeks and to be completed in a couple of months.” Gosford Council will also receive $95,000 to install street signs, upgraded surfaces and markers on Mann St near Broadview Ave. Another $76,800 has been allocated under the program to upgrade a section of Mangrove Rd, north of Driftwood Ave, with new signs, surfaces and markers. Media release, Apr 19 and 22, 2016 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks MP

NEWS

Pacific Link Housing win national award for tenant engagement

Funding committed for three black spots

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acific Link H o u s i n g , Gosford, has won Australia’s top peer group award for Excellence in Tenant Engagement and Social Inclusion at the national PowerHousing annual awards in Melbourne.

Pacific Link's Keith Gavin and Simone Lenihan with the award

than 80,000 people across Australia. “Receiving this award from our peers is a very special form of recognition,” said Pacific Link Chairman, Mr David Bacon. Pacific Link CEO, Mr Keith Gavin, said Pacific Link’s tenant support programs help tenants pursue their education, master new technologies, obtain essential lifeskills, participate in sport, and enter training and employment. “It’s all about providing

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essential opportunities, encouraging education and setting out stepping stones to employment to assist those tenants who are able to regain their independence and live successful lives,” he said. “For many families on low incomes, even simple things like providing school equipment can be challenging. “Most of our schools now expect students to provide their own devices. “But for families on low incomes, the cost of a

laptop is often out of reach. “This puts their children at a massive disadvantage in the classroom, so it’s up to us to help,” he said. “All our programs, including those provided by our many service partners, are there to help tenants break the chain of dependence and live independent lives,” Mr Gavin said. Media release, Apr 27, 2016 Keith Gavin, Pacific Link CEO

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Foreign Affairs Minister supports Lucy Wicks

Charlton warns over education cuts ccording to Labor candidate for Robertson, Ms Anne Charlton the Gosford region will miss out on vital education funding, with the federal Government’s pre-election policy confirming a school investment shortfall.

Anne Charlton with local mother Renee Moller and her son Beaun The government’s funded schools based on education plan, announced their need,” Ms Charlton on the ANZAC Day long said. weekend, promises $3.5 “The choice is very billion less for Australian clear: the Liberals’ broken students in 2018 and 2019, promises and massive cuts, compared with Labor’s or Labor’s plan to make sure policy. every student in every school “Schools in Robertson has the support they need to lost $196 million when the achieve their best. Liberals walked away from “Just three weeks ago, the Gonski reforms, which Malcolm Turnbull proposed

an extreme plan to abandon public school funding altogether, while still funding private schools. “Investing in education creates jobs and will lift productivity and prosperity in regions like the Central Coast,” Ms Charlton said. “That’s why Labor will invest $3.5 billion more in schools by 2020 and $36 billion more over the decade. “Labor recognises the importance of education to Australia’s future and our policy, Your Child. Our Future, will ensure that every child in every school receives the attention and support that they need. “If school funding is important to parents in Robertson, if they want literacy and numeracy support in their children’s schools, they will need to vote Labor,” Ms Charlton concluded. Media release May 3, 2016 Anne Charlton, Labor candidate for Robertson

oreign Affairs Minister, Ms Julie Bishop MP, has supported Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, during a series of public events on April 8.

Ms Bishop said Ms Wicks was a fantastic Member of Parliament who was fully dedicated to ensuring growth on the Central Coast during an outing to Erina Fair shopping centre. “People want to see sustainable economic growth, they want to see opportunities for young people and they want jobs,” Ms Bishop said when asked about the big issues on the Central Coast. “That’s why when Lucy focuses on bringing government agencies here, that means more jobs. “When there’s new development here that means more jobs. “When there’s a new performing arts centre that means not only jobs but also opportunities for young people. “I think that’s what most of the people we’ve spoken to today were focused on,” Ms Bishop said. Ms Wicks said a lack of professional opportunity on the Coast was the area’s greatest challenge.

“The important thing about the people on the Central Coast is that we live in the most beautiful region in the best country in the world, and yet one of the biggest challenges that we’ve got, as Julie rightly said, is that we don’t always have the choice to be able to work locally and to be able to pursue the sort of opportunities that we want to pursue locally. “Too many people have to go to Sydney or Newcastle or, indeed, even

further afield, to get work,” Ms Wicks said. According to Ms Bishop, Ms Wicks has spent an incredible amount of time developing opportunities for new infrastructure in the region and said Ms Wicks was determined to provide the people of the Central Coast with choices when it comes to how, when and where they get to work. Transcript, Apr 8, 2016 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks MP

INDEPENDENT & CLEAN

My pledge to the Robertson electorate: I, Dr Van Davy, owe nothing ... no money, no favours ... to any person, not to any company, or corporation, or developer, or spiv or political party, or faction. I am free to speak, campaign, and vote the way I have SAID I will vote, the way you KNOW I will vote

“CLEAN” MEANS: honest, straight-forward “CLEAN” MEANS: no connection with corps, donors, developers or the Big End of Town tax evaders “CLEAN” MEANS: free of factional controls, factional deals, factional loyalties, secret plans & corruption. “CLEAN” MEANS: I am 71 and not a “career” politician. I am committed to the needs of Pensioners & Workers, and defending & extending their Social Wage and Family Wage. ... and to the fight to expose, then prosecute those responsible for corruption. “CLEAN” MEANS: immediate establishment of a NATIONAL Independent Commission Against Corruption [ICAC] “CLEAN” MEANS: no new coal-fired power-stations; 50% renewable energy by 2030; no toxic nuclear power stations.

To see Van's many policies go to website: www.vandavy.com. If you would like to help with letter-boxing, pre-polling, mobile polling, polling day 'How to Vote" cards, organising, or join our expanding support group ... then text me on 0414 310 968 ... or email me at van@vandavy.com. Twitter: @DrVanDavy

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ELECTION

Arts Party seeks votes for the arts

he Arts Party candidate for the federal seat of Robertson, Ms Fiona Hopkins, said the party’s aim in the coming federal election was to win one million votes for the arts.

The Arts Party is currently undertaking crowd funding via pozible.com to raise $35,000 for its campaign, which is supported by high-profile national names including Bryan Brown, Ben Quilty and Lex Marinos. Ms Hopkins is currently one of 10 federal candidates featured as part of the party’s crowd funding campaign, which has so far raised over $28,000. “In any given time or place arts is the barometer of society,” Ms Hopkins said, reflecting on her reasons for stepping forward to run for the Arts Party, “It tells our story, teaches our past, and touches our future in ways that reach everyone. “Society today is at a cross-roads. “There is an ever more pressing need to focus on our humanity, our sociology, the building of community, connectivity, strengthening our family and our home.

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

April 27, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 90

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

Rehabilitation centre forced to turn away hundreds of women Victoria Fi Hopkins Arts Party candidate

“Standing as a candidate for the Arts Party reflects my personal commitment to always stare fear in the face and use it as a catalyst for change. “In my home town of Gosford, our long awaited Regional Performing Arts Precinct is on the horizon. “However, a price tag has been put on our community

by commercial interests. “We, as a community, need to demand our community public space. “It is not to be sacrificed for a bureaucratic playground.” Media release, May 3, 2016 Fiona Hopkins, Arts Party candidate for Robertson

Greens promise to double funding for the homeless reen’s candidate for the federal seat of Robertson, Ms Hillary Morris, said her party’s plans to double funding to front-line homelessness services over the next 10 years will help the estimated 2,000 people a year who find themselves homeless on the Central Coast.

Many more are on a knifeedge, as affordable housing options shrink, according to Ms Morris. “Central Coast Greens share the concerns of many community groups that there are not enough services to help all the people who need it, and not enough being invested in preventing the problem in the first place,” she said. The Australian Greens have announced a plan to use a portion of revenue raised through changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax exemption, to double federal funding

Other Regional News - In brief

to front-line homelessness services. About 1 in every 200 Australians are homeless. More than a quarter of our homeless population are children under the age of 18, with 17 per cent being under 12. Forty-five percent of young people who end up homeless are fleeing domestic violence or family breakdown. Since 2011, homelessness has increased by 17 per cent and the demand for services has surged. Across Australia there are

almost 1,500 agencies that provide specialist services to people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. However, the services are overstretched and underfunded. According to the Greens, their plan will deliver $1.1billion each year for the next 10 years to meet this surging demand from people experiencing homelessness. Media release, Apr 18, 2016 Kate da Costa, Central Coast Greens

Another motor registry closed

Wadalba based women’s drug The Entrance Motor Registry and alcohol rehabilitation closed its doors for the last centre, Kamira, is continuing time on Thursday, April 21. a seven year battle for increased funding to better meet the demand ...

Three parcels of council land approved for sale Three parcels of council land have been approved for sale by Wyong Council as part of Stage Four of its property portfolio review project update.

Transparency statements ruled out of order

Additional poultry shed with 42,000 chickens approved

Flood mitigation work in Wyong now complete

The 2016 national general assembly of local government in Canberra will be attended by representatives of Wyong Council following a vote at its April 13 general meeting.

A new poultry shed with the potential to house 42,000 chickens will be built at an existing poultry farm at Springs Rd, Kulnura after Wyong Council approved the development application...

Five stages of major works through Wyong’s central business district have just reached completion, setting the stage for the revitalisation of the town centre

Parchem fined over toxic chemical spill

Bateau Bay park saved from being sold

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a $15,000 ﬁne to Parchem Construction Supplies Pty Ltd after a chemical spill at ...

Wyong’s three Labor councillors, Cr Lisa Matthews, Cr Ken Greenwald and Cr Doug Vincent, and the independent Cr Bob Graham, voted successfully to ...

McNamara claims two campaigns running against her Member for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara MP has issued a media statement about “union damage to private property”.

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

Peninsula Community Access Edition 392

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

2 May 2016

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

Pelicans and other birds ‘continue to die’ after storm surges

Dispute over track closures bring rail project to a halt

Rail underpass could be closed for six months

Progress on the Woy Woy rail underpass project appears to have come to halt, with cost estimates more than doubling, because State Rail has refused to...

The Woy Woy rail underpass near Shoalhaven Dr could be closed for up to six months, according to a statement from Gosford Council.

Pelican and other birds are continuing to die near two storm water drains which exit into Brisbane Water near the Peninsula Leisure Centre, according g to Ms ...

Council may spend $300,000 to justify land sale

Patonga turns out for Anzac Day

Bike shed construction starts

Gosford Council may spend up to $300,000 to gather the information needed to justify the sale of community land, including a number of treed reserves on the Peninsula.

Patonga turned out in force to commemorate the servicemen and women of the nation during the village’s Anzac Day 2016 celebrations.

Construction of a new bike shed has commenced at Woy Woy Station bringing the promised 50 extra secure bike spaces for the station a step closer.

Free transport this year to Five Lands Walk

Petition calls for nest protection

Hotel owner defends expansion plans

Free public transport to and from the Peninsula will enable residents to participate in all stages of the 10km Five Lands Walk on June 25 this year.

A petition has been received by Gosford Council calling for the protection of lapwing plover nests at Hardys Bay and Killcare.

Patonga Beach Hotel owner Mr Andrew Smith has defended his plans to redevelop the hotel.

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

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Brooks calls for Liberal’s support on PAC site ast week Gosford Council reaffirmed its decision not to build the Performing Arts complex (PAC) on the waterfront Poppy Field site.

Council’s preferred location is the former Gosford Primary School site. Terrigal MP Mr Adam Crouch and parliamentary secretary Mr Scot MacDonald MLC were adamant the PAC should be built on the Poppy Field, otherwise the State government $12 million grant would be in jeopardy. Why? State Government can and have changed their minds on policy many times. It is a disgrace that a sixstorey State Government office block with waterside views be built on this unique Gateway site. Adam and Scot, surely

FORUM you would prefer an eye catching icon to Gosford. I am sure the community does. Imagine from Vaughan Ave looking North, a garden complementing the Poppy Field, an Open Air Concert Entertainment area, an appropriatelydesigned building encompassing a 1,000 to 1,500 seat performance hall, conference centre, an acoustically-designed 500seat music and concert hall, a conservatorium, restaurant and café with views to Brisbane Water

plus space for a performing art school to cater for the 300 plus students who now travel to Sydney or Newcastle, all with car parking, taxi and bus drop off and pick up points. My concept plan encompasses all this. As elected representatives, I urge both Adam Crouch and Scot MacDonald to support the community and council in having the school site set aside and reserved as a Performing Arts Complex, a quick answer would be appreciated. Email, May 1, 2016 Malcolm Brooks OAM, Gosford

PAC location coverage appreciated OPAP (Friends Of The Performing Arts Precinct) much appreciate the amount of media coverage which our present site location dilemmas about the Regional Performing Arts Precinct (RPAC) and Conservatorium are generating.

We anticipate with enthusiasm the choice of site and design of this long awaited project. However, we need to emphasise that our major mission is for a quality, purpose constructed building with appropriate performance spaces and world class acoustics. That is by far our most important goal. Sometimes we forget this

priority. We also need to remember that there is at least now $30 million of funding committed for the PAC and a further $2 million for the Central Coast Conservatorium. Lots of reasons for rejoicing. Email, Apr 28, 2016 Mark Thomas, Friends of the Performing Arts Precinct

FORUM 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

What would it cost to get your message out to that many people using any other medium? Don’t be fooled by the hype, advertising in this newspaper is by far much better value for money than any other medium. Not only does it have the reach and readership within the area it covers, but readers can keep the advertisement and refer to it as often as they wish.

Call 4325 7369 to see how inexpensive it is.

ember for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch has only been in State politics five minutes and already he’s the expert on all things related to the Gosford community, or so he must think.

He needs to hear it from us, the community, and understand that he hasn’t a clue and is acting against community wishes when it comes to demolishing part of the War Memorial sanctuary, Poppy Park, so the Government can erect the Performing Arts Centre on the site.

FORUM Mr Crouch may well dismiss the community concerns over the proposal, but he might care to remember elections come up every three years. Go ahead with this illthought-out proposal Adam

and you’re a one termer; and I’m a Liberal. The War Memorial site in its entirety is equivalent to a sacred site. Ask anyone who has served in uniform and you will get the message. Email, May 3, 2016 John George, Terrigal

A significant City needs to retain and develop its public spaces

hen the reclaimed lands of the Gosford Waterfront were made, they were dedicated for public recreation.

After years of neglect, they are now being proposed for sale to developers as though they are not owned by the community. The one imaginative plan to enhance their public use, the McInerney Plan, was shelved by the government and Council to be replaced by the CCRDC selloff. Additionally, the annual income gained from our Crown Lands from leases by circuses and amusement parks has never been ploughed back into their

FORUM development, as is required under the Crown Lands Act. Council has never placed a priority on developing these magnificently sited public parklands for the benefit of community and tourism, and now, the only solution being advanced is to sell them off to private developers. We should have a magnificent public

recreation facility in this area but it has never been a Council priority. Even our only other city park, Kibble Park, is under threat of private development to suit commercial needs and the withdrawal of community land in the Park We cannot become a significant City without retention and development of our public spaces. Email, Apr 22, 2016 Kay Williams, Pearl Beach

Community has new environmental priorities t the recent Ecoburbia Sustainability Festival held at Narara Valley High School, the Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast (ACFCC) Branch surveyed 38 people, with the question: Pick your top five environmental concerns from a list of 10.

If you’re reading this, so could up to 30,000 other people Imagine if it was a message about your business.

Demolish Poppy Park at your peril

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What surprised us was that the highest number of votes (28) was the local Gosford issue, the selloff of our local community land, followed by banning plastic bags. Third was the loss of

FORUM NSW native vegetation, followed by climate change and ocean pollution. Last year the ACFCC did

a similar survey when the top issue was Coal Seam Gas. Email, May 2, 2016 John Wiggin, Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast Branch

ON THE BEAT

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Large hydroponic set-up Police on the lookout for Robert William Douglas uncovered in Lisarow nvestigations continue after police located a hydroponic set-up, including almost 300 cannabis plants, at Lisarow, on April 25.

About 3am, emergency services were called to a home in Lisarow St, following reports from neighbours of an explosion. On arrival, officers attached to Brisbane Water Local Area Command located a hydroponic set-

up, 285 cannabis plants, and what is believed to be several kilograms of dried cannabis. A crime scene remains at

the location, which will be forensically examined. No one was at the home at the time and no arrests have been made. Media release, Apr 25, 2016 NSW Police Media

What’s the difference between innovation and imitation?

olice are a p p e a l i n g for public assistance to locate Robert William Douglas, 51, who has two outstanding warrants.

The outstanding warrants are in relation to breaching an AVO in the Narara area. Mr Douglas is described as Caucasian, about 175cm tall, medium build with grey hair. It is believed he may be residing on the Central Coast, possibly in Narara. Anyone who sees the man is to contact the police immediately.

t is pleasing that there is someone on Gosford Council with a modicum of common sense.

Cr Vicki Scott has hit the nail on the head with her assessment of the fast-rail fantasy promoted by Cr Bob Ward. The debate on this subject is symptomatic of the problems that arise when uninformed laymen discuss something as technically complicated as a fast-rail project. It is obvious that none of them has the faintest idea of the engineering characteristics of a fast train or of the financial implications of such a system. As a result, the kind of

Peninsula Community Access Edition 390

FORUM resolution passed at the meeting is nothing but political grandstanding. Incidentally, it is rather amusing that Cr Gabby Bowles is in favour of a fast train rather than an improved conventional train because she does not support the expenditure on, “something that is second best”. Obviously not grasping that a fast train is already obsolete 20th century technology and, as such, the second best option.

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

Peninsula Community Access 4 April 2016

Edition 392

Peninsula Community Access Edition 391

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has claimed that the rail underpass project had been “grossly overdesigned and woefully under-budgeted”.

Bright sashes were wrapped around special trees in the Brisbane Ave Reserve at Umina for International Day of the Forrest and Tree

Trees Day sashes protest Council plans

“When this project was first mooted by the former Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein during the March 2011 NSW election, the Chamber raised questions over the original estimated cost of $30 million and the completion date of 2015,” said Peninsula Chamber occasion. president, Mr Matthew Wales. Reserves in Pozieres St, Umina, “Not St unsurprisingly, we find Abion Umina, Mackenzie Ave the costWoy has now out toCres a Woy and blown Jumbuck staggering $115 million is Reserve in Woy Woywhich are also nearly four times more than the under threat of being reclassified original estimates,” Mr Wales said. from community land to operational “It’s one thing to make election land which could result in their promises but to not deliver on time sale. or on budget is quite another. Their action was part of the Email, 21 Mar 2016 “The Chamber is Sue nowChidgey, very Amie Raz and Save Central Coast Reserves concerned thatCentral the project be Save Coastcould Reserves mothballed because the additional funds haven’t been budgeted for,” Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info he said. However, Mr Holstein’s daughter Cr Gabby Bowles has Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford defended the project. Phone: 4325 7369 “I think it is pretty convenient Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 that the Peninsula Chamber of E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Commerce is having a go again,” Website: www.centralcoastnews.net said Cr Bowles She said the removal of the Woy Woy level crossing had been identified as a major and necessary infrastructure project by both the council and the NSW Government for 20 years. “It is not unusual when you’ve got assets affected by different levels of government for there to be back and forth between those levels especially when a project is between major steps,” Cr Bowles said. Mr Wales said: “We want to know who prepared the original estimates and why they were so grossly underestimated. “We also want to know why the project was allowed to proceed without fully understanding the real cost of the works. “The works that have been

A tree in Jumbuck Cres Reserve at Woy Woy was decorated for International Day of the Forrest and Tree

THIS ISSUE contains 42 articles -

Email, Apr 22, 2016 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

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Dispute over track closures bring rail project to a halt

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Underpass ‘over-designed, under-budgeted’ says Chamber

Residents who live around the reserve at 195 and 196 Brisbane Ave, Umina, wrapped trees in the reserve in sashes to mark the International Day of the Forest and the Tree on Sunday, March 20.

It is typical of the smart country that we still only think in terms of copying what is already fully established in other countries instead of exploring the cutting-edge possibilities of technologies that would place us in the forefront of innovation and not just leave us as trailers after other pioneers. When this is the mindset of our national leaders, look at the NBN, it is hardly surprising that local councillors don’t know the difference between innovation and imitation.

18 April 2016

Progress on the Woy Woy rail underpass project appears to have come to halt, with cost estimates more than doubling, because State Rail has refused to accept Gosford Council’s plans for track closures during the construction process. Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales has revealed that the Chamber has learned that the project has been handed back to Transport NSW after the Council unsuccessfully tried to come up with a design for the rail bridge that would satisfy State Rail. “Our understanding is that the option prepared by Cardno’s for Gosford Council involved three lengthy outages to the Main Northern Rail Line which proved unacceptable to State Rail, From left community service director Glen Scorer, Julie Aitchison, especially Robyn Carr, Kylie-Ann Scott and Rotary president Shane Johnsonwhen State Rail have no planned outages in the foreseeable future. “Closing the line on three separate occasions has obvious huge implications which could cause major commuter service and freight train disruptions,” he continued. “We now understand that State Rail have come up with a method of pipe jacking under the rail line without causing major disruptions, but this comes at a huge cost which has blown the budget out to

Volunteers receive eceive community service s awards

$115 million. “At this stage, no one has come up with any answers as to where the additional funds are going to come from in order for this project to proceed,” Mr Wales said. “You can’t blame Gosford Council as they had no part in the estimating process and didn’t even rate the project on their forward plan of works,” Mr Wales said. “They literally got handed an inadequate bucket of money and were told to design and implement the project “Projects of this size and magnitude need to be fully designed, quantiﬁed, estimated and approved before they ever receive funding otherwise you have no idea what the logistical problems are in implementing the scheme. “Clearly the project was poorly conceived and grossly underfunded with the result that we now have a partly completed road with little prospect of additional funds being made available in the foreseeable future for the underpass. “The Chamber is calling on Gosford Council, State Rail and the NSW State Government to urgently come up with a strategy to resolve the design issues and ﬁnd the funding to complete the rail underpass,” Mr Wales concluded. Media release, 27 Apr 2016 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

2 May 2016

A truck that crashed into the stanchion

Rail underpass could be closed for six months The Woy Woy rail underpass near Shoalhaven Dr could be closed for up to six months, according to a statement from Gosford Council. On the morning of Friday, April 8, a large truck became wedged under one of the height restriction stanchions at the Woy Woy rail underpass. The stanchions on either side of the underpass prevent oversize vehicles that have attempted to use the underpass from hitting the actual rail bridge and potentially damaging the rail track above. The stanchion are owned and maintained by Sydney Trains to

protect their rail bridge and track. Sydney Trains, not Gosford Council, are responsible for repairing and replacing the stanchion so that the underpass can be reopened, according to the statement. “Council understands that the damage to the stanchion was signiﬁcant,” Gosford Council chief Mr Paul Anderson said. “Council is working with Sydney Trains to get the underpass reopened as soon as possible. “However, at this stage, Council has been advised by Sydney Trains that the underpass could be closed for up to six months.” Peninsula Chamber of

Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the closure of the underpass was causing congestion, particularly during morning and evening peaks, because all the trafﬁc that used the underpass via Hillview St and Dunban Rd was now being redirected through the Rawson Rd roundabout. Mr Wales said he believed the Rawson Rd roundabout should be a high priority to be upgraded and may need to be replaced with trafﬁc lights. Media statement, 28 Apr 2016 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council Interview, 28 Apr 2016 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

The Woy Woy rail underpass has been closed on many occasions PHOTO youtube

Three local volunteers were recognised for outstanding dedication in their chosen ﬁeld at a special Rotary Club of Umina dinner meeting on Wednesday, April 13. Each volunteer received a Community Service Award. The club’s community service director Mr Glen Scorer cited Ms

tic Julie Aitchison for her enthusiastic efforts in gaining a heritage grant, nt, st researching and recording the ﬁrst D. 50 years history of Umina on DVD. ed Ms Robyn Carr was commended for her untiring efforts of service ce at most levels of leadership and nd urf organisation with Umina Surf Lifesaving Club. as Ms Kylie-Ann Scott was st recognised as group leader of First

Woy Woy Sea Scouts. THIS ISSUE contains Ms Scott has coordinated the total refurbishment of the dilapidated Scout hall as well as growing the membership from seven to 103 active and participating young members in the past two years. Media release, 14 Apr 2016 Geoff Melville, Rotary Club of Umina

68 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

The dawn service march starts from Woy Woy Station at 5:15am heading to Memorial Park in Brick Wharf Rd, Woy Woy. The main march from Deepwater Plaza to Memorial Park in Brick Wharf Rd, Woy Woy, begins at 10am with a service to follow at 10:30am.

A service at Empire Bay will take place at 11am at the War ar Memorial. A number of road closures will also occur. There will be minor trafﬁc delays on Railway St and Brickwharf Rd from 5:15am to allow for the dawn service from the station. Blackwall Rd at Woy Woy will be closed to all trafﬁc between Victoria Rd and Brisbane Water Dve for the Anzac Day march at 10am.

Mr Robert Douglas is wanted by police

Reported domestic violence well above state average he NSW Government must meet the increase in the number of people reporting domestic violence with greater funding for support services and more housing options for victims, according to Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Assault, Ms Jenny Aitchison.

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures released on April 20, have shown a 1.9 per cent state wide increase in the number of reported domestic violence incidents in the last five years. However, in Gosford LGA, the increase in domestic violence reported in 2015 was 35.33%. This increase will place greater strain on the already under resourced and underfunded services. In 2014, the NSW Government merged funding used to curb homelessness with funding used for domestic violence support services. The merged funding structure created greater ambiguity about where the money is actually going. A number of services on the Central Coast were forced to close following the introduction of the NSW

Government’s ‘Going Home, Staying Home’ policy. Coast Shelter runs several shelters for women, but according to available data, up to 80 per cent of women seeking assistance are turned away due to lack of resources. Following increasing reports from people living on the Central Coast, supported by the latest BOCSAR statistics, Labor’s Central Coast MPs, in conjunction with the Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Ms Jenny Aitchison, will convene a Domestic Violence Roundtable in May. The Roundtable will draw stakeholders from all parts of the sector together to identify and review the pressure points in the system and propose strategies for preventing domestic violence. “Support services across the state have been forced to beg for more funding since the

NSW Government combined homelessness funding with funding for services to house families fleeing domestic violence”, Ms Aitchison said. “It’s crucial that the Government is properly funding the services that people need when they attempt to flee domestic violence,” she added. Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith said: “The increase in reporting of domestic violence incidents, as well as increased community awareness, is encouraging, however, we need the support services that are necessary to help victims.” Media release, Apr 27, 2016 Jenny Aitchison, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Assault Kathy Smith, Member for Gosford

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

Anzac marches planned Marches and services will be held around the Peninsula to commemorate Anzac Day on Monday, April 25.

Media release, Apr 22, 2016 NSW Police media

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Portraits of suicide victims help on many fronts OME on the Central Coast has invited award winning artist Ms Kathie Bowtell to display a selection of her Memorial Art Portraits at Gosford Regional Gallery from Wednesday, April 27.

Ms Bowtells’ portraits are of suicide victims that she has painted with permission from their parents. The portraits have had major benefits resulting, with the family’s permission, in companies and private benefactors sponsoring

the portraits and raising thousands of dollars to train a greater number of Lifeline counsellors in suicide prevention. The paintings, gifted to the parent or parents of the young men and women who died by suicide, have given

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new hope and consolation to the grieving families. Vice president of HOME on the Central Coast, Mr Bill Love said: “It’s an awkward subject being given a public persona in a very caring way. “We wanted to attract community attention to the work being done by our organisation to provide self-contained supported accommodation for people with an enduring mental illness in the Gosford region. “This type of quality accommodation in a safe and caring environment will help reduce the incidence of suicide. “We are grateful to Kathie for supporting us,” he said. Ms Bowtell’s memorial portrait program has the theme Start Talking and commenced three years ago after she attended a Suicide Prevention Week launch. Ms Bowtell was moved as some of her own family members had also taken their own lives and vowed to put a big effort into suicide prevention. Her initial aim was to

From left, artist Kathie Bowtell displays her memorial portrait of skateboarder Sam Petherbridge, flanked by his mother Virginia and father Stephen and president of HOME Central Coast, Neil Murphy

raise $4,000 by painting memorial portraits of a suicide victim and have a benefactor sponsor them. Lifeline expanded the idea by referring her to families who had suffered a loss of a son or daughter and were willing to have a loving memory of them portrayed on canvas. Ms Bowtell painted 13 portraits and an exhibition of them in a private gallery resulted in tens of thousands of dollars being raised from corporates and

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private sponsors for the suicide prevention program. The program now involves 25 artists. Ms Bowtell refuses payment for her works with all money raised going to worthy causes. She said that her reward is knowing that her work may save a life. After winning the Gosford Portrait Award, sponsored by Rotary, Ms Bowtell gave the $1,000 prize money to Coast Shelter. “Now I am wanting to use

some of my time and energy in helping HOME on the Central Coast achieve what is planned,” she said. “The accommodation they propose is long overdue, and to make it a reality, it needs the strong support of local and state members of parliament, local councils, churches and the business community.” Media release, Apr 22, 2016 Bill Love, HOME on the Central Coast

Free ‘Breaking the Ice in our Community’ forum reaking the Ice in our Community forum will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at The Erina Centre.

The Australian Drug Foundation, NSW Health and local agencies will host the forum to help the community be informed about crystalline methamphetamine or ‘ice’ use. The forum is aimed to provide information about the drug, cut through rumours and misinformation about it as well as other drugs, and how to help with the drug impacting the

community. This also gives community members the opportunity to have their questions about ice answered by a number of panellists. The content of the forum is aimed at those aged 18 and above. Invitation and flyer, Apr 22, 2016 Fiona Morrison, Australian Drug Foundation

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Late GetUp! protest calls for budget change to reduce tax dodging osford Hospital was also the location for a GetUp! protest on Friday, April 29 to call on the Federal Government to crackdown on corporate tax dodging and invest new revenue in local hospitals.

GetUp! campaigner, Ms Ruby-Rose O’Halloran said people are wising up to the fact that when politicians allow corporate tax dodgers to avoid paying their fair share, it’s everyday people who pay the price. “Local residents are facing hospital bed shortages and longer emergency wait times as our government allows tax dodging multinationals to shift billions of dollars in critical tax revenue, offshore. “Multinational tax dodgers and the politicians who pander to them are robbing critical funding from Gosford Hospital, and local residents, of the care they need. “The sad reality is that

the nurses at Gosford Hospital pay more in tax than billionaire corporations like Chevron, Exxon and JP Morgan. “Our health system is stretched to the limit and Gosford Hospital is no different. “Residents are calling on local MP Lucy Wicks to put Gosford Hospital before billionaire corporations and push for change in the budget. “When corporate tax dodging is putting people’s health and lives at risk, there can be no more excuses for inaction,” Ms O’Halloran said. Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Peter Stahel, GetUp!

GetUp protesters outside Gosford Hospital

a a a a a a

SW premier, Mr Mike Baird with treasurer, Ms Gladys Berejiklian and health minister, Ms Jillian Skinner visited Gosford Hospital on Friday, April 29 to announce the acceleration of its multi-million dollar redevelopment.

The premier and ministers declared that the redevelopment of Gosford Hospital was on time and under budget, with the world-class facility now due to be completed in 2018, and the $20 million savings committed toward a proposed new medical school for the Central Coast. Ms Berejiklian said the hospital represented one of the NSW Government’s biggest investments in regional health infrastructure. “By fast-tracking the construction, we can complete the main tower building up to four months sooner than projected in the second half of 2018 with a saving of about $20 million and no reduction in the project’s scope or clinical services,” she said. The funds will be provided once the project is finalised and the remaining balance is provided by the Commonwealth. Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch also viewed the site where demolition works are nearing

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From left parliamentary secretary Scot MacDonald, member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, NSW premier Mike Baird, health minister Jillian Skinner and treasurer Gladys Berejiklian at Gosford Hospital

completion. They announced the main works contract award to Lend Lease Building. The estimated total cost of the redevelopment is $348 million. Commissioning and refurbishment of some existing areas of the hospital will follow completion of the tower. Federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks

said the NSW premier’s announcement about plans to fast track the hospital’s redevelopment and channel savings into a Gosford medical research institute and school was “fantastic news”. “I’ve been fighting for funding for two years for this medical research institute and medical school in Gosford,” Ms Wicks said. “I’m so delighted the

NSW Government has delivered and I will keep fighting, whether it takes one year or 20 years, to see this opportunity become a reality,” she said. Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Olivia Suzanski, office of Mike Baird Media statement, Apr 29, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

EDUCATION

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Gosford preschool increases base funding

Citizens of Tomorrow Today Program launched he Coast Christian School at Kincumber has launched a new initiative called the Citizens of Tomorrow Today (COTT) Program.

From left parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast Mr Scot MacDonald with early childhood education minister Ms Leslie Williams at Gosford Preschool

It is a holistic program designed to encourage students to extend and develop their skills, knowledge and competencies in order to enable them to participate with excellence as individuals and team members of their local and global communities. Within the COTT Program, students develop competencies in categories

parents in our local area,” Mr MacDonald said. “Centres like Gosford Preschool provide quality early childhood education that give our children the best start in life,” Mr MacDonald concluded.

funding,” Ms Williams said. Gosford Preschool may be eligible for a further bonus payment of up to 15 per cent of their funding if they enrol additional four and five-year-old children for 15 hours per week. “I welcome the additional support that the NSW Government is providing to Gosford Preschool, as the preschool provides an important service to

the school context but also engages people outside of the school who act in the role of mentor to the student. The program will be officially launched on Monday, May 16 in the school’s hall. Email, Apr 28, 2016 Alison Graeve, Coast Christian School

Extra funding for NAISDA

inister for Early Childhood Education, Ms Leslie Williams and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, today visited Gosford Preschool to meet with staff and students. Ms Williams commended Gosford Preschool staff for their diligence and dedication to ensuring that children at their centre receive high quality care and education. “Gosford Preschool has received a 2.5 per cent increase in its base funding rate for 2016. This increase has seen the preschool receive almost $8,000 in additional

including creativity, athleticism, numeracy, communication, enterprise, environment, community and global awareness. Students are given opportunities to show initiative, work in teams and develop an awareness of their own strengths and limitations. The program draws on the experience and knowledge of those within

Media release, Mar 31, 2016 Mitchell Cutting, Office of Scot MacDonald MP

Children to champion the sea chool children across the Central Coast are set to become champions of the sea as part of a new federally funded education program that kicked off on April 4.

Students from Copacabana, Kincumber, Niagara Park, Springfield and Terrigal Schools took part in the Take 3 Green Sea Turtle Project. The project aims to educate and inspire student leaders to become ocean advocates by teaching them about beach litter, threats to marine life and protective environmental actions. This is the first student

driven project of its kind on the Central Coast and students will be able to use their new found knowledge to create an education campaign on the impacts of marine debris. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP, said funding was delivered from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. “This is an outstanding

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Issue 84

February 16, 2016

Chinese theme park Heads of Agreement signed

Mr Noble said he expected the parties to exchange contracts for the sale of the land within the next two or three weeks. Mr Noble said the contract is currently under construction. Mr Noble said he understood a Heads of Agreement to be an agreement to enter into a contract. “It sets out the key principles and terms around which the contract is likely to be based. “It is like a guiding document and expression of intent.” In this instance, Mr Noble said he could conﬁrm that the Heads of Agreement was a written document signed by both Wyong Council and the Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd. “Based on the discussions we have had with the company and the fact they have been prepared to sign a heads of

of the development. “The proposed temple and ancillary buildings are covered in the initial DA and so yes there will be staging involved,” he said. According to Mr Noble, once stage one made its way through council processes, it would still need approval from the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP)

y o n g C o u n c i l ’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble has conﬁrmed that a new Heads of Agreement has been signed between the council and the Australia China Theme Park (ACTP) Pty Ltd concerning the $10 million purchase of land at Warnervale for ACTP’s proposed Chinese theme park.

because 2, of 2016 the amounts February

of money involved (more than $20 million). “It will absolutely require JRPP approval; it is a very big development.” ACTP have re-engaged its key consultants, Cardno, who have been instructed to move forward as quickly as possible with the rezoning of the Chinese Theme Park land. ACTP has paid Wyong Council $100,000 out of the $10 million plus GST it owes to secure ownership of the land at Warnervale slated for the development of its $500 million Chinese theme park. A Wyong Council media release followed two recent articles in the Fairfax and Murdoch press pointing out “nonpayment and delays” had plagued the proposed development.

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Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan MP, visited residents of Lancaster Pde who have not yet moved back into their 85 units and haveIssue been living in a variety of rental and shared accommodation since the September hail storm. The storm caused ceilings to collapse and extensive water damage to the properties with most units in Lancaster Gardens being completely gutted due to damage. Ms Barbara Champley said she had been living in her unit for the past 25 years and had never lodged an insurance claim in her life. “I do own my unit but I don’t know what I have got now, only an empty shell,” she said. “I was down at The Entrance that day and someone rang and said you’d better come home. “When I got to Bateau Bay the hail was like snow. “When I put the key in the door, there was water pouring through the ceiling, through the light ﬁttings, so I went to get help, but by the time I got back, the whole ceiling fell in, and after that, everyone’s ceilings

Community members dig channel hannel An artists impression

agreement as a precursor, I have no reason to believe they will not go ahead and sign a contract with us despite the delays that have occurred in the past,” Mr Noble said. “One of the aims that council had when it considered the letter received from the company early last November was to work with the company towards the possible creation of a new contract with new terms and conditions that would be more favourable and less risky and more on commercial terms than what had been the case previously,” Mr Noble said. “I can’t tell you about terms or money just yet, that will come out in due

course, but I can say that the proposed terms will be on a proper commercial basis and will be more favourable to council and the community and so in that way they will meet the requirements of the council when they looked at it in November,” he said. When asked if he, therefore, considered the previous contract to be deﬁcient or less favourable to council and the community, Mr Noble said: “I would never say that. “I am not going to say anything about what may or may not have been wrong with the previous contract but I can say the new heads of agreement will result in a better

outcome, should it all proceed.” Mr Noble said he could not commit to a date for settlement of the transaction because those details were “all commercial in conﬁdence at the moment but the proposed terms set out in the heads of agreement will be on normal commercial arrangements.’ In the event that ACTP Pty Ltd signs the contract and pays Wyong Council $10 million plus GST for the Warnervale land, Mr Noble said there were other steps the developer would have to go through before the Chinese theme park could be built. “There is a gateway approval by Department

of Planning that addresses rezoning matters so there is an in principle approval for matters to deal with rezoning subject to conditions. “Specifically the Department of Planning identified that there actually wasn’t a need to change the zoning itself but, subject to the company doing certain things and proposing those to the council, then there is a way suggested by the Department of Planning to allow what the company is wanting by making changes to the schedules in the Wyong LEP for that particular land.” The DA has already been received by Wyong Council for the first stage

Media release, Jan 15, 2016 Wyong Council media Emails, Jan 18, 2016 Interview, Jan 18, 2016 Rob Noble, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

Cr Lloyd Taylor with residents who dug the channel nell on Australia A t li Day D

Cr Lloyd Taylor and residents with shovels in hand

oung and old turned out on Australia Day at The Entrance to dig a channel at least one-metre wide from rom the ocean to the lake.

Wyong councillor Lloyd Taylor said: “It demonstrates the level of community commitment to get the channel opened and a break-wall built. “We have all had enough of talk; now we want action,” Cr Taylor said. “Before the last election, we had support from the local member, Mr Chris Spence and the Liberal Party, but that all seems to have faded,” he said.

“All too often we havee ﬂooding around the lakee edge and opening thee mouth of the channel willl reduce the likelihood off the ﬂooding we saw ass recently as January of thiss year. w “The community know what they want and we,, as their representatives,, need to support them inn this. “Our lifestyle revolves around the lakes, foreshore and waterways, so it is only logical that

the better the health of the lakes, the better our lifestyle. “What we saw on Australia Day was the silent majority coming out in force for a solution to save Tuggerah lakes. “I call on the rest of the community to stand up and support this community initiative,” he said. Media release, Jan 27, 2016 Lloyd Taylor, Save Tuggerah Lakes Party

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

Media release, Apr 4, 2016 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks MP

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 86

had any clothes. “I want the work to start, there are 14 units in our complex and the whole 14 are affected by this and we want some communication to know what is going on. I am feeling very down about it all,” she said. Mr Mehan said he had been working with the local community and the strata company to see works completed and residents moving back March ch 1, 2016 20 into their homes. Mr Mehan threatened to name and shame insurance companies that are not giving the storm damaged area the attention it deserves. “It has been four months since the September hail storm and locals are still struggling to have their homes repaired,” Mr Mehan said. “All of the residents of he W Lancaster Gardens wereNSW ranch hthey oof the fully insured,Branch yetch A ufor s t their ralian are still waiting Labor Party will bor companies wil insurance soon calling oon nwork beon their callin to begin for nominations or nomination homes. too houses preselect a “These have been candidate sitting empty for since the the th David Mehan MP along with Barbara Champley and Phillip and Patricia Cupples view the damage September major of Federal Electorate eralwith Electorat Elect o yet to begin. hortland d following followin follo management Champley wants to return the mould, but since then, repairsShortland seemed to do the same,” strata “The insurance Ms Jill Hall’s all’s decision decis d company, according to to her own home as soon nothing has happened. Ms Champley recalled. need to not to nominate. nom nomina as possible, “There is no indication companies According to Ms Ms Champley. “It has beenclearly an absolute absolute absolut tee She initially stayed “I’ve lost nearly of when the work will be communicate Champley, the insurer with residents andprivilege begin to honour onour nour and privi t was “very slow from the with her sister, then in a everything that I owned,” done. on the houses so ul represent epresent thee wond wonderfu wonderful motel, then an apartment she said. “I do have contents fit outs beginning”. people ople ple canofget back Shortland Shortlaand “Before Christmas insurance as well, but these people At first the residents at The Entrance, and since to living their lives.” inn Federal Parliament Parli Parl were “stunned” and not Christmas she has been we had a meeting that is with a different since ince nce 1998 as well we as wel a with everyone and the company, but it is not sure who to turn to for staying with a friend. Media release, Feb 2016 representing epresenting resenting g 11,many of o The insurance insurance company came much use yet, because I help. David Mehan, member for them hem in The State S Entrance eP Parliament Parlia li Between September company has helped with out and it all looked very haven’t got anywhere to as M Member for fo Swansea Swan anse nsea Interview, Feb 12, 2016 and December they living costs, but at nearly promising, then we had put anything. anddBarbara in Lake e Macquarie M Macqua uarie Champley, “I have hardly even mainly dealt with the 80 years of age, Ms workmen cleaning out Bateau Bay as a councillor,” Ms Hall Ms H Hal said. aid “As As the th first woman wo n elected edd to any an state or or Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford federal lower low hous housee Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 seat in the Hunter, unter, I am m Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 pleased sed ed to see so many E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Labor women now noo Website: www.centralcoastnews.net representing re epresenting tti electorates, electorates,” l t she said. aid. “Thee people o of Shortland hortland l d have bbeen my inspiration, inspir n i ti andd to be their eir voice in Canberr Canberra be has beenn extraordin extraordinary. extraordinary extraordi aordina y “I want to put on record my thanks to my husband Lindsay and the rest of my family for supporting me while I took on this amazing job. “I know they have also made many sacrifices fices sacrifi along the way. “After 18 years as a Federal Member of Parliament, I believe it is the right time to retire and

March 15, 2016

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April 27, 2016

Issue 88

E club sees the The FRE rezoning as an opportunity

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to ensure its long-term viability and to give back to the community by investing $14 million. Wyong Council has also stated it is committed to providing a range of housing types. “This includes Issue 87 promoting more affordable housing options on sites which are well located in terms of public transport, shops and services,” said Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM. A report to the March 10 council meeting concluded that an assessment of the application considered: the existing strategic framework; potential impacts the proposed landwith use disability may haveason theas well land;theand relevant great Labor policy idea of resolutions equalityofofcouncil. opportunity, “This assessment has in everything from identifi ed thattothe request education healthcare. “As cient party whip, Jill has suffi strategic carried out the her duties justifi cation,” report with to goodsaid. humour and great council patience, striking that Council resolved between to delicate accept balance the report’s maintaining to discipline recommendation prepare and encouraging a planning proposal to camaraderie. amend the Wyong Local Media speculation Environmental Plan about the preselection of (LEP) and send it to the Hall’s replacement started Department before she of had Planning announced and her Environment. retirement. “OurThepopulationAustralian is set to grow by 50,000 over the Electoral Commission’s nextfederal 15 years and weboundary really do need to deliver a have lot adjustments

Coast’s Coast Coa C oast stt’ss longest llonge serving State or Federal politician to retire F Fede Fed ede der errral po

Jill Hall with her ex extended family on the announcement of her retirement

move ve onn to the th thee ne nnext ext stage of my life. li “I have made hha ma madde this decision in consultation i cons nssultation with my th Lindsay and a family be mily lyy andd it will w wonderful to spend spe spen speend more time with ith them hem in the he beautiful b if l area where we live,” she said. In addition to her achievements for the Hunter Region, Ms Hall listed the highlights of her career in Federal Parliament as: being part of the Parliament during Kevin Rudd’s historic Apology to the Stolen Generations; securing Federal funding to

expand local GP clinics; and securing funding for a new Headspace service Heads in Lake Haven. Have “I will continue to work hard in Parliament and in the electorate right ele up until the nnext election, whenever that tha is called. “I remain passionate about a number of national and local issues and I will keep fighting k for justice and fairness wherever I can. c “There will wi be a rank and fi le pre-selection in file pre the Shortland Electorate and local branch members will determine who will be the next Labor party

candidate. “I am sure the membership will elect an outstanding candidate for the next election. “Labor can win the next election and Australia will have a government lead by Bill Shorten which will deliver a fair and equitable society where every child can have access to a quality education and where your access to health is determined by your need and not your ability to pay. “Labor believes in equality of opportunity and protecting the rights

of workers and the living standard of pensioners and families,” she said. Parliamentary leader of the ALP, Mr Bill Shorten said the party offered its thanks to Jill Hall for her service to the people of Shortland and parliament. “In more than thirty years of service as a rehabilitation counsellor, a local councillor, a State MP and the Member for Shortland, Jill has [strived] every day for a fairer, more equal and more inclusive Australia. “She has been a formidable champion for the rights of Australians

abolished the seat of Hunter, currently held by the ALP’s Joel Fitzgibbon, shadow minister for agriculture and a key power broker of the party’s NSW right faction. There have been reports that the ALP has planned to ‘parachute’ Fitzgibbon into either Shortland or that he will be moved into the seat of Charlton and its sitting member, Labor backbencher Pat Conroy, would be moved to Shortland. Anne Charlton has already been preselected to stand for the ALP in the seat of Robertson and Emma McBride has been preselected for Dobell. Media release, Feb 28, 2016 Lisa McDermott, ofﬁce of Jill Hall Jackie Pearson, journalist

recommendations that directly related to promoting caravans and manufactured homes as affordable housing options None of those recommendations was approved when the report was considered by the Economic Employment Development Committee (EEDC) in 2013. A l t h o u g h recommending that council moved ahead with seeking a gateway determination for the rezoning, it noted that the proposal was April 12,inconsistent 2016 with the North Your independent community newspaper - Ph: Wyong Shire Structure The proposedd conceptt plan Th l ffor th the D Doyalson manufactured home estate (left) and it’s location (right) Plan “as it is proposing directly north of the the long-term intended and site office. options and increase the residential development on-Wyee RSL Club. purpose. Doyalson-Wyee “The proposal will mix of housing types on land that has been It is currently zoned In the case of Lot 7, enable Doyalson-Wyee available for the area,” the identified for employment in the long term. ansition and would that long-term purpose is RSL Club to better utilise report said. RU6 Transition “The timing of the Wyong Council had be rezoned ned to RE2 Private a development precinct its existing land holdings,” ion, which would within the Nor Recreation, North Wyong the report said. taken actions to minimise rezoning of the land for permit a Manufactured Shire Structu Structure Plan The RAW challenge is the opportunity for caravan employment purposes will Home Estate (MHE). (NWSSP). proposed to be relocated to parks “to become a more be impacted by future coal The site (Lot 49 DP landow The landowner has the existing playing fields dominant part of the local extraction. “This has an 707586 and Lot 7 DP previously in investigated (subject to consent). housing offer by limiting 240685)) comprises 21.69 development op opportunities “The use of the site as the creation of additional indeterminate timing but is hectaress on the Pacifi fic but “due tto future an MHE may be an interim non-tourist caravan parks likely to be longer than 15 Hwy at Doyalson. subsurface mini mining of the use until mining constraints and MHEs in Wyong years. The assessment Lot 49 currently area for coal, the Mine have been resolved and Shire.” containss two buildings: one Subsidence B Board has this use has been given ‘in In 2003, for instance, concluded that the site is leasedd to an independent objected to each proposal,” principle’ support from the Wyong Council resolved: could accommodate a party; the he second contains the report explai explained. Mine Subsidence Board, “That Council records its MHE in the short term Options already according to the report. opposition as a matter of provided that the land has amenities. es. The lot also has considered: residential Future plans for the policy to the creation or the potential to be used cricket nets and remnant subdivision; retirement Doyalson-Wyee RSL will expansion of further non- for future employment vegetation. on. facility; tourist be centred around health tourist caravan parks or purposes … once mining Lot 7 contains no accommodation accommodation; mixed associated uses with manufactured home estates has been completed in the area. buildings gs and the site tourist and residential the recently constructed within the shire.” “The proposal does not of the proposed home accommodation accommodation; and a gymnasium. The resolution also village is generally clear of motel. The club intendeds to sought to limit conversion involve community title vegetation on and is used for The concept shows the expand the function room. of tourist sites to permanent subdivision which means the RAW W Challenge. manufactured hhome estate It also intends to add a accommodation, which that the existing land The site adjoins Delta located within L Lot 7 with ‘pop-up’ library. reduced the number of holding will not be further land to the linking it to he east (Munmorah a lit pathway lin The RE2 Private tourist accommodation fragmented. Power Station) and a existing playing fields and Recreation permits caravan sites in the shire. Media release, Mar 10, 2016 parks and therefore However, in December hydroponics onics establishment club facilities. Wyong Council media to the north. The concept plan also manufactured home estates 2012, a report on Planning orth. Agenda item, Mar 10, 2016 walking and as well as a variety of other Controls included walk to Support 2.1, Wyong Council ordinary The proposed meeting intercity fleet maintenance site during local floods cycling tracks, a games uses. Housing Affordability room, indoor swimming “These housing forms and Choice in Wyong decision to sell land at Kangy Angy to Transport for NSW that the proposal would manager’s residence offer lower cost housing Shire pool, a manager’ included nine has been deferred by Wyong Council for two months to allow significantly impact on residents to make further representations to Transport for NSW endangered ecological communities, PCTs regarding possible alternate locations for the facility. that contain threatened Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Spokesperson for the rezoned to make way for wildlife to be railroaded.” species habitat, areas Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Kangy Angy Residents the rail facility. According to the that contain habitat for Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250Group, Mr Tony “No less than four Environmental Action Issues vulnerable, endangered E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net floodplain Report prepared by or critically endangered Caldersmith spoke endangered Website: www.centralcoastnews.net against the sale of the land ecological communities Conacher species, Consulting, threatened at the Wyong Council occur within the site and December 2015, the Land wildlife habitat linkages meeting on Wednesday, it provides foraging and and Environment Court and a riparian area and March 23, describing it habitat for a range of would be likely to find watercourse of fourth as ecologically sensitive threatened and critically that the site is unsuitable order and an important species for floodplain land to be sold engendered the proposed wetland area. to make way for a railway including yellow-bellied development. It further states that fleet maintenance facility. gliders, squirrel gliders The site also presents alternative sites for the “There is compelling and the powerful owl. considerable constraints proposal which would “Also, a tributary in terms of flooding result in a reduced impact evidence that the site is unsuitable for the of Ourimbah Creek and bushfire and a on local biodiversity proposed development flowing through the site development of the should be investigated. given the flooding and is a known biodiversity type and scale proposed environmental constraints ‘hot-spot’ for rare and would be likely to have Media release, Mar 21, 2016 amphibian an unacceptable and Environmental Issues Report of the land… alternative threatened Summary, Dec 2015 sites without those species such as the green significant impact on a Michelle Nicholson, constraints are available and golden bell-frog and number of species or their Kangy Angy Residents and should be taken up,” the green-thighed frog,” habitats. Action Group he said. Mr Caldersmith said. The report found “We don’t want our The land would be

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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Land sale for railway facility deferred

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The trio visited NAISDA to announce the funding and were joined by Chief Executive Officer of NAISDA, Ms Kim Walker. “Our community is renowned for high-quality art and culture and I welcome this boost of funding that will enhance creative and cultural development,” Mr Crouch said. The funding will support Circle of Cultures, a series of events encapsulating the past, present and future of

a d a l b a b a s e d women’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, Kamira, is continuing a seven year battle for increased funding to better meet the demand for its services.

W REE RE FRE FR

According to Kamira Director, Cr Lisa Matthews, Kamira is a unique, evidence based, rehabilitation facility designed to help pregnant women and new mothers that are experiencing Issue drug and alcohol abuse to 89 kick their habits and refocus their lives around the fulfilling experience of motherhood. “Nearly all women who present to Kamira for treatment will have Cate Hewett of Kamira their children removed if they do not undergo operate at capacity due to which has caused huge problems with retaining residential rehabilitation ongoing funding issues. “Presently, funding staff. and often present with “The NSW Health traumatic histories such issues have prevented as mental health issues, the Wadalba facility from Department has failed to domestic violence, filling half of its beds, provide any additional cognitive impairments forcing the facility to turn funding since it built the and criminal and family away hundreds of women Kamira facility in 2009. in need and forcing the “There are currently law matters,” she said. To help women most in need onto waiting 11 beds filled out of a undergoing treatment, lists up to 12 weeks long,” possible 22. “Cost wise, to increase Kamira employs a Ms Matthews said. Kamira chief the number of beds filled variety of tertiary A view of Turpentine Rd, Kangy Angy under water in January qualified clinicians such executive, Ms Cate to 13 we would be looking Hewett said the facility’s at $112,157 per bed. as psychologists, social “Based on this cost workers and a 24 hour lack of funding meant specialist team to ensure Kamira cannot employ model, Kamira would an additional patients and their children the staff it needed to need are safely on the road to run at capacity, let alone $656,314 to increase its expand its services. services to a minimum recovery. “Kamira is funded by of 24 women and their This emphasise on motherhood as a means both state and federal children,” Ms Hewett to recovery has put health departments on said. According to Ms Kamira at the forefront of typically three year ot all Kangy gy Angy residents are opposed women’s rehabilitation in grants,” Ms Hewett said. Hewett, joint funding to the development of anCoast inter-city elopment the Central region, train“However, Kamira is from NSW Health and however,in the the area. facility currently operating off a the Federal Department maintenance nce facility one year extension grant of Health and Family has been struggling to

4325 7369

Kangy Angy land sale rted by some supported

One such resident, ident, Mr Dean Innes spoke at Wyong Council il on March 23 in favour of the proposed sale of council ouncil land to Transportt for NSW. “There is a group up of people in the north of the street who would like ike to see it proceed,” he said. aid. Mr Innes said the development would create the opportunity ty for a new land bridge too deal with ﬂooding and even ven a children’s playground. nd. According to Mr Innes, Transport for NSW W had promised a landscaped caped buffer to make suree the facility was permanently nently hidden. “We’ve also engaged our own planner to look at various ways to get around development restrictions in the area and this development is a

solution to some of those problems. In responding to questions from Cr Doug Vincent, a representative of the Kangy Angy Residents Action Group, Mr Tony Caldersmith said Transport for NSW had said it was too early to discuss community benefi fits. “The railway people said it was all too early; they were not going to talk about that yet, we are not down to that level of planning,” Mr Caldersmith said. Mr Caldersmith also confi firmed that Wyong Council had not, at any stage, approached residents about the idea of selling the land to Transport for NSW.

he Entrance Motor Registry closed its doors for the last time on Thursday, April 21.

069 Y.COM.AU

Media release, Apr 22, 2016 David Mehan, member for The Entrance

“We are committed to supporting arts organisations and professional artists across the areas of performing arts, visual arts, literature and cultural heritage, and this will generate social and economic benefits to regional communities,” Mrs Williams said. Media release, Mar 30, 2016 Natalie Heazlewood, Office of Leslie Williams, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

1 in 10 Australian children are living in disadvantage*. They don’t have the basics they need for their education such as the right uniform, bag or even books. By sponsoring an Australian child today you will give them the essentials they need to succeed at school.

David Mehan outside The Entrance Motor Registry

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

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013).

Continued page 3

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

A free e nnewspaper ewsp ew sp pap a er w with itithh in in-depth de Wyong Local Government Area news!

contemporary Indigenous dance in Australia. Mr MacDonald said the NSW Government is proud to support high-quality projects that will allow communities throughout the state to enjoy new arts and cultural experiences. Mrs Williams said this funding will assist NAISDA artists to build on their existing abilities and will allow them to demonstrate their talents to the wider community.

YOUR SPONSORSHIP CAN CHANGE A DISADVANTAGED CHILD’S LIFE

Issue 90

Rehabilitation centre forced to Another motor turn away hundreds of women registry closed

Doyalson RSL to develop a 139 site manufactured home estate he DoyalsonWyee RSL is seeking to rezone nearby vacant land so it can develop a 139-site manufactured home estate.

FREE

Mehan outraged at delay in storm damage repair esidents of the Bateau Bay area are still struggling to repair their homes following the violent hail storm that struck the area on September 17 last year.

initiative that inspires our young people, but also helps to protect our local environment,” Ms Wicks said. The day long workshop culminated in a trip to the beach to collect three pieces of rubbish that will be used in a special art piece promoting the project.

inister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ms Leslie Williams, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald and Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch announced that the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) has been awarded $59,600 in NSW Government funding on March 30.

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013).

CALL 1800 024 069 THESMITHFAMILY.COM.AU

Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 19 C SShare

New bus zone signs at Chertsey

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EDUCATION

Gosford Gumnuts enjoy special excursion

ew bus zone signs have been installed around Chertsey Primary School to make them more visible.

Signs in Willow Rd, ending at Springfield Rd, have been replaced or installed in more visible areas just beyond the no stopping zone and the pedestrian crossing.

The School hopes the new signs will stamp out parking in bus zones and improve the overall safety of pedestrians and road users on Willow Rd. Chertsey P and C have

supported staff in their decision to promote more awareness of the road rules and road safety procedures around the school. Newsletter, May 3, 2016 Chertsey Primary School

Students appear in music video

A photo from the Gone Country video

hree students from Point Clare Public School have appeared in the latest music video for country music singer, Amber Lawrence.

Lawrence’s video for her new song, ‘The Kid’s Gone Country’ features Ashleigh, Eve, and Emma, and all three students said they

had a lot of fun singing and dancing with Amber in the music video. Amber Lawrence won the Golden Guitar Award

for Female Artist of the Year in 2015 for her album ‘Superheroes’. Newsletter, May 3, 2016 Point Clare Public School

Kariong students participate on ANZAC Day tudents from Kariong Public School commemorated ANZAC Day by participating in the Gosford march and with a service at school.

Student leaders, other school students and community members participated in the ANZAC Day march in Gosford. The Kariong Public

School ANZAC Day service was held on Friday, April 29. Kariong Public School principal, Ms Vicki Redrup said the school’s leaders were to be congratulated for

leading the service. Newsletter, Apr 29, 2016 Vicki Redrup, Kariong Public Scool

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

Janice on 4388 2253 Sandra on 4392 8716 6

Members of Gumnut's Playgroup inspect a lobster at close range

osford Gumnuts Playgroup recently had their monthly excursion, travelling to Fisherman’s Wharf at Woy Woy, a most exciting experience for the children.

When walking around to the fish co-op, they were able to see Gosford Council workmen in action, from a distance, using a digger and moving soil to prepare for electricity to be put in. Gumnuts then visited Fisherman’s Wharf where Sam the manager showed the children all different types of fish, big and small, live and those not so live. For many, it was their first time to see a large Tuna up close, live crayfish and then a lobster, and small fish with a long snout. The children were in awe. Sam then organised for the children to see the

pelicans being fed. Usually this takes place on the wharf at 3:00pm, but 16 pelicans also arrived at 10:45am to be fed, and it was spectacular. Sitting on the bank near the children’s park made it very easy to view the pelican’s performance. “We were very appreciative to all involved from Fisherman’s Wharf and shared many laughs and giggles,” said Ms Roxanne Young from Gumnuts Playgroup, which is an outreach program of the Gosford Uniting Church. “In the playground, where we then had morning tea,

the mounted police arrived for the children to view,” Ms Young said. “Seeing large horses with very friendly policeman and policewomen on their backs was very exciting. “They stopped to chat for quite a length of time before continuing their work. “The Gumnuts children had a very action-packed day for their excursion and it will be one remembered for a long time thanks to our community,” Ms Young said. Email, Apr 15, 2016 Roxanne Young, Gumnuts Playgroup

The Fletcher Gallery ART CLASSES + WORKSHOPS AT SPRINGFIELD PRIVATE TUITION FOR DETAILS CONTACT ZOE FLETCHER www.zoefletcher.com 4324 2801 or 0497 766 522 zoefletcher_1@hotmail.com

OUT&ABOUT

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600 performers try out at X Factor auditions

An excited crowd of Coasties waiting to audition for X Factor judges

taff from the Youth Arts Warehouse, Gosford, said X Factor Auditions drew in 600 hopeful Coasties.

Youth Arts Coordinator, Ms Sharon Aldrick said it was a huge turnout of talented Coasties all nervously excited for their opportunity to audition for the show. “Hopefuls gathered in the Warehouse’s main room before being called into a separate room for the initial judging panel,” Ms Aldrick said. “If contestants got a yes from the first audition, they moved onto a second one,

and if they also passed this audition, they would then move on to one on one interviews with X Factor Staff. “It was a day filled with highs and lows for talent on the Coast,” she said. One of the warehouses own song writing and recording students, sight impaired artist Lyndal Daniels, was the first person to audition on the day. According to Ms Aldrick, who witnessed Daniels’

audition, Daniels performed a spectacular rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’, but did not get through to the next level. Daniels said despite not getting through it was a good opportunity and experience and that she would be training harder for next year’s auditions.

Charitable foundation grant enables new cultural venue usicians Making a Difference (MMAD) has launched The Lounge Room, a cultural venue to host events and community development programs.

The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation provided a $52,000 grant to help MMAD maintain its programs longterm. Foundation executive officer Mr Graham Batten said: “The Lounge Room project is an innovative approach for MMAD to create its own selfsustaining funding channel supporting its core program. “On behalf of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, I’m delighted to again support the MMAD team in building such a valuable, and in this case, sustainable, piece of social infrastructure set to help make life better for numerous at-risk young people,” he said. MMAD creative facilitator

Mr Will Small said Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s grant for the project was critical to its viability. “Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has been integral to the success of MMAD’s programs through the past five years by supporting out Street Stage and Breakfree Youth Development Program and we’re really grateful for their foresight to support The Lounge Room,” he said. “The Charitable Foundation’s board of directors has shown amazing belief in the value of our programs and we’re really proud to have achieved such a significant step toward financial independence with their help,” Mr Small said.

The Lounge Room aims to provide a positive and accessible multipurpose venue for community development and engagement through a café, regular music and arts events and workshops and programs. The grant funded: installation of a functional café for training at-risk youth in hospitality; structural modifications to improve accessibility; café furniture and décor; new sound equipment; portable furniture; a coffee machine; and, new signage to convert the street stage into the Mobile Lounge Room. Media release, Apr 21, 2016 Sarah-Jane Stevenson, Enigma

Interview, May 3, 2016 Sharon Aldrick, Youth Arts Warehouse Coordinator Journalist, Dilon Luke

Sustainable home design workshop at Ecovillage

The MMAD crew at the newly opened Lounge Room in North Gosford

workshop on designing a sustainable home will be held at the Narara Ecovillage on May 21.

The workshop is called The Principles of Energy-efficient Homes, an introduction to Narara Ecovillage Building Standards. Sustainability architect, Mr Graham Hunt will

introduce the principles of energy efficient home design, covering such topics as solar orientation, thermal mass and materials. This will be followed by an introduction to the Narara Ecovillage building

standards (which include BASIX) and a chance to use the scoresheet to check the star rating of your design. Newsletter, May 2, 2016 Narara Eco Living Network

Different stalls alternate weeks New stalls welcome Call Ryan on 0405 416 289 or Margaret on 4374 1255

From left Graham Batten from the Newcastle Permanent Chairtable Foundation with MMAD creative facilitator Will Small at the Lounge Room

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

EVERY MONTH ALL WEATHERS 2nd & Last Sunday No Market December 27

Want to share something you ﬁnd really interes ng, see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 21 SShare

Fionn wins bus design competition

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OUT&ABOUT

Social Justice group to present ‘must see’ movie

ionn Molloy, 15, of Kincumber High School won The BUS Design Competition and received a winning cheque of $500 from Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS).

RYSS put out a call to local artists to submit a design for its special BUS that will deliver youth support services across the region. RYSS was looking for a design that reflected the diversity of the region, the energy of youth and the debt owed to the land’s forebears. Fionn’s design gained 62 per cent of votes.

RYSS will introduce the design and hold a series of youth and community consultations identifying what resources young people would like to see on board the BUS, what activities or workshops would engage them best, what issues impact their lives most and what regions require targeted attention. Wrapped in Fionn’s design, the BUS will address

local needs on a local level, develop and nurture community partnerships to better serve the region, deliver opportunity and inspiration direct to the doorstep of the community and encourage connectivity to all Central Coast youth. Media release, Apr 21, 2016 Kim McLoughry, Regional Youth Support Services

A scene from the documentary Chasing Asylum

T Fionn's design for the RYSS Bus

he community group Central Coast for Social Justice is planning to show ‘Chasing Asylum’, a film that exposes the truth about Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.

“Recent news events put seeking asylum back front and centre for yet another election campaign,” said Central Coast for Social Justice spokesperson, Ms Jo Merrick. “So our screening of the movie for Refugee Week on June 24 increases in significance but we need more tickets reserved to secure the event. Forbes magazine described producer-director Eva Orner’s documentary,

‘Chasing Asylum’ as a “searing indictment of successive Australian Government’s’ policies which have banished thousands of asylum seekers to two detention camps on remote Pacific Islands and Cambodia. In the interview, Ms Orner said she hoped the film, which had its world premiere in Toronto, Canada on April 28, would “prompt Australians to demand the scrapping of the mandatory

detention camps on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island and in the Republic of Nauru. “I hope this film helps to educate and galvanise people to stand up and say this is unacceptable and to pressure the government to change its policies,” Ms Orner said. Facebook, Apr 28, 2016 Jo Merrick, Central Coast for Social Justice

Open Day at Wyoming

COMING UP AT THE RHYTHM HUT y o m i n g Community Centre and Garden is holding an open day to celebrate Neighbourhood Centre Week on Saturday, May 7.

The day will include activities for youth and older community members. There will be live music, eco printing and repurposing demonstrations, a sausage sizzle, Devonshire tea and a Mothers’ Day stall with gifts. Media release, Apr 21, 2016 Wyoming Community Centre

Sun 8th May Nattali Rize + Grizzlee Train THUR 14th MAY African Dance Class Sat 21st MAY Art Party Central Coast Sun 22nd May Chaika + Dave Calandra and the Min Min Lights Sat 28th May Nelipot EP Launch + Elaskia + Space Carbonara Sun 29th May The 5 Lands Band + Snail Fri 3rd June

Wild Marmalde + Declan Kelly

135 Faunce St, Gosford ph.0420 682 258 therhythmhut.com.au

OUT&ABOUT

Page 22 - Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 Share

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National medals and clasps for long serving volunteers

Chaika and Dave Calandra to put on a special night

National Medal recipients from left Anthony Porter, Alan Howes, Brian Warburton, Al Morris and Norm Smith

ive volunteer members of Marine Rescue Central Coast were acknowledged for their years of volunteer community service on Saturday, April 31.

Three were presented with a National Medal for 15 years’ service. Two were presented with clasps for their National Medals for 25 and 35 years of service respectively.

The National Medal is awarded by the Governor General to members of the community who have rendered at least 15 years of service to specific organisations where

the service can be life threatening such as Marine Rescue NSW. The honours were presented by Ms Lucy Wicks MP, member for Robertson on behalf of the

Governor General. Ms Wicks said: “These honours are richly deserved. “Each of the three new recipients, Alan Howes, Anthony Porter and Brian Warburton have selflessly served the community on the Central Coast for at least 15 years,” she said. “It is an honour to pay tribute to their dedication to volunteer Marine Rescue and to the safety of boaters in our area. “Al Morris has served a further 10 years since receiving his National Medal and has now achieved 25 years’ service, and Norm Smith has served 20 years since receiving his Medal and has now completed an extraordinary 35 years’ volunteer service. “The awarding of these medals and clasps is to enable the community to say thank you for the services rendered,” she said.

haika, a six piece Sydney based Balkan jazz fusion ensemble will perform at the Rhythm Hut on May 22

Chaika is: Emily-Rose Sarkova on piano accordion, piano and vocals; Laura Bishop on percussion, piano and vocals; Susie Bishop on violin, vocals and guitar; Laura Altman on clarinet and vocals; Johan Delin on double bass and vocals; and, Rendra Freestone on percussion, vocals and guitar. Between them, Chaika have written for and performed with such artists as Monsieur Camembert, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Nicky Bomba, Riley Lee, Mara and the Martenitsa Choir, The Song Company, The Rhythm Hunters, Kevin James, Baby et Lulu, Great Waitress, The London Bulgarian Choir, and The Renaissance Players on major national and international stages. They collectively bring an extraordinary depth of experience to their music. After a whirlwind creative session as resident artists at Bundanon last year (the property that artist Arthur Boyd bequeathed to the Australian artistic community), they are now

touring new material, yet to be revealed to awaiting audiences. Chaika will be supported on the night by Dave Calandra and the Min Min Lights. Dave Calandra plays guitar like his life depends on it and he also writes a fine tune, the kind of songs that dwell in your subconscious for days at a time. His rugged vocals, fluid guitar style and haunting song writing have been aptly described by industry veterans as sounding like Mark Knopfler and Kelly Joe Phelps covering the works of J.J. Cale. Backed by the sublime voice and ethereal violin of Susie Bishop, and the smooth upright bass of Johan Delin, The Min Min Lights present Dave’s dark, observational and humorous song writing in a spacious soundscape, and draw inspiration from the great folk, blues and country artists of the 1970’s. Media release, May 3, 2016 Laura Bishop, Chaika Band Member

Media release, May 1, 2016 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast Unit The six minstrels of Chaika

Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 23 SShare

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New motor sport facility at Lisarow

Song writing and recording workshops being held

OUT&ABOUT

he Youth Arts Warehouse will host a series of song writing and recording workshops on Wednesday afternoons until June 29.

The workshops, presented by Mr Luke Maher, give new and inspiring artists the opportunity to hone their skills in a professional recording studio and teache valuable production skills. Participants will be

involved in all stages of the production process from the first song idea to mixing their track and recording. Participants will also have the opportunity to perform their song or composition. The workshops are available to all levels of

experience for people aged 12-25, with participants learning computer programed music and playing virtual instruments. Email, Apr 28, 2016 Regional Youth Arts Service

Treehouse juggernaut to perform at Wyoming entral Coast residents now have access to some of the world's best pickup trucks and American cars with the appointment of the Brian Hilton Motor Group as a Performax International dealer at a new purpose built facility in Lisarow.

C James Elliott as Andy and Drew Livingston as Terry Photo Branco Gaica

ndy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s bestseller, The 52 Storey Treehouse, hits the stage at Laycock Street Community Theatre from May 12-13.

The team behind the hit adaptations of The 13 Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse have come together to bring this latest bestseller to life for a national tour, following its Sydney Opera House premiere. Griffiths’ and Denton’s ever-expanding treehouse is filled with even more fantastic inventions for children to enjoy, including a rocket-powered carrot launcher, the Disguise-omatic 5000 and a Ninja Snail Training Academy.

Gosford City Council’s Director Community Growth, Ms Judy Jaeger said these award winning stories have been sparking children’s imaginations across the nation and Gosford is fortunate to be a stop on the ‘Treehouse’ national tour. “Gosford is excited to be hosting this popular production. “The 52-Storey Treehouse was Australia’s fasting selling book ever, and the previous stage adaptations have all been incredibly successful. “We are proud to be a part

of this creative juggernaut which is inspiring young minds across the country,” Ms Jaeger said. This latest stage adaptation sees Griffith and Denton set off on a crazy adventure to tackle a world of startling obstacles including a hungry caterpillar, an angry vegetable kingdom and a 100 year ninja-snail epic voyage. Media release, May 3, 2016 Gosford City Council Media

Performax International is Australia's leading and largest importer, converter and retailer of pickups and American cars and is a dominant force in converting high quality, high performance American vehicles to right-hand-drive markets worldwide. The new Performax Central Coast dealership will feature the entire Performax pick-up range including Ford Super Duty F Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra Denali, Dodge RAM and Toyota Tundra. It will also offer Performax passenger car conversions including the thunderous Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. The new development will feature unique classic and performance cars, motor sport apparel and accessories and a motor

Scrumptious Meals Choose your favourite Affordable prices Free delivery

and buy a car," Mr Hilton said. "Customers will be able to come in and have a coffee and some great food in our café surrounded by some great E American E pickups, classic FR cars and performance cars. “They can browse our range of motor sport gear and even watch our race cars being prepped in the workshop,” he added. The new facility featuring the dealership and the race workshop are now open and running, while the café, motor sport shop and classic car operation will be coming online over the next four weeks as the facility is completed. Media release, Apr 22, 2016 Paul Steer, Brian Hilton Motorsports

PEATS RIDGE MARKET Organise a fundraiser

Want to meet new friends and have some fun? We can Help! Join us for a delicious midday meal and transport can be supplied Need assistance with shopping, medical appointments or cooking classes? WE CAN HELP !! Just call 4357 8444

sport café. In addition, it will also be the base for a Brian Hilton Motorsport team with a race car preparation area where visitors will be able to see cars being prepared, including the four car team running under the Brian Hilton banner in the inaugural Toyota 86 race series. The new operation is the brain child of Mr Josh Hilton who will oversee the new facility and is excited by the prospect of offering local pickup buyers the chance to access the best America has to offer. "Performax offers absolute quality when it comes to converting these great American pickups and what we will be doing is making the dealership a venue that will be more than just somewhere to come

@ PEATS RIDGE SCHOOL GROUNDS

May 29, 2016

APRIL 24, 2016 LAST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH 9AM – 2PM ONSITE PARKING – ALL WEATHER EVENT –BUY LOCAL NEW STALLHOLDERS ALWAYS WELCOME

Come & support local Businesses, Producers & Artisans. Homemade gifts, handmade cards, baby/toddler clothes, knitted items, Woodwork & jewellery - you will be sure to find a unique treasure. Organic Veggies, locally made goats milk soap, native plants, Grassfed Beef & goat meat, La Tartine Organic Sourdough Bread & many others…

What will you do today to help beat cancer?

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SHELLEY LUCI @ 0419 601232 OR EMAIL : ADMIN SHELLEY LUCI @ 0419 601232 OR EMAIL : ADMIN@ @PEATSRIDGEMARKET PEATSRIDGEMARKET.ORG..ORG AU .AU VISIT WEB: WWW.PEATSRIDGEMARKET.ORG.AU VISIT WEB: WWW.PEATSRIDGEMARKET.ORG.AU

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 Big Futures in school mentor program Become a volunteer mentor 2 hours per week, Free Training, No qualifications needed Be a young persons champion 0413 624 529 www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org. au/bigfutures 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 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

Page 24 - Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 016 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 admin@gnnc.com.au 4329 4477 Green Point Community Centre Provides information and referral services, a meeting place for community groups, OOSH cave, exercize classes, school holiday programs, playgroup, arts & craft, room hire, and much more. 4367 7591 Kariong Neighbourhood Centre ‘KNC provides the local community with a meeting place and hub for groups, services and information. Regular activities include Early childhood clinic, free family law advice, active playgroup, computer classes, OOSH services, fitness classes, arts & crafts, over 50’s friendship group, youth group, social groups and many more services. We also have an extensive resource and DVD library for members to borrow. KNC membership starts at only $5 per year. 4340 1724 wwww.knc.net.au Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre • Exercise classes • Yoga for adults and children • Community eco garden • Room hire • Health support groups • Counselling • After school activities 4363 1044 www.kincumber.nsw.au

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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 Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management Support and educational group 7 groups across the coast Providing practical experience and confidence Learn the benefits to hearing aids - Better hearing Australia Central Coast 4321 0275 www.centralcoast. betterhearingaustralia.org.au Central Coast Parkinson’s Support Group We aim to help individuals and their families better manage living with Parkinson’s Disease Guest speakers are a regular feature of our meetings. 2nd Tue - 1.30pm 1800 644 189 Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Meet last Friday Month Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Wyong) Meet last Monday Month Toukley RSL Club Homes Ave Toukley 10.00am to 12 noon 4356 9300 www.pcfa.org.au Dying with Dignity NSW, Central Coast Working to give those suffering unrelievedly from terminal or incurable illness the legal right to request & receive medical help to die Quarterly Meetings 4369 8053

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 Fellowship of First Fleeters Central Coast For anyone interested in early history or early family histories. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Wyong RSL Club 2nd Sat 10:30am 4323 1849

MUSIC Brisbane Water Brass Brass Band entertainment for the community playing all types of popular music Rehearsal every Tuesday 7.30pm-10pm 0419 274 012 JAZZLEAGUE Live Jazz Bands - Come to listen, Come to dance Free - Every Sun Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford 2-5pm www.jazzleague.net Soundwaves Men’s acapella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Central Coast Leagues Club Kieran - 0407 267 675 khutton58@gmail.com jbthomson51@gmail.com Sydney Welsh Choir Cultural not for profit organisation performing at concerts and various venues to promote the Welsh culture with our singing, also performing for charity fund raising. 4369 3378 Tempo Terrific Community Showband Active showband available to play at your community function. Wide ranging repertuore. Always seeking new members, come and join us and have fun with music. Follow us on Facebook Every Monday 5pm to 7pm Kincumber Uniting Church 4365 4414 www.tempoterrific.com tempoterrific@live.com

Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Gambling Solutions Rotary Club of Corporation Gambling help counsellors Kariong/Somersby The Mingaletta community provide free, confidential, International service club centre provides its members professional service to improves lives of communities and other community groups a gamblers, family and friends. in Australia and overseas. Fun- meeting place and referal hub Available Woy Woy, Kincumber, filled activities, fellowship and for education, health, well-being Gosford, The Entrance. Tuggerah Lakes Showband friendship breakfasts. Phillip and cultural programs through 4344 7992 An enthusiastic group of people House, 21 Old Mount Penang consultative services and who play brass instruments, Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am community programs. GROW Support Groups meet every Tuesday and 4340 4529 Mon-Fri 9am 4pm Thursday to rehearse their Small friendly groups formed to kersuebay@philliphouse.com. 6 Sydney Ave Umina learn how to overcome anxiety, crowd-pleasing music and play au 4342 7515 depression and loneliness and at community events admin@mingaletta.com.au to improve mental health and Park Rd Band Hall Seniors Computer well-being. Anonymous, free Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm Club Central Coast Inc. 0407 406 669 Terrigal Fifty Plus Leisure and open to all. Bring a support Classes held Monday to Friday person if you like. Weekly and Learning Centre PLAYGROUP for everyone over 50 meetings at Woy Woy, Bateau Regular events Fitness, Yoga, Basics: Mon , Tues and Thurs Bay and Wyong Handicrafts, Mah jong, Bridge, 10am to 12noon 1800 558 268 Gosford Gumnuts Line dancing,Tai chi, Painting, Different programs every day, www.grow.net.au Playgroup Bush walking, Indoor bowls, 10am to 12noon or 1pm to Zumba, Computer and Ipad Parents and children meet 3pm Meals on Wheels courses, Bingo, Concerts on socially for the parents to make Apple-Mac: Mon, Tues, Wed 1st and 3rd Thursday of month. Meals on Wheels friends and learn more about All at our club rooms, Delicious meals delivered free parenting and the children to Duffy Road Terrigal Kincumber Neighbourhood Join us for a midday meal Joan 4384 5152 have fun and play together. Centre Help with shopping and terrigal50plus@outlook.com 0 to 5 yrs 02 4369 5692 cooking classes Wednesday 10am-12noon Volunteering 4363 7111 Thursday 10am-12noon U3A Central Coast Central Coast Friday 10am-12noon Mature age people are invited Refer potential volunteers Medusa Moves An outreach program to participate in a wide range of to community organisations Is a gentle movement class Gosford Uniting Church Hall courses to broaden the mind and provide support to catering for people with 129 Donnison St Gosford and make new friends volunteers and community Parkinson’s Disease for 4325 3695 0408 704 701 organisations. We also provide Parkinsons’s sufferers & over gumnutsguc@gmail.com www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au training to volunteers and 50s, stretching, guided dance

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 - The Grange Hotel 4th Thur every month besides Dec

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 lsroe@bigpond.com.au

Central Coast Handweavers, Spinners and Textile Arts Guild Spinning and weaving, PROBUS CLUBS patchwork and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, All Probus clubs have community quilting bees - Day interesting guest speakers, and Night Groups friendly atmosphere, make new 4325 4743 friends, fellowship, intellectual www.cottagecrafts.net.au stimulus, and social activities. Central Coast Lapidary Probus Club of Avoca Club Minerals & Gems 10.15am 3rd Mon Avoca Beach Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Bowling Club Faceting, Enamelling, Stone www.probussouthpacific.org/ Field-trips & fossicking microsites/avocabeach Weekly Workshops 4382 3372 Tues and Thurs 830am 230pm PUBLIC SPEAKING Thurs evening 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Develop confidence by Ourimbah improving your speaking skills. 4362 2246 Meetings are entertaining and educational. CCLC Indoor Bowls Ladies - Mon 10am Brisbane Waters Breakfast Mixed Social - Mon & Wed 7pm Toastmasters Club 2nd & 4th Sundays 1.30pm 8:30am-10:30am 4363 2360 or 0403 994 313 2nd and Last Sat each month - The Hive and Library Erina Central Coast Shopping Centre Soaring Club Inc 0459 240 183 Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members Blue Gum Flat Come and have an Air Toastmasters Experience Flight Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd All Welcome Mon 7.15-9.30pm 14 and up for Training Ourimbah RSL Flying at Bloodtree Road 4362 7227 Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun ( weather permitting) SERVICE GROUPS 0412 164 082 0414 635 047 Lions Club of Woy Woy www.ccsoaring.com.au 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club Fellowship of 0478 959 895 Australian Writers Make new friends and have fun A friendly and supportive group while serving your community. for new and old writers. Gives encouragement and critique Northern Settlement of your work. Workshops and Services - Volunteers competitions Volunteers needed for friendly 10am 3rd Sun visits to the elderly in nursing Conference room Gosford homes. Hotel People with a second language 4363 2627 encouraged to apply. centralcoastfaw@live.com Training support provided 4334 3877 National Parks Association cvscc@nsservices.com.au Central Coast Twice weekly bush walks on the SPECIAL INTEREST Central Coast and further afield, varying distances and grades of Brisbane Water difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, Caravan Club fauna, floral, history. Keep fit located on the Central Coast and make friends. and looking for new members 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/ bwcc Spirituality in the Pub 4344 4363 A forum with Q&A and two speakers prompt conversations Biz Plus Networking within the community & to Association encourage dialogue about Attention business owners spirituality. - are you keen to grow your 1st Tues March to October business and in the process 2nd Tues November build worthwhile relationships? 7.30 to 9pm Then why not attend a Biz Grange Hotel Wyoming Networking breakfast? 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261 Every Thur 7:15am - 9am WOMEN’S GROUPS Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson network@bizplus.com.au BPW Central Coast Empowering women of all ages CCLC Bridge Club in the areas of work, education, Duplicate Bridge-partner not well-being and friendship. required for most sessions. All women welcome to attend Central Coast Leagues Club monthly dinner meetings. 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri Sat Be enlightened. $40 covers two 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon course meal and speaker. 4325 9854 Community transport available

to and from centre Chris Levis 0438 989 199 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 Gosford RSL Ladies Indoor Bowls Social indoor bowls Frid 9am - 12pm RSL Club 4344 5812 or 0412 773 441 Gosford RSL Sub-branch Women’s Auxiliary Raise money for the welfare of veterans and their families. RSL Club West Gosford 4th Mon 2pm 4323 7336 Inner Wheel Club of Gosford North Inc Join community minded women who enjoy findraising for local, national and international projects Regular social outings creating firm friendships 2nd Wed 7pm 21 Old Penang Rd Kariong 4362 3139 iiw.au.gosfordnorth@gmail.com Inner Wheel Club of Terrigal Share friendship, social activities as well as fundraising for local, national and international projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Duffy Road Terrigal 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com 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 4324 2533 www.cccwhc.com.au 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 sibrisbanewater@siswp.org WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom Inc WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom connects women and local businesses around a common theme of well-being. to share wisdom and explore life’s potential. Regular Powwows, WOW Wisdom gatherings, WOW days and WOW courses check our website for activities. www.wowgirls.com.au info@wowgirls.com.au

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here, see www.duckscrossing. org for the forms or contact COAST Community News on

4325 7369

Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 25 SShare

Kasey selected to represent Sydney North in state carnival Point Clare Public School student has been selected for the Sydney North Girls Soccer Team.

The school congratulates both Kasey Boelhouwer and Megan B who were selected to represent the School as part of the Brisbane Water PSSA Team at the Sydney North Girls Soccer Trials. A special congratulations goes to Kasey Boelhouwer who was selected as one of 14 girls for the team. Kasey will travel to Albury in June to compete in the state carnival. Newsletter, May 3, 2016 Point Clare Public School

The Gosford Diary 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

Thursday, May 5

2:00pm

Empire Bay Rewbies 8:30pm

Tavern,

Central Coast bereaved by Suicide Support Group, eight weeks, Lifeline Central Coast at 15 Carey St, Wyoming, every Thursday until June 23, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Lakeside Nuances, new paintings and digital works by Carolyn Griffiths, Art Studios Gallery, Mann St North Gosford until May 22

Friday, May 6

Thursday, May 12

First Friday Blues and Roots, featuring Chris Cady and BluesAngels, Hotel Gosford 7:00pm til late A Coupla Numbers, The Old Pub, Woy Woy from 8:00pm

The 52-Storey Treehouse, Laycock Street Theatre, 12:00pm and 6:00pm and Fridat, May 13 10:00am and 12:00pm

Dixie Stompers with Milton Saunders plus Jazz Futures Gosford High Stage Band from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, Central Coast Leagues Club, 2:00pm to 5:00pm Chaika and Dave Calandra and the Min Min Lights, The Rhythm Hut, Faunce St, Gosford

Saturday, May 14

Monday, May 23

Blues on the Mountain, Mangrove Mountain memorial Hall Comedy for a Cause in support of the Multi Arts Confederation, Central Coast Leagues Club, from 8:00pm Coast Hotel, StormCellar 8:00pm

The Biggest Morning Tea, Gosford Uniting Church Hall, 10:00am

Saturday, May 7 Central Coast Comic Convention, Central Coast Leagues Club from 10:00am

Sunday, May 8 David Hobson, operatic Tenor, Laycock Street Theatre Ron Nairn’s Cool Connection, and Helen Fenton, Central Coast Leagues Club, 2:00pm to 5:00pm Nattali Rize with guests Grizzlee Train, The Rhythm Hut, from 6:00pm

Tuesday, May 10 Community Drop in Session regarding development at 32 Mann St Gosford, Central Coast Leagues Club Kendall Room, 5:00pm to 7:30pm and May 11, 10:00am to

Wednesday, May 11

Sunday, May 15 A Coupla Numbers, Woodport Inn Erina 2:00pm Peoria Jazzband five year reunion, Central Coast Leagues Club, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Thursday, May 19 African Dance Class, The Rhythm Hut, Faunce St, Gosford

Saturday, May 21 Narara Ecovillage, Designing your Sustainable Home workshop, 9:00am to 1:30pm

Sunday, May 22

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Netball Association holds opening day march and presentations he Gosford N e t b a l l Association held its opening day march past and awards ceremony, on Saturday, April 30.

NSWSenator, Ms Deborah O’Neill, who is major sponsor of the association, was a guest of the administration committee and presented the Junior Coach of the Year Award to Ms Beck Rodwell. “The Gosford Netball Association does a wonderful job here on the Coast, keeping our young people fit, healthy and involved in our community,” Sen O’Neill said. “The association is a credit to the people who run and support it, and it has rightly attracted more than 2500 players to play in its teams across the region this year. “The pleasing aspect of the game of netball is that it really is a game for life. “The association caters for all ages from the littlies, the nettas, to junior and senior players. “Team sport is more than fitness, it is about socialising and learning to work with others to achieve success,” Sen O’Neill said. “As my banner says: ‘Go for your goals,” she concluded. Media release, May 3, 2016 Scott Comber, Office of Deborah O’Neill NSW Senator

Thursday, May 26 Jubila Singers, a cappella choir and silent auction at Green Point Community Centre, 10:00am to 12:00pm Melbourne Ballet Company presents Arche, Laycock Street Theatre, 7:30pm Politics in the Pub, Grange Hotel, Wyong, from 7:00pm

Friday, May 27 WOW and the Didi Foundation Fundraiser for Nepal, Wyong Community Centre, 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Craft group display wares he Central Coast Creative Craft Group will hold their next display and sale on Saturday, May 14 in Studios 2 and 3 at Gosford Regional Gallery.

There will be a number of different crafts on display. The day will be in support of Children’s Medical Research.

Media release, Apr 27, 2016 Vicki Gleeson, Central Coast Creative Craft Group

EAT&PLAY Formerly known as North Gosford Café is now under new OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Tuesday, May 24 ReviveR, an evening with Archie Rose, 7:00pm

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Barossa Valleys best boutique wines If you’re into Barossa Valleys bou que wines we stock some of the best. Many exclusively on the Coast. Cheers Garth. 57 CENTRAL COAST HWY. WEST GOSFORD Under Hungry Jacks

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!

CLASSIFIEDS

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PRICES FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS IN THESE PAGES COME IN THREE CATEGORIES

Not For Profit Organisations Not for profit organisations’ advertisements are subsidised.

events

A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $20 + GST. Each additional cm is only an additional $4 + GST, colour is $6 + GST and a photograph or logo is an additional $6 + GST.

Private advertisements

ADULT SERVICES

Love & Lust Adult Shop 156 Mann St Gosford

4324 5569 ANTENNAS

Private advertisements only cost $33. Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Business rates A one off advertisement only costs $40 + GST in mono and an extra $8 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph. Advertising on an ongoing basis attracts discounts if paid for in full in advance. 3 months $215 + GST, 6 months $385 + GST, 12 months $700 + GST – Approximately $14 per week. Having the same advertisement in one of the other Central Coast Newspapers as well attracts an additional 10% discount for those advertisements. If in the third paper as well, it will attract a 15% discount which drops to $11.50 + GST per week in that paper. Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently.

A Better Picture

Antenna & Digital Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas

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May 28 at 7pm Presents Songs about Water Theme Concert CWA Hall Woy Woy Tickets $7

Combined online and print advertising Combined print and online packages have been created providing further discounts. Having a Gosford classifieds premium on line advertisement plus a printed advertisement in one newspaper will only cost $495 + GST for 3 months, $695 + GST for 6 months and $999 + GST for 12 months. Having it in two newspapers as well as online costs $595 + GST for 3 months, $995 + GST for 6 months and $1499 + GST for 12 months. To be in all three newspapers as well as online costs $795 + GST for 3 months, $1395 + GST for 6 months and $1899 + GST for 12 months.

See page 2 for contact details. All newspaper advertisements minimum of two weeks’ shelf life.

have

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Experience Folk Music at its best at East Gosford Progress Hall @ 7.30pm Henry Parry Drive

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Enq: 4344 6484 ELECTRICIAN

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No job too small. Seniors Discount. Lic number 265652C

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Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

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email: media.factory@ hotmail.com Casual & Permanent staff required for exciting new fully licensed waterfront restaurant Davistown opening 25 May 2016. Large modern kitchen chef and sous chef required, waiters, barista, kitchen hand, cleaner, must have RSA . Contact Nicolaas 0488 162 779; 4369 1300

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A premium VIP online business advertisement on GosfordClassifieds.com.au only costs $299 + GST for 3 months, $399 + GST for 6 months and, $499 + GST for 12 months. It costs a similar amount to go on any one of the other nine Sydney based websites as well, or only $1699 + GST for all sites for 12 months. The other sites cover Bondi, Manly, Newtown, Cronulla, South Sydney, St George, West Sydney, North Sydney, Wollongong and suburbs surrounding those areas. All that we require for you to have an online advertisement such as this is: 1) Heading for the advertisement; 2) Text for the body; and, 3) Up to 3 images if required i.e. logos etc.

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Good results for Gosford Kariong juniors in opening rounds

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TUITION - DANCE

Gosford Scottish Country Dancers hold a intermediate class on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 pm at Wyoming - It’s an excellent form of exercise which brings men, women and young people together socially, learning new and old dances in a very friendly relaxed atmosphere No experience or partner necessary All ages welcome Cost $7.00 per week Contact Janice on

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The Point Clare team at Rogers Park

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Mathematics coaching in your home Years 4 to 12 Experienced qualified teacher $50/hr

entral Coast Junior Rugby League kicked off its season under grey and drizzly skies on the ANZAC Day long weekend with the Gosford Kariong club achieving a host of sunny results.

conditions, the Storm boys managed to score a handful of fine, first up wins, with the most heartening performance of the day coming via the U15(2)s who scored a nail biting 26-24 victory against Terrigal. Another come-frombehind 24-18 win over

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The Shame File

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.

• Renotek, Tascott

Jacob Grimley looks to steam roll a Hawk during the U15s round 2 win Photo Andrew Stark

• Jessica Davis - A1 Cleaning Services, • Michelle Umback - 2 Erina Funky, Terrigal • Tony Fitzpatrick • Shelley Walker trading as Futurtek Previously trading as Roofing Headmasters Hair Design, Park Plaza • Inspire P/L trading Gosford as CUP Computers formerly of Gosford

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Toukley has the team firmly on the front foot as this 19-strong squad aim to put a wretched 2015 behind them under new coach Ed Gale. The club’s other undefeated team, the U10(2) s have knocked over Terrigal 40-16 and The Entrance 30-22 in successive weeks with prop forward Lorenzo Godoy and the speedy Benji Keene-O’Keefe at the fore. The Gosford U8s scored a breezy 24-16 victory over Northern Lakes in week one with newcomers Eve Keir and Kirra Hodge standing out in a fine all-team performance. Full of running and sporting beaming smiles, both Eve and Kirra continued the club’s fine record of female representation; the most notable instances being former Storm tyros; Vallen Moeke and Brielle Connolly. Moeke created Central Coast Rugby League history in 2006 when she was judged the Player of the Match in the U11(2)s grand final, while Brielle won the club’s prestigious Junior Player of the Year Award for 2011.

In the senior division, the fifth round of the Open Grade competition saw an undermanned and injuryravaged Gosford produce their gutsiest performance of 2016 before falling to Ourimbah at Sohier Park. With no benchmen available and half a dozen

players carrying injuries into the game, the Storm men showed tremendous character to cross for the first and last try of the afternoon against the reigning premiers. Max Russell and Jordan Groom were outstanding for the plucky visitors. Media release, May 2, 2016 Andrew Stark, Gosford Kariong Storm RLFC

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All welcome at annual Cycle Ride at the Mount Penang Parklands

T Harrison Ryan from Umina, nephew of NSW Champion Mick Poole leads Lex Tracey, great great nephew of Australian Champion the late Billy Sanders

Third round of interstate Winter Junior Speedway Series to be held

he Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club will host the third round of the 2016 interstate Winter Junior Speedway Series at Allen Park Raceway in Somersby on Saturday, May 7.

A stellar field of young 125cc junior speedway riders from all over NSW will be in action, including eleven year old Harrison Ryan from Umina, nephew of five-time NSW Champion and local legend Mick Poole. Other well-known competitors include

Maurice Brown from Cowra and Jack Miles from Kurri. The club is expecting competitive racing as the winner of the NSW round will also win a VIP pit pass for the upcoming World Speedway Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium on October 22. Somersby Junior

Speedway is 10 minutes form Gosford. There is free admission and parking for the event and hot food and refreshments will be available. Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Terry Starbuck, Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club

Harrison Ryan from Umina will ride for the Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club

he Rotary Club of Erina has challenged all Central Coast riders to join their annual Cycle Ride at the Mount Penang Parklands on Sunday, May 15.

Funds raised from the event will support Rotary community projects including Coast Shelter, which has adopted new initiatives to end domestic violence and provide accommodation and support to the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless. “It is a great day and wonderful to see so many of our bike riding community join in, get some exercise, and help those in need, all at the same time,” president of Coast Shelter, Mr Gavin Shepherd said. This event has enabled the Rotary Club of Erina to donate over $120,000 to Coast Shelter. “The 2016 Ride will be the biggest and the best ever, with wonderful support from our community,

cycle shops and other corporate sponsors,” said Erina Rotary’s Ms Gillian Winchester. “It’s a fun and safe ride for everyone,” she said. The Cycle Ride is a fantastic family opportunity which allows us to continue to expand vital services to people in need on the Central Coast,” executive officer of Coast Shelter, Mr Laurie Maher said. Volunteers from the Central Coast Rotary Clubs work alongside Brisbane Water Police and the Roads and Maritime Service to ensure a safe ride for all ages and fitness levels. There are 100km and 50km rides for serious cyclists, a 20km ride for beginners and a Kids Challenge for those aged four to 12.

The Ride starts and ends at Mount Penang Parklands where plenty of parking is available. Registration ranges from $10 for the Kids Challenge to $80 for the 100km Challenge. Riders are encouraged to ask their friends and family to sponsor their ride. A $100 sponsorship could provide approximately 30 meals at the Coast Community Centre while $500 could provide a mum and children escaping domestic violence with a ‘start-up kit’ for a new home. The day ends with a sausage sizzle and refreshments. Media release, Apr 28, 2016 Laurie Maher, Coast Shelter

New amenities building unveiled at Hylton-Moore Oval porting clubs and community groups accessing Hylton-Moore Oval in East Gosford were the real winners when the venue’s new $500,000 amenities building was unveiled.

Located on fields five and six at the popular sporting venue, the new amenities building offers regular users and visitors changing rooms, toilets, staff and referee rooms, as well as storage and canteen facilities. Council’s director community growth, Ms Judy Jaeger, said the half a million dollar overhaul of the Hylton-Moore facilities has repositioned the location as one of Gosford’s premier sporting venues. “The new amenities facility boasts improved safety and access, increased storage, greater functionality and enhanced aesthetic value,” Ms. Jaeger said.

Ms Jaeger has acknowledged the contributions from multi levels of government and local community groups in bringing this project to fruition. “Council acknowledges the contribution from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnerships Program for the construction of the new amenities facility, which was in excess of $76,000. “As a part of the Hylton-Moore overhaul, an additional $400,000 of ancillary works has also been completed at the venue, including sportsground re-levelling, irrigation and drainage works.

“A variety of local organisations and funding bodies have contributed to these works. “These include the Terrigal/Avoca Football Club contributing $50,000 (inclusive of $40,000 in grant funding from the Community Building Partnership Program) and AFL NSW/ACT, donating $30,000 to the improvement of these sporting facilities. “We would like to thank all parties involved with reestablishing Hylton-Moore Oval as a leading sporting and recreational destination on the Central Coast,” Ms. Jaeger said. Media release, Apr 28, 2016 Gosford Council media

Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 29 Coa SShare

Terrigal and Avoca Beach still undefeated after five rounds ound Five of the Central Coast 2016 Rugby Union Competition saw Terrigal run out very convincing winners over Woy Woy at The Haven Oval by 50 points to eight in the match of the day on April 30.

Terrigal started the game in excellent style. They had piled on 20 points within the first quarter of the match. Woy Woy were besieged in those opening minutes of the match and had no answer to the Terrigal onslaught. Terrigal continued their great form and were to continue and crossed for a total of seven tries in the match. The final tally of seven tries to Woy Woy’s one was a great indication of the flow of the match. Best players for Terrigal included fullback Alec Herridge, who crossed for two individual tries, lock Phil Heard, while players such as Ryan Metcalfe, Tom Lowe and Josh Vainikolo put in some outstanding performances. Woy Woy had no answer and were able to only respond with the single try. Woy Woy did have several players out injured, but on the day, it was all Terrigal, and this may not have even made a difference. Terrigal continue on their winning ways and remain undefeated this season. Avoca Beach also maintained their undefeated record when they defeated Gosford by 23 points to 10 at Heazlett Park. This was a far tougher match than Terrigal vs Woy

Woy, and there was not much between these two sides on the day. Both teams were able to kick an early penalty goal to make the opening score three points apiece, before Gosford winger Chris Heap took an intercept and scored the opening try. The conversion of this try had taken Gosford to an early lead of 10 points to three. This was the scoreline for quite a while. Both teams had periods of attack, but good defence from both sides kept scoring to a minimum. It was Avoca Beach who were able to cross for two tries to enable them to take the lead. Tries to the Avoca Beach centre pairing of Matt Anderson and Mitch Jacob saw the home side take the lead to 17 points to 10. At this stage, both sides knew they could get the victory, but it was the home side who were able to kick two penalty goals in the last quarter of the match to seal the victory. Best players for Avoca Beach were props Emile Thomas and Josh Meadham, while centres Matt Anderson and Blake Jacob were strong all day. Gosford played well but were unable to get that vital try in the second half. The scoreline of two tries

to one demonstrated the closeness of the match. Best performers for Gosford were flanker Jackson Steinbeck, and backs Josh McGlynn and Josh Reid gave it their all. Kariong recorded their second win in a row when they accounted for The Lakes by 44 points to seven at Kariong Oval. The win was not a surprise, but the size of the victory probably was. Kariong started well and were always in control. They were able to cross for a total of seven tries, while The Lakes were only able to cross for the single touch down. Mitch Clay, on his return from injury, had a great game, and was able to cross for two tries from fullback. He was well supported by halfback Scott Hanley, centre Ryan Hughes and hooker Justin Walker. Kariong are in a patch of good form at present. The Lakes were hit with injuries on the day and did struggle. The Lakes are still searching for their first win while Kariong, with the win, join Gosford on the competition ladder. Media release, May 1, 2016 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Gosford Tennis Centre courts to be upgraded to international standards nfrastructure works worth $250,000 are underway at Gosford Tennis Centre to make the centre a world-class sporting facility.

Once completed, the facility will be able to host national and international tournaments. The current works are in addition to $250,000 invested in the centre by Gosford Tennis District Association (GDTA) over the past three years. The investment was to resurface 16 hard courts. These upgrades will enable GDTA to secure future major tournaments that will attract players and visitors nationally and internationally. Tennis events held at Gosford Tennis Centre have the capacity to inject around $4 million through local tourism annually into Gosford, according to GDTA president, Mr Rob Eldridge. Mr Rob Eldridge said: “The improvements will allow us to be considered to host Federation Cup Ties, ATP Challenge Tours and WTA Slam Tournaments, which is very exciting for the Central Coast in terms of tourism dollars. “Gosford already hosts some of the largest tournaments, in terms of the number of participants, in the country every year,” he said. “The infrastructure works will allow us to build on that reputation.”

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Resurfacing of courts at the Gosford Tennis Centre Once completed, Gosford Tennis Centre hard courts will have the same playing surface as the courts at Melbourne Park that hosts the Australian Open, and courts at Homebush that hosts the Apia International. “To produce future sports stars, we must provide them with world-class training and match play facilities, and we must also have

the ability to attract other promising young players to the region and allow them to showcase their talent here,” he said. “Returning our courts to International Tennis Federation standards is a big step in the right direction to achieving this.” Media release, Apr 26, 2016 Louise Sykes, Visual Strategies

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Million dollar makeover underway for Terrigal Haven boat ramp

The Terrigal Haven boat ramp in earlier times Photo Gostalgia from Gosford Library Local History Archive

$1 million upgrade to the boat ramp at Terrigal Haven is due to commence in early May, according to member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP.

Mr Crouch said the upgrade would ensure boaters enjoyed safer and improved access to the ocean from the boat ramp. “The NSW Government provided Gosford Council a $750,000 grant toward the million dollar upgrade of Terrigal Haven boat ramp through the NSW Boating Now program,” he said. “The existing boat ramp was built in the 1980s and

is one of only two in the Gosford Local Government Area with direct access to the ocean for boats, making it extremely popular. “Gosford Council will be carrying out the work which will improve access and the boat ramp’s usability for all boat users in the area,” said Mr. Crouch. “Work will take around three months to complete, weather permitting.”

ide Char T 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

0033 0.38 0641 1.74 THU 1251 0.29 1912 1.90

6 FRI

0130 0.29 0734 1.74 1339 0.29 2000 1.99

7 SAT

0318 0.21 0414 0.24 0924 1.63 1019 1.55 SUN 1515 0.38 MON 1604 0.46 2139 2.03 2230 1.98

0608 0.38 0015 1.78 1214 1.40 0707 0.46 WED 1749 0.65 THU 1314 1.35 1847 0.73

14 SAT

17 TUE

TUE

FRI

0224 0.23 0830 1.70 1427 0.32 2049 2.03 0510 0.30 1115 1.47 1656 0.55 2321 1.89 0111 1.66 0805 0.53 1416 1.33 1952 0.78

0314 1.50 0412 1.47 0211 1.56 1038 0.59 0900 0.57 0951 0.59 1518 1.35 SUN 1615 1.40 MON 1703 1.47 2101 0.80 2208 0.78 2307 0.73

0503 1.46 0549 1.46 0043 0.61 0632 1.46 1119 0.57 1158 0.56 WED THU 1746 1.54 1825 1.61 1232 0.55 2358 0.67 1900 1.68

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

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the million dollar makeover would deliver a safer and more accessible three-lane boat ramp. “The Terrigal Haven boat ramp has become extremely popular, especially after the ex-HMAS Adelaide was scuttled off Avoca Beach in 2011,” Cr McKinna said. “Terrigal is a major tourism area for our region and improving this vital recreational facility will propel the local economy, and provide enhanced access for fishing, diving and boating enthusiasts. “The upgrade includes re-profiling and resurfacing the ramp to improve its useability in a variety of conditions, installing access platforms and stairs as well as special markers to better indicate the harbour’s boating only zone,” he said. “Unfortunately, the ramp will be closed during the upgrade to allow it to be completed safely and as quickly as possible,” Cr McKinna said. “I would like to apologise for any inconvenience and thank the community in advance for its understanding and patience.” Construction was expected to start on May 2. Alternate boat ramps to access the ocean are available at Woy Woy, Pretty Beach and Norah Head.

Central Coast Stadium defended osford City Council’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson, has taken steps to correct misinformation published by another media outlet in response to questions about the use of Central Coast Stadium.

According to Gosford Council, key details provided in the statement were not reported as part of the issue surrounding the stadium’s recent media coverage. “Council is very proud of Central Coast Stadium’s position as this region’s number one sporting venue as well as one of the most picturesque grounds in Australia,” Mr Anderson said. “Since Council took over the management and operation of the stadium in 2014, it has remained committed to maximising the potential of this vital facility. “This has meant making sure the people of the Central Coast can enjoy watching more live national and international sporting

action in their backyard, especially top-shelf National Rugby League and A-League matches,” he added According to Mr Anderson, over the last two years, Central Coast Stadium has hosted almost 40 A-League and W-League football matches, seven NRL games and a number of rugby union matches. It has also been the base for the Socceroos World Cup squad as well as the young Socceroos and USA under-20 training camps. On average, the stadium regularly hosts almost 30 major events each year, plus many other local tours, sport clinics and other community events. “We are currently involved in a number of promising discussions to

hopefully bring even more exciting sporting and other events to the stadium over the next year. “Unfortunately, due to confidential commercial reasons, we are not able to discuss any details about these opportunities at this stage. “Securing national and international events at the stadium is always challenging, especially given the often competing scheduling of different sporting codes and the financial incentives that other regions are able to offer,” Mr Anderson concluded. Media release, Apr 20, 2016 Gosford City Council Media

Terrigal Avoca Panthers back on track ound four action in the Black Diamond Cup saw Terrigal Avoca exact some revenge on Warners Bay with a solid 58 point win in front of the faithful at Hylton Moore Oval.

Terrigal Avoca bounced back from their struggles in round three, returning home to Hylton Moore Oval to dispose of Warners Bay 16.17.113 to 8.7.55 on Saturday, April 30. In a pleasing sign for coach Chris Bishop, new Panther Brayden Kingston was one of four players to register three goals, along with Alexander White, Thomas Head on his return, and Austin Clark. The Panthers best

players were Elliott Davey Medallists Angus Darling and James Webster, Head, Bishop, Clark and White. In first division, Terrigal Avoca thrashed Warners Bay by 70 points. Gosford continued their successful return to AFL with a 154-point thumping of Cardiff. In second division, Terrigal Avoca were defeated by The Entrance Bateau Bay, and Nelson Bay defeated Gosford.

Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Debra Wales, office of Adam Crouch Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Gosford Council media

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

The women’s competition saw a nail-biter at Newcastle No.1 Sportsground when Newcastle City held on to win by two points despite being kept scoreless by Gosford in the last quarter. Final Scores were Newcastle City 2.4.16 to Gosford 2.2.14. Media release, May 1, 2016 Garry Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL

Coast Community News - May 5, 2016 - Page 31 Coa SShare

w www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Allanah breaks 21 year old race walking record at nationals

High expectations at NSW Country Rugby Championships

SPORT

he Central Coast Rugby Union will send representative teams to Armidale on the weekend of May 7 and 8 for the NSW Country Championships.

The Senior team plays Illawarra in the first round of the Caldwell Cup on Saturday afternoon. This is a must win game, and the winner continues on to the Cup Final on the Sunday. This will be against either Newcastle or Central North. The team has had a difficult start to the year, with injuries and a change in coach, but things have come together in recent weeks. The team will have several experienced players including: Avoca Beach’s Luke Sheridan, Josh Meadham and Matt Anderson; Terrigal’s Joe Taylor, Sam Kenny and Dan Sargeant; Gosford’s Josh

McGlynn, and Kariong’s Mitch Clay and Cory Holwill. A feature of the team will be the mixture of experience and youth. The team is being coached by Stew Jenkins who has been in charge at Avoca Beach for many years. Jenkins has come on board after David Witt went overseas due to work commitments. In a very short space of time, Jenkins has made his mark on the team. The Colts will also compete in the NSW Country Championships in the top tier, and on Saturday will play New England. Coach Brett Marchant is in charge again and has

been pleased with their recent training sessions, and the players are displaying much enthusiasm and commitment. This Colts team is one of the best in many years, and the majority of the team are current Premier 1 players on the Central Coast. The winner of the Colts match on Saturday will go straight into the Final on Sunday. Both teams will travel to Armidale on Friday in readiness for the weekend’s NSW Country Championships. Media release, May 2, 2016 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

llanah Pitcher, age 12 from Terrigal, has just taken first place in the Little Athletics nationals for 1,500m race walking.

Allanah, who is in year seven at Terrigal High, also broke the meet record when she competed at the Little Athletics Nationals in Adelaide recently. The record had been held for 21 years. Allanah joined Little Athletics when she was in the under-nines but she did not take up race walking until she was in the under10s. She has also made it to other national competitions including the Federation competition which is held in Canberra every year and she competed for NSW

Athletics in Perth in the Australian Junior Youth championships. She also won the 1,500 metre race walk in Perth, but missed out on breaking that meet record by five seconds. Allanah is a member of Gosford Little As and is trained by Frank Overton and his daughter Lauren. She also competes in team events for the Mingara Club. Long-distance running is another of Allanah’s loves, but race walking is now taking priority and she now attends a race walking club

in Sydney every Saturday. Allanah’s mother, Melanie Pitcher said her daughter has her heart set on competing at the Junior World titles and then the Commonwealth Games and maybe even the Olympic Games. “She is a very determined and hard trainer,” Ms Pitcher said of her daughter’s commitment. Now that Allanah is in year seven, she can also begin competing in school race walking competitions. Interview, May 3, 2016 Melanie Pitcher, Terrigal

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