Issue 160 of COAST Community News by Central Coast Newspapers

JUNE 15, 2017

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PH: 4325 7369

ISSUE 160

Demolition in preparation for Waterside development underway osford’s longeststanding eye sores, the remains of the Froggy’s skate rink on Mann St and the office building on the corner of Baker St and Georgiana Tce, are about to be demolished as part of preparation for phase one of the triple-tower Waterside development.

The $234m Waterside development was approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel in December 2015. The approval made way for the site to be developed for commercial and residential use as well as incorporate a cinema, hotel and tavern. Project architect, Mr Cain King, from CKDS Architecture at East Gosford, said the New Hong Kong Macau Australia Pty Ltd had the keys to the site and had commenced cleaning up the interior, including some asbestos removal. “All fees have been paid to Council,” Mr King said. Mr King said a plumber had also been on site turning off the water supply, and fencing was to be erected so demolition could begin. The applicant lodged a Section 96 amendment in April to modify the development consent to allow demolition of part of the site prior to the issue of a construction certificate. No other alterations to the development were requested as part of the Section 96 application, however, the demolition work will constitute commencement of the development, so the applicant will have met their responsibility to commence

Looking down on the former Froggy’s building towards Georgiana Terrace

work on the development prior to the expiry of Council’s consent in December. Mr King said the developer did not intend to commence construction of the first stage of the development until late 2018. A letter from PJ Donnellan and Co solicitors accompanying the Section 96 application also stated: “This addition will allow our clients to begin demolition work that does not interfere with any heritage sites that are part of the approved DA located at 50-70 Mann St, Gosford”. However, Mr King said the demolition would facilitate alternative uses for parts of the site in the interim. “With the demolition on the site and the focus of stage one not to commence until

next year, we are hopeful that Council will approve some alternative uses,” Mr King said. “Some of the possibilities

include pop-up marketplaces, parking, or the possibility of utilising the site as a holding area for construction

Another of the derelict buildings to be demolished

vehicles as multiple projects are underway in the CBD, so that they can have access to construction sites without disrupting traffic,” he said. As the local government election approaches and the current Administration period winds to an end, decisionmaking within Central Coast Council appears to be slowing down, but Mr King said he was hopeful that Council would see the value of putting the site to use once demolition is complete. The land does form part of Central Coast Council’s current planning proposal to move the commercial core of the Gosford CBD towards the waterfront. “This planning proposal proposes to rezone the land from B4 to B3 Commercial

Core,” said a Council assessment report written to consider the merit of the Section 96 application. “The planning proposal does not affect the s96 application, which is to permit demolition prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate for building works,” the assessment report said. “The subject site is zoned B4 Mixed Use under Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014. “The proposed development is defined as commercial, shop top housing, hotel, and entertainment facility, as defined in Gosford LEP 2014, which is permissible in the zone with consent of Council. “The proposed land uses are also permissible in the B3 zone, subject to the exhibited planning proposal. “The proposed modifications will not result in adverse amenity impacts on the adjoining properties and the streetscape,” the report concluded. “The proposed development is substantially the same as the development that was originally granted consent. “As such, in accordance with Section 80(1)(a) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Section 96(1A) for modification is recommended for approval.” When actual construction commences, the three-tower project will be completed in three stages, each lasting five years. Source: Interview, Jun 13 Cain King, CKDS Architecture Gosford DA Tracker, DA47046.2/2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

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GOSFORD LGA EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTORY

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! oast Community News and the New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Dance Orchestra have three double passes to give away to see All the Jazz Band Ball at the Laycock Street Theatre on Sunday, June 25.

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The concert will feature the fabulous music of the Roaring 20s. The Rotary Club of Gosford City is supporting the concert as part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be used to offer a bursary to a promising young musician to study musicianship at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. Special guest vocalist, Ms Tiana Young, will be performing many of the tunes made famous by jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Ethel Waters and Bessie Smith. The Orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last two concerts at Laycock Street were sell outs. For your chance to win one of the three double passes, write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News New Empire Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250. Entries close 5:00pm, Wednesday, June 21. The winner of the Coast Community News TMG Competition was Sheryl Bennett of Wyoming.

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Issue 117 May 23, 2017

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PH: 4325 7369

ISSUE 158

he NSW Government nt has announcedd St Hilliers as thee successful proponent too acquire and develop thee remaining 1.1 hectaress of the former Gosfordd Public School site.

Options such as building up a dune in front of the properties to create a buffer against storm erosion were â&#x20AC;&#x153;not likely to be feasible in this locationâ&#x20AC;?. Some of the properties already had erosion protection measures installed and the plan does allow for properties to complete erosion protection works. Such works would be completed

at the cost of the landowner and would require development approval by Council or the NSW Coastal Panel. Residents at a similar location on Wamberal Beach are currently in the Land and Environment Court challenging the NSW Coastal Panelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deemed refusal of their application for protection works. The immediate and future erosion risk is identiďŹ ed as the main hazard to be addressed in this area of Pearl Beach. Post-storm management measures were included in the plan and beach scraping would be used to build up sand from the beach berm to re-establish protection to the erosion escarpment and assist natural recovery of the beach.

Dunecare groups would be encouraged to maintain and revegetate any existing dune after a storm â&#x20AC;&#x153;using appropriate endemic vegetationâ&#x20AC;?. The recommendations in the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan have been endorsed by Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds, but not yet approved by the NSW Government. Some strategies in the plan, such as dune care and dune revegetation, are to be completed across the whole new local government area, even though the former Wyong Shire had a completely different approach to coastal hazard management and its draft plan has not yet been

sent to the NSW Government for approval. If the plan is approved by the NSW Government, in the ďŹ rst few years of its implementation, Central Coast Council will be responsible for redeďŹ ning a building line and development controls for development within a hazard zone for this portion of the beach. New buildings will be required to be built in a 2100 Stable Foundation Zone, which is not deďŹ ned in the plan. In the long term, Council, NSW Government and landowners will be required to design erosion protection works which would be â&#x20AC;&#x153;implemented once the erosion escarpment reaches a set trigger distance from the building lineâ&#x20AC;? but

were â&#x20AC;&#x153;likely not to be required for several yearsâ&#x20AC;?. No budget has been allocated for such works prior to 2025. The plan divides the management of Pearl Beach into four precincts. Precinct 1 covers the area south of Green Point Creek; Precinct 2 is the area between Green Point Creek and Middle Creek entrances; Precinct 3 is between Middle Creek and the Pearl Beach Lagoon outlet; and Precinct 4 covers the Coral Cres beachfront properties. SOURCE: Management Plan, 26 Apr 2017 Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone, Worley Parsons,

Group granted $100,000 to solve doctor shortage A working group has been given $100,000 in the Federal Budget to ďŹ nd solutions to the Peninsulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctor shortage. The working group consists of three local doctors, two practice managers, a local nurse and Mingalettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health manager, as well as representatives of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Primary Health Network, which extends as far as New England.

The doctors are Dr Paul Duff from Woy Woy, Dr Roger Molesworth from Ettalong, and Dr Cherie Castaing from Umina. The practice managers are Ms Cate Nesbitt from Woy Woy and Ms Jill James from Umina. The nurse is Ms Gaylene Parsell and Mingalettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health manager is Auntie Di (Ms Dianne Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien). The $100,000 will be managed by the Primary Health Network but the funds have been quarantined to address the needs of the

Peninsula. Primary Health Network CEO Mr Richard Nankervis said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The funding will allow the network to develop both short and long term strategies to ensure people on the Peninsula are able to access to quality primary health care. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With a number of GPs nearing retirement, our short term focus will be on recruiting more full time general practitioners to the Peninsula. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Longer term solutions will

involve the network working with stakeholders to increase the number of GP registrars coming to the area and working with practices to implement strategies to increase the utilisation of other primary health care professionals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For example, we know the use of practice nurses frees up a GPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time so they can focus on more acute or serious cases.â&#x20AC;? Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Network has found that at least ďŹ ve new

full-time equivalent doctors are needed locally. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This funding will help ensure the right resources are available to support this need,â&#x20AC;? she said. SOURCES: Media release, 10 May 2017 Tim Sowden, ofďŹ ce of Lucy Wicks Interview, 11 May 2017 Media statement, 11 May 2017 Scott White, Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network Reporter: Jackie Pearson

THIS ISSUE contains 57 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info OfďŹ ce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

www.centralcoastnews.net

The remaining land was soldd for $9.5 million. NSW Minister for Finance, e, Services and Property, Mr Victor Dominello, said th thee announcement meant th thee State Government was a step step closer to delivering its election on commitment to relocate 3000 government jobs to Gosford. Property NSW confirmed salee contracts had been exchangedd with St Hilliers and settlement nt was due towards the end of 2017. Work on the mixed-usee commercial building was as expected to commence by thee end of May. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no timeframee confirmed for the development nt of the remainder of the site,â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;? according to a Frequently Asked Questions document produced by Property NSW. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no restrictions on any further sale of the land,â&#x20AC;? a statement from Property for NSW said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any subsequent sale of the land would be a matter for St Hilliers,â&#x20AC;? it said. Mr Dominello announced that the Australian-based property and construction group had been chosen to develop the site, which would include the new 7,000 square metre mixed-use commercial building at 32 Mann St. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a big win for Gosford, and the project will provide the area with long overdue commercial development that will provide new jobs and economic stimulus,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only will the development

St Hilliers has paid over $9m for the remaining 1.1 hectares of the former Gosford Public School land Photo Noel Fisher

create construction jobs, but ion jo the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employees will engage with local traders, retailers and eateries, which is good news for small business.â&#x20AC;? The mixed-use commercial building will accommodate public servants from the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation from late 2018. The development is expected to create 90 construction jobs and more than 330 ongoing indirect jobs, and inject an additional $1.4m in retail expenditure to the Gosford CBD, and a further $4.2m to the broader region per annum. St Hilliers has more than 20 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in major developments, including 155 Clarence St, Sydney, the Thornton Precinct in Penrith and Atelier at Kingston Foreshore, Canberra.

Property NSW said it would work with St Hilliers and the Central Coast Council to realise the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for the site. In terms of how Property NSW knows that St Hillierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will deliver that vision, it issued the following statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of the detailed tender process last year, the successful proponent had to indicate how it would deliver on the NSW Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for the remainder of the site, including providing generous public open space, residential and retail and hospitality uses (cafes and restaurants). â&#x20AC;&#x153;This formed part of the Property NSW evaluation process and is consistent with the Central Coast Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development Control Plan for the site,â&#x20AC;? the statement said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The community will have

the opportunity to comment on the DA of each subsequent phase of development of the site as it is proposed,â&#x20AC;? the FAQ document said. The Gosford/Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce met with the NSW Government and St Hilliers. Chamber President, Ms Alison Vidler, said it had been â&#x20AC;&#x153;a very successful meeting â&#x20AC;Śdiscussing the future of the site, local jobs and the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history with the area, including the building of Kariong High Schoolâ&#x20AC;?. According to Ms Vidler, the development had the potential to act as a catalyst to create ongoing economic and employment opportunities for the region. This development will provide employment opportunities and

support economic growth in the Gosford CBD,â&#x20AC;? Ms Vidler said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Workers will be using local suppliers, traders, retailers or eateries before and after work or during their lunch hours, which is good news for local businesses,â&#x20AC;? she said. St Hilliers announced the success of its tender on its website, describing itself as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;successful proponent to develop a mixed-use precinct at 32 Mann St. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first stage of the development will comprise a new commercial office building, with subsequent stages of mixed use residential and retail offerings,â&#x20AC;? the website said. St Hilliers described itself as an integrated property and construction group providing

expertise and service in design management, cost planning, civil and building construction, refurbishment, property development and funds management. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our commitment to developing long-term, sustainable and collaborative relationships with our clients and our ability to deliver projects wherever our clients take us, has contributed to over 995 per cent of our business bei being through repeat clients,â&#x20AC;? the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website said. An interview request from Coast Community News was referred back from St Hilliers to Property NSW. The Expression of Interest and Request for Tender for the land were issued by Property NSW in the latter half of 2016 to seek private sector interest in delivering the DA building and develop the rest of the site. â&#x20AC;&#x153;St Hilliers was selected following an extensive tender process,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said the FAQ document. It posed the question: â&#x20AC;&#x153;why did the Government seek to build on the old school site?â&#x20AC;? and responded: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As one of its 2015 election commitments, the Government committed to relocating at least 300 public sector roles from the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation to Gosford by late 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the central agency responsible for management of the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial accommodation requirements, Property NSW undertook a detailed assessment of the Gosford commercial market to determine existing and potential development sites able to accommodate the relocated staff by 2018. Continued page 3

OfďŹ ce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net Mobile Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Edition 421

JUNE 1, 2017

St Hilliers chosen to develop the remainder of the former Gosford PS site T

Pearl Beach properties vulnerable, says coastal plan

June 6, 2017

29 May 2017

Edition 420

MAY 18, 2017

Multi-million dollar waterfront properties built on the beachfront dune in Coral Cres, Pearl Beach, are vulnerable to storm erosion and little can be done to protect them, a management plan adopted by Central Coast Council has found.

e Frkeeone!

Issue 118

15 May 2017

Edition 419

Coastal Zone Management Plan identiďŹ es areas at severe risk of erosion entral Coast Council has revised its Coastal Zone Management Plan for the northern coastal areas, extending 33km from just south of Catherine Hill Bay to Crackneck Point, and is seeking community feedback on the proposed changes.

Council has worked with the NSW OfďŹ ce of Environment and Heritage to review the Wyong Coastal Zone Management Plan (WCZMP 2017) in response to changes to NSW legislation and improved information about coastal hazards. The Plan was placed on public exhibition on May 15 and will remain on exhibition until June 13. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the draft plan aimed to address risks from coastal hazards and outline actions to improve the environmental and community beneďŹ ts for the Coast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This process started under the former Wyong Council and we must

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The northern end of the Wyong coast showing areas of natural coast (green), hot spots (red), recreation and urban (yellow) â&#x20AC;&#x153;A plan for the former this plan is similar in move this plan forward to provide certainty for our Gosford City Council design and intent, we residents who live on the area has now been sent must and want to seek Coastline,â&#x20AC;? Mr Dowling to the Minister for the community feedback on Environment for ďŹ nal the changes. said. endorsement, but while

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without a proper plan in place to cover our coastal areas, we cannot apply for State Government funding to help manage coastal hazards,â&#x20AC;? Mr Dowling said. After 2011, it was apparent that the potential risk from coastal and landslip processes was not clearly deďŹ ned. Council undertook a review of the hazards information to better deďŹ ne the coastal and geotechnical risks in the former Wyong local government area. The revised hazards mapping is documented in the draft WCZMP 2017 currently on exhibition. To assist the community to review the draft WCZMP 2017 and to discuss their concerns and ideas, community drop-in sessions will be held during the public exhibition period on Friday, May 26 (4:00pm to 6:00pm) at Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre, 1 Bay Village Rd, Bateau Bay, and on Monday, June 5 (6:00pm to 8:00pm) at The Entrance Community Centre, Building A Classroom, 15 Battley Ave, The Entrance. The Plan will be available for viewing at

Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofďŹ ces and local library branches and at yourvoiceourcoast. com. Submissions will close at midnight on Tuesday, June 13. The CZMP for the northern part of the new Central Coast Local Government Area (former Wyong Shire) has been prepared by a different consultant to the plan for the former Gosford LGA, which has already been sent to the NSW Minister for ďŹ nal approval. According to the latest version of the Wyong CZMP, ďŹ ve locations within the former Wyong LGA are at severe risk from erosion and have been classiďŹ ed as erosion Hot Spots by the NSW Government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To assist with how actions in this CZMP will be applied, the Wyong coast has been organised into four management precinctsâ&#x20AC;Ś deďŹ ned in terms of their different values and level of risk that â&#x20AC;Ś support different levels and types of community usage, development, and ecological function, and which require different management intent and actions.

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

Continues P5

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An aerial view of the proposed nursing home site

An artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impression of the proposed development

Application to build nursing home on bush block A Section 96 application has been lodged to modify a consent given by Gosford Council in 2007 for a development on a 1.6 hectare block on the corner of Hillview St and Veron Rd, Woy Woy. The change would see the development change from a 56unit retirement village to a 160bed nursing home, costing $27.85 million. The block contains a protected stand of Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland endangered ecological community. Thompson Health Care lodged the application on April 13 for a Section 96 amendment to allow a modiďŹ cation for the land to be used as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;residential care facilityâ&#x20AC;?. Due to the value of the proposed development exceeding $27 million, it will be subject to approval by the Joint Regional Planning Panel. The residential care facility would include resident recreational spaces, staff and operational facilities and 53 car spaces in addition to 160 beds over three storeys. Central Coast Council must be satisďŹ ed, under Section 96 (2) of

the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, that the development to which the modiďŹ ed consent relates is substantially the same development as that for which consent was granted. If the application is not for substantially the same development then the developer would be required to submit a fresh Development Application. The capital cost of the modiďŹ ed development would be $27.85 million. The Statement of Environmental Effect lodged with the Section 96 application said that the land was â&#x20AC;&#x153;partly occupied by remnant Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland â&#x20AC;Ś contained within a designated bushland protection/conservation area. Gosford Council holds a positive covenant over the land which spells out an environmental management plan for the bushland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The approved development footprint and internal roadway access has been cleared of remnant vegetation,â&#x20AC;? the developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Statement of Environmental Effect said. The proposed nursing home would provide the 160 nursing home beds in 152 rooms including a 20-room dementia wing.

The new application takes the approved built form from two to three storeys, reduces basement car spaces from 70 to 52, redesigns the main reception/entry and â&#x20AC;&#x153;maintains the existing approved site bushland/conservation areaâ&#x20AC;?. According to the developer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the overall size of the approved building footprint is being slightly reduced (-206 square metres) as a portion of space that was previously approved as part of the internal building envelope is being converted into external, ground-level, open-courtyard landscapingâ&#x20AC;?. The building footprint would be reduced from 3164 square metres to 2958 square metres but the addition of a third level would increase the gross ďŹ&#x201A;oor area from 6427 square metres to 9164 square metres, increasing the ďŹ&#x201A;oor space ratio from 0.55:1 to 0.79:1 (still under the 1:1 allowed for seniors housing). According to the developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement, there is no maximum building height applicable to a residential care facility on the subject land so Council can use its discretion as to whether or not it modiďŹ es the consent. The height of the built form will increase â&#x20AC;&#x153;slightlyâ&#x20AC;? to accommodate

a third residential level and the steeply pitched roof is proposed to be modiďŹ ed to a ďŹ&#x201A;at roof form. Gosfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LEP2014 has a maximum permissible building height of 8.5 metres which both the approved and proposed developments would exceed. The developer has asked Council to allow the proposed building height on the basis they believe it â&#x20AC;&#x153;does not result in a signiďŹ cant increase in bulk and scale when compared with the approved developmentâ&#x20AC;Ś is not visually evident from the public domainâ&#x20AC;Śsits well below the surrounding tree canopyâ&#x20AC;Ś and does not result in any overshadowing.â&#x20AC;? During 2006 and 2007, a proposal to develop seniors living for 41 dwellings on the site with community and recreational facilities was refused by Gosford Council. The refusal was then upheld by the Land and Environment Court. Gosford Council then approved a revised application for the development of 37 self-care units, a community hall and indoor swimming pool. Five subsequent modiďŹ cations to the approval increased the number of units in the development.

The original consent was modiďŹ ed on ďŹ ve occasions, the last permitted 56 sole occupancy dwellings, community hall, indoor swimming pool, 70 car spaces, car wash bay, ambulance space and the bushland protection/ conservation area. The approved built form included a basement car park, two residential levels and a high pitched roof. The land was advertised for sale in late 2015. At that time Gosford Council stated that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Section 95 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 states that a DA is valid for ďŹ ve years from the date of approval. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As such, this DA would now have lapsed, however, if the landowners can demonstrate that there has been physical commencement on the site, the DA may still be considered valid. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The onus is on the landowner to prove that physical commencement has occurred and for this reason, council cannot provide a deďŹ nitive response.â&#x20AC;? Continue Page 3

THIS ISSUE contains 36 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info OfďŹ ce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

he Joint Regional Planning Panel has refused a $26.7 million residential flat building development in Bent St, Gosford, and deferred its decision on a $36.4 million, threetower residential flat building at Albany St, Point Frederick. The decision to refuse the Bent St development was unanimous at the JRPP meeting in Gosford on May 25. The Determination and Statement of Reasons said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The panel reviewed the council assessment report and did not agree with the overall environmental assessment, the balance of considerations under Section 79C of the EPA Act, and nor the recommendation to approve the application. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Clause 4.6 Variation request to the maximum height of the building standard in Gosford Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014 was not considered to be well founded. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In particular, the panel noted that the arguments for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;averagingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the height standards to avoid significant variations in scale lead to a significant height noncompliance at the eastern portion of the site.â&#x20AC;? It said the resulting development would have led to an â&#x20AC;&#x153;unacceptable height transition to existing and likely future development in the area.

An artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impression of the refused Bent Street proposal

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were no compelling environmental planning grounds to support the variation request and the panel did not accept the proposal resulted in a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;betterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; form of development compared to a proposal which complied with the height limit,â&#x20AC;? the determination said. The JRPP said the proposal was inconsistent with the following building height objectives: to permit building heights that encourage highquality urban form; to ensure that buildings and public areas continue to receive satisfactory exposure to sky and sunlight; to nominate heights that will provide an appropriate

transition in built form and land use intensity; and to ensure that taller buildings are located appropriately in relation to view corridors and view impacts, and in a manner that is complementary to the natural topography of the area. The panel also noted that, while the proposal did have the benefit of the 30 per cent bonus to the maximum height and floor space ratio due to Clause 8.9 of Gosford LEP 2014, the clause had since lapsed and that would affect the likely future character of the area, causing the height transition issues to become more pronounced.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed setbacks, in particular to the east and west boundaries, do not comply with State Environmental Planning Policy 65 and associated Apartment Design Guidelines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The use of blank walls to ameliorate separation issues causes unsatisfactory visual impacts, amenity impacts and overall built form. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The internal amenity is not considered to be high, including bedrooms with borrowed light over living areas and no windows, non-compliance with sunlight access in the Apartment Design Guidelines and a general lack of openings for light and ventilation.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reliance on blank walls on the subject and adjoining sites, particularly to the east (assuming their redevelopment) would not result in a high-quality urban form. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposal leads to an unsympathetic interface with existing and likely future development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposal does not adequately respond to or achieve design excellence as required by Clause 8.5 of the GLEP 2014. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposal is considered to be an over-development of the siteâ&#x20AC;Śis considered to result in an isolated site to the

13 June 2017

ISSUE 159

JRPP refuses one large development and defers another

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Kathy Smith dies

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$300m intercity ďŹ&#x201A;eet maintenance facility at Kangy Angy approved subject to conditions

east, and while the applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts and their response from Land and Housing Corporation is acknowledged, this should not obviate the need for an appropriate built form in the context of core planning controls and existing and likely future development in the surrounding area.â&#x20AC;? The JRPP also noted â&#x20AC;&#x153;various Development Control Plan (DCP) non-compliances including maximum building depth and setbacks.â&#x20AC;? It concluded the proposal would lead to adverse overshadowing and visual impacts to surrounding and adjoining land, part of which is directly attributable to the height non-compliance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Approval of this application would not be in the public interest and would create an undesirable precedent due to the significant height noncompliance for a proposal not considered to exhibit design excellence and with no compelling justification,â&#x20AC;? the panel concluded. The DA was for an 80-unit residential flat building at 14 Bent St, Gosford. It included 14 residential levels, three basement car parking levels and 84 car parking spaces. The site is located on the northern side of Bent St between Watt St and Henry Parry Dve. Continued P3

he Federal Department of Environment and Energy has given conditional approval to Transport for NSW to build its intercity ďŹ&#x201A;eet maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.

The proposed development had been referred to the Federal Department under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as a controlled action, due to potential impacts to the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot which are listed as threatened species and communities. According to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, Transport for NSW has also put out for public exhibition an additional Species Impact Statement that is open until June 30. Nineteen conditions were attached to the Federal Environment Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval, which has relied heavily on â&#x20AC;&#x153;bio-bankingâ&#x20AC;? to offset any negative environmental impacts of the proposed train maintenance facility. The Federal conditions referred the applicant to the need to adhere to conditions issued by the NSW Government

The subject site has been given conditional approval by the Federal Environment Department in its approval of the development â&#x20AC;&#x153;as they relate to avoiding and mitigating the impacts of the action on protected mattersâ&#x20AC;?. In addition to those State conditions, the Federal Department has said the applicant must prepare and implement a Groundwater Management Plan that must be submitted to it at least one month before construction commences, and construction canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t commence until that plan is approved by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Mr Josh Frydenberg. The Groundwater Management Plan is intended â&#x20AC;&#x153;to minimise the

impacts of the action on Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems that support or may support Biconvex Paperbark located onsite and offsiteâ&#x20AC;?. The Federal consent also places restrictions on how much land can be cleared: not more than 19.6 hectares of high quality swamp forest; and 3.6 hectares of wet open forest that is foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater within the impact area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To compensate for the impacts to foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot, the person taking the action must provide an offset package in accordance with the offset requirements

calculated under biobanking for the relevant plan community types,â&#x20AC;? the approval document said. According to the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval, at least 90 per cent of those offset requirements need to be direct offsets located in the Central Coast or Lake Macquarie, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and must be consistent with the onground actions identiďŹ ed in the national recovery plan for the Swift Parrot to manage and protect Swift Parrot habitat at the landscape scale. Another offset package must also be put in place to compensate for any impacts on the foraging habitat for the Regent Honeyeater.

Again, 90 per cent of those offsets must be located in the Central Coast or Lake Macquarie area and consistent with the national recovery plan for the Regent Honeyeater. The Biodiversity Offset Strategy will also have to be submitted to the Federal Department one month before construction commences and be approved by the Minister prior to commencement. The strategy will need to demonstrate how the proposed offset package will meet the consent conditions. It will have to identify and describe the proposed offset sites with maps clearly depicting

Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater habitat within the offset sites. The applicant will also need to identify how the offset sites will be legally secured in perpetuity and â&#x20AC;&#x153;identify the long term objectives for future conditions of the offset sites, management and monitoring actions and timeframes for implementationâ&#x20AC;?. Any supplementary measures will also have to be included in the strategy along with the monetary value of each component of the offset package. As part of the Federal Environment Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval, the applicant must maintain accurate records substantiating all activities associated with or relevant to the conditions of approval and such records may be subject to audit. The applicant will also be required to publish annual reports on their website, addressing compliance with each condition of approval including documentary proof. The approval period has a ďŹ ve year duration from May 5.

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

Source: Website, May 24 EPBC 2016/7681, Federal Department of the Environment and Energy Media statement, Jun 5 Kit Hale, ofďŹ ce of Scot MacDonald

Former Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has died on May 31 after a long illness with cancer. Tributes have ďŹ&#x201A;owed from local, State and Federal dignatories. Current Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch described Ms Smith as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a tireless campaigner for the Central Coast communityâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy was a remarkable woman whose long career in small business and the community sector led to her representing the people of Gosford,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After being diagnosed with cancer in 1996, Kathy became a cancer advocate and then chair of Cancer Voices NSW. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy spent years working with Federal and State Governments to establish a regional cancer centre at Gosford Hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Central Coast Cancer Centre will stand as Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest legacy to the Central Coast community and will never be forgotten. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During her time as our local member, Kathy worked tirelessly for our community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy revealed and fought for the repair of dangerous problems with the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge, supported the community in the ďŹ ght to prevent the closure of our local Roads and Maritime Services ofďŹ ce, and worked to stop the increase in train fares. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I commit to continuing Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great work in my role as the Member for Gosford.â&#x20AC;? Ms Tesch extended her condolences to Ms Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, also paid tribute to former Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Member for Gosford Kathy Smith,â&#x20AC;? Ms Wicks said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My thoughts are with Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family, friends and colleagues at this difďŹ cult time.â&#x20AC;? Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds paid tribute to Ms Smith. He said Ms Smith was renowned for her commitment to the local community, particularly her campaigning for the Central Coast Cancer Centre which includes public radiotherapy services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving her community,â&#x20AC;? Mr Reynolds said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;From her passion and commitment to improving the lives of local cancer survivors as the chairwoman of NSW Cancer Voices to her service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula as an elected representative, her drive and tenacity were beyond question. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of Central Coast Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family and friends at this time.â&#x20AC;? The ďŹ&#x201A;ag at Central Coast Council was ďŹ&#x201A;own at half-mast on June 1 in acknowledgement of Ms Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing. NSW Opposition Leader Mr Luke Foley said Ms Smith had passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy bravely battled a recurrence of cancer for more than a year,â&#x20AC;? Mr Foley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her condition deteriorated sharply last weekend,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy was ďŹ rst diagnosed with cancer in 1996. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She fought for the provision of public radiotherapy treatment on the Central Coast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her campaign culminated in joint Federal and State government funding in 2010 for the construction of the Central Coast Cancer Centre, which included the public radiotherapy facilities for which she battled so hard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spoke to her husband Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hanlon and conveyed to him the great affection that so many members of Parliament, from all sides, feel towards Kathy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My thoughts are with Peter, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children Richard and Janet and her grandchildren Georgia, Jimmy, Ali and Joshua.â&#x20AC;? Senator Deborah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill issued a statement that said she had been â&#x20AC;&#x153;deeply saddened by the news that, despite a long and determined

ďŹ ght against cancer, my friend and former Labor colleague Kathy Smith has passed away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy Smith was a generous and determined woman who never shied away from standing up for our community; both as the Member for Gosford and as a strong advocate for cancer treatment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was deeply committed to her family and like so many in our community; Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family will feel a great emptiness in their lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the NSW Cancer Voices chairwoman, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrelenting determination was a critical factor in the delivery of our very own Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was rightly proud of her vital role in that signiďŹ cant achievement which stands as a testament to her endeavors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the key leader of the community voice on this issue, Kathy leaves a lasting legacy so that cancer sufferers now have a local facility to undertake cancer treatment closer to their family and friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many locals ďŹ ghting cancer are now able to balance the challenges of their treatment and still maintain their work and family commitments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That simply wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have happened without Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the Member for Gosford, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrelenting drive kept the Baird government to account and provided crucial electoral support for her local constituents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In particular, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaigns to keep local state services in our community revealed her character - she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up in the ďŹ ght for fairness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tireless work for our community is a noble legacy and I thank her for her dedicated service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula she called home.â&#x20AC;? Senator Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill said her thoughts and prayers were with Ms Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family.. A private funeral was held for Ms Smith on Tuesday, June 6. SOURCES: Media release, 1 Jun 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Media statement, 31 May 2017 Kieran Gill, OfďŹ ce of Luke Foley MP Media release, 31 May 2017 Richard Merhtens, OfďŹ ce of Liesl Tesch MP Media statement, 1 Jun 2017 Rhys Zorro, OfďŹ ce of Senator Deborah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill Website, 1 Jun 2017 Lucy Wicks, Member for Robertson

Tenants selected for affordable housing project Tenants are being selected for a government-supported affordable housing project in Woy Woy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The project was initiated by the NSW Government to provide housing supply for low income earners experiencing housing stress,â&#x20AC;? according to Mr Keith Gavin, chief of community housing provider PaciďŹ c Link Housing which is managing the Woy Woy Apartment Project. The project has 31 apartments, with 13 apartments listed as affordable housing and 17 set aside as social housing. The building in Chambers Place also has common areas, a terrace, parking spaces and ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor retail space. Affordable housing rentals are set at 75 per cent of full private rental costs. To be considered for tenancy, applicants must have earnings below $52,900 a year, or $79,400per annum for couples, according to PaciďŹ c Linkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project ofďŹ cer Mr John TufďŹ n. They must not own or partown any existing property within Australia or overseas. Applicants must also meet all private rental requirements and provide proof of rental history, citizenship status, ďŹ nancial status, and references. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Depending on the individual needs of tenants, the Woy Woy project provides some accessible apartments and others designed for use as disability units if required. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These will be allocated on a

needs basis,â&#x20AC;? Mr TufďŹ n said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Government offered a oneoff capital grant through the NSW Land and Housing Corporation within the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The completed project is wholly owned by Evolve Housing and PaciďŹ c Link and is to be leased and managed by PaciďŹ c Link for the joint venture.â&#x20AC;? Mr TufďŹ n said PaciďŹ c Link had â&#x20AC;&#x153;signiďŹ cant ďŹ&#x201A;exibilityâ&#x20AC;? to manage the social housing tenant mix and some of the Woy Woy tenants would be transferred in from underutilised social housing already managed by PaciďŹ c Link. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like all households, tenants who have been in social housing homes for some time progress from having families to being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;empty-nestersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and may later ďŹ nd themselves living alone in a large home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been a perpetual problem, both for them and for community housing providers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;PaciďŹ c Link will offer the opportunity for existing tenants in good standing who wish to downsize to move to Woy Woy, where the modern apartment is within easy reach of shopping, services and public transport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The current housing waiting list for over-55s seeking a studio or one-bedroom in Woy Woy is in excess of 300. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Woy Woy project will help reduce this waiting list,â&#x20AC;? he said. SOURCE: Interview, 19 May 2017 John TufďŹ n, PaciďŹ c Link Housing Reporter: Dilon Luke

THIS ISSUE contains 56 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info OfďŹ ce: 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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ISSUE 160

Demolition in preparation for Waterside development underway G

osfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longeststanding eye sores, the remains of the Froggyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skate rink on Mann St and the office building on the corner of Baker St and Georgiana Tce, are about to be demolished as part of preparation for phase one of the triple-tower Waterside development.

The $234m Waterside development was approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel in December 2015. The approval made way for the site to be developed for commercial and residential use as well as incorporate a cinema, hotel and tavern. Project architect, Mr Cain King, from CKDS Architecture at East Gosford, said the New Hong Kong Macau Australia Pty Ltd had the keys to the site and had commenced cleaning up the interior, including some asbestos removal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All fees have been paid to Council,â&#x20AC;? Mr King said. Mr King said a plumber had also been on site turning off the water supply, and fencing was to be erected so demolition could begin. The applicant lodged a Section 96 amendment in April to modify the development consent to allow demolition of part of the site prior to the issue of a construction certificate. No other alterations to the development were requested as part of the Section 96 application, however, the demolition work will constitute commencement of the development, so the applicant will have met their responsibility to commence

Caption

work on the development prior to the expiry of Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consent in December. Mr King said the developer did not intend to commence construction of the first stage of the development until late 2018. A letter from PJ Donnellan and Co solicitors accompanying the Section 96 application also stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This addition will allow our clients to begin demolition work that does not interfere with any heritage sites that are part of the approved DA located at 50-70 Mann St, Gosfordâ&#x20AC;?. However, Mr King said the demolition would facilitate alternative uses for parts of the site in the interim. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the demolition on the site and the focus of stage one not to commence until

next year, we are hopeful that Council will approve some alternative uses,â&#x20AC;? Mr King said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the possibilities

include pop-up marketplaces, parking, or the possibility of utilising the site as a holding area for construction

Caption

vehicles as multiple projects are underway in the CBD, so that they can have access to construction sites without disrupting traffic,â&#x20AC;? he said. As the local government election approaches and the current Administration period winds to an end, decisionmaking within Central Coast Council appears to be slowing down, but Mr King said he was hopeful that Council would see the value of putting the site to use once demolition is complete. The land does form part of Central Coast Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current planning proposal to move the commercial core of the Gosford CBD towards the waterfront. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This planning proposal proposes to rezone the land from B4 to B3 Commercial

Core,â&#x20AC;? said a Council assessment report written to consider the merit of the Section 96 application. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The planning proposal does not affect the s96 application, which is to permit demolition prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate for building works,â&#x20AC;? the assessment report said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The subject site is zoned B4 Mixed Use under Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed development is defined as commercial, shop top housing, hotel, and entertainment facility, as defined in Gosford LEP 2014, which is permissible in the zone with consent of Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed land uses are also permissible in the B3 zone, subject to the exhibited planning proposal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed modifications will not result in adverse amenity impacts on the adjoining properties and the streetscape,â&#x20AC;? the report concluded. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed development is substantially the same as the development that was originally granted consent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As such, in accordance with Section 80(1)(a) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Section 96(1A) for modification is recommended for approval.â&#x20AC;? When actual construction commences, the three-tower project will be completed in three stages, each lasting five years. Source: Interview, Jun 13 Cain King, CKDS Architecture Gosford DA Tracker, DA47046.2/2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

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Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan certified

he NSW Government has certified the Coastal Zone Management Plan for the former Gosford LGA beaches. However, the measures it puts in place differ from those currently on exhibition for the former Wyong LGA beaches. “Council’s Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan will now guide Council’s approach to the protection of public and private property from future coastal erosion,” said Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds. Mr Reynolds said the certification of the Plan was the start of the process of Council, the community, landowners and the State Government working together to protect the Coast’s unique coastline for generations to come. “The community’s right to access and enjoy our beaches is paramount, and this Plan clearly outlines the responsibilities of landowners and government to ensure that can happen,” Mr Reynolds said.

Storm damage at Wamberal in June 2016 was described as the worst since 1974 when houses were lost

“Now that the Plan has been gazetted, Council is the consent authority for most protection works on beaches and nearby land.

“Landowners are reminded that they must lodge a development application to get approval for such works before they proceed.

“This process is in place to ensure that the presence of any protection works does not adversely impact on adjoining private and public property or affect the long-term amenity

of a public beach.” Now that the Plan has been certified, Council is in a position to apply for State Government funding to help

manage coastal hazards and other issues in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) is currently undertaking a cost-benefit analysis for its design of a proposed revetment wall along the whole of Wamberal Beach. “Once the design, cost benefit analysis and construction cost is completed by OEH and made available to Council, Council can then have an informed and constructive conversation with local landowners, State Government, and the community about a possible permanent solution for beach erosion at Wamberal and how it might be funded,” Mr Reynolds said. “We need to ensure that any permanent solution for Wamberal Beach balances the needs of private landholders to protect their properties, ensures the community can continue to access and enjoy this popular public beach, and provides an appropriate means of funding those works”. Source: Newsletter, Jun 9 Central Coast Council media

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LRC has mixed reviews from former councillors

he Local Representation C o m m i t t e e (LRC) established by Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, has been a useful exercise, according to former Gosford Councillors. The committee has been wound up by Mr Reynolds as the current Council administration moves into caretaker mode in the lead up to the September 9 Central Coast Council election. Former Greens’ councillor, Ms Hillary Morris, said the monthly LRC meetings have given the former councillors a vehicle to bring community issues to the attention of Mr Reynolds and CEO, Mr Rob Noble. Ms Morris said the issues she had raised at LRC meetings since June 2016 included: Mangrove Mountain landfill issues around operation and water quality; the former Wyong Council tree policy, its impact and whether Central Coast Council will implement this policy; the sea level rise figure used by the former

Gosford Council against the Wyong Council policy and how this will work in the new combined council; Davistown Wetlands; Clean Up Australia Day; Warnervale Airport; Koala habitat in the Glenning Valley development; a suggestion regarding an advertising campaign regarding roadside dumping and kerbside collections; and, the section 96 application for Rindean Quarry. “The reader can determine whether or not action has been taken in regard to those issues,” she said. “Central Coast Council also provided updates as to how the amalgamation was progressing at each of the general quarterly meetings. “As someone who was opposed to the amalgamation, I am still uncertain of the benefits, but it will be interesting to see what transpires after the election of the new Council. “I do think senior executives should not have been appointed until a new General Manager had the chance to choose a team for themselves. “However, it is a decision of the current CEO and not councillors to determine

the staffing of the council, although the new councillors should have had the chance to appoint a CEO prior to any appointments that lock in contracts,” she said. “If not the Local Representation Committee then what?” asked former independent Gosford Councillor and its last Deputy Mayor, Mr Craig Doyle. “Without the LRC, there would have been no voice at all for the community, just a benevolent dictatorship, and the State Government said Mr Reynolds needed an LRC to prevent the administration from having the look of a benevolent dictatorship,” Mr Doyle said. “The vast majority of the 18 councillors treated it with seriousness, but a small number did treat it as a bit of a joke,” he said. “Things of some significance were presented to the Administrator via the LRC that would not have been drawn to his attention without the committee. “The thing I struggled with was that we were given only one hour per month to provide advice to the Administrator and

he could’ve got much better value out of the 18 former councillors if he had given us more time,” Mr Doyle said. Former Labor councillor, Ms Vicky Scott, said the LRC was set up by the NSW Government “to make it look as if the community had some representation but I felt it was more for show and to keep the former local councillors quiet. “I kept going to the meetings in the hope that it would improve, but it didn’t,” she said. “A lot of information was asked for by the members of the LRC on various issues, but we did not get answers. “I am now really concerned about decisions being pushed through at the last minute before a new council is elected. “For instance, the leadership contracts are being determined by the current CEO, when the new CEO should be able to choose the staff with whom they work. “The new contracts for four years will take the community into the council after this one, when I would want to see a CEO appointed by the new Council.

“The Council’s first appointment should be the mayor, then the CEO, and that is a really important decision, as it will mark the flavour of the Council for the next three years. “I believe the NSW Government is continuing to try to set the agenda for the Council, for example, a community reference group is being hand-picked by Mr Reynolds and Mr Noble, and I think that is a State Government directive,” she said. The community reference group will be utilised to assist the Council to formulate its strategic plan however, Ms Scott said it was not clear whether or not the reference group would also be used as a future community consultation body. One of the things I would like to see from the new Council is a way to do community consultation that is best practice, and I don’t think that this is the way to do it. “My feeling is that none of those people who have been critical of Council will get on the reference group, and I wonder whether the members of the group will be chosen for

their politics. “I would rather develop a consultation policy that is best practice and that we can then stick to. “All sorts of things are being done in the dying days of this unelected Council, such as the urban design consultation panel. “The June meeting of the LRC will be the end of something that made me feel very patronised. “For an hour a month, we met to come up with concerns, and most didn’t receive a response from Council. “For example, an item I put up in November was not answered until May. “I hope the community can recognise that this isn’t just being done on the Central Coast, this is the same in every amalgamated Council, and it is a State Government approach,” Ms Scott said. Source: Interview, Jun 5 Vicky Scott, former Gosford Councillor Interview, Jun 13 Craig Doyle, former Gosford Councillor Media statement, Jun 7 Hillary Morris, former Gosford Councillor Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Auditors unable to express an opinion on former Gosford Council’s books

rice Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), the auditors chosen by Central Coast Council to audit the accounts of both the former Wyong and Gosford Councils, has not expressed an opinion on the Gosford Council financial statements based on the audit.

PWC were engaged to audit the special purpose financial statements of the former Gosford Council, which included the Statement of Financial Position by Business Activity for the period ended May 12, 2016, the Income Statements by Business Activity, notes to the financial statements and the statement by the Administrator and Management made pursuant to the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting. According to the Independent Auditor’s Report, published on yourvoiceourcoast.com on June 9: “The Administrator

of the council is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and has determined that the accounting policies described…are appropriate to meet the requirements of the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting. “The Administrator’s responsibility also includes such internal control as the Administrator determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. “Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audit.

“We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. “Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements, and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. “Due to control issues identified during their preparation of the financial report, management have been unable to provide us with required written representation that all transactions have been recorded and are reflected in the financial statements. “As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether any

adjustments might have been found necessary in respect of recorded or unrecorded transactions in the financial statements. “Because of the matters described…we were not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion. “Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the financial report,” PWC signed off. Employees of Central Coast Council have been provided with a ‘frequently asked questions’ fact sheet to explain the status of the former Gosford Council’s financial reports. According to the fact sheet, “The Independent Auditors

have each given disclaimers of opinion in regard to the accounts of the former Gosford Council… as there is insufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an opinion. “During preparation for the audit, Central Coast Council identified significant control issues where additions, deletions and changes to transactions could have been made without leaving an audit trail,” the fact sheet said. “For this reason, Central Coast Council was not able to provide either of the auditors with an unqualified statement on completeness and accuracy of transactions, as required under the relevant Acts and auditing standards. “Assurance testing over this period was not possible and so the auditing standard prescribes a disclaimer of opinion,” the fact sheet to Council employees said. “It is rare for a Council to get a disclaimed audit report,” the fact sheet said. “However, the internal control issues have been rectified and

all prior year errors corrected. “There is a plan in place to validate all transactions of the merged Central Coast Council for this financial year. “Council is working to ensure it is able to provide assurance to secure a ‘clean’ audit report from the independent auditors for the current financial year.” In response to the question, “did I pay more water rates because of the over counting of Council assets?”, the fact sheet answered: “No, when the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) determines water supply authority sewerage and drainage prices for water supply authorities (which include the former Gosford Council), it uses a theoretical asset value (known as the regulated asset base) and did not use the former Gosford Council’s assets values in their calculations. “So, the inaccuracies in the former Gosford Council’s asset count did not affect water pricing for residents. Continued P6

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Auditors unable to express an opinion on former Gosford Council’s books

“Currently, water, sewerage and drainage prices are frozen at 2016 levels, and will remain at these levels until the next IPART pricing determination. “Council’s current Operational Plan is fully funded and is available to view on its website. “The draft Operational Plan for next year is currently out on public exhibition and highlights a record spend on capital works in the key areas the community wants [including] roads and drainage, water and sewer, and open space and recreation. “There is sufficient cash available to meet commitments and fund the plan and it has $9.5b in assets. “The asset valuation issues do not impact Council’s capacity to deliver services to the community. “It has the money in the bank to deliver the services our community need, want and value. “The Central Coast Council inherited an operating surplus from both former Councils. “This surplus will be used to fund a record $207.5m capital works program next financial year and we will continue to deliver $551m in essential

2014-15 Auditor's opnion for Gosford Council accounts

services to the community.” In answer to the question of whether external agencies are still investigating, the fact sheet said: “Various statutes impose obligations to refer certain matters to external agencies. “Council has met its obligations under those statutes. “It is not appropriate for Council to make further comment. As to whether ICAC has investigated the matters relating to Gosford’s record keeping, the fact sheet said: “Central Coast Council cannot comment on external agency investigations.” In response to whether any former or current staff are expected to be investigated over the recent matter, the fact sheet said: “The matter was referred to external agencies

and any actions are a matter for those agencies. “No staff are under any Central Coast Council action with respect to this matter.” UHY Haines Norton audited the accounts of the former Gosford Council for the year ended June 30, 2015, and gave the opinion that the Council’s accounting records had been kept in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act, Chapter 13, part 3, Division 2; and had been presented, in all material respects, in accordance with the requirements of this Division; were consistent with Council’s accounting records; and presented fairly, in all material respects, the Council’s financial position as at June 30 and its financial performance and its cash flows in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the

Local Government (General) Regulations 2005. “There are no material deficiencies in the accounting records or financial statements that have come to light during the course of the audit,” UHY Haines Norton signed off the previous year. The Central Coast Council has continued to state that it would not be appropriate for it to name the third parties that it informed about the former Gosford Council’s financial control problems. Coast Community News has contacted the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Audit Office of NSW to ask if they are investigating any issues relating to the finances of the former Gosford Council. ICAC would neither confirm nor deny any investigation, as is its standard practice.

It does not place information in the public domain unless the matter proceeds to a public inquiry and/or report. The Audit Office of NSW has confirmed that it has now been given a mandate by the NSW Government to audit all local councils throughout the state. That means the NSW Auditor General will be responsible for auditing the first set of reports from the newly-formed Central Coast Council for the period May 13, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Future audits of the Central Coast Council will either be performed by the staff of the Audit Office or field work may be tendered to a private sector auditor but under the direction of the Auditor General. This will mean local councils will no longer be able to select their own auditors and that the Auditor General and

Audit Office will also need to understand and be happy with the internal controls each council has in place. The Central Coast Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday, June 19, for the presentation of the audited financial statements and the auditor’s report. The audited financial statements for the former Gosford City Council are available for inspection at Council’s administrative buildings in Mann St, Gosford, and Hely St, Wyong, customer service centres, libraries and online at yourvoiceourcoast. com. Any person may make written submissions to Council with respect to the former Gosford City Council’s audited financial statements or audit reports until June 27. Also available for inspection are the audited financial statements of the former Gosford Water Supply Authority. The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers in Mann St, Gosford, at 6:30pm. Council will hold a residents’ forum at 6pm before the Extraordinary Meeting. Residents are required to register to speak by calling 4325 8361 and will have a maximum of five minutes. Source: Financial Reports former Gosford Council Jul 1, 2015 to May 12, 2016 Independent Auditor’s Report, Oct 28, 2015 UHY Haines Norton Media statement, Jun 8 Central Coast Council media Source: Fact sheet, Jun 8 Central Coast Council media Jackie Pearson, journalist

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PAGE 8 JUNE 15, 2017

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Vale Kathy Smith former Member for Gosford

Central Coast Council paid tribute to Ms Smith who was a local anti-cancer activist. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Ms Smith was renowned for her commitment to the local community, particularly her campaigning for the Central Coast Cancer Centre including public radiotherapy services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From her passion and commitment to improving the lives of local cancer survivors as the Chairwoman of NSW Cancer Voices, to her service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula as an elected representative, her drive and tenacity were beyond question,â&#x20AC;? Mr Reynolds said. The flag at Central Coast Council was flown at half-mast on June 1 in acknowledgement of Ms Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing. NSW Opposition Leader, Mr Luke Foley, said it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;with

great sadness he advised of Ms Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing. He said she had passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy bravely battled a recurrence of cancer for more than a year,â&#x20AC;? Mr Foley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her condition deteriorated sharply last weekend,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She fought for the provision of public radiotherapy treatment on the Central Coast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her campaign culminated in joint Federal and State Government funding in 2010 for the construction of the Central Coast Cancer Centre, which included the public radiotherapy facilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spoke this afternoon to

her husband, Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hanlon, and conveyed to him the great affection that so many members of Parliament, from all sides, feel towards Kathy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My thoughts are with Peter, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children, Richard and Janet, and her grandchildren Georgia, Jimmy, Ali and Joshua. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We lost a tireless campaigner for the Central Coast community with the passing of Kathy Smith,â&#x20AC;? said the current Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy was a remarkable woman whose long career in small business and the community sector led to her representing the people of Gosford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy spent years working with Federal and State Governments to establish a regional cancer centre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Central Coast Cancer Centre will stand as Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest legacy to the Central Coast community and will never be forgotten. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During her time as our local member, Kathy worked tirelessly for our community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy revealed and fought for the repair of dangerous problems with the Hawkesbury

River Rail Bridge, supported the community in the fight to prevent the closure of our local Roads and Maritime Services office, and worked to stop the increase in train fares. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thank Kathy for her contribution to the Central Coast and the state of New South Wales.â&#x20AC;? Ms Tesch also extended her condolences to Ms Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I commit to continuing Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great work in my role as the Member for Gosford.â&#x20AC;? Senator Deborah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill issued a statement that said she had been â&#x20AC;&#x153;deeply saddened by the news that, despite a long and determined fight against cancer, my friend and former Labor colleague Kathy Smith has passed away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathy Smith was a generous and determined woman who never shied away from standing up for our community; both as the Member for Gosford and as a strong advocate for cancer treatment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was deeply committed to her family and like so many in our community, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family will feel a great emptiness in their lives.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the NSW Cancer Voices Chairwoman, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrelenting determination was a critical factor in the delivery of our very own Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was rightly proud of her vital role in that significant achievement, which stands as a testament to her endeavors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the key leader of the community voice on this issue, Kathy leaves a lasting legacy, so that cancer sufferers now have a local facility to undertake cancer treatment closer to their family and friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many locals fighting cancer are now able to balance the challenges of their treatment and still maintain their work and family commitments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That simply wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have happened without Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the Member for Gosford, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrelenting drive kept the Baird government to account and provided crucial electoral support for her local constituents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In particular, Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaigns to keep local state services in our community, revealed her character - she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up in the fight

for fairness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tireless work for our community is a noble legacy and I thank her for her dedicated service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula she called home.â&#x20AC;? Senator Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill said her thoughts and prayers were with Ms Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, has also paid tribute to former Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith,â&#x20AC;? Ms Wicks said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My thoughts are with Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,â&#x20AC;? she concluded. A private funeral was held for Ms Smith on Tuesday, June 6. Source: Media release, 1 Jun Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Media statement, 31 May Kieran Gill, office of Luke Foley Media release, 31 May Richard Mehrtens, office of Liesl Tesch Media statement, 1 Jun Rhys Zorro, office of Deborah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill Website, 1 Jun Lucy Wicks MP Facebook page

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NEWS

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Consortium of three companies to deliver tourism marketing and industry services

consortium of three companies, to be known as Affinity, has been named by Central Coast Council as the successful organisation to deliver tourism marketing and industry services for the Central Coast for the next two years. In announcing the successful tenderer, Central Coast Council claimed Affinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise extended across international and domestic tourism marketing; data-driven strategies; partnerships; tourism research and insights; and, facilitating membership and customer loyalty programs, as well as training and mentoring for the tourism industry. Council Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said she was confident Council had found the right group to lead the Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism industry marketing forward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to assist local tourism operators and other businesses to capitalise on the NSW visitor growth

opportunities and bring more visitor spending to the Central Coast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Affinity has demonstrated a solid strategy to do just that.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Central Coast team from Affinity, MyTravelResearch.com and Surfer Rosa Communications, have experience ranging across The Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route, Northern Territory Tourism, Destination NSW, Tourism Australia and Austrade, and as Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most awarded data-driven agency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their industry services coordinator is based on the Central Coast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Affinity will commence services on July 1 with an immediate focus on a membership participation program, securing partners for a new marketing campaign and Destination New South Wales co-operative marketing funds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their first action will be to make contact with the industry and sharing their program of work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Combined with Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increased tourism investment, a new Destination Network

Stamp duty removed for first home buyers

designed to attract more visitors to the region, a new Destination Management Plan and the advent of a new marketing approach to implement it, we are all confident we can head in the same direction to deliver more for our region,â&#x20AC;? said Ms Vaughan. Council will work with Central Coast Tourism on a smooth transition as they finalise their contract on June 30. Source: Media release, Jun 8 Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council

ember for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, has announced a comprehensive package of measures which will give first homebuyers a fair go at owning their own home by significantly reducing stamp duty and providing more housing choice. Mr Crouch announced the reforms with NSW Premier, Ms Gladys Berekjiklian, as part of the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment for residents across NSW to be able to aspire to own their own home. These far reaching changes could save first homebuyers

up to $34,360, according to Mr Crouch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While there are no easy solutions when it comes to housing affordability, residents who are saving to own their first own home will benefit greatly from these reforms,â&#x20AC;? Mr Crouch said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stamp duty is a hurdle for first home buyers, so to give residents a fair go, we will abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers on properties costing up to $650,000 and provide stamp duty discounts on properties up to $800,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This means many first home buyers will not be paying stamp duty at all in the Terrigal Electorate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To meet demand, we also need more homes built in the right areas and with improved

he Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) has recommended that Central Coast residents should be given full access to a Wamberal Beach Storm Erosion Mediation Report.

and decided that there was â&#x20AC;&#x153;an overriding public interest against disclosure of some informationâ&#x20AC;?. Mr Aiken applied to the IPC for an external review on April 3, and was informed on May 16 that Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision was â&#x20AC;&#x153;not justifiedâ&#x20AC;?. The IPC recommended that Council â&#x20AC;&#x153;makes a new decisionâ&#x20AC;?. In making his application to the IPC, Mr Aiken said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Central Coast Council has decided to ignore informing the community, not reveal environmental or health risks, or measures relating to public health and safety, not contribute to the protection

of the environment, and not contribute to the positive and informed debate on issues of public importance.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue in this review is the application of the public interest test and the way access to information has been provided,â&#x20AC;? the IPC said in its review report. IPC Investigation and Review Officer, Mr Lee Fisher, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have reviewed the information and I am not satisfied that the Agency (Council) has sufficiently described the functions which could reasonably be expected to be prejudiced by release of the information concerned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The agency has not

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Council overruled on access to report

Saratoga resident and STL candidate for the September Council election, Mr Pat Aiken, applied using the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) laws to obtain a copy of the report. Council decided to provide access by viewing parts of the document, with other parts redacted (blacked out),

infrastructure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To achieve this, we will provide access to $3b from government, councils and developers,â&#x20AC;? Mr Crouch said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These changes to stamp duty and support for new infrastructure will make regional Australia an even more attractive place for people to live, work and play,â&#x20AC;? he added. Premier Berekjiklian said this package was â&#x20AC;&#x153;another example of ensuring every community in NSW receives its fair share by allowing locals to get a foot in the housing market.â&#x20AC;?

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described the prejudice that could reasonably be expected to occur, or how external influences might detract from a full and proper assessment of the risks and recommendations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On this basis, I am not satisfied that (Council) has justified its application of clause 1(f) as a relevant public interest consideration against disclosure,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am not satisfied that the Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application of the public interest test met the requirements of the GIPA Act â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the Agency has not demonstrated that this test has been met, I cannot be satisfied that the Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision is justified. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the information available, I am not satisfied that the Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to withhold access to information is justified. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am however, satisfied that the Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to provide access by viewing is justified.â&#x20AC;? Mr Aiken has since been informed by Central Coast Council that it will conduct an internal review of the IPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review, but has not, as yet, allowed access to the nonredacted document. Source: Email, May 19 Lee Fisher, Information and Privacy Commission

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PAGE 12 JUNE 15, 2017

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Reversal of collection arrangements of FESL causes administrative chaos

he decision by the NSW Government to halt the introduction of the Fire and Emergency Services Levy (FESL) on properties has divided major stakeholders. Central Coast Council first announced in April that it would be required to collect the FESL from property owners alongside their rates on behalf of the state government. At the time of the announcement, only insured property owners contributed directly to the funding for NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service as part of their premiums. From July 1, Councils across the state were required to include the FESL on rates notices. Unimproved land values were to be determined by the NSW Valuer General, while Councils determined property classifications. To introduce the FESL, the NSW Valuer General reviewed all land values in NSW to align all NSW properties with a single valuation base date, to apply the FESL equitably. Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, confirmed

that the levy was to be passed straight to the NSW Government to fund fire and emergency services. In April, Mr Reynolds confirmed that some rates, despite the rate path freeze for merged Councils, could be impacted by the levy. The introduction of the levy, heralded by proponents as the most significant reform of a generation, was aimed at reducing the cost of household insurance, and sharing the cost of emergency services more fairly, to bring NSW in line with other states. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer, Mr Dominic Perrottet then announced on May 30 that the new way of collecting the FESL had been halted and was under review, to ensure small to medium businesses did not face an unreasonable cost burden. Ms Berejiklian said in the majority of cases fully insured people would be better off under the new system, but some fully insured businesses were facing unintended consequences. “We have heard the concerns from the community, and we will take the time to get this right,” Ms Berejiklian said. “While the new system produces fairer outcomes in the majority of cases, some

people, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors, are worse off by too much.” Mr Perrottet said the lived experience had not matched the intention of the reform particularly for small and medium businesses. “It’s not enough for this reform to work on paper, its real-life implementation has real life consequences for families and businesses, and we need to make sure they are not placed under unfair strain,” he said “We are committed to reducing NSW’s high rates of under insurance and to making the funding of our fire and emergency services fairer, but we want to get this right. “The NSW Government will work with local government, fire and emergency services, the insurance industry and other stakeholders to find a better and fairer path forward. “The FESL will continue to be collected via insurance policies until the NSW Government has completed its review of the policy, and the funding requirements of fire and emergency services agencies will be met in full. “The FESL is revenue neutral, raising no more than the amount required to fund the state’s fire and emergency services.” The Berejiklian Government’s decision to pull the pin on the new way of collecting the levy just days before it was supposed to formally begin, has left some stakeholders reeling, with NSW Labor leader, Mr Luke Foley, describing the last minute ditch as an “eleventh hour backflip.” Mr Foley also questioned why the FESL was put on pause and suggested the government had returned to the drawing board, spurred on by the backlash from disgruntled householders facing large increases in their bills in the adjustment. “Only now that the inequity of

the tax has been exposed, has the Premier and her Treasurer been prompted to act and go back to the drawing board. “There now hangs a question mark over the future funding of emergency services, now that the tax has been shelved. “The latest backflip follows Mike Baird’s infamous change of heart on greyhounds last year, and the Premier’s U-turn on some Council amalgamations,” Mr Foley said. The NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) said that any review of the FESL must not trigger changes to the amount of their guaranteed funding. “The RFSA is a supporter of the previous model of collecting the levy through insurance, and was very vocal about the pitfalls of changing to a levy on property holders by local councils,” RFSA President, Mr Ken Middleton said. “However, with the government’s strong commitment to follow other states into a property-based model, the RFSA worked closely with the government to secure the best interests of its members. “The Treasurer has provided us with a commitment that changes to the way the levy is collected and administered will not impact on our 74,000 volunteer and salaried rural fire fighters, and that unspent allocations can be rolled into the next financial year. “We would not want to see undertakings compromised by model changes,” Mr Middleton said. Insurance Council of Australia’s Spokesperson, Mr Campbell Fuller, echoed other stakeholders’ disappointment. “The decision is a blow to NSW property owners, households, businesses and the broader state economy. “The Emergency Services Levy will continue to deter the

community from taking out insurance. “The government now requires insurance companies to continue collecting the old Emergency Services Levy (ESL) beyond June 30, for an unspecified portion of the 2017-18 financial year. “This has significant legal and commercial implications for the industry. “It is a logistical and technical challenge that will cause confusion and increase premiums for policyholders,” Mr Fuller said. “This government had promised insurance customers they would experience a fall in their insurance premiums after June 30; as the ESL Insurance Monitor has said publicly, many consumers have already seen significant reductions in the ESL on their insurance. “This will now need to be reversed. “The NSW Government has had more than 18 months to design and implement its new FESL system. “Every other mainland state has abolished emergency services levies on insurance with little fuss. “Insurers have spent more than a year and tens of millions of dollars on consultants and technological system changes in preparation for the removal of the ESL from June 30. “They have worked without the certainty of legislation, which was only passed in March. “The government’s failure to introduce its FESL on time calls into question the notion that emergency services should be funded separately rather than through consolidated revenue,” Mr Fuller added. Other stakeholders, like the NSW local government sector, welcomed the decision to halt the FESL. Local Government Minister, Ms Gabrielle Upton, advised the sector’s peak body, Local Government NSW (LGNSW),

that the collection of the fire and emergency services levy would revert to the existing system. Currently, property owners make a significant funding contribution to fire and emergency services through their insurance premiums, as well as through an 11.7 per cent levy embedded in their rate notices. “The government had previously announced it would scrap the insurance contribution, replacing it with a new line-item levy on Council rate notices,” LGNSW President, Mr Keith Rhoades said. “The FESL was based on the unimproved land value of property across NSW. “However, the most recent land valuations meant significant increases in contributions for many property owners, prompting community and media criticism. “Premier Berejiklian’s announcement that the Government will not impose the FESL from July 1 provides an opportunity to pursue a true broad-based levy that replaces both the insurance and existing ratepayer contributions. “The local government sector recognises and supports the need to properly fund fire and emergency services, and has continued to work with the treasury on this. “Councils have already done a lot of work to comply with the Government’s FESL legislation, and there will now be a need to undo this work, not to mention the associated costs. “While this is regrettable, the chance to get the levy right should be our focus,” he concluded. Sources: Media releases, Apr 26 and May 30 Central Coast Council Media Luke Foley, NSW Opposition Leader Keith Rhoades, LGNSW Campbell Fuller, Insurance Council of Australia Melissa Humphrey, NSW RFS Media statement, May 30 Dominic Perrottet, NSW Treasurer Dilon Luke, Journalist

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Changed publishing and distribution arrangements to result in over 100 job losses

ore than 100 Central Coast residents are set to lose their jobs as deliverers for the Central Coast Express Advocate, as NewsLocal, the subsidiary that operates all of media conglomerate News Corp’s community newspapers in NSW, has hired a distribution company to replace its current employees.

The shift to Warner’s Bay based, Novadel, comes into effect on July 6, with up to 180 drivers and walkers set to lose out. The move was prompted by a distribution review which also telegraphed major changes to the Central Coast Express Advocate, with the bi-weekly publication set to drop an

edition entirely, becoming just a weekly publication, with Thursdays now the day of publication. The change also sees the consolidation of the North and South editions into just the one coats wide edition. These changes will take effect from June 15. Current deliverers and walkers have been notified by NewsLocal that their employment will cease on July 6, but they have also been informed that they may offer their services to Novadel. News Corp did not respond to questions regarding the exact number of positions being cut, nor did they respond regarding the rumour that Novadel would only have 35 deliverer positions servicing the entirety of the Central Coast Source: Document, Jun 8 Dilon Luke, Journalist

Order of Australia for Dr Brian Shaw for service to Palliative Care r Brian John Shaw of Erina has received an Order of Australia Medal in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his service to Palliative Care.

Coast Palliative Care Service in 1985. He retained that position until 1999, but stayed on with the service as a consultant until 2003. He served as president of Palliative Care NSW for two years.

Dr Shaw, who worked as a specialist anaesthetist at Gosford Hospital from 1971 to 2005, became the inaugural medical director of the Central

Source: Media release, Jun 5 Kaye Browning, office of Governor General of Australia

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FORUM PAGE 13 JUNE 15, 2017

Ecovillage receives a further $190,000 grant towards their own energy grid

arara Ecovillage (NEV) has been awarded further funding of $190,000 from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to help maintain one of Australia’s most advanced communityowned energy grids.

Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, attended a briefing on the NEV Smart Grid and a tour of the recently completed civil works at the Ecovillage. “Providing a clean, reliable supply of power from renewable sources for our residents is a primary concern of the project, and we’re grateful to ARENA for granting the additional funds to enable us to build this state-of-theart Smart Grid, one of the first in Australia,” commented Mr John Talbott, NEV Project Director. “Micro-grids like ours represent a paradigm shift in the way communities

can manage energy use themselves, generating and storing renewably produced energy on site and minimising the use of the national grid. “Our long-term goal is to generate more energy than we need and to offer our surplus to Central Coast residents at a competitive price,” he said. NEV has been awarded total funds from ARENA of $1,158,000, representing 31 per cent of the total cost of the network, the remainder of which has been contributed by the future residents. “As a community, we have come far through boldly pushing the established boundaries of conventional building, water and power models in NSW, and we look forward to the day when our energy regulators and decision-makers remove some of the remaining barriers to deliver even more autonomy to regional communities to take control of their own power issues,” he added. Ms Wicks said she was pleased to see ARENA funding helping community groups on

the Central Coast. “The Narara Ecovillage is an outstanding initiative that is leading the way in its field, not just on the Central Coast but around the world,” Ms Wicks said. “The Smart Grid is set to be one of Australia’s most advanced community-owned energy grids and I’m pleased that it has been made possible through ARENA funding. “The Ecovillage is an incredible project and I look forward to seeing the village go from strength to strength,” Ms Wicks said. Thanks to a high-tech ‘tap change transformer’ (dubbed ‘Priscilla’ by the Ecovillagers), sourced from Europe, and other advanced control technology, the Smart Grid is designed to manage when energy should be used directly on site, stored in batteries, or exported. The system factors in weather conditions like sunny or cloudy days, as well as time of day demand, to predict the amount of energy that will be available from solar panels or

battery storage to meet the community’s fluctuating needs and to determine whether to import or export energy to or from the local grid. NEV Founder, Ms Lyndall Parris, said: “We welcome the opportunity to show Ms Wicks the ARENA funds at work in her electorate. “Without the agency’s funding, a network on this scale and level of sophistication would not be possible. “While we’re brazenly claiming to be Australia’s smartest community-owned grid right now, we will be delighted to pass on the mantle when others develop even more efficient systems based on our learnings,” Ms Parris said. “This is an important part of our mission, to share with others what we have learned and inspire them to take steps in their own lives towards more sustainable approaches to living.” Source, Media release, Jun 6 Rachel Harris, Narara Ecovillage

PAGE 14 JUNE 15, 2017

NEWS

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Downhearted Craig Doyle will not stand for re-election

fter 18 years of community service, Mr Craig Doyle, former Gosford Deputy Mayor and the independent councillor formerly known as the ‘road warrior’, will not stand for election to the Central Coast Council. Mr Doyle said he was particularly “downhearted” about the negative campaigns being waged by some individuals who are running for election to the new council. Mr Doyle said the Price Waterhouse Coopers’ external audit of the Gosford Council financial accounts for the 2015-16 financial year had not uncovered any wrong-doing by the previous Gosford Council. “Some people would call it a stunt,” Mr Doyle said, referring to inaccurate reports that money was missing from the accounts of the former Gosford Council. When the draft financial reports were released by Central Coast Council in March, they reported that “due to control issues identified in the preparation of the reports, council was unable to fully attest to the completeness and accuracy of the balances contained within the income statement and classifications of equity within the financial reports”. Those control issues were related to the Civica Authority Enterprise Software Suite for Local Government which, according to Mr Doyle, has been used extensively by local councils since its implementation in 1994. The preparation of the 2015-16 accounts revealed, according to Central Coast Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble,

Mr Craig Doyle during the Gosford Council vote on whether or not to amalgamate with Wyong

that a limited number of officers and vendors were able to script changes, deletions or additions into the financial tables contained within the financial system without any audit control reporting or audit trail. At the time, Mr Noble said he did not have evidence that any unauthorised changes had been made, but nor did he have evidence that changes had not been made. As a result, he referred the issue to unnamed “third parties” and stated that he could not comment on whether or not they would investigate further. Mr Doyle said “Absolutely and unequivocally no” when asked whether he had been approached by any third party about the finances of the former Gosford Council. “I pressed Mr Noble in Local Representation Committee meetings about this issue,” Mr Doyle said. “I asked was there any indication of anything of a

criminal nature and Mr Noble said no,” he said. “I asked if there had been any evidence of misappropriation and Mr Noble said no. “He did say he had forwarded on issues to third parties but I have not been approached by any third party for any reason at any time,” he said. Mr Doyle said he was also concerned that the write down of asset values had been misreported. “In any corporate takeover, the first thing you do is write down the value of the company’s assets, that is good management,” he said. “The accounting process has shown that there is nothing wrong and the audited figures are echoing that. “If, by chance, Price Waterhouse Coopers had found something untoward or inaccurate, the community would potentially be able to sue the previous auditors. “The process has made it quite clear that there is nothing to report, no misappropriation

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and no inaccurate numbers, but the victor always gets to write the history,” Mr Doyle said. The Price Waterhouse Coopers “sign-off” of the Gosford financial reports, according to Mr Doyle, was just “an out, but there is nothing wrong; there are comments on the potentiality that people could have made changes but they haven’t said it happened.” According to Mr Doyle, the amalgamation has been a takeover of Gosford Council by Wyong Council. “There is not a single senior executive from Gosford Council left and the managers [Mr Doyle said around 40 management positions] have all gone.

“All the senior positions have gone to employees of the former Wyong Council, so the Administrator and CEO may say they’ve done an extensive, Australian-wide recruitment process on paper, but all the positions have gone to former Wyong people. “The way the wards have been structured, nine out of the 15 councillors will be from the former Wyong LGA,” he said. Mr Doyle said he did not believe the amalgamation would be a success, and that elected representatives would make very little difference, because the process and structures already put in place were wanting. “There are already signs that this new council could

be the gangly animal some thought it might be,” he said, pointing to the size of the budget, departments, the geographical area and the lack of representation. “Community groups are seething at the moment due to their frustration that decisions are being made without any community consultation. “I am not bagging the Administrator or the CEO, they have been given a task and they are doing it to the best of their ability I have no doubt, but the State Government will have a lot to answer for,” he said. Source: Interview, Jun 13 Craig Doyle, former Gosford Deputy Mayor Jackie Pearson, journalist

Bob Puffett to stand for Gosford West Ward

r Bob Puffett AM, from Woy Woy Bay, has announced his decision to stand as an Independent for the Gosford West Ward in the September 9 Central Coast Council election. Mr Puffett said he was a long-standing resident of the Central Coast with family also living on the Central Coast. He was the President of the Bays Community Group Inc. for some 16 years, and during that time worked tirelessly on improvements for residents and the precinct. “I absolutely enjoyed my time as President of The Bays Community Group and believe that I made a difference for our area,” Mr Puffett said. “I have had extensive experience working with Governments and the private sector and believe that this knowledge and experience equips me well for a role as Councillor,” he said. Mr Puffett was made a

Life member of Worldskills Australia after having been its National Chairman and International delegate promoting skills excellence for young Australians. He was the Assistant Director General TAFE after a successful career as Principal and Director of Sydney Technical College. “My career in TAFE, starting from teacher of Plumbing to Principal and Director, was such a rewarding part of my life. “I met so many people of all ages, helping them to gain skills and knowledge to be proud of,” he said. Mr Puffett said he believed this experience and his current role as a Board Member of HVTC Training Company, that employs 600 young people in their Group Apprenticeship scheme, gave him an insight into the needs of the Central Coast community’s future. Mr Puffett was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to Technical Education and as Director of the Sydney Institute

of Technology, and continues his work assisting various organisations promoting postsecondary education. He is concerned about issues impacting the people of the Central Coast, in particular those in Gosford West Ward, and wants to ensure that the Wards have a collective contribution of betterment to the region. He said he will advocate for safer, pothole free roads, that are pedestrian and vehicle friendly, as many roads are shared by walkers and drivers. He said he was alarmed at the increase in youth unemployment and would advocate for strategies that address youth unemployment and welfare. He said that he would bring experience and common sense to the position of Councillor and work towards a more efficient and responsive Council serving the residents of Gosford West ward. Source: Media release, Jun 13 Bob Puffett, Woy Woy Bay

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NEWS PAGE 15 JUNE 15, 2017

EPA issued four fines totalling $60,000

he NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued four fines totalling $60,000 after waste containing asbestos was unlawfully used for road construction at a site in Somersby. The EPA issued the fines after first investigating the storage of waste at the Coast Wide Skips site at Marstan Cl, West Gosford. Between October 2015 and August 2016, EPA officers inspected the West Gosford site multiple times and found that the site operator was storing more than the permissible limit of waste without holding a licence. A volumetric survey provided to the EPA by Coast Wide Skips Pty Ltd confirmed it had exceeded the limit. The EPA has issued an official caution to Coast Wide Skips Pty Ltd for using a place as a waste facility without lawful authority and carrying on scheduled activities without a licence.

As the Marstan Cl investigation was ongoing, EPA officers found that Coast Wide Skips was transporting waste to a rural property on Wiseman’s Ferry Rd in Somersby. This property is being developed into homes, and the property owner, Wytown Pty Ltd, used the waste to construct internal roads. With the help of the Hunter/ Central Coast RID squad, EPA officers inspected the waste and found that it included brick, concrete, timber and plastic. Asbestos was found in some sections of the road. The EPA is working with Wytown Pty Ltd to clean up the waste, including the asbestos, before any further development can occur. The EPA issued four fines as a result of the investigation. Coast Wide Skips were issued two fines of $15,000 each, for polluting land and transporting waste to a place that could not lawfully receive it, and Wytown Pty Ltd was issued with two fines of

$15,000 each for unlawfully using a site as a waste facility and for polluting land. EPA Waste Compliance Manager, Ms Cate Woods, said the fines reflected the environmental threat the unlawful activities had caused. “EPA officers tracked this waste from the source to the deposit point and were able to spot an environmental hazard before any irreparable harm could be caused,” Ms Woods said. “Using such waste in the development of a ruralresidential estate is totally unacceptable,” she said. “Developers need to make sure that any material used for construction is of the highest standard. “This started as a review of waste storage practices, but thorough investigative work and co-operation with the local RID squad, resulted in penalties for four serious waste offences.” Source: Media release, Jun 5 Cate Woods, Environmental Protection Authority

Other Regional News - In brief Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260. Given the advent of a Central Coast Council, following is a

Spencer and Calga were successful in Round 2 of the roll-out of additional mobile telephone towers with Optus as the provider, and for the meantime, Gunderman has had a Telstra sub-base station constructed there. Unfortunately, Wendoree Park missed out on this Round and have been nominated for Round 3. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, and her team have arranged for an information seminar for the entire community. This seminar will be held on Saturday, July 15, at the

Spencer Community Hall on Wisemans Ferry Rd. Representatives from NBN Co., Telstra and Optus will be available to discuss various issues concerning the lack of telecommunications, the possible location, when construction of the mobile towers will take place, limited satellite access, poor internet service and any other concerns that the public living in the Lower Hawkesbury region may have. Everyone is welcome, not only from Spencer, Gunderman, Wendoree Park, Marlow and Bar Point, but from the surrounding areas

such as Calga, Kulnura, Lower Portland, Mangrove Mountain, Mount White, Peats Ridge, Somersby, St. Albans and Wisemans Ferry. This is an opportunity to talk with both a Federal Member and the telecommunication providers to let them know how important it is for the community to be heard and to explain how imperative it is to have the lack of telecommunications addressed. Source: Email, Jun 14 Robyn Downham, Spencer Progress Association

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.

Issue 118 June 6, 2017

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$300m intercity fleet maintenance facility at Kangy Angy approved subject to conditions

Right project, wrong site

Council approves its own 43 lot subdivision Central Coast Council has approved a Development Application (DA) for a 43 lot subdivision in Warnervale, originally submitted by Wyong Council.

The Federal Department of Environment and Energy has given conditional approval to Transport for NSW to build its intercity fleet maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.

Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, and State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, have labelled the NSW Government’s proposed rail maintenance facility at Kangy

Approved development application cancelled

89 lot subdivision approved for Hamlyn Terrace

Further review for Wallarah 2

An approved Development Application (DA) proposing a 56 lot subdivision for Hamlyn Terrace has been cancelled.

Central Coast Council has approved a Development Application (DA) for an 89 lot subdivision, plus three residue lots, and demolition of existing structures, in Virginia Rd, Hamlyn

The NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) report into the amended application on the Wallarah 2 Coal project has been unwavering in its stance that the NSW Planning Department and the

Local electioneering begins

Additional mobile telephone towers approved

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

Three former Wyong Councillors, Mr Greg Best, Mr Lloyd Taylor and Mr Adam Troy, have been terminated from the Central Coast Council’s Local Representation Committee (LRC) one month prior

Draft Local Environmental Plan Submissions on Council’s plan and budget close soon sent for gateway approval The unelected Central Coast Council has sent a draft Local Environmental Plan for the whole new LGA to the NSW Department of Planning for gateway approval prior to being exhibited for public

Residents of the Central Coast have until June 13 to write submissions on the Central Coast Council’s draft operational plan and budget for 2017-18.

Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263. The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.centralcoastnews.net

e Frkeeone! Ta

Edition 421

Kathy Smith dies

13 June 2017

Tenants selected for affordable housing project

Greens start council pre-selection

Former Member for Gosford Ms Tenants are being selected for a The Central Coast Greens Kathy Smith has died on May 31 government-supported affordable have commenced preselection of candidates for the Council housing project in Woy Woy. after a long illness with cancer. elections in September.

Ferry wharf closed for upgrade

Dredging starts this week

The Ettalong Beach Ferry Wharf Emergency dredging of the will be temporarily closed for a Brisbane Water Channel will start major upgrade from June 22 to on June 13, with $150,000 in July 3. funds from the NSW Government.

Environment group objects to aged care proposal

Safety bollards for Melbourne Ave

Proposal to landscape Hardys Bay foreshore A proposal to reinvigorate the foreshore of Hardys Bay has been developed by local residents and communityminded landscape architects.

Coastal management ‘in chaos’, says candidate

The Peninsula Environment Group Temporary safety bollards have In less than one year the Central has lodged an objection with been installed along Melbourne Coast Council has created complete chaos in the way Central Coast Council regarding Ave, Umina. the coastal zone is managed, the proposed 160-bed aged care according to Mr Pat Aiken who development on the corner of Hillview St and Veron Rd. will be standing for election to the 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

PAGE 16 JUNE 15, 2017

ONTHEBEAT

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Man attempts to abduct a woman at Narara

e t e c t i v e s investigating the sexual assault of a child in Narara in May are also investigating reports that a man attempted to abduct a young woman in Narara on Sunday, June 4. Strike Force Garawan was established by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad, and assisted by Brisbane Water Local Area Command and the Child Abuse Squad, to investigate the sexual and indecent assault of a 12-yearold girl at Narara on Monday, May 15. Local police contacted Strike Force Garawan investigators to assist after an 18-yearold woman reported a man attempted to abduct her near Narara Railway Station. Police have been told the woman got off a train just before 4:30pm and walked along Narara Valley Dve and

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www1.police.nsw.gov.au/ Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

into the laneway leading to Koninderie Pde, when she was approached from behind by an unknown man who grabbed her around the neck. The woman told police she kicked back at the man, breaking free from his grip, and ran toward Koninderie Pde calling out for help. She contacted Triple Zero after seeing the man walk away toward Narara Valley Dve. Police attended the location and established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.

As the investigation continues, strike force detectives are appealing to the community for assistance in identifying a man they believe can assist with their inquiries. The man is described as being aged in his mid-20s, about 175cm tall, with a chubby build, ginger/blond hair, and blue eyes. At the time, he was wearing a grey hooded jumper, long camouflage pants, and heavy black boots. He also had a loose covering over his face that exposed his eyes and nose. Based on the information at hand, investigators believe the incident is linked to the assault in May. Police are urging the local community to be vigilant with their safety, and encourage parents to talk to their children about ‘Safe People, Safe Places’. Source: Media release, Jun 5 NSW Police Media

Taxi driver granted conditional bail

65-year-old Gosford taxi driver charged with six counts of alleged sexual assault with an act of indecency dating back to 2015, has been granted bail. Mr Aldo Martin faced Gosford Local Court on June 13, where he was granted conditional bail on the strict condition that Mr Martin not occupy the driver’s seat or operate any vehicle for purposes of commercial enterprise or gain. Mr Martin pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included: kissing and inserting his tongue into the mouth of a woman; continually rubbing

the leg of a different woman; placing a woman’s hand on his crotch; and touching and kissing a woman. Documents tendered in court revealed that Mr Martin has been employed by Central Coast Taxis for four years. “Over the last four years, a number of complaints have been received by Central Coast Taxis from female customers pertaining to the accused’s inappropriate behaviour towards them,” the bail determination read. “Many of the customers have been advised to contact police, however they have failed to do so.

“The accused was served with a formal letter of complaint by Central Coast Taxis in April 2015 and has been warned on several occasions by Central Coast Taxis’ management pertaining to his inappropriate behaviour towards female customers. “The offences all occurred in the early hours of the morning, when the victims were moderately to heavily intoxicated by alcohol and vulnerable,” the determination read. Mr Martin will reappear in court on July 25. Source: Gosford Local Court documents, Jun 13 Department of Justice NSW Dilon Luke, Journalist

If you can’t wait to get your copy read it online! If you lent yours to someone that won’t give it back - read it online! Missed an edi on or want to re-read something - read it online! Simply go to www.centralcoastnews.net They’re all there and it’s FREE Want to share something you ﬁnd really interes ng, see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Police are re-appealing for information

olice are reappealing for information after a serious assault in Peats Ridge in April. Police were called to Gosford Hospital about 12am on Thursday, April 6, after a 42-year-old man presented at the emergency department

with serious head injuries. The man remains in a critical condition in hospital. Subsequent investigations revealed that the man was assaulted at a service station at Peats Ridge. Brisbane Water detectives

are continuing their investigations and are appealing for anyone who can assist with identification of the two red Holden Commodores involved to contact Gosford Police or Crime Stoppers. Source: Media release, Jun 6 NSW Police Media

NSW Police Legacy’s Local Area Lunch to be held in Gosford

he NSW Police Legacy’s Legatte Local Area Lunch for the Central Coast, will be held at Hotel Gosford on June 28. The NSW Police Legacy Legatee Local Area Lunch was set up to provide regular opportunities for the families of police legatees to come together and share their stories and engage with the wider community. The people who attend have often had to overcome difficult circumstances, and Police Legacy believe that their funding of this important

community engagement program is a wonderful way to let these grieving families know that they are not alone, and the sacrifices that their families have made have not been forgotten. Our communities are protected each day by the brave and hard-working members of NSW Police Force, and 30 years ago, NSW Police Legacy was initially founded to support bereaved families following the loss of their loved one. Our support now extends to include police officers and

their families experiencing challenging times in their lives. Police Legacy provide services such as: financial assistance programs; education grants; welfare and special assistance; counselling referral services; children and family programs; senior citizen programs; community engagement events; backup for life; counselling referral service; mentoring; family support program; career incentives; and backup for life expo. Source: Media release, Jun 13 Bhanu Mohan, NSW Police Legacy

Police looking for woman risbane Water Police are seeking the assistance of the community in the identification of the female depicted in the image above who may be able to assist police regarding an assault on about 12:15pm on Saturday, April 1, in West Gosford Shopping Centre.

shop in that centre had hot coffee thrown at him. The woman is described as: 55-60 old, average build, short blonde hair, wearing a red long sleeve top and dark denim jeans. Source: Website, May 31 Brisbane Water LAC Facebook page

A male employee from a

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Dangerous trend or conspiracy theory?

s it just me or does anybody else notice a trend here?

On May 26, the State government’s unelected Central Coast Co-ordinatorGeneral gives her first media interview. On June 2, CCC announces it will create an allegedly expert panel to decide on what will or won’t be built here, again unelected. These experts will presumably all be chosen either by our beloved and yet again unelected imposed administrator, CEO or coordinator-general. In the meantime, the CCC is trying to wind up former Gosford Council’s Protection

FORUM of the Environment Trust, although it refuses to divulge the legal advice they have taken to do this with property which, as the name suggests, is held in ‘trust’ rather than owned by CCC, as they tried to do, and failed, with Wamberal Memorial Hall recently due to community backlash. Considering that the proposed new wards in the CCC structure will provide less community representation than under the Gosford and Wyong Councils collectively, who will lose out? More importantly who will win? It sure won’t be the ratepayers or the precious

environment which we all love on the Coast, and what of our COSS lands, will they be gazetted as repeatedly requested by former Gosford LGA of Macquarie St, or quietly flogged off for the extra 110,000 head of population our administrator boasts of housing at the behest of the NSW Government? Looks very much like everything that can be shoved through and approved without any community input whatsoever is being done prior to any elected representatives being back in place. The current CCC was and continues to be a crime against our democracy. Email, Jun 5 Doug Williamson, Wamberal

Pushing for renewable energy is a risk to food security

ould someone please tell Cath Connor from the Greens that the biggest risk to food security and therefore our whole country is their policy of pushing for renewable energy instead of cheaper coal which Australia has in abundance. The major effect of this is

FORUM high, and rising electricity prices, which are going to cause our food to become extremely expensive as well. Food processing companies’ electricity prices have almost doubled recently and some are moving their operations overseas while others are passing their costs on to us. Farmers’ production costs are rising as well.

Just think about the number of conveyer belts used to transport food from paddock to plate, all running on electricity. Meanwhile, can you please tell me one oyster farmer that has noticed any rise in sea levels yet? Surely they would be the first to know, as they rely so heavily on tide movement. Email, Jun 11 Ian Betteridge, Forresters Beach

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FORUM

PAGE 17 JUNE 15, 2017

East Coast Low anniversary marked by lack of action

t is 12 months to the day that people living along Wamberal Beach could see for the first time the damage caused by a series of East Coast Low storm systems that directed damaging waves from a North Easterly direction causing extensive coastal erosion to the more southerly end of Wamberal Beach. But what has happened since these damaging seas caused the loss of the dune system along Wamberal Beach leaving private homes and public infrastructure highly exposed to any future storm events? The answer is little or nothing. In fact, despite the efforts of individual property owners to protect their homes at their cost, the government has done everything possible to prevent either permanent or temporary coastal protection works from being installed. In the first case, owners of homes on Wamberal Beach who attempted to install temporary protection, as allowed under the Coastal Protection Act, were threatened by the Central Coast Council with the forced removal of those works based on claims that they were illegal. However, following the same storm, protection works of exactly the same design were installed at Pearl Beach and Macmasters Beach with the apparent approval and oversight of the Central Coast Council. This is because the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Gosford Beaches had not been certified by the Minister for Planning, Mr Rob Stokes, and the decision to

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approve any permanent or interim protection works was the responsibility of the NSW Coastal Panel. Twelve months later, the Coastal Panel continues to use its authority, and the courts, to block any attempt by owners of homes threatened by future storm events to install coastal protection works. With the Gosford Beaches CZMP recently certified by the NSW State Government almost 12 months after the damaging storm event in June 2016, there is still no apparent enthusiasm by the Central Coast Council to actually commence the process of planning and constructing the much needed revetment for Wamberal Beach. The only noise we hear is that there is yet another cost benefit analysis to be developed and that beach nourishment needs to be considered to replace sand that will be lost due to the construction of the proposed wall. The fact is that despite the ad hoc protection works that have been in place since 1978, there has been no need to replenish sand on Wamberal Beach despite the many significant coastal erosion events that have occurred over the last 40 years. At Terrigal Beach, where there is a publicly funded revetment, Council has always hosed down any concerns

when the beach has been damaged by coastal erosion saying that the sand will return naturally over time. The sand has always returned naturally for both Terrigal and Wamberal Beach, but today, the Council raises beach nourishment as an issue for the future installation of an engineered sea wall that will very rarely be exposed to the full wave run-up and damaging coastal erosion of a full blown East Coast Low. The lack of transparency on this issue that has so often been demonstrated by the Central Coast Council is however no surprise. The Council continues to refuse full public access to a report commissioned immediately after the storm event in June 2016, and has repeatedly refused to remove a historic dumping of asbestos cement roofing material from Wamberal Beach. This hazardous material continues to lay in an exposed state on public land, despite assurances to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority that it would be removed. More recently, the NSW Information and Privacy Commission has recommended that Council review its decision to maintain its censorship of a report that refers to the urgent need to remove “environmentally inappropriate material” from a public beach. The response by government to the issue of Wamberal Beach is a public disgrace, but because this is the Central Coast anything goes. On the doorstep of Sydney but no more than a door mat. Email, Jun 5 Patrick Aiken, Coastal Residents Incorporated

PAGE 18 JUNE 15, 2017 HEALTH

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Central Coast named as one of Australia’s top 10 heart failure hot spots

national snapshot targeting heart failure and heart disease, has named the Central Coast as one of Australia’s top 10 heart failure hot spots, with more than one in 30 residents living with debilitating cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the snapshot, according to Prof Simon Stewart, Director of the Australian Catholic University’s Mary MacKillop Research Institute for Health Research, and snapshot co-author, was to spread focus on heart failure as it develops into “the greatest public health issue for Australia’s ageing population.” The analysis, which coincides with the availability of a first-of-its kind treatment for heart failure, maps heart failure hot spots where cases are considered “high or very high” compared to the national average. “Unless the diagnosis, treatment and care of heart failure patients improve, a tidal wave of ageing Australians is set to over-run the nation’s hospital and healthcare system,” Prof Stewart said. The snapshot provides a breakdown of the burden the disease was placing on the Central Coast region and other areas named in the top 10. According to the Central Coast Heart Failure Snapshot, 2017, 7,800 men on the Central Coast aged 45 and under have presented with cardiovascular disease, with 770 new cases diagnosed

each year. For Central Coast women aged 45 and under, 4,600 cases have been documented with 1,000 news cases each year. The snapshot also broke down the hospital burden and associated health care costs for the disease with 1,000 men and 1,100 women being admitted to hospital per annum with a collective hospital stay of 7,200 days for men and 8,000 days for women. According to the snapshot, total health care costs for men registered at $29.3m for men per annum and $24m for women. Gosford based Cardiologist, Dr Tommy Wong, said Central Coast health practitioners were bracing for an influx in cardiovascular disease cases as the Coast’s population continues to expand, but also age. “Cardiovascular disease is one of the top killers in all community, and I expect to see an increase in cardiovascular issues in the foreseeable future,” Dr Wong said. According to Dr Wong, the Coast is also falling behind on the necessary preparations to ease the expected boom of heart health issues in the region. “I think we can do better regarding cardiovascular disease on the Central Coast. “Quite often, we see a patient too late and they end up having end stage heart failure. “I believe with improved surveillance and prompt management, we can reduce the incidence of heart failure,”

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Dr Wong said. Diagnosis of heart disease requires a clinical evaluation. Most patients present with shortness of breath and leg swelling/pain. Initial investigations will include an ECG, echocardiogram and chest X-Ray, all widely available on the Central Coast. Despite clear channels of treatment and management of heart disease on the Coast, Dr Wong said that the rise of the ageing population, the Central Coast’s GP shortage and funding shortages for heart failure specific programs, were all having an impact on patient outcomes. “These factors are a major worry, but to improve general health, an active lifestyle, a healthy diet and most importantly a good GP, will keep your risk factor significantly down,” Dr Wong said. The snapshot of heart failure in Australia is timely, with a medicine known as Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and made within reach for up to 200,000 Australians with a common and life-threatening form of heart failure on June 1. Entresto works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow, and to decrease counter-productive stress on the heart. Entresto will cost eligible concessional patients just $6.30 and general patients $38.80 per pack. Without a PBS subsidy, Entresto costs approximately $2,990 for a year’s supply. Entresto also treats what is known as ‘systolic’ heart failure, which accounts for around half of all heart failure cases and occurs when the heart’s ability to contract is significantly weakened through damage (often after a heart attack) or general wearand-tear. Dr Wong said the cardiology community was very excited about the new medication and what the results could mean for the future of the Central Coast’s heart health. Source: Document, May 24 Snapshot of Heart Failure in Australia 2017 Interview, May 29 Dr Tommy Wong, Gosford Cardiologist Dilon Luke, Journalist

Five year Central Coast Local Health District Research Plan launched

he Central Coast Local Health District has the aspiration of becoming a global leader in integrated medical research with the launch of a five-year plan aimed at changing the way health care is delivered across the region. Appointing a Research Director to oversee the successful delivery of the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) 20172021 Research Plan, and establishing a state-of-the-art Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute, are significant steps in helping pave the way for better health outcomes for the rapidlygrowing community while advancing the District’s research agenda. The Plan also sets out a clear map of achieving the District’s “Caring for the Coast” strategy, focusing on key priorities around leadership, infrastructure, resources, training and collaboration. Chair of the Research Committee, Prof Maree Gleeson, and CCLHD Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Montague, officially launched the Plan at Gosford Hospital on June 6, as part of national Medical Research Week. “This is an exciting time for the District where we will see incredible changes over the next five years,” Dr Montague said. “Now is the time to build

our research leadership and expand our research capacity; we will strive to see research become core business in all aspects of healthcare, placing the District at the forefront of global integrated care research. “It is also the time for developing the next generation of researchers and ensuring they have the resources and necessary skills to translate their research into better health outcomes for the community,” he added. Prof Gleeson agreed and said that the Plan would help open up new opportunities for both staff and patients throughout the Central Coast community. “We hope the Plan will increase the involvement of Central Coast residents in research trials around new medications, testing new ways of delivering health services, as well as preventative health trials aimed at reducing the burden of disease on the community,” Prof Gleeson said. “The Plan will also support the new Aboriginal Plan for the Central Coast and provide research support to the local Aboriginal community.” The latest Plan builds on the achievements of the previous CCLHD 2013-2016 Research Plan, which saw the District’s Research Office manage a total of 377 projects, including a 78 per cent increase in new project applications between 2015 and 2016. One of the most significant projects involving CCLHD in recent times is the Hunter

Trial, which attracted a $1.2m Federal Government grant to determine the effectiveness of a new device to support babies born with breathing difficulties. So far, 650 babies have been enrolled in the study across multiple sites in NSW and Victoria, including Gosford Hospital’s Special Care Nursery. Central Coast paediatrician, Prof Adam Buckmaster, is one of the Chief Investigators involved in this clinical trial, which aims to determine whether Hi-Flow nasal cannulae is as effective as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in preventing babies from being transferred to an intensive care unit. “This is a ground-breaking trial in the sense that it’s the only study in the world to examine the benefits of HiFlow in a non-intensive care setting,” Prof Buckmaster said. “The results will not only have implications for what we do at Gosford Hospital in the future, but also for smaller nurseries nationwide and potentially third world countries. “The Research Plan as a whole is a fabulous development for the Central Coast. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the District’s Research Plan to date and exciting to be involved in what’s yet to come,” he concluded. Source: Media release, Jun 6 Clare Graham, Central Coast Local Health District

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HEALTH PAGE 19 JUNE 15, 2017

Hospital emergency staff to join runners in Bay to Bay

Red Army of Gosford and Wyong Hospital Emergency Department (ED) staff are lacing up their shoes ready to take on this year’s Bay to Bay running festival in the name of charity. With Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) a main beneficiary for the 2017 Bay to Bay, the team of 60 dedicated medical, nursing and allied health staff are keen to support the event, raising funds for their very own workplace. The “Running for your lives” team are expected to stand out amongst the crowd, wearing bright red t-shirts and joining hundreds of other runners from across the Central Coast and beyond for the annual event. Team organiser and Director of Wyong Hospital’s ED, Dr Simon Battersby, said he was overwhelmed by the strong support from work colleagues when putting the call-out for participants. “After learning the event was fundraising for the District and

The Red Army is gearing up for the 2017 Bay to Bay

other local charities, I thought it would be a great idea to reciprocate the support and enter a team in the run,” Dr Battersby said. “I was expecting to get about 15 to 20 participants, so I was blown away when the team number reached 60.

“It’s a great event to be involved in, especially getting the chance to contribute and help raise money towards the purchase of new equipment that will go a long way in caring for our patients at Wyong and Gosford Hospitals,” he added. Now in its 13th year, the Bay

Sugary drinks being removed from hospitals and health facilities osford and Wyong Hospitals, along with other Central Coast Local Health District facilities, will be updating their menus to provide healthier options across the region.

The move comes after Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Health Chief Health Officer of the new Healthy Choices in Health Facilities policy framework, announced that NSW will be the first state in Australia to remove sugary drinks from health facilities. District Director of Health Promotion and Population Health Improvement, Ms Nicole Kajons, said the initial

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move to remove sugary drinks with no nutritional value is a step in the right direction. “The Central Coast tends to have higher rates of overweight and obesity in adults than the rest of NSW, and the District is committed to providing healthier choices that do not contribute further to this issue. “It’s also about looking to the future, we want to foster environments where our children and young people can enjoy healthier food and drink options in our community,”

said Mrs Kajons. According to the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, Australia is one of the top ten countries for per capita consumption of sugary drinks, with 1.6 billion litres of soft drink sold in Australia in 2011. This significantly contributes to overweight and obesity and increases the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Source: Media release, Jun 8 Casey Virgin, Central Coast Local Health District

to Bay is set to be the biggest and best festival to date with around 2.500 runners expected to turn out on June 18. The half marathon, 12K fun run and kids’ fun run are enticing lots of interest, with the Ronald McDonald Family

Room, based at Gosford Hospital, another major beneficiary. Event organiser, Ms Jenny Barker, said although online registrations had now closed, it wasn’t too late to sign up for the day. Entry forms will be taken in

person on the western side of the Central Coast Stadium on June 16, between 4-7pm and on June 17, between 11am4pm. “The event is getting bigger and better every year, which is fantastic to see,” Ms Barker said. “It means the community will be able to make a bigger contribution to our nominated charities and most importantly all donations received remain on the Coast to benefit the local community. “The fun run and half marathon start at Fisherman’s Wharf in Woy Woy, taking in a beautiful scenic route along Brisbane Water and finishing up in Gosford. “Participants can run or walk at their own pace, we have people of all ages and fitness levels taking part. “It’s a great opportunity to get together with friends, family and work colleagues for a morning of exercise, fresh air, and all for a very worthy cause,” Ms Baker concluded. Source: Media release, Jun 13 Clare Graham, Central Coast Local Health District

Children’s Medical Research Institute members visit the Institute embers of the Gosford Branch of the Children’s Medical Research Institute travelled to Sydney to visit the Institute’s facilities.

over 50 years to support the Institute’s vital work.

Source: Email, Jun 7 Sue Chidgey, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Gosford Branch

On the day, the Prime Minister’s wife, Ms Lucy Turnbull, spoke of the amazing work of the Institute in researching children’s illnesses and genetic disorders. The Gosford Branch of the Children’s Medical Research has raised between $10,000 and $15,000 each year for

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EDUCATION

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Narara PS investing in a school robotics program

School Principal joins the schools’ funding debate

ur Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School Principal, Mr Frank Cohen, has criticised the government’s approach towards Gonski funding in regard to Catholic schools, in the school’s June 7 newsletter.

Some of the equipment Narara Public has purchased as part of its technology plan

arara Public School has purchased $5,000 worth of robotics equipment in an effort to deliver a standardised robotics

program to the school. The purchase was made as part of the school’s technology plan. This part of the three-year plan will lay the foundation

for the delivery of a dedicated robotics and coding program in the years to come. Source: Newsletter, Jun 5 Dave Stitt, Narara Public School

Students learn about the concept of courage

arara Public School has been running KidsMatter

lessons over two weeks to discuss the concept of courage with children.

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In the classes, the children have been taught that courage is not a lack of fear, but it’s facing and overcoming fear. Courage is the quality that enables people to face difficulties, danger and adversity without completely giving way to fear or distress. You show courage when you do something because you believe that doing it is more important than your fear, pain or discomfort. Everyone is frightened and anxious at times. Fear is a normal and necessary human response to situations where there may be potential harm. It places you ‘on alert’ so that you can deal with the threat. ‘Anxiety’ is anticipatory fear. These feelings signal to you that you might have a problem to deal with. You can make yourself more nervous or anxious by exaggerating what could happen in your mind.

“You may have taken some interest in the news of late that our Catholic School sector is under threat with funding, moving forward into the next five years,” Mr Cohen wrote. “You would have all heard of David Gonski and his proposed funding model. “In its purest form, if previous Labor and Coalition Governments did not meddle in his proposal, then I am certain every school in Australia, regardless of flavour, would be appropriately funded by now, but alas, in Australia, if short termism and self-interest was a two horse race, there would be a dead heat. “What is being proposed

in Parliament is a bill that in the spirit of Gonski allows for needs based funding, i.e. those areas where there is the most need get the most money, so that equity is achieved,” Mr Cohen continued. “On the surface one would argue fantastic, however, the model being used to achieve equity is basically flawed, and it seems the Minister for Education, Mr Simon Birmingham, and Prime Minister Turnbull, are refusing to listen to why this bill will almost destroy some of our Catholic Schools. “The SES model being used to achieve equity is based on the address of the enrolled child in the school. “Some of our wealthiest, over resourced schools like Geelong Grammar in Melbourne and Kings at Parramatta, take in children from areas where the SES is very low. “Wealthy farmers send their kids to these schools but live in places like Bourke and Brewarrina. “Therefore, the SES score of

such wealthy schools is low, which, based on the current bill, would mean they would get even more money. “Tim Hawkes is an outspoken Principal of Kings who makes comment on just about anything, but he has been very quiet about the bill being debated. “I wonder why? “Our school is not in any danger of losing funding and we are very grateful for what we receive. “Our North Shore schools are not so lucky. “If the bill passes in its current form, the very real possibility of school closures in this area is a reality. “As we are a Broken Bay School, we need to support our southern end, schools because we will incur a hit to our special needs programs if any of these schools should falter,” Mr Cohen wrote. Source: Newsletter, Jun 7 Frank Cohen, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Wyoming

Principal attends national policy forum in Canberra

t Philip’s Christian College Principal, Ms Michelle Kelly, met with other SPCC principals and executives while attending the Christian Schools’ Australia National Policy Forum in Canberra.

Federal Minister for Education, Mr Simon Birmingham, and Shadow Minister, Ms Tanya Plibersek, were guest speakers at the forum which centred around funding reforms. “Given the recent

announcements in regards to funding reforms for education, there was considerable support for the Minister in this regard, as many Christian Schools like ours, with low fees and low SES, will benefit from the changes,” Ms Kelly wrote in the school’s newsletter. “It is always good to get together with the other SPCC principals as we can support each other in our roles. “I feel very blessed to enjoy the fellowship of my peers in St Philip’s in a way that not all Christian school principals are able. “Within this context, it was also important to network

with other Christian School principals and to present a substantial representation of our sector, where we are able to lobby for such things as fairer funding for students with disabilities and to maintain the rights to be able to provide a Christian education and therefore hire Christian teachers. “We are very blessed to have such freedom in this nation and we need to be diligent in not taking it for granted,” Ms Kelly wrote. Source: Newsletter, Jun 5 Michelle Kelly, St Philips Christian College

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Mr Crouch said the schools benefitting from the additional Gonski funding included: The Coast Christian School, Green Point Christian College, Central Coast Grammar School and Central Coast Adventist School. “Schools know best what these needs are and how to direct these funds for teacher’s aides to support students with disability, for teacher training or for literacy and numeracy intervention programs,” Mr Crouch said. NSW Education Minister,

Mr Rob Stokes, said the NSW Government is providing more than $45m to Catholic and Independent schools in 2017, up from $25m in 2016. The funding comes from the NSW Government under the National Education Reform Agreement, also known as the Gonski reforms. Under the 2013 agreement between the Federal and State Governments, Government, Catholic and Independent schools would all be funded to the same standard. Loadings are provided on the basis of student need, such as low socio-economic status, aboriginality and students with disability. “The NSW Government passionately supports the existing Gonski agreement because of the benefits this funding brings to our students”, Mr Stokes said. “We will continue to advocate

The $1.5m upgrade, included the redirection of parking away from the school’s reception area, helping to keep pedestrians separate from

traffic on school grounds. It also included improved facilities in a new bus shelter, public reception area, refurbished administration area and new landscaping and signage. “I’m pleased that this upgrade has helped make Terrigal High School a safer, better equipped school,” Mr Crouch said. “The new bus shelter, reception area and landscaping provide better facilities for the

JUNE 15, 2017

for the Federal Government to honour this agreement. “All our schools are important community assets and we are committed to providing funds to support students in both government and non-government schools, consistent with our agreement with the Federal Government,” Mr Stokes said. The payment to schools below the School Resource Standard, is the first of two to be made this year. In 2017, the NSW Government will provide $1.1b in funding for the non-government school sector, of which $60m is additional funding. Government school funding figures will be announced later this year. Source: Media release, Jun 8 Donna Golightly, office of Adam Crouch MP

$1.5m upgrade completed at Terrigal High School afety and facilities at Terrigal High School have been upgraded thanks to funding from the NSW Government, Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch said.

EDUCATION PAGE 21

Give Me 5 For Kids fundraising appeal launched

Gonski funds flowing to non-government schools on-government schools in the Terrigal electorate have received more than $251,000 in additional funding, to put into resources where they are most needed, Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, said.

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school community as a whole, which is a great result,” he added. Education Minister, Mr Rob Stokes, said the works are a welcome improvement to the school. The upgrade was funded under the government’s Secondary Schools Renewal Program. Source: Media release, Jun 9 Donna Golightly, office of Adam Crouch MP

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Local radio star Sarah King (centre) with Gosford Hospital staff

osford Hospital Children’s Ward was abuzz with excitement on June 1, as radio station 2GO launched its annual Give Me 5 For Kids fundraising appeal. 2GO breakfast announcers and a host of other 2GO staff were joined by Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) staff in kicking off the region’s iconic charity campaign. now in its 23rd year. The Give Me 5 For Kids appeal has donated almost $2m to the CCLHD to support the treatment and care of sick and injured children, including a record $140,000 in 2016. The District’s paediatric services have been a main beneficiary of the fundraising drive since 1994, when 2GO stalwart, Sarah King, came up with the simple yet brilliant

idea of donating spare 5 cent coins to a worthy local cause. Give Me 5 For Kids has since grown into a national fundraising initiative, raising more than $24m for children’s healthcare services across the country. CCLHD Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Montague, said all donations received by the District remained on the Coast and went directly to patient care. “Give Me 5 For Kids is a fantastic cause for the community to get behind and has made a positive impact to our children’s services,” Dr Montague said. “Thanks to last year’s appeal, we purchased several pieces of equipment, including a cardiac monitor, for Gosford Hospital’s Emergency Department and a resuscitation trolley for our youngest patients in the Special Care Nursery.

“I encourage anyone looking to make the best use of their small change, and even their large change, to consider donating to Give Me 5 For Kids,” he concluded. Central Coast radio presenter, Sarah King, said the Give Me 5 For Kids appeal was one of her biggest career highlights during her last 27 years on the airwaves. “I’m thrilled that’s it’s June again. “It’s our favourite month of the year. “It’s always beautiful watching the Central Coast getting so involved and being so passionate about raising money for our very own sick children. “Let’s make it another great year,” King said. Source: Media release, Jun 2 Casey Virgin, Central Coast Local Health District

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PAGE 22 OUT&ABOUT JUNE 15, 2017

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Central Coast Leagues Club undertaking $6.5m renovations

Tender let for CCTV

ew and upgraded CCTV cameras for Terrigal and Copacabana are one step closer thanks to the Coalition’s Safer Streets Programme.

he $6.5m renovations to the Central Coast Leagues Club in Dane Dve, Gosford, are progressing well, according to the club’s marketing manager, Ms Pauline Boyd.

“The whole ground floor of the club is under renovation and it is a big job being done

in a small space of time,” Ms Boyd said. The Scenic Lounge has been recarpeted and part of a new gaming lounge will be opened within the next three weeks which will include a new outdoor area, she said. Upgrades also include a new lounge bar, upgraded bistro and café and a new sports bar. “The renovation will result in a real separation of experience

centres, so if someone wants to have a quiet drink on a Thursday or Friday night, they will not be disturbed by those members and guests who want to enjoy live music. “We will have new partition doors for larger events on the ground floor, so patrons will have better enjoyment of our facilities and won’t be disturbed by promotions,” she said. The club’s ground floor bistro

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and café are now operated by club staff rather than contracted to a third-party operator. Ms Boyd said she expected the whole of the Phase 1 redevelopment of the ground floor to be complete by November. Source: Interview, Jun 7 Pauline Boyd, Central Coast Leagues Club Jackie Pearson, journalist

The $550,000 commitment made late last year will install nine new CCTV cameras and upgrade existing cameras. Central Coast Council announced selection of the successful tender from ECS Services Pty Ltd with the works set to be completed by November. Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, said this funding will boost community safety in Terrigal and Copacabana. “After announcing this funding late last year, I heard from residents in Terrigal and Copacabana who welcomed this commitment,” Ms Wicks said. “This funding will deliver 16 new cameras in total across Terrigal and Copacabana as well as upgrading four existing

cameras, including at The Skillion and at the Skate Park in Copacabana. “One of the most important things about this investment is that the funding comes from the Proceeds of Crime Account, money taken from criminals and reinvested into preventing crime. “I’m pleased to say that we are one step closer to seeing this project delivered with Council advising that work is set to start in the next few weeks. “This funding builds on the $680,000 already delivered through the first round of the Safer Streets funding which delivered CCTV cameras to areas in Woy Woy, Kariong, Kincumber, Gosford, Umina and Ettalong Beach. “Our Government is delivering on its commitment to assist communities to deliver local solutions to crime hot-spots and anti-social behaviour,” Ms Wicks concluded. Source: Media release, Jun 5 Rebecca Johnstone, office of Lucy Wicks MP

CEO of Teg Dainty, Mr Paul Dainty, said Richie was one of music’s greatest icons and that he was pleased to be bringing him to Australia for

his 2017 tour supported by CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers. “International superstar, Lionel Richie, has a discography of albums and singles that are second to none,” Mr Dainty said. “His music is part of the fabric of pop music; in fact, Lionel Richie is one of only two songwriters in history to achieve the honour of having #1 records for nine consecutive years. “With over 100 million

he Brisbane Water Historical Society will present their latest exhibition, The Red Woollen Petticoat, until August 30, at the Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum.

Source: Media release, Jun 8 Kath Casey, Central Coast Stadium

one off presentation on the day, as well as showcasing two rare day bonnets, believed to have belonged to the daughters of Solomon Wiseman.

Mr David Magro's Exposure 2017 winning entry 'Field of Stars'

Entry of $10 includes a bingo book and a lucky door prize ticket. There will be bingo games and other games, such as ‘heads n tails’ and ‘roll a coin’ as well as a raffle on the night.

Source: Newsletter, Jun 7 Shirley Rider, Henry Kendall Cottage

There will be dozens of prizes to be won. Source: Email, Jun 4 Sue Chidgey, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Gosford Branch

THE GRAND PAVILION

Ph: 02 4385 8892 9/17 Church St, Terrigal NSW Lunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner starts at 5:00pm - till late

entral Coast Council has congratulated Gosford’s Mr David Magro, who took out first place in the 2017 annual Exposure Photographic Prize for his image, ‘Field of Stars’.

Bingo fundraiser he Gosford Branch of Children’s Medical Research Institute will be holding a Bingo Fundraiser on Thursday, June 22, at Erina Leagues Club.

JUNE 15, 2017

albums sold worldwide, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, four Grammy awards and the distinction of MusiCares person of the year in 2016, the Tuskegee, Alabama, native is a true music icon.” With his most recent All the Hits, All Night Long Tour, Richie sold out arenas worldwide with a set list of his brightest and best anthems.

The Red Woollen Petticoat exhibition now open The exhibition will feature delicate pieces chronicling Australian fashion. On July 15, the Society will also present Ms Marilyn Wood of the Dharug Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society. Ms Wood will be delivering a

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23

‘Field of Stars’ takes out first prize

Lionel Richie to perform at Central Coast Stadium ulti-platinumselling artist, multiple Grammy Award winner and music icon, Lionel Richie, will perform at Central Coast Stadium on October 14, as part of his Australian tour.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

The winners were announced at a ceremony at The Art House, Wyong, which is now showcasing the most outstanding images from amateur and emerging photographers. Council’s, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the judges definitely had a difficult task selecting a winner, but all agree that the First Prize winner is the most remarkable. “The quality of images just keeps getting better and better, as well as being more contemporary and creative, especially from our local

photographic community,” Ms Vaughan said. “We received entries from all over Australia, but this year photographers from the Coast have really shown the judges that they have what it takes to stand out in an open competition, dominating the 2017 awards.” The entries from young emerging photographers are also outstanding and highlight the depth of talent on the Central Coast. These are showcased along with the other finalists. “Exposure has always been popular with young people, so this year we introduced a new award for an Emerging Young Talent (aged under 24 years) to show our support for the future generation of Central Coast photographers,” Ms Vaughan said. “From the 675 entries received, the top scoring 145

images are now on display, and I encourage everyone to get along to The Art House and check out the amazing images.” The winners of this year’s competition include: First prize overall, Mr David Magro (Gosford); Second prize overall, Ms Rosie Wood (Berkeley Vale); Third prize overall, Ms Ainsley Martlew (Ettalong); Emerging young talent, Ms Faith Cass (Umina Beach); Highly Commended in Postcards of the Coast, Ms Nicole Wells (Point Clare); Highly Commended in Through the generations, Ms Ann Evans (Hamlyn Terrace); Highly Commended in The natural world, Mr Matthew Bendt (Long Jetty); and, Highly Commended in A picture tells a thousand words, Ms Raimee Carroll (Hamilton). Source: Media release, Jun 14 Central Coast Council Media

PAGE 24 OUT&ABOUT JUNE 15, 2017

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Tall Hearts are special guests at the Rhythm Hut

Pride of Workmanship Awards presentation held

he Rotary Club of Gosford City recently conducted its Pride of Workmanship Awards presentation program at the Gosford Regional Gallery, East Gosford.

June feature artist Tall Hearts

he 5 Lands Experience is back for June, kicking off from 5pm on the 25th. A regular monthly community event at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford, each month, the 5 Lands Experience begins with a free community drum circle, all ages and levels encouraged. Visitors can bring your own drum or have a go with the Hut’s. A well established, wellknown local band, the 5 Lands band, has run for over 10 years around the Central Coast, from Terrigal to Erina to Gosford. Named after originally forming to perform at the popular Central Coast 5 Lands Walk in Terrigal, the ever changing line up of The

5 Lands Band, led by Rendra Freestone, brings together some of the top musicians from the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle. The unique band doesn’t practice, nor write music together, but rather create improvised jams, based on funk, jazz, folk and groove. Well known for getting the dance floor filled, the 5 Lands Band kick off music at 6.30pm. Feature artist this month is Tall Hearts. Take a pinch of funk, a teaspoon of reggae, a pint of blues and you’ve got the main ingredients for the six-piece band, Tall Hearts. Tall Hearts is made up of Elliott (vocals), Liam (guitar), Ryan (bass), Daniel (saxophone), Michael (trumpet) and James

(drums and percussion). Influences come from their passion for artists such as Trombone Shorty, Vintage Trouble, The California Honeydrops and Derek Trucks, just to name a few. With their obsession for influential artists and striking live sets, they will have your ears up, eyes fixated and feet groovin’ on board the Funk train in no time at all. As a not for profit community space, The Rhythm Hut is dedicated to supporting the arts and music on The Central Coast, and this monthly event is open to the whole community, with entry by donation.

Pride of Workmanship awards were made to outstanding local employees, whom their business owners or managers believe that they have contributed substantially to their workplace. Mr Michael Goodwin, President of the Rotary Club of

Gosford City, said: “I’m pleased that our Pride of Workmanship Awards program was so successful and I really enjoy seeing outstanding employees recognised for their efforts.” Pride of Workmanship awards were made to: Mr Charles Boyton, Coast Shelter; Ms Mandy Highgate, NRMA Insurance, Gosford; Ms Jennifer Tapping, Psychology Perspective; Ms Ariella Whitelum, Central Coast Council; Ms Cassie Grentell, Star 104.5 FM; Mr Stephen Keane, Coast Shelter; and, Sergeant Bruce Coates, Brisbane Water Local Area

Command. The club’s Vocational Director, Ms Monique Cardon, said: “There are sound business reasons to create an environment where employees can thrive. “Happy, healthy people are more motivated and engaged, and tend to stay with an employer for longer. “We are delighted to publically recognise great people and great workplaces.” Source: Media release, Jun 10 Bob Ward, Rotary Club of Gosford City

Source: Media release, Jun 6 Stevie Swansbra, The Rhythm Hut

Gosford City Rotary Club's Pride of Workmanship recipients

THE RHYTHM HUT TAIKO FITNESS CLASS

FUN, EXERCISE, DRUMMING CASUAL DROP IN CLASSES TUES 5.30pm THURS 6.30pm

ONLY $14! ALL LEVELS WELCOME

www.therhythmhut.com.au

In total, the Foundation announced grants of more than $830,000 to help bring to life community projects to build social infrastructure supporting marginalised and disadvantaged residents of regional NSW, including five which will enable projects on the Central Coast. Central Coast Kids in Need will receive $44,000 to assist disadvantaged families from the Central Coast with a seriously ill or injured child to purchase quality of life equipment and assist with pharmacy expenses such as

special medicated formulas and medicines. Life Education NSW will receive $77,000 to purchase a new truck to use as a Mobile Learning Centre to continue delivering their preventative education program to disadvantaged young people throughout the Central Coast and Hunter regions. Newcastle Permanent Foundation Chairman, Mr Phil Neat, said the grants would assist recipient groups to help change the lives of those most disadvantaged in the Central Coast community. “The Foundation exists to support and enable the critical work of community organisations with initiatives and endeavours, which may fall outside some traditional government funding avenues and corporate sponsorships, but are still exceptionally

important in improving the lives of marginalised members of our communities,” he said. “Congratulations to the extraordinary people representing all of our recipient organisations for your hard work, dedication and insight, which will now have the capacity to effect real change and improve the lives of many people in the Central Coast region. “These are amazing achievements and thank you from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for conceiving such innovative initiatives,” Mr Neat said. The latest allocation takes the Foundation’s total donations past $16m since it was established in 2003. Source: Media release, Jun 1 Sam Gannon, Newcastle Permanent

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 25 JUNE 15, 2017

Kincumber Rotary holds Pride of Workmanship awards night

Central Coast groups will receive $152,407 in grants roups on the Central Coast will receive $152,407 in the latest round of grants announced by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

From left: Colette Baron, Pam Point and Lorraine Prothero, Robert Wetserdyk and Gabrielle Jones

he Rotary Club of Kincumber held its vocational Pride of Workmanship awards night at the Davistown RSL on Monday, May 29. Four awards were made, three to individual high achievers, and one to a small group of ladies who knit for

many charities. The awards were presented by Club President, Mr John Heuston, and the District Governor Elect, Mr Peter Ward, who attended to speak about vocational service and to congratulate the recipients of the awards. The recipients were: Ms Colette Baron, manager of

Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre; Ms Pam Point and Ms Lorraine Prothero, representing The Witty Knitters; Mr Robert Wetserdyk, a builder; and, Ms Gabrielle Jones, head of English at Kincumber High School. Source: Email, May 31 Ernie Altman, Rotary of Kincumber

Emma McBride to speak to ABC Friends Central Coast

ember for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, will be the guest speaker at the ABC Friends Central Coast meeting on July 6.

Ms McBride was elected in 2016 and has previously been a member of the Wyong Shire Council and also Deputy Director of Pharmacy at Wyong

Hospital. Ms McBride is also a member of House of Representatives Standing Committees on Communications and the Arts and on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities. Ms McBride has been asked to outline the ALP’s policies regarding the ABC in light of cuts to the ABC’s services and staff in recent years by the

current Federal Government. The meeting will take place from 6pm in the Park View Room of the Central Coast Leagues Club, with a finger food buffet served afterwards. Tickets are essential. Source, Media release, Jun 7 Klaas Woldring, ABC Friends Central Coast

MARKETS Mangrove Mountain Hall Hall & Fairview Fundraising bric a brac • flowers • books • Food • home style preserves • Live Music & pony rides

EVERY MONTH ALL WEATHERS 2ND & LAST SUNDAY EACH MONTH NEW STALLS WELCOME - 3 MARKETS FREE THEN 20% OF TAKINGS

Ryan PH 0405 416 289 - Margaret PH 4374 1255

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

RESIDENT BAND

BLUESANGELS Special guests monthly Aug 5 - 7pm till 11pm

PAGE 26 JUNE 1, 2017

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS DIRECTORY

ARTS & CULTURE ART STUDIOS GALLERY & COOPERATIVE Artworks by members and local artists through solo and group exhibitions and community events. Classes available. 4339 3349 www.artstudioscooperative.org

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paint-outs 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 HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community quilting bees - Day and Night Groups 4325 4743 www.cottagecrafts.net.au

FELLOWSHIP OF AUSTRALIAN WRITERS A friendly and supportive group for new and old writers. Encouragement and critique of work. Workshops and competitions 10am 3rd Sun Conference rm. Gosford Hotel 4363 2627 centralcoastfaw@live.com

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 hrs/ week, Free Training, No qualifications needed Be a young persons champion 0413 624 529 www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/ bigfutures

CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE Not for profit service providing free legal advice. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 4353 4988 centralcoast@clc.net.au

CENTRAL COAST SOCIAL GROUP Social contact, entertainment events, new friendships, for 30’s-60’s - Live music, house parties, dinners, BBQs, picnics, trips away etc. Monthly Meet & Chat 0422 243 101 cco30s@live.com.au

CENTRAL COAST 50+ SINGLES SOCIAL GROUP Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & socialising each w/e. Friendly group monthly programme all areas 0412 200 571 0437 699 366 50pssg@gmail.com

CENTRAL COAST SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH (Singles over 55) Luncheons 1st and 3rd Sundays monthly at various licensed venues 43321 695 (after 2pm)

GOSFORD NORTH PROBUS CLUB Meets 4th Tuesday at the Grange Hotel Monthy meeting 4th Tuesday Grange Hotel 10am 43225560

PROBUS CLUB OF AVOCA 10.15am 3rd Mon Avoca Beach Bowling Club 4382 3372 www.probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/avocabeach

Womens Group, Zumba, Crochet, CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE Computers CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 4304 7065 (GOSFORD)

GOSFORD-NARARA NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

GREEN POINT COMMUNITY CENTRE OOSH cave, exersize classes, school holiday programs, playgroup, arts & craft, room hire, and much more. 4367 7591

SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB CENTRAL COAST INC. Early childhood clinic, free family

TERRIGAL WAMBERAL RSL SUB-BRANCH

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. 4340 1724 wwww.knc.net.au

KINCUMBER NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

• Exercise classes At Breakers Country Club pension • Yoga for adults and children and welfare officers available to • Community eco garden assist with DVA compensation • Room hire • Health support groups claims and benefits • Counselling Wed & Fri 10am – Midday • After school activities Meetings 2nd Sat 10am 4363 1044 43842661 rsl@breakerscc.com.au

www.kincumber.nsw.au

U3A CENTRAL COAST

MINGALETTA ABORIGINAL TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CORPORATION

Enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities for seniors. Keep your mind active and make new friends. Your retirement years can be the best years of all. 0408 704 701 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au

GOSFORD GUMNUTS PLAYGROUP Parents and children meet socially. Make friends, learn more about parenting. 0 to 5 yrs Wed - Fri 10am-12noon Gosford Uniting Church Hall 129 Donnison St Gosford 4325 3695 gumnutsguc@gmail.com

VOLUNTEERING CENTRAL COAST Refer potential volunteers to community organisations. Provide support to volunteers and community organisations. Provide training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Information sessions “Bridge to Volunteering” held regularly. 4329 7122 recruit@volcc.org.au

WILDLIFE ARC

We rescue and care for injured and orphan native animals. 24hr/day, 7days/ week. Come join us. Gen Meeting 3rd Sun Wyoming Community Centre, Maidens Brush Rd Wyoming at 10am 4325 0666

COMMUNITY CENTRES

A meeting place and referral hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs through consultative services and community programs. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

TERRIGAL FIFTY PLUS LEISURE AND LEARNING CENTRE Activities include fitness, yoga, bridge, mahjong, zumba gold, line dancing, tai chi, painting, craft and computer classes. 43845152

WYOMING COMMUNITY CENTRE 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

Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Tai Chi, Scrabble, Darts, Table Tennis, Indoor Bowls, Patchwork, Yoga, Fitness, Gentle Swimming, Line Dancing, Cards, Variety Social,

(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

FAIRHAVEN SERVICES Enabling People who live with a disability to achieve their goals and aspirations. Since 1962 Independant Living, community participation, life skills & more NDIS Provider.

4323 3566 GAMBLING SOLUTIONS Counsellors provide free, confidential, professional service to gamblers, family and friends. Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford, The Entrance. 4344 7992

HISTORY GROUPS CENTRAL COAST FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY INC. Help and advice with your family history research. Tue to Fri, 930am to 2pm Lions Community Hall, 8 Russell Drysdale St, E. Gosford. 4324 5164 www.centralcoastfhs.org.au

HEALTH GROUPS

BRISBANE WATER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

• Coach tours • School ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS educational tours • Annual Street meet every Wed 12.30pm Stalls • Participation in History Someone cares - Anglican Church Heritage Week Celebration 3 Mann St Gosford Margaret Pearce 4323 3890 4325 2270

BETTER HEARING AUSTRALIA CENTRAL COAST

www.centralcoast. betterhearingaustralia.org.au

FELLOWSHIP OF FIRST FLEETERS CENTRAL COAST For anyone interested in early history or early family histories. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Point Clare Community Hall 2nd Sat 10:30am 4311 6254

MUSIC BRISBANE WATER BRASS Brass Band entertainment for the community playing all types of popular music

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Terrigal 50+ leisure centre, Duffy Rd Terrigal 4369 0302 - 4384 1490 terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com

COASTAL A CAPPELLA

coastalacappella@gmail.com

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 organisation performing at various venues to promote the Welsh culture with 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 have fun with music. Follow us on Facebook - Every Mon 5 - 7pm Kincumber Uniting Church 4365 4414 www.tempoterrific.com tempoterrific@live.com

POLITICAL PARTY CENTRAL COAST GREENS

The Central Coast Greens For a fairer, more transparent and GROW Support Groups accountable government based Small friendly groups formed to on democratic principles learn how to overcome anxiety, Local, state-wide, national depression and loneliness and to and international issues and improve mental health and wellcampaigns - Council and being. Anonymous, free and open parliamentary representation to all. Weekly at Woy Woy, Bateau Developing a new economy Bay and Wyong Protecting our environment 1800 558 268 Peaceful conflict resolution www.grow.org.au Community participation We meet monthly every 3rd MEALS ON WHEELS Thu - Details and info: Delicious meals delivered free centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Join us for a midday meal centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Help with shopping and cooking classes AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY 4363 7111

reception@wyomingcc.org.au

Hearing loss management COMMUNITY CENTRES Support and educational group provide the local community 7 groups across the coast with a meeting place and hub for Providing practical experience groups, services and information. and confidence Learn the benefits to hearing aids GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE 4321 0275

AND LEARNING CENTRE

Rehearsal every Tues. 7.30pm-10pm 0419 274 012

Dynamic award winning women’s a cappella chorus School Holiday activities, new members playgroup, multicultural always welcome. programs, community activities www.pcfa.org.au Music eduction provided Rooms for Hire Lots of Performance 4329 4477 CENTRAL COAST PROSTATE opportunities, or hire us admin@gnnc.com.au for your next event. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 0412 948 450

KARIONG NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Classes Mon to Fri for over 50 Basics: Mon , Tues and Thurs 10am to 12noon Different programs every day, 10am - 12noon or 1-3pm Apple-Mac: Mon, Tues, Wed All at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre 02 4307 9421

Meet last Friday Month Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Dre, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600

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

PUBLIC SPEAKING Develop confidence by improving your speaking skills. Meetings are entertaining and educational.

BRISBANE WATERS BREAKFAST TOASTMASTERS CLUB 8:30am-10:30am 2nd and Last Sat - The Hive and Library, Erina Shopping Centre 0459 240 183

BLUE GUM FLAT TOASTMASTERS

LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY 1st and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club Make new friends and have fun while serving your community. 0478 959 895

CENTRAL COAST PENSION & WELFARE OFFICER NETWORK Group of Volunteers, trained by DVA, to look after servicemen & women. Ourimbah RSL Club 10:30am 2nd Fri - Feb to Nov 4322 1505

NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION CENTRAL COAST

Twice weekly bush walks, varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, Active community minded club. floral, history. Keep fit and make Many projects focussed on friends. assisting youth. Support our great 4389 4423 or 4332 7378 projects, get involved with our fun club. Graham Black SPIRITUALITY IN THE PUB 0410 509 071 Ecumenical & Interfaith Speakers

ROTARY CLUB OF GOSFORD NORTH

grahamblack@iprimus.com.au

ROTARY CLUB OF KARIONG/SOMERSBY International service club improves lives of communities in Australia and overseas. Funfilled activities, fellowship and friendship breakfasts. Phillip House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 7:15am 4340 4529

Forum & Q&A with focus on developing understanding and encouraging dialogue about spirituality through people sharing their life journeys. 1st Tues March to October 2nd Tues November 7.30 to 9pm Grange Hotel Wyoming 4328 2596 - 0498 588 261

WOMEN’S GROUPS

kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au

SPECIAL INTEREST

BPW CENTRAL COAST

Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, BIZ PLUS NETWORKING well-being and friendship. ASSOCIATION Monthly dinner meetings and Attention business owners - if speaker. you keen to grow your business Community transport available to and in the process build and from centre worthwhile relationships, attend a Chris Levis 0438 989 199 Biz Networking breakfast. bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com Every Thur 7:15am - 9am www.bpw.com.au/central-coast Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson COUNTRY WOMEN’S network@bizplus.com.au

CCLC BRIDGE CLUB Duplicate Bridge-partner not required for most sessions. Central Coast Leagues Club 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri. Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon 4325 9854 www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au

CENTRAL COAST CAKE DECORATORS GUILD Sugarcraft demonstrations conversation and lunch Visitors welcome 4th Sat - 10am 50+ leisure and Learning Centre Gosford 4382 6236 lsroe@bigpond.com.au

CENTRAL COAST GOJU-KAI KARATE Traditional Karate & Self Defence for Teens & Adults No Contracts, Cheap Rates Wamberal - Mon 630pm Kincumber - Thurs 715pm 0417 697 096 www.centralcoastgojukaikarate.com.au

CENTRAL COAST LAPIDARY CLUB MINERALS & GEMS Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Field-trips & fossicking Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 8.30am 2.30pm. Thurs 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246

ASSOCIATION (CWA) Quilting, patchwork, spinning, knitting, crochet and more 9am-2pm Every Fri, Opposite Terrigal Bowling Club 4385 9503 or 4384 3696

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

CENTRAL COAST WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE Counseling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services provided by women for women 4324 2533 www.cccwhc.com.au

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL BRISBANE WATER Making a difference in the lives of women and girls through Awareness, Advocacy and Action by supporting local and national projects 2nd Thur 7 pm Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd, Wamberal sibrisbanewater@@siswp.org www.siswp.org

WOWGIRLS WAVE OF WISDOM INC

WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom connects women and local CENTRAL COAST businesses around a common SOARING CLUB INC theme of well-being. to share Gliding Club, Learn to fly, wisdom and explore life’s Instruction FREE to members potential. 14 and up for Training Regular Powwows, WOW Wisdom Flying at Bloodtree Rd Mangrove gatherings, WOW days and WOW Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun ( weather courses check our website for INNER WHEEL CLUB permitting) activities. OF TERRIGAL 0412 164 082 www.wowgirls.com.au Share friendship, social activities 0414 635 047 info@wowgirls.com.au as well as fundraising for local, www.ccsoaring.com.au national and international projects. 3rd Mon, 12noon Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd Mon 7.15-9.30pm Ourimbah RSL 4362 7227

SERVICE GROUPS

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here, call us on 4325 7369 or see www.centralcoastnewspapers.com Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Australia Post is about to increase their postage rates by over 42% and we can no longer continue to absorb these increases. Subscription rates have therefore needed to be increased from $50 to $75 for 25 editions.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 27 JUNE 15, 2017

The Troublesome Priest documentary to appear on ABC TV

ather Rod Bower, Archdeacon of the Central Coast in the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, is the subject of a new documentary called The Troublesome Priest.

Father Rod Bower

Order of Australia to Ross Robinson

olgate resident, Mr Ross Robinson, has been honoured in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his services to horology. Horology is the study and measurement of time and encompasses the art of clock and watch making. Mr Robinson has had an extensive career with the Sydney Institute of TAFE, working as a teacher from

1973-1989, before taking on the role of Head Teacher of Watchmaking in 19891995, and Head of Studies of Engineering Trades from 1995-2000. Mr Robinson is a life member of the Sydney Clockmakers Society and has held many positons within the Society, including co-founding secretary and chairman. He has also held positions within the World Solar Challenge Organising Committee, Sunswift II,

University of Newcastle and WorldSkills Australia. Mr Robinson is the current webmaster and councillor for The Watch and Clockmakers of Australia, of which he has also held multiple positions for, including: life member, founding producer, public officer, CEO, Federal Councillor and President. Source: Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2017, Jun 5 Kaye Browning, Medals and Awards Officer

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

Friday, Jun 16 Shirley Valentine, Laycock Street Theatre, 8:00pm and Saturday, June 17 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Saturday, Jun 17 Silent Film Festival, Terrigal Uniting Church, from 2:00pm, bookings essential The Health Connection, Brentwood Village, Kincumber, 10:00am Official opening of Beyond Horizons exhibition, Art Studios Coop, North Gosford, 2:00pm, until July 2 Open Day, Narara Eco Village, 25 Research Rd, Narara, from 1:30pm WOW and the Awakening Ceremony for the 5 Lands Walk, Kincumber Mountain, 5:45am

Monday, Jun 19 BPW Central Coast presents Women in the NSW Police Force, with Sergeant Jessica Bradbury, Gosford RSL,

7:00pm, bookings essential

Thursday, Jun 22 Australian Red Cross Mobile Blood Service, Terrigal Rotary Park, 2:00pm to 7:30pm Ben Woodham, Davistown RSL, 6:30pm

Friday, Jun 23 Meet Central Coast Council Leaders Ms Julie Vaughan and Mr Brian Glendenning, Erina Fair, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 92 Glennie Street, North Gosford, 10:30am

Sunday, Jun 25 Avoca Beachside Markets, H9:00am to 2:00pm Parents Without Partners Hills Branch reunion, Central Coast Leagues Club, 11:30am 5 Lands Experience, featuring the 5 Lands Band and Tall Hearts, The Rhythm Hut, Faunce St, Gosford

A synopsis of the new documentary on the Documentary Foundation Australia website said: “Father Rod Bower…is famous for his church signs which regularly go viral around the world via social media. “The Troublesome Priest explores the man behind the sign, revealing why this complex yet simple man lives on the fringe of his church, and why he speaks out when so many others remain silent.” Father Bower and the documentary’s director and writer, Ms Kay Harrison, were recently interviewed by Mr Scott Levi on ABC Radio Central Coast. Ms Harrison said she had been filming footage for the documentary for the past 18 months. “The film is talking about who God is and what God is and the idea that God is not a being, but God is being, itself,” Ms Harrison said. Father Bower expanded on the theme of God as a “doing word”. “I guess at the essence of what we do is reflecting a divinity that is an act, an act of being, a verb, and compassion of course is a verb, we’ve got to do it and so the film is very much about that,” Father Bower said.

Wednesday, Jun 28

e Frkeeone!

Saturday, Jun 24 Guided tour Historic St Albans with Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society, meet opposite St Alban’s Hotel, bookings through DLHHS Ted Mulry Gang, Laycock Street Theatre Five Lands Walk, 10:00am at MacMasters Beach Rodney Tiffen author talk, Erina Library, 11:00am Gigantic Fundraising Sale,

“It focuses on one aspect of our work and that it is in the refugee area and the area of the ‘otherisation’ that goes on in our community, and trying to speak into that and address that, how we actually project all our stuff onto a minority group in our community, and how damaging that can be.” Father Bower said scapegoating was “a terribly damaging thing to do. “It is a biblical concept that goes right back into the Judeo Christian narrative, and when we start scapegoating people in our modern communities, it is an incredibly painful and damaging thing to do to them, and to do to ourselves, so the film addresses some of those really important issues in our communal life today. “Hate and anger are very contagious emotions. “If someone is projecting hate and anger at you, it is really easy to catch that and package it all up and hurl it back at the person. “It is a very natural thing to do, but it is a very destructive thing to do, because it is a never ending spiral. “Jesus was the ultimate scapegoat. “When he said love your enemy, he stuffed up a perfectly good religion really. “He made it really difficult, but it is essential. “If humanity is to evolve into something greater than we are at the moment, then that is the key,” Father Bower said. Father Bower’s most recent controversial sign said “We support Narara Mosque”. “The Muslim community

1 May 2017

Edition 418

15 May 2017

Pearl Beach properties vulnerable, says coastal plan

Options such as building up a dune in front of the properties to create a buffer against storm erosion were “not likely to be feasible in this location”. Some of the properties already had erosion protection measures installed and the plan does allow for properties to complete erosion protection works. Such works would be completed

Ms Chrissy Fitzgerald with her superstar Halley

Mark Swivel, Laycock Street Theatre, 7:30pm

Peninsula exhibitors win at Royal Easter Show Ms Chrissy Fitzgerald of Umina has won the Best Baby Puppy of Breed title for her Finnish Lapphund Baby Puppy Bitch in the dogs section of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Ms Fitzgerald is a seasoned exhibitor at the Show and said she was thrilled with the result for her puppy Halley. “Dogs have been my passion for all my life,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “I’ve been showing dogs for

years and I’m a dog groomer by trade, but Halley represents almost 10 years of planning and effort and I’m delighted with the result at the Royal. “She exceeded all my expectations. “When she was placed in the Top 10 out of the 309 entrants for the category and then went on to win the title, I was amazed and so very humbled by the experience,” Ms Fitzgerald said. Since the Show, Ms Fitzgerald

and Halley have been competing at events across NSW, with the most recent being at the Deniliquin and District Kennel Club, which yielded three champion in show titles. Their recent success sees Halley ranked third on Dogzonline’s Rising Star list. Brisbane Waters High School were also big winners at the Royal Easter Show, winning Champion Senior Boar of Show as well as the Grand Champion Purebred Heavyweight Steer.

Riverglen Herman, the 260kg boar, is currently under the jointownership of the school and his breeders, Mr and Ms Richard and Heather Cole. Sheraton Skippy, the black limousin steer, 600kg, 14-month old Steer, fetched an impressive $8000 at the Show’s auction on April 6. Skippy was handled at the Show by Year 10 student Kynesia Stapelton. Mr Ron Unsworth and Mr

SOURCES: Media release, 16 Apr 2017 Sydney Royal Easter Show Media Centre Interview, 16 Apr 2017 Chrissy Fitzgerald, Umina Reporter: Dilon Luke

THIS ISSUE contains 48 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

Sunday, Jul 2 Andrey Gugnin Recital, Gosford Anglican Church, 2:30pm, bookings essential

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

at the cost of the landowner and would require development approval by Council or the NSW Coastal Panel. Residents at a similar location on Wamberal Beach are currently in the Land and Environment Court challenging the NSW Coastal Panel’s deemed refusal of their application for protection works. The immediate and future erosion risk is identiﬁed as the main hazard to be addressed in this area of Pearl Beach. Post-storm management measures were included in the plan and beach scraping would be used to build up sand from the beach berm to re-establish protection to the erosion escarpment and assist natural recovery of the beach.

Dunecare groups would be encouraged to maintain and revegetate any existing dune after a storm “using appropriate endemic vegetation”. The recommendations in the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan have been endorsed by Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds, but not yet approved by the NSW Government. Some strategies in the plan, such as dune care and dune revegetation, are to be completed across the whole new local government area, even though the former Wyong Shire had a completely different approach to coastal hazard management and its draft plan has not yet been

sent to the NSW Government for approval. If the plan is approved by the NSW Government, in the first few years of its implementation, Central Coast Council will be responsible for redefining a building line and development controls for development within a hazard zone for this portion of the beach. New buildings will be required to be built in a 2100 Stable Foundation Zone, which is not defined in the plan. In the long term, Council, NSW Government and landowners will be required to design erosion protection works which would be “implemented once the erosion escarpment reaches a set trigger distance from the building line” but

were “likely not to be required for several years”. No budget has been allocated for such works prior to 2025. The plan divides the management of Pearl Beach into four precincts. Precinct 1 covers the area south of Green Point Creek; Precinct 2 is the area between Green Point Creek and Middle Creek entrances; Precinct 3 is between Middle Creek and the Pearl Beach Lagoon outlet; and Precinct 4 covers the Coral Cres beachfront properties. SOURCE: Management Plan, 26 Apr 2017 Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone, Worley Parsons,

Group granted $100,000 to solve doctor shortage

Richard Mckay, the school’s agricultural department assistants, have been helping the students prepare cattle and pigs for the Show for 23 years. Mr Unsworth described Skippy’s win as the pinnacle of the cattle events at the show.

e Frkeeone!

Edition 419

Thursday, Jun 29

Source: Audio recording, Jun 6 Rod Bower and Kay Harrison with Scott Levi, ABC Central Coast

e Frkeeone!

NSW Police Legacy Legatee Local Area Lunch, Hotel Gosford, 179 Mann St,

has been worshipping in Narara for the past 10 years and they have purchased an old Brethren Church,” Father Bower said. “I met with the Muslim community … and I’m very clearly supporting what they are trying to achieve. “They are wonderful people with a great sense of community and want to bring that generosity into it, so I am there standing beside them, and with them, to support freedom of worship. “The terrorist attacks we have seen in recent days just make it more important for us to have good, wellrun mosques, because when we marginalise the Muslim community, we push young people to the sides of our society. “They feel marginalised, they don’t feel welcome and it is then that they are more likely to listen to some of the nonsense they might get on facebook or youtube from some radical Imam. “Those who are opposing the Narara mosque are doing the radicals’ work for them,” Father Rod said. The Troublesome Priest will be broadcast on ABC television at 6:00pm on June 17, in the usual Compass program spot. Central Coast for Social Justice will also be showing the documentary with another feature film at the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre on Friday, June 23.

A working group has been given $100,000 in the Federal Budget to ﬁnd solutions to the Peninsula’s doctor shortage. The working group consists of three local doctors, two practice managers, a local nurse and Mingaletta’s health manager, as well as representatives of the government’s Primary Health Network, which extends as far as New England.

The doctors are Dr Paul Duff from Woy Woy, Dr Roger Molesworth from Ettalong, and Dr Cherie Castaing from Umina. The practice managers are Ms Cate Nesbitt from Woy Woy and Ms Jill James from Umina. The nurse is Ms Gaylene Parsell and Mingaletta’s health manager is Auntie Di (Ms Dianne O’Brien). The $100,000 will be managed by the Primary Health Network but the funds have been quarantined to address the needs of the

Peninsula. Primary Health Network CEO Mr Richard Nankervis said: “The funding will allow the network to develop both short and long term strategies to ensure people on the Peninsula are able to access to quality primary health care. “With a number of GPs nearing retirement, our short term focus will be on recruiting more full time general practitioners to the Peninsula. “Longer term solutions will

involve the network working with stakeholders to increase the number of GP registrars coming to the area and working with practices to implement strategies to increase the utilisation of other primary health care professionals. “For example, we know the use of practice nurses frees up a GP’s time so they can focus on more acute or serious cases.” Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks said: “The Network has found that at least ﬁve new

full-time equivalent doctors are needed locally. “This funding will help ensure the right resources are available to support this need,” she said. SOURCES: Media release, 10 May 2017 Tim Sowden, ofﬁce of Lucy Wicks Interview, 11 May 2017 Media statement, 11 May 2017 Scott White, Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network Reporter: Jackie Pearson

THIS ISSUE contains 57 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

29 May 2017

Edition 420

An aerial view of the proposed nursing home site

An artist’s impression of the proposed development

Application to build nursing home on bush block A Section 96 application has been lodged to modify a consent given by Gosford Council in 2007 for a development on a 1.6 hectare block on the corner of Hillview St and Veron Rd, Woy Woy. The change would see the development change from a 56unit retirement village to a 160bed nursing home, costing $27.85 million. The block contains a protected stand of Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland endangered ecological community. Thompson Health Care lodged the application on April 13 for a Section 96 amendment to allow a modiﬁcation for the land to be used as a “residential care facility”. Due to the value of the proposed development exceeding $27 million, it will be subject to approval by the Joint Regional Planning Panel. The residential care facility would include resident recreational spaces, staff and operational facilities and 53 car spaces in addition to 160 beds over three storeys. Central Coast Council must be satisﬁed, under Section 96 (2) of

the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, that the development to which the modiﬁed consent relates is substantially the same development as that for which consent was granted. If the application is not for substantially the same development then the developer would be required to submit a fresh Development Application. The capital cost of the modiﬁed development would be $27.85 million. The Statement of Environmental Effect lodged with the Section 96 application said that the land was “partly occupied by remnant Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland … contained within a designated bushland protection/conservation area. Gosford Council holds a positive covenant over the land which spells out an environmental management plan for the bushland. “The approved development footprint and internal roadway access has been cleared of remnant vegetation,” the developer’s Statement of Environmental Effect said. The proposed nursing home would provide the 160 nursing home beds in 152 rooms including a 20-room dementia wing.

The new application takes the approved built form from two to three storeys, reduces basement car spaces from 70 to 52, redesigns the main reception/entry and “maintains the existing approved site bushland/conservation area”. According to the developer, “the overall size of the approved building footprint is being slightly reduced (-206 square metres) as a portion of space that was previously approved as part of the internal building envelope is being converted into external, ground-level, open-courtyard landscaping”. The building footprint would be reduced from 3164 square metres to 2958 square metres but the addition of a third level would increase the gross floor area from 6427 square metres to 9164 square metres, increasing the floor space ratio from 0.55:1 to 0.79:1 (still under the 1:1 allowed for seniors housing). According to the developer’s statement, there is no maximum building height applicable to a residential care facility on the subject land so Council can use its discretion as to whether or not it modifies the consent. The height of the built form will increase “slightly” to accommodate

a third residential level and the steeply pitched roof is proposed to be modified to a flat roof form. Gosford’s LEP2014 has a maximum permissible building height of 8.5 metres which both the approved and proposed developments would exceed. The developer has asked Council to allow the proposed building height on the basis they believe it “does not result in a significant increase in bulk and scale when compared with the approved development… is not visually evident from the public domain…sits well below the surrounding tree canopy… and does not result in any overshadowing.” During 2006 and 2007, a proposal to develop seniors living for 41 dwellings on the site with community and recreational facilities was refused by Gosford Council. The refusal was then upheld by the Land and Environment Court. Gosford Council then approved a revised application for the development of 37 self-care units, a community hall and indoor swimming pool. Five subsequent modifications to the approval increased the number of units in the development.

The original consent was modified on five occasions, the last permitted 56 sole occupancy dwellings, community hall, indoor swimming pool, 70 car spaces, car wash bay, ambulance space and the bushland protection/ conservation area. The approved built form included a basement car park, two residential levels and a high pitched roof. The land was advertised for sale in late 2015. At that time Gosford Council stated that “Section 95 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 states that a DA is valid for five years from the date of approval. “As such, this DA would now have lapsed, however, if the landowners can demonstrate that there has been physical commencement on the site, the DA may still be considered valid. “The onus is on the landowner to prove that physical commencement has occurred and for this reason, council cannot provide a definitive response.” Continue Page 3

THIS ISSUE contains 36 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

www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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Classifieds Classified advertising is the cheapest form of newspaper advertising. This newspaper is published on line on the night before publication date, and is read that way by hundreds of people. All advertisements, including these classified advertising pages, appear in full on-line as an additional benefit for free. See www.CentralCoastNewspapers.com or www. CentralCoastNews.net Central Coast Newspapers’ advertising rates are relatively much lower than in other newspapers and at the same time much larger than in other newspapers, with the minimum size being 50mm X 42mm. Approximately 16,000 copies of each newspaper are printed and distributed every fortnight. Coast Community News also has a website especially designed for use on the latest mobile phones – www.CoastCommunityNews.com.au Classified advertisements in Coast Community News will also appear in a directory on that mobile website for free, with up to two live links to phones, websites, or email addresses for each advertisement. The mobile website has over 40,000 regular users and 10,000 unique readers every month.

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SPORT PAGE 29 JUNE 15, 2017

Gosford Kariong Storm juniors review the first half of their season

All Gosford footballers know nothing beats tearing the Ourimbah defence to shreds, even at the U6 level

Jimmy Cunynghame helps Lachie ‘Big Red’ Pullen celebrate his try for the U16(2)s

Photo: Andrew Stark

he Gosford Kariong Storm junior rugby league teams headed into the long weekend break having done the club proud during the first half of the 2017 season.

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The Storm’s sole premier division team, the U11(1) s have had a tremendous opening to the season; more than holding their own against the best talent the Central

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Coast has to offer in this age group. During their most recent outing, the Storm boys trailed 2016 premiers Erina, 16-0, before fighting back brilliantly and were ultimately edged out 22-18, in a high quality game of rugby league. On the previous weekend, another superb display from fullback, Benji Keene-O’Keefe, who scored a hat-trick of tries and pulled off a number of vital tackles, inspired his team to a hard fought 24-12 win over powerhouse club Wyong. Gosford’s undefeated U12(3) s side has blitzed the field to date and despite taking to the field with just a dozen players in Round 7, they were able to account for The Entrance 26-6. The Storm U10(3)s are a curious amalgam of under tens and under nines players, boys and girls, large and not so large, and who have outperformed expectations by recording five wins from their opening seven games. A fortnight ago, they supplied the boilover of the season when they toppled the previously undefeated Tigers,

Soakimi Aho on the charge for the Gosford U13(2)s

winning 30-22 at Erina. They followed this up, in their most recent game, with a comprehensive 40-12 victory over Warnervale. The U14(2)s began the year disastrously with four successive losses, however, they have turned it all around by winning their next three games on the trot. The U16(2)s and the U13(2) s have been most unlucky during recent weeks having each suffered a brace of

narrow losse, while the U15(2) s showed true Gosford grit, despite falling 22-8 to the highly placed Kincumber in Round 7. The Sean Wise coached team took to the field without half a dozen regulars who were all missing due to injury, but never gave up against an impressive Colts side who ultimately prevailed by four tries to two. Source: Media release, Jun 7 Andrew Stark, Gosford Kariong Storm RLFC

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

Sutherland, Gosford

North

• Michelle Umback - 2 • Ezy Homes - Freddies Funky, Terrigal Warehouse, Gosford • Tony Fitzpatrick Central Plaza trading as Futurtek • Thomas James Roofing Clinton, Trading • Shelley Walker as TMA Products & Previously trading as AthroBalm & Effective Headmasters Hair Business Solutions of Design, Park Plaza Ettalong Gosford • Ashley’s Family • Jessica Davis - A1 Restaurant, Gosford Cleaning Services, George Nouri Erina • Decorative Fabrics & • Inspire P/L trading Furnishings - Steve as CUP Computers McGinty formerly of Gosford • Dean Lampard • Modern Asian Trading as Lampard Cuisine, Victoria Street Painting East Gosford • Coast and Country • AAA Coastal Painting Removalists - Gosford Service, Greg

PAGE 30 JUNE 15, 2017

SPORT

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Schedule of events to be released

Order of Australia to Peter James for services to Surf Life Saving

r Peter James, of Terrigal, has been named in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his services to Surf Life Saving.

Big changes could be coming the Central Coast Stadium’s way

full schedule of events to be held at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford for the next 12 months will soon be revealed to the public, according to Central Coast Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling. “It is a real coup for the Central Coast Stadium in attracting an international music legend in Lionel Ritchie,” Mr Dowling said, following the announcement that Lionel Ritchie would perform at the Stadium on Saturday, October 14.

Mr Dowling said the Lionel Ritchie concert “heralds the start of Central Coast Council’s ongoing strategy to activate the stadium and provide the Central Coast community with a wide range of events ranging from sport to music and entertainment. “This is the type of event we’ve been looking for, allowing us to showcase the amazing and versatile venue we have right in our own backyard. “Lionel is arguably the biggest music act to perform on the Central Coast and only the start of things to come. “The Coast will see more NRL games than ever before, more concerts and community events as well as our ongoing

Tide Chart

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

15 THU

18 SUN

0533 0.57 1132 1.33 1709 0.68 2338 1.60

0120 1.50 0025 1.55 0819 0.66 0717 0.65 1315 1.23 MON 1421 1.22 1953 0.82 1846 0.79

0432 1.56 1107 0.50 1722 1.45 2313 0.64

0451 0.52 1050 1.39 1631 0.62 2259 1.64

16 FRI

0332 1.51 1018 0.58 WED 1631 1.34 2215 0.74

0005 0.53 0615 1.70 1234 0.36 1850 1.70

24 SAT

27 TUE

THU

SUN

TUE

FRI

0225 1.49 0922 0.63 1531 1.26 2107 0.80

Source: Media statement, Jun 13 Mike Dowling, Central Coast Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

THU

Year 7 student, Miranda Topp, secured a gold in the Synchro event. Topp and her partner are the Under 15 National Synchro Champions. Charlotte Topp of Year 9 competed in the Under 17 Synchro event with her partner and secured a bronze medal. The Championships were held from May 22 to June 4 at Hisense Arena, Melbourne. Newsletter, Jun 2 Andrew Backhouse, Henry Kendall High School

0526 1.63 1152 0.42 1806 1.57

0426 0.25 1032 1.58 1621 0.44 2245 1.96

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

Source: Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Jun 5 Kaye Browning, Medal and Awards Officer

enry Kendall High School students have secured medals in the Australian Gymnastics Championships.

26 29

New Zealand, and as General Manager for Surf Life Saving NSW. Mr James is also the chairman of Central Coast Leagues Club 2016-17 and has been a director of the club since 2012. Awards and recognitions Mr James has received in his lifetime include: 50 Year Long Service Award from Surf Life Saving Australia; and the Gosford Mayoral Award for services to Gosford City.

National medals for Topp sisters

0145 0.32 0055 0.42 0753 1.75 0703 1.74 1316 0.31 MON 1400 0.29 2018 1.92 1933 1.82

0330 0.24 0237 0.26 0937 1.66 0844 1.72 1445 0.31 WED 1531 0.36 2154 2.00 2105 1.98

SAT

0622 0.61 1219 1.27 1752 0.74

and valued long-term relationship with the Central Coast Mariners. “Shortly, we will be going to the community and unveiling our program of events for the next 12 months. “As mentioned, this event forms part of Central Coast Council’s long term strategy for the Stadium following lengthy negotiations with world-class promoters, NRL clubs and other event organisers to bring to the community a range of events for the whole family.” Mr Dowling did not comment on the Central Coast Mariner’s proposal for a $75 million redevelopment of the stadium, including additional spectator seating, a demountable stage, new forecourts and entries, a hotel and a food and retail precinct. During his visit to the Central Coast in May, Mr Mike Charlesworth, owner of the Central Coast Mariners, called on local politicians to support the club’s plans for the stadium.

Mr James has had a long career in surf lifesaving on the Central Coast before moving into careers with Surf Life Saving Central Coast and Surf Life Saving NSW. Mr James has been a member of Surf Life Saving Australia since 1962 and was Treasurer of Manly Surf Club in 1964.

Mr James has been a life member of Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club since 1979, and has had varying stints as the Wamberal Club’s president and as a committee member. Mr James has also held positions with various surf lifesaving organisations throughout his life, including: the NSW Council Representative and the Central Coast Power Surf Rescue Committee. Mr James has been the director of Surf Life Saving Central Coast since 2011 and worked previously as the CEO of Surf Life Saving Auckland,

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

Topp sisters take top spot in national gymnastic event

Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence presented

urf Life Saving Central Coast held its Awards of Excellence presentation at Mingara Recreation Club on June 10. Clubs from around the Coast were honoured for their achievements throughout the year. Top honours went to Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club’s (SLSC) Skye O’Mara and Ocean Beach’s Hayden Doyle, named Junior Life Savers of the Year. It was a big night for Ocean Beach members, with Liam Oakes taking out Rookie of the Year, Ryan Chiswell took out Young Life Saver of the Year, and Jordan Smith being named Lifesaver of the Year. Ocean Beach also took out the Patrol Competition category before being named Club of the Year. Terrigal’s Paul Lemmon and Joshua Cole took out the Masters Athlete of the Year and RWC Operator of the Year categories respectively. Wamberal SLSC’s Ramzy Fawzy took out both the Facilitator of the Year and

Assessor of the Year, whilst Avoca Beach claimed the title of Overall Surf Sports Pointscore winners. Umina’s surf lifesaving star, Jemma Smith, claimed the Open Athlete of the Year and Young Athlete of the Year categories. Umina’s Trevor Gee took out the Coach of the Year, and Team of the Year went to Umina’s U19 Female Taplin Team. Killcare’s Craig Sheppard was honoured with Volunteer of the Year. Wyong was also well represented with Shelly Beach and The Entrance SLSCs giving the southern clubs some stiff competition. Shelly Beach’s Shaun Gresch and Trish Watts took out Trainer of the Year and Administrator of the Year, whilst Ken Sellers of The Entrance was awarded Official of the Year. In the Quality Club Program, Bronze winners were Soldiers Beach, North Entrance and Ocean Beach. Source: Website, Jun 14 Surf Life Saving Central Coast Dilon Luke, Journalist

SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 31 JUNE 15, 2017

Order of Australia to Ian Robilliard for service to sport for the Professional Golfers Association of Australia. He also served as its National Education Director, a Member of the Junior Golf Advisory Panel, and a Member of the Golf Management Committee at the Australian Institute of Sport. Mr Robilliard founded the Donnica Clarke Foundation in 2007 and served as a director until 2016, after Ms Donnica Clarke, an elite athlete, fell to her death in Terrigal. The Foundation is now able to support 15 young athletes each year with scholarships using interest from invested funds. Mr Robilliard has been Chairman and a Board Member of the Regional Academies of Sport Inc. since 2005. “I have always said that it is the people you meet along the way when you are involved in team sport that are the best part of it, you basically make friends for life,” he said. He congratulated the other Central Coast OAM recipients, two of whom he said he knew personally. As to whether or not the award had changed his life, “I was still out coaching last night,” he said of his volunteer role with the Central Coast Crusaders basketball side.

r Ian Robilliard of Terrigal has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for service to sport as an administrator, coach and competitor. Mr Robilliard founded the Central Coast Academy of Sport in 2003 and has been its Managing Director since then. He has also been the Managing Director and a Board Member of the Gold Coast Academy of Sport since 2009, which he helped to set up with a very similar business model to the successful Central Coast Academy. Mr Robilliard said he is still committed full-time to the Central Coast Academy. He described himself as a sports tragic, having played Rugby Union and Basketball as a child. In his teens, Mr Robilliard was a member of the Australian Olympic Basketball Squad and, although he missed out on Olympic team selection, he did represent Australia in a test match in 1981. Professional basketball sustained the young Ian Robilliard, first in Sydney as a player for the City of Sydney, a foundation NBL club, then for the Newcastle Falcons from 1981 until 1986, including four years as captain. Mr Robilliard managed to complete his qualifications to become a PE teacher while playing professional

Ian Robilliard OAM

basketball. He then returned to Rugby Union as a First Grade Player for Parramatta Two Blues in the NSW Rugby Shute Shield. When he stopped playing professional basketball, Mr Robilliard worked as a basketball commentator for the NBL on NBN Television. He became Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Kings and their Head Coach in 2012. He had also been Assistant Coach and Co-Captain with the Kings when he played in the team.

He served as a Board Member on the Sydney Kings Foundation in 2013-2014. Having been a volunteer coach for each of his three sons, Mr Robilliard is still coaching for the Central Coast Crusaders and Central Coast Rebels in the Waratah Championship League. He was a member of the Mentor Program at the Australian Coaching Council in 1999. Mr Robilliard also had a period of professional involvement in golf, as Chief Operating Officer

Source: Interview, Jun 14 Ian Robilliard, Terrigal Media release, Jun 5 Kaye Browning, Office of the Australian Governor General Jackie Pearson, journalist

Gosford, New South Wales June 2017 Daily Weather Observations Date

Day

Temps Min Max °C

°C

Rain

Evap

Sun

Max wind gust Dirn Spd Time

Temp

Cld

hours

km/h

°C

eighths

1 Th 9.6 16.8 0 2 Fr 8.8 17.4 0 3 Sa 12.4 17.5 0 4 Su 11.1 18.5 1.8 5 Mo 7.3 19.0 0 6 Tu 6.2 17.0 0 7 We 9.7 16.0 29.4 8 Th 11.6 17.5 60.2 9 Fr 10.6 19.0 10.6 10 Sa 13.1 18.1 20.8 11 Su 12.5 16.7 10.8 12 Mo 9.2 19.6 0.2 13 Tu 8.7 0 Statistics for the first 13 days of June 2017 Mean 10.1 17.8 Lowest 6.2 16.0 Highest 13.1 19.6 60.2 Total 133.8

WSW SSW SSW S W SW SW ESE SSW E NNW S

31 28 33 17 15 44 48 26 30 24 17 24

local

03:23 12:19 00:35 14:29 09:13 21:13 06:31 15:57 15:25 11:52 02:37 15:06

9am Dirn

3pm Dirn

Spd

MSLP

Temp

Cld

km/h

hPa

°C

eighths

Spd

MSLP

km/h

hPa

12.0 12.7 14.3 14.8 12.1 12.5 12.7 14.1 13.3 14.6 13.9 12.0 13.5

59 60 68 79 86 59 91 97 98 98 96 93 88

WSW WSW SW WSW W WNW SW SW WSW WNW W W WSW

13 13 11 6 7 13 19 7 6 2 7 6 7

16.1 16.0 15.9 17.4 18.7 16.4 14.6 16.7 14.6 16.5 16.6 18.2 17.1

50 59 79 69 50 47 86 85 90 91 87 74 75

SSW SSW SSW S NNW SW SW SSW S W SW S S

13 9 11 7 2 15 13 11 11 7 4 13 15

13.3 12.0 14.8

82 59 98

WNW SW

9 2 19

16.5 14.6 18.7

72 47 91

NNW #

10 2 15

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