Continued

Woy Woy in Narara district in latest regional plan

The Narara District as outlined in the plan From page 1

It also outlines the work that needs to be done to unlock land and make it developer ready, he said.

Martin said the Central Coast is blessed with natural endowments, a talented workforce and an enviable lifestyle.

“This plan will build our region so that it can accommodate regional growth in an inclusive and sustainable way,” she said.

“The last 18 months gave us a taste of how our local towns benefit from local spend when our large commuter base work from home.

“We want to see these economic benefits become permanent through local jobs creation and develop housing that meets the changing demographic of our population.”

Martin said it was important for a range of jobs to be offered in the region to support the work, live and play 15-minute scenario.

The plan’s objectives centre on jobs, Aboriginal selfdetermination, housing, green infrastructure and net zero emissions.

The plan outlines strategic direction for land-use decisions that grow jobs, increase supply of diverse housing and build infrastructure to ensure most of what people need is near where they live in each of the major centres within each district.

A connection to environment is at its core with details on better linking people to to parks, green and blue public spaces and a close collaboration with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council aims to help the Darkinjung people achieve the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspirations they have for their land, the plan says.

You have until midnight on Friday March 4, 2022, to have your say on the draft plan.

It is available for viewing at https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/ centralcoast2041.

Terry Collins

Peninsula to become a tiny part of a Greater City

The Central Coast has been included as one of six big cities in a new vision outlined by Premier Dominic Perrottet.

The State Government used to talk about the three cities, meaning Sydney East, Sydney Centre and Sydney West.

It is now talking about six cities – including Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast.

Mr Perrottet used the annual Bradfield Oration on December 2 to outline his vision for Sydney and the state.

He mentioned the three cities vision that was outlined five years earlier by Lucy Turnbull when she was Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission.

Greater Sydney must be reimagined as consisting of three great cities for its growth to be successful, Ms Turnbull said in 2016.

Now Premier Perrottet has doubled the number.

“At present our vision spans east to west, but there is Newcastle and the Central Coast to our north, and Wollongong to our south,” he said.

“These are cities already undergoing rapid change and revitalisation.

“They have been the industrial workhorses of the past and they should continue on their trajectory to become future focused precincts of tomorrow.

“So today I can announce our three cities strategy will grow to a six-cities vision.”

He said the universities would be at the heart of the expansion.

“Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong are already home to campuses that punch well above their weight — with growing global reputations in fields like energy, engineering, and health science,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Enhancing and better connecting this expertise to local industries can supercharge these cities.

“And connecting these centres to the three-cities strategy will do the same thing for our entire state.

“The east-west axis of the three cities connects our airports.

“Adding a north-south axis connects our major seaports.

“Together this network will link every port – integrating six cities like never before.”

The Premier said it would accelerate “the next stage of our economic evolution”.

The Greater Sydney Commission would become the Greater Cities Commission and he will appoint a dedicated Minister for Cities.

The day after the speech the Greater Sydney Commission welcomed “the exciting evolution in its purpose as it prepares to become the Greater Cities Commission, with a remit including Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong” in addition to Greater Sydney.

“We welcome this great announcement from the NSW Premier. We look forward to continuing our collaboration across government, industry and community to bring it to life,” Chief Commissioner Geoff Roberts said.

“The Commission is looking forward to engaging closely with First Nations peoples, residents, councils, industry and local city-shaping experts to understand and realise community aspirations for this city region.”

Roberts said that the Commission’s new remit was well-timed as it moved into the review of the Greater Sydney Region Plan.

The regional plans for the Hunter, the Illawarra Shoalhaven and the Central Coast have also just been reviewed and are now on public exhibition.

The draft regional plans outline the vision for the areas up to 2041 and the Hunter and Central Coast plans share seven themes in common.

They include a focus on creating a region made up of 15-minute neighbourhoods where most needs can be met within a 15-minute walk, bike or drive if you are in a rural area; a renewed focus on green infrastructure, public spaces and nature and prioritisation of walking, cycling and public transport in urban areas, towns and village across the Central Coast.

It also includes a new approach to planning to accelerate proposals that will “support the vision and bring even greater public value”.

Merilyn Vale

Young people invited to join Council action team

Central Coast Council is inviting aspiring youth leaders to become members of the ‘Youth for Youth’ (or Y4Y) action team and make a difference to the lives of young people across the Coast.

Applications are now open for membership in the 2022 team – a group of 12 young people, aged 14-24, who will make youth-led initiatives and ideas happen in our community.

Council’s former Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan, said the program engages young people, empowering them to take action, be advocates for their peers and provide advice on Council initiatives from a young person’s perspective.

“Council is committed to working with young people across the Central Coast to ensure they feel respected, included and valued as part of our community,” Vaughan said.

“Y4Y represents a fantastic opportunity for young people to have their voice heard and make a difference.

“We are looking for members who are keen to be actively involved in enhancing the Coast as a great place for young people to live work and play.”

As part of the Y4Y team, members will meet regularly and work on a range of initiatives and development opportunities – from planning an annual youth forum to organising local youthfocussed events, attending a leadership camp, participating in leadership and skillsdevelopment programs and more.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the program is a great opportunity for applicants to develop their leadership and decision-making skills and effectively contribute to the community.

“Young people will be supported to develop their leadership skills, and drive initiatives and ideas that will benefit their peers across the region,” Hart said.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a welcome lunch in January, take part in a leadership camp in February 2022 and will play a part in Youth Week in April 2022.

Applications for the Y4Y program will close at 5pm on January 7 with successful applicants announced midJanuary.

For further information and to apply, visit centralcoast.nsw. gov.au/y4y

Source: Media release, Nov 22 Central Coast Council

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Festive season a time to ‘reImagine’ Woy Woy

Central Coast Council has a huge two months of events and activities planned to help bring Town Centres back to life with a new reIMAGINE Festival aimed to support local businesses and creatives.

The Festival will take place from December 2021 to January 2022 with a range of exciting programs in Woy Woy.

The reIMAGINE Festival program includes Christmas activations delivered across the Coast throughout December including Christmas decorations and installations, festive workshops, Christmas themed photo booths and roving entrainment.

Creative Arena at Woy Woy will host a range of workshops and exhibitions for the community to enjoy across December and January.

Australia Day will be celebrated with a month-long

Tai Chi classes will be running throughout December and January at Woy Woy Oval as part of Council’s reIMAGINE Festival series of pool parties and activities popping up around the Coast in January complete with giant inflatables, circus activities, roving entertainment, delicious food stalls and more.

There will also be fireworks on Australia Day Eve in Woy Woy.

Tai Chi classes will also be running at Woy Woy Oval Forecourt on December 14 and 21, 2021 and again on January 11,18 and 25, 2022 from 8:30 to 9:30. Town Centres will also see static and roving activations throughout December and January with everything from Christmas entertainment, Tai Chi classes, performances from local music artists, popup dining and food trucks, live mural painting and decorative lighting installations. Council Unit Manager of Community and Culture, Glen Cannard, said Council was pleased to be offering an exciting program designed to bring the community back together and provide an economic boost for local business and talent. “The Central Coast has become a very popular holiday destination and with locals able to spend more time out now, as well as a number of visitors anticipated over the summer holidays, we are delighted to create these opportunities to steer them into our town centres to support our businesses. “This reIMAGINE Festival has so much happening that it will bring the Coast back to life after lockdown by supporting our local businesses and showcasing our talented local creatives, artists, musicians and more. “It will also give the community the chance to celebrate key events like Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day which we missed last year due to COVID,” Cannard said. Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said he is pleased to see that local business and creatives will get the support they need to reset after what has been a difficult year.

“Buildings make a town, but people make a community and Council is committed to strengthening our diverse population by creating new opportunities for connection and creativity.

“Creating a liveable community means striking a balance between projects that support infrastructure development and economic growth, and others that enhance our quality of life, and I think this program of events and activities will bring hope and cheer back to the Coast after a difficult year for many,” Hart said.

The reIMAGINE Festival is taking place from December 1 to January 30 in town centres across the Coast.

More information about the reIMAGINE Festival can be found on Council’s Website.

Source: Media release, Dec 1 Central Coast Council

Why wait months for your Caravan or Motorhome to be repaired? Peninsula community invited to planning forum

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As the NSW Government announces its plan for the Central Coast to be swallowed up in a Greater Sydney ‘Megaregion’ – one of Six Cities under a Greater Cities Commission – the local community has been invited come together this Saturday, December 11, to have its say on the future of planning on the Central Coast.

The Central Coast Community Better Planning Group and Central Coast Friends of Democracy will co-host a Community Planning Forum at the Gosford RSL from 9am until 2:30pm on Saturday, December 11.

“Our aim is to bring together individuals and community groups who have an interest in local planning but feel that they do not currently have a voice – or even very much input – into how their streets, villages and their region is being planned and developed,” said Central Coast Community Better Planning Group Chair, Gary Chestnut.

“In the past week alone we have heard of the NSW Premier’s plans to make the Central Coast part of a Greater Sydney Mega City and an updated regional plan has been presented to us, through the media, by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast,” Mr Chestnut said.

“It seems that the community is the last to know what the future holds for the place it calls home and it seems the community – including the businesses and residents who pay water and land rates – are rarely consulted in a meaningful way about their views,” he said.

“Since 2016 the Central Coast community has gone through council amalgamation, two extended periods of administration, the shifting of planning controls to planning panels and state ministers – the community’s voice and the community’s influence are ever-diminishing.”

Mr Chestnut said he expected the discussion at the community forum to be lively due to the volume of proposals and plans currently making their way through the system.

“From Patonga and Spencer to the southern shores of Lake Macquarie, our existing communities are facing planning changes and challenges that are bringing substantial new development and yet they have very few opportunities to influence those changes and challenges even when they occur on their doorstep.

“If you are an individual concerned about planning and development on the Coast or if you have a community group working on a particular planning issue, there is still time to register for this event. “Community groups can set up a table and distribute information about their particular issue – this is an opportunity for the Central Coast community to have its say about our future.”

Source: Media release, Dec 8 Gary Chestnut, CC Community Better Planning Group

Stabbing strike force releases COMFIT images Shed lads say thanks

Police have released COMFIT images of two men who may be able to assist with investigations following a possible kidnapping and stabbing in Umina Beach earlier this year.

About 1:15am on Wednesday, July 21, emergency services were called to a unit on King St following reports a man was suffering stab wounds to his arm and torso.

The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Gosford Hospital.

He has since been released.

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District attended and established two crime scenes – one at the unit and a second at a pedestrian laneway, which runs between King St and Bourke St.

Strike Force Crush was subsequently established by detectives to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Initial inquiries suggest the injured man may have been approached by up to four males earlier in the evening at an unknown location.

It’s understood the man may have then been taken to locations including a water tower at Patonga, before being dropped off by a vehicle near Bourke St just before 1am.

Police believe the man was injured while he was detained.

As Strike Force Crush investigations continue, detectives have released a COMFIT image of two men who may be able to assist with inquiries.

The first man depicted is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, aged in his 20s, with brown eyes, black hair and wearing a brown hooded jacket.

The second man depicted is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, with short brown hair, hazelcoloured eyes and with short black stubble.

He was seen wearing a white t-shirt.

Police have also released a COMFIT image of a silver Subaru hatchback.

Inquiries have led police to believe the vehicle may have been in the area of Bourke St around the time of the incident and police would like to speak to the driver and any passengers.

Brisbane Water Police District Commander, Superintendent Darryl Jobson, said while Strike Force Crush detectives have made great headway in the investigation, they believe there are members of the public who may hold information crucial to ongoing inquiries.

“Despite four months passing since the incident, we believe there are people out there in the community who may have information that is key to solving this investigation,” Supt Jobson said.

“Police would like to hear from anyone whose memory may be refreshed by the images released today – no matter how insignificant the information may seem – it could be valuable to detectives.”

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Crush investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.

Source: Social media, Nov 2 Brisbane Water Police District

Five new constables join Brisbane Water force

Five new police officers have joined Brisbane Water Police District following an attestation at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said a total of eight new police officers will start on the Central Coast.

“On behalf of our community, I am pleased to be able to welcome our newest police officers,” Crouch said.

“Of the eight new officers, five will be allocated to Brisbane Water Police District and three will be deployed to Tuggerah Lakes Police District.

“Joining the NSW Police Force is a great honour and I commend these eight new Probationary Constables for choosing to put the safety of others ahead of their own.”

Source: Media release, Dec 6 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

The lads at our Shed have requested that we write on their behalf to thank the Pelican Post team for the coverage that was provided in issue 036, Nov 18 regarding the Garage/Shed sale we promoted and held on November 27.

Whilst the weather in the lead up and on the day was very turbulent, the day went off well with lots of equipment and tools finding new and happy owners, with the funds being returned to the Shed to help with operating and consumable expenses.

Whilst the sheer numbers of

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the public attending the sale was naturally down due to the weather the end result was good.

Given that the sale was held on Saturday 27 and today’s December 6, we apologise for this late “thank -You”, but in reality, it’s the first real opportunity we have actually had, so again our sincere thanks for the interest and coverage in your lovely newspaper.

Email, Dec 6 Vic Brown, Umina Beach Men’s Shed Inc

Feeling unsafe

I would say the vast majority of people I see on the Central Coast are either not wearing a mask and seemingly daring anybody to ask them why they’re not wearing a mask.

Or they only have the mask over their mouth and not

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their nose.

This new virus is doing the rounds and our community is making me feel very unsafe.

Email, Dec 3 Kevin Burdock, Woy Woy

Something to see?

I am a single Aged Pensioner tenant in the Woy Woy area.

My water bill has just increased by another $52 a quarter.

Other people and I are going to be extremely angry if there is a Liberal style cover up, ‘nothing to see here’ approach

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to the inquiry into who is responsible for the Wyong/ Gosford Council fiasco over the large debt that was incurred due to their incompetence.

Email, Dec 2 John Stagg, Woy Woy

Park it and find another goodie

With respect to the chimerical Woy Woy carpark, Mr Franz may be misinformed, when he says that “originally our Council was tasked with identifying sites, getting control and presenting these to the Feds” (“Reporting on mates”, PP 034) and that the Council’s failure is the reason for the delays in providing these muchpublicised spaces.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The carpark was announced by the Government as one of its pork-barrel election promises without (i) any assessment of parking need, (ii) any consultation with Council, (iii) any consultation with community groups, (iv) any site selection, (v) any building design, (vi) any costing and (vii) any budgeting beyond a $5 million allocation for a “scoping study”.

Council was never asked to do any of the things Mr Franz alleges and, in fact, had no role other than a pro forma consultation with Transport for NSW which is entirely responsible for the project (if one can dignify that shemozzle with the name).

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See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper

Over two years since the original announcement was made and despite several promises, at various times, by Lucy Wicks that the project’s commencement is imminent, we are, in fact, not a single step closer to seeing a carpark than we were when the premature promise was sprung on us.

This does not stop Ms Wicks from bragging that the Government has provided these spaces “in Woy Woy station”, thus demonstrating a perception of vision denied to ordinary Woy Woy commuters.

It is true that the Council has produced a “parking strategy” which is of practically no real value but, otherwise, it is not involved in providing commuter parking.

Mr Franz’s cryptic advice that we should consult Scott Cox about “Council’s Strategic Plan” (I didn’t know Council had one: there is certainly no sign of any strategy ever being implemented by Council or Administrator), unfortunately, can’t be followed up on, since Mr Cox has departed Central Coast.

What we need from Ms Wicks is not more political waffle but a straightforward, believable statement about the status of the parking exercise.

She should bear in mind that repeating the parking promise won’t cut it at the next election.

We shall be expecting a novel promise in return for our votes, so she should put her thinking cap on and come up with some new goodie that she can plausibly dangle in front of the electorate as an enticement.

For my part, I always think of Churchill’s comment that we should never forget that anything the Government promises you will be paid for with money that it took away from you in the first place.

Alternatively, of course, it could be paid for with borrowings that leave a debt for the next Government to worry about.

Email, Dec 5 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

A call to get the level crossing replacement done

I am saddened and upset to read of the shocking accident at the deadly Rawson Rd level crossing in Woy Woy, as reported in Pelican Post on November 25, 2021.

I thank you for bringing us up to date with the appalling state of affairs with this death trap.

It is dangerous for those of us who walk and drive over this level crossing on a frequent basis, for car passengers and pedestrians at the intersection of Rawson Rd and Railway St, and also for visitors to the area, and of course for the train drivers and guards and passengers on the trains that go through this level crossing.

It is 10 years now since the

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NSW Government made its commitment, in 2011, to replace the level crossing, and five years since the same Government reneged on its commitment to replace the Rawson Rd level crossing with a pedestrian underpass, an overpass at the base of Bull’s Hill and a widened underpass at Shoalhaven Dr.

I call on our State Member of Parliament, Liesl Tesch, to work with the State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Rob Stokes, along with Central Coast Council to see this essential project completed.

The pedestrian underpass has been completed.

This was achieved after years of consultation and planning.

Now, please finish the job and complete the next two stages of the project on which so much money, millions of dollars, has been spent: to complete the overpass at the base of Bull’s Hill, and to widen the current underpass on Shoalhaven Dr.

That is the easiest and safest solution, instead of wasting more years and more dollars on consultation, planning, assessments etc.

All we need is funding for the project to be completed.

Email, Nov 25 Stephanie Short, Woy Woy

Questions about Council asset sale

Ratepayers deserve the maximum return on the sales of Central Coast Council’s assets.

The old Gosford Council building should be auctioned to the highest bidder so that its debts can be paid off asap.

If the State Government wants to bid in a public auction, then it should.

Any pre-auction negotiated price with the state should be

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public, not confidential, so that we can see if we are getting the best value.

Transparency is essential for accountability.

What is the most recent valuation of the site in this hot property market?

The State Liberal government has been gutting NSW TAFEs of funds for years.

Any injection of cash to reverse that attack on TAFEs should be directly from that government, not subsidised by Central Coast ratepayers through discounted sale prices of our assets.

Please follow up your story and ask the hard questions.

Email, Dec 3 Tony Fuary, Umina Beach

Trafalgar airstrip memories

I read with interest your piece on the History of Trafalgar Ave airstrip (PP036).

My sister and I had our first ever plane flight in an Avro Anson 5-seater plane, on a joy flight from this airstrip just after the end of WWII.

I was just a young schoolgirl, so it was all very exciting.

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Our brother (not long out of the Air Force) was going to sit with the pilot who, when he overheard me say that I wish I could sit up front with him, asked my brother to swap seats with the young girl down the back (me) halfway through the flight.

So, for me it all became even more exciting.

I haven’t forgotten sitting in the front of that plane with the wonderful view of the blue sea and the sand shoals around Ocean Beach and Umina.

After many years it’s still so clear to me now.

Email, Dec 6 Shirley Rider, Point Clare

Footpaths as luxury items

If Bruce Hyland thinks he has it bad in Woy Woy (“Bruce leads a walking tour of Woy Woy’s lumpen eyesores”, Pelican Post 038) then he should take a look at Gosford and environs.

Around here, footpaths seem to be a luxury item, and those that exist are mostly in need of repair following years of neglect by the former Gosford

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City Council.

The only reason that there is a path outside my townhouse for example is because it was a condition when the complex was built; oddly enough it stops precisely at the property boundaries, thereby forcing me to either negotiate uneven ground or be forced out onto the road where there are not only heavy trucks but also a crest that limits vision.

As one who requires a walking stick and who cannot take sudden evasive action this is somewhat hazardous; I would like to think that the days of disabled people being subjected to casual discrimination are over, but only time will tell.

Email, Dec 6 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

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