Issue 97 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

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August 2, 2016

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Issue 97

Wallarah 2 coal mine decision now only a few weeks away he Australian Coal Alliance is organising a public meeting to inform the northern Central Coast community about the latest developments in their long-running campaign to stop the Wallarah 2 coal mine.

Director of the alliance’s Water Not Coal campaign, Mr Alan Hayes, said the meeting would be held at Wyong RSL on August 10. The Korean mining company KORES has lodged an amended development proposal that includes plans to build a conveyor belt and alter the route of the rail spur to avoid having to reach an agreement with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. Plans have been modified relating to the rail loop, rail spur line and train load out facility. The project has been modified to realign the sewer connection. The State Significant Development was recently lodged with the Planning Assessment Commission and is on public exhibition (but not advertised in this newspaper) for six weeks, with a closing date of September 6. According to Mr Hayes, the Planning Assessment Commission did not approve the coal mine in 2014, but stated that there may be justification to approve the mine if all the commission’s

The latest plans include a relocated rail loop (shown in purple)

other concerns could be addressed. Those concerns included the mine’s impact on the Central Coast’s water supply, subsidence and the health effects of coal dust. The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council took the matter to the Land and Environment Court, which ruled that the mine could not go ahead without permission to utilise Darkinjung land. The new proposal does not include Darkinjung land. CEO of the Darkinjung LALC, Mr Sean Gordon, declined to comment on the impact the latest Wallarah II proposal may have on the Darkinjung land and development

plans. Mr Hayes said the new development proposal would see the conveyor belt transporting coal 200 metres from the southwestern boundary of the Blue Haven residential area and as far north as Wyee. “Tooheys Rd would disappear because that road does not have a wide verge on either side and KORES doesn’t own any land in that area, so they would be wanting the conveyor to run along the carriage way,” Mr Hayes said. The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council already has approval for a 500 lot residential sub-division that would be impacted because Tooheys Rd is

the main access to the development. Mr Hayes said that in 2014, Dr Peter Lewis, the clinical director of the Central Coast integrated care program, said the expected mortality rate for coal dust related to the Wallarah 2 mine could be one on 100,000. “Wyong CBD is five kilometres from the proposed coal handling facilities, Blue Haven and Lake Haven are even closer, and there are schools, hospitals and aged care facilities,” Mr Hayes said. “The Planning Assessment Commission has rejected four coal mines already this year because of their proximity to residential areas,” he said.

no future, that Mike Baird should knock on the head. “The proposed coal conveyor belt and coal loading area are unacceptably close to the existing residential neighbourhood of Blue Haven and may impact on plans by the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council for residential development in the area.” Central Coast Council concerns about the effect on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas, will be central to its review of modified plans for the Wallarah 2 Coal Project. The former Wyong Shire Council opposed the mine in February 2014 due to the potential impacts on the drinking water catchment areas. The former Gosford City Council also opposed the project in March 2014. Council has stated it intends to closely review the revised plans with a view to lodging a submission. Council has also encouraged community members to take this opportunity to have their voice heard. Information regarding the project is available from NSW Planning’s major projects website. Media release, Jul 26, 2016 Central Coast Council media Media release, Jul 26, 2016 Max Phillips, office of Jeremy Buckingham Interview, Jul 29, 2017 Alan Hayes, Australian Coal Alliance Jackie Pearson, journalist

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P2 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Wyong services directory

Chance to Win!

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 Parents Helpline 13 20 55 Indigenous Call Centre 136 380

Aboriginal Legal Service 8842 8000 Community Options 4351 3388 Bungree Aboriginal Association 4397 7700 Mingaletta 4342 7515 Aboriginal Home Care 4321 7215 Drug & Alcohol rehab 4388 6360 Respite Care Options 4351 3388 Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health 4351 1040 Darkinjung Local Land Council 4351 2930

Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321 Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 G-line - Gambling Helpline 1800 633 635 Credit Helpline 1800 808 488 Child Support Agency 13 12 72 Australian Injury Helpline 1800 223 363 Veteran Affairs Network 1300 551 918 Mens Domestic Violence 1800 000 599

Accommodation

Sexual Assault Resource 1800 199 888

Dept. of Housing Wyong 4352 4400 Regional Youth Support Services 4323 2374 Coast Shelter 4324 7239 Neleh House 4340 1052 Elandra Women and Children’s Refuge 4396 4263 Kara Women and Children’s Refuge 4323 1709 Coimba Mens Refuge 4324 7239 Rumbalara Youth Refuge 4325 7555 Wyong Youth Refuge 4351 1922 Youth Angle 4341 8830 Woy Woy Youth Cottage 4341 9027 Maya Young Womens Refuge 4323 1636 Pacific Link Com Housing 4324 7617 Rumbalara Youth Refuge 4325 7555 Samaritans Youth Services 4351 1922 Youth Angle • Woy Woy 4341 8830 Temporary Accommodation 1800 152 152

Gay and Lesbian Counselling 1800 184 527 Gay and Lesbian Support 1800 249 377 Youth Sexuality Network 4320 2856 Vietnam Veterans 1800 043 503 Victims Support Services 1800 633 063

Whole Lotta Love, write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle Whole Lotta Love Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250 before 5:00pm, August 12. The winner of the Wyong Regional Chronicle Western Plains Zoo competition was Leeanne Makepeace of Berkeley Vale.

makes what I believe to be a matchless musical experience, said Joseph Calderazzo, musical director. “As a long-time fan of Led Zeppelin there was no hesitation in joining the current show. “It’s not every day you get to play Kashmir with an extraordinary band and inhabit the electricity of their live performance.” For your chance to win the double pass to

The musicians and vocalists who will bring alive the music of Led Zeppelin have described the show in glowing terms: “With a show of this size and magnitude (it’s not your average pub rock gig) there will always be lots of highlights. “It’s a two-and-a-half hour escape that weaves through folk, blues, middle eastern and of course rock music which

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations

yong Regional Chronicle and Whole Lotta Love have a double pass to the Led Zeppelin Celebration at the Laycock Street Theatre on Friday, August 26.

Prize winners may be required to pick up their prize from our Gosford office. Entries may be passed on to prize providers for marketing purposes.

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Family and Relationships Oasis Youth Centre 4353 9799

often quite different from what was originally received. Contributions are welcome and are preferred in email form, ideally with any relevant photographs attached. Contributions must include the contributor’s name, address and phone numbers. This is not for publication but name and suburb will be published and anonymous contributions will not be included.

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Horizons (For families) 4351 5008 Interrelate - Family Relationships 1300 736 966

Health Wyong Hospital 4394 8000 Cancer Hotline 131 120 Mental Health info Service 1300 794 991

Animal Rescue

Beyond Blue (Depression) 1300 22 4636

Wires 1300 094 737

Community Women’s Health Centre 4351 1152

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Mensline - talk with a bloke 1300 789 978 Lifecare Family Services 1300 130 225 CatholicCare: 4356 2600 Relationship Australia: 1300 364 277 Interrelate: 1800 449 118

Legal Aid 4324 5611

Problems, Habits & Addiction G-Line Telephone Counsel 1800 633 635 Gamblers Anonymous 9726 6625 Alcoholics Anonymous 4323 3890

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entral Coast Newspapers is a local, family owned business that publishes and distributes three Central Coast Newspapers every fortnight. All staff are also locals and between them, the three papers cover the entire Central Coast. Each paper focuses specifically on an

area bound by postcodes as follows: Peninsula News Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News Post Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Wyong Regional Chronicle Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263. All articles are sourced and dated so that readers will know when and where the information came from and where they can perhaps get more information. All articles are edited and given a heading and are

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Parents Helpline 132 055

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Police Assistance Line 131 444 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Wyong Police Station 4356 6099 Energy Australia 13 13 88 Gas Emergency 131 909 Wyong Shire Council 4350 5555 Marine Rescue - Central Coast 4325 7929 SES - Storm and Flood Emergency 132 500

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Issue 136

Robertson Spend-O-Meter

$100,000,000

Laabor

Liberal

$500,000

Scope feasibility of straightening railway line between Coast

$90,000,000

and Sydney and building new road from M1 to Woy Woy Langford Dve-Woy Woy Rd intersection

$80,000,000

$70,000,000

$1,100,0000 $2,500,0000

$20,000,0000

$10,000,000*

Commonwealth Institute of Higher Education at Gosford

$30,000,0000

Continuous in-train mobile wi-fi from Central Coast to sydney

$12,000,000**

New and upgraded CCTV cameras in Copacabana and Terrigal

$60,000,000

Footpaths Performing Arts Centre Gosford

$560,000

New Local Environment Plan

$2,500,000

Central Coast Roads

$60,000,0000^ $18,850,000

$50,000,000

Banjo's Skatepark Wamberal Central Coast Medical School and Medical Research Institute

$32,500,0000

$32,500,000

$40,000,000

Total commitment

$87,100,0000

$54,910,000

$500,000

Edition 397

July 5, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

$20,000,000

he 2016-17 NSW Budget has invested in health facilities, schools, transport and roads to ensure the Central Coast remains a great place to live and work, according to parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald.

Mr MacDonald said the Central Coast was a growing region and the NSW Government was committed to ensuring it received its fair share of quality infrastructure and services to support its growth. Key highlights from the 2016-17 NSW Budget included: $118.1 million to continue the Gosford Hospital redevelopment and $15 million to commence the Gosford Hospital Car Park; and, completion of the upgrade to Point Clare Public School, with $7 million allocated.

“This budget demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering the best patient care on the Central Coast, with a huge $133 million towards the $348 million redevelopment of Gosford Hospital – the biggest budget investment in regional health infrastructure across the State,” said member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch. Other infrastructure projects funded in the 2016-17 Budget include: $5.9 million for local road upgrades and improvements; $1.5 million

to continue planning the upgrade of the intersection of Empire Bay Dve and Scenic Rd and Cochrane St, Kincumber; $500,000 to plan a future upgrade to Terrigal Dve between Chetwynd Rd and Duffy’s Rd; $400,000 design of trafﬁc lights on Terrigal Dve and Tarragal Glen Ave, Erina (current roundabout at Erina Fair/McDonalds), to improve local connections and support active transport; and, $500,000 drainage upgrade on Central Coast Hwy at Wamberal. However, according to the shadow minister for the

Central Coast, Mr David Harris, crucial projects on the Central Coast have been ignored in the NSW Government’s latest budget. Mr Harris and member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith, have criticised the budget’s lack of funding for key Central Coast infrastructure. “Mike Baird has shown the Central Coast is not a priority for his government by failing to fund upgrades to local schools, TAFEs and train stations,” Mr Harris said. According to Mr Harris: “The NSW Government continues to over promise and under deliver when it comes to providing for the families on the Central Coast, despite the rivers of stamp duty gold ﬂowing into

treasury coffers from the property boom. “The Budget fails to address elective surgery waiting lists or cut waiting times in Central Coast emergency departments,” Mr Harris said. “In the January to March 2016 quarterly reporting period, 830 patients waited longer than seven and a half hours in the Gosford Hospital emergency department. “There was no mention of funding for the most rundown schools on the Coast including: Kincumber High School with a maintenance backlog of $1.38 million; Erina High with $1.35 million; and Henry Kendall High with $1.11 million.

“There is not a single cent for Hunter TAFE Central Coast campuses in this year’s budget,” Mr Harris said. “The Baird Government has broken its 2015 election promise of $12 million in funding for the development of the Gosford Regional Performing Arts Centre,” Mr Harris said. Media release, Jun 21, 2016 Mitchell Cutting, office of Scot Macdonald Media release, Jun 21, 2016 Kerryanne Delaney, Electorate Officer Media release, Jun 22, 2016 David Harris, shadow minister for the Central Coast

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abor’s Ms Emma McBride secured the seat of Dobell and returned Commission, Dobell had Christian Democratic Member for Dobell. “I spent this campaign the electorate to its Labor roots after ousting incumbent Liberal a 79.96 per cent turnout Party with 2,128 votes out listening to our and a 5.71 per cent and 2.59 per cent. MP Ms Karen McNamara at the polls on July 2.

With 89,339 votes counted, a 7.62 per cent swing vote placed Ms McBride firmly ahead of Ms McNamara with 55.6 per cent of the vote to 44.4 per cent on a two party preferred basis as of 4.30pm on July 4. Ms McBride, who lost the 2013 election to Ms McNamara by 1000 votes, dedicated her victory to her father, former Member for the Entrance and Minister for Gaming and Racing, Mr Grant McBride and said she would endeavour to reflect his approach to politics in her own.

“In the 2013 election I was a candidate for 28 days. “This time around, I was able to spend six months out listening to our community and talking to families on the Coast about what they wanted to see in their local representative. “Labor made strong commitments to funding our healthcare and hospitals as well as delivering needs based funding for our schools. “I am excited to be part of a team who are committed to improving health and educational

outcomes for our community. “My father was a well-respected local representative for our community and fought hard to get the funding and outcomes the Central Coast deserved during his time as the State Member for The Entrance. “I saw from a young age what it takes to work hard to represent your community. “He always put the community first and that's what I would like to do as well,” Ms McBride said. According to the Australian Electoral

informal vote. First preference count voting for Dobell placed Ms McBride and the Australian Labor Party ahead with 37,082 votes and 44.02 per cent of the vote. Second was Ms McNamara and the Liberals with 31,343 and 37.21 per cent. Third place surprised many with Mr Carter Edwards of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation receiving 7,169 and 8.51 per cent, followed by Ms Abigail Boyd and the Greens with 4,654 and 5.52 per cent and Mr Robert Ervin of the

Dobell has traditionally been a Labor stronghold on the Central Coast, with Labor’s Mr Michael Lee holding the seat for 17 years, from Dobell’s first election in 1984 to 2001. While, Ms McBride was celebrating her win on July 2, Ms NcNamara refused to concede defeat and was relying on the then (July, 2) 21,000 prepoll and postal votes yet to be counted. Ms McBride said she would continue the listening tour that was a core aspect of her campaign as one of her first official acts as

community who had been let down by the Turnbull Government “I want to continue that conversation with the people in Dobell and make sure I am able to be the best representative for our community,” Ms McBride said. Ms McNamara did not respond to questions about the result.

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

Websites, Jul 4, 2016 Australian Electoral Commission Tally Room Dobell Websites, Jul 4, 2016 Emma McBride Facebook Interview, Jul 4, 2016 Emma McBride MP Journalist, Dilon Luke

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Issue 137 Edition 398

Wicks wins Robertson by 2093 votes

$939,379 will be spent on improving Murray St, Booker Bay

Council milks Peninsula

s Lucy Wicks announced her win in the seat of Robertson at her local park in Springﬁeld on Wednesday, July 6.

$438,5549 will be spent on Ettalong’s Ferry Rd Wharf

A breakdown of the two candidate preferred votes of Dobell

Performing Arts Centre funding no longer in state budget

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The Peninsula will receive less than ﬁve per cent of the new Central Coast Council budget for capital expenditure, despite representing 15 per cent of the council’s population.

To make it easier for voters to see the totals pledged and what they are for, Coast Community News has put together a spend-o-meter to illustrate the value of pledges made by both major parties since the election was called eight weeks ago. The Robertson spend-o-meter will also give readers a list of what to look out for in the future to keep track of how many promises have been kept by the winning party. Our major election coverage, including candidate proﬁles, general information about the Robertson electorate, the location of polling booths as well as the latest and ﬁnal information from all the parties as they relate to Robertson begins on page 10.

$10,000,000

Community Access

$500,000

oth major parties, Liberal and Labor, have been making promises to spend money on key projects for Robertson throughout the election campaign.

The budget includes a total of $7.79 million in capital projects for the Peninsula, but only $3.61 million – less than half – comes from council revenue. The majority comes from government grants. Outside the Peninsula, the council contributes more than $3.35 for every dollar of grant money spent on capital projects. The council contribution to Peninsula projects represents less than one per cent of its consolidated income of $556 million. At the same time, the council expects Peninsula ratepayers will be paying more in rates, with many paying an increase greater than inflation (see separate report). The council budget does not show anticipated income from the Peninsula,. However, if the Peninsula pays rates, charges and other council income at the average per capita rate for the council area, it would be contributing $76 million to council coffers. The 2016-17 budget and operational plan were adopted at an extraordinary general meeting of the council held at Wyong council chambers on June 29. The plan and budget will deliver

$540 million in services and $183 million in infrastructure – a total expenditure of $724 million across the Central Coast. Total income, however, is expected to be only $598 million, with $556 million in council income from rates and charges and the like, and $42 million from grants. Budgeted spending has been focused on roads and drainage, water and sewerage, waste management, waterways and playgrounds and sporting fields, according to the council’s administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds. The budget included funds for road and drainage upgrades at Horsfield Bay and Umina and the upgrade of Umina’s McEvoy Oval. The budget and operational plan priorities for the Peninsula were set by the former Gosford Council. Reviews will be undertaken during the next 12 months to bring the plan “into greater alignment to represent the Central Coast Council”. “This may result in a change to actions, projects and programs,” the operational plan said. It is unknown whether those reviews and changes would result in more or less infrastructure funding for the Peninsula. The progressive construction of Murray St, Booker Bay, is the largest capital works item in the operational plan for the Peninsula. The work, from Eastern Rd to Flathead Rd, will cost the council $939,379 in 2016-17.

A total of $543,707 will be spent on the ongoing Cockle Bay sewerage project. Wharf safety improvement works will be undertaken at Ferry Rd Wharf in Ettalong including the replacement of deck, pylons and fenders for $438,549. The council will improve sporting field drainage at Rogers Park ground 2 and 3 in Woy Woy which will cost $400,000. Another capital works project earmarked for the Peninsula will be the final capping of the Woy Woy tip external cells with clay or geo-textile to meet Environment Protection Authority requirements at a cost of $350,000. Works will also be undertaken on Mt Ettalong Rd from Sylvania Rd towards Berrina Crescent for a total of $420,853, of which $229,853 will come from council coffers. The McEvoy Oval upgrade is another large Peninsula capital works project. It will include the replacement of the amenities building, improvements to the car park and sporting field surface. The total cost will be $756,000 with $220,000 from council funding and $536,000 from the federal government. The $1 million progressive reconstruction of Umina’s Lone Pine Ave will be advanced with $180,000 of council funds spent on the project between Haynes Ave and Ocean Beach Rd. Another $180,000 will be spent

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July 14, 2016 11 July 2016

Dobell reclaimed by Labor

* $10 million already in Federal Budget for regional performing arts centre ** To be shared between all Central Coast train stations and mobile blackspots along Coast to Sydney rail corridor ^ Funding to be shared between Robertson and Dobell but predominantly for Robertson NB: We have excluded commitments that relate to unspecified shares of state-wide or nation-wide programs

$30,000,000

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Issue 95

on improvements to Springwood St, Umina, between Albion St and Lagoon St. The progressive reconstruction of the intersection at Woy Woy Rd and Banyo Close Horsfield Bay will continue. The total project cost is $810,000 with $675,000 from Roads to Recovery government funding and council budgeting $135,000. In other measures for the Peninsula, the operational plan undertakes to identify an alternative management and operations plan for the Peninsula Theatre to increase future usage and community engagement. The performance measure is that the Peninsula Theatre will have improved business operations and increased usage by June 2017. A disability inclusion action plan is also to be developed by the end of 2016-17 along with a Positive Aging Plan and an Aboriginal Development and Reconciliation Plan implemented to facilitate the former Gosford Council’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy. The council also expects to achieve 85 per cent direct expense recovery from the Peninsula Leisure Centre while providing low-cost services and programs to the community. It also aims for 75 per cent of leisure centre users to be satisfied in the level of service and quality of facilities. The Patonga Caravan and Camping area is to be managed

and maintained to meet the NSW Crown Lands requirement of a 30 per cent net profit by June 30 each year. The Brisbane Water Floodplain Risk Management Plan Action Plan should be completed by December 1, according to the operational plan. The current first phase of the Central Coast Council is the “merger period” which will end when councillors are elected in September 2017, the operational plan said. During the merger period the administrator, Mr Reynolds, and chief executive officer, Mr Rob Noble, are expected to ensure that the council is able to maintain seamless service delivery to the community. They are also expected to embrace opportunities to improve services and infrastructure while bringing together and building on the strengths of staff, systems, strategies and structures. The community, staff and other partners are supposed to be engaged in planning and implementing change during the merger period through information and involvement. The plan aims to ensure “ethical, open and accountable governance and administration. Operational Plan 2016-17 Central Coast Council Reporter: Jackie Pearson Photos: Noel Fisher Peninsula rates rise expected - Page 4

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

The Robertson vote proved to be a close race, with a small margin of 2093 votes putting the incumbent, Ms Wicks, ahead of the Labor Party’s candidate, Ms Anne Charlton. Ms Wicks won 51.18 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote, which was a swing of 1.91 per cent against her when compared with the 2013 result. The Labor Party’s Ms Charlton won 48.82 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote. The Greens candidate, Ms Hillary Morris won 8 per cent of the first preference count for the electorate, which was a 2.4 per cent swing to the Greens compared with their result in 2013. Independent, Dr Van Davy, who ran on a “clean labour” ticket won 2.81 per cent of the first preference count in his first attempt at winning the seat. He was followed by Mr Robert Stoddart of the Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) on 2.66 per cent.

Above, Ms Lucy Wicks MP with her daughter Molly-Joy and son Oscar Photo: Noel Fisher

there was a 3.97 per cent swing away from Ms Wicks and Ms Charlton gained a swing of 11 per cent.

for independent, Dr Davy, was Wyoming, where he secured 3.87 per cent of the vote. “My pledge to the people of Robertson will be that I will continue to listen, I will continue to advocate and I will continue to ﬁght for every single person here on the Central Coast to make sure that we build a better future,” Ms Wicks said, when claiming the victory in the seat. “It is an extraordinary privilege I have to say, to put yourself forward to sit to serve the community, so I thank all of the candidates who ran and who gave up their time and efforts to this community,” she said.

“I do pledge to continue to work every single day to ﬁght with every ﬁbre of my being for a better future for the people of the Central Coast.” - Lucy Wicks

Above, ﬁnal two-candidate preferred result for Robertson

Postal votes appear to have favoured Ms Wicks who attained 52 per cent of postal ﬁrst preference votes. The strongest individual polling booths for Ms Wicks were Terrigal, where she achieved a swing of 8.49

per cent to the Liberals compared with 2013, followed by a swing in her favour of 6.72 per cent at Pretty Beach. The result was less favourable at booths such as West Gosford where

Kariong was another strong booth for Ms Charlton, where she grew the Labor Party’s vote by 9 per cent. Some of the strongest booths for The Greens were Copacabana and Avoca and Gosford City. One of the best booths

“I do pledge to continue to work every single day to ﬁght with every ﬁbre of my being for a better future for the people of the Central Coast.” “I would like to let people know their votes do count, their votes do matter and their votes will change the

future, I believe, of life here on the Central Coast.” Ms Wicks said 600 new jobs would be available in the Gosford area by the end of 2017, creating many more opportunities for people in this region. She reaffirmed her promise to fund a medical campus in the heart of Gosford and said it was “a game changer for this region”. Ms Wicks said she intended to oversee the plans for a “world class performing arts centre in Gosford. “We have a great couple of years to look forward to,” Ms Wicks said. “I just love this job and I love this community and now we can actually fight to see that the projects underway are actually completed,” she said. The seat of Robertson had 108,509 people enrolled to vote for the July 2 federal election and achieved a turnout of 86.1 per cent of which, just over five per cent voted informally Media conference, Jul 6, 2016 Lucy Wicks, member for Robertson Caitlin Lavelle, Emma Hawes, journalists Australian Electoral Commission Tally Room Robertson, Jul 12, 2016

Labor concedes defeat M

“I want to thank my s Anne Charlton, Labor Party candidate for the seat of Robertson in the July 2 federal election, conceded defeat in a dedicated and tireless campaign team, and the media statement on Wednesday, July 6.

“This morning I called Lucy Wicks to congratulate her on winning the seat of Robertson,” said Ms Charlton. “For more than nine months, I have had the privilege of being out and about in the community I love, speaking with

thousands of locals about the issues that matter to them,” she said. “The Central Coast is my home, and I will always work to make our region an even better place to live, work and raise a family. “Thank you to the people of Robertson who voted

for me, and put their trust in me to stand up and be their voice in the federal parliament. “Locals showed their support for our campaign by voting to protect Medicare, support increased education funding, and create steady and secure job.

passionate members of the union movement who spent every day speaking with locals about how this Liberal Government has hurt the Coast. “It has been a great honour to represent the Labor Party, and stand with a movement that has for

more than 120 years fought for a better deal for working people. “I will continue to stand against threats to privatise Medicare, cuts to education, and tax cuts that will only beneﬁt big business while working families get left behind,” Ms Charlton said. Media release, Jul 6, 2016 Anne Charlton, Labor candidate for Robertson Anne Charlton

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July 19, 2016

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Sale of Kiar Ridge land marks the end of the first regional airport LL, a major real estate investment company, has been engaged by Central Coast Council to sell a landmark 87.95 hectares of land at Kiar Ridge.

The land was acquired by the former Wyong Council from Terrace Towers in June 2014 for $10 million and became the preferred site for a Central Coast Regional Airport with the capacity to expand to the status of an interstate and international terminal. The site is situated immediately west of the M1 motorway and bounded by Hue Hue and Sparks Rds. According to JLL, the site includes 56 hectares of DA-approved developable industrial land in a 69 lot masterplan. If developed, the land would yield a total floor area of 556,400 square metres. According to Mr Laurie Eyes from the Central Coast Regional Airport Action Group, the purchase price paid by the Wyong Council in 2014 was double the NSW Valuer General’s valuation and the land was purchased without obtaining an independent valuation. At the time of acquiring the land, former mayor, Mr Doug Eaton OAM said: “There is no demand for industrial land as has been proved by the fact that the existing Terrace Tower land has been vacant and undeveloped for at least seven years.”

An expressions of interest sign has been erected on the land acquired by Wyong Council in 2014 as the site for a Central Coast regional airport

The land is zoned IN1 for industrial use and E2 Environmental and is now being sold as a site for industrial development. Expressions of interest close on Thursday, August 25. Central Coast Council’s newlyappointed group leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, was general manager of the Terrace Towers group before he was appointed director of property and economic development by Wyong Council in January 2015. Kiar Ridge was abandoned as the preferred site for a Central Coast Regional Airport by Wyong Council in a confidential council session in October 2015. The history of Wyong Council’s proposal to develop an airport at Kiar Ridge was revealed in the confidential business

paper discussed by councillors on October 28. “Investigations into the proposed CCRA [Central Coast Regional Airport] Kiar Ridge site indicate that the development cost is very high due to property acquisition and site preparation costs to remove Kiar Ridge,” said the confidential report, prepared by the council’s Property and Economic Development directorate. “The site also carries significant ecological obligations for council with an Environmental Offset requirement of the order of 1,400 hectares,” the confidential report said. According to the report, financial modelling indicated that the Kiar Ridge proposal would not have generated a positive cash flow within the first 15 years of operation. The confidential business paper outlined

the history behind council’s acquisition of the Kiar Ridge land. “In March 2012, the State and Federal Government’s second Sydney Airport Site Selection Study… identified Wallarah as one of five potential Type 1 (International) airport sites. “Council subsequently included the proposed airport site at Kiar Ridge in the Draft 2013 Wyong LEP,” the confidential report to Wyong Council said. “The Wallarah site proposal was not feasible as it crossed the Local Government boundary, required the realignment of the M1 motorway and had some terrain issues which would affect runway suitability.” As a result, Wyong Council concluded the airport proposal required further investigation and

was subsequently taken back out of the 2013 LEP. Council then resolved to investigate the feasibility of a smaller domestic and regional airport at Kiar Ridge. “Investigations have included site proving and engineering cost estimates, passenger demand forecasts, ecological studies, preliminary master planning, community consultation plan and economic impact studies,” the report said. “The 2013 Central Coast Regional Airport Project Plan established the airport development as a significant catalyst for economic development and employment generation,” it said. In June 2015, council also endorsed the investigation of alternative options including “do nothing” and developing the existing aerodrome at Warnervale. In March 2015, Wyong Council took over the management and operation of Warnervale Airport from the Central Coast Aero Club. The aero club had managed the site for 25 years and the new deed provided for council acquisition of the aero club’s property on the airport, with provisions to relocate its facilities to another site on the airport. The alternative option to develop Warnervale which resulted in the Kiar Ridge land being listed for sale, was not deemed to offer “the longterm capability of the CCRA Kiar Ridge site

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for the operation of larger aircraft” but “it could be viably developed into a significant regional airport offering regional intrastate and interstate airline services.” The October 28 confidential meeting subsequently determined to abandon the Kiar Ridge site for an airport and focus on moving forward with developing a general aviation hub and regional airport at Warnervale. A further $6 million has been allocated in the 2016-17 budget for stage 1 development of the Warnevale Airport western precinct and acquisition of eastern land for the airport development. Speaking after a recent Central Coast Council meeting, Mr Dowling said the development of the regional airport at Warnervale provided opportunities for employment growth. “It has always been the intention of this council to acquire a strong general aviation hub including aircraft repair, design and providing hangars for general aviation,” Mr Dowling said. He said demand for such services outside of Sydney was strong.

Council election needs to be held before September 2017 - Primrose

Media release, Jun 14, 2015 Wyong Council media Website, Jul 18, 2016 http://rca.jll.com.au/ property-land+developmentnsw--502012306 Agenda item 7.1, Oct 28, 2016 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Interview notes, Jun 29, 2016 Mike Dowling, Central Coast Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

Commercial fisher apprehended with illegal catch A commercial ﬁsher from Umina has been apprehended in possession of illegallytaken lobster and mulloway. NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries acting compliance director, Mr Tony Andrews, said the Central Coast team was joined by Statewide Operations and Investigations Group officers in June in an operation to crack down on compliance within the “estuary general fishery” off Patonga. “The 36-year-old commercial fisherman was found in possession of 44 live Eastern Rock Lobsters and 12 prohibited size mulloway,” Mr Andrews said. “He also admitted to oversetting his meshing nets, which is a separate offence as Estuary General Fishers are prohibited from retaining Eastern Rock Lobster caught in meshing nets,” he said. “This fisherman has breached five regulations of the Act, including possessing illegally taken fish and

unlawful use of a net or trap,” Mr Andrews said. The fisherman was apprehended and the Eastern Rock Lobsters were returned to the water by officers. Under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, the fisherman faces maximum penalties of between six months and 10 years imprisonment and up to $44,000 in fines. “Stealing fish and black marketing, as well as damage to fish habitats are serious problems that can impact on the sustainability of our fish stocks across NSW. “We encourage anyone who sees illegal fishing activity to report it to their nearest Fisheries office, phone our hotline or make an online report,” said Mr Andrews. Commercial fishers in the region were reminded to adhere to the fishing regulations for Eastern Rock Lobsters and estuary fish species. Media release, 19 Jul 2016 Mel Hamling, NSW Department of Primary Industries

Seized Eastern Rock Lobsters

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Issue 96

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Issue 138

Dutton’s Tavern redevelopment update

council election needs to be held on the Central Coast before the September 2017 date currently put forward by the NSW Government, according to the state’s shadow minister for local government, Mr Peter Primrose.

The Bullion St car park

For sale: Bullion St car park The Bullion St car park in Umina is for sale. Expressions of interest have been called for the 0.53 hectares of land between Bullion St and Alfred St. Described by Wilsons Estate Agency at Woy Woy as: “A landmark opportunity in the Umina CBD”, the land is zoned B2 for “mixed use” which means it can be developed for a mix of commercial and residential purposes under the 2014 Gosford Local Environment Plan. Wilsons selling agent Mr Jim Martin said the council had the community’s interests at heart by putting a “positive covenant” on the land to ensure that any new development included 160 public car spaces. Mr Martin said the impetus behind council’s decision to sell the land for development was coming from the NSW Government’s vision for the Central Coast over the next 20 years. “The NSW Department of Planning released a document about the rapid increase in population that is going to occur between Sydney and Newcastle over the next 20 years,” Mr Martin said. “It will be one of the most popular residential corridors in Australia where people will want to live and that will increase the

region’s population by 80,000 in two decades,” he said. According to Mr Martin, 40 per cent of those new residents will want to live on the Peninsula, in the area between Umina and Woy Woy. That is one of the reasons why the Gosford Local Environment Plan of 2014 reviewed all zoning, including in town centres and CBDs, to allow mixed use. In the town centres of Umina, Ettalong and Woy Woy, this could result in in-fill developments that included a ground floor of commercial and retail premises with up to five storeys of residential accommodation above, he said. According to Mr Martin, the Bullion St car park is one of the only consolidated pieces of land in the Umina CBD that could accommodate a larger mixed-use development. “When you look around the Umina CBD, just about all of the allotments are the regular 560 square metre blocks so you can’t get the height to build anything lofty around that area,” he said. Even though the Bullion St land includes 10 individual titles, Mr Martin said the council’s intention was to sell it as one parcel to accommodate a development with the potential to “revitalise the Umina CBD”. “Essentially the developer has

the option of doing the whole of the car parking underground and then building three handsome towers on the site,” he said. “Or they may decide to put parking in one area and then build two mixed use towers towards the West St end of the land.” The closing date for expressions of interest is September 16, to give prospective purchasers the opportunity to view the land, work out affordability and work with planning consultants and council representatives to put a proposal forward. Mr Martin said he was very optimistic about the current attitude of the new Central Coast Council. “They are displaying a very futuristic attitude that is a 100 degree turn around on what we had five or 10 years ago. “They are starting to speak the right language. “The way the council is approaching the future is that we have got to move forward to mobilise all centres on the Peninsula. “We can’t be dogmatic and the council is wanting to see nice developments for the area,” he said. Website, 14 Jul 2016 Realcommercial.com.au Interview, 19 Jul 2016 Jim martin, Wilsons Real Estate Woy Woy Reporter: Jackie Pearson

THIS ISSUE contains 69 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Mr Primrose was responding to questions about how residents could ensure the Central Coast Council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, could be accountable to the community for issues such as building a regional performing arts centre and regional library in Gosford, cleaning up the Mangrove Mountain landfill, reclassification and sale of community land, or progressing other major developments in the Gosford CBD. “How could you possibly expect one person to be administrator and still apply the same level of oversite and consultation as nine councillors and a mayor,” Mr Primrose said. “We have been finding that councils under administration have been putting their business papers out late, there has been far less business discussed at meetings and the administrator can’t possibly go to the dozens of meetings and talk to community groups and constituents that former councillors would have gone to. “That is where things that the community was concerned about would have been flagged and where elected councillors would have been able to test out opinions about things and know what to raise,” he said. “Those are the sorts of things that make local government local and whether or not you support the amalgamations, why on earth are the administrators continuing until September 2017?”

Mr Primrose said he had made formal requests to the Electoral Commissioner and the premier, Mr Mike Baird, under the Government Information Public Access Act 2009 (GIPA) asking them to show reasons why the elections for merged councils can’t be held until September 2017.

back to the premier.” Mr Primrose said the NSW Government and Central Coast Council could also provide the community with more information about the cost of the council merger. “We know from the past the costs and outcomes of previous mergers, so the

“How could you possibly expect one person to be administrator and still apply the same level of oversite and consultation as nine councillors and a mayor,” Mr Primrose said. “They won’t tell us…they have refused my application stating it is not in the public interest to tell me why we can’t have elections earlier so I am going to the administrative appeals tribunal,” Mr Primrose said. “Why can’t the continuing merger happen with the oversite of an elected council and mayor? “Be they sinners of saints, the administrators are not representatives of the local community,” he said. Mr Primrose said although the administrator was paid out of council (ratepayer) funds, he was accountable to Mr Baird, not the community. “They are obliged to provide voluminous reports back to the premier; initially it was weekly, but they’ve now scaled that back to fortnightly, but it is not about ﬁnancial details, it is only the good news stories, so the state government can create positive headlines about its mergers,” he said. “There cannot be proper scrutiny when all the gatekeepers are reporting

department of Premier and Cabinet should be able to give estimates of current merger costs now,” he said. Mr Primrose also addressed questions about how long the community should have to wait until Mr Reynolds had received and analysed reports on controversial issues such as the former Gosford Council’s proposed Land Sale Strategy that could result in twenty five community reserves being reclassified as operational land and sold off for development. “If it was a full council, I would say a month, but you have got one individual, and it is very difficult to expect one person to do the job while they are also engaging in staff reviews and writing reports for the premier,” he said. “The proper solution is to let the local community elect its own local council,” he said. Interview, Jul 20, 2016 Peter Primrose, NSW shadow minister for local government Jackie Pearson, journalist

August 2, 2016

T An artist’s impression of the mixed use development approved for 155 to 161 Mann St Gosford

section 96 application is being considered by Central Coast Council for the $17.6 million redevelopment of the Dutton’s Tavern site at 157 to 161 Mann St Gosford.

The application will see a reduction in the number of units, increased basement parking and the inclusion of the land at 163 Mann St, located between the development site and the Imperial Centre. The former Gosford Council approved DA47056/2015 in December for a 14-storey mixed use development comprised of a tavern and shop top housing. The development was subsequently acquired from Mr Bob Bourne by Mr John Singleton and the adjoining property at 163 Mann St

was acquired. The latest application to modify the development, now called Bonython, was received by Central Coast Council on May 27 and is currently working its way through a consultation process. Council granted the development a two-year consent, so work will need to be underway before December 2017 to ensure the approval for the project does not lapse. The development will include a tavern, provide new residential opportunities and has the

advantage of being located close to public transport. Gosford Council approved a minor variation in the ﬂoor space ratio for the development and made allowances for car parking. Two podium levels will include 15 residential units. Floors three through to 12 will house another 54 residential units and there will be two penthouse apartments on the top ﬂoor. Website, Jul 27, 2016 Central Coast Council Find an application, DA47056/2015

The existing Tavern

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The Greens NSW mining spokesperson, Mr Jeremy Buckingham, has called on NSW premier, Mr Mike Baird, to intervene to stop the Wallarah 2 underground coal mine project. “The Coalition made a solemn promise not to allow the Wallarah 2 coal mine to go ahead,” Mr Buckingham said. “Former premier, Mr Barry O’Farrell, told a crowd that the mine would not go ahead ‘no ifs, no buts, a guarantee’. “Yet years later, the NSW Coalition Government has failed to implement this promise,” Mr Buckingham said. “This coal mine is a risk not only to the water catchment of the The latest plans for Wallarah II include a conveyor along Tooheys Rd Central Coast, but to the the main access to the credibility of the Liberal other concerns could be plans. Party when it makes Mr Hayes said the new development. addressed. proposal Mr Hayes said that in commitments to the Those concerns development included the mine’s would see the conveyor 2014, Dr Peter Lewis, electorate. “It should fulfil those impact on the Central belt transporting coal 200 the clinical director of the Coast’s water supply, metres from the south- Central Coast integrated commitments and reject subsidence and the health western boundary of the care program, said the the mine. “The Korean Blue Haven residential expected mortality rate effects of coal dust. has The Darkinjung Local area and as far north as for coal dust related to the Government Wallarah 2 mine could be announced a restructure Aboriginal Land Council Wyee. of its state owned resource “Tooheys Rd would one on 100,000. took the matter to the “Wyong CBD is five companies that will see Land and Environment disappear because that Court, which ruled that road does not have a wide kilometres from the them withdraw from resource the mine could not go verge on either side and proposed coal handling international ahead without permission KORES doesn’t own any facilities, Blue Haven projects, so it is unclear to utilise Darkinjung land in that area, so they and Lake Haven are why the government would be wanting the even closer, and there should approve a mine land. The new proposal does conveyor to run along the are schools, hospitals and plan for a company likely not include Darkinjung carriage way,” Mr Hayes aged care facilities,” Mr to leave the market. “There is no need to said. Hayes said. land. The Darkinjung “The Planning build this coal mine. CEO of the Darkinjung “The community are LALC, Mr Sean Gordon, Local Aboriginal Land Assessment Commission bitterly opposed. declined to comment Council already has has rejected four coal “The company doesn’t on the impact the latest approval for a 500 lot mines already this year Wallarah II proposal may residential sub-division because of their proximity want to build it, it just have on the Darkinjung that would be impacted to residential areas,” he wants an approval to sell. “It’s a dud mine, with land and development because Tooheys Rd is said.

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P3 3

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Australia China Theme Park’s latest development application under consideration he latest development application for the Warnervale Chinese Theme Park was lodged with the Central Coast Council on July 7.

The development a p p l i c a t i o n (DA828/2016) is dependent on a proposed subdivision by council (DA873/2016) for the same land, also currently making its way through the approval process. Both DAs are listed as located 150 to 190 Sparks Road, Warnervale. The Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd has paid $600,000 in deposits for land at Warnervale but has not paid the whole $3 million or $10 million for the land it wishes to acquire from Central Coast Council. According to a statement from the Central Coast Council: “The Environmental Planning and Assessment

A view of the proposed Buddhist place of worship

Regulation 2005 permits a consent authority to consider a development application where submitted by or with the consent of the land owner”. The total capital investment value of the development is greater than $20 million, which

means it is considered to be regionally significant and will be determined by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP). A statement of environmental effects dated June 29, said that the latest DA for stage 1 of the development “no longer relies upon the

rezoning of the whole of the site under the Wyong Local Environmental Plan (WLEP) 2013 from Industrial (IN1) to Tourist (SP3). “The Temple Complex DA seeks to vary the previously considered Concept Master Plan which was presented

to Wyong Council in August 2014 as part of an overall Planning Proposal to amend the WLEP 2013 in order to permit the development of the facility on the subject site,” the statement, prepared by Cardno, the Chinese Theme Park’s development consultants,

said. “The Department of Planning and Environment has issued a Gateway Determination that the Planning Proposal should proceed, subject to final approval, subject to the receipt of specified additional information,” it said. Notwithstanding the final approval of the planning proposal, the main elements of the proposed temple complex are permissible, with consent, under the current zoning controls. On February 5, Wyong Council announced it had exchanged contracts with the Australia China Theme Park (ACTP) for the sale of 15.7 hectares of land at Warnervale for $10 million plus GST. “The land is to be sold as two parcels under linked contracts,” a Wyong Council media release said at the time. Continued P4

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P44 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

From P3 “Deposits of $300,000 for each contract have been received in full, in accordance with the terms of the contracts.” Council gave ACTP a maximum of 12 months from the date of the contract to settle on the purchase of the first parcel, which is the site of the new DA for Stage 1. “The purchase price to be paid for this parcel is $3 million plus GST. “The purchase price for the second parcel of land is $7 million, plus GST. “ACTP have a maximum of two years from the date of the contract to settle on the purchase of this parcel of land and are looking to develop this into the remainder of the Theme Park – the Meridian Gate, Treasure Ship, Panda Paradise and Spring Festival Square. “Council’s only role in the development, apart from the one as vendor, is to assist the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in its consideration of the pending proposal

According to the development application, screening vegetation will mean the temple will hardly be visible

to amend the Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013 in respect of the subject land, and to assist the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) in its consideration of development applications for the different stages of the proposed development of the land.” On May 31, a previous DA for stage one was formally withdrawn to make way for the latest version of the development permissible under the current IN1 general industrial zoning as a place of public

worship. Documents lodged with the latest DA stated that the first stage of the proposed theme park development is expected to be fully operational and constructed by 2017. According to the Cardno report, the proposed components of Stage 1 of the master plan include a Place of Worship (temple, hall and square) and a shop and education facilities including galleries and a shopping/visitor centre. The latest DA removes the pilgrim’s lodge

accommodation and land subdivision which council has subsequently applied for. The report said it was expected 60 per cent of visitors would access the park via coach as the majority would be overseas visitors and that the facility would run coach services during special events such as Lunar New Year, Vesak (Buddha’s birthday) and the Month of Remembrance. Traffic impact has been assessed based on 1,000 visitors on a regular day and 3,000 on special event days. The grand vision for the whole development, when completed, is summed up in the introduction to Cardno’s statement of environmental effects: “The ACTP will become a high end international cultural destination, showcasing the many tribal cultures and cuisines of China. “The development will incorporate a series of themed precincts that reflect the provinces of China, along with special facilities including a

Chinese Opera Theatre, exhibition showcase of Chinese model and puppet making, and an operating Buddhist temple. “The commercial precincts within the facility will offer shops, restaurants and therapy areas, including Chinese massage and alternative therapies, and visual attractions (sculpture, educational material and visual aids) in a traditional Chinese landscaped setting, including visual references to the Chinese signs of the Zodiac and Buddhist art work.” As for stage 1: “The Buddhist Temple complex includes an integrated assemblage of buildings and spaces that together satisfy the requirements of an operating place of worship for people of the Buddhist faith. “These include religious halls and meditation spaces, but also include landscaped gardens and dining areas. “While no formal assessment of staff has been prepared by ACTP, it is anticipated that the operation of the facility

will employ over 150 full-time equivalent staff and will have 20 monks working full time at the temple. “A number of additional jobs will be provided during the construction phase of the job, both directly and indirectly. “ACTP will seek to use locally sourced employment, wherever possible.” The latest DA also includes a Voluntary Planning Agreement that sets out contributions to be made by Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd to Central Coast Council and the public benefits of the development. ACTP may also be required to make a special infrastructure contribution because the development is within the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ). Website, Aug 1, 2016 Application Tracking, Central Coast Council DA828/2016 Media release, Feb 5, 2016 Wyong Council media Media statement, Aug 1, 2016 Central Coast Council media Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P5 5

Council lodges DA for council to approve The Species Impact habitat is now being or, alternatively, a new he Central Coast Council has lodged a development application under an development application. to change an existing sub-division of council-owned land at Statement supported the managed The third lot may Habitat subdivision but with the approved Warnervale.

DA873/2016 was filed on July 11 to subdivide vacant land (Lot 3 DP 1007500) at Warren Rd, with frontage at 150 to 190 Sparks Rd and Jack Grant Ave, Warnervale. The subdivision would create two new super lots, with no physical works proposed, and one residual lot for the Warnervale Business Park and surrounding lands. One of the proposed super lots to be created as an outcome of this DA would accommodate the latest development application for a Buddhist Place of Worship proposed by the Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd. “Council is subdividing

its land so that it is able to complete the proposed sale to the Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd,” a statement from Central Coast Council said. The land is located on the southern side of Sparks Rd and immediately east of the F3 and incorporates the Warnervale airport. It has a total area of 179.29 hectares. According to a statement of environmental effects prepared by Paradigm Planning and Development Consultants, a previous development consent in 2004 involved the proposed subdivision of Lot 3 in two stages. The first would be

to divide it into three allotments: proposed Lot 1 and Lot 2 would be for industrial use and the third would be residual for water management. Approximately eight hectares of native vegetation were already cleared to make way for industrial development on Lot 2 and a further three hectares would be cleared in a second stage for water management infrastructure on Lot 3. At the time, clearing of the 11 hectares of vegetation was assessed as likely to have a significant impact on threatened species or their habitats and a Species Impact Statement was prepared in December 2004.

retention and protection from future development of the southern part of the site and the provision of additional Councilowned offset land referred to as Baileys Farm. It was proposed to retain 5.1 hectares for conservation within the development site and 20 hectares of councilowned land in the locality would be restored to support swamp forest vegetation to compensate for lost habitat. “This compensatory habitat would address the impacts associated with the clearing of the two industrial lots and the impact on the Squirrel Glider and micro bat habitat,” the Paradigm report said. “The compensatory

Restoration and Management Plan,” the report said. Consent for stage one of the subdivision was given in February 2007 and a further Section 96 application was made to modify that consent to increase the size of Lot 1 and Lot 2 in stage one without increasing the area of clearing so it did not require permission from the Office of Environment and Heritage or alter threatened species impacts. The current subdivision application proposes to create Lot 1 and 2 as superlots for future development that conform to those already approved in the 2004 DA as modified

be subject to future subdivision. The site has a mix of zoning including IN1 General Industrial and E2 Environmental Conservation under SEPP (Major Development) 2005. The entire area of Lot 1 is zoned IN1 General Industrial, it adjoins the existing Woolworths distribution centre and will, according to the Paradigm report “facilitate future industrial development which will be in context in its setting. Website, Jul 18, 2016 DA873/2016, Statement of Environmental Effects Media statement, Aug 1, 2016 Central Coast Council media

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P66 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Minister agrees to meet angry Kangy Angy residents he NSW Government minister for transport, Mr Andrew with its plans without region needed the jobs explain themselves.” A representative from Constance, has agreed to meet with Kangy Angy residents consultation with the that would come with it. the minister’s office said “However there are a community. impacted by the proposal to build a major rail maintenance he had proposed to meet range of better options,” “It’s a simple request facility in the middle of their community, according to his office.

NSW shadow minister for transport, Ms Jody McKay and member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, have already met the residents. Residents from the area have been attempting to overturn the decision by the state government to build the rail maintenance facility on flood prone land in Kangy Angy. The land was recently approved for sale by

Central Coast Council despite members of the former Wyong Council raising questions over the legitimacy of the selection of the site in Kangy Angy. Residents continue to be concerned that the approval process has not properly identified potential flood and environmental issues with the site. “These residents have

written to the minster to raise their concerns and they have been ignored,” Ms McKay said. “Calls from the community for a full Environmental Impact Statement have fallen on deaf ears as have attempts from multiple community groups to offer alternate more suitable sites,” she said. “The government is pushing ahead

for the minister to meet with residents and hear their concerns, but he has refused to do so. “It is arrogant and disrespectful of the minister not to give residents the opportunity to ask questions and hear their views on this important local issue,” Ms McKay said. Mr Mehan said he wanted to see the facility built on the Coast and the

he said. “The current design includes having to construct a $50 million bridge over the rail line to avoid flood prone land. “How is that value for money? “There is perfectly good land in Warnervale right next to the train line in the industrial area, but this government is hell bent on the site in Kangy Angy while refusing to

residents on Friday, July 29 but the residents had cancelled. The minister’s office was waiting to make an alternative meeting time.

Media release, Jul 27, 2016 Peter Duggan, office of David Mehan Media statement, Aug 1, 2016 Dominic Cuschieri, office of Andrew Constance Jackie Pearson, journalist

Community Environment Network

oncerns raised with new Administrator & CEO

The CEN was pleased to have Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr. Ian Reynolds, the CEO, Mr. Rob Noble, attend a meeting of members on 28 July. Over 60 people attended the meeting. A key part of the evening allowed for groups to ask questions and raise concerns. There were many issues to be raised - here are just a few: Council’s position on the proposed Wallarah mine - CEN members are strongly opposed to the mine in our drinking water catchment. Mangrove Mountain Landfill - the on-going saga of the Mangrove Mountain Golf Course being used as a landfill and the impacts on residents and the environment Warnervale Airport - local communities are opposed to this folly of the previous Wyong Council Sell off of public lands in former Gosford LGA - many local groups have formed to try to protect their local green space The importance of our agricultural lands on the mountain - and how this land is going to be rated by the new Council Concerns about Council’s abolition of advisory committees which included significant expertise provided by the community We appreciate the time given by the CEO and Administrator. They responded to many questions, undertook to meet with some of our member groups or to provide a reply to CEN’s list of questions. We hope for further meaningful collaboration to ensure that the Central Coast environment is protected and valued in future decision making. Jane Smith, CEO

Looking to the future of COSS

he Coastal Open Space System (COSS) is a network of reserves that are managed by Council for a number of environmental and community values.

COSS lands provide important habitats and essential linkages (wildlife corridors) for diverse plants and animals. These natural areas are also popular places for leisure and relaxation with residents and visitors alike. The COSS scheme is unique to this Council and was established in 1984. Areas identified as having significant environmental, cultural and historical value were earmarked for future protection and conservation by the council. Existing COSS lands have been voluntarily acquired by the former Gosford Council for the benefit of the community. Approximately 70% of those lands identified have now come into public ownership . COSS is an important legacy and there is still more to do. We believe with the Council amalgamations that COSS should also be expanded into the north of the Shire.

The Friends of COSS group aims to inform and engage our community to enjoy, protect and conserve these important natural areas, now and into the future. We coordinate events and activities such as: Guided Bushwalks in COSS reserves Bush regeneration Promoting research activities Working with neighbours of COSS lands to create wildlife friendly landscapes Increased community involvement in caring for our COSS Threats to COSS? There are many threats to our COSS lands - with changing Councils it’s difficult to know how much the new Council is committed to COSS. The former Council got rid of the COSS Committee, changed funding allocations and allowed a road to be widened into COSS lands. There is a current push for mountain bike riding in our COSS lands - which is a threat to the environmental values and passive recreation goals of COSS. The biggest threat of course is not caring - so please join the Friends of COSS!

Friends of COSS events calendar - 2016 Sat, 28 August Botannical Photography Walk & Talk 9:30-12:30pm, Kincumba Mountain

Sat, 17 September Nightlife of Rumbalara 7-9pm, Rumbalara Reserve A spotlighting walk with a local ecologist (date subject to confirmation)

Sat, 22 October Bush Regeneration Workshop in COSS 9:30-11:30am Location to be confirmed

Thu, 10 November An evening of Talks, Wine & Cheese 6:30-8pm, Kincumber (date subject to confirmation) Friends of COSS events are open to anybody. For most events there is a small charge. These charges vary so please check the website for details. Bookings are essential FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK - VISIT www.cen.org.au/events

A walk in our COSS lands

JOIN THE FRIENDS OF COSS - IT’S FREE ! Visit www.cen.org.au for more information

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

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

www.cen.org.au

Ph: 4349 4756

Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P7 7

News

Report on water rate levy options for retirement village residents being prepared report is being prepared on the options available to Central Coast Council to address the concerns of local retirement village residents about how their water rates are levied.

The report is expected to be considered by Central Coast Council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, “very soon” according to a council media statement. Unhappy with being charged with hundreds of dollars of what they see as unfair water rates, local retirement village residents recently presented a petition with 2000 signatures to the NSW Parliament. The petition called on the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole, to ensure local retirement village

From left Mr Brian Wootton, Orchard resident, member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, and shadow minister for water Mr Chris Minns inspecting the fire hydrant at the Orchard village

residents are entitled to the same water rebates as customers of Sydney Water. Mr Chris Minns, shadow minister for water and Mr David

Mehan, member for The Entrance, met with retirement village residents and called for the NSW Government to step in and stop Coast residents from being

ENJOY COASTAL LIVING IN

“ripped off. “The minister needs to explain why a retiree on the Central Coast can be forced to pay hundreds of dollars more in rates than someone who is

retired either an hour north or south on the highway,” he said. “Retirees on the Central Coast do not receive the same concessions as those who are customers of Sydney or Hunter Water. “Sydney Water offers a maximum rebate of $500 per year compared with $175 on the Coast,” Mr Mehan said. “The former council was in favour of investigating this issue, and the thousands of residents who have signed the petition have made it clear that they want something to be done. “Why should a retiree who has worked hard all their life and moved into a retirement village be forced to pay the same as a commercial business in an industrial estate? “Most of these residents are pensioners

or are living on fixed incomes. “They shouldn’t be forced to face this increase on cost of living expenses,” Mr Mehan said. Mr Mehan said the latest IPART determination to set water rates had classified retirement villages as businesses. As a result, Central Coast Council had charged local retirement village operators commercial water rates, which they, in turn, have passed on to their residents. He said there is an obligation in the NSW Local Government Act to provide pensioners who live in their own homes with a rebate and that Sydney Water had been more generous in its interpretation of the Act than Central Coast Council. Continued P8

News From P7 “Our local council has said they are billing a business owner, not a pensioner with an individual rateable residential address,” he said. Sydney Water, according to Mr Mehan, obtains the Centrelink details of retirement village residents within its jurisdiction and grants rebates accordingly. “The state government could fix this, and the council could fix this, but now the state government is running our council, so they won’t do it,” Mr Mehan said. “This should have been fixed by now as, in terms of what it means in revenue for the council, there is only a small amount of money involved,” he said. In a letter to Mr Mehan, the NSW local government minister, Mr Paul Toole, said Central Coast Council is a water supply authority under the Water Management Act 2000 and the Water Management (General) Regulation 2011. “The Water Management Regulation refers water supply authorities to the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 for applying the pensioner concession,” Mr Toole’s letter said. “Generally, a pensioner concession is available

P88 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

under section 575 of the Act to those persons who are eligible pensioners under clause 134 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and are solely or jointly liable for rates or charges levied on land on which they reside,” Mr Toole said. “Ordinarily, an eligible pensioner who resides in a retirement village would not be entitled to a pensioner concession because they are not the owner of the land on which they reside and are therefore not liable under the Act to pay a rate or charge in relation to that land. “IPART determines water pricing supplied in the Central Coast Council area, including for retirement villages. “IPART is undertaking a review of the local government rating system and will provide recommendations to Government on how the rating system can be more efficient and equitable. “As part of the terms of reference, IPART has been asked to consider pensioner concessions and rebates, and the rating burden across and within communities.” According to Mr Toole, IPART is due to make its final recommendations to the Government in December.

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“I have been advised that in 2016-17, Council proposed to commence charging individual dwellings in retirement villages for water and sewerage services in line with I PART’s pricing methodology set out in the IPART Gosford City Council prices-1 July 2013 to June 2017 publication,” Mr Toole’s letter said. “It should be noted that while IPART sets the maximum price, councils may charge a lesser amount. “I have noted concerns that if this pricing is adopted as originally proposed, it could have a significant financial impact on residents in retirement villages, in particular pensioners. “Following community feedback, Central Coast Council is conducting a review of the proposed pricing set out under IPART’s publication and has advised that it is considering a report which presents different options. “Ultimately, councils are responsible for the pricing policies for services in their area. “They are also directly accountable to their local community for the impact these policies have on individual members of the community. “If any residents are having difficulties coping with their current financial circumstances, there are free and confidential support services available that can help’, Mr Toole concluded. Media release, Jul 27, 2016 Peter Duggan, office of David Mehan Interview, Jul 28, 2016 David Mehan, member for The Entrance Bronwyn Wheatcroft, journalist Letter, Jul 26, 2016 Paul Toole, NSW minister for local government Media statement, Jul 29, 2016 Central Coast Council media

Future of the local fishing industry under threat entral Coast fishermen will be forced to buy extra shares to continue to fish in the region after July 1, 2017.

A meeting was held between 25 local fishermen and concerned businesses at Mingara on July 28 to discuss the future of the local fishing industry. Central Coast fisherman, Mr Allan Reed, said the NSW Government’s Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program will mean that fishermen will have to basically buy their businesses again to continue to fish. Fishermen will have to spend more money to maintain their current fishing entitlements. Having walked out of school 37-years ago and working as a fisherman his whole life, Mr Reed said he wondered who would employ a 53-year-old man if he was to enter the workforce. Mr Reed said by July 1, 2017 fishermen will be required to own a certain number of shares to conduct different types of fishing. “We have to get more shares to stay in the industry,” he said. “However there are no share to buy, what shares were around are gone. “I currently have 125 shares in prawning at the moment, and I need 150 by July 1, 2017 or I can’t go prawning,” he said. “Meshing is different. “One-hundred and twenty-five shares means you can only do meshing for 94 days of the year.” The required number of shares varies between different regions and types of fishing.

Local fishers gathered with member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, and member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, to discuss the NSW Government's Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program

Mr Reed said that local fishermen don’t want this program to go ahead. “Ninety-four per cent of fisherman in NSW were against this from day one,” he said. “We are catching more prawns in the last five to seven years than we ever have, so it isn’t about sustainability.” Shadow minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, said the NSW Government needs to provide more of an explanation of the proposed program. “The Commercial Fisherman’s Co-operative in my electorate of Wyong is going to be adversely affected by these changes and this government has not done nearly enough to explain itself,” he said. Shadow minister for small business, Ms Jenny Aitchison, said the state Government needed to inform families and small business more before making a final decision. “In the last few weeks we have seen the government make some poor decisions for small business on the hop,” she said. “Now we have this

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problematic process for the reissuing of fishing licences, and in some cases at huge expense, which is causing concerns for many small businesses in the industry. “This will impact negatively on small business and unemployment in our regions.” A NSW Government media release published on July 26 addressed some concerns about the Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program. A n n o u n c e d amendments included the timing of Interim Total Commercial Access Levels and the need to accommodate unendorsed fishers. NSW minister for primary industries, Mr Niall Blair, said changes would be ongoing through the implementation of the program. “There is no doubt that the reform to the commercial fishing industry is complex and that’s why feedback from industry is too important. “We always said we would take on board this feedback to inform the structural changes,” he said. “These changes will go a long way in ensuring this state’s commercial fishing industry is viable.” Media release, Jul 28, 2016 Peter Duggan, office of David Mehan Media release, Jul 26, 2016 Niall Blair, NSW minister for primary industries Interview, Jul 28, 2016 Allan Reed, The Entrance Bronwyn Wheatcroft, journalist

August 2, 2016 - P99

News

Guaranteed five-year job protections not guaranteed ne hundred and seventy ﬁve jobs could be lost from the Ausgrid Ourimbah depot unless the NSW Government agrees to close a loophole in the legislation that was put in place to guarantee ﬁve-year job protections as part of the Baird Government’s electricity privatisation program.

Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union, Mr Steve Butler, said Ausgrid had revealed plans to overturn workplace agreements as a way around the deal to protect jobs for five years made between the government and Christian Democrats MLC Rev Fred Nile. Rev Nile secured the five-year employment guarantees as a condition of his support for the sale of a majority stake in Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy, following concerns that jobs could be slashed by new private owners. The ETU held urgent discussions with Rev Nile after the largest of the companies, Ausgrid, wrote to the union revealing it would be pursuing a potential loophole which it believes will allow forced redundancies. Mr Butler said Ourimbah was one of Ausgrid’s largest depots and currently supported 350 local jobs, 50 per cent of which could be lost to forced redundancies if Ausgrid was able to exploit the loophole. He said Ausgrid was being vexatious by threatening to keep taking the union to the Industrial Relations Commission requesting the cancellation of workplace agreements

that are now outside their nominal term. The nominal expiry date of workplace agreements between Ausgrid and its employees was 2014, but such agreements are able to continue unless there is a valid reason for them to be replaced, Mr Butler said. “If Ausgrid continues to make applications to the commission to cancel agreements that are out of their nominal term, because the continuation of those agreements could make it hard for them to make a profit, they may be able to get the commission to agree,” Mr Butler said. “If the agreements were changed, the no forced redundancies provisions would disappear,” he said. “This is a Trojan horse in the legislation, and I believe Ausgrid told the government to use certain words when drafting the legislation so the loophole would be there,” he said. Mr Butler said his statement that 50 per cent of the 350 Ausgrid jobs based at Ourimbah could be lost to redundancies was based on “experience in other states where electricity has been privatised. “If Ausgrid shed another 50 per cent from its workforce, its

employment numbers would be down to the levels in privatised states,” he said. “The state government should clearly enunciate that the intent of the legislation was to protect jobs,” he said. According to Mr Butler, Rev Nile has said he is either prepared to fight for the legislation to be amended so the loophole is closed, or to be a witness for the ETU at the commission. “What most ETU members are aware of is that the five-year job guarantee is on paper but could be at risk. “Obviously workplace negotiations are going on, but we cannot take industrial action because we are involved in delivering essential services,” he said. The union welcomed Rev Nile’s commitment to ensure the NSW Government lived up to the spirit of his negotiated job protections, and indicated that he would be seeking to have a clause inserted into the sale contract for the 99-year-lease to ensure that the job protections were adhered to. Media release, Jul 25, 2016 Tim Vollmer, Mountain Media Interview, Jul 25, 2016 Steve Butler, Electrical Trades Union Jackie Pearson, journalist

Other Regional News - In brief Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263. Given the arrival of new Central Coast Council, following is a summary of news articles published in the

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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.

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

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25 July 2016

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

Commercial fisher apprehended with illegal catch

For sale: Bullion St car park

Council to appoint four senior managers

A commercial fisher from The Bullion St car park in Four senior management positions, each with a starting Umina has been apprehended Umina is for sale. salary of at least $88,000 per in possession of illegallytaken lobster and mulloway. annum, have been created by Central Coast Council to report to the group leader of assets, infrastructure and

Landcare group presents woodcut petition

Council land sell-off meetings well attended

Marine Rescue vessel capsizes

Peninsula ratepayers may find their rates will increase this year by more than the “pegged” increase of 1.8 per cent, despite a “rates freeze” associated with the council merger.

Members of Ettymalong Creek Landcare group met with offi cials from the office of the Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith, to ask her to advocate for the withdrawal of the government’s

A Marine Rescue Central Coast vessel capsized on the bar at Little Box Head on July 7.

Kathy Smith granted extended leave

Six-storey 53-unit development proposed

Labor’s Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith, has been granted extended leave from the Parliament while she undergoes medical treatment for a serious health condition.

A six-storey “mixed-use development” costing $11.6 million, with 53 units for permanent or tourist accommodation, has been proposed for the old Centrelink site in Ettalong.

Pet snake confiscated A man has had his pet snake confiscated at Woy Woy train station after revealing it to fellow passengers on a northbound train.

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

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July 28, 2016

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Issue 138

Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260

Dutton’s Tavern redevelopment update

Tax Office construction commencement due in eight weeks

A council election needs to be held on the Central Coast before the September 2017 date currently put forward by the NSW Government, according to the state’s shadow minister for local

A section 96 application is being considered by Central Coast Council for the $17.6 million redevelopment of the Dutton’s Tavern site at 157 to 161 Mann St Gosford.

Doma Group is hopeful it will be able to start constructing the Australian Taxation Offi ce’s new Gosford premises within the next six to eight weeks.

Council evicts progress association from their hall

Narara Valley Precinct Park opened

Tiny Homes pilot project DA approved

The Macmasters Beach Progress Association have warned that the Macmasters Beach Progress Hall may have seen its last community function, as the new Central Coast Council has issued the

The new $370,000 Narara Valley Precinct Park will be opened by the Central Coast Council on July 28, with a community gathering and barbecue.

Four ‘tiny homes’ will be built at 25 Racecourse Rd, Gosford following council approval of a development application for a Tiny Homes Foundation pilot project on the site.

Council election needs to be held before September 2017 - Primrose

Kathy Smith granted extended leave Labor’s Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith, has been granted extended leave from the Parliament while she undergoes medical treatment for a serious health condition.

Council proposes to reduce public meetings to one per month Public council meetings on the Central Coast may be reduced to one per month under the merged Central Coast Council.

Crown Lands Inquiry public hearing in Gosford A public hearing into the NSW Legislative Council’s Inquiry into Crown Lands will be held on August 8 in Gosford.

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.centralcoastnews.net Coast Community News focusses on news specifically related to post code areas 2250, 2251, 2260 and articles can also be read and shared on your mobile phone by going to www.coastcommunitynews.com.au.

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P10 P1 10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Minimal notification makes ratepayers feel suspicious of the intent any extravagant pages of multi-coloured ‘good news’ stories were published by the former Wyong Council, extolling the super-terrific council and mayor.

Why then is the resubmitted DA 828/16 for a Place of Public Worship (Buddhist Temple) at the proposed ChappyPie Chinese Theme Park ‘notified’ only by a one-line entry on page 25 of the Central Coast-Express Advocate of July 13 (and not advertised in Wyong Regional chronicle)? Is this a pecuniary initiative by the new council or an ill-conceived attempt at attracting as little attention and as few

submissions as possible to this DA? This $20 million project, to be decided by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) but not mentioned as such, has received the same notification as a single dwelling or a new dwelling with secondary dwelling. Other applications to be determined by the JRPP were headed as such and advertised more extensively (but still not in Wyong Regional

chronicle). An amended application for the Creightons building in Gosford, for example, was given six lines, or the proposed Resource Recycling Facility in Kincumber was given 18 lines. Ratepayers may well ask how Australia China Theme Parks can apply for a subdivision of land it does not even own. We are entitled to feel insulted and disenfranchised by such

General aviation in a downward spiral

wish to respond to the Wyong Regional Chronicle article on the sale of the Kiar Ridge land (July 19 page one).

The Warnervale Airport site was zoned industrial by Wyong Council and the NSW Government in 2010, to be developed as a critical first phase of the 6,000 job Wyong Employment Zone. A council study shows the site would generate 626 direct industrial jobs if the airport was closed down, as was intended by council right up to mid-

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2015. 2015 While costing the unemployed much needed-jobs, Mr Dowling’s [Central Coast Council group leader assets, infrastructure and business] council ignores the publicly available facts on the parlous state of general aviation. Since 1990 general aviation movements at

If you’re reading this, so could up to 30,000 other people Imagine if it was a message about your business. What would it cost to get your message out to that many people using any other medium? Don’t be fooled by the hype, advertising in this newspaper is by far much better value for money than any other medium. Not only does it have the reach and readership within the area it covers, but readers can keep the advertisement and refer to it as often as they wish.

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Bankstown Airport have fallen by nearly 50 per cent, from 438,818 to 220,166 in 2015. Cessnock and Maitland Airports have run at a loss, as has the Illawarra Regional Airport south of Wollongong, where aircraft movements have steadily declined from 1450 per month in 2008 to 1050 per month in 2014. Mr Dowling’s own Warnervale Airport ran at a cash loss of $265,000 in the 2014-15 financial year. So please, Mr Dowling, do not mislead the Central Coast community, there are no jobs and there is no future in the downward spiral that is general aviation. Email, Jul 21, 2016 Laurie Eyes, Wyong Creek

Too many beneficial projects destroyed

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Letters to the editor should be sent to:

Wyong Regional

Chronicle PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or editorial@wyongnews.org See Page 2 for contribution conditions

minimal i i l notifi tification ti and d feel suspicious of the intent. Email, Jul 22, 2016 Kevin Armstrong, Tumbi Umbi

he original Warnervale Aerodrome proposal would have brought many benefits including jobs to the Central

Coast.

Meaningful hopes actually ended decades ago. As happens with all too many beneficial projects, well organised publicity seeking professional agitators destroyed it when they scared the pants off local politicians.

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The Kiar land Th Ki Ridge Rid l d sale merely adds one more superfluous nail to the coffin. Email, Jul 23, 2016 Norman Hanscombe, Ourimbah

Alleged sex offender extradited from South Australia man faced Central Local Court on July 22, after being extradited from South Australia for outstanding warrants relating to alleged sexual offences in Tuggerah.

At about 1.30pm on July 19, South Australian police attended a home on Rosscommon St, Salisbury Downs, where a 28 year old man was arrested on outstanding warrants relating to child sex offences. Initial investigations were launched by

Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command, where it will be alleged the man indecently and sexually assaulted two young females, aged 14 and 12. The man appeared at Elizabeth Local Court on

July 20, where extradition to NSW was granted. On arrival in Sydney, the man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with outstanding warrants. Media release, Jul 22, 2016 NSW Police Media

Police issue Pokémon warning uggerah Lakes LAC had this message for budding Pokémon trainers across the Central Coast: “Do not step inside a Courthouse to find Pokémon”.

Despite Pokémon GO’s popularity across the country, fears of users finding themselves in sticky situations from becoming too engrossed in the quest to catch them all, have been echoed on a

global scale, after reports of users witnessing and being the targets of crime have made headlines across the globe in the

single month the game has been released. One report that came out of the United States also raised eyebrows when two users chasing a rare Pokémon ignored multiple warning signs and walked off a cliff. Tuggerah Lakes LAC reminds users that the use of a recording device in NSW Courts is prohibited under the Court Security Act 2005, Section 9, and carries a $22,000 fine, or up to 12 months imprisonment (or both). Website, Jul 14, 2016 Tuggerah Lakes LAC Facebook page

Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P11 W 1

Serious aggravated robbery at Golf Club anager of Shelly Beach Golf Club, Mr Peter Doherty, was threatened at knife point, covered in petrol and cable tied to a metal vent during a robbery on July 24.

Mr Doherty was still unavailable for comment on Friday, July 29 following the traumatic armed robbery that took place on the previous Sunday night. According to the CCTV footage, the attack took place in a timeframe of just 10 minutes, between the times of 10:30pm and 10:40pm. One staff member was left to close up the club, Mr Doherty. Security supervised the takings being placed in the safe and witnessed the closing of the safe. “It had become a practice for security to be there while the money was being put in the safe,” said president of the club, Mr Allan Arkins. “After which, security would do a routine check of the perimeters of the building and then knock off for the night,” he said. During the security circuit check that night, the intruder, according to Mr Arkins, was probably “hiding in the bushes”. As Mr Doherty was leaving the premises, he was accosted near his car by a man of large build that was wearing a balaclava, hoodie, black clothes, and gloves and was wielding a knife. The intruder then proceeded to threaten Mr Doherty, dousing him with petrol and threatening to set him alight. Mr Doherty was

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then marched up to the entrance and forced to open the club. The intruder ordered him to open the safe and the ATM machine that was in the club, both were ransacked. A “substantial amount of money” was stolen from the club, Mr Arkins said. Police have asked that the exact amount not be released. Mr Doherty was then marched back downstairs and tied to a metal vent using cable ties. After again being covered in petrol, his keys were then taken and his Ford Ranger was stolen. His car was found within a five-minute drive from the club but the intruder had already fled the scene by the time the police arrived. Mr Doherty was able to free himself from the cable ties and press the emergency button to signal police. The police arrived at 10:44pm.

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completed serve no useful purpose unless the rail underpass is constructed. “The Peninsula could end up with a very expensive road to nowhere unless someone comes up with the money to bail out the project. “With that sort of money we could have kerbed, gutter and drained the whole Peninsula. “Instead we get a very expensive lead-in road with no underpass. “On top of the cost blowout, the project is already 12 months behind schedule with little or no prospect of it being completed before 2018. “The Peninsula once again gets the raw end of the stick albeit a very expensive one.” Cr Bowles called the Chamber’s criticisms unhelpful and accused it of neglecting the needs of Woy Woy’s business owners. “I don’t think the process is helped when you have organisations like the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce coming Save Central Coast Reserves out against it,” she said. daughter Cr Gabby Bowles has “I struggle when the Peninsula defended the project. Chamber comes out and wants to “I think it is pretty convenient criticise infrastructure projects that that the Peninsula Chamber of would assist Woy Woy when many Commerce is having a go again,” would argue the chamber has said Cr Bowles ignored Woy Woy for years. She said the removal of the “I am not going to say process Woy Woy level crossing had been has been perfect or the costing identified as a major and necessary perfect, I am not going to say we infrastructure project by both the shouldn’t be further down the track council and the NSW Government with the project but I struggle when for 20 years. the main critic shows a disregard “It is not unusual when you’ve for that area of the Peninsula. got assets affected by different “The residents want it, the levels of government for there to businesses need it so shouldn’t we be back and forth between those be pushing to make it a reality and levels especially when a project is not nail the coffin shut?” between major steps,” Cr Bowles Cr Bowles said she had every said. confidence Gosford mayor Cr Mr Wales said: “We want to Lawrie McKinna and Council chief know who prepared the original Mr Paul Anderson were “pushing estimates and why they were so as hard as they can to have this grossly underestimated. infrastructure project realised.” “We also want to know why the Media release, 14 Apr 2016 project was allowed to proceed Matthew Wales, Peninsula without fully understanding the real Chamber of Commerce Interview, 14 Apr 2016 cost of the works. Gabby Bowles, Gosford Council “The works that have been

Progress on the Woy Woy rail underpass project appears to have come to halt, with cost estimates more than doubling, because State Rail has refused to accept Gosford Council’s plans for track closures during the construction process. Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales has revealed that the Chamber has learned that the project has been handed back to Transport NSW after the Council unsuccessfully tried to come up with a design for the rail bridge that would satisfy State Rail. “Our understanding is that the

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

“When this project was first mooted by the former Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein during the March 2011 NSW election, the Chamber raised questions over the original estimated cost of $30 million and the completion date of 2015,” said Peninsula Chamber president, Mr Matthew Wales. “Not unsurprisingly, we find the cost has now blown out to a staggering occasion. $115 million which is campaign. four times more than the Reserves in Pozieres St, Umina, Bright coloured sashes were nearly Wales said. Abion estimates,” St Umina, Mr Mackenzie Ave wrapped around special trees original “It’s one election Woything andto make Jumbuck Cres in reserves on the Peninsula to Woy promises but to not deliver on time mark the community’s opposition Reserve in Woy Woy are also or on budget is quite another. to plans by Gosford Council to under threat of being reclassified “The Chamber is now very reclassify and potentially sell from community land to operational concerned that the project could be land which could result in their several reserves. mothballed because the additional sale.haven’t been budgeted for,” Trees in the Jumbuck Cres funds Email, 21 Mar 2016 Reserve in Woy Woy were also he said. Amie Raz and Sue Chidgey, dressed in red sashes for the However, Mr Holstein’s

Trees Day sashes protest Council plans

THIS ISSUE contains 42 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

option prepared by Cardno’s for From left community service director Glen Scorer, Julie lie Aitchison, Gosford ane JohnsonCouncil involved three Robyn Carr, Kylie-Ann Scott and Rotary president Shane

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

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

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

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

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

Peninsula Community Access 2 May 2016

Edition 393

Media Release, Jul 25, 2016 NSW Police Media Interview, Jul 29, 2016 Allan Arkins, Shelly Beach Golf Club Emma Hawes, journalist

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Peninsula Community Access 16 May 201

Peninsula comes under Central Coast Council The Peninsula is now under he new Central Coast

Peninsula Penin Pen P enin nsu sula A truck that crashed into the stanchion

Edition ition 393

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

ews

THIS ISSUE

Minister for Local Governmen discretion to determine “any matte or thing requiring determination

Peninsula

Edition 395

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14 June 2016

Local fishing operators may close with law changes Peninsula residents wanting to buy local seafood from local retailers may soon not be able to do so, as changes to commercial fishing in NSW cut in, according to a Patonga fisherman from a family with more than 40 years in the industry.

News Ne s

we may have to do it all over again and the difference will be the Government in 2019 won’t need new regulations to make the changes, they will already be in place.” “My belief is it is all about export and I feel what is happening is other countries overseas want our product to be on their tables and I don’t blame them because we have the best seafood. “But the consumer is going to lose if they don’t wake up and do something about it. “Commercial fishermen per electorate are in minute numbers so we don’t stand a chance politically so we need to tell the consumers to tell their MPs to look after our seafood. “In 2017 we won’t know how many commercial fishers will be endorsed because we don’t know how many shares are available. “There are only two fishers in Patonga as we speak with enough shares. “So if the shares are available we might see those existing fishers continue, that is of course if they can access the funds to buy those shares because what this will do is increase the share price beyond our range.” According to Mr MacDonald, the new program will give fishers the option to grow their business or choose to exit the industry “through a range of supportive measures including: low-rate loans; grants for retraining or for independent business advice; subsidies for buyers and sellers of shares; or fixed payments of $20,000 for fishing business buyouts.” The NSW Government has also extended its cap on management fees. Assistance is also available for fishing cooperatives. The NSW Government will also invest $400,000 as part of a campaign to promote NSW caught seafood as sustainable and fresh and work with industry to implement an origin- labelling scheme for cooked seafood across the state.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, has said the changes would support local fishers and ensure the supply of locally caught, high quality seafood continued into the future. However, fisherman Mr Dane Van Der Neut said the opposite Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940 30 May was true and he believed the 2016 changes could be the death knell for local operators. He said at least four of six operators in Patonga were under threat. until the September 2017 election Mr Van Der Neut said he had Patonga commercial fisherman Mr Dane Van Der Neut on Broken Bay In turn, it gives the administrato been fishing for a living for 10 years about the amount of fish we take be established to determine how day. has the power to hire and fir and his father had been working in “Then they’ve redistributed the out of the ocean. many boats should be left fishing,” the general manager and deput the industry out of Patonga for over efforts of those active fishers in a “That is the worst type of he said. general manager, should the nee 40 years. “There are different issues with Communist way over all the shares management we can do. arise and within the terms of the “He spent the past three in a share class so now the active “The public does not understand different governments,” he said. meetings willhisbejobaudio recorded employment The Peninsula will contracts. have a decades fighting for through Governments are fisher’s shares have a lot less that every time you have a shower, and thegovernments,” public will beheable “Labor to Staff members transferred from Minister for Local Government voice on the Central Coast consecutive wash up, wash clothes that have predominantly green, whereas the value,” he said. Gosfordthe Council discretion to determine “any matter said. access those recordings using the Council during next to16the Centra Mr Van Der Neut uses the micro plastics in them, that all goes Liberal and National Governments Information or thing requiring determination” Coast Council were transferre Mr Government Van Der Neut said the Public months through a committee Act (GIPA). reform are more about corporatising, example of a five-member family in the drain and into fish habitat so referred by the administrator. the same employmen latest Access NSW Government structure, under according to while we are restricting what we removing the smaller operators who operated as a combine. is also moving In turn, a wide range of matters contract of employment. package Mr wasReynolds about corporatising council administrator Mr Ian Their combined catch in the last can take out of the water we are who support the local communities can be referred to the NSW ahead with the creation of a Loca There will be no onus o the industry and targeting export still impacting on fish productivity. and Reynolds.the first elected Central Coas Office of Local Government for Representation Committee that wi turning them into larger year was 25 tonne of mud crabs. markets. Under the new rules their quota “Commercial fishing is one of businesses, moving them into Mr Reynolds all the determination, according to the made up of councillors Council said to stick with the sta Mr be MacDonald saidformer the key larger ports and starting to work on has been capped at 1400kg per the only user groups of the marine committees organisational of the former Gosford proclamation. fromwould Wyong as structure set out i changes see and the Gosford NSW The Peninsula (dark purple) purple is now part of the Gosford West Ward of the new fisher or a combined quote of environment that have a fishery export nothe longer existed and After the initial period the new Central another investing way ofin fiensuring a deals.” ntral Coast Council. The Gosford West Ward boundaries are shown in purple, the Peninsula marked in dark Council purple proclamation. Government shing According to Mr Van Der Neut, seven tonne which means their management strategy underpinned he had askedAnything for a report from council will, in accordance with communities within the new LGA businesses and providing local commenced but no by environmental impact studies. the latest NSW Government business is no longer sustainable. CEOwith Mr Rob Noble by by JuneGosford 8 to the Local Government Act, be able I went to school 2017-18 wasn’t local and state government fishershave witha voice. the tools to better completed Counc If that family is forced to sell its “We’ve got all that. “were asked for by a determine what new not council’s to make changes to matters such three years away from 2016,” he responsibility for urban planning, “I have already spoken reforms with manage their business and ensure may the or may be completed b “We also have the tick of group in the industry who shares and exit the industry, there’s be. as how the new mayor is elected, the councillors one,”minority M public infrastructure and ficommittee nancing, structure what all is caught continues bar to be the new will council. wanted to link their shares to the nothing stopping someone with a sustainability. Wyong Council’s committees changes to wards or changes to “Ra Reynolds said. “Rate equalisation is going to public policy development, done so sustainably. The codes, plans, strategie latent endorsement from buying up “The only thing we don’t have amount they could catch. councillor numbers. have also been dissolved, Mr be a ve “The best way to more keep them very provocative thing when it rezonings and land development “The changes will provide and policies of the new counc “Some of that minority group their shares and then profiting from the tick for is export which is a Joint Regional Regional Reynolds said. involved is to give a seat a certainty and support for them fishers processes. are to be, as far as practicable, good thing from my point of view had good intentions, they wanted the demise of the active fishers. Planning Panel appointments have stacks and stacks the table,” he said. The proclamation said the rating to invest in their businesses, The new council will“There be were composite of the correspondin “At this point of time, we import because it keeps seafood in the to buy more shares and run more been scrapped. of committees across the north Mr Noble saidof the structu structure is to be reviewed within run under administration and cement the future the NSW until codes, plans, strategies an 87 per cent of the fish products local community.” traps or more nets. The proclamation gives the of the new LGA,” Mr Government provided the commercial fishing had industry for the firrst term of the new council September 2017, when and the the firstsouth polices of each of the forme According to Mr Van Der Neut “Ultimately what happened we eat but I will be shocked if in Local Government Minister power with a template terms years administrator to come,” he said. followi following the first election of the local government electionReynolds for the said. councils. is the process got hijacked by a 10 years’ time you will be able to around six commercial fishers are to hire and fire administrators up According to a register of the Mr ofVan Der Neut, fishes reference for who the establishmen new local government area will be The code of conduct for a new still operating out of Patonga and smaller minority group who had purchase locally caught seafood. until the September 2017 election. committees of the former Gosford Hawkesbury and of the River Localsquid Representation Mr Ian Reynolds has been held. council is to be the model cod “This sort of reform has already most are sole traders. been buying up shares for years.” In turn, it gives the administrator Council, council had 29 Broken Bay school prawns, Committee and that Mrsaid Reynolds appoin appointed as the administrator of The number of councillors to be the in the Act (within the meanin “My dad got shares a long time He said the industry was now happened in the lobster industry has the power to hire and fire estuary prawn trawl to fishers was expected makehave a decision the ne newly-formed Central Coast elected at that time will becommittees. 15 and of section 440 of the Act) until split between active fishers and in NSW where you already have ago because he was in business the general manager and deputy Wyong had a different been given 2017 to raise abou at theuntil nextJuly council meeting the first mayor will be elected by Council code of conduct is adopted by th pre-dating any reform. general manager, should the need “latent endorsements” who may catch shares linked to a quota. structure with 12 committees, five their minimum to 200 the termsshareholding for the committee. Mr Reynolds is a local councillors. council in accordance with the Ac “I have already read reports “With most businesses you can arise and within the terms of their hold a certain class of shares groups, two working Local partiesGovernment and 12 Media release, 31 May 2016 or they will not be able to access councillors have been All former govern government consultant based in (Counc The code of meeting practice employment contracts. (such as for crab pots) but are not from places like Columbia and make an educated gamble on the Hannah Eves, office of external bodies orAmalgamations) groups. their figiven sheries. written notice that theyactively wi Proclamatio to be adopted by the new smaller fishers are forced out of the business, on what you are buying, Staff members transferred from fishing. Scot MacDonald The register of Gosford Council “There is no to guarantee 2016, 12 May 201 be invited express that interest He in said the NSW Government industry through increased prices there are no guarantees out of this. He established Ian Reynolds Central Coast Council is to be Gosford Council to the Central Interview, 7 Jun 2016 committees lists the names of 12 May 201 Interview, those being sharespart will of bethe available. committee. has used the catch history of active and after that it gets consolidated. Associates in 2012 after the Wyong Shire Council and A code Coast Council were transferred “It is just a gamble that we will Dane Van Der Neut, Woy Woy Craig Doyle, who Gosford Counc representatives, “We However, have been no would Mr given Reynolds workin working in the government sector “until it is amended or community replaced Reporter: Jackie Pearson the Mr same “When governments start to talk be buying more or less guaranteed fishermen to come up with its caps left: Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and chief executive officer Mr Rob Noble discuss their plans ans bluey under in the mail,” Doyleemployment said. Pearso appear to have been Reporter: included Jackie on From guarantee of any access all not comment on theat number malgamation,” he said. for 30 years. for amalgamation,” in accordance with the Local contract of employment. for the new local government area with media on okilos allowed to be caught per about sustainability we are talking access until 2019 and in 2019 “The information we have the vast majority of the former because, in 2019, a committee will Since 1994 he has held a Government Act”. “One ne of those assurances was Sinc willMinister be noand onus going to look like,” he said. and other bodies, and ensure that Central Coast Council meetings ngs positions available. eceivedThere from the the on council’s committee. “Yes,THIS we are a new contains council, bu 59 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info ee-year rates freeze and when range of senior executive roles in The proclamation gives the NSW the first elected Central Coasta three-year Mr Noble’s recommendation to future committees of the Council held in the former Wyong Council ncil ISSUE The database of Wyong Council there are issues north and south Council to stick with the staff committees lists community the first Central Coast Council’s are directed to addressing the chambers. organisational out in ns 60 THISstructure ISSUEsetcontains 60 articles arrtic cle es - Read Read more mo news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info The Peninsula (dark p purple) is now part of the Gosford West Ward of the new “The government proclamation on that have a history with them representatives on only one meeting stated: “There is a need to needs of the whole community of Central Coastt Council. The Gosford West Ward boundaries are shown in purple, the Peninsula marked in dark purple the proclamation. meant all meetings would be and the former councillors wi Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford committee, the Tuggerah Lakes urgently review those committees the Central Coast.” Anything commenced but not and other groups, and to identify “We are now the Central Coast, held in Wyong and I think that is still have their contacts within the estuary. has government governm nment ha h as been scant,” he I went to school 2017-18 wasn’t local and state government with completed by Gosford Council community,” Mr Reynolds said. for improved we are all part of a big new thing,” inappropriate so I changed the It is uncertain which, if any, opportunities three years away from 2016,” he responsibility for urban planning, may or may not be completed by said. said aiid th “The purpose of the committee rules so we can meet in Gosford ord of the committees of the former engagement with the community Mr Reynolds said. said. “II receive received rece ceived ved d an email from the sa public infrastructure and financing, the new council. is to get feedback,” he said. of the Central Coast. “Part of my role is to make sure and Wyong,” Mr Reynolds said. Gosford Council will be kept. “Rate equalisation is going to public mayor,”” he ssaid. Interviews, 26 May 2016 policy development, The codes, plans, strategies “That review must carefully the council reaches out to the “I don’t expect people to come me “We need data first,” Mr Noble Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Counci The proclamation said that it be a very provocative thing when it rezonings and land development and policies of the new council consider the current legal status of whole Central Coast,” he said. from Patonga to Wyong, for Rob Noble, Central Coast Counci said. happens,” he said. didn’t apply to rates in the 2016- ha processes. are to be, as far as practicable, a In addition to getting committees instance, unless they want to come me Central Coast Council agenda “Ian will get the list of committees those committees and bodies, the The proclamation said the rating 17 rating year but it did not specify The new council will be composite of the corresponding ge item 3.5, 25 May 2016 and review it with senior staff but potential legal consequences of up and running, Mr Reynolds said to speak and I would encourage structure is to be reviewed within run under administration until codes, plans, strategies and a three-year rate freeze, as st Reporter: Jackie Pearson the first term of the new council September 2017, when the first polices of each of the former promised by the NSW Government th right now we don’t know what it is any alteration to the constitution or he had already changed the NSW that,” he said. ncil membership of those committees Government’s decision to have all All Central Coast Council following the first election of the local government election for the councils. prior to Gosford councillors making fo council. their decision about whether co new local government area will be The code of conduct for a new Mr Ian Reynolds has been held. to vote in favour of, or against, council is to be the model code appointed as the administrator of amalgamation. ap The number of councillors to be in the Act (within the meaning the newly-formed Central Coast elected at that time will be 15 and of section 440 of the Act) until a Mr Doyle said he was part of a th joint delegation that met with NSW Council. the first mayor will be elected by code of conduct is adopted by the Premier Mr Mike Baird and Local Mr Reynolds is a local councillors. council in accordance with the Act. Government Minister Mr Paul government consultant based in Local Government (Council The code of meeting practice Amalgamations) Proclamation Toole late last year. Castle Hill. to be adopted by the new 2016, 12 May 2016 “It wasn’t until I eyeballed the He established Ian Reynolds Central Coast Council is to be Interview, 12 May 2016 said in a statement issued on May to high vehicles as well as crash “The safety of our customers Minister face-to-face and received and Associates in 2012 after the Wyong Shire Council code The Woy Woy rail underpass to complete. Craig Doyle, Gosford Council The department still has not 13. beams on either side of the bridge, and people is our number one a couple of assurances that I voted working in the government sector “until it is amended or replaced will be open to traffic by the Reporter: Jackie Pearson for amalgamation,” he said. “This cost will be for the new designed to protect the bridge from priority.” for 30 years. in accordance with the Local end of August, according confirmed the cost of the repairs to Media statement, 13 May 2016 “One of those assurances was Since 1994 he has held a Government Act”. bridge protection, which will potential vehicle collision,” the to the latest update from the underpass: Scott Gillespie, Transport for NSW a three-year rates freeze and when range of senior executive roles in “We will confirm the costs within include clearance frames on both statement said. The proclamation gives the NSW Transport for NSW. the next few weeks, following road approaches to the bridge, “The underpass will be open to Previously, it had stated the contains 60 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info further planning,” the department designed to act as early warnings traffic by the end of August. work could take up to six months

Community Commun Comm Commu mmunit nity ity y Access Access Ac

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

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Community Access

16 May 2016

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Committee structure to give community a voice

Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the closure of the underpass was causing congestion, particularly during morning and evening peaks, because all the traffic that used On the morning of Friday, April the underpass via Hillview St 8, a large truck became wedged and Dunban Rd was now being under one of the height restriction redirected through the Rawson Rd stanchions at the Woy Woy rail The Peninsula su is n now under under roundabout. underpass. ew Centra Cebelieved the C st Coast Mrthe Walesnew said heCentral The stanchions on either side Council. Council ouncil. Rawson Rd roundabout should of the underpass prevent oversize Gosford n no longer longe er be a high priority Council to becillupgraded vehicles that have attempted to and exists. maytsneed to be replaced with use the underpass from hitting the The he change took place p traffic lights. actual rail bridge and potentially onMedia Thursday, May 12, 2016 with a w statement, 28 Apr damaging the rail track above. proclaimation NSWCouncil Governor byy NS Governo Gov ernor or Paul Anderson, Gosford The stanchion are owned and Interview, 28 Apr 2016 General David Hurley. Davi Hurley maintained by Sydney Trains to Matthew The new Wales, councilPeninsula will be run n Chamber of under nder administration administrati t Commerce by Mr Ian Reynolds. Reynoldss. The he e interim general al manager m man is Mrr Rob ob Noble, acting a CEO CE o of Wyong yong Council. Co Gosford Council ncil cchief M Mr Pa Paul Anderson has been b en named his h deputy. ep The Peninsula will become become part bec rt of the e Gosford ord West Ward which w will remain unrepresented unrepresent u epresented untilil elections year. ct ons in September next n year ear. The Gosford West W Ward co covers vers the he e area from the northern nor sside de of of the he e Hawkesbury R River in tthe south sout sou uth h to Bu Buckety kety in the north-west. no north-wes Itt includes nccludes communities commu ties as diverse as Mangrove Mountain, Mangrov gr Mountain Mou Gunderman, Peats ats Ridge Rid and a the Gosford rd CBD. CBD CB Th three The th councillors cillors w wh will who eventually t l y rre represent the Gosford Gossford ord rd Media release, 27 Apr 2016 West Ward War will be required to t live live Matthew Wales, Peninsula in the Wa Ward. War Chamber of Commerce The Woy Woy rail underpass has been closed on many occasions Areas to the north of the Rip PHOTO youtube Bridge will be included in the Gosford as the southern ord East Ward W souther southe so ern n 68 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info shore ore of Brisbane Water iss the th boundary Gosford West. oundary for Gos W The e Gosford f West Ward is, geographically, of y, the largest larges lar o the the e five wards that will make up the e w new ne ew Central Coast Council. Council Under the he e Local al Government Governm Gove Gover (Council Amalgamations) Proclamation 2016, Gosford City Council ceased to exist and Gosford with Wyong Shire Council areas were amalgamated to form the Central Coast Council. Elected councillors reported different interpretations of whether they had been stood aside or sacked. Former Gosford deputy mayor, Mr Craig Doyle, said he believed all councillors, including the former Gosford mayor, Mr Lawrie McKinna, had been sacked. “I can’t even say I received a bluey in the mail,” Mr Doyle said. “The information we have received from the Minister and the

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

lengthy outages to the Main Northern Rail Line which proved unacceptable to State Rail, especially when State Rail have no planned outages in the foreseeable future. “Closing the line on three separate occasions has obvious huge implications which could cause major commuter service and freight train disruptions,” he continued. “We now understand that State Rail have come up with a method of pipe jacking under the rail line without causing major disruptions, this comes at a huge cost Woy Woy Sea Scouts. Julie Aitchison for her enthusiastic but Mshas Scott hasbudget coordinated efforts in gaining a heritage grant, which blown the out to researching and recording the ﬁrst the total refurbishment of the 50 years history of Umina on DVD. dilapidated Scout hall as well Ms Robyn Carr was commended as growing the membership ISSUE for her untiring efforts of service from sevenTHIS to 103 activecontains and at most levels of leadership and participating young members in organisation with Umina Surf the past two years. Media release, 14 Apr 2016 Lifesaving Club. Ms Kylie-Ann Scott was Geoff Melville, Rotary Club of Umina recognised as group leader of First

Volunteers receive ceive community service ervice awards

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Dispute over track closures bring rail project to a halt

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

Their action was part of the Save Central Coast Reserves

or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: http://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/

Edition 392

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

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

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Community Access

Peninsula

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

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on

Peninsula 4 April 2016

There was a full forensic examination in the club in the five hours following the incident. Mr Arkins said he was unsure whether the attack was provoked or random. The CCTV footage and information about the attack has been forwarded to the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad in Sydney. They are especially concerned about the use of petrol in this attack. The club has received no feedback from the police at this stage. The hood, gloves and balaclava have made it difficult for police to identify the culprit. “This kind of activity traumatises everyone, we’re lucky to have local community support,” said Mr Arkins. Security measures at the club are being looked over and revised to ensure a safer work environment for staff. “We are very conscious of occupation health and safety follow up here at Shelly Beach Golf Club. “We immediately contacted the providers of workers’ compensation counselling for our insurance, to Paul as well as any staff that may have been affected by the robbery,” he said.

Underpass open by September, says dept.

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369

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

OnTheBeat

Toukley man arrested for sexual assault of a child 64-year-old man faced Wyong Local Court on July 26 charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a young girl.

Tuggerah Lakes police were informed that a young girl was sexually assaulted on July 23. F o l l o w i n g investigations by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad, the 64-year-old man was arrested at Toukley at about 11:00am on Monday, July 25.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station and subsequently charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child under 10 years. The man was refused bail to reappear at Wyong Local Court on Tuesday,

July 26. The Child Abuse Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate crimes against children, including sexual assault, physical abuse and serious cases of neglect. Media release, Jul 26, 2016 NSW Police media

Man hit by his own truck

n investigation is underway after a 46-year-old man was hit by his own truck in Warnervale.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Warnervale Rd at about 7:45am on July, 26. Police were informed that the truck had stopped due to mechanical issues and the driver got out to

investigate. He was underneath the vehicle when it moved and hit him. He was treated at the

scene by paramedics before being airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Media release, Jul 26, 2016 NSW Police media

Health

P12 P1 12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Surplus fresh, nutritious food rescued

St John NSW Tuggerah Lakes recruiting volunteers t John NSW are recruiting for volunteers aged between 8 and 80 years who have an interest in assisting the community by providing first aid services at various community events on the Northern section of the Central Coast.

Those interested can attend an information session at the Entrance Community Centre on Saturday, August 6. Prospective volunteers will be able to see first aid and CPR demonstrations, St John NSW vehicles, communications equipment and have the opportunity to purchase First Aid Kits. The Volunteer Drive is an initiative of St John NSW Tuggerah Lakes

Division, along with Lake Macquarie Cadet Division, Mt Sugarloaf Cadet Division and Lake Macquarie Area. In 2015, around 3,400 people volunteered with St John NSW, attending 5779 community events and emergencies while providing 319,700 hours of volunteer service to the community. Media release, Jul 16, 2016 Wayde Walker, St John (NSW)

SecondBite CEO, Mr Jim Mullan, is excited for the new Winter Fundraiser

ake Haven Coles has donated more than 29,000 kilograms of SecondBite program and fresh fruit, vegetables and bakery items being the equivalent of encouraged shoppers to get behind the fundraising 55,000 meals, to local people in need.

Lake Haven Coles has been able to donate these food items through their partnership with fresh food rescue organisation SecondBite, a national organisation dedicated to seeing fresh food get off the shelf and onto the dinner plate. SecondBite CEO, Mr Jim Mullan, said the organisation had partnered with Coles

since November 2011 to rescue surplus fresh, nutritious food for people in need. “By working together, SecondBite and Coles are providing enough food for more than 23,000 nutritious meals every single day to children and families doing it tough across Australia,” Mr Mullan said. In June, SecondBite

and Coles launched a five week winter fundraising campaign that Central Coast shoppers can get behind. From June 29 to August 2, Central Coast shoppers will be able to purchase $2 SecondBite donation cards at Coles supermarkets to help deliver healthy nutritious meals to families doing it tough. Coles State General Manager, Mr Thinus Keeve, said Coles was proud to participate in the

campaign this winter. “Too many people in our communities don’t have enough food to eat and are not able to afford healthy meals on a daily basis. “We hope that through our surplus fresh food donations and the support from our local customers, we can make a real difference to people doing it tough this winter,” Mr Keeve said. Media release, Jun 28, 2016 Melyssa Troy, The River PR

BE A LEADER

Free family fun day at Toukley

oukley Presbyterian Church will present a free family fun day on September 24.

There will be activities for all the family to enjoy including: face painting, jumping castle, sack races, egg and spoon races, three legged race, a puppet show, wet sponge throwing, a craft table, musical items and a fire

and police car/truck. For the parents there will be a barbecue and a morning tea. Email, Jul 30, 2016 Leon Walther, Toukley Presbyterian Church

Organise a fundraiser

Join scouts For information call 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887) or go to www.scouts.com.au

What will you do today to help beat cancer?

Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P13 3

Health

Safer Pathway expands into the Central Coast

From left: Rachael Dobson, Jodie Cooper, Catherine Colvey, Senior Constable Jerrod Luck, Alicia Brag, Michelle Austin, Vanessa Arrowsmith, Pru Goward (minister for the prevention of domestic violence), Superintendent David Swilks, Scot MacDonald (parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast), Sharon Wilkinson, Acting Inspector Sean Lodge, Sergeant Lena Deally. Photo Noel Fisher

eople experiencing domestic and family violence will receive tailored, multi-agency support with the roll out of Safer Pathway in the Tuggerah Lakes Police Local Area Command (LAC) from November 2016.

NSW minister for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault, Ms Pru Goward, was joined by the parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, at the

Wyong Police station to make the announcement on Friday, July 30. Ms Goward said Safer Pathway aimed to ensure every domestic violence victim across NSW received a consistent

and effective response regardless of where they live. “Following the success of Safer Pathway’s first six sites, the NSW Government has committed $53 million

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over four years to expand Safer Pathway statewide, with 21 new locations rolling out in 2016-17,” Ms Goward said. Safer Pathway brings together local representatives including police, health, corrections, family and community services and education along with local specialist nongovernment domestic and family violence services, creating a streamlined, integrated referral pathway for victims who are at threat or at serious threat to their life, health or safety, according to Ms Goward. The service will be coordinated by the Central Coast Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, which has a long history of providing professional

advocacy and support for women who have experienced domestic violence. “Courageous victims who have been left traumatised and terrified will no longer have to shop around to get the services they need nor will they have to re-tell their story to a multitude of government agencies,” Ms Goward said. Deputy premier and minister for police and justice, Mr Troy Grant, said the NSW Liberal and National Government was committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence in NSW. “This roll out means even more victims across NSW will now receive coordinated help and support to live their lives free from violence,” Mr Grant said.

Mr MacDonald said he welcomed the announcement that the Tuggerah Lakes Police LAC would be one of the first LACs for the Safer Pathway expansion. “Domestic and family violence is a crime perpetrated against vulnerable women, children and men by cowards. “The expansion of Safer Pathway into the Central Coast means that survivors of domestic violence and their families will receive tailored support and services to help them recover and move on from their abusive relationship,” Mr MacDonald said. Media release, Jul 29, 2016 Mitchell Cutting, office of Scot MacDonald

Education

P14 P1 14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Free Hip Hop dance classes

70 scholarships and awards to be presented he Hunter TAFE Foundation and University of Newcastle will present more than 70 scholarships and awards to students from the Central Coast at an awards ceremony held at the Preview Restaurant, Ourimbah Campus on August 2.

usicians Making a Difference and The Salvation Army have teamed up to offer Wyong and Gorokan free Hip Hop dance classes to inspire youths to believe in themselves and build confidence.

were about children getting together and being inspired though dance. “We offer a bit of a variety, but it is mainly dance,” she said. “It is a really positive environment and it is a very non-judgmental class. “It is about the kids finding a dream. “One girl said she feels

like she belongs because no one judges her, so that is what our classes are about.” Classes will be held on Mondays at Wyong Oasis Youth Centre and on Wednesdays at 90 Minnamurra Road, Gorokan. Media release, Jul 27, 2016 Angela Thomas, Street Dreams

Budgewoi’s spelling bee finalists to be announced udgewoi Public School’s finalists for the Premier’s Spelling Bee will be announced this month.

The Spelling Bee will be undertaken in all Stage 2 and 3 classrooms as a means of making spelling and education more fun for students. The program includes activities to encourage all students to engage with spelling and to promote

improved literacy in combination with the English K-6 Syllabus. The Stage 3 finals were held on August 1, and the Stage 2 finals will be held on the August 8. The winners from these finals will be asked to participate in a

Spelling Bee competition at Warnervale Public School on September 13, to compete against other schools on the Coast. Newsletter, Aug 1, 2016 K Moore, Budgewoi Public School

ear 10 Northlakes High School student Piper Nowland has received the 2016 Local Aboriginal Student of the Year Award.

The award was presented to Piper on July 25 by Member for Swansea, Ms Yasmin Catley, for being a positive role model and for demonstrating leadership within her local and school community. For the past four years, Kamilaroi girl, Piper, has been a junior representative on her local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and is also an elected Student Representative in her high school. Ms Catley congratulated Piper on her outstanding performance within the community

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Media release, 27 Jul, 2016 Emily Gallagher, Hunter TAFE

Piper Nowland is the Local Aboriginal Student of the Year

The Street Dreams Hip Hop dance classes are designed to inspire self-esteem

Street Dreams is an early intervention dance and mentoring initiative and classes were piloted with Australia’s Got Talent winners, Justice Crew. Children between the ages of seven and 18 can attend the classes. Street Dreams hip hop mentor, Ms Angela Thomas, said the classes

Bronwyn Chambers. Hunter TAFE Alumni and University of Newcastle student and guest speaker, Ms Amber Dobie, will also be in attendance.

advance their education. Special guests will include: Hunter TAFE Institute Director, Ms Christine Warrington; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) University of Newcastle, Professor Andrew Parfitt; and, Elder in Residence, Ms

The ceremony is to be attended by 150 business, industry, community and education representatives and the awards, prizes and scholarships seek to recognise and reward academic excellence and to provide support to ensure students are able to

From left, member for Swansea, Ms Yasmin Catley with Aboriginal Student of the Year, Ms Piper Nowland

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February 16, 2016

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

Media release, Jul 26, 2015 Dehanna Richardson, office of Yasmin Catley

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Issue 86

March 15, 2016

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

privilege and I can’t think of a more deserving candidate.” In 2015 Piper represented her school as an Aboriginal dancer and artist and was shortlisted for the NSW Schools Aboriginal Dance Ensemble.

and her school. “Piper is a fantastic advocate for her local community and a great role model for her peers,” Ms Catley said. “It’s obvious that she is passionate about her culture and it gives me great pleasure to present her with the Local Aboriginal Student of the Year Award,” she said. “It was an absolute

had any clothes. “I want the work to start, there are 14 units in our complex and the whole 14 are affected by this and we want some communication to know what is going on. I am feeling very down about it all,” she said. Mr Mehan said he had been working with the local community and the strata company to see works completed and residents moving back March 1, 2016 into their homes. Mr Mehan threatened to name and shame insurance companies that are not giving the storm damaged area the attention it deserves. “It has been four months since the September hail storm and locals are still struggling to have their homes repaired,” Mr Mehan said. “All of the residents of he GardensNSW Lancaster were Branch yet of they the fully insured, u s t r aforl itheir an are stillAwaiting Labor will insurance Party companies soon calling to begin be work on their for homes. nominations houses have to “These preselect a been sitting empty candidate for since the David Mehan MP along with Barbara Champley and Phillip and Patricia Cupples view the damage SeptemberElectorate with major Federal of repairs yet to begin. management Champley wants to return the mould, but since then, Shortland following seemed to do the same,” strata insurance Ms“The Jill Hall’s decision company, according to to her own home as soon nothing has happened. Ms Champley recalled. companies need to to nominate. “There is no indication not as possible, According to Ms Ms Champley. clearly “It has been an absolute “I’ve lost nearly of when the work will be communicate She initially stayed Champley, the insurer with residents and begin honour and privilege to was “very slow from the with her sister, then in a everything that I owned,” done. fit outs onthe the wonderful houses so “I do have contents represent motel, then an apartment she said. beginning”. these people get back of canShortland “Before Christmas insurance as well, but people At first the residents at The Entrance, and since to living their lives.” Federal Parliament were “stunned” and not Christmas she has been we had a meeting that is with a different in 1998 as well as with everyone and the company, but it is not since sure who to turn to for staying with a friend. Media release, many Feb 11, 2016 of The insurance insurance company came much use yet, because I representing help. David Mehan, member for Parliament Entrance Between September company has helped with out and it all looked very haven’t got anywhere to them in State The as Member forFeb Swansea Interview, 12, 2016 and December they living costs, but at nearly promising, then we had put anything. and in Lake Macquarie Barbara Champley, “I have hardly even mainly dealt with the 80 years of age, Ms workmen cleaning out Bay as a councillor,”Bateau Ms Hall said. “As the first woman elected to any state or Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford federal lower house Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 seat in the Hunter, I am Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 pleased to see so many E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Labor women now Website: www.centralcoastnews.net representing electorates,” she said. “The people of Shortland have been my inspiration, and to be their voice in Canberra has been extraordinary. “I want to put on record my thanks to my husband Lindsay and the rest of my family for supporting me while I took on this amazing job. “I know they have also made many sacrifices along the way. “After 18 years as a Federal Member of Parliament, I believe it is the right time to retire and

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April 27, 2016

Issue 88

Doyalson RSL to develop a 139 site manufactured home estate

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

EThe club sees the EErezoning FRREE FRE as an opportunity

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to ensure its long-term viability and to give back to the community by investing $14 million. Wyong Council has also stated it is committed to providing a range of housing types. “This includes Issue 87 promoting more affordable housing options on sites which are well located in terms of public transport, shops and services,” said Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM. A report to the March 10 council meeting concluded that an assessment of the application considered: the existing strategic framework; potential impacts the proposed with use disability as well as land may have on the the great Labor idea of land; and relevant policy equality ofof council. opportunity, resolutions in “This everything assessment from has education to healthcare. identifi ed that the request party Jill has“Assuffi cient whip, strategic carried out herthe duties with justifi cation,” report to good humour and great council said. patience, striking that Councilbalance between resolved delicate to accept thediscipline report’s maintaining recommendation to prepare and encouraging acamaraderie. planning proposal to amend the Wyong Local Media speculation Environmental of about the preselectionPlan (LEP) and send it started to the Hall’s replacement before she hadofannounced Department Planning her Environment. retirement. and The population Australian “Our is set Electoral Commission’s to grow by 50,000 over the federal next 15 years andboundary we really adjustments do need to deliver ahave lot abolished the Cr seatEaton of more housing,” Hunter, currently held said. by the ALP’s Joel The development Fitzgibbon, shadow proposal to land minister applies for agriculture

Coast’s longest serving State ate or ire Federal politician to retire

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

move on to the next stage of my life. “I have made this decision in consultation with Lindsay and my family and it will be wonderful to spend more time with them in the beautiful area where we live,” she said. In addition to her achievements for the Hunter Region, Ms Hall listed the highlights of her career in Federal Parliament as: being part of the Parliament during Kevin Rudd’s historic Apology to the Stolen Generations; securing Federal funding to

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

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

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

and a key power broker of the party’s NSW right faction. There have been reports that the ALP has planned to ‘parachute’ Fitzgibbon into either Shortland or that he will be moved into the seat of Charlton and its sitting member, Labor backbencher Pat Conroy, would be moved to Shortland. Anne Charlton has already been preselected to stand for the ALP in the seat of Robertson and Emma McBride has been preselected for Dobell.

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

Media release, Feb 28, 2016 office fice of Lisa McDermott, offi Jill Hall Jackie Pearson, journalist

The proposed concept plan for the Doyalson manufactured home estate (left) and it’s location (right)

directly north of the Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club. It is currently zoned RU6 Transition and would be rezoned to RE2 Private Recreation, which would permit a Manufactured Home Estate (MHE). The site (Lot 49 DP 707586 and Lot 7 DP 240685) comprises 21.69 hectares on the Pacific Hwy at Doyalson. Lot 49 currently contains two buildings: one is leased to an independent party; the second contains amenities. The lot also has cricket nets and remnant vegetation. Lot 7 contains no buildings and the site of the proposed home village is generally clear of vegetation and is used for the RAW Challenge. The site adjoins Delta land to the east (Munmorah Power Station) and a hydroponics establishment to the north. RU6 zoning is a holding zone providing a limited range of uses to ensure the land remains fit for

the long-term intended purpose. In the case of Lot 7, that long-term purpose is a development precinct within the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan (NWSSP). The landowner has previously investigated development opportunities but “due to future subsurface mining of the area for coal, the Mine Subsidence Board has objected to each proposal,” the report explained. Options already considered: residential subdivision; retirement facility; tourist accommodation; mixed tourist and residential accommodation; and a motel. The concept shows the manufactured home estate located within Lot 7 with a lit pathway linking it to existing playing fields and club facilities. The concept plan also included walking and cycling tracks, a games room, indoor swimming pool, a manager’s residence

and site office. “The proposal will enable Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club to better utilise its existing land holdings,” the report said. The RAW challenge is proposed to be relocated to the existing playing fields (subject to consent). “The use of the site as an MHE may be an interim use until mining constraints have been resolved and this use has been given ‘in principle’ support from the Mine Subsidence Board, according to the report. Future plans for the Doyalson-Wyee RSL will be centred around health associated uses with the recently constructed gymnasium. The club intendeds to expand the function room. It also intends to add a ‘pop-up’ library. The RE2 Private Recreation permits caravan parks and therefore manufactured home estates as well as a variety of other uses. “These housing forms offer lower cost housing

options and increase the mix of housing types available for the area,” the report said. Wyong Council had taken actions to minimise the opportunity for caravan parks “to become a more dominant part of the local housing offer by limiting the creation of additional non-tourist caravan parks and MHEs in Wyong Shire.” In 2003, for instance, Wyong Council resolved: “That Council records its opposition as a matter of policy to the creation or expansion of further nontourist caravan parks or manufactured home estates within the shire.” The resolution also sought to limit conversion of tourist sites to permanent accommodation, which reduced the number of tourist accommodation sites in the shire. However, in December 2012, a report on Planning Controls to Support Housing Affordability and Choice in Wyong Shire included nine

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Issue 90

recommendations that directly related to promoting caravans and manufactured homes as affordable housing options. None of those recommendations was approved when the report was considered by the Economic Employment Development Committee (EEDC) in 2013. A l t h o u g h recommending that council moved ahead with seeking a gateway determination for the rezoning, it noted that the proposal was Apr April pril 12, 201 016 inconsistent with 2016 the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan “as it is proposing residential development on land that has been identified for employment in the long term. “The timing of the rezoning of the land for employment purposes will be impacted by future coal extraction. “This has an indeterminate timing but is likely to be longer than 15 years. The assessment concluded that the site could accommodate a MHE in the short term provided that the land has the potential to be used for future employment purposes … once mining has been completed in the area. “The proposal does not involve community title subdivision which means that the existing land holding will not be further fragmented.

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

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Land Lan La nd sa ssale alle for rrailway faci fac ffa cili ili lit ittty deferred defe facility

Media release, Mar 10, 2016 Wyong Council media Agenda item, Mar 10, 2016 2.1, Wyong Council ordinary decision cisionmeeting to ssell

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

lled

Kangy Angy land sale supported by some

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

The proposed T pr posedd interci int intercity ciity fleet fleet maintenance site duri during local floods

lan land nd at a K Kangy angy gy Angy to Transport for NSW hass been deferred defer eferred ed byy Wyong Wyon W Coouncil for two months Co month to allow Council residents id nts to make maake mak ke furth f er representations represe re rese seentations to Transport Transpor for NSW further regarding rding possible possibl p alterna alt ern tee locations loca loccations ions o for foor the facility. alternate

Spokesperso Spokesperson kesperson for th the Residentts Kangy Angy Residents Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Action on Group, Grou oup, Mr Tony Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Caldersmith spoke ok oke Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 against a nstt the sale of the land E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net at the he Wyong Council Coun Website: www.centralcoastnews.net meeting Wednesday, ng on Wedne March 23,, describing it as ecologically l i ll sensitive sensitiv ii fl oodplain floodplain lainn land to be sold o to make way waay for a rai rail railw ra railway lw y fl eet maintenance facility. fleet “There is compelling evidence that the site is unsuitable for the proposed development given the flooding and environmental constraints of the land… alternative sites without those constraints are available and should be taken up,” Mr Caldersmith said. The land would be

According to Kamira Director, Cr Lisa Matthews, Kamira is a unique, evidence based, rehabilitation facility designed to help pregnant women and newIssue mothers89 that are experiencing drug and alcohol abuse to kick their habits and refocus their lives around the fulfilling experience of motherhood. “Nearly all women who present to Kamira for treatment will have Cate Hewett of Kamira their children removed huge caus if they do not undergo operate at capacity due to which has caused problems with retaining r residential rehabilitation ongoing funding issues. “Presently, funding staff. ently, and often present with “The NSW Health traumatic histories such issues have prevented alba facility from Department has failed to as mental health issues, the Wadalba a domestic violence, filling half of its beds, provide any additional cognitive impairments forcing the facility to turn funding since it built the ndreds of women Kamira facility in 2009. and criminal and family away hundreds in need and forcing the “There are currently c law matters,” she said. o of a To help women most in need onto waiting 11 beds filled out o 12 weeks long,” possible 22. undergoing treatment, lists up to

rezoned rezo ezonedd to make maake way for the the rail ra facility. faci faacili acility. ity. ty ty. “No “No less le les esss than than four tha endangered endanger endange dangered fl flooodplain ecological communities ecologic c mm com munities occur within with thee site and it provides foraging foraggging and habitat for or a range raange of threatened hreatenedd aand ndd critically c engendered species ngendered including yellow-bellied yel yyell gliders, squirrel gliders and the powerful owl. “Also, a tributary of Ourimbah Creek flowing through the site is a known biodiversity ‘hot-spot’ for rare and threatened amphibian species such as the green and golden bell-frog bell frog and the green-thighed frog,” he said. “We don’t want our

wildlife to be railroaded.” According to the Environmental Issues Environment Report pr prepared by Conacher Consulting, December 2015, 20 the Land and Environment Court Environ would be likely to find li that the site is unsuitable for the proposed development. development The site also presents a considerable constraints in terms of flooding and bushfi fire and a development of the type and scale sca proposed would be likely to have lik an unacceptable and unacce signifi significant ficant iimpact on a sp number of species or their habitats. The report found

that the proposal would significantly impact on endangered ecological communities, PCTs that contain threatened species habitat, areas that contain habitat for vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered threatened species, wildlife habitat linkages and a riparian area and watercourse of fourth order and an important wetland area. It further states that alternative sites for the proposal which would result in a reduced impact on local biodiversity should be investigated. Media release, Mar 21, 2016 Environmental Issues Report Summary, Dec 2015 Michelle Nicholson, Kangy Angy Residents Action Group

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

solution to some of those problems. In responding to questions from Cr Doug Vincent, a representative of the Kangy Angy Residents Action Group, Mr Tony Caldersmith said Transport for NSW had said it was too early to discuss community benefits. “The railway people said it was all too early; they were not going to talk about that yet, we are not down to that level of planning,” Mr Caldersmith said. Mr Caldersmith also confirmed that Wyong Council had not, at any stage, approached residents about the idea of selling the land to Transport for NSW. Continued page 3

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

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

Issue 96

Sale of Kiar Ridge land marks the end of the first regional airport

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

Member for The expects to deliver a Entrance, Mr David service to our area,” he Mehan MP said the said. NSW Government “shut “As of lunchtime on down the motor registry, Friday, April 22, more dismissing the concerns than 65 members of the of residents that the community were turned closure will see not a away and told to go single NSW Government elsewhere. office left within The “The minister clearly Entrance electorate.” has never been here to see Mr Mehan said he had the site. opposed the closure since “Only someone from it was first announced. Sydney would believe May He said he had been 10, that2016 driving from The working with Services Entrance to Tuggerah is a NSW and Wyong Council short drive. to attempt to maintain a “I will continue to work service in The Entrance. with Wyong Council and “The State government the community to see has refused to listen to the a government service public on this issue,” Mr delivered for our area,” Mehan said. Mr Mehan said. “My office has been Media release, Apr 22, 2016 flooded with calls from David Mehan, member for people who want to know The Entrance how the government

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July 19, 2016

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

LL, a major real estate investment company, has been engaged by Central Coast Council to sell a landmark 87.95 hectares of land at Kiar Ridge.

RETheE land was acquired RE FRE FR

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Government to review Airport Restrictions Act

he NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s review of the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 has been welcomed by Wyong Council.

“Our central objective community consultation in growing Warnervale process. “It is important that the Airport as an aviation business hub has always community understands been about creating jobs, what a game changer attracting commercial activation of Warnervale investment and growing Airport will be for jobs our local economy for the on the Coast,” Cr Eaton benefit of local residents,” said. “In its current form, said Wyong mayor, Cr it can cater for a wide Doug Eaton OAM. “We need the Act range of general aviation small capacity repealed to enable and Interview, Apr 6, 2016 Warnervale Airport to commercial aviation,” he Lisa Matthews, Kamira reach its full potential as said. Director “Right now we are a catalyst for economic Interview, Apr 6, 2016 development and in talks with an aircraft Cate Hewett, Kamira Chief Executive employment growth,” he manufacturer to locate its Journalist, Dilon Luke David Mehan outside said. The Entrance Motor Registrymanufacturing operation “I congratulate the to Warnervale Airport. “This would be State Government on the first new aircraft taking this initiative. Ofﬁce: facility “This is the only Act manufacturing Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: of its kind to regulate a to locate in Australia Mail: single airfield and no other in decades, and has E-mail: airport in Australia faces the potential to create Website: hundreds of jobs. the same restrictions. “We have also been “Since it was enacted, the modern NSW exploring with airlines planning controls and the possibility of having regulations have changed passenger services to to the point where the Act Melbourne, Brisbane and is basically redundant regional areas with small as other more rigorous capacity aircraft that can processes are in place to operate from the airport. “It is key infrastructure govern changes. “There is simply no to support population growth and that’s why need for it,” he said. According to Cr it was included in the Eaton, under current NSW Government’s Your NSW legislation, with Future Central Coast or without the Act, any Discussion Paper 2015 major proposed changes and Gosford City has to the airport would supported the airport in require an extensive its submission to the Draft Environmental Impact Central Coast Regional Assessment (EIS) and Plan 2016.

“Council is committed to working with all parties and neighbours to ensure that the Central Coast benefits from the advantages that other regions have gained from a general aviation business hub.” According to Wyong Council, there has been increased demand for general aviation use of Warnervale Airport. The council is preparing to advertise for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for general aviation and industry operators seeking opportunities to expand or build their businesses on the Central Coast. General aviation includes aviation businesses such as aircraft maintenance operators, recreational and corporate aviation, helicopter services and emergency services aviation. Council has allocated $6 million in 2016-17 as a first step in activating Warnervale Airport’s potential as a general aviation business hub. The funds will go towards voluntary land acquisitions and water, sewerage and road upgrades for the facility. Media release, Apr 29, 2016 Wyong Council media

by the former Wyong Council from Terrace Towers in June 2014 for $10 million and became the preferred site for a Central Coast Regional Airport with the capacity to expand to the status of an interstateIssue and international terminal.

The site is situated Strategic endorsement ement a of immediatelytowest the M1 motorway and bounded by Hue Hue and regional airport has notSparks given been Rds.

he NSW Government has not given strategic endorsement to a regional airport incorporating passenger services at the Warnervale site or any other site on the Central Coast. According to a ‘frequently asked questions’ document released by NSW Planning and Environment, the Warnervale Airport is not shown in the Draft Central Coast Regional Plan, the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan, Central Coast Regional Strategy or the Central Coast Regional Transport Plan. “Wyong Council has made public statements that the Central Coast needs a regional airport and that the existing Warnervale Airport could be an option for this,” the document said. The Department of Planning is currently investigating a noncompliance issue at the airport, the document said. “The Department is currently investigating if the runway has been extended and as a result, if curfew and flight movement restrictions apply. “The Department is also investigating if the vegetation cleared in the Environmental Conservation E2 zone at the southern end of the site has caused any environmental harm.” According to the Department of Planning, there are no current applications for the upgrade or extension of

An expressions of interest sign has been erected on the land acquired by Wyong Council in 2014 as the site for a Central Coast regional airport

The land is zoned IN1 According to JLL, the site includes 56 hectares of for industrial use and E2 DA-approved developable Environmental and is now industrial land in a 69 lot being sold as a site for industrial development. masterplan. Expressions of interest If developed, the land would yield a total floor close on Thursday, August area of 556,400 square 25. Central Coast metres. newlyAccording to Mr Council’s Laurie Eyes from the appointed group leader Central Coast Regional of Assets, Infrastructure Airport Action Group, and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, was general the purchase price paid by the Wyong Council manager of the Terrace in 2014 was double the Towers group before he NSW Valuer General’s was appointed director of valuation and the land property and economic was purchased without development by Wyong obtaining an independent Council in January 2015. Kiar Ridge was valuation. as the At the time of acquiring abandoned the land, former mayor, preferred site for a Central Mr Doug Eaton OAM Coast Regional Airport said: “There is no demand by Wyong Council in Works completed byy Wyong W for Council Cindustrial il last l t land year are bhas i a confidential council as being Planning and Environment investigated by NSWbeen proved by the fact session in October 2015. WarnervaleThe history of Wyong liance the airport and compliance that the the future existingofTerrace Airport to been protect would investigations Council’s proposal to Tower land has the andamenity of the y the not be impacted by develop an airport at Kiar vacant undeveloped area. review of the Act. Ridge was revealed in for atsurrounding least seven years.” It restricts aircraft ervale The Warnervale the confidential business Airport Restrictionss Act movement in the event nister there was a proposal to requires the minister eview extend the runway or for planning to review hether build a new runway. it to determine whether The Act: limits the ctives its policy objectives remain valid and if the length of any runway emain to 1,200 metres with terms of the Act remain potential to make an appropriate. uction application to the minister “Since the introduction of the Act, there have for a runway of up to been a number off new 1,800 metres in length; planning instrumentss that prevents the construction sment of a new runway at the provide for assessment of airports as well as a airport except at a site ations approved by the minister; number of regulations n and and provides for a process applying to aviation related activities,” the to review any proposal to expand operations. document said. Stakeholders will be The Act came into fic specifi 97, as consulted about specific force on June 1, 1997, posals objectives and written a response to proposals ervale submissions will be to expand the Warnervale 27 Airport from a 900 metre accepted until May 27. runway to an 1,800 metre Document, April 2016 runway. Review of Warnervale The overall policy Airport Restrictions Act objective of the Act is to Frequently Asked Questions impose restrictions on

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

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

Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P15 W 5

Two mothers of two recognised at awards wo Central Coast students will be recognised for their commitment and achievements at the annual Hunter TAFE and University of Newcastle (UON) Central Coast scholarship and awards night on Tuesday, August 2.

Ms Zoe Reid is the recipient of the Central Coast Campus Friends Award in 2016. Zoe completed the Certificate IV in Accounting at Ourimbah campus during semester one 2016. As a sole parent of two young children, Zoe committed herself to her study and successfully balanced her family and full-time study commitments, becoming one of the highest achievers in her class with a Distinction average. Zoe plans to continue her study and enrol in the Associate Degree of Accounting at Hunter TAFE to ensure that she can establish a career in the accounting industry and provide for her young family. TAFE NSW’s Associate Degree of Accounting is a two-year degree level qualification that enables students a pathway to University upon successful completion. Students then complete a third year of study to gain a Bachelor of Accounting Degree. Mother of two, Ms Krista Dowdell from Chain Valley Bay South, is the recipient of the Delta Electricity Equity Scholarship. Making a difference, by engaging children who are disengaged from learning, is the passion of this high-achieving primary teaching student, who will take part in an Intercultural Understanding for Educators study tour, of World War I sites in

France, in September. Delta Electricity are long-term supporters of talented and committed UON students, having supported a range of scholarships since 2001. Krista’s Delta Electricity Equity Scholarship will assist her to take part in the study tour, as well as help to support her and her children while she completes her degree. The Intercultural Understandings for Educators course is offered as part of the UON Bachelor of Teaching programs, and gives students an opportunity to study overseas and to develop skills in cultural awareness, which they will then apply in their future classrooms. Hunter TAFE Institute director, Ms Christine Warrington, said the event recognised students’ achievements and the impact strong community and business partnerships can have to enable greater pathways to education for all people no matter their background. “Education is a wonderful tool that has the power to transform lives,” said Ms Warrington. UON Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic), Professor Andrew Parfitt, said the Central Coast Awards night embodied the most important aspects of UON’s mission - a commitment to equity and excellence. Media release, Jul 29, 2016 Christine Armstrong, Hunter TAFE

Education

Ten Minutes a Day can make a big difference to a child’s future

Photos Noel Fisher

arly Literacy Program, Ten Minutes a Day, has launched in Tuggerah to help parents and carers of children aged nought to five to lay the foundation for their children’s future learning.

Research shows that one in five Australian children start school behind, poorly equipped to benefit from learning, employment and social opportunities which are opened through literacy. A grant of $15,000 from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has enabled the Smith Family to assist Central Coast Council to facilitate the Ten Minutes a Day program at Tuggerah Library, which includes weekly story time sessions for parents and their children, as well as age-appropriate book

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

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packs for loan. Charitable Foundation chairman, Mr Michael Slater said, “The Ten Minutes a Day program was designed to educate parents and carers about the importance of reading to children at an early age and the Foundation is delighted to help establish the program in Tuggerah and a number of other regional communities. “There is a strong base of evidence showing the benefits of providing literary-rich environments for young children, with significant benefits for children

who are read to on a daily basis, and the Ten Minutes a Day program helps parents make this important investment in their children’s future,” he said. The Smith Family’s Head of Policy and Programs, Ms Wendy Field, said the Ten Minutes a Day program aims to provide resources and support to encourage parents to have fun reading with their young children, to help develop a love of books. “Early literacy skills are a predictor of later literacy and academic

achievement and we know that those who don’t arrive at school ready to take full advantage of learning opportunities sometimes never catch up,” said Ms. Field. “Thanks to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, parents and carers of young children in Tuggerah can now access the Ten Minutes a Day program to help establish early literacy skills and a love of books early in their children’s lives,” Ms Field said. Media release, Jul 21, 2016 Ashleigh Killingly, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation

Every three minutes there are two reports of child abuse/neglect.* In 2008-2009, more than 930 new reports of child abuse per day. This means that there were two reports of abuse or neglect of a child for every three minutes of a day. Our kids need our protection now!

To reach out to a young person in need, please call our donation hotline on 1800 06 22 88 or donate online at www.youthoffthestreets.com.au. *AIHW, 2008-2009.

Youth Off The Streets is a registered charity helping the nation’s most disadvantaged youth to turn their lives around.

www.youthoffthestreets.com.au

Out&About

P16 P1 16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Two weeks of events to celebrate the return of spring

Free Country Music Festival at The Entrance he annual Central Coast Country Music Festival will be held on August 13 and 14, with over 30 artists performing on three stages at The Entrance and venues in the area.

A humorous entry from the 2015 Scarecrow competition

The Ross Family’s entry was called Pull Over Driver

he annual Australian Springtime Festival Spring Bake festival also includes competition will be held for the second year in the historic Wyong the Valley Art Show on September 3 and 4 at the Creek Hall on September 11.

Entry is only open to amateur cooks of any age, including divisions for under 18s and under 13s. The open judging process will enable the audience to hear the reasons for selecting the winning entries and give insights into the secrets of award-winning baking.

The judging will commence at 10:00am. Half of all exhibits will be offered for sale to the public with proceeds donated to the Wyong Creek Hall restoration fund. Entries must arrive between 8:30am and 9:30am on Sunday, September 11.

The Wyong Spring Time Orchid Show will also be held on the September 10 and 11 weekend at the Wyong Race Club, in Howarth St, Wyong. The competition and exhibition is part of the Australian Springtime Festival and is co-hosted by the Australasian Native Orchid Society Central Coast, the Gosford and District Orchid Society and the Mingara Orchid Club. The event includes a huge orchid display, lifestyle groups, meals, orchid vendors, potting demonstrations and much more. The Spring Time

Wyong Creek Hall and the Yarramalong Show at Jack Gear Reserve on Sunday, September 11. The Yarramalong Show will feature wood chopping, farm animal display, pet competition, market stalls, a free jumping castle, live bands and entertainment, a Rotary barbecue, gumboot throwing competition, egg and spoon race and a farm animal nursery. The valley’s scarecrow competition runs from August 28 to September 11. Newsletter, Jul 27, 2016 Mary-Anne Beckers, Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce

Adam Eckersley and his Band will headline the festival with a free performance on the Saturday afternoon. Adam and his band will take to the Memorial Park Stage at 3:15pm. Beccy Cole is headlining the festival on the Sunday afternoon from 2:15pm. The festival will see an array of talent over both days with Travis Collins, Chelsea Basham, Paul Costa, Christie Lamb, Brothers 3 and many more performances on the Sails Stage. The ever so popular Lucky Country Stage will be back in Bayview Mall on the Sunday, hosted by Lucky Star, with a great line up of country artists on show. Memorial Park will also come alive with stalls and exhibitions for visitors to wander

through, including the Central Coast Wood Turners. For the young at heart, there is plenty on offer with show rides, face painting, henna tattoos, plaster fun and show bags. The traditional Poets’ Breakfast will be a barrel of laughs on Sunday morning from 8.00am with Dave Proust and special guest poet Arch Bishop on the Sails Stage, and then country music artists will play during the day along will some clogging and square dancing to keep your toes tapping. There is plenty to do and see over the country music weekend and all performances are free as part of this wonderful family community event. Media Release, Jul 29, 2016 Donna Judge, The Entrance Town Centre Management

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P17 7

Out&About

Long Jetty foreshore restored to former glory ong Jetty foreshore has been restored to its former glory as a popular swimming and boating paradise with a new sandy area open for community enjoyment.

Central Coast Council recently completed the stormwater consolidation and foreshore enhancement works with $360,500 in funding from the Federal Government’s National Landcare Programme. C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the project was another key step in improving the community’s quality of life. “Council has a responsibility to not only provide key services to the community, but to provide places the community can get together and enjoy their local environment,” Mr Reynolds said. “The project not only provides benefits to our lakes through foreshore

New look community seating for the Long Jetty foreshore

improvements and stormwater works, but some unique recreational

opportunities as well. “Wooden lounge chairs and picnic benches were

Visitors enjoying the new amenities on the foreshore

installed to complement the foreshore next to the iconic Long Jetty and are

already proving popular with the locals and visitors alike.

“It’s great to see so many people taking advantage of these community facilities.” Council’s Manager Waterways and Asset Management, Mr Peter Ham, said aside from the recreational opportunities, important physical works were completed. “The physical works on site included reprofiling a 60 metre section of foreshore, sand nourishment and construction of a sandstone rock wall which will result in a more natural shoreline profile and provide protection from future erosion,” Mr Ham said. “Also included in the works were infrastructure improvements which allow stormwater to be better collected and diverted away from the newly enhanced foreshore site - this will result in improved water quality along the lake foreshore. Media release, Jul 27, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

RESIDENT BAND

BLUESANGELS

This month’s special guest artist

MIMOSA DUO

Women of Blues, Jazz & Roots

AUG 6th - 7pm till 11pm

WEB

The Greens The Entrance - Warrigal St, The Entrance NSW 2261 - 02 4332 5955 www thegreenstheentrance com au FB www facebook com/thegreenstheentranc

Not for Profit Organisations Arts & Culture Central Coast Potters Society Classes, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and social events. Annual exhibitions in May and December. Open Day in Sept 4324 5343 info@ccpotters.org

Wyong Drama Group A friendly group, presenting 3 major productions a year. Monthly meetings 1st Tues. 7.30pm Grove Community Centre 1300 665 600

Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre Indoor bowls, mahjong, walking for pleasure, slimmers support, hand and foot Bolivia cards, Toy library and community garden 4388 5801 manager@bvnc.org.au www.bvnc.org.au

Central Coast Community Legal Centre Non-profit org in Wyong providing free legal advice. Intake times for legal advice Tue & Wed10am12pm, Thur 2-4pm 4353 4988 admin_cclc@clc.net.au

wyongdramagroup@gmail.com y g g p@g

Animal Care Central Coast Cat Care $20 Desexing Special Cats only No Pedigrees 4388 6448 4325 3163

Community Groups ARPRA ARPRA is the peak body representing residents living in Residential Land Lease Communities in NSW. We are a non-profit org providing advice and advocacy and training 4358 8246 arpranorthlakes@outlook.com.au

Bateau Bay Men’s Shed Environment for mature aged men to repair items, share and learn skills and socialise 9am to 1.30pm Tue to Thur 1 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay 0435 807 633 bateaubayshed@gmail.com

Bateau Bay Neighbourhood Centre Financial Counselling, Tool Library, Computer Hub and Computer Lessons, Private Art Therapy Sessions, Homework Help, Self Esteem Group, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group, EAPA-Energy Accounts Payment Assistance, Early Links Outreach Worker, Tax Help, Holiday activities for kids and young people, Community Garden, Events, Referral Services, Op Shop and Food Store. Community BBQ on first Thurs 4332 7450 http://bbnc.org.au

Central Coast 50+ Singles Social Group Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & Socialising each w/e. Monthly programme for all areas of the coast 4396 3640 0437 699 366 50pssg@gmail.com

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 email cco30s@live.com.au

Gambling Solutions Gambling help counsellors providing free confidential professional service to gamblers, family and friends Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford and The Entrance 4344 7992

Lake Munmorah Senior Citizens Club Computer Classes, dancing, exercise, pilates, yoga, craft, carpet bowls and Tai Chi. 4358 8390 Long Jetty Senior Citizens Club Computer classes, line dancing, tai chi and zumba gold - M-F, 9am to 3pm for full list of activities 4332 5522 Long Jetty Over 50s Club Indoor bowls, computers, exercises, yoga, linedancing, tai chi and more 9am to 3pm 4332 5522 Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation Meeting place and referral hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs through

consultative services and community programs Mon-Fri 9am 4pm 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

The NSW Justices Association Inc Seeking volunteers for 6 community JP Desks in Wyong Shire Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388

P18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

hearing aids 4321 0275 www.centralcoast.betterhearing australia.org.au

Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Meet last Fri Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au

benefits@nswja.org.au

Volunteering Central Coast Refer potential volunteers to community organisations and provide support to volunteers and community organisations. Training for volunteers and managers of volunteers Information Sessions held regularly across the Coast 4329 7122 recruit@volcc.org.au

Wrap with Love Knitting blankets for cold humanity. Donations of 8ply yarn gratefully received Long Jetty: 4333 4353 Toukley 4399 3351 Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Supporting disadvantaged vulnerable and isolated members of our community offering a range of community services, events, projects, workshops, arts programs and an open community garden. 4353 1750 Wyong Toastmasters Club Vibrant, progressive group. Conquer your fears of public speaking in a supportive learn-by-doing environment. 10.30am - 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday Wyong RSL Anzac Ave Wyong 4328 8297 j pp @ joppa@theorchards.com.au

Garden Clubs Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Club 3rd Sat 1 to 3.30pm Plants for Sale, Raffles, afternoon tea Charmhaven Community Centre 0401 544 052 4399 2420

Health Groups Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management Support and educational group providing practical experience and confidence Learn the benefits to

Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Wyong) Meet last Mon Toukley RSL Club, Holmes Ave Toukley 10.00am to 12 noon 4356 9300

Members of Parliament. 2nd Mon 2pm The Entrance Leagues Club 4332 2907

Moore Golf Day, Garage markets and street stalls. 2nd Mon 9.30am Norah Head Legacy 0414 701 489

Politics in the Pub Central Coast Discussion of important political, social, economic, educational and philosophy issues in a non partisan manner. The Grange Hotel 4th Thur (ex Dec)

hartas@bigpond.net.au

Warnervale Branch - NSW Labor Party To support and promote NSW Labor within the Warnervale area. 1st Tue 7pm Hamlyn Terrace Community Centre 0419 128 497 warnervale.labor@gmail.com @g

www.pcfa.org.au

Probus Clubs

GROW Support Groups Small friendly groups formed to learn how to overcome anxiety, depression and loneliness and to improve mental health and well-being. Anonymous, free and open to all. Weekly meetings at Bateau Bay and Wyong 1800 558 268

Bateau Bay Ladies Probus Club Warm welcome, friendship and interesting speakers. 4th Mon, RSL Hall, Killarney Vale 4332 6625

www.grow.org.au

ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products delivered to your door. Wound care and respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support available 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au g y

Music Soundwaves Men’s acapella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Central Coast Leagues Club John 0413 276 698 jbthomson51@gmail.com

Tuggerah Lakes Showband Play brass instruments, meet every Tues & Thurs. Play at community events Park Road The Entrance (north end) 0407 406 669

Toowoon Bay Probus Club Morning tea, guest speakers talking on topics relevant to Seniors, as well as regular exciting social events. 4th Thur 10am. Anglican Church Hall, Cnr Brooke Ave & Eastern Rd., Bateau Bay 4334 3979 Tuggerah Combined Probus Club Inc Meet new friends and enjoy social events. 2nd Thur., 10:30am, guest speakers. Social outings 3rd Thur. Woodbury Park Community Hall, Mardi 4351 0450

Service Groups Inner Wheel Club Wyong Women’s club with the common interest of giving back to the community while developing lasting friendships. 7.00 pm 3rd Wed Wyong Uniting Church 4393 2755 iiw.au.wyong@gmail.com

Political Groups Australian Labor Party Ourimbah/ Narara Branch Discussion/action community issues 3 levels of Government Niagara Park Primary School 7.30pm 1st Mon 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

NSW Labor Party The Entrance Day Branch Monthly meetings to discuss and debate policy as well as campaign for local labor candidates and

The Rotary Club of the Entrance Inc. A small, friendly and effective club supporting many local organisations, and international Rotary Activities. Meetings 6.30 pm Tues Mingara Recreation Club 4367 6540 rotarytheentrance@gmail.com

Torchbearers for Legacy Toukley Raising funds for Brisbane Waters Legacy. Harry

Northern Settlement Services - Volunteers

Friendly visits to the elderly in nursing homes. People with a second language encouraged to apply. Training & support provided 4334 3877 cvscc@nsservices.com.au

Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Volunteers wanted, challenging conditions, interrupted meals, early starts, breathtaking Tuggerah Lakes views. Rewards: - Saving distressed boaters or maybe saving a life 0488 442 051 uc.tuggerahlakes@ marinerescuensw.com.au

Special Interest Brisbane Water Caravan Club

Looking for new members www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/bwcc

4344 4363 Biz Plus Networking Association Grow your business and in the process build worthwhile relationships. Biz Networking breakfasts Every Thur 7:15- 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson network@bizplus.com.au

Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants as well as residents in residential parks 4353 5515 cctaas@hotmail.com

Central Coast Soaring Club Inc Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members. 14 Y/O and up for Training Thur, Sat, Sun (weather permitting) Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Mountain 0412 164 082 0414 635 047 www.ccsoaring.com.au

Bridge Club Social bridge Tues, 9.45am-1pm The Greens The Entrance (with or without a partner) Len 4332 6989 David 4392 0606 Tuggerah Lakes U3A Long Jetty - Discussions, play reading, cryptic crosswords, talks, readers group, Mahjong Toukley - Creative writing, French conversation Berkeley Vale - Music Appreciation Chittaway Bay - Movies 4390 2451 www.tugglakesu3a.info

Mingara Indoor Bowls Club Daily competition (singles, pairs & triples) Winner’s Prize Strongly social. Sun 9.30am- Noon. Mon 6.30–9pm. Wed 9.30am-2pm Ray 4389 2567 Mingara Club 4349 7799 raymurphy1935@hotmail.com ay u p y 935@ ot a co

Sport KI-DO Mingara Judo Academy Junior boys and girls Mon and Wed Two classes 6-8.30pm from 7yrs Kangy Angy 0413 237 010 www.kidomingarajudo.com.au do inga ajudo co au

Womens Groups BPW Central Coast

National Parks Association Central Coast Twice weekly bush walks, varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, flora, history. Keep fit and make friends 4389 4423 & 4332 7378 Central Coast Lapidary Club Minerals & Gems

Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, well-being and friendship. Monthly dinner meetings, two course meal and speaker. Community transport avail. Chris Levis 0438 989 199 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast

Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Fieldtrips & fossicking Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 8.30am-2.30pm Thurs 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246

Northern Women’s Health Centre Family law advice, counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services are provided by women for women 4351 1152

cclapidary@optusnet.com.au

www.cccwhc.com.au

If you would like your Community Organisa on listed here, see www.duckscrossing.org or www.centralcoastnewspapers.com for the forms or contact Central Coast Newspapers on - 4325 7369 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.

Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P19 W 9

News

Regional tourism overhaul claimed to be beneficial

there is still more we can t’s business as usual at Central Coast Tourism following the NSW meant the decisions of the for the Central Coast.” The council statement do. Government’s recent announcement of a regional tourism overhaul. former Wyong Council

NSW minister for trade, tourism and major events, Mr Stuart Ayres, said the overhaul would place an emphasis on the importance of the value of regional tourism to the state’s economy representing $25.3 billion in overnight expenditure and a further $6.1 billion in day trip expenditure. According to Central Coast Tourism, the announcement was a game changer for regional operations with six administrative Destination Networks created. The Central Coast is slated to be incorporated into the Sydney Surrounds North boundary, including the Blue Mountains and the Hunter. According to the latest figures released by Tourism Research

Australia (for the year ending March 2016) nearly five million visitors (13,700 a day!) spend $912 million ($2.5 million a day!) on the Central Coast annually. “For us it is business as usual”, said Central Coast Tourism Board vice chair, Ms Julia Barnes. “The Central Coast Tourism Board has already met with Central Coast Council to present options for tourism under the new merged council entity, including pending changes to the regional tourism organisational structure,” Ms Barnes said. “Central Coast Tourism is an incorporated association with a responsibility to promote the region and represent the voice of over 200 members,” she said. Chief executive officer,

Ms Robyne Abernethy said: “We will continue to promote the destination and advocate on behalf of the membership during Destination NSW’s transition period and beyond.” The former Wyong Council, and Gosford Council, prior to their dismissal, had both resolved to cease funding Central Coast Tourism from June 30, 2017. Wyong Regional Chronicle asked the Central Coast Council to comment on the recent meeting it has had with Central Coast Tourism. Central Coast Council was asked to confirm the meeting had occurred and to comment on meeting outcomes. The council was also asked whether the new dialogue between it and Central Coast Tourism

The Wyong Diary For events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 226 2263 63

Friday, Aug 5 Ben Woodham, Bay Sports, 7:30pm Seventh Annual Lakes Artsfest, Lakes Anglican Church, 274 Wallarah Rd, Kanwal

foods, Permaculture Central Coast, at Tuggerah Hall from 6:30pm

Wyong Creek Hall

Saturday, Sep 10

Gwandalan Lioness Pre Loved Clothing Sale at Swandalan Community Hall from 8:00am to 12:00pm

Children, Disability and Community Expo 2016, Mingara Recreation Club, 12-14 Mingara Dve, Tumbi Umbi, 10:00am to 2:00pm Wyong Spring Time Orchid Show, Wyong Race Club, Howarth St Wyong 9:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Friday, Aug 12

Friday, Aug 26

Sunday, Sep 11

Wyong Family History Group Inc Plaque Unveiling Ceremony, Frank Balance Park, Anzac Ave, Wyong to honor local soldiers who left for the Great War in 2016 Ben Woodham, Wallarah Bay Recreation Club, 8:00pm

Wyong Family History Group Inc Plaque Unveiling Ceremony, Tuggerah Memorial Hall, Anzac Rd, Tuggerah to honor local soliders who left for the Great War in 2016

Spring Bake Competition, Wyong Creek Hall, entries from 8:30am to 9:30am and judging from 10:00am Yarramalong Show, Jack Gear Reserve,

Saturday, Aug 6 St John NSW Volunteer Recruitment Drive, The Entrace Community Centre, Battley Ave, The Entrance, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Friday, Aug 19 Ben Woodham, Gwandalan Bowls Club, 7:30pm

Saturday, Aug 20

Sunday, Aug 28

Ben Woodham, Canton Beach Sports Club, 7:30pm

Toukley Presbyterian Church P.W.A concert, Cnr Hargraves St and Victoria Ave from 2:00pm

Tuesday, Aug 16

Saturday, Sep 3

Saturday, Aug 13

Homemade fermented

The Valley Art Show,

Saturday, Sep 24 Free Family Fun Day at Toukley Presbyterian Chuch from 10:30am to 2:00pm

Saturday, Nov 12 Wyong Lakes Festival at McKenzie’s Reserve Budgewoi, Canton Beach foreshore,

See the Peninsula News for events in post code areas 2256 & 2257 and the COAST Community News for events in post code areas 2250, 2260 and 2251 If you’ve got something happening in the Wyong Region 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.

and Gosford Council to cease funding were being reviewed or reversed. Finally, the council was invited to comment on whether the state government’s reform of regional tourism had any impact on Central Coast Tourism’s future from the council’s point of view. A written statement from the Central Coast Council responding to those questions said the council welcomed the opportunity for the Coast to be part of a greater regional promotion focus by Destination New South Wales as Sydney Surrounds North. C o u n c i l ’ s administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that the Central Coast had a strong identity and destination profile that would only continue to thrive. “2015 was a recordbreaking year for tourism on the Central Coast with research indicating that the value of the local visitor economy surpassed $900 million,” Mr Reynolds said. “And it is not slowing down,” he said. “The destination’s success is a testament to the local businesses, operators and organisations working in the industry delivering exciting, quality and sought-after experiences by visitors from all around the world. “It is great to see Destination NSW acknowledge the significant contribution regional tourism makes to the economy and communities and their willingness to keep supporting it to grow on the Central Coast.” “Council will work with the industry and representative bodies to ensure the growth of tourism remains one of our number one priorities

also said: “Both former Gosford and Wyong Councils resolved to continue funding Central Coast Tourism in 201617 whilst it continues its operations as a Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO).” In a later statement, Central Coast Council clarified that a report was being prepared on tourism, including funding, for administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, and was expected to come to council in September. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, also welcomed the regional tourism reforms calling the establishment of Destination Sydney Surrounds North a win for tourism in the region. “Tourism is a growth sector on the Central Coast, and one of the great strengths of the region”, Mr MacDonald said. “A new Destination Network funded by the NSW Government will bring industry, local government and local tourism organisations together on the ground, strengthening the local tourism industry and assisting them in accessing a range of resources to boost visitation to this area,” he said. He said providing operational funding to these new organisations, as well as the creation of a new Destination NSW regional division to work with them day to day on campaigns and destination management, will provide a solid base for the growth of regional tourism. “Visitor numbers across regional NSW are up 5.9 per cent on last year and while we are proud of this, we know

“By providing a new structure, streamlined funding processes, and record funding, we are confident this initiative will deliver the results regional NSW deserves.” The Sydney Surrounds North Destination Network will include Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook, the Upper Hunter and the Central Coast. “Sydney Surrounds North will facilitate visitor economy growth at the regional level though liaison, support and coordination between the tourism industry, local government, local tourism organisations (LTO) and Destination NSW for all of the destinations within its footprint,” Mr MacDonald said. “If Central Coast Tourism elects to transition to becoming a LTO they will be a significant stakeholder in the Destination Network,” he said. “A comprehensive stakeholder and communication strategy will be developed by the Destination Network to ensure effective engagement with all local stakeholder groups.” “The future of Central Coast Tourism is a matter for Central Coast Council, the Central Coast Tourism Board and membership and local tourism operators,” he said. Media release, Jul 19, 2016 Leeanne Dyer, Central Coast Tourism Media release, Jul 6, 2016 Mitchell Cutting, office of Scot MacDonald Media statement, Jul 13, 2016 Mitchell Cutting office of Scot MacDonald Jackie Pearson, journalist

P20 P2 20 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

PRICES FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS IN THESE PAGES COME IN THREE CATEGORIES

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

events

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

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

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

Online classified advertising rates Online only GosfordClassifieds.com.au is one of a network of 10 websites which form one of the largest independent online classifieds network in NSW with over 350,000 annual visitors, over 80,000 online advertisements and over 15,000 business advertisements. A premium VIP online business advertisement on GosfordClassifieds.com.au only costs $299 + GST for 3 months, $399 + GST for 6 months and, $499 + GST for 12 months. It costs a similar amount to go on any one of the other nine Sydney based websites as well, or only $1699 + GST for all sites for 12 months. The other sites cover Bondi, Manly, Newtown, Cronulla, South Sydney, St George, West Sydney, North Sydney, Wollongong and suburbs surrounding those areas. All that we require for you to have an online advertisement such as this is: 1) Heading for the advertisement; 2) Text for the body; and, 3) Up to 3 images if required i.e. logos etc.

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

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

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Dance Central Coast Bush Dance & Music Association Experience Folk Music at its best at East Gosford Progress Hall @ 7.30pm Henry Parry Drive

2nd Saturday Bush Dance Admission $15 incl. supper

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Tilers wanted! Start Immediately 0439 589 426 Attn. all doctors Expressions of interest are sought from qualified medical practitioners to provide bulk billed after hours medical calls to private homes, retirement villages, nursing homes etc on a rostered basis on weekdays after 6pm and on weekends, day and/ or nights. All doctors will be driven to their after hours calls on the Central Coast. If you are interested in being part of this new service to the Central Coast community, please email your contact details to doctors@duckscrossing. org so that further information can be provided.

TELESALES person required for media sales. $20/$23 p.h. + commissions. Gosford Office, Hours: M-F 9-5, Training Provided. To apply email: ancr@ancr.com.au

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Public Notice GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES ACT 1966 Notice of Proposal to Amend Locality Boundaries in the Cessnock Local Government Area PURSUANT to the provisions of section 8 of the Geographical Names Act 1966, the Geographical Names Board hereby notifies that it proposes to amend the locality boundaries between Sweetmans Creek, Paynes Crossing, Wollombi, Narone Creek, Milsons Arm, Laguna, Watagan, Dairy Arm, Fernances Crossing, Murrays Run and Bucketty in the Cessnock Local Government Area as shown on map GNB3567-3-A. Due to these amendments Narone Creek and Milsons Arm will no longer be a locality but will be retained in the Geographical Names Register as a ‘Rural Place’. Copies of map GNB3567-3-A will be placed on display at the Laguna General Store, Wollombi General Store and the Bucketty Rural Fire Station from Wednesday 27 July until Monday 29 August 2016. A copy of map GNB3567-3-A will also be on display at the office of the Geographical Names Board, Spatial Services, 346 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795 during the above dates. Details of this proposal may also be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website at www.gnb.nsw.gov.au Any person wishing to make comment upon this proposal may, prior to Monday 29 August 2016, write to the Secretary of the Board with that comment. In accordance with section 9 of the Geographical Names Act 1966 all submissions lodged may be subject to a freedom of information application and may be viewed by a third party to assist the Board in considering this proposal. P. Harcombe A/Chairman Geographical Names Board PO Box 143 BATHURST NSW 2795

A01155

Classifieds

Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P21 W 1

Sport

Non-competitive soccer program Olympic encourages more fun Games’ sports with a twist udgewoi Public School’s Olympics Fun Day will be held on August 5.

The day commences with its own Opening Ceremony before the games kick off just after 10am. Students will rotate around 12 Olympic Games’ sports with a twist, including cycling, tennis, swimming, relays, equestrian, javelin, hockey, hammer throw, soccer, hurdles, shot put and gymnastics. Parents are invited to attend on the day to cheer on students as they rotate

through the games. The P and C will be holding a sausage sizzle (only available through pre-order) and the canteen will be selling coffee, tea and cakes along with their usual items. Students are encouraged to wear clothing in the colour of their allocated country on the day. Newsletter, Aug 1, 2016 K Moore, Budgewoi Public School Coast kids enjoying Grasshopper Soccer

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rasshopper Soccer arrived at the Central Coast on July 28.

Students at Warnervale Public School were introduced to the noncompetitive soccer program, and by all accounts, it was a hit with the kids. Grasshopper Soccer’s Central Coast director and coach, Mr Russell Clarke, said he has long been frustrated with the pressure put on kids to perform and win. Grasshopper Soccer’s mantra of “that kids can enjoy soccer in a fun and non-competitive soccer environment” struck a chord with Mr Clarke and allows him an

avenue to let kids have fun, irrespective of their age or skill level, while playing soccer games. “The goal of Grasshopper Soccer Central Coast is to have a program close enough to most families that will cater for their children, ages two through to 12. “A soccer program is also being put together for children with special needs,” Mr Clarke said. Grasshopper Soccer is in over 500 schools throughout Australia and Mr Clarke said it was already being picked up by some Central Coast

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

Ducks Crossing Publications 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.

• Golden Scissors • David Hill, Long Jetty Hairdressing, Wyong • Jessica Davis of Erina • Bakefresh, Wyong - trading as A1 cleaning services • Frazer Park Pty Ltd formerly trading as The • Rattananporn Big Prawn at Crangan Massage, Wyong Bay • Darren Rucker, • Tony Fitzpatrick Killarney Vale trading as Futuretek Roofing

schools. “The benefits of a non-competitive soccer program is very attractive to a lot of families, because of the pressures placed on children who merely want to have fun rather than actually compete,” Mr Clarke

said. “Grasshopper Soccer allows for a level playing field, catering for all levels and balancing out having fun but not needing to win at the same time,” he concluded. Email, Aug 1, 2016 Russell Clarke, Grasshopper Soccer Central Coast

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Sport

P22 P2 22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Haylee McDonnell set to bowl for Australia ixteen-yearold, Haylee McDonnell, has her heart set on representing Australia in lawn bowls at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Mariners new season to start with FFA Cup fixture in Victoria he Central Coast Mariners are finalising preparations for their first competitive hit out of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 preseason that will see the Yellow and Navy face PS4 National Premier League’s Victoria outfit, Green Gully SC.

The 2016 Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 fixture will take place on August 2, at Green Gully’s home ground, Green Gully Reserve in Victoria. “This morning on the Central Coast, the Mariners took the field for

Recently Haylee represented the Central Coast in the under-18s State Championships in Warilla and has been selected as a reserve in the State under-18s. Furthering her dreams, she has been named in the district women’s side after being runner up in the women’s district triples with team members Denise Ellison and Nicole Parker from The Entrance Women’s Bowling Club. Now she hopes to go even further in the sports that she loves. The Entrance Bowling Club CEO, Mr George Boyd, said the club was proud of the achievements she has made in bowling.

the last training session ahead of tomorrow night’s match”, coach Mr Walmsley said. Mr Tony Walmsley spoke about the excitement surrounding the Club’s first competitive hit out of the pre-season; the

importance of going on a cup run and hinted that there might be a few Mariners’ debutants taking the field in Keilor Downs. Media release, Aug 1, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

Wooden spoon for Killarney Vale men’s AFL

illarney Vale have been confirmed as “wooden spooners” during Round 15 Black Diamond Cup, following their hard fought 15.7.97 to 10.9.69 loss to Warners Bay at Adelaide St Oval on July 30.

It was a disappointing showing for the Coast during Round 15 with both teams, Killarney Vale and Terrigal Avoca, being defeated. Killarney Vale had the better of the opening stages in their bout and led by 10 points at the long break. However, after halftime, Warners Bay got on top and with youngster Jack Hardman

Media release, Jul 28, 2016 George Boyd, The Greens The Entrance

T ide Char T 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

0317 0.28 0237 0.27 0153 0.29 0925 1.50 0842 1.49 0756 1.46 TUE 1331 0.46 WED 1418 0.46 THU 1502 0.49 2127 1.85 2045 1.91 2002 1.94 0505 0.43 0430 0.37 0354 0.29 1124 1.48 1045 1.49 1001 1.51 FRI 1538 0.50 SAT 1627 0.58 SUN 1710 0.63 2317 1.56 2241 1.67 2203 1.89 0043 1.36 0616 0.54 0540 0.48 0659 0.59 1247 1.46 1203 1.47 MON 1757 0.68 TUE 1849 0.73 WED 1336 1.45 1952 0.76 2357 1.46 0358 1.20 0245 1.21 0138 1.27 0945 0.67 0845 0.67 0747 0.64 THU 1432 1.46 FRI 1532 1.49 SAT 1630 1.55 2316 0.63 2215 0.70 2103 0.75 0049 0.44 0007 0.53 0503 1.23 0644 1.35 0557 1.29 1042 0.64 SUN 1723 1.62 MON 1133 0.59 TUE 1220 0.53 1853 1.79 1810 1.71

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

with Wyong Lakes in with a shot at the Finals after outlasting Maitland in their Round 15 match. Killarney Vale also had a strong showing in the Women’s Competition, winning a two point thriller over Warners Bay. Media release, August 1, 2016 Garry Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL

40th anniversary celebrations for Norah Head Surfing Fraternity

FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

virtually unstoppable up forward on his way to six goals, they were able to pull away and win by 28 points. Ryan Barrett, Brad Edwards, Max Mumford and Ben Simpson were the best for Killarney Vale who remained competitive for the whole match. In the Women’s Competition, the Coast had a stronger showing,

orah Head Surfing Fraternity (NHSF) will celebrate its 40th material that may be used anniversary with a reunion of past and present members on in the publication. Special chapters of the Saturday, October 29.

The celebrations will include a Surfing Expression Session at Soldiers Beach from midday, to be followed by a reunion get-together at the Norah Head Sporties Club, the fraternity’s major sponsor. NHSF has produced a rich array of surfing talent since the formation of the club in June 1976 including: six-time ASP World Tour top 10 finisher Glen Winton and his brother Dean; 1987 Australian Masters Champion Graeme Wood; Wayne and Gary Spong; and the Harris brothers, John, Peter and Robert, all of whom formed part of a very formidable and successful NHSF team in

its first 10 years. Current notable members include 13-times Australian Women’s Masters champ Sandra English, as well as promising juniors Ryan Slattery, Nate Hopkins and Taj Taylor. NHSF currently has over 100 members who compete regularly, as the club continues its development of local surfers at club and representative level. The Norah Head area has a rich history of surfing, which will be documented in a book and DVD, funded by a Community grant, and will be produced in time for the celebrations. This production has

been proudly supported by the Central Coast Council. All past and present members are urged to sift through their memorabilia collections, as the organising committee needs those photos, newspaper and magazine articles and any

book will be dedicated to those members who have passed on, and pioneers of surfing in the Norah Head area, including Beau Olsen, and other members of the original Norah Head club. Media Release, Jul 15, 2016 Tony Booth, Norah Head Surfing Fraternity

New friends New adventures

Join scouts

For information call 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887) or go to www.scouts.com.au

Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016 - P23 3

Sport

Crucial union matches fail Masters Rugby League to clarify finals race is a game for all ages here were some crucial and very exciting matches on the Central Coast for Round 16 of the Rugby Union Competition on July 30, but the race to the Final Series is still totally unclear.

In the match of the round, Ourimbah trumped Kariong, while Warnervale and The Lakes both suffered losses. Kariong and Ourimbah’s clash at Kariong Oval saw Ourimbah display some of their best rugby of the season to defeat Kariong 37 points to 3. Ourimbah dominated the entire first half, opening the score in the first minute of the game with a converted try to lead 7 points to nil. This dominance of possession and territory saw Ourimbah in Kariong territory for much of the first 40 minutes. During this period, they were able to kick three penalty goals to increase their lead to 16 points to nil late into the first half. Kariong had their chances to reduce the lead, but dropped balls and some missed opportunities prevented them from scoring. Kariong were missing several key players on the day, and they had no answer to Ourimbah’s control. This 16 nil score line was the halftime score. It was a very good all round performance by the visitors and they deserved the lead at the break. Kariong opened the scoring at the start of the second half with a penalty goal to Scott Hanley. The home crowd were hoping this was to be the start of a resurgence by their team. Kariong did play well in the opening period of the second half but unfortunately for them, no more points were forthcoming and there was no real resurgence on the scoreboard. The second half was a far more even battle on the paddock, but it was always Ourimbah in control on the scoreboard. After a Kariong penalty goal, Ourimbah quickly responded with a chip and chase try to Jack Stonestreet, and then followed this up with two further tries in either side of the field following

two very goodd backline t b kli movements. The bonus point win to Ourimbah makes the race for positions from second to fourth in the semi-finals very tight, with five teams still fighting for those three positions. The win also sees Ourimbah regain the Challenge Shield from Kariong, and this Shield will be up for grabs next Saturday when Ourimbah face Woy Woy. Best players for Ourimbah were inside centre Owen Turner, No.8 Sam Kearney, halfback Toby Carver and lock Josefa Biu. Warnervale’s clash with Gosford at the Gosford Showground saw the scoreboard seesaw from start to finish, but it was Gosford who claimed the win 29 points to 21. Gosford opened the scoring before Warnervale crossed for a converted try to edge ahead in the scoring, 7 points to 5. This score line remained the score at the halftime break. It was a very intense first half and both teams knew victory was certainly still up for grabs. The game opened up on the scoreboard in the second stanza and the lead changed several times. Gosford grabbed the lead early in the second half through two quick tries, and led by 19 points to 14. Then Warnervale did exactly the same thing. They scored two quick tries to retake the lead by 21 points to 19 with time running out.

However, a penalty H l goall and a late try saw Gosford take the lead to win the match in what proved a very close encounter from start to finish. The win keeps Gosford in with a chance for the Finals but things will have to go well for them elsewhere in other matches if they are to make the Finals. Warnervale were best served by centre Sam Hetterick and halfback Brenton Acreman and will trouble teams in their final two matches of the season. The game between Hornsby and The Lakes at Mark Taylor Oval saw Hornsby avoid the wooden spoon with a meritorious win, 33 points to 19. It was a hard fought game throughout, however Hornsby always just had their noses in front on the scoreboard. They went to the halftime break leading by 18 points to 5, and continued in the same vein in the second half to score a further 15 points. The Lakes were also able to post 14 points in that period, so the second half was a very even affair. Hornsby led well into the second half, and it was a try on fulltime that saw the home side cement the win. Best players for The Lakes were Adam Kea and James McCombie. Both teams will take a lot from the match.

he Central Coast Bulldogs Masters Rugby League Club celebrated their 10 year anniversary on July 15, acknowledging 10 years of community spirit and mateship, at the Wallarah Bay Recreational Club.

The Bulldogs are the inaugural over 35s Rugby League team for the Coast and were formed in 2007 as the Coast’s first Masters League team. Calling Budgewoi Soccer Club and Mannering Park home, the Bulldogs were formed to allow semi-retired and non-competitive players and officials on the Coast to continue to be a part of the game. The Masters League is a unique take on Rugby League in that it is a noncompetitive game for any player 35 years or older no longer playing in organised competition. The Masters League places emphasis on sportsmanship, goodwill and to just play the game. Rules are modified to accommodate all players’ age and skill. Different colour shorts and socks identify the players’ age group and the modified rules which accommodate that player. White shorts (35 to 39 years of age), Black shorts (40 to 49 years of age), Red shorts (50 to 59 years of age), Gold (60+ years of age) and Green shorts (70+ years of age). With this in mind, every game ends in a draw so that the emphasis is on taking part and not worrying about winning. “For our players, the emphasis lies on sportsmanship, goodwill, having a laugh and being part of a team,” Central Coast Bulldog, Mr Paul Pafumi said. This season, New South Wales Masters had over 35 teams that participated and there

is even an International Masters Tournament held annually, consisting of teams from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and the Cook islands. The Bulldogs are also responsible for the Central Coast Invitational, a competition they formed in 2013 as a way to play more games at home. The Invitational has since grown to incorporate eight teams into one day of Masters Football with a focus on state-wide Masters cooperation. The Invitational also serves as a fundraising day for the Bulldogs’ community projects, most notably for Central Coast Kids in Need. The Bulldogs have incorporated many different ways to contribute to their chosen causes including their weekly meat tray raffle held at Budgewoi Soccer Club every Saturday, collection buckets, major raffles, and various events such as trivia nights. In 2016, The Bulldogs are taking on a special initiative in memory of a close friend to the team. The team have organised special pink jerseys to help raise awareness and funds for women’s cancer, with $10 from each jersey sold donated to Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign and will roll out the Jerseys later this year. “The coast is very Rugby League orientated, but masters isn’t very well known amongst the community,” Mr Pafumi

Media release, Aug 1, 2016 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

said. “The Bulldogs try to use the invitational and our fundraising initiatives as a way to promote Masters League on the Coast and to try to encourage new teams and players to join the Masters Association,” he said. According to Mr Pafumi, both the Central Coast Bulldogs and the Toukley Hawks are old boys who both work together to try and increase the profile of Masters on the Coast and he encouraged anyone interested in playing league, but feel they may be too old for competitive or traditional football, to contact their local club or team. Mr Pafumi said the social aspects of Masters was also one of its biggest drawcards, providing new and lasting friendships for men who may have been feeling isolated as they aged. “I have been with the bulldogs for seven years now, my wife and I have made some lifelong friends through the team. “The Bulldogs are a family team who get together have a good time and at the same time benefit others through our charity work, which gives you a good feeling, that your giving something back to the community by doing something you love doing with your mates,” Mr Pafumi said. Interview, Jul 20, 2016 Paul Pafumi, Central Coast Bulldogs Dilon Luke, journalist

Sport

P24 P2 24 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - August 2, 2016

Region’s biggest skate park now open ato Yard, the region’s biggest skate park, opened at 3:00pm on Friday, July 29.

Its opening has been the hot topic of conversation for local riders of all abilities and disciplines. Council’s landscape and recreation planner, Mr Boyd McMillan, said this skate park will be one of the biggest and the most diverse in Australia as it will have a few features no others can boast. “Bato Yard has been built to a competition standard and has a rare feature in that it has a competitive street area and two competitive bowls all in the one park,” Mr Boyd said. “The quality of CONVIC’s work (the company that designed and build the skate park) shows through all over the park but is on display in the deep bowl – one of the most innovative and exciting bowls in Australia. “The highlight is the 12ft deep (3.6 metres) circular bowl with 1.5ft vert that rises to central 7ft twin hip open bowl and waterfalls down to a 9ft deep square end. “It will be fast as riders can pump speed over the centre section while joining lines between four hips and enjoy the experience of granite coping tiles. “There is also a smaller flow bowl aimed at learners and intermediate riders but includes features to attract advanced riders as well. “In the street area, riders will love to take advantage of the stairs, rails, hubbas and manual pads. “It caters for everyone from learning to push right through to street league obstacles, including the seven stair set and quarter pipe with a coping gap. “The Yard also caters for those who ride a skateboard, scooter, BMX, roller skates or blades – and it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or looking to improve your tricks. “If you want to get

from one partt off the f th parkk to the other, or just watch, the park has a complete path system so you get around without ever having to walk over a skate area. “But it’s more than a skate park, there is plenty of seating for riders and families, shading, water, a basketball court and parkour elements to complement the local

“Having started “H i t t d riding idi a skateboard in 1965, I can’t wait until the fences are down to see expressive sports like skate, bmx and scoot grow in the community.” The design consultation of Bato Yard started with the community more than 12 months ago at workshops being run by Convic – one of the world’s best

something truly thi t l special i l for the Coast. “The community were involved from day one with the best designers in the business to deliver a facility that is truly owned by the community,” Mr Reynolds said. “This new skate place will not only be aimed at professional riders, it will also be a great spot for families and beginners as

sporting precinct. “It also has lights so people can enjoy riding after work, under lights until 10pm.” Prior to the opening day, Mr Boyd said:

skate park designers and builders. C o u n c i l ’ s administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said council and the community have come together to deliver

well. “This new facility has the potential to attract major events to the Coast – which means more tourism for the area. “We know how

important i t t ttourism i iis to t our economy, particularly in creating local jobs for our young people.” Skateboarding, BMX and scooter riding are obviously dangerous recreation activities. This park has the deepest bowl in Australia. It is important users take steps to make sure they are safe when riding. “While the park has sections for riders of all ages and abilities, we recommend only experienced riders take on the big bowl – it is deep and steep,” Boyd added. “There is plenty of opportunity to learn and enjoy bowl riding in the flow bowl, which is where you will find me.” A majority of the Yard is skateable which means the concrete has a clean surface to create that perfect ride, so when it’s wet, it can become quite slippery and dangerous. “Try to avoid riding when wet and always use care on the skate areas” Mr Boyd said. Bato Yard is designed to flow and there is a

chance riders, especially h id i ll inexperienced ones, can be hit from any direction. “If you don’t understand how a skate park flows, ask one of the experienced riders, they will be more than happy to share with you”, Mr Boyd added. “This park is such a gift to the community, so please look after it. “Metal bike and scooter pegs can cause irreparable damage to the concrete and tiles, so please use hard plastic pegs if you have to use them at all. “All graffiti will be removed if it occurs, but continuous removal will damage the smoothness of the riding surface,” Boyd said. For those interested in being involved in Bato Yard, there are clubs being set up for all disciplines, assisting in the maintenance of the park and also staging local competitions for riders. The official opening for Bato Yard will be held on Sunday, August 14. Media release, Jul 29, 2016 Central Coast Council media