Issue 106 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

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December 6, 2016

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Issue 106

Auditor General asked to look into inexplicable selection of Kangy Angy land he NSW A u d i t o r General, Ms Margaret Crawford, has been called on to investigate dealings surrounding the selection of land in Kangy Angy for the location of the Intercity Fleet Train Maintenance Facility.

State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, said he had written to the NSW Auditor-General requesting that the state’s chief auditor looks into the dealings surrounding the Kangy Angy site selection process. The proposed site in Kangy Angy did not originally appear on the list of 24 sites considered by NSW Government, and was only selected after being floated as an alternative by the former Wyong Council, who did not wish to approve the sale of the land at the preferred site in Warnervale. Former councillors, residents and community leaders have all questioned the legitimacy of the Kangy Angy decision citing concerns about inaccessible flood prone land, cost blow outs and environmental impacts. The multi-criteria used to assess the original 24 sites contained key factors surrounding enabling works including impact on earthworks, and diversion of utilities, that was left out of the final assessment given to

While basic questions go unanswered, the Brisbane train maintenance facility (pictured) is similar to that proposed for Kangy Angy

Kangy Angy. “The Kangy Angy site would never have passed the government’s original criteria,” Mr Mehan said. “Moving the goal posts to fulfil the wishes of a council that no longer exists is unacceptable. “New designs now include a heavy duty overpass bridge, that could cost upwards of $50 million, to access land that is completely unsuitable for the site,” he said. Mr Mehan said there had been a complete lack of transparency from the NSW Government around the maintenance facility. “I’ve written to the Auditor-General to investigate the processes and costings surrounding this project to shed some

light on the Government’s dealings in this area,” he said. In his letter to Ms Crawford, Mr Mehan said: “I am concerned that the process used to select the preferred site for the facility, Kangy Angy, has been a poor process which will result in extra cost to the public and the environment. “Better sites are located nearby. “It is of particular concern that the site selected should be an inaccessible, flood prone, and E2 and E3 zoned (Environmental Conservation and Management) piece of land, over accessible land zoned industrial. “Transport type projects are not permissible under the

current zoning. “The selection process was improperly impacted with threats by Council’s then General Manager to use ‘political level’ influence to oppose the site originally chosen by TfNSW,” Mr Mehan said, quoting from an article published in the Newcastle Herald prior to the Wyong Council resolution to sell its Kangy Angy land to TfNSW. “The multi-criteria used to assess Kangy Angy against Warnervale [TfNSW’s original preferred site] is not the same as the criteria used to assess the other sites,” Mr Mehan’s letter said. “Eight criteria are used to assess the other sites while only seven were used to assess Kangy

Angy. “The criteria not used, enabling works, included impact on culverts, earthworks and diversion of utilities. “Since Kangy Angy will require major earthworks to bridge the railway line and raise the facility above the floodplain; impact existing culverts; and, require diversion of power lines; I suggest its inclusion would have resulted in Warnervale being found the better of the two. “In addition to the above, construction on the Kangy Angy site will prove extremely expensive because of: the quantity of imported fill required and its consolidation;

the additional footings required on such filled ground for buildings, heavy engineering facilities and overhead wiring structures; and the huge overbridge structure (capable of heavy vehicle access) that will be required to access the site from Enterprise Dve over the Main North railway lines. “It would not be inconceivable that these site-specific costs may exceed $30 to 40 million above the costs of building a similar facility on alternative land. “The additional costs and readiness to construct a bridge to access the maintenance site are particularly galling for local people given the two nearby railway crossings at Ourimbah are a narrow bridge which requires an upgrade and an underpass which regularly floods,” Mr Mehan’s letter said. According to the office of the NSW Auditor General, Mr Mehan’s request has been acknowledged and he will receive a more detailed response within a couple of weeks. That response will indicate whether or not the matter will progress to an audit. Media release, Nov 30, 2016 Peter Duggan, office of David Mehan Letter, Nov 29, 2016 David Mehan, NSW Member for The Entrance Phone interview, Dec 5, 2016 Barry Underwood, office of NSW Auditor General

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

Directory

P2 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Wyong services directory

Chance to Win! he Central Coast has its very own themed, interactive Christmas Lights Display in the Mount Penang Gardens and it is getting bigger and better every year.

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000

The Wyong Regional Chronicle and Christmas Lights in the Gardens would like to offer five readers the chance to win a family pass to attend the Coast’s own Christmas Lights event. Christmas Lights in the Garden will run nightly from December 9 to 13 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. Each night at 8:00pm the movie Christmas with the Kranks will be shown. Photos with Santa will be available from 6:00pm and children will have the opportunity to meet Elsa from Frozen and other fun characters plus there will be jumping castles, food vendors, carols and more. For your chance to win one of the five family passes, write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle Coast Christmas Lights in the Gardens competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250. Entries close 5pm December 8. The winners of the Wyong Regional Chronicle Out with the Pilbara Mob competition were Richard Ryan of Summerland Point and Ann Malone of MacMasters Beach.

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 Sexual Assault Resource 1800 199 888 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 Translation and Interpreting Service 13 14 50

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations 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

Accommodation 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

Family and Relationships Parents Helpline 132 055 Oasis Youth Centre 4353 9799 Horizons (For families) 4351 5008 Interrelate - Family Relationships 1300 736 966

Health 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.

Wyong Hospital 4394 8000 Cancer Hotline 131 120 Mental Health info Service 1300 794 991 Beyond Blue (Depression) 1300 22 4636 Community Women’s Health Centre 4351 1152 Legal Aid 4324 5611

Problems, Habits & Addiction

Wires 1300 094 737

G-Line Telephone Counsel 1800 633 635 Gamblers Anonymous 9726 6625 Alcoholics Anonymous 4323 3890 Narcotics Anonymous 4325 0524 Quitline 131 848

Counselling 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

Phone services: Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 Beyondblue 1300 224 636 Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 Griefline 1300 845 745 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Emergency 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

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.

Wyong Regional Chronicle covers: Alison, Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Blue Bay, Blue Haven, Budgewoi, Budgewoi Peninsula, Buff Point, Bushells Ridge, Canton Beach, Cedar Brush Creek, Chain Valley Bay, Charmhaven, Chittaway Bay, Chittaway Point, Colongra, Crangan Bay, Dooralong, Doyalson, Doyalson North, Durren Durren, Fountaindale, Frazer

Park, Freemans, Glenning Valley, Gorokan, Gwandalan, Halekulani, Halloran, Hamlyn Terrace, Jilliby, Kangy Angy, Kanwal, Kiar, Killarney Vale, Kingfisher Shores, Lake Haven, Lake Munmorah, Lemon Tree, Little Jilliby, Long Jetty, Magenta, Mannering Park, Mardi, Moonee, Norah Head, Noraville, Ourimbah, Palmdale, Palmgrove, Point Wolstoncroft,

Ravensdale, Rocky Point, San Remo, Shelly Beach, Summerland Point, Tacoma, Tacoma South, The Entrance, The Entrance North, Toowoon Bay, Toukley, Tuggerah, Tuggerawong, Tumbi Umbi, Wadalba, Wallarah, Warnervale, Watanobbi, Woongarrah, Wybung, Wyee, Wyee Point, Wyong, Wyong Creek, Wyongah, Yarramalong

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Coast Community Centre 4325 3510 Horizons Family Services 4351 5008 Meals on Wheels Wyong - 4333 6942 Department of Community Services Wyong 4352 6500 The Salvation Army 4325 5733 Samaritans Emergency Relief 4393 2450 St Vincent De Paul Society HELPLINE 4323 6081

Lifeline - 24 hr. 13 11 14 Suicide Helpline 1800 191 919 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Parents Helpline 13 20 55 Indigenous Call Centre 136 380 Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321 Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 G-line - Gambling Helpline 1800 633 635

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The Pearl Beach Progress Association will be able to locate a deﬁbrillator on the beachfront, following negotiations with the Central Coast Council. The association’s initial application had been rejected by the council. The agreement came after an open letter from the association was published in the last edition of Peninsula News, The defibrillator will be located adjacent to the amenities block. Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said Council staff and community representatives held a meeting on the morning of Friday, October 21, at the waterfront. “I had signalled my intention to review the decision and staff met with representatives of Progress Association on Friday at Pearl Beach,” Mr Reynolds said. “We have agreed on a suitable location for the defibrillator,” he said. “Staff will liaise further with the

community on installation details. “Council’s initial view was centred around risk management and I think the meeting on Friday has satisfied staff that those issues can be managed. Association president Mr Ross Christie said the meeting with Council representatives had been positive. “We had a meeting on Friday morning and we got a letter of approval on Friday afternoon for a defibrillator on the beachfront,” Mr Christie said. “Everybody is fine and happy and negotiations are continuing about the location of other safety equipment,” he said. “Unfortunately we needed a public campaign to move things along a bit,” Mr Christie said in relation to the Central Coast Council’s initial refusal. Interview, Oct 24, 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Interview, Oct 24, 2016 Ross Christie, Pearl Beach Progress Association Reporter: Jackie Pearson

From left, Jayden Gordon holidaying at Pearl Beach is taught about a rescue tube by Mr Dave Kennedy Photo Patrick Everett

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The Rawson Rd Level Crossing at Woy Woy

ifty objections will be the new minimum requirement for a development application to be automatically referred to a meeting of the Central Coast Council for determination.

Government abandons level crossing project The State Government has abandoned the Rawson Rd level crossing replacement project. Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Mr Duncan Gay, announced the decision in answer a question from Mr Walt Secord in the Legislative Council on October 20. According to Mr Gay, the overpass project would now cost the NSW Government a total of between $80 million and $115 million. The NSW Government originally promised $30 million towards the replacement of the crossing in 2011 as a major component of Mr Chris Holstein’s campaign to be elected as the Liberal Member for Gosford. Since then, the cost of replacing the level crossing has been revised upward on several occasions. The level crossing replacement project has been at a standstill since the completion of the pedestrian underpass in 2015. At the opening of the new pedestrian underpass, I committed

an extra $7 million towards the council’s proposed upgrade of the level crossing,” said Mr Gay. “This increased the overall commitment of the New South Wales Government at this location to $52 million because a total of $45 million had been committed towards a pedestrian and road solution at the level crossing. “Unsurprisingly, the cost estimate to achieve a solution at the level crossing increased from $52 million, which increased from the original $30 million, to be between $80 million and $115 million. “Following the cost estimate increase, I wrote to the council and advised that no further funding would be available for the proposal, which the council admitted it could not possibly afford itself. “Taxpayers should not be forced to foot an even larger bill.” Mr Gay said the Government had no responsibility for the roads involved. “Woy Woy Rd and Rawson Rd are regional roads under the care and control of the Central Coast

Council, previously the Gosford Council. “In other words, they are not state owned or managed roads,” he said. “Since 2011, the New South Wales Government has committed more than $36 million in grant funding to Gosford City Council for the upgrade and repair of council owned and managed roads. “This is equal to a 27 per cent increase in the grant funding compared to what Labor spent in its last term of Government. “The New South Wales Government also spent $178 million upgrading the West Gosford interchange to address traffic demand on the Central Coast Highway and Brisbane Water Drive. “The latter is the key State road connection to the northern end of Woy Woy and this upgrade was open to traffic in 2015,” Mr Gay said. Hansard, 20 Oct 2016 Duncan Gay, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Reporter: Jackie Pearson More on level crossing - Page 13

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

The sign at the front of Christ Church Gosford

ather Rod Bower, the Arch Deacon of the Anglican Diocese of Gosford, has said the Commonwealth Government’s proposed life ban on asylum seekers and refugees is a regressive law that is creating an apartheid situation that must be condemned by every decent Australian.

“The Government’s retrospective legislation on refugees is nothing more than creating a sub-class of human beings that no other respectable nation would be willing to sanction,” Father Bower said. “Australia has a weak and frightened Prime Minister promoting legislation on refugees that portrays us a weak and frightened nation,” he said. “We are better than that and we deserve better than this. “We must not let One Nation set the agenda on refugees, or anything else

for that matter. “We must not allow them to drag the political landscape even further to the right. “We must not allow the decent, compassionate soul of the Australian people to be destroyed.” Fr Bower used facebook to send a message to Federal Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten. “You owe no allegiance to Kevin Rudd’s decision not to allow asylum seekers who arrive by boat to settle in Australia,” Fr Rod said in his post to Mr Shorten. “You, above all people,

know that this decision was made in an attempt to salvage some of the electoral furniture. “You now have the opportunity and the electoral space to formulate and prosecute a more humane and sustainable refugee policy. “Please do not waste this chance. “Oppose this cruel and evil legislation. “This retrospective law will cause the deaths of innocent, broken and desperate people.” Fr Bower’s four facebook posts on the proposed

legislation garnered over 12,000 likes, almost 4,000 shares and over 500 comments in three days. One comment read: “As an atheist, I feel a tad uncomfortable commenting on your page, but I wish all churches showed your humanity and humour; what a kinder and safer place the world would be.” Another said: “Father Rod, you are a Christian in the way I understood Christ to be, a champion of the desperate, vulnerable and marginalised; if there were more like you, my faith might still be intact”. Facebook, Nov 2, 2016 Father Rod Bower, Anglican Diocese of Gosford Jackie Pearson, journalist

The new Council had attempted to set the bar at 100 submissions, but following public consultation, changed that requirement to 50 objections. The Council had further amended the new Public Submissions Policy to require two or more councillors to request DAs be considered at a public meeting instead of one councillor, as was the practice of the former Gosford Council. The word “submissions” was replaced with “objections” in the rewritten policy so that it will only be the number of submissions opposing a DA that will count towards the new minimum thresholds. These two late changes have not been the subject of further public consultation although a precedent was set earlier this year for an amended draft policy to be given a second public consultation period. In July, the Central Coast Council placed an amended Draft Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition for a further 42 days as a result of amendments made after the initial period of public consultation. The Draft Code of Meeting Practice had initially been put on public

ion 406

Issue 145

exhibition following the May 25 Council meeting. Coast Community News asked Central Coast Council why it did not follow its own precedent and give the community an opportunity to comment on the latest amendments to its new Public Submissions Policy. A statement issued by Council on October 27, in response to the questions said: “Council considered a draft of the Public Submissions Policy at its meeting of July 27. “It was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days (but not advertised in this newspaper), and public submissions were received. “The policy adopted by Council on October 26 reduced the threshold for referral of DAs to Council to better align with the community submissions. “As a result of feedback [the number] was reduced from 100 to 50, so no need for further consultation.” It appears there is no minimum standard for Councils to follow when consulting the community about the setting of policies, so technically, Council does not have to do any consultation with the public on such matters. Continued P12

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

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November 8, 2016

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Issue 104

Comprehensive Wyong Grove rezoning proposal to go to NSW Department of Planning outique Wyong Living Pty Ltd has gained Central Coast Council support for a proposal to rezone parts of the former Wyong Grove Public School site from R2 Low Density Residential to R3 Medium Density Residential.

Floor space ratio and building heights will also need to be amended in Wyong Local Environment Plan 2013 (WLEP), if NSW Planning gives consent for a gateway determination. A portion of the former school site remains subject to a compulsory acquisition application that was lodged by the former Wyong Council and is expected to be concluded between November 2016 and January 2017. At Council’s ordinary meeting on October 26, Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, agreed that the latest rezoning proposal should be sent to the NSW Department of Planning for a gateway determination. Council will consult with landowners of surrounding properties to seek their support to be included in the revised planning proposal, as recommended by Council staff. If the proposal is successful, properties from 1 to 5 Ingram St, 1 to 17 Owen Ave and 1 to 5 North Rd, Wyong, will be rezoned for medium density residential

The subject site for the rezoning proposal is edged in red

development. The southern part of two lots at 1 North Rd will retain their low density residential zoning. The site is known as the Wyong Grove Community and Cultural Hub and is the home of the Wyong Drama Group and Musical Theatre Company. Wyong Grove Public School closed in June 2013 and Wyong Council entered a two-year lease with the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) in May 2014. However, DEC sold the site in October 2015, and in December, the former Wyong Council resolved to acquire the front portion of the former school to retain it as a community hub, and council is still awaiting the outcome

of its application to compulsorily acquire the site. A development a p p l i c a t i o n (DA/794/2016) was lodged with Council on 24 June 2016, for the demolition of all the existing buildings on the site, but has not yet been determined. The applicant lodged a request for a pre-Gateway review in respect of this planning proposal with the Department of Planning and Environment in August. The pre-Gateway review is yet to be considered by the Department and the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP). A report from the Central Coast Council’s Department of Environment and Planning to the October

The portion of the site subject to the compulsory acquisition application is edged in yellow

26 ordinary meeting said: “It is recommended that the planning proposal be amended and progressed in the following manner: rezone the majority of the subject site and those sites east of Owen Ave and south of Ingram St, to R3 Medium Density Residential; apply a maximum height of 16m and maximum Floor Space Ratop of 2.0:1 to the rezoned areas; Retain the R2 Low Density Residential zone over the south-western portion of the site which is currently utilised as the Wyong Grove community and cultural hub and is subject of the compulsory acquisition proposal; and, apply a Land Reservation Acquisition layer to the southern portion of the site to facilitate purchase of this portion of the site by Council.

“The planning proposal has been informed by a series of preliminary technical studies/investigations and it is considered that there is currently adequate information to support a rezoning of the site for a higher density residential use. “Further detailed works would be required to progress the planning proposal should a gateway determination be given. “The proposal will provide for increased housing density and expand the housing choice within 800m of the Wyong Train Station and within walking distance of facilities and services of the town centre. “WLEP only provides for limited areas of medium density residential land around

Wyong Town Centre, and this land is considered a reasonable expansion of the land use. “The indicative development concepts accompanying the planning proposal are very basic and will need to be further developed to address matters such as privacy, overshadowing and visual impact,” the report said. “Council’s Community and Culture Unit has advised that the rezoning should only progress on the northern portion of the lot, being the part which is not impacted by the compulsory acquisition proceedings. “Preliminary consultation has been undertaken with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (L&HC), which owns four properties directly abutting this site, and a further six properties situated nearby. “NSW L&HC supports the expansion of the R3 Medium Density zone (together with a 2:1 FSR) to apply to their landholdings. “Expanding the R3 Medium Density zone (together with a 2:1 FSR) for land on the eastern side of Owen Ave, north of Ingram St and south of Cutler Dve is not recommended. “It is considered preferable to restrict the proposed R3 zone to the area south of Ingram St.

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

Agenda item 3.4, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

14 November 201

Holstein questions level crossing decision man responsible for uring Liberal Government ding for the Rawson Rd l crossing replacement ect, former Member for ford Mr Chris Holstein, called on the State ernment to justify ndoning the project. r Holstein, now chair of the ral Coast Task Force, said Government needed to justify ning” the project just days Premier Mike Baird declared state had billions of dollars for structure. am seeking to remind the W Government that when you e a commitment you honour d here is a fine example of a mitment that was made that ot going to be honoured,” Mr tein said. e said the level crossing at h Woy Woy was “one of the used level railway crossings SW”. or 40 years politicians, council residents have talked of oving the road at Bulls Hill and oving the unsafe rail crossing,” aid. There have been numerous s, due to incidents at the sing, accidents on Woy Woy or on Brisbane Water Dve traffic has been diverted caused traffic chaos on the nsula.” ccording to Mr Holstein, the of building a flyover was ored in the 1990s but the ept was rejected by politicians, cil and residents. n 2011, based on Gosford ncil’s estimated costings, I ht funding from the incoming ral Government to address the e with an expanded underpass e base of Bulls Hill and was essful,” Mr Holstein said, ring to his campaign for the of Gosford in the 2011 NSW ion. e said he had tried to get the acement of the crossing on the da during previous attempts un for parliament but only eeded in the 2011 campaign. he level crossing replacement key to his 2011 election orm.

A northbound train approaches the level crossing at Woy Woy

Mr Holstein has been criticised for grossly under-estimating the cost of the project from the outset as progress drew to a standstill during the past year. Mr Holstein said State Members of Parliament were not responsible for the in-depth costing of major infrastructure projects. “We were in Opposition and could not get any proper costings from Railways or the department and Council’s costings said very clearly they would need to be reviewed and investigated along with the scope of the project,” he said. “There was a review of costings after the 2011 election and the scope of the project was reduced, and we decided we would look at it in stages,” he said. “For the next five years, studies were done, plans drawn, revised funding was approved and works commenced.”

The recent announcement by the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Mr Duncan Gay, that no further funding would be available for the project, begged more questions than it answered, Mr Holstein said. “Is there still a need to improve the road and remove the rail crossing? “Why, after five years of investigation and studies, which saw commencement, is it only now that the project is not worth it? “Why is the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce running the blame game rather than getting answers from the Government? “Many more questions should be asked and answered but if the answer to the first question is yes – that the improvements are needed and people’s safety is still a concern – then why doesn’t the Peninsula deserve it?” Mr Holstein asked.

“Over two decades, the railway crossing has caused several incidents and has been dangerous. “Who from Council, our State Members or the Chamber of Commerce has been asking the Government for costings to justify its decision? “Is somebody playing with the figures and saying the full cost of the closure of the railway line at any given time is the cost of that one project?” Mr Holstein said he did not know why the project had been abandoned. “I don’t know if it is because of inflated costs, or that the seat of Gosford is held by a member in Opposition.” Mr Holstein said the Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, should also be asking questions of the Government. “The majority of people, apart from Peninsula residents, that

use that road are coming from th electorate of Terrigal,” he said. Mr Holstein said he believed th Peninsula Chamber of Commerc was also “throwing up a smok screen” instead of working o solutions. “We have a State Member. haven’t seen her. And then w have a Chamber of Commerc that wants to play a blame game “Council should be askin the government questions b we haven’t got any electe representatives to do that becaus we are in administration. “This issue has got to b answered. “It hasn’t been answered in m mind, and the people who shou be asking for answers are n doing so.” Mr Holstein said that the form Member for Terrigal, Mr Chr Harcher, had acknowledged 2011 that the railway crossin replacement would benefit th people of the Terrigal electorate. In terms of whether funds p aside by the NSW Government f the abandoned rail crossing shou be reallocated to other Peninsu projects, as suggested by th local Chamber of Commerc Mr Holstein said: “I am sure th projects Matthew Wales talk about are worthy too, but why doe he think the issue at the bottom Bulls Hill has gone away?” Local Liberal Members Parliament were not answering M Holstein’s questions last week. Member for Terrigal Mr Ada Crouch said that, because Rawso Rd was not in his electorat he would leave comment to th Parliamentary Secretary for th Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonal A statement from M MacDonald’s office said: “Th Minister has answered thes questions at length. “We have nothing further add.” Media release, 7 Nov 201 Interview, 8 Nov 201 Chris Holstein, Centr Coast Task Forc Email, 8 Nov 201 Debra Wales, Ofﬁce Adam Crouc Email, 8 Nov 201 Chris Sullivan, Ofﬁce Scot MacDona Reporter: Jackie Pearso

November 17, 2016

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Consultation is insufficient for Coastal Management Plan

Continued page 3

November 22, 2016

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The collapsed 40 tonne crawler crane at 18 to 20 Kendall St, Gosford

n operator escaped without injury following a crane collapse at a major building site at 18 to 20 Kendall St, Gosford, on Monday, November 14.

Following the collapse, which damaged two cars, broke the cross-arms of power polls along the street and pulled down power lines, the crane driver remained trapped for some time in the cabin. Emergency Services, including Police from the Brisbane Water Local Area Command, NSW Fire Service and Ambulance crews worked with an emergency crew from Ausgrid to isolate the mains power in that section of the network so the crane driver could be released from the cabin safely. According to Ausgrid, the power supply was interrupted to at least 600 homes and businesses, but most affected had their power restored within 90 minutes. Around 50 homes and businesses were left without power overnight and an emergency Ausgrid crew continued working the following morning to restore

their supply. Ausgrid reported that, by 3:00pm on Tuesday, November 15, 10 homes and businesses remained without power, but were expected to be reconnected to the network by around 4:00pm. Kendall St remained closed to all trafﬁc on Tuesday, November 15, and police advised motorists to avoid the area. SafeWork NSW conﬁrmed that it had sent an investigator to the site and would explore whether the accident was caused by any breach of work health and safety requirements. SafeWork took charge of the site of the accident and were not able to move the crane away from the site until the morning of Wednesday, November 16. Parts of the crane may need to be sent away for further testing and work would not be able to recommence on the construction site until

SafeWork NSW determined that the construction company was compliant with all SafeWork requirements. A statement from SafeWork NSW said: “Initial inquiries indicate that the 40 tonne crawler crane tipped over while slewing, bringing down power lines and damaging two motor vehicles before coming to rest on the road. “No workers were injured in the incident. “SafeWork NSW has directed the principal contractor to stop work and arrange for the crane to be safely removed from the site so it can be tested by an independent engineer. “SafeWork NSW’s investigation remains ongoing.” The original development consent for the $17.1 million, 48-unit residential ﬂat building at 18 to 20 Kendall St was granted by Gosford Council in two parts in November 2014 and

May 2015. Two Section 96 amendments were subsequently lodged and approved to add six units and then make amendments to the drive way, parking, utility spaces and the internal planning of various units. A construction certiﬁcate was granted by private certiﬁer, City Plan Gosford Pty Ltd, for commencement of bulk earthworks, basement parking and demolition of existing structures on October 31, 2016. Media release, Nov 14, 2016 NSW Police media Media statement, Nov 15, 2016 SafeWork NSW media Media statement, Nov 15, 2016 Zoe Allebone, Ausgrid Website, Nov 15, 2016 Central Coast Council Application Tracker, DA46276/2014 Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

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28 November 2016

Issue 105

ecember 6, 2016

Public-private partnership will provide a better hospital he Wyong community will get a bigger and better hospital as a result of the NSW Government’s proposed publicprivate partnership, according to the NSW Minister for Health, Ms Jillian Skinner.

Coastal Management SEPP will be the single land use planning policy for coastal development. “The Coastal Management SEPP will also better equip councils and coastal communities to plan for, and effectively respond to, coastal challenges such as major storms, coastal erosion and climate change impacts.” Central Coast Council already has a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plans (DCP) that include coastal hazard maps and provisions, which means mapped areas will become part of a Coastal Vulnerability area. Mr Aiken said the two zones that local land owners need to pay attention to when examining the draft SEPP are Coastal Wetlands and Coastal Vulnerability. The Department of Planning website links to a mapping tool that demonstrates how different parts of the Coast would be classiﬁed under the new SEPP. “People have a short time to look at their own particular situation and make a formal submission,” Mr Aiken said.

Edition 407

Issue 146

aterfront landowners in the suburbs of Kincumber South, Yattalunga, Saratoga, Davistown, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal and even parts of East and West Gosford have been encouraged to pay close attention to the NSW Government’s Draft Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). Mr Pat Aiken, Secretary of the Coastal Residents Association, said the consultation period for the community to respond to the draft SEPP, which closes on December 23, is too short. Mr Aiken said the one community meeting scheduled for the Central Coast, at Erina on December 9, is inadequate, given that the local region would be “one of the worst affected by sea level rise in the whole country”. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment, in conjunction with the Ofﬁce of Environment and Heritage, is responsible for developing the new coastal management framework. The new SEPP is intended to support the State Government’s new Coastal Management Act 2016. “The Coastal Management SEPP will integrate and improve current coastal-related SEPPs and ensure that future coastal development is appropriate and sensitive to our coastal environment, and that we maintain public access to beaches and foreshore areas,” said the NSW Department of Planning and Environment web pages on the draft SEPP. “Once published, the

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Edition 405

Ms Skinner told the Wyong Regional Chronicle that the NSW Government would still spend its promised $200 million on the redevelopment of Wyong Hospital. “I would expect a private sector partner to add more money to the $200 million, but our commitment has not changed,” Ms Skinner said. “Having a private partner means the community can get a lot more, including extra services, a bigger hospital, and more staff,” she said. Ms Skinner said she expected a redeveloped Wyong Hospital to become a major maternity hospital if the privatesector partnership went ahead. The existing Wyong Hospital currently has limited birthing services. Ms Skinner said it would take at least a year to work through the Expression of Interest and Tender processes necessary to find a suitable private sector partner. The Minister for Health would not name

From left: Jillian Skinner NSW Minister for Health with Premier Mr Mike Baird at the announcement of the Northern Beaches Hospital in 2014

the organisations that had submitted expressions of interest, but confirmed they had to have a proven track record of running hospitals in Australia to qualify. “We got numerous known private hospital operators and nearly all of the not-for-profit operators,” she said. NSW Health will spend the next four to five months working with the operators that submitted expressions of interest to give them a clearer understanding of the commitments that would be expected of them if they were to participate in the tender process. “The tender specifications will include a clinical services

plan for the district, and the operator would be obliged to meet those requirements, but they don’t have to stop there. “There is no limit to what they can bid,” Ms Skinner said. She said opening up the development and operation of the hospital to a competitive tender process meant two parties could out-bid each other by committing to the delivery of additional services. “The Northern Beaches Hospital ended up with a Cardiac Catheterisation Lab that was not in the original tender plan,” she said. Ms Skinner referred to the Northern Beaches Hospital, constructed

by Healthescope, as the model for the publicprivate-partnership being proposed at Wyong. She said she urged people to take a drive past the new hospital on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. “It is a beautiful hospital, much better than anything you would get out of public funding,” Ms Skinner said. The Minister said she could assure public patients that they would be cared for exactly as if they were in a public hospital. “The government will pay for public patient care,” she said. “At the end of the contract (20 years in the case of the Northern

Beaches Hospital), the partner will have the option to continue, but if they don’t, the hospital returns to public ownership,” she said. Ms Skinner said that would be the case irrespective of the level of “value adding” the private operator had done on site. The for-profit and not-for-profit operators that submitted expressions of interest will be required to meet minimum requirements for documentation, legal arrangement and financials before they are allowed to tender, as the fine detail required in the tender process could cost any potential partner millions of dollars.

When asked if Health NSW would make the detail of the contract for the partnership available for public scrutiny, Ms Skinner said: “The public can already have a look at the details of the Northern Beaches Hospital arrangement and I can tell you that it will be saving tax payers $1.5 billion over 20 years,” she said. Ms Skinner argued that a partnership with the private sector would result in more jobs, not less, and that the contract could ensure conditions of employment, including superannuation, would be carried forward. “When we announced we were seeking expressions of interest for a series of sites, we said we would not go ahead if it was of no benefit to the community and the tax payer. and we have already walked away from one property,” she said. Ms Skinner said claims that free public health care would not be available at a redeveloped Wyong Hospital, or that there would be no emergency department, were “rubbish led by the unions. “I met with the unions and they told me that they had a philosophical problem with private sector involvement,” she said.

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

Interview, Nov 17, 2016 Jillian Skinner, NSW Minister for Health Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Issue 1

Auditor General asked to look into inexplicable selection of Kangy Angy land

he NSW A u d i t o r General, Ms rgaret Crawford, been called on to estigate dealings rounding the ection of land Kangy Angy for location of the ercity Fleet Train intenance Facility.

The Westpac branch in West St, Umina, and (inset) the notice in the window announcing the closure

Another major bank withdraws from Umina Another of the big four banks in Umina will close its branch before Christmas this year, leaving just one major bank branch in Umina. The Umina Westpac Bank Branch will close its doors on December 9, due to steadily declining numbers in over-the -counter transactions. “Fewer customers are visiting our branches these days, as more and more people choose to use digital banking channels like mobile banking, internet banking and smart ATMs,” said Westpac Group spokesperson Ms Lucy Wilson. “With over-the-counter transactions accounting for less than five per cent of total transactions, we are closing the Umina branch and merging it with another Westpac branch at Woy Woy,” the spokesperson said. Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the decision was corporate greed by one of the big four banks. “I am sick and tired of the big banks’ attitude to local retail centres and this decision by

Westpac reinforces my view that the big banks are out of touch with local communities,” Mr Wales said. “The Westpac regional manager Mr Adam Wilson has confirmed that the Umina branch will close in December, with all Peninsula banking operations being shifted to the Woy Woy branch in Blackwall Rd. “Unfortunately, I find it increasingly typical of the big banks that they seem to know best when it comes to customer service in main street shopping strips,” he said. According to Mr Wales, Westpac made the decision to close their Umina branch following a review that found the branch lacked sufficient customer support to justify keeping a shop front presence. “It is my view that once again the big banks are putting profits ahead of local services as a way of adding to the billions of dollars they already rake in from customers. “That’s all very good if you are a Westpac shareholder but the closure will leave Umina with one less bank, a vacant shop and the loss of a dozen jobs in the main

street. “The departure of Westpac will leave Umina with only the Commonwealth Bank and we now have grave concerns as to its future in the main street,” Mr Wales said. Mr Wales also said this was not the first time Westpac had let down customers in Umina, having closed the Umina St George Bank branch when they took over the company in 2008. “When Westpac took over St George, it subsequently closed the Umina branch, stripping the main street of front line banking services and forcing St George customers to go to Woy Woy to do their banking. “Westpac assured the local business community that they would maintain a presence in Umina. “Now years later they are pulling the same stunt and forcing Umina customers to travel into Woy Woy to do their banking again.” Ms Wilson said that Westpac’s decision to close the branch was not made lightly. “The Westpac ATM at Umina will remain in place.

“In the meantime, we encourage customers to visit the branch to get a free demonstration from staff on how to use online banking and the ATM if they wish. “Customers can also still access free face-to-face banking services at the Umina Australia Post office including the depositing of cash or cheques, cash withdrawals and balance enquiries.” Mr Wales said: “It is the height of arrogance to suggest that an automatic teller machine is sufficient for local customers in what has become one of the busiest main street retail centres on the Central Coast. “I can only hope that Westpac customers will shift their accounts to the Commonwealth Bank and keep local dollars in Umina,” Mr Wales concluded. Westpac did not state whether or not Umina branch staff members would be redeployed or made redundant. Ettalong resident Mr David White, who has been banking with Westpac Umina for over 20 years, said the implications the branch closure would have on the Peninsula’s aged population were

huge. “It’s very inconvenient for me as a vehicle owner to have to make the drive to Woy Woy and deal with the traffic in the area just to do my banking,” Mr White said. “So how inconvenient will it be for pensioners who rely on public transport to get around or who can’t use technology to do their banking? “I use a passbook. “I don’t own a credit card so I’m reliant on over-the-counter transactions to do my banking. “How many other people on the Peninsula are in this situation too? “It seems like Westpac just doesn’t care about its Umina customers. “The Umina Branch staff are very friendly and nice but the closure seems to be more about lining Westpac’s profits then customer service,” Mr White said. Media release, 19 Nov 2016 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Interview and documents, 21 Nov 2016 David White, Ettalong Interview, 21 Nov 2016 Lucy Wilson, Westpac Group Reporter: Dilon Luke

THIS ISSUE contains 60 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

tate Member for Entrance, Mr vid Mehan, said had written to the W Auditor-General uesting that the state’s f auditor looks into dealings surrounding Kangy Angy site ction process. he proposed site Kangy Angy did not inally appear on the of 24 sites considered NSW Government, was only selected r being floated as an rnative by the former ong Council, who not wish to approve sale of the land at preferred site in rnervale. ormer councillors, dents and community ders have all stioned the legitimacy the Kangy Angy sion citing concerns ut inaccessible flood ne land, cost blow and environmental acts. he multi-criteria used assess the original sites contained key ors surrounding bling works including act on earthworks, diversion of utilities, was left out of the l assessment given to

While basic questions go unanswered, the Brisbane train maintenance facility (pictured) is similar to that proposed for Kangy Angy

the additional foot required on such fi ground for buildi heavy enginee facilities and overh wiring structures; and huge overbridge struc (capable of heavy veh access) that will required to access the from Enterprise Dve o the Main North railw lines. “It would not inconceivable that th site-specific costs m exceed $30 to 40 mil above the costs building a similar fac on alternative land. “The additional c and readiness to const a bridge to access maintenance site particularly galling local people given the nearby railway cross at Ourimbah are a nar bridge which require upgrade and an underp which regularly floo Mr Mehan’s letter sai According to office of the N Auditor General, Mehan’s request been acknowledged he will receive a m detailed response wi a couple of weeks. That response indicate whether or the matter will prog to an audit. Media rel Nov 30, Peter Duggan, office of D M Le Nov 29, David Mehan, NSW Mem for The Entr Phone interv Dec 5, Barry Underwood, offi NSW Auditor Gen

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P3 3

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NSW Government has refused to give Kangy Angy residents answers to requests for basic information hadow Minister for Transport, Ms Jodi McKay, visited Kangy Angy with Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, on November 22, to urge the government to come clean on its plans for the construction of a rail maintenance facility.

The Kangy Angy community has been fighting the controversial decision of Transport NSW to construct a rail facility in Kangy Angy for more than 12 months. Residents have raised concerns about the suitability of the site due to well documented flooding as well as a high risk of causing environmental damage. The land was approved for sale by Central Coast Council despite members of the former council

Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, NSW Shadow Transport Minister, Ms Jodi McKay and Member for Wyong Mr David Harris inspect the Kangy Angy site

raising questions over the legitimacy of the selection of the site in Kangy Angy. The NSW Government has not released a full costing or an environmental impact

statement for the proposal, despite announcing that construction would be completed by 2019. “There are so many issues with this project, and the NSW Government has refused

to give residents answers to even the most basic information such as, when construction will start and how much the project will cost,” Ms McKay said. “Residents have every

right to raise concerns and have their questions answered. “We already know there’s going to be a cost blow out in this project with the addition of a large overpass bridge

to avoid the flood prone areas. “It’s about time the Government came clean with the real cost of this project,” she added. “Residents have real concerns about this site and the State Government has not been able to provide answers,” Mr Mehan said. “We want this facility built on the Coast, and we want the jobs that come with it, but there are a range of better options which have all been ignored. “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 explain themselves,” Mr Mehan concluded. Media release, Nov 22, 2016 David Mehan, Member for The Entrance

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P44 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Planning proposal for Beach entral Coast C o u n c i l has called last drinks on Toukley’s infamous Beachcomber Hotel in favour of a new “Iconic Development” designed with the intent to convert East Toukley into a community hub.

The Beachcomber became an iconic development for all the wrong reasons in April 2015 when patrons of the club became involved in an altercation after exiting the premises. The altercation left one man dead and another seriously injured. The Beachcomber, once affectionately known as the “Beachie,” has struggled with poor patronage since the incident, with the venue’s licensee, Ms Rosemaree Rettenmund, even having to dispel rumours the Beachie would be closed immediately following

The Beachcomber Hotel at Toukley

the revelation that a rezoning application was submitted to Council in January. In a report issued at a council ordinary meeting on November 23, from council’s Department of Environment and Planning, for Council Administrator, Mr

Ian Reynolds, it was recommended that he approve the rezoning of the Beachcomber site which would allow for two multi-storey residential apartment buildings with ground floor commercial, retail and bar or restaurant uses. The land in question

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(200 Main Rd Toukley) is located 350 metres west of the Toukley Town Centre and has Main Rd Toukley and Budgewoi Lake frontages. The site comprises of the Beachcomber Hotel, conference facilities, tourist accommodation and a sewerage pump

station. The planning proposal seeks to: Rezone 200 Main Rd (the Beachcomber site) from SP3 Tourist to B4 Mixed Use; alter the existing Floor Space Ratio (FSR) for 200 Main Rd from 1.5:1 (1.8:1 with bonus) to 1.7:1 (2.04:1 with bonus); apply the

Key Site (design and height) mapping controls to 200 Main Rd to allow a maximum height of 26m (western half) and 36m (eastern half) when developed under the key site provisions; rezone Lot 31 DP 805021 (sewer pump station lot) from SP3 Tourist, to SP2 Infrastructure to reflect the existing use of the land; rezone Lot 7014 DP 1125263 (foreshore reserve lot) from Part R3 Medium Density Residential and Part SP3 Tourist to W2 Waterways, to reflect the existing use of the land; and, apply a 20m Foreshore Building Line (FSBL) and Foreshore Area control. The development concept includes two lake front podiums comprising two levels of residential apartments fronting the underground basement parking and a nine storey mixed use building on the eastern side, with eight storeys dedicated to residential apartments.

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P5 5

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h comber Hotel site approved The western side includes a six storey multiuse building with the area above the podium between the buildings shown as a landscaped area acting as a recreational space for residents. In the concept, the main buildings have been angled on the site to enhance views and solar access for future apartments within the buildings and also to allow for views through the site from the public domain along Main Rd. The concept is being branded as the “Iconic Development” that the Eastern end of Toukley needs to revitalise the area and this goal was the driving force behind the Draft Control Plan stipulated in the report. The proposal, which was exhibited between August and September 2016, received six submissions, consisting of two neutral public authority submissions

Artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment

and four community objections. Objections raised questioned the height limit, solar access implications to surrounding properties, lack of detail in plan, and a lack of demand for tourism development and employment opportunities in the locality. The report concluded by affirming the vision for

the proposal as an “Iconic Development” to create a gateway to Toukley and specified their view for the proposal as a catalyst for further economic development in the area. The report stated: “The investigations undertaken and the outcomes of agency and community consultation have been considered, and site specific controls are proposed to guide

appropriate development outcomes on the site. “Legally binding commitments have also been negotiated and secured through a VPA which requires the developer to provide public benefit contributions in addition to Section 94 contributions. “The subject land is considered suitable for the proposed

rezoning and therefore it is recommended that council proceed with the execution of the Voluntary Planning Agreement, the making of WLEP 2013 (Amendment No.26) and the adoption of DCP 2013 Chapter 6.27: Toukley Beachcomber Key Site.” Council officially threw its support behind the proposal, with Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, stating the proposal had the opportunity to deliver 475 construction jobs and 18 permanent retail jobs in Toukley. “The proposed redevelopment of the Beachcomber Hotel has the potential to further enhance the tourism offerings in this growing part of the Coast, and deliver a much needed boost to local jobs in the area,” Mr Reynolds said. “It will also provide a much needed boost to housing supply in the area as a number of residential apartments is

also planned.” “We are looking for innovative development that will deliver the housing and jobs our growing community needs. “Council’s role is to pave the way for that to happen by supporting this planning proposal. “The detail of the design will be revealed once a Development Application is lodged and it will be put out on public exhibition for community comment,” he added. The amendment to the Wyong Local Environmental Plan will now be forwarded to the Department of Planning for finalisation. Business Paper, Nov 23, 2016 Central Coast Council Ordinary Meeting Media release, Nov 23, 2016 Central Coast Council Media Dilon Luke, Journalist

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P66 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

New development application lodged urimbah residents have once again gathered to protest against a brand new development application lodged by Mr Kevin Gregory to build a 101 room boarding house on Glen Rd.

Development consent has already been granted to Mr Gregory by the Joint Regional Planning Panel to build an 82room, three-storey boarding house at 2 Glen Rd, Ourimbah. Mr Gregory is appealing some of the 80 conditions attached to that consent in the Land and Environment Court, including arguing that he needs 101 rooms to make the development of his Glen Rd land viable. The protest, organised by the Stop Glen Road Development Action Group, was held on November 22 and lead by Mr Allen Benson

Member for The Entrance Mr David Mehan with members of the Stop Glen Road Development Group

and NSW Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, who informed approximately 40 residents of Ourimbah about the new development application. Mr Benson said:

“We were stunned and bemused when we found out about this new application as it is essentially the same development that was lodged originally. “The original

application was considered by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) which requested it be modified,” Mr Benson said. “While it does appear that Mr Gregory

is prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to get his way with this boarding house development, we want to assure the residents of Ourimbah that we will fight to the bitter end to

ensure that the character of Ourimbah is not destroyed,” he said. Mr Benson said he was comfortable that the Central Coast Council would mount a robust defence against Mr Gregory’s Land and Environment Court appeal and was hopeful the Court would agree with the JRPP’s assessment that the 101, four-storey proposal failed the character test for developments in the proposed location. The Land and Environment Court threw out an attempt Mr Gregory made in October to amend his application to the Court and awarded the Council costs. Mr Benson said community members did have concerns about Council’s inaction on the brand new DA that was lodged in early November.

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P7 7

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for Ourimbah boarding house It is currently on exhibition but residents have not received notification from Council about the timeframe for writing submissions. “If council does not act within a certain timeframe it can become what is called a Deemed Refusal and that opens the door for the DA to be taken directly to the Land and Environment Court without needing to be reconsidered by the JRPP,” he said. At the protest, Mr Mehan raised concerns about the new

development application. “The bottom line is Council has no proper plan on the Central Coast for affordable housing,” Mr Mehan said. “What we get is developers picking small locations, inappropriate locations, to put too much affordable housing in one location,” he said. “This developer already has an approval, he has an opportunity to build something here, but instead of doing that, he is trying to exhaust the community.” Mr Mehan described

the proposed Glen Rd boarding house as an inappropriate development that does not fit in with the character of Ourimbah. The developer, Mr Kevin Gregory, said he believed there had been a lot of misinformation circulated in the community. “People have said that this is going to be a place for a brothel, people have said this is going to be a place for low socioeconomic persons, and people have said that this is going to be a halfway

house for prisoners that have been let out of jail,” Mr Gregory said. “All this has been designed to scare the community and to create fear about the proposed development,” he said. Mr Gregory has always maintained that the boarding house is designed for university student accommodation. Mr Gregory’s appeal against the Joint Regional Planning Panel’s consent and conditions on the earlier DA will be considered in the Land and Environment Court

in December. In response to questions about the new DA, Central Coast Council issued the following media statement: “Council has received a DA for the construction of a Boarding House at Ourimbah. “It has been referred to an external planning consultant for assessment. “The application will be notified for a period of two weeks, with affected residents notified by mail. “All submissions will be taken into account in the processing of the

DA,” the Central Coast Council statement said. Media release, Nov 21, 2016 Allen Benson, Stop Glen Road Development Action Group Press Conference, Nov 22, 2016 David Mehan, Member for the Entrance Allen Benson, Stop Glen Road Development Action Group Interview 30 Nov, 2016 Kevin Gregory, Developer Media statement, Dec 2, 2016 Central Coast Council media Satria Dyer-Darmawan, journalist

Community Environment Network 2016 BAT Awards CEN is pleased to honour the efforts of a number of individuals and groups that have contributed to making the Central Coast a better place. Each year, CEN calls for nominations and gives out the BAT Awards - based around a cricket theme that reflects the need for us to “Be A Team”. Our Awards presentation was held on 24 November with the 2016 BAT Award going to Lisa Wriley for her outstanding efforts in driving the Kariong ecogarden and her work on the campaign to reduce plastic pollution and introduce container deposit legislation. Other Award recipients included: • Rookie of the Year - Kylie Boyle. Kylie galvanised the Berkeley Vale community to raise the alarm about the impacts of proposed development of Glenning Valley. • Best 12th Man - Maurean Baxter, who has volunteered for over 12 years monitoring water quality in creeks in the Blue Haven area. • Most Outstanding Community Group - Save Our Central Coast Reserves. Sue Chidgey brought together many local communities to oppose the Gosford Council sell off of local parks, reserves and green space...... and they were successful! • Special Recognition: Geoff Preece - acknowledging Geoff’s contribution to the Central Coast from the “Go Green” shop, as President of of ACF Central Coast, former Gosford Council Councillor and Chairman of Kariong EcoGarden. • Special Recognition: Outstanding Campaign - Morry Breen - Recognising Morry’s incredible efforts in the 1970’s in preventing the sandmining of North Entrance, the knockback of the earlier Chittaway based power station and as the leader in the green ban on Riley’s Island. We thank all our members, supporters and friends for their efforts throughout the year. We wish you all a happy, healthy healthy and peaceful holiday season! Jane Smith, CEO

Support Glenning Valley residents fighting to protect their patch

Swift Parrot Glenning Valley residents are again rallying to fight the destruction of local bushland on their doorstep. With the announcement on Friday 25th November of an amended development application for a 223 lot subdivision at 79 Berkeley Road being made open for public comment, the residents of Glenning Valley are now feeling helpless. The proposed development will potentially destroy habitat for the critically endangered Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater in addition to the removal of vegetation and habitat for many other threatened and endangered flora and fauna species. Residents were hoping for a favourable outcome after the Land and Environment Court conference on the 29th September and that council would finally listen to their concerns and protect our natural bushlands and its inhabitants. However, the amended plans have not addressed the concerns of the community. The development also puts a SEPP 14 Wetland. The community has only been given 14 days to make submissions in regards to their concerns for this development. The amended Development application is open for public comment until the 9th December. The Say No to Glenning Valley Development group is calling on the Central Coast community to support them by sending in a submission to council.

Please make a submission by 9 December. For more information and a submission guide visit www.cen.org.au

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News

P88 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Suitably qualified external organisations sought to manage tourism he long-awaited shake up of tourism management on the Central Coast has commenced, with Central Coast Tourism being told it will have to submit an expression of interest if it wishes to manage and deliver destination marketing for the region after July 1, 2017.

This is despite Central Coast Tourism providing a proposal to Council outlining options for it to continue managing the destination, in collaboration with Council, for the next three years. Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, resolved at the November 23 Council meeting that expressions of interest be invited from suitably qualified external organisations to manage and deliver its destination marketing in collaboration with the tourism industry. Mr Reynolds also resolved that funding from Council for tourism management would be increased to $800,000 per year. The resolution was based on a report from Council staff that recommended that Council continue to fund Central Coast Tourism until June 30, 2017. The report, prepared by the Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities Department said: “Tourism is important to the Central Coast economy and is recognised as requiring a focussed approach to help drive economic returns.” It is estimated to contribute around $912 million to the region’s economy annually. “Visitor expenditure

has experienced year on year growth, however the growth rates are below what is being achieved elsewhere in NSW and nationally, indicating the potential of a far greater capacity than is currently realised on the Central Coast,” the report said. Central Coast Tourism had been funded by both Gosford and Wyong Councils since 1998, and has been responsible for marketing the region and facilitating industry relationships. It developed Destination Management Plans (DMP) as required by Destination NSW to access funding through the Regional Visitor Economy Fund. According to the report to Mr Reynolds, the current DMP runs through to 2017 and consultation around an updated plan for the region will commence shortly. According to the report, the models used by different local councils to manage tourism include taking on the overall active delivery themselves, facilitating external organisations to do this, or combinations of both, with some activity conducted by on-theground local tourism committees. “Regardless of the models, there is generally an expectation that local

government contribute financially to support tourism development and marketing in their region,” it said. In March 2016, both former Gosford and Wyong Councils resolved to continue funding arrangements for Central Coast Tourism at the same levels as 2015-2016 ($566,210) until June 2017. “Major change has occurred in the operating environment on two levels; the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils to one regional Central Coast Council in May 2016, and, DNSW’s new regional tourism model of Destination Networks announced in July 2016. “Both changes provide an opportunity to review the current status of tourism management and consider the most effective model to help drive economic returns.” The Central Coast will now be part of Destination Sydney Surrounds North with the Blue Mountains, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter. “The funding of any DNSW driven marketing campaigns for the Central Coast region, or availability of marketing funding for application to the revised Regional Visitor Economy

Fund are unknown,” the report said. “Council proposes that the responsibilities of providing visitor information services, developing a major events strategy and leading the implementation of, and developing any future destination management plans will be fulfilled by Council. “This proposal is about reviewing the mechanism of how Council approaches the significant investment of public monies in tourism to ensure the best return on this investment for the Central Coast community. “The Expression of Interest will seek responses to demonstrate this, inclusive of how marketing will be delivered in collaboration with industry and other partnerships; and that activities can meet performance indicators around visitor growth rates, intentions to travel and industry satisfaction. “Central Coast Tourism Incorporated has met with Council staff and presented their options for the continuation of their role in tourism management.” Mr Reynolds said that the timing was right for Council to examine its approach to tourism. “Destination NSW’s new regional tourism model and the projected population growth expected on the Central Coast has changed the tourism landscape,” Mr Reynolds said.

Mr Reynolds added that Council was not waiting for the impacts of recent changes to Destination NSW’s regional tourism model to take effect, but was going to act in the best interests of the Central Coast now. “The roll-up of the Central Coast into a collection of visitor destinations that includes the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Hawkesbury, Newcastle and Penrith for consumer marketing activities, gives even more impetus for the Central Coast to continue its own strong positioning and capitalise on the projected visitor growth being driven by Destination NSW,” Mr Reynolds said. “I encourage the tourism industry to get involved in helping build the Destination Management Plan and help better shape the tourism potential of the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said. The expression of interest for tourism marketing and management is open to all suitably qualified organisations, including Central Coast Tourism. Coast Community News understands several local consortia are already being formed to bid for the lucrative EOI. In a statement, Central Coast Tourism said its Board “is intending on completing the proposed Expression of Interest to

continue to lead marketing on behalf of the local tourism industry. “Central Coast Tourism is a non-for-profit membership organisation with a long history of 22 years, marketing the destination and adapting its structure, membership and activity, based on the ever changing business environment,” the statement said. “In 2010, Central Coast Tourism was one of the first regional tourism organisations in the State to use a Destination Management Plan to grow the Visitor Economy, now mandatory by Destination NSW to access funding. “Central Coast Tourism will continue with our planned destination marketing activities and run the Gateway Visitor Information Centre at Kariong and Gosford. “The marketing activities will include the launch of the new Destination Conference message in February, 2017, and a push to drive leisure visitors with a Consumer Marketing Campaign in March, 2017,” the statement said. Agenda item 4.6, Nov 23, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Media release, Nov 23, 2016 Central Coast Council Media Media statement, Nov 21, 2016 Leeanne Dyer, Central Coast Tourism Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P9 9

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Long awaited lifts at Tuggerah Station still not funded ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris, and Shadow Minister for Transport, Ms Jodi McKay, are calling on the NSW Government to take Coast commuters seriously and fund the long awaited lifts at Tuggerah Station.

NSW Member fo The Entrance Mr David Mehan, Shadow Minister for Transport Ms Jodi McKay and Member for Wyong Mr David Harris at Tuggerah Station Photo: Noel Fisher

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$5 million was allocated to the project in 2010 by the former Labor Government but then withdrawn by the O’Farrell Liberal Government. The upgrade has been recommended by Regional Development Australia and long supported by the NSW Labor opposition. In its 2016 report on Tuggerah Station, Regional Development Australia outlined that lifts and more commuter parking at Tuggerah Station would be essential to ensuring Tuggerah remains a transport hub that is accessible to people as the population

increases. The project is among many on the Central Coast that have not received any funding from the Baird Government. “The Government cannot expect people to use public transport when even the most basic train station infrastructure isn’t there. “This is a very basic commitment to make; it would go a long way to showing the thousands of regular commuters from Tuggerah station that the Government takes them seriously,” Mr Mehan said. “Labor supports this upgrade and we believe the Government must

commit to improving Tuggerah Station to cater for the population now and into the future. “Parents with prams, people with a disability and those hauling luggage should not have to struggle up and down stairs just to reach public transport. “We’re calling on the government to fund this important upgrade to give all people on the Central Coast access to public transport,” Ms McKay added. Media release, Nov 23, 2016 David Harris, Member for The Entrance

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P10 P1 10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Consolidated LEP and DCP for the whole Central Coast being prepared he Central Coast Council is moving to standardise planning and outcomes of the project development controls across the whole region before the local are: consistent approach to zone objectives, principles government election in September 2017.

Preparation of a consolidated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) for the whole Central Coast Council will commence following the adoption of a resolution at the Council meeting on Wednesday, November 23. The LEP and DCP are the main planning controls used at local government level to determine how land is zoned, used and developed. The consolidated LEP will not be the same as the Comprehensive LEP which will be put together after the September 2017 council election. The Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds’, decision to prepare a consolidated LEP and DCP is at odds with the NSW Government’s Proclamation, the legal mechanism that dissolved the Gosford Council and created the new Central Coast Council. The proclamation stated that planning controls for land subject to merger proposals would stay the same until new comprehensive LEPs were prepared. Both Mr Reynolds and his CEO, Mr Rob Noble, have said no major changes would be made to planning instruments before the Central Coast had its next local government election. The Central Coast community was led to believe that the planning controls of the former

Gosford and Wyong Councils would remain in place until the region’s elected local government representatives, who were removed and replaced with a NSW Governmentappointed administrator in May, were replaced. Mr Reynolds has now adopted a resolution to allow the preparation of a planning proposal to consolidate the Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013, the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014, Interim Development Order 122 and the Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance. “This will result in the creation of an interim consolidated Local Environmental Plan for the Central Coast local government area that will enable Council to administer its planning functions in a consistent way across the Central Coast region until such a time as a comprehensive LEP is developed,” a report from Council’s Environment and Planning Department to Mr Reynolds said. An interim a m a l g a m a t e d Development Control Plan would be prepared “to complement the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan”. Mr Reynolds’ adoption of the report’s recommendations will result in a planning proposal being forwarded to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to request a Gateway Determination. Community and public authority consultation will need to be undertaken in accordance with the gateway determination requirements and the

amalgamated DCP will be exhibited at the same time as a draft LEP. Mr Reynolds also adopted a recommendation to commence investigative studies to support a future comprehensive LEP. According to the staff report, a NSW Department of Planning and Environment “Guidance for Merged Councils on Planning Functions” recommended that the Council analyse the differences in local planning controls and ensure a consistent approach to zone and land use permissibility across the newly-created council”. In fact, Table 9 on page 21 of that Department of Planning and Environment document said: “After the September 2017 elections, councils will need to be ready to present planning proposals to the newly-elected council to harmonise comprehensive LEPs. “This will not necessarily need to involve a new comprehensive LEP, as an existing LEP can be expanded to become the principal instrument for the area. “There is no need to amend LEPs immediately if no inconsistencies exist. “The creation of new council-wide LEPs is not required until a newlyelected council is in place to work with the community.” The report that Mr Reynolds adopted on November 23 said: “The consolidated LEP/ DCP project will not be initiating major policy or making major changes to strategic frameworks. “The proposed

and application across the local government area; consistency in permissible land uses across similarly zoned lands within the former Gosford and Wyong LGAs; rezoning of deferred lands within the Gosford LEP to zones used by the standard template; retention of current development standards mapped within the Gosford LEP 2014; and, development of an amalgamated Central Coast DCP to support the consolidated LEP. “More significant

policy and strategic issues will be addressed through the Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan Project … after the Council elections in September 2017, and …informed by the Community Strategic Planning Process and Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 (CCRP), and the development of urban planning strategies to support the future planning for housing, population and economic growth on the Central Coast over the next 20 years. “The development of a Consolidated Local Environmental Plan for

the Central Coast Council is a priority project to facilitate the transition from the former Councils to the new merged Council. “Budget and staff resources required to complete the project will be identified within the Project Initiation stage.” Agenda item 2.7, 23 Nov 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Document, May 2016 Guidance for merged councils on planning functions, NSW Planning and Environment

Minister to advise on Infrastructure Plan for the Central Coast he NSW Minister for Planning, Mr Rob Stokes, will be asked to meet with Central Coast Council to discuss the importance of an infrastructure plan for the region, and will be asked for input into its content and expected release.

The resolution to call for the Minister’s input and backing for an infrastructure plan was made by Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, at the ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, November 23. Council’s Department of Environment and Planning presented Mr Reynolds with a report responding to the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 and Implementation Plan, which were released in October. According to the report: “There are nine priority actions identified in the Implementation

Plan to be overseen by the Central Coast Delivery, Coordination and Monitoring Committee. “Direction 17 of the Plan is to align land use and infrastructure planning. “In order to achieve this, it is recommended that an Infrastructure Plan be prepared to ensure that the roll out of infrastructure is aligned to land use priorities. “To facilitate this, it is recommended that discussions be held with the Minister and DPE to determine Council’s role in the preparation of an Infrastructure Plan for the Central Coast. “The Central Coast

Regional Plan 2036 and accompanying Implementation Plan 2016-18 will provide the framework for land use planning decisions in the region. “It is essential that Council ensures that it has a strong role on the Delivery, Coordination and Monitoring Committee. “Council also needs to play a strong role in preparing an Infrastructure Plan for the Central Coast,” the report said. Agenda item 2.6, Nov 23, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P11 W 1

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NBN complaints too big to ignore ederal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, said the issues surrounding the Central Coast’s NBN rollout and the hundreds of complaints she was receiving from residents were too big to ignore.

“The Central Coast is at the front line of the National Broadband Network rollout and the results are in,” Ms McBride said. “ T h e Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Industry Ombudsman’s (TIO) annual report reveals that the most complaints across Australia are in my region. “The Central Coast was a priority area under Labor. “Fibre to the home was successfully rolled out across suburbs like Berkeley Vale, Killarney Vale, Bateau Bay, Long Jetty and Shelly Beach. “Industry experts recognise that Labor’s fibre to the home is the technology of choice, and it is the technology of choice for my community. “However, the rollout on the Central Coast now includes the AbbottTurnbull government’s fibre to the node technology,” Ms McBride said. “In our region, there is now fibre to the premises, fibre to the node, fibre to the basement, fixed wireless and satellite technology. “There are too many problems to ignore caused by this mixed bag of technologies. “The TIO results are alarming, as are the hundreds of complaints I have received from residents who are fed up with the problems they face trying to connect to, or use, an NBN service. “I support the NBN

and the opportunities this critical infrastructure presents for people, families and businesses on the Central Coast. “It is essential infrastructure and the potential impact for our region is significant. “In a region where one in four people travel between two and four hours to work each day, the NBN will make a difference. “The failure of the rollout is a daily reminder to commuters and a harsh reality preventing thousands of Central Coast residents from being able to work closer to home and spend more time with their friends and families. “In a community where youth unemployment is stubbornly high and sits well above the national average at 17 per cent, a properly functioning NBN could change lives,” Ms McBride continued. According to Ms McBride, if the Coast is to have any chance of realising the economic potential that reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband can provide, the NBN must work. “Our early rollout status on the Central Coast should put us at an advantage, but instead we are leading the league table of complaints and misadventure. “As the Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Industry Ombudsman 2016 annual report shows, four of the top 10 postcodes for complaints about the NBN from

across the country are on the Central Coast. “The data backs up complaints I have heard about slow speeds, unusable internet and landlines, new connection delays and dropouts,” she said. “There is simply nowhere for some customers to go with complaints about delays or provider behaviour. “This government cannot continue to ignore these problems, blame-shift or avoid responsibility. “The government and the NBN must acknowledge the problems on the Central Coast, accept responsibility and work to fix them. “More importantly, they must learn from our experience. “The Minister came to the Gorokan Telstra exchange a little over 12 months ago spruiking ‘the wave of superfast broadband connections’ imminent, as homes in suburbs such as Hamlyn Terrace, Warnervale, Woongarrah, Charmhaven, Toukley, Noraville and Gorokan had work on their fibreto-the-node connections completed. “But if the Minister came back now he would see a reality far removed from his words,” Ms McBride said. “He would see residents of Wyreema Rd in Warnervale who are still waiting to be connected to the NBN despite the switch-on

over 12 months ago. “To make matters worse, there is no alternative available, such as ADSL, leaving residents without any access to the internet. “He would meet Elizabeth, whose teenage son Ryan just finished the HSC. “Ryan spent most of his time studying at the library so he could download coursework because at home he struggled to make do with a wireless mobile connection that is slow and expensive. “Should the Minister come to Dobell, I would take him to meet Belinda, whose small business in Tumbi Umbi was without a landline and Eftpos facility for almost four weeks after she attempted to switch to the NBN. “This was part of a chain of events that saw her place 10 separate orders and endure six technician appointments where nobody arrived, and where 17 case managers and three complaints managers were assigned to her by the NBN and her service provider. “For a business which relies on phone sales, this outage is not just frustrating, it has a significant financial impact. “Should the Minister come to Dobell, I would take him to Gorokan, where he made the announcement at the Telstra exchange, to meet Dawn, who discovered six months after installing an expensive home security alarm that it was not NBN compatible, despite the suburb being live for months before she

bought it,” Ms McBride continued. “I would take him to meet residents of Berkeley Vale retirement village, who switched to the NBN to keep their landlines, accepting the offer to have a new modem installed by a technician, only to discover when the bill arrived that the service had cost them $240. “And just this afternoon, I received a complaint from Mark, who operates a business in Lake Haven. “Since August, Mark has logged 10 fault calls and had eight technicians visit in eight weeks. “Mark was required to be available between 8am and 7pm for a technician appointment, however, the technicians failed to attend their appointment. “This not only causes financial distress but also puts his clients at risk when the service crashes and emergency phones do not work. “There are many more complaints. “It is not good enough to continue to shift the blame, to say these issues are not the government’s or NBN’s fault. “Obviously, the organisation is tasked with a wholesale supply of NBN services and network maintenance, but this is public infrastructure, and the government must act,” Ms McBride said. Long hold times, excessive trouble shooting, ill trained call centre staff, conflicting information and missed technician attendance were the most common qualms of residents in complaints made to Ms

McBride. “I hear of technicians who attend a home only to advise they cannot fix the problem because of the complex contracting arrangements between Telstra and NBN. “We must work to see these arrangements function in a simple and effective way. “Many people tell me they are disappointed and let down by a government that has failed to deliver on a promise to deliver a faster rollout and a higher quality service. “The experience of the people of the Central Coast must be heard. “They deserve to know their federal representatives are listening and acting. “To those who have contacted me and shared their stories with me: I am listening. “Labor is listening. “There is much to be learned from the Central Coast experience of the NBN rollout. “Whilst fibre to the node is not our policy, and in many cases is the underlying cause of the problems, I will stand up for our community. “I will stand up for those students, for those retired people and for those businesses. “The Central Coast deserves access to quality, reliable and affordable broadband. “It is reasonable to expect that the government will make the same commitment to my community,” Ms McBride concluded. Media release, Nov 30, 2016 Heather Robinson, Office of Emma McBride MP

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P12 P1 12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Halekulani rezoning proposal refused sewer he Central Coast Council has refused a planning proposal to zoned E3 Environmental Management Natural and assessments; issues; and, a lack of Environmental Assets Management under rezone land at Halekulani from E3 Environmental Management submitted information. (Ecology), Natural and WLEP 2013 and has to R1 General Residential.

A staff report from Council’s Environment and Planning Department recommended the refusal because of the proposal’s incompatibility with the green corridor network identified within the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan. The staff recommendation, which was adopted by Council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, at the ordinary meeting on November 23, also claimed the proposal promoted inefficient and unorderly development on the land in question, 1101 and 1103 MacLeay Dve. Other issues raised in the recommendation included: the proposal was inconsistent with Central Coast Regional Plan actions related to managing ecosystems and establishing biodiversity corridors; a lack of sufficient supporting information; creation of an isolated residential zone out of character with the surrounding zones and Halekulani locality; the inappropriateness of the R1 General Residential Zone with the Halekulani locality; incompatibility with the ecological values of the site; and, the lack of adequate services to the site. The planning proposal was originally submitted in June 2014 as part of a broader rezoning strategy for five sites spread across the northern area of the former Wyong Local Government Area.

The planning proposal was lodged for consideration while development application DA/493/2012 was being considered. DA/493/2012 originally proposed a 251 dwelling Manufactured Home Estate (MHE) on the subject site and Lot 616 DP 821112 1405 MacLeay Dr, and during the assessment process, DA/493/2012 was amended to remove the land known as Lot 616 DP 821112 and the MHE was reduced to 178 dwellings located on the subject land. DA/493/2012 was refused by council on a number of grounds, including significant ecological impacts to flora and fauna and the wetland environment, traffic generation issues, inadequate infrastructure and negative social impacts. The proponent appealed this decision and during the Land and Environment Court process substantially amended it by further reducing the number of dwelling sites from 178 to 99. The development footprint was also significantly reduced in response to ecological values of the land. A deferred commencement consent was issued by the Land and Environment Court in March, 2016. The period of time given to satisfy the deferred commencement

consent was 24 months (March 2018). The planning proposal was lodged in June 2014 and seeks to rezone the whole site from E3 Environmental Management to R1 General Residential. The site comprises land known as Lot 589, DP728958 and Lot 627 DP727733, and has a combined area of 10.026 hectares. The site is currently vacant and contains remnant bushland. The eastern portion of the site adjoins a foreshore reserve to Lake Munmorah. Colongra Wetland is located to the north west. There are two over 55s Manufactured Home Estates in the area, one located adjacent to the southern boundary of the site and the second is located to the north. A managed resort facility is located immediately to the north of the site. A disused quarry, currently undergoing rehabilitation, is located on Crown Land to the west of the site. The site is covered in substantial bushland and as part of the assessment and determination of DA/493/2012, it was found that the site has habitat values and is part of the foraging grounds of the Powerful Owl which is scheduled as Vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The site is currently

a minimum lot size requirement of 40 hectares. The staff report also referred to the Guidance for Merged Councils on Planning Functions guidelines and found that based on these guidelines the proposal cannot be considered to have strategic merit and was inconsistent with established strategies and policies. Following internal consultations with D e v e l o p m e n t Engineering, Property

Environmental Assets (Bushfire Planning), Waterways and Asset Management, Transportation Engineering, Wyong Water and Community Partnerships and Planning (Social Planning), the Department found that each of these agencies had concerns they felt also outlined the inconsistency of the proposal including: stormwater management; impact on threatened species and ecological communities; lack of adequate impact

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Development application approvals now take up to ten months

entral Coast Taskforce Chair, Mr Chris Holstein, has called on Central Coast Council to immediately review their Development assessment procedures.

“Over the last couple of months, I have become increasingly aware of complaints of delays and procrastination with development assessments within council,” said Mr Holstein. “It appears to be systemic, ranging from the small applications for house improvement approval to major developments. “Concerns relayed to me include delays in determination of three to four months and in some instances of nine to ten months,” Mr Holstein continued. Mr Holstein said that while he appreciated some lag occurring due to the amalgamation process and system and procedure changes, the economic impact of the amalgamation and the lack of direct leadership

cannot be ignored. “Delays in advertising of four to five weeks from lodgement dates have no rationale, as well as having application meetings in Wyong for a Gosford development and vice versa, and a lack of communication to applicant, consultants and community,” Mr Holstein said. “The impacts to the local economy are huge from the trades, jobs, to the materials and services, all of which are imperative to our local economy. “What can’t be forgotten as well, is the effect to investor confidence for our region,” he added. Mr Holstein said one must question if the amalgamation is causing a lack of cohesion or teamwork on the Central Coast, and whether or

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Mr Reynolds also concluded that the proposal, which would create an isolated pocket of R1 Zone, was inconsistent with the strategic planning framework of the Halekulani locality and recommended a refusal to amend the WLEP 2013.

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not the leadership is too fragmented. “Another feeling within the community is that there is an ever diminishing staff morale issue due to the amalgamation process. “With no elected representatives to take issues and concerns forward, and even appreciating the enormity of the amalgamation for both the administrator and acting General Manager, the processing of applications is a core function that can’t be allowed to deteriorate. “This new vehicle called Central Coast Council can’t let the wheels come off for everybody’s sake,” Mr Holstein said. Email, Nov 15, 2016 Chris Holstein, Central Coast Task Force

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P13 W 3

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Still no certainty over promised CCTV funding ederal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, said she was deeply concerned about the continuous attacks of vandalism on the Toukley and District Senior Citizens Club.

“When I was there on Friday, November 25, I was shown damage to the building, including vandalised windows, fire damage and graffiti,” Ms McBride said. “Recently, the club spent almost $8,000 of their own funds upgrading lighting to improve security, and members are regularly required to fix damage to the building themselves, which they do almost every single day. “They were excited when, during the recent election campaign, their club was included in the government’s promise to deliver $205,000 to Central Coast Council for CCTV across the electorate of Dobell,” Ms McBride said. According to Ms McBride, in addition to the Senior Citizens Centre, the funding would also provide for fixed cameras at Cottage Youth Centre, Tumbi Community Hall and Sohier Park. The funding would also provide for mobile cameras at the boat ramp carpark in Norah Head, an initiative Ms McBride said Norah Head Marine Rescue want to see implemented to help keep people safe this summer. “The government now

Ms Emma McBride with Toukley senior citizens

appear to be backing away from this promise and have sent a letter to Central Coast Council advising that there is no certainty around the funding and that they will now have to apply for the money under a grant program that has not even been set up. “On behalf of the Toukley and District Senior Citizens, the Norah Head Marine Rescue and the Central Coast community, I call on this government to keep their promise to our community and provide this necessary funding,” Ms McBride said. Federal Shadow Minister for Justice, Ms Clare O’Neil, in support of Ms McBride has called on the Federal Government to deliver its $205,000 election promise to install CCTV

cameras across the Central Coast. The funding, announced during the Federal election, was for 37 fixed CCTV cameras at Toukley Senior Citizens Centre, Cottage Youth Centre, Tumbi Community Hall and Sohier Park, and for two mobile CCTV cameras at the boat ramp car park and Bald St in Norah Head. It appears that up to seven electorates that were promised CCTV funding during the Federal election campaign have not received it under the Safer Communities Fund, whereas electorates promised Safer Streets funding have had the commitment delivered. Justice Minister, Mr Michael Keenan, appears to have backed away from his commitment,

Ms McBride said. Following Ms McBride’s call for the Minister to deliver promised CCTV funding for Dobell, Mr Keenan said in local media that he had, in fact, written to the Central Coast Council confirming the funding and that Ms McBride had misled her constituents. However, the letter Mr Keenan referred to had been received several months ago and, whilst congratulating council in one sentence, then explained that it would have to apply for the Safer Communities funding in another. “Central Coast Council will now have to apply for funding under a grant program that hasn’t even been set up,” Ms McBride said. “Labor is disappointed that Mr Keenan would

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promise money to keep people safe and then take it away from our community after the election,” Ms O’Neil said. “Norah Head Marine Rescue is keen to see its project secure funding to make sure they keep people safe on our waterways this summer,”

Ms McBride said. “When I visited Toukley Senior Citizens, Club Secretary, Mr Bruce Kirkness, showed me the damage done to their windows and doors. “It’s disappointing that Council has no certainty around this funding. “Why make a promise during the election campaign, then change the rules?” she added. The funding commitment in Dobell is one of seven announcements made by the Government in marginal seats during the election campaign through the Safer Communities Fund. Ms McBride said Labor representatives have written to the Justice Minister asking him to honour his promise to these communities, including the Central Coast. Media release, Nov 28, 2016 Alice Crawford, Office of Clare O’Neil, Shadow Minister for Justice Media statement, Nov 28, 2016 Heather Robinson, Office of Emma McBride MP

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P14 P1 14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Readers asked to help set priorities on projects

Feedback sought on draft Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan here are only a few days left to give feedback on the draft Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan which is on Public Exhibition until December 9, 2016.

Alan Davidson oval

he community has been asked to choose between 30 projects worth “This plan has been said. almost $40 million to help decide how Central Coast Council developed with input The plan considers spends $9 million allocated under the NSW Government’s from over 60 residents public domain like and stakeholders at two improvements Stronger Communities Fund.

The Stronger Communities Fund was a key commitment by the NSW Government to merging Councils. The Fund was designed to fast track the delivery of priority infrastructure and services for local communities such as upgraded community facilities, improved roads and car parks or new sporting or learning facilities. C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the funding had been provided due to the amalgamation and Council wanted the community to have a direct say in where the money should be spent. “This is a real win for the entire Central Coast community,” Mr Reynolds said. “These funds are additional to Council’s existing operational budget, so it means we can get on with some projects that we know the community wants,” he said. Council identified 30 projects that could be considered under the fund. The community has been asked to cast their vote for which projects they want to see get the green light.

The projects fall into three main categories: roads and transport; community services; and, sport and recreation, and they are spread over the five wards that make up the new Central Coast Local Government Area. The three projects that the community can vote for in the Wyong Ward are: the $349,000 installation of a drainage and irrigation system at Alan Davidson Oval; a $90,000 irrigation upgrade for Maidens Brush Oval, both in Wyoming; and a $4.95 million cultural hub for Wyong. Another $7.95 million worth of projects have been suggested in The Entrance Ward including: Forresters Beach access stairs worth $355,000; $2 million for Stage Three of The Entrance Community Centre; and $5.6 million for a Wamberal Offroad Cycleway. The two projects listed for the Budgewoi Ward are the augmentation of the San Remo BMX facility for $640,000 and gross pollution traps for Mannering Park, Canton Beach and Summerland Point worth $670,000. Another seven projects have been put forward in the Gosford West Ward

worth $7.7 million and $15 million worth of potential projects in the Gosford East Ward. Another $1.8 million worth of projects suggested by Council are not specific to any of the five wards. “These projects have already been identified as a priority by the community and are spread right across the Coast so the long term social and economic benefits are huge. “This is a real and unique opportunity for residents of the Coast to have a direct say in which projects get the green light in their local area. “Your vote is important and I urge everyone to be a part of the process.” Council ran information stalls at Tuggerah and The Entrance on December 3 to provide the community with more information about the funding opportunity. Voting is open until Sunday, December 11 at haveyoursaycentralcoast. com.au/strongercommunities. Media release, Dec 2, 2016 Central Coast Council media Website, Dec 2, 2016 Haveyoursaycentralcoast. com.au

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

community workshops held in May and June this year,” Mr Scott Cox, Group Leader, Environment and Planning, said. “We encourage anyone interested to view the plan and provide feedback by the due date,” Mr Cox

the provision of car parking, shared pathways and cycleways, street furniture, lighting, signage, landscaping, public amenities and recreational facilities in the Village Centre. The draft masterplan can be viewed at

Toukley Library or at Central Coast Council Chambers, Wyong, or online at haveyoursay CentralCoast’s website. Community members can provide feedback via email through the Have Your Say webpage or by writing to Central Coast Council. Media release, Nov 30, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

Central Coast economy hovering above recession he Central Coast economy was “hovering above recession”, according to the State Shadow Minister for the Central Coast who is also Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Mr David Harris.

Mr Harris said a new independent economic report showed that regional NSW had been left behind by the State Government. “Many parts of regional and rural NSW are registering anemic growth or have descended into recession, a report by SGS Economics and Planning reveals,” Mr Harris said. “The economic gap has never been larger between city and country,” he said. “The Central Coast – earmarked for huge growth into the future – was hovering above recession.” The NSW Opposition has been drawing attention to the fact that in regional NSW, the vast majority of jobs being created are part-time, and are experiencing flat

wage growth. “Even recently, when NSW Premier, Mr Mike Baird, gave an update on his 12 State Priorities, agriculture, primary industries, rural affairs and regional development didn’t rate a mention.” According to the SGS report, the GDP for 2015 on the Central Coast is 0.7 per cent, the seventh lowest rate in regional NSW, and two per cent lower than the lowest metropolitan Sydney. The highest GDP recorded in Sydney was 5.8 per cent for Ryde. “These figures are truly awful, but not surprising to anyone who has been paying attention,” Mr Harris said. “Mike Baird’s privatisation agenda has hurt regional employment disproportionately, with

the vast amount of the proceeds being spent in the city,” he said. “Whilst Mike Baird’s focus is on Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta; the Orange by-election should have shown him the depth of feeling against his government’s policies in regional NSW. “Instead, he ignores this significant result and pushes through his arrogant city-centric policies. “Mike Baird needs to front up to the people of regional NSW and either bring them their fair share of the State’s infrastructure money or explain to them why he thinks they aren’t worth it.” Media release, Nov 30, 2016 Julian Lee, NSW Opposition

December 6, 2016 - P15 5

News

Federal local members respond angrily to comments made by Minister for Immigration

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

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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Edition 407

28 November 2016

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

Wet weather speed limit for Woy Woy Rd

Another major bank withdraws from Umina

Opposition calls for clarity on underpass future

Another of the big four banks in Umina will close its branch before Christmas this year, leaving just one major bank branch in Umina.

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Government to clarify what the future is for the Woy Woy rail underpass project.

Roads and Maritime Services has advised motorists that a reduced wet weather speed limit will come into effect from Tuesday, December 6, on a section of Woy Woy ...

Woy Woy supermarket to close

Historic water tanks discovered at hotel site

Wicks speaks of need for mobile coverage

he Federal local members for Dobell and Shortland have responded angrily to recent comments made by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Mr Peter Dutton.

Mr Dutton lashed out at the Central Coast MPs, Ms Emma McBride for Dobell, and Mr Pat Conroy for Shortland, after the Labor Party rejected proposed and controversial border protection laws. The laws, which did not end up being presented to the Senate before the Commonwealth Parliament rose for the summer break, would have meant any asylum seeker or refugee who arrived on a boat would be resettled in another country and would be banned from ever coming to Australia on any kind of visa without the Immigration Minister’s special permission. Mr Dutton said that by opposing the legislation, Ms McBride, Mr Conroy and their parliamentary leader, Mr Bill Shorten, were showing people smugglers that Labor had wavered and would, if given the opportunity, dismantle successful border protection measures. “In opposing the Coalition Government’s

legislation, the party has been forced to bow to Labor’s Left which believes in open borders,” Mr. Dutton said. In response to Mr Dutton’s statements, Mr Conroy said he totally rejected the comments made by the Immigration Minister. “I reject totally the pathetic comments made by Minister Dutton in an attempt to exploit those on Manus and Nauru,” Mr Conroy said. “Mr Dutton does not care about the lives of these people. “He voted against the Malaysian Trade Solution which resulted in upwards of 600 deaths,” Mr. Conroy said. The proposed “Malaysia Solution” was a Gillard Government policy under which 800 asylum seekers who arrived by boat would be sent to Malaysia and in return Australia would accept 4,000 refugees certified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Ms McBride also

responded to Mr Dutton’s comments; she said the legislation was rejected because it was harsh and unnecessary. “There are strong and sometimes opposing views in our community about this issue. “This law would prevent a refugee who becomes a nurse in America attending a conference in Australia years later for example. “Under this Government, people have been languishing on Manus Island and Nauru,” Ms McBride said. “The people of the Central Coast want a government which will create jobs, fund hospitals and schools, not one that cynically exploits vulnerable refugees,” Mr Conroy said. Media Release, Nov 10, 2016 Nicole Chant, Ofﬁce of Peter Dutton Interview, Nov 18, 2016 Pat Conroy MP Email, Nov 18, 2016 Emma McBride MP Jarrod Melmeth, Journalist

A Woy Woy supermarket has Extensions to a Woy Woy confirmed that it will close hotel have been delayed next month. as major obstacles were discovered during the groundwork stage.

Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks has spoken in Federal Parliament about the need for better mobile phone coverage in the area.

Inquiry into fishing industry welcomed

Peninsula left exposed to bushfires, union claims

Community housing provider starts affordable studio apartments project

Broken Bay and Brisbane Water commercial fisherman and other members of the public have until December 9 to make submissions to a new inquiry into the NSW Government’s proposed ...

The Peninsula will be left exposed to bushfires at the peak of summer due to the loss of the National Parks regional manager for the Hunter Central Coast, Mr Geoff Luscombe, ...

The construction in Woy Woy of modern and affordable studio apartments owned by a community housing provider is well under way.

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

E FRE

December 1, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 147

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

Planning proposal redefines Quarry seeks approval for 2,250 Speculation continues over city’s new Commercial Core truckloads of fill per week for Mariners’ plans for Central and offers new incentives four weeks Coast Stadium residents are Mystery surrounds any future A planning proposal, intended Somersby against involvement of the Central to reshape the Gosford CBD, campaigning application for the Coast Mariners Football Club and started by the former an Gosford Council, is being importation of 140,000 cubic in the running of Gosford’s taken to its next stage by the metres of Excavated Natural Central Coast Stadium. Material (ENM) to the Rindean Central Coast Council. Quarry at ... Interim amalgamated Development Control and Local Environmental Plans being prepared

Central Coast Tourism required to submit an Expression of Interest if it wants to continue

Extended deadline for council audit does not imply anything untoward

The Central Coast Council is moving to standardise planning and development controls across the whole region before the next local government election in September 2017.

The long-awaited shake up of tourism management on the Central Coast has commenced, with Central Coast Tourism being told it will have to submit an Expression of Interest ...

The Central Coast Council has applied to the NSW Office of Local Government for an extended deadline to audit the former Gosford Council’s accounts for the period July 1, 2015 to May 12, 2016

Minister to discuss the importance of an infrastructure plan for the region

Submissions sought for driver education enquiry

NBN satisfaction survey shows mixed results

The NSW Minister for Planning, Mr Rob Stokes, will be asked to meet with Central Coast Council to discuss the importance of an infrastructure plan for the region and will be...

Federal Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch announced the Stay Safe Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety has agreed to hold a public enquiry into “Driver Education” including ...

An independent audit of consumer experiences with the National Broadband Network on the Central Coast has turned up mixed preliminary results.

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.

Forum Residents in shock and disbelief over council decision

P16 P1 16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

he residents of Toukley East are in shock and disbelief that the Central Coast Council has approved the development of a service station at 356 to 358 Main Rd.

We intend to boycott the service station and fight the development in any way we can. I was surprised at the hypocrisy shown by the Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, when he approved high rise on the Beachcomber site and lectured on how many residents needed to be housed here over the next 20 years. He then took away potential residential by approving a service station to be built on land earmarked for residences on top of shops. The development was approved despite there still being numerous mistakes and misstatements in the development application that were not dealt with. An acoustic fence was required for the residents

Forum 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

at the back, but nothing for the adjacent shop top residences. How can council allow car doors slamming under bedroom windows 17 hours a day? The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act states there should be no visual or acoustic impact on adjacent properties. The bus stop is to be moved from the centre of town, but to where?

Does the town lose its bus stop or will it be placed in a No Stopping zone? How powerful is this Stevens Group that council is bending all these rules to accommodate them? Council is going against its own planning strategy and objectives, against all the area’s residents and ruining a village shopping centre. The development will create havoc with the traffic, parking and pedestrians, and will take employment out of the area. I hope Wyong Regional Chronicle can get some answers from the Stephens Group and Council. Email, Dec 1, 2016 Robert Nardi, East Toukley

Civil Liberties and genuine Free Speech are being undermined

High speed crash at Charmhaven olice investigations are continuing after a high speed crash on the Central Coast.

At about 11pm on December 2, police were conducting a traffic stop on the northbound side of the Pacific Hwy at Charmhaven, when they observed a car travelling south at high speed. Police returned to their vehicle and turned to follow the car when a second south-bound vehicle, a Holden Commodore alleged to be travelling about 150km/h,

narrowly missed the police car before it and a Toyota Corolla collided. The 17 year old driver of the Commodore suffered a leg injury, while his 16 year old male passenger suffered soreness. The driver of the Toyota, a 29 year old pregnant woman, suffered

minor facial injuries and soreness. All three were taken to John Hunter Hospital. Investigations by Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command are continuing and police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Media release, Dec 3, 2016 NSW Police Media

Missing bushwalker no longer missing he 21 year old bushwalker who went missing in Olney State Forest was found at around 11:00am on Monday, December 5.

At around 7:15pm on December 4, officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command attended the forest following reports of the missing bushwalker. Initial inquires have led officers to believe the 21 year old was camping with family when he failed to return from a

bushwalk. A search involving the Westpac Helicopter, the Dog Unit and local police ensued, however the man was not located. Concerns were held for the man’s welfare as he suffers a medical

condition. The State Emergency Service, the Volunteer Rescue Association and Pol Air joined the search on December 5 and the walker was located Monday morning. Media release, Dec 5, 2016 NSW Police Media

he dangers are clear to everyone except a few activist fanatics.

Recently young students were silenced by enormous financial threats when they merely pointed out they were being discriminated against at Queensland University. It was done by a bureaucrat appointed to protect them from unfair discrimination. Newcastle University, including the Central Coast Campus, has been

Forum

in the Fair Work Court for bullying staff and students. Our Civil Liberties and genuine Free Speech are being undermined by bureaucrats and politicians who don’t always practise what they preach. Anyone who cares about Australia’s future

should contact Central Coast Politics in the Pub. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at The Wyoming Grange Hotel. We gather for a meal and chat at 6:00pm and the Forum starts at 7:00pm. Email, Nov 22, 2016 Norman Hanscombe, Ourimbah

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

Fatal crash on Motorway Link Road olice are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash on the Motorway Link Road on Friday, December 2.

At about 1:00pm, a Rav 4 was travelling west along Motorway Link Road and a Lexus sedan was travelling in an easterly direction, when the two vehicles collided. Emergency services and NSW Ambulance Paramedics assisted the driver of the Rav 4, however, the 75-year-old

man died at the scene. He was the only occupant of the vehicle. The 56-year-old man driving the Lexus sedan and a 31-year-old female passenger were taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were at the scene and were investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. A report was to be prepared for the Coroner. Media release, Dec 2, 2016 NSW Police media

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P17 7

Road fatality at Mannering Park

Body of a man located in vacant block at Tuggerawong

OnTheBeat

nvestigations are continuing after the body of a man was located in a vacant block at Tuggerawong. old A number of people have come forward to police However detectives would like to hear from anyone else with information about the incident No further information is available at this stage

At about 7:20am December 3 police were called to Tuggerawong Rd Tuggerawong following reports that the body of man was located in a vacant block A crime scene has been established and police are treating the incident as suspicious While the man is yet to be formally identified he is believed to be 42 years

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on

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

Med a re ease Dec 3 2016 NSW Po ce Med a The crash s e Pho o Cen ra Coas Rescue Squad

Fifth male charged over Charrmhaven brawl man has been extradited and charged in relation to a brawl in Charmhaven in November, during which a man had part of his ear bitten off.

About 10:00pm on Saturday November 12 emergency services were called to a licensed premise on the Pacific Highway Charmhaven following reports of people brawling When police arrived a group of people allegedly became aggressive towards the officers but the group was subdued with O/C spray As a result of the incident five people were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics including a 28-year-old man who had the upper part of his ear bitten off during the incident

The man was taken to Wyong Hospital for further treatment A 44-year-old female security guard who attempted to intervene in the brawl was also taken to Wyong Hospital after suffering injuries to her ribs and ankle Detectives from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command commenced inquiries and on November 24 a warrant was issued for a 26-year-old man He was subsequently arrested in Virginia Northern Territory and

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Edition 405

Chamber opposes Bullion St carpark sale own parking that could become inaccessible if the carpark was sold and developed right to its boundary with the existing West St buildings. Business owners in the area were not notified by council prior to the Expressions of Interest being called. Because the land is classified as “operational”, the council did not have to consult the community before it decided to sell it. The diversion of delivery vehicles to West St from the “informal” laneway at the boundary of the Bullion St land would be a traffic nightmare for Umina Town Centre, according to the Chamber. Edition 402 “It would be like telling Umina shoppers the council was going to put paid parking metres in; there will be a worse revolt than the Ettalong boarding house proposal,” Mr Wales said. The Gosford Council did hold discussions with the Peninsula Chamber in 2014 about the future The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is concerned businesses with rear access of the Umina Town Centre. to the Bullion St Carpark could suffer if the land is sold and developed “We did say that the Bullion St Carpark was important to the new land owner with the ability to town centre and held prospects for that sufficient public parking today. “I won’t stand by and see Umina charge for the parking if it obtains is provided on the land for the future development for community lose 160 parking spaces,” Mr permission to do so from council. community of Umina. benefit but at no time did we agree “The owner may request to its wholesale sale,” Mr Wales “…parking for 160 motor Wales said. He said the covenant, in its permission to charge for public said. vehicles must be made available on the land at no charge to current form, could see the carpark parking and council will not “Umina is unique and successful members of the public between closed for up to two years and that unreasonably withhold or refuse because of Bullion St. 7am and 9pm seven days per would be a reasonably positive permission if a period of at least five “There is no other town centre scenario. years has elapsed since the date in the former Gosford local week,” the covenant said. “What if a developer acquired of the final occupation certificate government area that has a grid However, the first flaw in the covenant, according to Mr Wales, the land, commenced construction for the most recent development system to give traffic access to and of the land and the land has been from the town centre, the offers was that it allowed for reduced and then went broke? “I don’t believe it is possible for developed in excess of 50 per cent kerbside parking and the parking public parking during construction. “Where the owner undertakes the developer to substitute 160 car of the maximum intensity allowable in Bullion St with its direct links to construction for a development, spaces in another location for the under the zoning for the land,” the businesses. covenant said. the owner may reduce the duration of a development. “Then we have excellent public “The land cannot be developed The final flaw was that existing transport in the form of buses so parking available on the land to the members of the public to in the way council is proposing West St businesses that back on if you play around with that mix of assist in the construction of the because it cannot guarantee the to the Bullion St carpark could loseTheunique circumstances you couldmember Mr Ian Bull wrote. Central Coast Council’s development where it obtains community would not lose its their rear access if Bullion St was ruin the town centre. “We had hoped that the recently Local Representation parking.” sold and the land developed. permission from council”. “Every other centre has town failed to thatannounced Local Representation Mr Wales said if the Central “At the moment there is noCommittee “From the moment the is suffering retail has aCommittee, comprised of exachieve its aim of problems “ensuring developer gets a construction Coast Council wanted to continue formal roadway; the existing shortage councillors, would restore of parking. within the certificate until completion of the with the proposed sale of the laneway forms part of the propertyall communities “We did not spend a decadeinteraction with Council,” Mr Bull LGA have a voice”, development, the car parking is Bullion St land it would need to that runs right up to the back of thenewencouraging businesses to comesaid. lost to the town centre and that provide Umina Town Centre with businesses,” he said. according the Mr “Unfortunately our hopes to Uminaanto article see it in ruined,’ Mr Wales said several ofnewsletter would be devastating to the main a multi-storey car park elsewhere of the Wagstaffe have been dashed as it appears Wales said. to guarantee the existing 160 free those existing businesses hadto street of Umina,’ Mr Wales said. 30 Aug 2016our ‘representatives’ have been Killcare Interview, Community “People will make a decision to parking spaces and have capacity development consents that hadAssociation.Matthew Wales, Peninsulacorralled and refused vital lines to provide rear access to their of Commerceof communication such as the go elsewhere to do their shopping for future growth. “The lines ofChamber communication Reporter: Jackie Pearson The second flaw in the current buildings for commercial reasonsthat the residents and it would create the traffic chaos of the Central phones and email addresses that in Umina that Terrigal is faced with positive covenant, according to and for fire egress. Coast have always enjoyed had been previously provided to Mr Wales, was that it provided the Some businesses had theirthrough their representatives, the them as councillors. “They are not permitted to speak councillors, have been closed in contains 71 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info all but name only and will remain to the media either individually that way until the elections, a long or as a group as, in accepting 12 months away,” association appointment to the committee, Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford they were required to sign over

Five Peninsula community parks and reserves have been saved as a result of a concerted community campaign to stop their reclassiﬁcation and sale by Council.

those rights to the all-powerful administrator. “We have been advised by Council that contact with a few committee members is possible via their personal phones and email addresses that can be found at www.wyong.nsw.gov.au (About Council). “Council also advise you can reach the committee by emailing ask@centralcoast. nsw.gov.au or via: www. haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au/. “Regrettably these interpose a level of bureaucracy between you and your ‘representatives’,’ Mr Bull said.

was to be sold as surplus to requirements. The error resulted in a page three article in the last issue of Peninsula News claiming “First proposal submitted for Council land sale site”. Mr Wales said the development application lodged by Mr Bruce Kerr did not relate to land previously owned by the Central Coast Council, as reported in the article. He said Mr Kerr had owned the subject lands for some considerable number of years. The lands to the east of the site, which do not form part of Mr Kerr’s application were operational land

28 November 2016

Newsletter, 7 Sep 2016 Ian Bull, WTKCA

that was recently placed on the market by Central Coast Council as part of the former Gosford Council’s land sale strategy. According to Mr Wales, whose Wales and Associates consultancy prepared the Statement of Environmental Effects that accompanied Mr Kerr’s application, Gosford Council had recorded part of Mr Kerr’s land and the operational land as located at 23 Memorial Avenue. The council subsequently conﬁrmed that Mr Kerr’s land had been incorrectly addressed and was, in fact, located at 19, 21 and 21A Memorial Avenue. Mr Wales said the Council’s

erroneous lot identification had caused Mr Kerr to be criticised for being part of the Central Coast Council’s land sale strategy when, in fact, he had nothing to do with that strategy and was intending to develop land that had been in his possession for some time. Ms Sue Chidgey from Save Central Coast Reserves has been lobbying since September last year for the Council to provide more information about the land sale strategy, including identification of the exact lots listed for potential reclassification and sale. It was months before the former Gosford Council would even agree to identifying the located of

affected land on its website. The exact ownership of some of the community allotments involved in the land sale strategy is still a subject of debate and disagreement between some community groups and council. Central Coast Council was expected to consider a report from staff about the land sale strategy at its September 14 meeting but the issue was deferred to the September 28 meeting, which will be held at the Wyong chamber. The Peninsula News is awaiting answers from council about the identiﬁcation of the allotments. Email, 13 Sep 2016 Matthew Wales, Wales and Associates

THIS ISSUE contains 61 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Edition 404 40 to implement some or all of the strategy but fell short of recommending that the new Council either adopt or abandon the proposed reclassiﬁcation of six sites on the Peninsula. However, after listening to three speakers on the issue, Mr Reynolds said: “In no uncertain terms the community has made its views clear to me and Council. “I know a lot of people are interested in this report and issue because they have been raising it with me on a regular basis since I arrived here in May,” he said. Council had listened to the community and taken decisive action by not implementing the proposed strategy, Mr Reynolds said. He said the community had not only shown a desire to save their reserves but had expressed affection for them. “I see some merit in Council looking at an Adopt a Park Scheme,” Mr Reynolds said. “The environmental assets in the community are important to them and they love them,” he said and requested that the CEO provide a report on an Adopt a Park Scheme in due course. Mr Reynolds then formally resolved to take no further action in relation to resolutions that had been made by Gosford Council to reclassify and sell community land. “This is a clear expression of my views,” Mr Reynolds said as the

The former Gosford Council’s “highly contentious” Land Sale Strategy was abandoned by Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, at an ordinary council meeting on September 28. The “affection” expressed by the community towards their reserves also resulted in Mr Reynolds calling for Central Coast Council staff to explore establishing an Adopt a Park Scheme. Mr City Reynolds said the newlyFrom left: Mr Stephen Clarke, ke, Gosford Town Crier with Central Coast Council Administrator, dministrator, Ian Reynolds mergedMrCentral Coast Council could find more efficiencies and savings in its consolidated budget than the former Gosford Council had access to. He said the economies of scale that could be achieved by the newly-merged Council meant there was “no reason to reclassify and sell” the parcels of community land that had been listed as part of Gosford Council’s “land sale strategy”. A report prepared by the unit Gosford City Town Crier Mr of Champions. ofThethe Chief Executive Officer, Best Cry prize was judged Stephen Clarke of Umina Rob and presented vocal andNoble, word content only. has just returned from the onMr toThis MrisReynolds at the the third time Mr meeting, Clarke 25th National Town Crier suggested Council has attained that the the topnew prize of Championships with three may wishof to reconsiderand whether Champions Champion this first place wins. year he competed against criers The championships were held from Australia and New Zealand. THIS ISSUE contains in Redland Queensland and Mr Mr Clarke has been the official Clarke represented the Central Gosford and Central Coast Town Coast Council. Crier since 1990. Mr Clarke won first prize for the Email, 6 Sep 2016 Best Dressed Crier, first prize for Stephen Clarke, Umina the Best Cry and first for Champion

Town crier ational wins national onships championships

community on installation details. “Council’s initial view was tred around risk management centred and I think the meeting on Friday has satisfied staff that those issues can be managed. Association president Mr Ross The Rawson Rd Level Crossing at Woy Woy The association’s initial Christie stie said the meeting with application had been rejected by Council ncil representatives had been the council. positive. tive. The agreement came after an “We We had a meeting on Friday open letter from the association morning ning and we got a letter of Edition 406 was published in the last edition of approval roval on Friday afternoon for a 17 October 2016 defibrillator on the beachfront,” Mr Peninsula News, The defibrillator will be located Christie stie said. adjacent to the amenities block. “Everybody Everybody is fine and happy Council administrator Mr Ian and negotiations are continuing Reynolds said Council staff and about ut the location of other safety community representatives held a equipment,” pment,” he said. meeting on the morning of Friday, “Unfortunately Unfortunately we needed a October 21, at the waterfront. public ic campaign to move things “I had signalled my intention to alongg a bit,” Mr Christie said in decision not take review the did decision and cognisance staff met relation tion to the Central Coast of the current state of defi brillator with representatives Progress Council’s ncil’s initial refusal. technology. on Friday at Pearl Association Interview, Oct 24, 2016 “They specifisaid. cally designed Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Beach,” Mr are Reynolds The man responsible for for public access andontoabesuitable used by “We have agreed Interview, Oct 24, 2016 securing Liberal Government untrained said. he Ross Christie, Pearl Beach location forpeople,” the defihebrillator,” GosfordRd The State S Government has an extra $7 million towards the Council, fundingpreviously for the the Rawson Progress Association said.“The embedded system avoids abandoned the Rawson Rd council’s proposed upgrade of the Council. level crossing replacement Reporter: Jackie Pearson aband misuse andliaise danger to with operators “Staff will further the “In other words, they are not level crossing replacement level crossing,” said Mr Gay. project, former Member for and defibrillators are being rolled “This increased the overall state owned or managed roads,” project. projec out in public reserves around Gosford Mr Chris Holstein, said. Minister for Roads, Maritime commitment of the New South hehas Minis Australia.” on New the South State “Sincecalled 2011, the and Fr Freight, Mr Duncan Gay, Wales Government at this location Mr Christie said the drowning Government to justify announced the decision in answer to $52 million because a total of Wales Government has committed announ of five-year-old Chayce Kelly at abandoning the project. a question quest from Mr Walt Secord in $45 million had been committed more than $36 million in grant Pearl Beach in 2014 had “triggered Mr Holstein, now chair of the the Legislative Council on October towards a pedestrian and road funding to Gosford City Council for Leg a whole lot of beach safety issues Coast Task Force, said solution at the level crossing. theCentral upgrade and repair of council 20. including rescue tubes and angel the Government needed “Unsurprisingly, the cost owned and managed roads.to justify According to Mr Gay, the Acco rings or life buoys as they used to “canning” the to project just cent days “This is equal a 27 per overpass overpas project would now cost estimate to achieve a solution be called. after Premier Mikegrant Bairdfunding declared in the the NS NSW Government a total of at the level crossing increased increase “I have offered to meet with the state tohad billions of spent dollarsinfor what Labor between betwee $80 million and $115 from $52 million, which increased compared council and bring a new-generation from the original $30 million, to itsinfrastructure. last term of Government. million. defibrillator with me so they could “I amNew seekingSouth to remind “The Walesthe The NSW Government originally be between $80 million and $115 see it has been designed for public NSW Government that you Government also spentwhen $178 promised promise $30 million towards the million. access,” he said. make aupgrading commitmentthe you West honour “Following the cost estimate million replacement of the crossing in replace “We have already had training it and here is a fine to example of a interchange address 2011 as a major component of Mr increase, I wrote to the council Gosford for about 50-60 people in the commitment that c demandthat on was the made Central Chris H Holstein’s campaign to be and advised that no further funding traffi village but you turn it on and a TV is not going to be honoured,” Highway and BrisbaneMr elected as the Liberal Member for would be available for the proposal, Coast screen comes on and tells you Holstein said. which the council admitted it could Water Drive. Gosford. Gosford what to do.” He latter said isthe crossing “The thelevel key State road at Since then, the cost of replacing not possibly afford itself. Sinc There is already a defibrillator South Woy was “one “Taxpayers should not be forced connection to Woy the northern endof ofthe the leve level crossing has been revised located at the Pearl Beach shop most used level railway crossings to foot an even larger bill.” Woy Woy and this upgrade was upward on several occasions. but public access is limited to the in NSW”. Mr Gay said the Government open to traffic in 2015,” Mr Gay The level crossing replacement shop’s opening hours. “For 40 years politicians, council project has been at a standstill had no responsibility for the roads said. “I think they’ve got some and residents have20 Oct talked Hansard, 2016 of since the completion of the involved. misplaced concept of liability improvingDuncan the road at Minister Bulls Hillfor and Gay, “Woy Woy Rd and Rawson Rd pedestrian but there is no case law about pedestr underpass in 2015. removing theMaritime unsafe rail Roads, andcrossing,” Freight anybody ever getting into trouble At tthe opening of the new are regional roads under the care he said. Reporter: Jackie Pearson by attempting to save a life.” pedestrian pedestr underpass, I committed and control of the Central Coast More on level crossing Page 13 “There have been - numerous Mr Christie said the progress times, due to incidents at the association THIS wantedISSUE the equipment crossing, accidents on Woy Woy contains ns 52 artic articles cle es - RRead ea d m more or news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info in place before the beginning of the Rd or on Brisbane Water Dve 2016-17 beach season. that traffic has been diverted “It is a very popular spot and Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford and caused traffic chaos on the Peninsula.” very heavily populated. Phone: 4325 7369 According to Mr Holstein, the “I would have thought that on Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 idea of building a flyover was a sunny day 400 to 500 people E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net explored in the 1990s but the would be on Pearl Beach.” Website: www.centralcoastnews.net concept was rejected by politicians, Mr Christie said former Gosford council and residents. councillor Mr Bob Ward had “In 2011, based on Gosford agreed to make representations to Council’s estimated costings, I Mr Reynolds. sought funding from the incoming “There is no doubt we are on Liberal Government to address the the right side of history. issue with an expanded underpass “It is just a question of people at the base of Bulls Hill and was waking up to themselves. successful,” Mr Holstein said, “We raised $26,000, and I referring to his campaign for the would say $15,000 came from seat of Gosford in the 2011 NSW medicos and doctors who were election. very supportive of the appeal.” He said he had tried to get the Email, 11 Oct 2016 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach replacement of the crossing on the Progress Association agenda during previous attempts Interview, 12 Oct 2016 to run for parliament but only Ross Christie, Pearl Beach succeeded in the 2011 campaign. Progress Association The level crossing replacement Interview, 12 Oct 2016 was key to his 2011 election David Kennedy, Pearl Beach platform. Safety Advisory Group

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Central Coast Council has made an error that has resulted in a development proposal being confused with land that was part of the Council’s “land sale strategy”, according to planning consultant Mr Matthew Wales. He said a proposal by Mr Bruce Kerr of Woy Woy was listed by council as at 23 Memorial Ave, Blackwall, where in fact it was located at 19, 21 and 21A Memorial Ave. Land at 23 Memorial Ave had been listed by council as councilowned “operational land” which

Edition 407

The Pearl Beach Progress Association will be able to locate a deﬁbrillator on the beachfront, following negotiations with the Central Coast Council.

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Council committee fails, says association

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

31 October 2016

Deﬁbrillator permitted at Pearl Beach

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has come out opposing the proposed sale of Umina’s Bullion St carpark.

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5 September 2016

It could be devastating to West St and the Umina Town Centre, according to Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales. “There will be trafﬁc chaos and businesses will suffer,” Mr Wales said. The Central Coast Council has called for expressions of interest from parties wishing to acquire and develop the land, which is currently zoned B2 for Local Centre. The former Gosford Council placed a covenant over the land before calling for expressions of interest, in an attempt to protect the 160 parking spaces. Mr Wales said the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce intended to seek an urgent meeting with Central Coast Council chief Mr Rob Noble. “We will request that the Council abandons the current expression of interest process and consults with Umina businesses and the community to come up with a positive covenant that works for the town and not just for the Council,” he said. “My view is the current expression of interest, including the positive covenant, is totally inadequate,” Mr Wales said. “Too many people have raised concerns directly with me as president of the Chamber, including business owners, and this current expression of interest fails to protect the interests of business owners and the future viability of West St,” he said. “West St is successful because it has got the Bullion St carpark.” The positive covenant, Mr Wales said, “has fatal ﬂaws”. Gosford Council’s application for the covenant to be placed over the land was made by its Manager of Property and Economic Development Mr Christopher Redman on April 8 under the delegated authority of the then chief Mr Paul Anderson. “It is intended that the land be sold,” Gosford Council’s application for the positive covenant said. “This order is made to ensure

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was extradited to NSW on December 1 He was taken to Botany Bay Police Station where he was charged with two counts of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of affray He was refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on Friday December 2 Four other males had previously been charged by police in relation to the incident

formal resolution was greeted with applause from the public gallery at Wyong’s Council Chamber. The sixth block listed for potential sale on the Peninsula, at 23 Memorial Ave Blackwall, was already classified as operational land. After the meeting, a media statement from Council provided the following clarification on the potential sale of that site: “Irrespective of the land classification of any site, Council carries out a rigorous due diligence process before finalising decisions on whether any parcel will be sold or retained”. According to the statement, that process involves a review, marketing and then the subsequent sale and that will be the process applied to the Blackwall land. The other five Peninsula locations were classified as community land and most were actively used by the local community as reserves and parks. The Peninsula’s parks and reserves that will remain as community land were located at: Brisbane Ave, Umina; 40 and 42 Albion St, Umina; 40,

53 articles - Read more news items

Administrator A Ad Adm dm minist to review brillator refusal Central C Coast Cou Council administrator ra Mr Ian Reyno lds dss Reynolds has called for a review revi of o refuse Council’s Co ouncil’s decision to ref refu r see approval pprovall for a publiclypub accessible cessible ess deﬁ Beach bee installed att Pearl Pea Be Beac ach along long ong with rescue tubes tu an and a d resu resuscitation diagrams. diag

The Pearl Beach Progress gr Association announced sociation announc a ampaign mpaign to raise se fun fund funds too campaign purchase se a defi defibbrillator ator for f the thhe each inn December 2015. 2015 beach The goal was to have a e brillator and rescue tubes ttubes and a d defi scitation diagrams on thee resuscitation chfront ro and at thee rock pool. ppool. beachfront The response esponse sponse to the campaig campaign as so positive ive that the asso ciation ci iation was association as ablee to purchase four fo was d brillators. brillato s defi The he Pearl Beach ch Safe Safety Advisory group Ad sory Group, a working rk gro upp of Pearl Beach residents with w h s nal backgrounds in health health eaa th professional y, was w formed. formed and safety, The Progress Associati Association als also received support from e eceived m the Member Mem Me Membe ber e er for Robertson, Ms Lucy Lu Wicks, cks, who ho organised anised a grant of $8250 $8250 under nder the Stronger Communities Commu Communitie Com s e to house house tthe hous Program for a cabinet efibrillator. brillato rillator. defi Upon pon aapplication, the Co Counc Council ouncil for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info declined clined ned too allow the devices device to ailable ab to the public publicc at be made available earl Beach beachfront beachf rock ck the Pearl or roc Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford oo pool. Phone: 4325 7369 A statement stateme ment from Central Ce al Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 Coast C Council cil on Wednesday, Wednesday Wednesda E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net ob 12, said that Mr Reynolds Reynolds October had received a letter from the thhee Website: www.centralcoastnews.net ass ssociation and had already asked askedd association Council ncil staff to review revie the decision. decision. ecisio Council That review eview is curren curre currently tly derway, way, accor according to the underway, tement. statement. “Council staff aff are more than appy to meet with the association ass associ asso ation ti happy th best possible solution solution to find the community. communit ommunity forr the community.” The statement ement ment entt said Council Coun Cou s Council’s reasons for declining to approve the defibrillator had been outlined in previous correspondence to the progress association. Those reasons included “concerns about damage, vandalism, and equipment being used by untrained people. “The reserve they are talking about putting the equipment in received damage from storms previously and is exposed to impacts of environment,” the statement said.

From F om left: ft: Mr Mr D David Kenny from the Pearl Beach B Safety Advisory Group holds a rescue tube and Mr Ross Christie, President of the Pea Pearl Beach Progress Association, holds a deﬁbrillator Photo: Patrick Everett

However, Pearl H However owever, owev wever, ev Pea Pe eaarl Beach resident Kennedy, Mrr Dave M Daave Kenn K Ken Ke nnnnedy, a Safety Ad Advisor Advisory y Gr G Group upp member and refi pprofessional professiona rofes iona onal fire eefighter for Fire Re Resc escue cue NSW, NSW, sa ssaid aid a the concerns Rescue unwarranted. were unwar unwa warrante anted eddd. He said: said “I hhave undertaken rescues overr 100 10000 re rescue eescue scue uees in the past 14 years professional year ye ears ars as a a prof pro rooffessional council lifeguard. lifeguard life d. example, “As As aann eexamp ex xamp ample, saving a fiveyear-old year-o ear-old oldd girl girl w wa ass made possible was tube, with thh a rrescue rescue tu tub be, and we need equipme on ou equipment oour ur beach to save lives.” lives Since movingg to Pearl Beach about o a year ago, o,, Mr Kennedy, who CPR iss a qualified qualifified C CP PR trainer, offered community too train communi commu comm mmuni munity i members as a supporting way off supportin portin orting ti the association’s beach ssafety afet initiatives. Mr Kennedy said he had no concerns about the defibrillators being used by untrained individuals. “It is quite the opposite. They are designed for use by members of the public,” he said. Kennedy, According to Mr Kennedy Mosman Council had four defibrillators located at Balmoral Beach. “They are public access devices that have been used twice and both people were bought back to

life aas a result.” The positive result was achieved T because members of the public beca were able to use the defibrillators on tthe cardiac arrest victims within the first five minutes of the attack. They still dialled 000 but did not T have to wait the 10 or more minutes for tthe paramedics to arrive. “It is common knowledge that “I a person’s survival chances are p redu reduced by 10 per cent for every minute lost before resuscitation min beg begins,” Mr Kennedy said. “If we can get that defibrillator on “I them during the first five minutes thei chances of survival shoot their through the roof,” he said. thro The Pearl Beach Progress T Association has organised for their Ass defibrillators to be monitored by an alarm alar company, in an attempt to app appease Council’s concerns. A Anyone needing to use the device dev will have to call the alarm company first to receive a security com code. code “T “The user will need to call 000 then press the button on the device and basically they will get someone talking to them who gives them the code. “You will start seeing defibrillators in train stations, shopping centres and other public

places. “That is already happening in Europe,” he said. In an open letter to Mr Reynolds, Pearl Beach Progress Association president Mr Ross Christie said the Council had placed impediments in the way of improving safety at Pearl Beach. “I note that the Central Coast Council has: failed to respond to the report of the Coroner on the drowning of Chayce Kelly; refused permission for the Pearl Beach Progress Association, at its expense, to establish a deﬁbrillator unit on the foreshore; failed to reply to a June 20 letter appealing against the decision of Council not to allow the Pearl beach Progress Association, again at its expense, to place rescue tubes and resuscitation charts on the beach and near the rockpool; and not responded to repeated requests to meet with you to discuss this matter,” Mr Christie said. “I trust that my ﬁle which evidences unreasonable impediments to improving beach safety at Pearl Beach never has to be tendered to the Coroner as evidence at some time in the future,” he said. Mr Christie said Council’s

Media statement, 12 Oct 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Reporter: Jackie Pearson

THIS ISSUE contains 58 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

Government evel Another major bank abandons level Holstein questions level crossing project crossing decision withdraws from Umina 14 November 2016

The Westpac branch in West St, Umina, and (inset) the notice in the window announcing the closure

use that road are coming from the

“In the meantime, we encourage huge. street. “It’s very inconvenient for me as “The departure of Westpac customers to visit the branch to get will leave Umina with only the a free demonstration from staff on a vehicle owner to have to make Commonwealth Bank and we how to use online banking and the the drive to Woy Woy and deal with the traffic in the area just to do my now have grave concerns as to its ATM if they wish. “Customers can also still access banking,” Mr White said. that the Umina branch will close future in the main street,” Mr Wales solutions. The Umina Westpac Bank “So how inconvenient will it be free face-to-face banking services in December, with all Peninsula said. “We have a Stateon Member. Branch will close its doors Mr Wales also said this was not at the Umina Australia Post office for pensioners who rely on public banking And then we operations being shifted to December haven’t 9, dueseen to her. steadily the Woy Woy branch in Blackwall the first time Westpac had let down including the depositing of cash transport to get around or who a Chamber of Commerce declining have numbers in over-the customers in Umina, having closed or cheques, cash withdrawals and can’t use technology to do their that wants to play a blame Rd. game. -counter transactions. banking? “Unfortunately, I find it the Umina St George Bank branch balance enquiries.” “Council should be asking “Fewer customers are visiting “I use a passbook. Mr Wales said: “It is the height increasingly typical of the big when they took over the company the government questions bu our branches these days, as “I don’t own a credit card so of arrogance to suggest that we haven’t got any banks electedthat they seem to know best in 2008. more and more people choose to representatives to do that because “When Westpac took over St an automatic teller machine is I’m reliant on over-the-counter when it comes to customer service use digital banking channels like we are in administration. in main street shopping strips,” he George, it subsequently closed the sufficient for local customers transactions to do my banking. mobile banking, internet banking “This issue has got said. to be “How many other people on the Umina branch, stripping the main in what has become one of the and smart answered. ATMs,” said Westpac According to Mr Wales, street of front line banking services busiest main street retail centres Peninsula are in this situation too? Group spokesperson Ms Lucy “It hasn’t been answered in my made the decision to and forcing St George customers on the Central Coast. “It seems like Westpac just Westpac Wilson. mind, and the people who should “I can only hope that Westpac doesn’t care about its Umina close their Umina branch following to go to Woy Woy to do their “With be asking over-the-counter for answers are no that found the branch banking. customers will shift their accounts customers. a review transactionsdoing accounting for so.” “The Umina Branch staff are “Westpac assured the local to the Commonwealth Bank and lacked sufficient customer support less than fiveMrper cent said of total Holstein that thetoforme justify keeping a shop front business community that they keep local dollars in Umina,” Mr very friendly and nice but the transactions, we areforclosing the Mr Chris Member Terrigal, closure seems to be more about would maintain a presence in Wales concluded. presence. Umina branch and merging it with Harcher, had acknowledged in my view that once again Umina. Westpac did not state whether lining Westpac’s profits then “It is another Westpac branch Woy crossing 2011 that the atrailway “Now years later they are pulling or not Umina branch staff members customer service,” Mr White said. the big banks are putting profits Woy,” the spokesperson replacement said. would benefi t theof local services as a way of the same stunt and forcing Umina would be redeployed or made Media release, 19 Nov 2016 ahead Peninsula of people Chamber of the Terrigal electorate. Matthew Wales, Peninsula adding to the billions of dollars they customers to travel into Woy Woy redundant. Commerce president In termsMr of Matthew whether funds pu Chamber of Commerce Ettalong resident Mr David to do their banking again.” already rake in from customers. Wales said theby the decision was aside NSW Government fo Interview and documents, Ms Wilson said that Westpac’s White, who has been banking “That’s all very good if you are 21 Nov 2016 corporate greed by one ofrail thecrossing big the abandoned should a Westpac shareholder but the decision to close the branch was with Westpac Umina for over 20 David White, Ettalong four banks.be reallocated to other Peninsula years, said the implications the closure will leave Umina with one not made lightly. Interview, 21 Nov 2016 projects, “I am sick and as tiredsuggested of the by the “The Westpac ATM at Umina branch closure would have on the less bank, a vacant shop and the Lucy Wilson, Westpac Group Chamber big banks’ local attitude to local of retailCommerce Peninsula’s aged population were loss of a dozen jobs in the main will remain in place. Reporter: Dilon Luke Mr Holstein said: “I by am sure the centres and this decision projects Matthew Wales talks A northbound train approaches the level crossing at Woy Woy about are worthy but why does 60 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info THIS ISSUEtoo,contains The recent announcement by Mr Holstein has been criticised “Over two decades, the railway ilway he think the issue at the bottom o veral Bulls Hill has gone away?” for grossly under-estimating the the Minister for Roads, Maritime crossing has caused several rous. cost of the project from the outset and Freight, Mr Duncan Gay, incidents and has been dangerous. Local Liberal Members o Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford as progress drew to a standstill that no further funding would be “Who from Council, our State Parliament were not answering M Phone: 4325 7369 available for the project, begged Members or the Chamberr of Holstein’s questions last week. during the past year. Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 Mr Holstein said State Members more questions than it answered, Commerce has been askingg the Member for Terrigal Mr Adam ustify Crouch said that, because Rawson of Parliament were not responsible Mr Holstein said. Government for costings to justify E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net “Is there still a need to improve its decision? for the in-depth costing of major Rd was not in his electorate Website: www.centralcoastnews.net the road and remove the rail infrastructure projects. “Is somebody playing withh the he would leave comment to the ost of Parliamentary Secretary for the “We were in Opposition and crossing? figures and saying the full cost “Why, after five years of the closure of the railway line ne at Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald could not get any proper costings from Railways or the department investigation and studies, which any given time is the cost off that A statement from M and Council’s costings said very saw commencement, is it only now one project?” MacDonald’s office said: “The clearly they would need to be that the project is not worth it? Mr Holstein said he did not Minister has answered these “Why is the Peninsula Chamber know why the project had been questions at length. reviewed and investigated along with the scope of the project,” he of Commerce running the blame abandoned. “We have nothing further to game rather than getting answers se of add.” said. “I don’t know if it is because at of “There was a review of costings from the Government? inflated costs, or that the seat Media release, 7 Nov 2016 Interview, 8 Nov 201 “Many more questions should Gosford is held by a member er in after the 2011 election and the Chris Holstein, Centra scope of the project was reduced, be asked and answered but if Opposition.” Coast Task Force er for and we decided we would look at it the answer to the first question is Mr Holstein said the Member Email, 8 Nov 2016 hould yes – that the improvements are Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, should in stages,” he said. Debra Wales Wales, Office Offi fice o “For the next five years, studies needed and people’s safety is still also be asking questions of the Adam Crouch were done, plans drawn, revised a concern – then why doesn’t the Government. Email, 8 Nov 2016 funding was approved and works Peninsula deserve it?” Mr Holstein “The majority of people, apart Chris Sullivan, Office o asked. commenced.” from Peninsula residents, that Scot MacDonald Westpac reinforces my view that Another of the big offour bankshe said. electorate Terrigal,” the big in Umina willMrclose itssaid branch Holstein he believed thebanks are out of touch with local communities,” Mr Wales said. before Christmas this year, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce “The Westpac regional manager was one also major “throwing up a smoke leaving just bank Mr Adam Wilson has confirmed branch inscreen” Umina.instead of working on

Reporter: Jackie Pearson

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37 year old man involved in a two vehicle collision on Rutleys Rd, Mannering Park, has died from his injuries.

At around 6:30am on November 28 emergency services were called to Rutleys Rd after a crash involving a Holden Jackaroo and an Isuzu truck The deceased who was driving the Jackaroo became trapped in his vehicle following the incident Upon being freed

from his vehicle the man was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries The driver of the truck a 53 year old man was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing Officers from

Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command established a crime scene and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash A report will be prepared for the Coroner Webs e Nov 28 2016 Cen ra Coas Inc den A er s

Woman airlifted after being injured by a horse at Yarramalong he Westpac Rescue Helicopter airlifted a woman suffering chest and rib injuries at Yarramalong to John Hunter Hospital, after an incident involving a horse.

Reports indicate the 48 year old woman sustained her injuries after she was crushed between a fence and her horse

The woman was treated at the scene before being airlifted in a stable condition

Med a re ease Dec 5 2016 Wes pac Rescue He cop er Med a

Health

P16 P1 16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Gorokan Day Centre renovations complete

Legal requirements make it difficult for tenant Tumbi Umbi man living with disabilities is facing homelessness due to the inflexibility of the Central Coast rental market.

A The newly renovated Day Centre at Gorokan

enovations to the Delphis Australia Gorokan Day Centre have been completed.

“The transformation is stunning and offers a beautiful place of tranquillity, safety and comfort,” said Ms Kylie Scott from Delphis. “The new space comes complete with a sensory garden which will be completed in the New Year,” Ms Scott said.

Delphis has acknowledged the support and financial assistance from the NSW Government through the Community Building Partnerships grants program and the Central Coast Council through its Community Building Fund.

The Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel allowed Delphis to use some of their space so it could continue to operate during the renovations. Newsletter, Nov 24, 2016 Kylie Scott, Delphis

96 per cent of cervical cancers could be prevented by Pap tests pproximately 20,000 women in the Wyong region are overdue for a Pap test, despite having access to the test which can significantly reduce their chance of developing cervical cancer, according to the Cancer Institute NSW.

Data from the Cancer Council shows cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in women, with about 800 Australian women diagnosed every year. The Cancer Council says women should start having Pap tests every two years from 18-20, or one to two years after becoming sexually active. Professor David Currow, NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, said women should not become complacent when it comes to Pap tests.

“These days, women are less likely to know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, so they may not feel they are at risk. “In fact, five women still get diagnosed with cervical cancer every week in NSW, yet 96 per cent of cervical cancers could be prevented by regular screening.” The Australian government is preparing to implement recommendations from the Medical Services Advisory Committee that a primary human papillomavirus test, the Cervical Screening

Test, should replace the current Pap test for cervical screening, which Professor Currow urges women not to wait for to get a Pap test. “It is important women don’t wait for the new screening program out of a belief that it might be a different procedure. “The changes are primarily what is tested for and how it is diagnosed in the lab, rather than a change to how doctors take the sample of cells from the cervix.” Media release, Nov 9, 2016 David Currow, Cancer Institute NSW

Mr Michael Goebel, a 58 year old man living with severe medical conditions, has been forced to move in with his elderly parents after the real estate agency he formerly rented through imposed new conditions on his tenancy. According to Mr Goebel, the agency required him to pay for public liability insurance, as Mr Goebel is a retired electronics engineer who occasionally undertook small repair jobs for clients and friends. Unable to afford these additional expenses, Mr Goebel left his previous residence and workshop and now faces the risk of losing his beloved collection of tools, as he cannot store them all at his parents’ home or afford to keep them in a secure storage facility in the long term. The prospect of losing his collection is devastating to Mr Goebel, who was a prominent and successful engineer in Australia’s manufacturing industry prior to his health issues. Mr Goebel’s engineering accomplishments include building the world’s most powerful stereo power amplifier, designed and built medical units based on Rife Therapy for Electromed Australia, and worked as the head researcher and designer for Aalborg Industries first Oil/Gas Burner Research Facility. Despite his achievements in the field, Mr Goebel’s health cut his career short with an extensive list of conditions preventing him from working at even a part time capacity. “I have had two heart attacks, suffer from diverticulosis, kidney and bladder issues,

Staphylococcus, blocked arteries and cancer,” Mr Goebel said. These medical conditions have forced Mr Goebel to live off the disability pension, which has caused Mr Goebel considerable trouble finding suitable long term housing capable of doubling as a workshop. Mr Goebel said he could not handle losing his tools for a second time, having already had to send one workshop’s worth of equipment to the tip after being displaced from a previous tenancy. “I have been in repairs and engineering all my life. “It is my passion and it is all I know how to do. “But because I need a small space for my workshop, I am facing homelessness. “I cannot do anything for anyone. “I feel useless. “I have considered suicide. “There are many jobs I could be doing, but with every passing day, I’m letting people down, all because I cannot afford a space for myself and my workshop on a disability pension,” Mr Goebel said. Mr Goebel said he had reached out to the Department of Housing, Housing Pathways, Emergency Housing Assistance and Centrelink, with none of these organisations being able to provide a suitable space. Mr Goebel said these organisations had offered emergency housing, but when he mentioned his workshop, they said they could not assist. “All I’ve ever wanted since I was a child, was a shed or a space to do my thing. “After 50 years, I have

still not managed to get one. “I don’t need a flash house or apartment, just a shed or garage, that’s all, but the real estate agencies and the NSW rental market make that impossible for me,” Mr Goebel said. According to Mr Goebel, his situation is not uncommon for aged or disabled engineers and manufacturing workers who have a lifetime of equipment with seemingly no way to store it. “All I want to do is just continue helping people with their electronic needs,” he said. “I cannot run a proper ‘business’ as my health is simply not up to it, plus I cannot, in all good conscience, charge the kind of money that is required to keep a business going. “I help others and they help me. “I am not out to make money, I just want to continue to be able to use my abilities, but wherever one goes on the Central Coast, one is expected to pay dearly. “Local manufacturing and factories everywhere are suffering because Australian labour seems to be too expensive, so everything is preferentially outsourced to other countries. “I have been evicted time and time again, never because of problems in paying or anything like that, but because it is apparently frowned upon to have somewhere to live and have a hobby. “It is all I have left,” Mr Goebel said. Interview, Dec 3, 2016 Michael Goebel, Tumbi Umbi Dilon Luke, Journalist

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P19 9

Health

Walk A Mile Koori Style well supported

The Entrance Walk A Mile Kooir Style White Ribbon Day march against domestic violence

A hand shake and a promise to stop domestic violence

hite Ribbon Day is over for another year, but Central Coast community,” he said. “Importantly, however, Walk A Mile Koori Style has urged the Central Coast it should not end there. community to stand up against the issue of domestic violence “It is essential that we every day of the year.

Central Coast Walk A Mile Koori Style is a unique initiative which has been spearheaded by the Central Coast’s Aboriginal community and involves local Aboriginal men and youth speaking out against Domestic Violence. The organisation, in partnership with the White Ribbon Committee, was responsible for organising a march at The Entrance on Friday, November 25, which, in conjunction

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with White Ribbon supporters, saw hundreds of Aboriginal and nonAboriginal community members step out to walk in solidarity against domestic violence. Coordinator of the initiative, Mr Chris George, said that the event’s impressive turnout was testimony to the Central Coast community’s desire to stand up against the issue of domestic violence.

“Central Coast Walk A Mile Koori Style is a movement which gives a voice to members of the Central Coast’s Aboriginal community to send a very clear message – violence against women is never okay,” Mr George said. “We were proud to see so many community members join us to march to help spread this message and create real change for our

continue the conversation around domestic violence on the Central Coast, particularly amongst members of the Aboriginal community. “By encouraging Aboriginal men of our community to speak out, we are helping to get this message out there, break negative stereotypes and change perceptions,” he said. Central Coast Walk A Mile Koori Style garnered significant

support from the Aboriginal community on the Central Coast, with organisations such as Bungree Aboriginal Association, The Glen, Yerin Aboriginal Health Services and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council backing the campaign. “We are proud to see so many community members and organisations taking part in this initiative. “We’ve had many

great men lend their voice to Central Coast Walk A Mile Koori Style to date, ranging from footy legends, Aboriginal community leaders, CEOs and local youth. “It is our hope that other boys and men will see their role models speaking out against domestic violence and be inspired to do the same,” he said. Media release, Nov 5, 2016 Alison Orren, Brilliant Logic

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Education

P20 P2 20 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

The Entrance Year 12 students for 2017 all set to go

Primary Citizenship Awards issued

A Rotary Primary Citizenship Award recipients

he Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley held its 2016 Primary Citizenship Awards on November 30.

Students from 18 private and public schools received awards to add to the ranks of the 500-plus who have been awarded by the Rotary Club over the 18 years it has been running.

Guest presenters for the evening included the NSW Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, and Raylee and Gavon McLeod from McDonalds Family Choirs. W a r n e r v a l e

Choir provided entertainment

the

Newsletter, Dec 3, 2016 Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley

s the 2016 HSC exams ended, The Entrance Senior Campus of the Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College was settling in its new cohort of Year 12 students for 2017.

“We started with an orientation day packed with information regarding support services, assessment tasks, illness and misadventure, and technology for the future,” said Year 12 Advisor, Ms Karen Taylor. “The highlight was no doubt a battle of the sexes that was convincingly won by the boys. “On November 3 we acknowledged our top performers in sport, academic achievement and attendance, at our preliminary academic assembly,” Ms Taylor

said. “Students were also addressed by Associate Professor, Mike Bowyer, from the University of Newcastle, who spoke about career options and technology for the future,” she said. According to Ms Taylor, the battle of the sexes challenge involved girls competing against boys in challenges such as apple bobbing, mummy wrap, egg roulette and marble search. “Both staff and students enjoyed the session, especially the high pitched scream challenge which was

easily taken out by the boys.” Year 12 students will be competing in the Raw Challenge Mud Run on December 6. “This day is planned to help build positive relationships as students begin their HSC year, and to push them out of their comfort zone to prove what they are capable of achieving when they help each other out,” she said. Newsletter, Nov 22, 2016 Karen Taylor, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance Senior Campus

Students cater for Senior Citizens’ lunch ach year Hospitality and Music students from The Entrance campus of the Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College have the opportunity to cater for the Long Jetty Senior Citizens’ Melbourne Cup Lunch.

Warnervale Public School choir

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

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

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

This community link has been established for a number of years and the students are able to showcase their

employability skills in a simulated environment. This year 21 students participated in the event.

Newsletter, Nov 22, 2016 Sam Thomas, The Entrance Campus, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

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.

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P21 1

Students in Guinness Book of Records

Education

College selected as recipient of Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship

tudents from Gorokan Public School, Northlakes High School, Warnervale Public School and Wyong Public School went into the Guinness Book of Records as a result of their participation in the 2016 Schools Spectacular.

The local students performed their way into the Guinness World Record Books, certified by the global authority, on record breaking as achieving the title of The Largest Amateur Variety Act. The biggest-ever Schools Spectacular cast spontaneously erupted into applause when

the Guinness Records representative announced that the record had been attained. The Schools Spectacular is an annual event, which showcases the talent in NSW public schools and features a variety of acts including a choir, symphony orchestra, stage band and solo performers.

2016 is the event’s biggest year yet with 5,500 students performing, and to mark the occasion, the Department of Education arranged the Official Guinness World Records attempt. Media release, Nov 25, 2016 Grant Hatch, NSW Education Department

It can’t get any better at KU Ourimbah Preschool U Ourimbah Preschool and Children’s Centre has been rated in the top 1 per cent of early education services in the country by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

The centre’s recent Excellent rating under the early education National and recognises the exemplary program and strong relationships that exist between the centre’s staff, children, families and community. “We are incredibly proud of our centre and it is great to see that our commitment to improving outcomes for children and families has been formally recognised,” said KU Ourimbah Director, Ms Rosanne Pugh. In awarding the Excellent rating, ACECQA recognised KU Ourimbah’s ecologically sustainable curriculum, which involves the children spending

regular periods of play in the nearby forest surroundings. “The natural world is a place of awe, of fragility and resilience, which the children experience and seek to understand. “To be hands on and delight in nature gives children the opportunity to wonder about it, to care for it, and to look after it,” Ms Pugh said. In its assessment, ACECQA also acknowledged KU Ourimbah’s collaborative partnerships with professional and community groups in researching local biodiversity. “This is a fantastic achievement, and a welldeserved recognition of

the time and effort put in by the staff at KU Ourimbah. “We are delighted to see this wonderful team of early childhood professionals recognised for their sustained engagement with their local community to benefit young children and their families,” said KU Children’s Services Chief Executive Officer, Ms Christine Legg. By receiving the Excellent rating, KU Ourimbah becomes one of only 11 services in NSW to reach the highest possible standard. Media release, Nov 23, 2016 Haydn Murray, KU Children’s Services

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Mr Scot MacDonald with Principal of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance Campus Ms Kirrily Harvey

student from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College will take part in a trip to Western Front battlegrounds as part of the 2017 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship.

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, and NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs, Mr David Elliott, have announced that Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College was among 21 schools from around NSW to take part in the 2017 scholarship program. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a student to represent their school and their community,” Mr MacDonald said. “Premier’s scholars will take part in a 12-day tour of the Western Front in Europe, travelling to significant Australian battlefields in Belgium and France,” he said. “They will also take

part in commemoration events in the town of Ypres in Belgium, and pay their respects to the 38,000 Australian soldiers who lost their lives there 100 years ago.” More than 130 Government, Catholic and Independent schools across the state entered the ballot for the scholarship. The 21 successful schools will choose one student to take part. Students from the 21 schools will be asked to prepare a piece of work based on the Centenary of ANZAC. Each school will select one winner to participate in the tour. Mr Elliott said the

tour would bring to life the history of the First World War and offer students new insight into Australia’s wartime history and the birth of the ANZAC legend. “The successful student will join scholars from around NSW and take part in what will likely be one of the most memorable experiences of their school career,” Mr Elliott said. “I look forward to meeting the Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College scholar when the successful students are announced in March next year,” he said. Media release, Dec 1, 2016 Christopher Sullivan, office of Scot MacDonald

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Out&About Invasive Red-eared Slider Turtle found at Berkeley Vale

P22 P2 22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

42,000 squares knitted by Central Coast Wrap with Love groups

entral Coast Wrap with Love groups produced a total of 1,512 wraps in 2016.

Severe cyclones started the distribution process for the emergency relief teams in February and the calls for assistance from far and wide have continued throughout the year. The Wraps are made with 28 knitted or crocheted squares, 25cm in size, sewn together four squares across and

Council’s Noxious Weeds and Pest Species Officer, Mr Paul Marynissen, said the warmer weather means the turtles are on the move. “We have had unconfirmed sightings of Red-eared Sliders from across the Coast, including at Berkeley Vale, Kanwal, Tuggerawong, Hamlyn Terrace and Woongarrah, and now we have proof, with one captured by a keen eyed resident in their backyard in Berkeley Vale,” said Mr Marynissen. “With the weather warming up, all reptiles, including these turtles, are more active and on the move looking for food, so we are more likely to spot them if they are here,” he

added. Council is encouraging the community to keep an eye out for these turtles when they are out enjoying the natural environment, particularly around waterways. “If you spot a turtle in the local environment, look for the distinct red markings over the ears, it’s a sure sign for these aggressive animals,” said Mr Marynissen. “Red-eared Sliders are also distinctive in the way they retract into their shell. “The Red-eared Slider will pull its head straight back into the shell, whereas native turtles have to curve their necks around. “If you spot one of these turtles in or around our local waterways,

please report it to council immediately,” he added. The Red-eared Slider Turtle is one of the world’s worst invasive species. It is listed on the illegal pet trade and is illegal to possess or sell without a permit. “This turtle competes with our natives for food and habitat, even eating the young of our local turtles,” Mr Marynissen added. “The quicker we can capture and remove these animals from the local environment, the better it well be for the native species we have living here on the Coast,” Mr Marynissen concluded.

contribute squares or completed Wraps. These are collected monthly, February to November, and delivered to the warehouse for distribution. Media release, Oct 29, 2016 Diana Johnson, Central Coast Wrap with Love

Club has community Christmas tree

he discovery of a Red-eared Slider Turtle at a Berkeley Vale home has prompted Central Coast Council to renew its call for residents to keep an eye out for the invasive pests.

seven in length, using 8ply yarn. There are many groups across the Central Coast from the Hawkesbury River to the lower end of Lake Macquarie. Retirement villages, libraries, churches, schools, social, community and service organisations, as well as many individuals,

yong Golf Club is calling on the Wyong community to dig deep in the lead up to Christmas by putting a gift under their community Christmas tree.

Gifts collected will go to the Benevolent Society, Wyong Neighbourhood Centre and children in the Wyong Shire. The Club wishes to thank community members, groups and organisations that have donated so far and are calling for more donations.

Media release, Nov 30, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

Website, Nov 28, 2016 Wyong Golf Club Facebook page

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P23

PRESENTS

Christmas Lights in the Gardens 9-13 December 2016 6pm-9.30pm

Come along to see the themed interactive lights display on the Central Coast. • Outdoor movie at 8pm ‘Christmas With The Kranks’ featuring Tim Allen • Take your photo with Santa from 6pm nightly • Meet Elsa from Frozen and other fun characters • Support the Ronald McDonald Family Room with a scavenger hunt and BBQ • Plus jumping castles, food vendors, carols and more! $25 PER FAMILY (2 adults and up to 3 children aged 16 or less). $10 per adult. $5 for additional children. Children 3 and under are free. Buy your tickets on trybooking.com (Christmas Lights in the Gardens) or at the gate: Parklands Rd, Mt Penang Parklands, Kariong. Follow us on Facebook for updates: Facebook/Mt-Penang-Gardens-Event-Park

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Out&About

P24 P2 24 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

Tina West is Chairperson of the Year ina West, Chairperson of the Central Coast’s Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), has been recognised as Chairperson of the Year at CEO Magazine’s 2016 Executive of the Year Awards.

he Wyong Lakes Festival made a big splash across the lakes area in November, attracting over 40,000 people to events and activities over the nine days.

The award ceremony, which was hosted by Eddie McGuire, is an annual event where executives from all around Australia come together to reflect on their own successes, as well as the achievements of their peers. Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sean Gordon, said he was thrilled to see Darkinjung’s Chairperson recognised for her outstanding achievements over the past year. “Tina has been an absolutely essential part of our organisation and to see her accomplishments acknowledged with such a prestigious award is really wonderful. “We are all very proud of her,” Mr Gordon said. “She has accomplished many activities this past year including assisting with the establishment of Darkinjung Barker College, housing numerous Aboriginal families as part of the Menindee Ridge development, and removing 2,500 tonnes of illegally dumped

Lakes Festival claimed to be a great success

Mr Sean Gordon and Ms Tina West at CEO Magazine's 2016 Executive of the Year Awards

materials from Central Coast land as part of our illegal dumping clean up. “Tina has incredible leadership skills and is passionate about representing the interests and needs of our members and her fellow Board. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Tina on this outstanding achievement, she is very deserving of this win and everyone at the Land Council commends her success,” Mr Gordon concluded. Ms West said that she was humbled to receive such an honour and acknowledges the hard work of her fellow finalists.

“As the only woman nominated in my category, this victory is a real achievement for Aboriginal women in the business world,” she said. “I want to say thank you to the Darkinjung Board, members and staff for continuing to support me,” Ms West added. Mr Gordon was also honoured on the evening as a finalist in the Energy and Resources Executive of the Year category. Media release, Nov 25, 2016 Ashleigh Milne, Brilliant Logic

Different stalls alternate weeks New stalls welcome Live music & pony rides

This is a 20 per cent increase in numbers from the inaugural award winning festival held last year. Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator, Ms Ashlee Abbott, was thrilled with the result, and said the program had been designed to entertain, educate and delight, and proved popular with a whole new audience. “Not only did more people come than last year, but more than 90 per cent of people we spoke to said they will be back next year,” Ms Abbott said. “That is a great platform to build on and we will continue to grow this festival into one of the premier events for the Central Coast. The events that attracted the biggest crowds were Light up the Lake with headline act Thirsty Merc, the Lighthouse Folk Festival and Long Jetty Street Festival. “It was the first time we staged a folk festival as part of the overall program, the combination of the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse as the backdrop to showcase,

Thirsty Merc at Wyong Lakes Festival “It makes you realise not only local talented performers, but national how lucky we are to have performers like Paul such a beautiful natural Kelly, proved to be an environment that we can irresistible combination,” enjoy and showcase to the world as well,” Mr Ms Abbott added. “Light up the Lake and Reynolds said. “It was a festival for Long Jetty Street Festival were definitely the crowd everyone, locals and favourites - attracting visitors, that is what thousands and thousands made it so special, as well as adding that of people at each event. “They had the family extra financial boost to atmosphere but also had our local economy and a festival vibe for those tourism that we can all looking for a great day benefit from. “The festival also out,” Ms Abbott said. Participation rates and had the added bonus of spectators were also up educating our residents at the annual Triathlon and visitors about the and Saltwater Stand Up nature of our waterways Paddle Boarding Festival, and how we can all work attracting a wide range of together to improve our competitors from outside unique lakes system,” Mr Reynolds added. the region. Planning will start early C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian next year for the annual Reynolds, said the Festival which will be festival was a great held from November 10success, as it showcased 19, 2017. one of the region’s best Media release, assets and also had a real Nov 30, 2016 community feel. Central Coast Council Media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P25 5

Two council projects recognised as best in NSW

Out&About

Lions Club install a new clock at The Entrance

new clock has been installed in Bayview wo Central Coast Council projects from Mall, The Entrance, the former Wyong Shire have been to complement the recognised as the best in NSW for their recently-upgraded engineering excellence. mall area.

The winners were announced at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) state conference in the Hunter Valley. The Wyong CBD drainage upgrade received top honours taking out the award for Design and/or Construction of a Local Government/ Public Works Project. The multi-million dollar project was split into six stages and saw drainage three times bigger than previous installed through the Wyong Central Business District (CBD) to reduce the impact of flooding in the area and support future growth and development.

Council also took out the Excellence in Road Safety Engineering award for its proactive work in making our local roads safer. Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the awards highlighted the quality of essential services Council provides to the community. “They are a testament to the hard work of our staff,” Mr Noble said. “These awards recognise our outstanding performance while carrying out some of our core services – water supply, planning and drainage.” Media release, Oct 28, 2016 Central Coast Council media

The clock was an initiative of The Entrance Lions Club in partnership with Central Coast Council. It is located outside the cinema. C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Central Coast Council was happy to support the community initiative to improve the local community. “Council has always supported and worked together on various programs associated with the Lions Clubs across the Coast,” Mr Reynolds said. “Over the last few years, we have supported various Clubs, with grants totalling more than $20,000 to support

a range of projects such as community events, improvements to facilities and purchase of equipment to expand the range of services supplied by those Clubs and to assist with their volunteer development. “The new clock at The Entrance is a great example of where Council and the local Lions Club

are working together to improve the amenity of our local community,” he said. The clock was built locally and uses modern technology to stay on time. The Entrance Lions Club recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, making them the oldest Lions Club on the Central

Coast. Club President, Mr Ken Bulkeley, said it was a proud achievement. “Next year will see 100 years of Lions Clubs working to assist their communities and we acknowledged this milestone at our anniversary last month,” Mr Bulkeley said. “It’s great to see our ideas come to life and often this is made possible through the support of Council. “The clock is an idea we’ve had for a few years as we knew it would complement the area and become an asset the community can be proud of.” Mr Reynolds and Mr Bulkeley, along with other members of the Lions Club, officially unveiled the new clock on Monday, December 5. Media release, Dec 1, 2016 Central Coast Council media

FIRST SATURDAY SATURDAY OF OF THE THE MONTH MONTH FIRST

RESIDENT BAND BAND RESIDENT

BLUESANGELS

DR GOODVIBE

JAN 7 - 7pm till 11pm

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

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 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

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 Not for profit org in Wyong providing free legal advice. Intake times for legal advice Monday to Friday 9am-5pm 4353 4988 centralcoast@clc.net.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

P26 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

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

The NSW Justices Association Inc Seeking volunteers for 8 community JP Desks in Wyong Area Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388

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

benefits@nswja.org.au

www.pcfa.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 www.pcfa.org.au

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 www.grow.org.au g g

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

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

Central Coast Greens The Central Coast Greens For a fairer, more transparent and accountable government based on democratic principles Local, state-wide, national and international issues and campaigns - Council and parliamentary representation Developing a new economy Protecting our environment Peaceful conflict resolution Community participation We meet monthly every 3rd Thu - Details and info: centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

NSW Labor Party The Entrance Day Branch Monthly meetings to discuss and debate policy as well as campaign for local labor candidates and Members of Parliament. 2nd Mon 2pm The Entrance Leagues Club 4332 2907 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) 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 cclapidary@optusnet.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 com

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 ga ajudo co au

Womens Groups BPW Central Coast

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

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 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 - December 6, 2016 - P27 7

Out&About

Successful fox baiting April Rodger confirms that ‘This is the Life’ season concluded urimbah landholders and Greater Sydney Local Land Services are celebrating a successful fox baiting season after wrapping up their 2016 campaign.

Hidden Valley resident, Mr Tony Voller, heads up the Ourimbah Fox Baiting program and said close to 100 baits had been laid across 19 properties covering more than 700ha in total. Mr Voller said the success of the program was down to commitment and collaboration between landholders and Greater Sydney Local Land Services biosecurity experts. “The Local Land Services team are always on hand to provide us with baits, but also with guidance, and their expertise in pest management,” he said. “They have also helped us install new motion detector cameras to help us be more strategic in where we lay baits and monitor our effectiveness based on fox movements.”

Wyong-based Biosecurity Officer, Mr Ash Johnson, said it was a fantastic example of landholders coming together to reduce the impact of pest animals in their neighbourhood,” he said. “Foxes in particular can be extremely cunning, so collaboration between landholders coupled with a strategic approach is key,” he added. Mr Johnson said there were strict guidelines around baiting to ensure the safety of domestic animals and neighbouring communities. “Local Land Services is here to help residents understand their legal obligations and provide ongoing advice and support to ensure baiting across multiple properties is as effective as possible,” Mr Johnson said.

Mr Voller said the success of the program in reducing fox numbers was clear. “We are seeing less and less losses of backyard chickens and reduced impacts on the native flora and fauna. “I would encourage anyone concerned about the impacts of foxes or other pest species to contact Local Land Services who can provide expert advice and assistance,” he said. Foxes are estimated to cost Australian producers more than $37 million annually in livestock losses, and cause more than $227.5 million of damage to Australia’s unique natural environment every year. Media release, Oct 26, 2016 Nikki McGrath, Local Land Services

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

Tuesday, Dec 6

Saturday, Dec 10

Friday, Dec 16

Kara Pryor Ceramic Workshop, Toukley and District Art Society, Wallarah Rd, Gorokan and December 7

Crawfish Stew Band at Warners Bay Hotel from 9:00pm Rotary Christmas Tree sales continue, Wyong Leagues Club Kanwal, Ourimbah RSL parking lot, Bateau Bay Golf Range, 7:00am until sold out Game Training Masterclass, Tuggerah Library, Westfield Tuggerah, Saturdays until Feb 4, 10:00am to 12:00pm Christmas Craft at The Entrance Library, 211a The Entrance Rd, The Entrance, 10:00am to 11:00am

Toukley Presbyterian Church will be hosting a sausage sizzle and Christmas concert from 6:00pm Ben Woodham at Gwandalan Bowlo from 7:30pm

Wednesday, Dec 7 Managing Stress and Building Resilience workshop, The Entrance Community Centre, 10:00am to 2:30pm Ben Woodham at Wyong Races from 1pm

Thursday, Dec 8 Guide Dogs fundraising stalls at Wyong shopping centre from 9:00am to 2:30pm

Friday, Dec 9 Ben Woodham at Sanitarium Xmas party 9:00am The Rewbies at Wallarah Bay Rec from 8:00pm Crawfish Stew Band at Wyong RLC from 9:00pm

Thursday, Dec 15 Early family options free drop in support morning for families with children 0 to 8 years, Norther Lakes Family Centre Lake Munmorah, 9:30am to 11:30am

Saturday, Dec 17 Christmas Craft at Lake haven Shopping Centre, Goobarabah Ave, Lake Haven, 10:00am to 11:00am Doylo Summerfest Carols, playing fields, Doyalson Wyee RSL, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Friday, Dec 23 Play me a story: The Nutcracker, The Art House, Wyong, 2:00pm and 4:00pm

Saturday, Dec 24 Carols by Candlelight including fireworks, Memorial Park, The Entrance, 6:00 pm to 9:15pm

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.

April Rodger's eldest daughters enjoying the beach in their Nippers’ uniforms

s part of their ‘This is the Life’ campaign, Central Coast Council have been asking Central Coast residents to share their story on why the Central Coast represents an ideal lifestyle.

Ms April Rodger, of Halekulani, has shared her story as part of the campaign. Ms Rodger, her husband Andrew, and their three daughters, have been long-time residents of the Coast since the 1990s. “It really is the life on the Central Coast,” Ms Rodger said. “The best things are the beaches, lakes and sense of community. “The people are friendly and the area is gorgeous, from beautiful beaches to wonderful bushland and national parks. “It is easy to find the beauty about the Central Coast. “It is great for raising a young family, it’s affordable and there are so many things to do. “We’ve enrolled the girls in Soldiers Beach Nippers for fitness and fun, and also to learn water safety, to develop friendships, and for the great sense of community,” Ms Rodger continued. “I love how when it’s a quiet night, I can hear the surf sometimes. “I love how the lake is in walking distance and it is a short drive to the beach. “It is very liveable, it is a short drive to anywhere, schools, pools, shopping malls, and it is also close to Sydney or Newcastle or the Hunter Valley. “My husband and I got married at Cliff Street Park at Norah Head, which was just such a

lovely place to have our ceremony. “He really looks forward to coming home to the Central Coast when he is working in WA. “All three of our daughters were born in Gosford Hospital on the Central Coast. “The Central Coast is changing for the better, with more outdoor facilities like the Wilfred Barrett Dr footpath extension and the Canton

Beach fitness stations in the park, and you can see the rejuvenation with plenty of new properties being built, which brings more jobs and homes for our community,” Ms Rodger concluded. Residents can contribute and follow the ‘This is the Life’ campaign on Instagram. Media release, Nov 29, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

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P28 P2 28 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

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GosfordClassifieds.com.au only costs $299 for 3 months, $399 for 6 months and, $499 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 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 for 3 months, $695 for 6 months and $999 for 12 months. Having it in two newspapers as well as online costs $595 for 3 months, $995 for 6 months and $1499 for 12 months. To be in all three newspapers as well as online costs $795 for 3 months, $1395 for 6 months and $1899 for 12 months.

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

GOSFORDCLASSIFIEDS.COM.AU FOR ONLINE CENTRAL COAST CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

Tuition - Dance

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

4388 2253 Tuition - Music Learn to play harmonica at your own pace at my place or Skype at yours www.harmonicatom.com.au

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Fun, Fitness, Social. Beginners welcome. Partner not required. Casual dress. A caring teacher & some experienced dancers create an enjoyable learning experience . (Men, if you have two left feet, bring them both!)

Friday nights 7 to 9.30 pm - $7 Scout Hall, 15 Wattle Street, East Gosford. Anne Marie 4325 7369 Phillip 0417 161 896.

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P29 9

Over 60s play first Coast international cricket match

n international cricket match will take place on November 22, at Baker Park, Wyong. through one of our grants. “Let’s hope NSW Country give the English team a good run before they take on the Australian team in three one day tests,” Mr Reynolds added. Council staff are working hard this week to make sure the oval is in tip top shape for the upcoming match. Baker Park has one of the best turf pitches on the Coast as well as a grand stand. Central Coast Seniors Cricket Association President, Mr Bob Newman, was hit for six with the support he has received. “This is the first time Central Coast Cricket has hosted an international match so we wanted to make sure we had the

Central Coast Council has been working with the Central Coast Veterans Cricket Association (the Cyclones) to host a match between the NSW Country Over-60s and the touring England Over60s. C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he was really pleased when he heard the Central Coast will be hosting its first international cricket game. “What a great opportunity for the Central Coast to show off our great region to international visitors,” Mr Reynolds said. “We are happy to be working with the Cyclones and are directly sponsoring this international match

best suited facilities and worked closely with council to achieve this,” Mr Newman said. “Veteran’s Cricket is the biggest growing demographic in Australia and really highlights the comradery and fellowship we have. “We are lucky enough to have two Coast players representing NSW Country in the game, Doug Trigg and Greig Buscombe, with Doug named as captain. “All-round, this will be a massive day for Veteran’s Cricket on the Central Coast. “When we pull up stumps it will be a match to remember,” Mr Newman said. Media release, Nov 17, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

Golf Day held to support trainee yong Golf Club hosted a charity golf day on December 4 to support their trainee professional, Jason Butt, as he pursues a professional career in the sport.

enable Butt to compete in the 2017 Asian Tour as a full time professional, competing against some of the best golfers in the world.

Butt, a Wyong resident, is scheduled to fly to Bangkok on December 31 to compete in the Asian tour school, beginning on January 4 and concluding on the 15th. A strong performance in the tour school will

Website, Nov 28, 2016 Wyong Golf Club

Junior speedway racing arnervale’s p o c k e t rocket, and nephew of 5 time NSW Champion Mick Poole, 12 year old Harrison Ryan, was in sparkling form on November 19, scoring a hard fought 10 points in the annual Redloh Cup Junior Speedway Meeting.

Staged at Allen Park Raceway in Somersby, the meeting attracted a top field of 16 young 125cc junior speedway riders who travelled from all parts of NSW, QLD and VIC to compete in this prestigious event, named after 2012 World Speedway Champion, Chris Holder. Redloh is Holder spelt backwards. Holder started his career riding junior speedway at Somersby. The day started with a coaching school run by Mick Holder, Chris Holder’s father, with special tips and advice from Jack Holder, the 2016 Australian Under 21 Speedway Champion, and Mathew Gilmore, a previous winner of the Redloh Cup and the current FIM 250cc Speedway World Champion. In the afternoon, the

Let your community know about: • Weddings • Engagements • Special Birthdays • Special Anniversaries • New Born Babies • Special Achievements

The Shame File

• Bakefresh, Wyong

• David Hill, Long Jetty • Jessica Davis of Erina

Media release, Nov 21, 2016 Terry Starbuck, Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club Inc

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Sport

P30 P3 30 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016

The last two public squash centres are earmarked for redevelopment

One Nation Senator calls for scrapping of commercial fishing reforms Federal One Nation Senator has called for the NSW Government to scrap its proposed commercial fishing reforms.

he sport of squash is set to disappear from the Wyong region with the last two public squash centres earmarked for redevelopment by the end of 2017.

Long Jetty’s Central Coast Squash is set to be the first of the remaining two squash centres to disappear, having received a 90 day notice after its lease was terminated in September. The Long Jetty squash hub is set to close its doors on December 14, leaving Wyong Squash Centre with the only public squash courts on

the Coast. The move may signal the end for the already flailing squash enthusiast community on the Coast with Wyong Squash Centre also set to be closed with plans for the site to be converted into a commuter carpark by block owners, Roads and Maritime Services. Mr Aaron Craine, a former junior squash

T ide Char T FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

Time - Height(m) Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

6 TUE

9 FRI

12 MON

15 THU

18 SUN

0149 1.32 0717 0.72 1336 1.61 2027 0.46 0449 1.52 1044 0.66 1650 1.51 2312 0.39 0055 0.33 0729 1.90 1357 0.32 1956 1.54 0327 0.37 1000 2.08 1638 0.16 2245 1.50 0031 1.43 0603 0.57 1228 1.84 1910 0.34

0248 1.35 0349 1.42 0820 0.74 0930 0.72 WED 1435 1.56 THU 1542 1.52 2121 0.45 2217 0.43 0545 1.65 0003 0.36 1153 0.56 0637 1.78 SAT 1756 1.52 SUN 1258 0.44 1857 1.53 0145 0.32 0236 0.33 0819 2.00 0910 2.06 TUE 1452 0.23 WED 1546 0.17 2053 1.54 2149 1.53 0418 0.42 0511 0.49 1051 2.04 1140 1.96 FRI 1730 0.19 SAT 1820 0.25 2338 1.47 0124 1.40 0218 1.38 0658 0.65 0755 0.73 MON 1315 1.70 TUE 1403 1.56 1959 0.42 2046 0.49

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

champion and the manager of Central Coast Squash, said the closure of the two Central Coast centres would make the closest public courts for coastal squash players in Cardiff or Thornleigh. On Central Coast Squash’s Facebook page, Mr Craine claimed that the Long Jetty Centre’s owners intend to convert the squash centre into a cross fit gym for pensioners. Mr Craine also said the move has inspired him to pursue his dream of establishing and operating an Aboriginal inspired social squash club, potentially in Tuggerah. “I have the right people behind me and with all the support I’ve received, we will build bigger and better squash courts. “It is only early days, but we are making the right moves to get the courts erected pretty quickly. “I am excited to be moving from here to something better. “It is just business for them (Central Coast Squash’s owners) but it is so much more to me,” Mr Craine wrote. If the closure of both centres does go ahead, that will leave the private courts in Lake Haven Recreation Centre and Health Club as the only courts in the Wyong region.

Sen Brian Burston, representing NSW in the Federal Parliament, has spoken out against the NSW National Party for backing the state’s changes to commercial fishing that could push small, Tuggerah Lakes fishers out of business. “One could be forgiven for thinking the NSW National Party is in selfdestruct mode,” Senator Burston said. “For a party that should be protecting the rights, opportunities and markets for primary producers in NSW, their recent performance leaves a lot to be desired,” he said. “I speak specifically to the changes announced last May and planned for implementation at the end of the year with regard to commercial fishing in NSW waters.

“The new system, based on the allocation of shares, has the potential to substantially reduce the ability of commercial fishermen to sustain their livelihood. “The manner in which the shares are allocated, then traded between the industry participants, is likely to provide a boon for the large operator at the expense of the smaller operator. “On face value, the system is arbitrary and shallow, taking nothing of the existing history, traditions or practices into account. “It will make the lot of the commercial fisherman, in most cases, extremely difficult, and in some cases, totally untenable. “As if the work of a commercial fisherman

were not difficult enough, the future operator will need to have a weather eye on the fishing quota share market with regard to catch numbers in addition to making a living for themselves and their families. “One Nation finds this new approach disruptive, ill-advised and, judging by the impact it has had already on the industry, totally unacceptable. “It is not too late for the new system to be scrapped before it does any more damage. “It’s a disgrace that a person’s livelihood is being arbitrarily ridden roughshod over by a government department,” Sen Burston said. Media release, Nov 28, 2016 Peter Kelly, office if Brian Burston

Deadliest rock fishing location in NSW not included in life jacket trial uestions have been raised after the NSW Government did not include rock fishing hotspot Snapper Point in the Munmorah State Conservation Area in a bill which will trial mandatory life jackets for rock fishers.

The Government introduced the Rock Fishing Safety Bill 2016 during the NSW Parliament’s last sitting week for the year, after three coronial inquests into rock fishing deaths. Member for Swansea, Ms Yasmin Catley, said that in the past eight years, 16 people had died at the notorious Snapper Point, which straddles Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Local Government areas. “This legislation

should be extended to Snapper Point in the Swansea electorate, tragically home to the deadliest rock fishing location in New South Wales,” Ms Catley said. “The Minister assured me that he would legislate to address rock fishing deaths in high risk locations by the end of the year and this bill fails to do that,” she said. The latest Inquiry recommended the NSW Minister for Emergency Services legislate to

Website, Nov 8, 2016 Central Coast Squash Facebook page Journalist: Dilon Luke

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

make the wearing of life jackets mandatory for rock fishers in New South Wales. “It is half-baked policy on the run and is putting lives at risk,” she said. The Bill will see a 12-month trial period of mandatory life jackets for rock fishers confined to the Randwick Local Government area. Media release, Nov 19, 2016 Yasmin Catley, Member for Swansea

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 6, 2016 - P31 1

Sport

Mariners devastated after loss to Wanderers entral Coast Mariners’ Coach, Paul Okon, and his young squad, appeared devastated by their 4 to 1 loss to the Western Sydney Wanderers at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, December 3.

The home side’s fans were ecstatic when Blake Powell opened the scoring just five minutes in, off a superb piece of play fed down the right hand channel by Storm Roux and Roy O’Donovan. Unfortunately, the Wanderers responded with lightning speed, cancelling out the Mariners’ lead within sixty seconds, with a deflected goal to Wanderers Japanese winger Jumpei. Jumpei cut into the Mariners’ 18-yard-box, took a shot that deflected slightly off Harry Ascroft and into the net, giving Paul Izzo no chance. Play then settled and the Mariners continued to work well down the right, but could not finish any of their chances in front of the 11,000-plus crowd. As the half an hour mark arrived, the Wanderers hit the lead, thanks to Nicolas Martinez, who scored from a diving header. The Mariners spent the last 15 minutes of the first half fighting with all their might to even up the score before half time. Although not reflected by the score, the Central Coast Mariners ended the half stronger, dominated possession and created two golden chances. Striker Roy

Middle front: Western Sydney danger man Jumpei

O’Donovan struck the post, and winger Connor Pain struck a sweet volley that went just wide of the upright before half time. Five minutes into the second half, a wicked cross deflected off the leg of Jake McGing and gifted the Wanderers a two-goal lead. Ten minutes later, play really opened up, when Buhagiar had a prime one-on-one chance to jag a goal back, before being flattened by Wanderers’ keeper, Jerrard Tyson, who was shown red for his challenge. Fabio Ferreira came off the bench in a move that the crowd expected was specifically to take the resulting free kick, but acting captain Storm Roux appeared to pull rank and wasted the opportunity. The red card forced Wanderer’s coach, Tony Popovic, to make defensive changes, prompting Paul Okon to do the polar opposite. The Mariners pushed men forward and dominated from the hour onwards, but couldn’t break down the

Wanderers’ defence to get themselves back into the game. The Wanderers scored a fourth late on, thanks to late substitute Brendon Santalab’s strike from close range. The pace of wingers Trent Buhagiar and Connor Pain was a focal point in the Mariners’ attack, but on several occasions, the final ball was only just out of O’Donovan’s reach. Okon’s starting lineup made it pretty obvious that it wasn’t going to be an easy day at the office for the Mariners. Tavares and Montgomery, two of the squad’s most experienced heads, were both missing with injuries, and Poscoliero did not make his expected A-League return. “Losing Tavares is a big loss, and Monty, which we knew was going to be difficult to overcome, but the boys worked hard and I can’t fault that,” Okon said. “It’s a little bit disappointing that we go up 1-0, which was a great goal, and then a

Trent Buhagiar maintained the fight

minute later we allow the Wanderers to get cheaply into our penalty box and give them too much time on the ball and they replied straight away,” Okon said in his postmatch media conference. “We had two or three chances and probably should’ve gone into the break at two each, and it changes the game a little bit,” he said. “The Wanderers are a very good team and they’ve got some very dangerous players in the final third, and that’s what punished us this afternoon.” Despite the painful loss, Paul Okon’s version of the Mariners still holds more skill, determination and youthful talent than anything witnessed at the Central Coast Stadium for more than a season. Okon said his objectives for the side had not been changed by the defeat and repeated that he could not blame the players for the match result. “From our perspective, if the result had been different, it wouldn’t have changed our season,

we will go away and look at it. “We have a tough away trip to Wellington next week, then we are at home the following weekend against the Roar, so the result doesn’t change anything for us. “The performance was good, can we improve? Absolutely!” Okon acknowledged that he was working with a young squad and match experience and resilience were both a work in progress. “If you take out Roy tonight, I think the average age was 21, we had two boys born in 97 who started in the midfield in Liam Rose and Adam Berry. “The club’s moving in the right direction, the philosophy of this club is to give opportunities to young players and we are doing that. “The Wanderers have experience and they sat back and closed the space, and were waiting for us to make mistakes, which we did. “I think we were trying to force it, the instinct was just to get the ball

forward because we had one man extra. “In fact, you need to continue to work and try and find the space and then try and hurt them. “It sounds easy when you have an extra man, but you’re not playing a pub team, you’re playing the Wanderers. “Trent has been doing very well, he was excellent the other night against Perth. “Fabio is a weapon against any team coming off the bench, we have four good wingers at the club and everyone’s competing for their spot.” Okon said he hoped the fans would stick with the Mariners despite the loss. “The fans were great, in Newcastle, the game against Perth and tonight, they turned up in numbers. “It would’ve been good to go on with it after scoring the first goal, but it was always going to be a tough afternoon for us against a very good football team. “We thank them for that support and we hope people turn up and come and support us again in two weeks’ time when we play the Roar.” The Mariners now turn their attention to next weekend’s fixture away from home, as they travel to New Zealand to face the Wellington Phoenix. Website, Dec 3, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners Match notes, Dec 3, 2016 Jackie Pearson, journalist

Photos: Noel Fisher

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