Issue 107 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

FREE

December 20, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 107

Council’s Kangy Angy land deal reported to ICAC he former W y o n g Council has been reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) by the NSW Auditor General, Ms Margaret Crawford, for an investigation into possible corruption by the Council in pushing a site at Kangy Angy over Warnervale as the location for Transport for NSW’s new intercity rail maintenance facility.

The Office of the NSW Auditor General responded to a request from the State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, by reporting the matter to ICAC and undertaking to “look more closely at the site selection process”. That process resulted in the newly-formed Central Coast Council selling flood-prone land to Transport for NSW to build the new inter-city rail maintenance facility. The Kangy Angy site was not originally considered by Transport for NSW until it was suggested by the former Wyong Council who did not want the facility built on land it had earmarked for other purposes at Warnevale. “Any significant issues identified will be included in one of my annual reports to Parliament

The Ourimbah rally and, inset, from left: Ms Michelle Nicholson and Ms Susan Zgraja

on transport, usually released in November or December each year,” Ms Crawford said. Mr Mehan said: “I welcome the Auditor General’s review into the selection process for the site of the facility and reporting any corrupt behaviour to ICAC. “I will be writing to the Secretary of Transport for NSW to ask for a review of the site selected,” Mr Mehan said. “I will continue to fight for a sensible outcome to this matter which delivers the jobs the Coast needs on land better suited for the development,” he said. Meanwhile, the Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy, Mr Josh Frydenberg, ruled out the need for an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to assess the

impact of the proposed facility on the Kangy Angy habitat of the nationally-threatened Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot. The residents of Kangy Angy have continued their campaign against the rail maintenance

(ORRA), attended by around 150 concerned locals on December 11. If local, state and federal politicians wish to avoid “a Brexit or a Trump”, they need to start listening to groups like the Kangy Angy Residents’ Action Group

“We live in a system where Councillors, planners and pollies automatically assume the status of expert, and follow the principle that we, the little people, don’t understand the complexities of issues.” facility since the Wyong Council announced its intention to sell its Kangy Angy land to the NSW Government. They were recently involved in a rally organised by the Ourimbah Region Residents’ Association

(KARAG), according Ms Susan Zgraja who spoke on behalf of KARAG and received cheers from the crowd at the rally. “If Council, State and, indeed, Australia’s Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Turnbull, wish to avoid a Brexit or a

Trump, then they must begin to sincerely listen and acquiesce to local demands,” Ms Zgraja said. “Groups like ours have had enough of political speak, weasel words and being patronised,” she said. “We live in a system where Councillors, planners and pollies automatically assume the status of expert, and follow the principle that we, the little people, don’t understand the complexities of issues. “I doubt if there is one action group that hasn’t been told the decision made is for the greater good. “We the little people recognise an inappropriately sized and positioned development when we see it. “We are not against

development and socalled progress. “We are against decisions made through vested interest, ignoring costs to habitat, bad economic outcomes and the destruction of our quality of life. “There is always, always, an acceptable alternative. “Our problem is to have these alternatives accepted. “Why should Kangy Angy accept the desecration of a protected flood plain, presenting many engineering problems making the project, not only an impending catastrophe, but hugely expensive, when there is a viable alternative sitting ready to go, with nothing like any of the problems exhibited at Kangy? “Why is it always so difficult for sense to prevail? “When presented with arguments against these proposals, why is it not within the bounds of moral governance to accept that an error of judgement has been made, an acknowledgement that we the little people want alternative solutions and can often provide them. “It is precisely these scenarios that fuel Brexit and Trump responses. “You ignore us, fob us off and cheat us at your peril,” Ms Zgraja 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

Continued page 4

Directory

P2 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Wyong services directory

Chance to Win!

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 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

laughter. The Stars of the show are the nutty and sweet Gingham family, who are very concerned for all of the lost and abandoned toys in the world. They travel all around to rescue them and bring them to their colourful home where they welcome them to the family. Each toy is introduced one-by-one and, after learning how they came to be lost, is given sound and movement, a piece

Fluff: A Story of Lost Toys is at the Art House Wyong on January 16 and 17. Socks, school jumpers, favourite toys: the things children lose can be endless but do you ever wonder where they go? Fluff tells the story of what happened to a group of toys lost by the people who cherished them most. The show promises 60 hilarious minutes of songs, dance and

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

yong Regional Chronicle and the Art House Wyong have two family passes to give away to see Fluff, A Story of Lost Toys, at the Art House on Monday, January 16.

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

of music, a nightlight and a nice comfy bed. For your chance to win one of the two double passes to see Fluff at The Art House, write your full name, address and day time phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle, Fluff Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW 2250. Entries close 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 10.

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

Legal

Animal Rescue

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

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

ABOUT US

Publisher/Editor: Journalists: Cec Bucello Jackie Pearson Graphic Design: Dilon Luke Justin Stanley Sales: Val Bridge Photo Journalist: Noel Fisher

Welfare Services

Crisis Services and Helplines

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

Assistant Journalists: Jarrod Melmeth, Satria Dyer-Darmawan

editorial@centralcoastnews.net Ph: 4325 7369 Next Edition: Wyong Regional Chronicle 108 Deadline: January 13 Publication date: January 17

also, see the Not for Profit organisations directory inside

Get the most out of your advertising dollar

Advertise in a Central Coast Newspaper for maximum exposure at a realistic price. Multiple booking and multiple publication discounts apply to all display advertisements. Enjoy the benefits of being in a wellread publication with relevant news content. Contact us now for more information or visit our website. e Frkeeone!

e Frkeeone!

FREE E

FRE

e Frkeeone!

FREE

FREE E FRE

Edition 406

14 November 2016

Holstein questions level crossing decision The man responsible for securing Liberal Government funding for the Rawson Rd level crossing replacement project, former Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein, has called on the State Government to justify abandoning the project. Mr Holstein, now chair of the Central Coast Task Force, said the Government needed to justify “canning” the project just days after Premier Mike Baird declared the state had billions of dollars for infrastructure. “I am seeking to remind the NSW Government that when you make a commitment you honour it and here is a fine example of a commitment that was made that is not going to be honoured,” Mr Holstein said. He said the level crossing at South Woy Woy was “one of the most used level railway crossings in NSW”. “For 40 years politicians, council and residents have talked of improving the road at Bulls Hill and removing the unsafe rail crossing,” he said. “There have been numerous times, due to incidents at the crossing, accidents on Woy Woy Rd or on Brisbane Water Dve that traffic has been diverted and caused traffic chaos on the Peninsula.” According to Mr Holstein, the idea of building a flyover was explored in the 1990s but the concept was rejected by politicians, council and residents. “In 2011, based on Gosford Council’s estimated costings, I sought funding from the incoming Liberal Government to address the issue with an expanded underpass at the base of Bulls Hill and was successful,” Mr Holstein said, referring to his campaign for the seat of Gosford in the 2011 NSW election. He said he had tried to get the replacement of the crossing on the agenda during previous attempts to run for parliament but only succeeded in the 2011 campaign. The level crossing replacement was key to his 2011 election platform.

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 the electorate of Terrigal,” he said. Mr Holstein said he believed the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce was also “throwing up a smoke screen” instead of working on solutions. “We have a State Member. I haven’t seen her. And then we have a Chamber of Commerce that wants to play a blame game. “Council should be asking the government questions but we haven’t got any elected representatives to do that because we are in administration. “This issue has got to be answered. “It hasn’t been answered in my mind, and the people who should be asking for answers are not doing so.” Mr Holstein said that the former Member for Terrigal, Mr Chris Harcher, had acknowledged in 2011 that the railway crossing replacement would benefit the people of the Terrigal electorate. In terms of whether funds put aside by the NSW Government for the abandoned rail crossing should be reallocated to other Peninsula projects, as suggested by the local Chamber of Commerce, Mr Holstein said: “I am sure the projects Matthew Wales talks about are worthy too, but why does he think the issue at the bottom of Bulls Hill has gone away?” Local Liberal Members of Parliament were not answering Mr Holstein’s questions last week. Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch said that, because Rawson Rd was not in his electorate, he would leave comment to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald. A statement from Mr MacDonald’s office said: “The Minister has answered these questions at length. “We have nothing further to add.” Media release, 7 Nov 2016 Interview, 8 Nov 2016 Chris Holstein, Central Coast Task Force Email, 8 Nov 2016 Debra Wales, Ofﬁce of Adam Crouch Email, 8 Nov 2016 Chris Sullivan, Ofﬁce of Scot MacDonald Reporter: Jackie Pearson

November 17, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

Consultation is insufficient for Coastal Management Plan

Ph: 4325 7369

Continued page 3

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

THIS ISSUE contains 52 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.centralcoastnews.net

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

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

READ & SHARE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

28 November 2016

Issue 105

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

Edition 408

December 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.

November 22, 2016

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

Edition 407

Issue 146

Crane collapses at a major building site

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

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.

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

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

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.

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 Media release, the two. Nov 30, 2016 “In addition to the Peter Duggan, office of David Mehan above, construction on Letter, the Kangy Angy site Nov 29, 2016 will prove extremely David Mehan, NSW Member expensive because for The Entrance of: the quantity of Phone interview, Dec 5, 2016 imported fill required Barry Underwood, office of and its consolidation;

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

NSW Auditor General

12 December 2016

Council refuses Patonga Hotel proposal The proposed redevelopment of the Patonga Hotel has been refused by the Central Coast Council. Council chief Mr Rob Noble has written to the proponent’s architects, CKDS Architecture, informing them that the DA for alterations and additions to the existing hotel and takeaway shop at 8 to 10 Patonga Dve has been refused. In his letter, Mr Noble listed seven reasons for Council’s refusal. “The proposal provides inadequate car parking for the proposed development and is not in accordance with the provisions of Gosford Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013,” Mr Noble said in his letter. “The proposal has provided insufficient information on the parking penetration of the proposed use or in relation to available car parking in the area,” the letter said. “The proposal would result in unacceptable parking and traffic impacts on surrounding residential areas, particularly during peak times,” he said. “The proposal would adversely impact on the amenity of the area through increased traffic generation and car parking congestions. “The proposal exceeds the allowed Floor Space Ratio for the land under Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 and for which inadequate car parking is provided and in these circumstances a clause 4.6 variation to the provision would not be supported. “The scale and intensity of the proposed restaurant and wedding reception is, and associated impacts, is inconsistent with the character of the area and the objectives of the B1 Neighbourhood Centre Zone.” Finally, Mr Noble said: “Approval would not be in the public interest.” The applicant now has six months to ask for a review of the decision and/or appeal to the Land and Environment Court. Mr Ross Trembath, chairman of the Patonga Community Working Group which had campaigned

The Patonga Hotel

against the proposal, said: “The way in which Council addressed the difficult task of weighing up the merit of the proposal within the fragile Patonga environment will not be lost on the people who would be most affected by it.” A report written by Council’s Department of Environment and Planning to assess the application said it had proposed adding a restaurant and wedding reception facility on the first floor of the existing café building without providing any car parking, relying instead on on-street car parking in the vicinity of the Hotel. The report said the application had been the subject of a large number of objections from the local community, with 83 submissions and a petition with 89 signatures. “The key issues raised in submissions were the increased intensity of the use, impacts on local character, non-compliance with planning controls, noise and amenity impacts on adjoining properties, inadequate car parking, traffic generation, pedestrian safety and the permissibility of wedding receptions,” the report said. According to the report, the Parking Report submitted in support of the application relied

on parking surveys carried out over two days in August 2002 and observations made on October 25 last year. “Since the application was lodged the applicant has made several changes to the proposal to reduce impacts,” the report said. “These changes will reduce some of the intensity of the proposal, however on balance, the lack of car parking for the proposal, and lack of supporting information to determine parking impacts relevant to the proposed development means that Council is unable to satisfy itself that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on car parking in the Patonga area, including on surrounding residential streets. “Additionally, the intensity of the expansion has potential to adversely impact on the amenity and character of the local area. “Based on these concerns the application is recommended for refusal,” the report concluded. There have been a number of previous approvals applying to both buildings on the site. The hotel building (including two residential dwellings) was approved in March 2000 (DA22677) and there have been several modifications and

alterations since then. In September 2003, Gosford Council approved a modification (Part 2) to relocate the ground floor dwelling to the first floor and convert that area for dining use. This modification was supported with an offer of $20,000 from the applicant in lieu of a shortfall of six parking spaces arising from the proposal. In March 2010, Council consented to a modification (Part 9) to the hotel for the removal of five on-site car parking spaces and a loading area, and the conversion of this area to beer garden seating. “Council’s assessment at the time noted that the proposal resulted in a shortfall of 18 car spaces being for the five spaces lost and a further 13 spaces for the additional beer garden/ dining area. “The applicant did not agree with the extent of the shortfall, based on decreased demand from patrons travelling by boat, ferry or on foot, and based on the parking report submitted at the time. “Following consideration by Council and a number of section 82A reviews the Council agreed with an offer from the applicant for a Voluntary Planning Agreement for $75,000 to be applied to car

parking or foreshore works in and between the town centre area and the Dark Corner boat ramp, in lieu of the five lost car parking spaces,” the staff report said. The refused development application, lodged in December 2015, proposed to replace the hotel kitchen area with storage, cool rooms and cafe area; extend the ground floor hotel area approximately 2.5m to the east and in part 2.6m to the south, for reconfigured dining area and relocated toilets; provide a covered area of approximately 94 square metres over existing outdoor hotel dining areas on part of the front elevation; provide a small stage inside the hotel; extend the first floor verandah on the hotel on the front elevation; extend the first floor of the hotel by 6.5m to the east to accommodate new toilets to serve the proposed restaurant/ wedding reception area; demolish most of the seafood cafe building and first floor residence, and provide a new two- storey building with an expanded kitchen/ storage area at the rear and expanded internal seating area at the front on the ground level, the report said. “Council’s assessment has identified a number of concerns with the proposal, which primarily relate to the proposed use of the first floor of the takeway cafe building as a restaurant and for wedding receptions, the lack of car parking as required under GDCP 2013 and the impacts of the use on the character and amenity of the local area. “While the alterations and additions to the hotel and ground level takeaway store will have a lesser impact, overall the scale of the proposal is out of keeping with the desired future character of the area and the objectives of the B1 Local Neighbourhood zone. “Accordingly, the application is recommended for refusal pursuant to Section 80 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.” Letter, 28 Nov 2016 Rob Noble, Central Coast Council Statement, 29 Nov 2016 Ross Trembath, Patonga Community Working Group Assessment report, 24 Nov 2016 Scott Cox, Central Coast Council

December 15, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 148

Bonython Tower looks like being first cab off the rank A

dvertising, media and p r o p e r t y entrepreneur, Mr John Singleton, has decided to kick-start the rebirth of the Gosford CBD with the development of the Bonython Tower at 155 to 163 Mann St, Gosford. Bonython Property and Investments, the development arm of the John Singleton Group, is currently waiting for the Central Coast Council to approve a Section 96 application to amend the DA that was approved 12 months ago. Another developer owned the majority of the site (except for a small property at 163 Mann St), located in the same CBD block as the Imperial Centre, but it was acquired by Mr Singleton with the development consent. The original consent was for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a groundﬂoor tavern with 75 units of shop-top housing. The current Section 96 reduces the number of units and increases the number of parking spaces to 62. The ground ﬂoor tavern is replaced with commercial space and the property at 163 Mann St (subsequently acquired by Singleton) is included. According to the company’s website, Bonython Tower will be a “premium mix of luxury residential and commercial suites… offering spacious one and two bedroom apartments with sensational views and the convenience of the vibrant Gosford City at your door.” The building will also include three levels of

An artist's impression of Bonython Tower, to be built in Mann St

commercial space, the third incorporating an outdoor terrace. The recently-appointed Executive Chairman of Bonython Property and Investments is Mr Paul Anderson, former Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of Gosford

Council. The redesign of the project has been completed by East Gosford-based architect, Mr Cain King, from CKD Architecture. “We have been working closely with Mr Scott Cox [Central Coast Council’s

Group Leader Environment and Planning] and his team to ﬁnalise the matter [of the Section 96 application] as soon as possible,” Mr Anderson said. “The redesign was to create a beautiful building in the centre of the Gosford

CBD,” he said. “The design brief was to create a building that would stand the test of timelessness and illustrate the absolute beauty of the surrounds in which it is situated and the benefits of Gosford as a place to live, work and play. “Given its location, the building has to reflect modern but quality materials in its finishes and fittings and will be attractive to investors and home occupiers as it provides unsurpassed views of Brisbane Water. “It has close immediate access to the railway station and other transport nodes along with the benefits of CBD living with supermarkets and specialty stores at its doorstep,” he said. The new design incorporates a groundfloor restaurant café “within the building that will be as good as you experience in Melbourne or Sydney,” according to Mr Anderson. “The ground floor café/ restaurant will be to cater for the extra people living in the site both during the day but also in the evenings. “We are expecting a top class restaurant operator who will cater for commercial operations as well as restaurant trading.” Marketing and Sales for the development has been taken on by Mr Stephen Gittoes of Gittoes Real Estate in East Gosford. Expressions of interest have been invited over Christmas with the official marketing to commence early in the New Year. In terms of who Bonython Property and Investments sees as the target market for the apartments, Mr Anderson said: “We welcome aboard anyone who has a passion to live in ultimate luxury in the heart

of the Gosford CBD.” The detail of the Construction Certificate and building contracts are currently being completed, so pricing for residences in the new building is not yet finalised. “We anticipate demolishing the current buildings midway through 2017 and construction will commence immediately following that. “We should see a crane on site by the end of the 2016-17 financial year.” The building will take 19 months to construct, so completion is anticipated by late 2018 or early 2019. Mr Singleton has had a connection to the Central Coast stretching back over 60 years when he spent family holidays at Killcare as a boy. Mr Singleton is said to have “an absolute unsurpassed passion for the Coast and everything it has to offer from beach front living, coastal lifestyle, and hinterland and rural opportunities, and all of this within an easy hour and half from the Sydney CBD. Ultimately, after endeavouring to encourage the likes of Lend Lease, Meriton and many other large developers to take the place seriously, Mr Singleton has decided to “do it himself”. Mr Anderson said Bonython Tower would be the first of many Bonython Property and Investment developments to be undertaken on the Coast “to give back to the community good quality design and facilities that it so badly needs and deserves”. Email, Dec 12, 2016 Paul Anderson, Bonython Property and Investments Jackie Pearson, journalist

THIS ISSUE contains 59 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

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

READ & SHARE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

December 20, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 107

Council’s Kangy Angy land deal reported to ICAC T

he former W y o n g Council has been reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) by the NSW Auditor General, Ms Margaret Crawford, for an investigation into possible corruption by the Council in pushing a site at Kangy Angy as an option over Warnervale as the location for Transport for NSW’s new intercity rail maintenance facility.

The Ourimbah rally and, inset, from left: Ms Michelle Nicholson and Ms Susan Zgraja

impact of the proposed (ORRA), attended by Trump, then they must facility on the Kangy around 150 concerned begin to sincerely listen and acquiesce to local Angy habitat of the locals on December 11. If local, state and demands,” Ms Zgraja nationally-threatened Regent Honeyeater and federal politicians wish said. to avoid “a Brexit or a “Groups like ours have Swift Parrot. The residents of Kangy Trump”, they need to had enough of political Angy have continued start listening to groups speak, weasel words and their campaign against like the Kangy Angy being patronised,” she the rail maintenance Residents’ Action Group said. “We live in a system where Councillors, “We live in a system where Councillors, planners and pollies automatically assume planners and pollies automatically the status of expert, and assume the status of expert, and follow the follow the principle that principle that we, the little people, don’t we, the little people, understand the complexities of issues.” don’t understand the complexities of issues. “I doubt if there is one facility since the Wyong (KARAG), according Ms action group that hasn’t Council announced its Susan Zgraja who spoke been told the decision intention to sell its Kangy on behalf of KARAG and made is for the greater Angy land to the NSW received cheers from the good. “We the little Government. crowd at the rally. They were recently “If Council, State people recognise an involved in a rally and, indeed, Australia’s inappropriately sized and organised by the Prime Minister, Mr positioned development Ourimbah Region Malcolm Turnbull, wish when we see it. “We are not against Residents’ Association to avoid a Brexit or a

development and socalled progress. “We are against decisions made through vested interest, ignoring costs to habitat, bad economic outcomes and the destruction of our quality of life. “There is always, always, an acceptable alternative. “Our problem is to have these alternatives accepted. “Why should Kangy Angy accept the desecration of a protected flood plain, presenting many engineering problems making the project, not only an impending catastrophe, but hugely expensive, when there is a viable alternative sitting ready to go, with nothing like any of the problems exhibited at Kangy? “Why is it always so difficult for sense to prevail? “When presented with arguments against these proposals, why is not within the bounds of moral governance to accept that an error of judgement has been made, an acknowledgement that we the little people want alternative solutions and can often provide them. “It is precisely these scenarios that fuel Brexit and Trump responses. “You ignore us, fob us off and cheat us at your peril,” Ms Zgraja said. Continued page 4

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

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

www.wyongnews.org

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P3 3

News

Ourimbah boarding house developer’s appeal dismissed by Land and Environment Court he NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC) has dismissed an appeal by K and P Gregory, the developers of the Glen Road boarding house at Ourimbah.

The developer appealed against conditions imposed by the Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) which had already given conditional approval for a three-storey 82 room development on the site. The developer applied to restore the building to 101 rooms, remove one of the tallowwood trees and nine other conditions. The LEC commissioner, Mr Brown, deemed the application invalid under relevant planning legislation. Mr Allan Benson from the Stop Glen Rd Action Group said Ourimbah residents were delighted

A photomontage of what the Glen Rd development would look like from the Pacific Hwy

that the LEC dismissed the application. “This was a very significant win for the Ourimbah community, and another small victory in this three-year battle to prevent the construction of this massive building, which is totally out of character with the semi-rural village of Ourimbah,” Mr Benson said. “However, the community needs to

realise the battle is not over yet, with the developer lodging a new Development Application (DA) for a four-storey Boarding House,” he said. Four Ourimbah residents opposed to the development – Mr Greg McGill, Mr Brian Davies, Mr Wayne Morris and Mr Allan Benson -gave submissions at an onsite inspection by LEC Commissioner Brown on

December 14. All submissions stressed that the conditions imposed by the JRPP should be retained for the building to comply with the character test in NSW affordable housing law. The hearing continued in Sydney on December 15 and the Commissioner dismissed the appeal. A crowd of more than 50 residents attended the onsite hearing and several

travelled to Sydney. “There can be no doubt that residents are totally opposed to this inappropriate development,” Mr Benson said. More than 150 people attended a public rally on Sunday, December 11, organised by Ourimbah Region Residents Association (ORRA) to keep residents informed about development issues in Ourimbah. Greg McGill updated the rally on the issues surrounding the Glen Road Boarding House, urging those at the meeting to make time to attend the LEC hearing. Mr McGill also informed the rally about the new development application and stressed the importance of lodging objections. Mr Brian Davies presented the latest information on the Ourimbah Master Plan.

A common theme in all presentations was that the residents of Ourimbah felt betrayed by the actions of the former Wyong Council, according to Mr Benson. The meeting was also addressed by the State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, and former Wyong Councillor, Mr Doug Vincent. President of ORRA, Ms Di Willard, said: “We were really amazed that such a large number of people came to the rally. “It shows that Ourimbah people are passionate and committed to having a voice in how our village is developed. Media release, Dec 14, 2016 Phone interview, Media release, Dec 15, 2016 Allan Benson, Stop Glen Road Development Action Group Jackie Pearson, journalist

SUNDAY - 8.00am till 1.00pm

Feast your eyes over these producers: Garden Fresh, Vegitali Pty Ltd, La Tartine, Over the Moon Milk, Egganic, Soda Bread

Bakery, Lincoln Red Beef, The Banana Bread Man, Hawkesbury Fresh Produce, Delightfully Fresh Organics, Tar 10, Bills

(Gosford Racecourse) WHEN: Every Sunday TIME:

8.00am till 1.00pm

NO DOGS

VENUE: The Entertainment Grounds

Rain, Hail or Shine

Enquiries: finefoodmarket@bigpond.com

Mob: 0427 630 144

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ Gosfordcityfarmersmarket

Organic Bakery, Pattie Moi Designs, Little Creek Cheeses, Pokolbin Olives, Maxima Coffee, Wotton Valley Beef, Wattle Creek

Preserves, Jacques Kitchen, Larry’s Free Range Eggs, Peats Rigde Produce, The Apple Man, Meltic Beef plus many others.

Gosford City Farmers’ Market will feature a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, primary produce including gourmet jams and preserves, olive oil products, pestos, macadamia nuts and fresh home made products. The market will include other food related items as well as high quality “foodto-eat” vendors. Flowers, plants and trees will also be available for sale. Additionally the market will also feature hand-made products other than food such as artists, designers and other quality artifacts.

The market will operate each Sunday from 8.00am till 1.00pm Rain, Hail or Shine.

Gosford City Farmers’ Market Gosford Racecourse, 4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford West

News

P44 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Council’s Kangy Angy land deal reported to ICAC rom page 1

Transport for NSW is yet to respond to residents who made submissions during the extra public consultation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The matter was referred to the Federal Department of Environment because the land is known habitat for the nationallyendangered Regent Honeyeater and the Swift Parrot. The additional public consultation closed in November and Transport for NSW is now required to report to the Federal Department on all issues raised in submissions. “We have yet to receive a formal response from Transport for NSW regarding our submissions, despite the fact that we only had

30 days to lodge our submissions and we have been informed we now won’t hear from them until early 2017” said KARAG spokesperson, Ms Michelle Nicholson. “We are yet to hear how they will adequately mitigate the noise, vibration and light spill from the 24 hour, sevenday heavy industrial project and how they will offset the removal of 3,984 Melaleuca Biconvexa listed as Vulnerable under both the Threatened Species Conservation Act and Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act,” Ms Nicholson said. The Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride wrote to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy, Mr Josh Frydenberg, raising her concerns about the development

and requesting a full Environmental Impact Study (EIS). In his response, Mr Frydenberg said: “The proposal is being assessed on the basis of preliminary documentation which is a standard assessment approach under the EPBC

should be approved and the conditions that may be required to avoid, mitigate or offset impacts on matters of national environmental significance. “Should the proposal proceed, it will be subject to the Department

“Why is it always so difficult for sense to prevail? Act where the number and complexity of the impacts is low and locally confined. The Minister said all comments received would be taken into account as part of “the rigorous and robust analysis that supports the consideration of proposals under the EPBC Act. “Once this assessment is complete, I or my delegate will decide whether or not the proposal

ENJOY COASTAL LIVING IN

of Environment and Energy’s active audit programme which aims to ensure that proposals are implemented as planned, and that there is a high degree of compliance with any conditions,” Mr Frydenberg said. However, the Minister did not address some of Ms McBride’s concerns. “As the Federal Member of Parliament, I am concerned by the impact of this

development on flora and fauna at the site,” she said. “I have met with residents who raised concerns about the assessment approach, which stipulates a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required. “They also raise concerns about an unidentified frog that may be present at the proposed development site. “It is the residents’ preference that the assessment approach be by way of EIS. “I would appreciate your advice as to the possibility of the approach being amended, extending the requirement for an EIS at this site. “Other social and economic concerns with regard to this development have also been raised with me, and I am aware that these

issues will be considered as part of the assessment process. “In light of this, I seek your decision on this assessment, rather than delegation to the Department, as I believe residents deserve reassurance that the most stringent oversight has been given to this proposal,” Ms McBride said. Media release, Dec 19, 2016 David Mehan, State Member for The Entrance Email, Dec 16, 2016 Michelle Nicholson, Kangy Angy Residents Action Group Letter, Sep 1, 2016 Emma McBride, Federal member for Dobell Letter, Nov 17, 2016 Josh Frydenberg, Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy Jackie Pearson, Journalist

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P5 5

News

Glenning Valley Development objectors to get a public Council hearing he Say No to Glenning Valley Development group has succeeded in garnering well in excess of the 50 public objections needed to have the amended development application for a 223-lot subdivision at Berkeley Rd considered at a public Council meeting.

The subdivision proposal has also been referred to the Federal Environment and Energy Department to be assessed under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. It is also the subject of a Land and Environment Court action, initiated by the developer because Central Coast Council failed to deal with the DA within the requisite time period. According to the Community Environment Network, which has been supporting the Say No to Glenning Valley Development group, the amended DA that will be considered by Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, has not addressed “the concerns of the community about the significant impacts on the local environment”. According to Ms Jane Smith from CEN, the

Map showing the proposed subdivision (in white) and other land available for future subdivisions (yellow) at Glenning Valley

proposed development is on land previously zoned as Environmental Protection, Wetlands Management and Conservation. “The former Wyong Council rezoned the land to R2, a residential zone,” Ms Smith said. “We believe that this area should never have been rezoned,” Ms Smith said. According to Ms Smith, some of the concerns expressed by local residents that have not been addressed in the amended DA included lot sizes of an average of 500 square metres with 100 lots being less than that and only 27 above 800 square metres, and at least 12 threatened and

endangered species have been identified within the area. “The site contains potentially 34 threatened flora and fauna species,” Ms Smith said. “Twenty nine threatened melaleuca biconvex paperbarks will be removed. “There is an assumption that new ones will be planted at a ratio of 10 to 1, neglecting the fact that animals may utilise the already established mature trees for a home. “The environmental assessment report noted that there are 135 hollow bearing trees containing 248 tree hollows, however, it was also noted that the area was not adequately

surveyed. “A SEPP 14 wetland has been mapped as occupying approximately 4.75 hectares to the west of the site with a small area mapped within the site on its western boundary. “Although no direct impacts are to occur in this area, potential indirect impacts… may occur as a result of upstream catchment modifications as well as surface runoff and storm water,” she said. Other concerns included that the environmental information was gathered six years ago, and the applicant has not provided an updated traffic assessment report, winter studies to accommodate migratory bird species or

noise impact studies. Ms Kylie Boyle from the Say No to Glenning Valley Development Group sad she had already made her submission to the Federal Department of Environment and Energy and encouraged other concerned members of the community to do so. The proponent will need to address each issue raised in submissions and then the response is assessed by the Federal Department before the Minister or his delegate determines whether the project can go ahead from an EPBC Act point of view. According to Ms Boyle’s submission, if the development is approved “it will result in the removal of foraging resources for threatened, vulnerable and critically endangered species listed in the EPBC”. Ms Boyle said the development would see the removal of 17.75 hectares of Blackbutt Open Forest for migratory terrestrial species. “A total of 159 fauna species have been observed on the site during previous works including three species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act Section 3.1(d); koala; Grey-haired Flying Fox; and Long-nosed Potoroo,” Ms Boyle said. Other habitats to be removed included that of

the: White Bellied Sea Eagle; Swift Parrot; Varied Sittella; Little Lorikeet; Powerful Owl; Eastern False Pipistrelle; Little Bentwing Bat; Eastern Bentwing Bat; East Coast Freetail Bat; Yellow Bellied Glider; Squirrel Glider; and Great Broadnosed Bat, Ms Boyle said. Ms Boyle also expressed concerns about inconsistencies and contradictions between information submitted to the Central Coast Council and that submitted to the Federal Department. She also questioned whether the site had been adequately assessed from the point of view of Indigenous Heritage Values. It is unclear when the matter will come before a Central Coast Council meeting for consideration but Ms Boyle said the Say No group would be requesting to speak against the proposal at the meeting and would be keeping the public informed about timing. Email, Dec 8, 2016 Jane Smith, Community Environment network Public Comment Submission for Referral 2016/7829 Dec 13, 2016 Phone interview, Dec 16, 2016 Kylie Boyle, Say No to Glenning Valley Development Group Jackie Pearson, journalist

Renovating? Need New Blinds, Awnings or Shutters? Latest technology NOW AVAILABLE!!! Motorize your new roller blinds for $175. Control them from your mobile phone.# Call now for a free in home measure and quote. #

Some conditions apply. See website for details.

CHOOSE THE LOCAL EXPERTS AT 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming. Ph : 02 4324 8800 www.premiershades.com.au

News

P66 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Wallarah 2’s response to submissions arkinjung L o c a l Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has slammed Wallarah 2’s response to submissions made as part of the assessment of the Amended Development Application for the State Significant Development of the underground coal mine.

Sean Gordon, Darkinjung’s Chief Executive Officer, said the Land Council continued to have concerns about the project and the Amended DA still did not comply with certain legal requirements. “We feel that Wallarah 2 has not made any significant changes to the Amended Development Application and we maintain our position of objection to the coal mine,” Mr Gordon said. “Our response emphasises Wallarah 2’s lack of consideration of the bush fire risk, noise, services and road closures, to name a few,” he said. “The Amended DA does not address our concerns about the lack of construction plans and the expected disturbance outside the project area. “We have maintained our willingness to work with Wallarah 2, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, and other stakeholders, to achieve a negotiated regional planning

A photomontage of the infrastructure elements in the amended DA

outcome with greater community benefit but, unfortunately, at this point in time, Wallarah 2 representatives have chosen not to enter into such discussions,” Mr Gordon said. In the event that the Amended DA was approved, Darkinjung would undertake actions to preserve its interests in the locality, Mr Gordon said. Darkinjung has already stopped the coal mine’s approval once by taking action in the NSW Land and Environment Court in 2014. Darkinjung owned Lot 195 DP 1032847 which was included in the original Wallarah 2 DA and the LEC found that the DA couldn’t be determined without the consent of Darkinjung.

The Amended DA did not include the Darkinjung land but replaced it with a relocated rail spur, coal conveyor belt, and coal loader to get around needing Land Council’s permission. D a r k i n j u n g highlighted that the Amended DA failed to adequately address the Director-General’s Environmental A s s e s s m e n t Requirements in Section 78A(8A) of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979. “The amended DA still seeks to defer assessment of critical matters,” Mr Gordon said. “It provides insufficient information on access, such as the varying level/grade

changes necessary to maintain access,” he said. “It has inadequate environmental assessments; it has an inadequate risk assessment. “It is based on a premise that Crown Lands will close the Nikko Rd reserve, which is critical for the proposed location of coal loading infrastructure, and will transfer the land to Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture (WACJV) when there are other adjacent interested parties and greater regional planning outcomes to be achieved by not closing the Nikko Rd reserve,” he said. Wallarah 2 maintains that the proposed road closure, for which it has lodged an application, would still allow access

for Darkinjung and other stakeholders. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment requested, on September 23, that Mr Kenny Barry, Project Manager of the WACJV (Wallarah 2), prepared a response to the many submissions received during the public exhibition of the Amended DA and Environmental Impact Statement. The department received 708 public submissions of which 588 were objections and 116 were in support of the amended DA and four provided comments; 18 regulatory agencies also made submissions. Stakeholders and interest groups made 44 submissions of which 19 objected.

Environmental Consultants, Hansen Bailey, prepared the response on behalf of Wallarah 2 and it is available on the NSW Planning and Environment website under Major Project Assessments. The Hansen Bailey response gave an overview of the key features of the Wallarah 2 project as: “A deep underground longwall mine extracting up to five million tonnes per annum of export quality thermal coal for up to 28 years; Tooheys Rd site (including drift), Buttonderry Site and Western Ventilation Shaft Site infrastructure facilities; transportation of product coal to the Port of Newcastle by rail; and, an operational workforce of up to 300 full-time employees including contractors.” The Hansen Bailey report supports the Darkinjung claim that Wallarah 2 has continued to fail to provide a sufficient response to some of the concerns expressed in submissions and even in the original Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) principal recommendations. For example, the PAC recommended that water quality monitoring in response to subsidence impacts was subject to an independent audit each year “at least until the Director General is satisfied that longer intervals can provide appropriate safeguards”.

AD A DVERTIS SEM E EN NT

DAVID MEHAN MP MEMBER FOR THE ENTRANCE P:4334 1012 YASMIN CATLEY MP MEMBER FOR SWANSEA P: 4972 1133 DAVID HARRIS MP MEMBER FOR WYONG P: 4352 2711

Your local voices on the Central Coast! Authorised by David Mehan, Yasmin Catley & David Harris. Printed using parliamentary entitlements.

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P7 7

News

slammed by Aboriginal Land Council The Wallarah 2 response was that it “asserts that the standard three yearly independent environmental audits would be sufficient”. Many of Wallarah 2’s responses to issues raised in submissions also state that issues raised in submissions related to the original DA and not the amended DA, and that other issues raised are in the hands of the regulator(s) to answer, not the applicant. According to the NSW Planning and Environment’s Major Projects website, the department is currently working on its assessment of the amended DA. That assessment will then be sent to the NSW Planning Assessment Commissions, which may also hold a public hearing. After the public hearing and PAC review, the applicant for Wallarah 2 is given an opportunity to respond to the review.

PAC then finalises its assessment and makes a determination. According to a statement issued by NSW Planning and Environment: “The amended Wallarah 2 application is currently being assessed. “When the Department finalises its final assessment report, considering all public submissions and community feedback, it will be published on the Department’s website and referred to the independent Planning Assessment Commission for decision,” the statement said.

Spring Creek during localised flooding will be part of the site of the newly proposed coal infrastructure

Media release, Dec 13, 2016 Ashleigh Milne, Brilliant Logic Website, Dec 15, 2016 NSW Planning and Environment, Wallarah 2 Coal Project Media statement, Dec 15, 2016 Sacha Vukic, NSW Planning and Environment Jackie Pearson, journalist

Part of the Nikko Rd reserve that runs under the bridge and along the side of the train line

Come Worship with us put “Christ” back into Christmas Christmas Worship All Are Welcome Sunday Dec 18 7:30pm Christmas Carol Sing-a-long (bring a friend) Sunday Dec 25th 9:00am Christmas Day Service Wyong Uniting Church 60-62 Watanobbi Road Wyong

News

P88 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Application lodged for aircraft hangar at Central Coast Airport mphibian Aerospace Industries Pty Ltd (AAI) has lodged a Development Application (DA) for the first stage of a new aircraft facility at Central Coast Airport.

The DA seeks consent to erect an aircraft hangar with a roof area of 2,760 square metres and related works including temporary parking for 39 cars. The estimated value of the proposed development is $2.8 million. AAI has previously stated it will invest a total of $100 million in setting up the full manufacturing facility. The Community Environment Network’s airport spokesperson, Mr Laurie Eyes, said the DA was proof that “nothing is as it is advertised on the box”. According to Mr Eyes, the area to be leased by AAI has “shrunk from two hectares to 0.7 hectares”. In October, the Central Coast Council announced

An artist's impression of the AAI hangar

that the AAI had committed to building an 18,000 square metre hangar on the site. DA 1453/2016 was submitted on December 8 seeking permission to build an aeroplane hangar, offices and car parking at 150 to 190 Sparks Rd, Warnervale. According to Central Coast Council, the DA is for the first stage of a new “aircraft manufacturing facility” but a statement of environmental effects said the current DA involves the development of a portion of the subject site that has been leased from Council by

AAI as an Amphibian Aircraft Facility for the “maintenance, repair and overhaul of amphibian aircraft”. Manufacturing of new aircraft is not mentioned in the current proposal. The applicant is listed as CKDS Architecture, the Principal of which is East Gosford based architect, Mr Cain King. According to documents submitted with the DA, the hangar will be located near the north-eastern corner of the aerodrome and will have a footprint measuring about 60 metres by 40 metres.

The hangar will have a metal frame with either large pad footings or short bored piles and a concrete apron on the runway (western) side. It will be built on land that is currently vacant, residual land to the north east of the current runway. “The subject site is located in the IN1 General Industrial Zone under the Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP) where the proposed development is permissible with consent,” the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) said.

Although smaller in scale than the original proposal announced in October, the operational details include six office staff including a CEO, Vice President, Engineering Director, Sales Director, IT Director and Human Resources Manager. “There will be approximately 30 staff carrying out the repair and maintenance of aircraft within the hangar,” the SEE said. “The facility will generally operate between 7:00am and 7:00pm Monday to Friday and there will be

a maximum of two planes within the hangar at any one time. “The proposed Amphibian Aircraft Facility will assist in establishing this Regional Gateway for the Northern Growth Corridor by providing an industryfocused investment within the Wyong Employment Zone which will deliver 36 direct jobs in aircraft maintenance and repair. “The development of the facility will also encourage employment opportunities through indirect jobs in auxiliary industries,” the SEE said. The land is flood prone and the development has been designed to provide a complying finished floor level of 10.65 metres for office space and 10.5 metres for the remainder of the site; thus filling will be required. Media release, Dec 16, 2016 Central Coast Council media Website, Dec 16, 2016 Wyong Application Tracker, DA1453/2016 Jackie Pearson, journalist

Ourimbah Creek navigation channel described as inaccessible ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris, joined Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and Chittaway Point locals, Mr Ken Robertson and Mr Phill Cribbins, at the mouth of Ourimbah Creek to observe what locals describe as the unacceptable and inaccessible channel on December 12.

According to Robertson and

Mr Mr

Cribbins, for years now, locals have struggled to navigate the designated navigation channel between the creek and Tuggerah Lakes due to a build-up of weeds. Correspondence from former Member

for Wyong, Mr Darren Webber, to a local resident in April 2012 stated that in the case of Ourimbah Creek, the former Wyong Council was eligible for State Government funding assistance on a 50/50 basis to dredge the

channel. Despite constant pressure from locals and further representations made, council has still not solved the long running problem, leaving residents disappointed and frustrated by inaction. Mr Harris said he hopes to address the impasse and get a good result for locals. “Locals have been fighting to have

something done for many years. “It’s no wonder that so many people lose faith in the political process when the issues they care about in their backyards are ignored, usually because a bureaucrat or politician doesn’t deem it significant. “Everyone appreciates the ecological significance of weed beds, but keeping designated

navigation channels clear must be a priority. “This is an issue worth fighting for, the waterways of the Central coast are beautiful places to live and recreate in, but only so long as we keep them open to safe and responsible use by the public,” Mr Harris said. Media release, Dec 12, 2016 David Harris MP

$ZDUG :LQQLQJ J 7KHUPDO ,PDJLQJ J J 7HUPLWH 'HWHFWLRQ 6SHFLDOLVWV is printed on 100% recycled paper products, even the ink is made from vegetable matter. So when you’re done reading this paper please recycle it or give it to someone else to read

3UH 3XUFKDVH 3URSHUW\ ,QVSHFWLRQV 7HUPLWH 0DQDJHPHQW 3ODQV 7HUPLWH %DLWLQJ %DUULHUV *HQHUDO 3HVW LQVSHFWLRQV *HQHUDO 3HVW &RQWURO

6HQLRU 3HQVLRQHU 'LVFRXQW 2QOLQH %RRNLQJ 'LVFRXQW ,62 &HUWL¿HG 7KHUPRJUDSKHUV

(3$ /LFHQVHG 3HVW 7HFKQLFLDQV

&HQWUDOO &RDVW & & /DNH / N 0DFTXDULH 0 L 1HZFDVWOH 1 O +XQWHU + 9DOOH\ 9 OO

December 20, 2016 - P9 9

News

Greens call for Wallarah 2 to be cancelled he Greens NSW Mining Spokesperson, Mr Jeremy Buckingham, has called on the NSW Government to cancel the Wallarah 2 coal mine near Wyong.

Mr Buckingham congratulated the NSW Government on Thursday, December 15, for its decision to stop the Drayton South Coal Mine in the Hunter Valley, but urged them to act to cancel four others, including Wallarah 2. He said NSW did

not need any more coal mines. “The drinking water catchment for the Central Coast is still threatened by a coal mine which the Liberals promised would never go ahead,” Mr Buckingham said. “Mike Baird has given certainty to the Hunter

Thoroughbred industry, but when will he give certainty to the over 300,000 people on the Central Coast and cancel the Wallarah 2 coal mine?” Media release, Dec 15, 2016 Jeremy Buckingham, Greens NSW Mining Spokesperson

Two more houses handed over at Menindee Ridge tate Member for Wyong, David Harris, had the honour of handing over the keys to four delighted new home owners at Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council’s residential development, Menindee Ridge, on Monday, November 28.

Menindee Ridge is Darkinjung’s 8.6 hectare subdivision located in Blue Haven. With 109 residential lots, this was the last major land holding yet to be developed within the North Wyong suburb when Darkinjung commenced the project in 2012. Stimulating economic growth on the Central Coast has always been a major priority for Darkinjung LALC and Menindee Ridge has played a major role in achieving this. When speaking about Menindee Ridge, Darkinjung CEO, Mr Sean Gordon, said the development of the residential subdivision was in line with Darkinjung’s goals outlined in their 2012 to 2016 Community Land

and Business Plan. “We are constantly focused on improving the lives of our members and the greater Central Coast community,” Mr Gordon said. “Through Menindee Ridge, we are able to provide the community with affordable living options and sustainable housing growth which will assist in accommodating the projected population increase in the region.” D a r k i n j u n g Chairperson, Ms Tina West, said: “We are very pleased to provide these two brand new duplexes to our excited Menindee Ridge families. “It’s always wonderful to see the smiles on their faces when our community members are handed the keys to their new homes.

“It fills me with great pride to be able to play a part in this and we thank Mr Harris for joining us for this momentous occasion,” Ms West said. “Menindee Ridge is an example of our vision for the Central Coast as we harness opportunities to improve and invest in new homes and infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing Aboriginal population,” Mr Gordon said. “Darkinjung is building a better future for the Central Coast and we are excited to watch as the project grows, with many more houses to be completed in the future,” he said. Media release, Dec 7, 2016 Ashleigh Milne, Brilliant Logic

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

most recent edition of each of our sister Central Coast publications. The full articles and more, as well as all previously published editions, can be seen on line on our website

www.CentralCoastNews.net Copies of these other publications may be obtained from our offices in Gosford, by subscription, or from a myriad of locations in the areas covered by each publication.

e Frkeeone! Ta

Edition 408

12 December 2016

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

Council refuses Patonga Hotel proposal

Campaign to eliminate plastics bags and water bottles

Dot celebrates 103 years

The proposed redevelopment A Peninsula Village resident of the Patonga Hotel has been has celebrated her 103rd refused by the Central Coast birthday at Umina recently. Council

Community groups are hoping to eliminate plastic bags and water bottles from the Bouddi Peninsula this summer.

Four people washed off rocks

Xmas gifts wanted for local Bank branch reports sixth consecutive profit charity

Four people washed off the rocks at Maitland Bay were rescued before Killcare life savers or a rescue helicopter arrived on the scene.

A Umina real estate agency is An Ettalong bank branch has partnering with Coast Shelter declared an operating profit in calling for gifts to help for its sixth consecutive year. disadvantaged children this Christmas.

Properties top $1 million in the past month

Sewerage completed at Empire Bay

Peninsula fares well in planning backlog

Several non-waterfront properties on the Peninsula have been sold for more than $1 million in the past month.

The Cockle Bay Towns Sewage Project has been completed for the residents of Empire Bay.

The Peninsula appears to have fared well with its development application backlog under the new Central Coast Council compared to other parts ...

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

FRE

December 15, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 148

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

Bonython Tower looks like being first cab off the rank

Gosford makes national top 10 for NBN complaints

Minister sees ‘black spots’ first hand

Advertising, media and property entrepreneur, Mr John Singleton, has decided to kick-start the rebirth of the Gosford CBD with the development of the Bonython Tower at 155 to 163 Mann St...

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s annual report has revealed Gosford falls into the national top 10 for complaints about the national broadband network (NBN).

A pre-Christmas road safety awareness blitz by Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Darren Chester, has started with an inspection of local ‘black spots’ on NSW Central Coast roads.

Nine community organisations receive Community Building Partnership grants

Hawkesbury River Bridge has freight train limitations imposed

Ice pigging procedure underway to clean water mains

Nine community organisations in the Gosford electorate have been successful applicants in the NSW Government’s 2016 Community Building Partnership Program.

A Sydney Trains report, leaked to the Sydney metropolitan media, detailed the extent of the damage suffered by the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge.

Residents in Point Frederick, East Gosford, North Gosford and Springfield can expect cleaner water as Central Coast Council undertakes ice pigging works over a three week period from ...

Application made

70 unit Terrigal apartment building due for completion in March The scaffolding is starting to come off the $9.5 million Pine Tree Apartments building next to the Post Office in Pine Tree La, Terrigal.

Fairview Homestead finally wins first step after a 30 year campaign A 30 year campaign to save Fairview Homestead at Mangrove Creek has won its battle to restore the colonial property.

An application has been received by Central Coast Council to modify the consent for a 180-unit retail and shop top housing development on the corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dve in Gosford.

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

Forum

P10 P1 10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Who benefits from upgrades?

entral Coast Council’s $15 million upgrade to the Wyong South wastewater treatment plant has reached another important milestone.

According to Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds: “This $15 million investment will increase capacity and efficiency of the plant for the future and ensure the needs of our growing

Forum

community to it continue ti t be met.” Simply put, current ratepayers are being fleeced via higher rates to

provide infrastructure for an expanded population we neither need nor want. Email, Dec 7, 2016 Kevin Armstrong, Tumbi Umbi

Have you seen this man?

Political prejudices shouldn’t be in classrooms f anyone wondered why so many parents, including teachers, are removing children from government schools, the teachers’ unions have explained it.

Activist teachers, whose generous benefits are derived from taxpayers, are once again taking their political prejudices into classrooms. How much longer will cowardly authorities permit this to happen?

olice are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on warrants in NSW, who was known to frequent the Central Coast.

Mr Jason Shaw is wanted on three warrants, including a revocation of parole. Mr Shaw, aged 40, is known to frequent the Hunter region and Central Coast and was recently in South Australia. He is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 180 cm tall with a thin build, brown hair and

brown eyes. Members of the public are warned not to approach Mr Shaw but to contact Triple 0 immediately.

Email, Dec 8, 2016 Norman Hanscombe, Ourimbah

Wyong Regional

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

Shooting incident in Toukley olice are appealing to the public for information following a shooting incident in Toukley.

Media release, Dec 15, 2016 NSW Police Media

information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. The incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children. A similar incident happened at Wyoming on November 29 committed by what appears to be the same person.

At about 3:30am on December 7, a confrontation took place between a man, aged 21, and a woman, aged 19, at a residence on Glenlake Ave, Toukley. A short time later, the woman fled the scene in a vehicle. The man returned to his home and saw what appeared to be a hole in a window made by an unknown projectile. No one was injured during the incident. Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

Media release, Dec 12, 2016 NSW Police Media

Media release, Dec 7, 2016 NSW Police Media

Girl approached and assaulted olice are appealing to the public for information after a girl was approached and indecently assaulted by a man in Kanwal.

Just after 8am on December 12, a 12 year old girl was waiting for a bus on Walker Ave when she was approached by a man. The man indecently assaulted the girl. The girl elbowed the man, before he fled the area. Officers from the Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command commenced investigations. Police would like to

How much longer will parents and other concerned Australian citizens give in to the education bully boys?

Forum

Letters to the editor should be sent to:

speak to a man that may be able to assist their inquiries. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, medium build, in his 50s and was last seen wearing a dark blue zipped hooded jacket with the hood over his head and light blue tracksuit pants. Anyone with

The team at

TO DONATE GO TO SALVOS.ORG.AU/SAFE

would like to take this opportunity to thank our thousands of readers and advertisers for your interest and support over the past 17 years. We would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Our office will be closed on December 23, 2016 and will remain so until January 4, 2017

Rock face repair work underway at Wyong Creek small section of Yarramalong Rd, Wyong Creek, has been reduced to single lane to allow for works to be undertaken to stabilise a rock cutting damaged during the storms in June.

Retaining Specialists Pty Ltd will be repairing rock face at a site approximately 100 metres west of 1146 Yarramalong Rd on behalf of council, starting on December 12. One lane of the road will be closed, with traffic

controls in place. Additionally, speed limits will be reduced while the work is carried out. Media release, Dec 8, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P111 W

Man crashes stolen car

Shots fired at The Entrance ust after 3am on December 7, it is believed that a shot was fired at a silver Mitsubishi Lancer parked in Tuggerah Pde, The Entrance.

Police have been told the vehicle was parked there about 11pm on December 6, by a female who walked off in the direction of Manning Pde. The woman is described as being in her late 20s with long blonde hair and wearing dark jeans. At about 11:40pm, a vehicle described as a silver hatch back, drove past the Lancer and two loud bangs were heard by residents. The Lancer sustained damage to the windscreen and driver’s side window.

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.

The silver hatchback reportedly returned about midnight and a noise believed to be a gunshot was heard. A hole was subsequently located in

On The Beat

the driver’s side of the Lancer near the petrol cap, which appears to be a gun shot. The Lancer has been seized by officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command and will be forensically examined. Police who are conducting a search and canvass of the area, have appealed for anyone with information about the incidents or the identity of the woman who parked the car to come forward. Media release, Dec 7, 2016 NSW Police Media

man has been charged after crashing a stolen car at Charmhaven on December 13.

At about 2:15am, two teenage girls, aged 19 and 17, were in their parked BMW vehicle on Peel St, Toukley, outside the marina, when a silver car pulled up nearby. The teenagers were approached by a man, wearing a balaclava, who made several demands before discharging a firearm into nearby water. One of the teenagers handed her car keys to the man who left the location in the BMW. The girls were not

injured and police were notified. Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command attended and commenced investigations. At about 10am, the white BMW ran off the road at The Corso, Charmhaven, and caught fire. Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command attended

and established a crime scene, arresting a 26 year old man nearby. He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with a number of traffic, stealing and warrant offences. He was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on December 14. Meanwhile, inquiries into the robbery at Toukley are ongoing. Media release, Dec 14, 2016 NSW Police Media

Hooligans throw objects at moving vehicles Stabbing at Bateau Bay olice are appealing for information after a man was stabbed in Bateau Bay.

At about 12am, December 7, a man and a woman were asleep in their home on Noelene St, Bateau Bay, when they were awoken by a noise. Police have been told that a 31 year old man was walking through his house, when he was confronted by another man.

The victim was assaulted by the man before he was stabbed in the shoulder. The injured man attended Wyong Hospital where he was treated for a stab wound to his shoulder and facial injuries.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were contacted and commenced an investigation. Police would like to speak with a man who is described as Caucasian in appearance, 30-35 years old, solid build, 175180cms tall with a shaved head. He was wearing a dark shirt and black tracksuit pants at the time. Media release, Dec 7, 2016 NSW Police Media

Every bequest brings us closer to a cure for cancer.

For more information contact Mella Moore today. T: 1300 780 113 W: cancercouncil.com.au

wandalan hooligans have managed to rack up thousands of dollars of damage to vehicles in the suburb over a two day period.

Reports of a vehicle driving along Kanangra Dr, Gwandalan, from December 7-8, throwing rocks and other objects into incoming traffic have resulted in five cars suffering extensive damage to bonnets, windshields and windows. Witnesses believe that a dark blue or black ford focus or similar, with registration plates starting with (BN) is involved. Police have been informed and have increased their presence in the suburb over the past few days.

All aspects of small building work and property maintenance

25 years building experience 0414 486 515 NSW Building Lic #215846c

Locals were also out in force trying to find the perpetrators. Reports are that the vehicle is approaching oncoming traffic with high beam on and

throwing the objects out the window. Residents are urging drivers using Kanangra Dr at night to be cautious. Website, Dec 10, 2016 Central Coast Incident Alerts Facebook page

If you’re reading this, so could up to 150,000 other people

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

Call 4325 7369 to see how inexpensive it is.

Health

P12 P1 12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

$15 million upgrade Healthier report card for to wastewater treatment plant

Tuggerah Lakes Estuary

entral Coast Council’s $15 million upgrade to the Wyong South wastewater treatment plant has reached another important milestone.

entral Coast Council’s $7 million investment in the Tuggerah Lakes Council’s Manager the night when the should notice reduced pumping odour”, Mr Reynolds Wyong Water wastewater Estuary over the past ﬁnancial year is paying off, with three areas of said. stations are not receiving Commercial and achieving improved water quality in the past 12 months.

The annual Report Card on the ecological health of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary shows that Lake Munmorah, Tuggerah Lake North and Tuggerah Lake Central, have all gone up a grade, from C to B, due to an improvement in water quality. Ratings are graded from A to E, with A being excellent and E being very poor. Council’s Section Manager of Waterways and Coastal, Mr Ben Fullagar, said council had spent close to $30 million on the estuary over the past eight years and had worked hard to improve and restore important areas in the catchment area, and the results are starting to show. “In the past 12 months, council has installed 14 new gross pollutant traps in urban areas, removed 1,250 tonnes of pollutants from stormwater treatment devices, collected 200 tonnes of litter, dredged 60,000 cubic metres of sand from The Entrance Channel to maintain connection with the ocean, removed 10,500 cubic metres of seagrass wrack from nearshore areas and installed new recreational facilities at a number of locations,” Mr Fullagar said. “We are investing in the health of the stunning Tuggerah Lakes Estuary catchment area and have done work on river banks, natural wetlands and foreshore vegetation communities,” he continued.

amount of chemicals and detergent entering the stormwater system. “Build a rain garden or install a rainwater tank to capture and reuse runoff from rooftops and hardstand areas. “Put litter, pet droppings and garden waste in the bin. “This stops pollution before it occurs and keeps waterways and foreshores clean and tidy. “Use less fertiliser or grow a native garden which doesn’t need much fertiliser. “Keep to formed walking trails and boat ramps to minimise your impact. “Report environmental vandalism to Council,” Mr Reynolds said. $1 million of the funds invested in the area over the past 12 months came from a National Landcare grant and helped council to do: bush regeneration at Long Jetty; reconstruct beaches at Lake Munmorah, Canton and Long Jetty; install stormwater treatment devices at Long Jetty, Tuggerawong and Berkeley Vale; rehabilitate streambank in Wyong River; rehabilitate saltmarsh at Killarney Vale; upgrade wrack infrastructure at Canton Beach; remediate foreshore at The Entrance; and, investigate black ooze at hotspots throughout the estuary.

Council has been producing annual report cards on the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary since 2012 in an effort to determine whether the health of the estuary is improving, declining or remaining stable. The annual report cards are a summary of the ecological health of the estuary and are the result of scientists from the NSW Ofﬁce of Environment and Heritage (OEH) collecting and analysing water quality data. C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said while council is investing a lot of time and money into making the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary cleaner, everyone could play a role in keeping the lakes clean. “The Lakes are one of our best natural assets and we want to keep it that way,” Mr Reynolds said. “Every time you wash your car on a pavement, all of those chemicals end up in the lake. “Fertiliser used for people’s lawns make their own lawn look good, but they also end up in the lake and create algae blooms. “Healthy estuaries have low levels of microalgae and that is what we want to see. “This is why we are focused on improving the lakes, but everyone has a role to play,” he added. “Residents can do simple things to help keep their patch healthy: Wash cars on grass or at a car wash. “This reduces the

E FRE

Media release, Dec 14, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

Planning, Mr Greg Cashin, said the new inlet structure was now fully operational. “Wyong South treatment plant receives wastewater from a wide area, spanning from Watanobbi and Wadalba in the north to Ourimbah in the South and to Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi in the east. “This equates to about 11 million litres of wastewater entering the plant every day. “Transferring the ﬂow of wastewater from the old inlet structure to the new one is no mean feat. “We have to temporarily turn off all incoming pumping stations, before isolating the pipes, making the required changes and hooking them up to the new system. “The work needs to be undertaken during

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

October 20, 2016

Issue 142

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 144

ovember 17, 2016

Native Title claims cast doubt over arts centre nresolved Native Title and Land Title claims could see Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront frozen for years, making it impossible to build a Regional Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on the NSW Government’s preferred site in the foreseeable future.

FRE From iconic site to construction site, the ATO land on Gosford’s Waterfront

Site preparation under way at the ATO site on the Gosford Waterfront

Gosford’s battleﬁeld

October 6, 2016

laims and counter claims in the Land and Environment Court, the JRPP’s decision to defer a ruling on the NSW Finance building, and the growing perception that the Central Coast Council is neglecting Gosford, have left the city’s waterfront seeming more like a battleﬁeld than an iconic site.

Doma, the developer of the Australian Taxation Ofﬁce (ATO) building on the corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce in Gosford, has launched its own Land and Environment Court action to secure coverage for legal costs in response to the Gosford Waterfront Alliance’s application to the Court to stop the development.

Meanwhile, the ATO site has already been cleared, with a large mound of covered ﬁll, exposed historic building remnants and tree stumps greeting all those who approach the city from Brian McGowan Bridge. The NSW Government’s second proposed development on the former Gosford Public School land,

to house staff from the NSW Department of Finance, has also hit a snag with the developer, in this case the Crown itself, in the form of the NSW Government, asking, at the September 15 brieﬁng, for the JRPP to defer its decision on the development. Concerns about the impact of the Land and Environment Court action

were cited as one reason for requesting a deferral, because if the ATO building does not go ahead, the plans for the NSW Finance building will need to be rejigged. Gosford’s business leaders have argued, with increasing volume, that the mess on the Gosford Waterfront and the ongoing decay of the CBD, is being compounded by what it considers to be the new Central Coast Council’s failure to make the reinvigoration of the regional capital one of its priorities.

The surprise resignation of Ms Judy Jaeger, the recently appointed Group Leader of Customer and Community Relations, has compounded fears that the new Council under Administration has a Wyong or Northern Central Coast bias that has left committed and keen Gosford investors hanging. Ms Jaeger was the only remaining executive-level manager from the former Gosford Council on the new council’s leadership team. The NSW Government’s regional plan for the Central

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Coast has clearly positioned Gosford as the region’s capital, but the city may have to wait until after the September 2017 local government election for a new governing body to pick up the pieces that appear to have been dropped by the current administration. See inside for separate articles on each of these issues.

Community campaign ign results in land salee oned strategy being abandoned Various documents and interviews Jackie Pearson, Journalist

12 month community campaign has won its battle to stop the reclassiﬁcation and potential sale of 25 community reserves and parks across the city of Gosford.

Exposed foundations on the Doma ATO site on the Gosford Waterfront

Mr Ian Reynolds, Administrator of the Central Coast Council abandoned the former Gosford Council’s Land Sale Strategy at the September 28 council meeting. Ms Sue Chidgey, the founder of Save Central Coast Reserves, the umbrella group that coordinated the community’s campaign against the land sale strategy, said Mr The site for the proposed ATO building with exposed tree stumpsdecision had Reynold’s “brought immense relief to the communities whose Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford neighbourhood sites were threatened. Phone: 4325 7369 “Save Central Coast Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 Reserves, the Community E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Environment Network and Website: www centralcoastnews net eight additional community groups across the Gosford region have campaigned for over a year for the protection of their 25 local reserves, parks and green spaces,” Ms Chidgey said. “Only two Councillors voted against the Land Sale Strategy when it was ﬁrst announced, Ms Vicki Scott and Ms Hillary Morris. “In the campaign that followed, hundreds of community emails and submissions were sent to the Mayor, CEO and

Councillors, as well as a large petition. “In addition, rallies were held, as the community pleaded for the protection of their sites. “Then in early 2016, with the Council Amalgamation, the community again rose up and sent huge numbers of emails and submissions to the new Administrator and CEO,” Ms Chidgey said. “Many of our communities now look forward to joining with Council in the ‘Adopt a Park’ initiative to enhance their community sites for the well-being of their

community and for the urban environment. “I wish to extend my sincere thanks to every community member or group who supported the campaign to achieve this wonderful outcome.”

Ms Jane Smith of Community Environment Network said: “An overwhelming groundswell of community support has saved these precious sites from sell-off and development.”

"An overwhelming groundswell of community support has saved these precious sites from sell-off and development.”

E FRE

According to the Central Coast Council, a Native Title Claim and a Land Title Claim over Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront are a factor being considered by the new Council in its attempts to determine the best location for the RPAC. The Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, recently confirmed that the NSW Government’s $12 million funding commitment to the Artwork from the National Native Title Tribunal RPAC was conditional on the facility being located Ms Lynne Hamilton, right to hunt, gather and Government funding for the on Gosford City Park (also Planning and Development fish on lands spanning from RPAC. known as Poppy Park). If the Native Title and Manager for the Darkinjung Wahroonga in Sydney’s The park is located on Local the Land Title claims are Aboriginal Land North to Maitland. the corner of Dane Dve Council, The claim was lodged successful, future use of said the and Vaughan Ave, Gosford, organisation lodged a Land in 2013 and appears to any Crown Land subject to directly across Vaughan Ave Claim under the Aboriginal apply to Crown Land on those claims will need to be from the former Gosford Land Rights Act with NSW the Gosford Waterfront negotiated with the Native Public Ave, School site.Beach. Avoca Crown Land in 2014 over including Gosford City Park. Title holders. Mr Crouch said the NSW 2015, In late the former Coast Community “It also takes a very vacant Crown Land on the Government not willing GosfordwasCouncil resolved long time for a Native Title News asked Central Coast Gosford Waterfront. identifified Ms Hamilton said the claim to be resolved,” Ms Council for an update to reclassify identified to change its mindtheabout parcelsof the of RPAC. public land the location claim did not cover all Crown Hamilton from Darkinjung on its progress with the to He from said the “community” new Central Land development of the Centre. on the waterfront and LALC said. Coast “operational”. Council now had Coast Community News A written statement from “And the Federal Court is A consultant responsibility for advancing was has asked Crown Land taking its time resolving this the Council said: “There appointed in early 2016 the project. NSW to confirm that the one, but there is nothing has long been a proposal to to review the potential If the Central Coast claim does cover Gosford stopping the Central Coast put a Regional Performing reclassifification of Council decided on another to Park. Council from saying it Arts Centre (RPAC) on the community land, and City site for the Centre, it Ms Hamilton said such has been affected by the Gosford Waterfront on the undertake the community would consultation be reliant on $10 claims process on Gosford City Park site. can take “a long, matter,” she said. millionCouncil’s promisedbehalf, in Federal including “Council is evaluating Meanwhile, according to long time to resolve. Government funding to andgauge “We still have land claims Ms Hamilton, the Awabakal this option but notes there public meetings its own funds oftothedeliver the views community. unresolved from the 1990s,” and Guringai People Native is a Native Title claim over Council’s Administrator, the project which has been she said. Title claim means the the land as well as a Land said the soughtMrbyIantheReynolds, community According to the National subject land is frozen until Title claim which needs to former Council had started for decades. be considered.” Native Title Tribunal’s the matter is resolved. process with that the best It the is understood This is the first time that This casts a cloud of Native Title intention its to ishelp fund Register Gosford City Park Crown Claims, the Awabakal and over whether the Central the Central Coast Council or backlog, Land infrastructure that is managed by but Guringai People have made Coast Community will ever the former Gosford Council in the end, the numbers Central Coast Council. a Native Title claim for the receive the promised NSW have referred to the Native

ng The sites being for considered ed reclassiﬁcation were located att in: Isis St, Wyoming; Perratt ter Cl, Eagle Cl and Winter Cl, Lisarow; George St, ast Wells and Coburg St, East ve, Gosford; Ocean View Dve, Dover and Lakeview Rd, Wamberal; Yarram Rd, es, Bensville; Bluewave Cres, era Forresters Beach; Riviera ea Ave, Terrigal; James Sea Dve, Green Point; Hely St, West Gosford; Jerribin St, ve, Wyoming; Kateena Ave, are Tascott; Alan St, Delaware Rd, Niagara Park; Ilumba Ave, Davistown; and Warren

didn’t stack up. “After weighing it all up in the context of the merged Council, I believe Council can fifind nd more effificiencies and savings in our now consolidated budget without the need to sell community land as a strategy,” Mr Reynolds said. “This will be welcome news to the many residents who approached me directly with concerns about the potential loss of open space in their neighbourhood and the hundreds who put in submissions. “There is genuine benefit benefifit for Council to listen to the community.

Continued P3

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

READ & SHARE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

November ember mber 3, 2016

Your Yo ur inde independent ep pend dent lo local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

The area subject to the Awabakal-Guringai Native Title claim currently being dealt with by the Federal Court

to Council indicating how a smaller version of a Performing Arts Centre could have been included in their development designs. At this stage, both the security of the NSW Government’s $12 million pledge and the location of the RPAC remain unresolved.

The sign s gn at sig at the front fr fr of Christ Church Gosfor Gosford

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford ather her Rod Bower, the th he Arch Ar Deacon De Dea eac acon on of o the Anglican Diocese Dio of Phone: 4325 7369 Gosford, osford, has said d the t C Comm Common ommonw monw weal e lth Government’s proposed p Commonwealth Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 life ife ban on asylum asy seeke and an refugees refug re gees e is a regressive law that seekers E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.netis creating an apartheid situation sit tion that situ t mu ust be condemned by b every must Website: www.centralcoastnews.net decent ecent Australian Australian. Austral

“The Government’s retrospectiv retrospective ospective pe legislation on o refugees uge is nothing ot more th than han creating ti a sub-class b class l of o 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 th t matter. “We must must not nott allow a them m to drag ag the political po olitical landscape even further to d furt furt 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 a attempt to salvage some som of the electoral furniture. furniture “You now have the opportunity and the a electoral space to formulate and prosecute a more humane and sustainable s 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

Ph: 4325 7369

The course aims to offer a supportive environment for young people to talk about the effects of mental illness in their family and learn strategies to cope with stress. The program is conducted by Uniting Care Mental Health, the Family and Carer Mental Health Program NSW and Headspace Lake

December 15, 2016

Mr Pat Aiken, Secretary Coastal Management gement SEPP ngle land use the Coastal Residents will be the single sociation, said the planning policy cy for coastal nsultation period for the development. “The mmunity to respond Coastal the draft SEPP, which Management SEPP will also ses on December 23, is better equip councils and coastal communities unities to plan short. Mr Aiken said the for, and effectively ively respond e community meeting to, coastal challenges allenges such heduled for the Central as major storms, orms, coastal ast, at Erina on December erosion and climate imate change s inadequate, given that impacts.” Central Coast oast Council local region would be has a Local ne of the worst affected already sea level rise in the whole Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development untry”. ment Control The NSW Department of Plans (DCP) that include hazard maps zard nning and Environment, coastal provisions, which ons, conjunction with the and ﬁce of Environment and means mapped ed areas will ritage, is responsible for become part of a Coastal veloping the new coastal Vulnerability area. rea. Mr Aiken said the two nagement framework. ifty objectionsThe will new be theSEPP new minimum is zones that local al land owners requirement ended for to asupport development the need to pay attention to application to automaticallynew referred when examining atebeGovernment’s ing the draft astal Management Act SEPP astal Wetlands to a meeting of the Central Coast Council for are Coastal and Coastal Vulnerability. 16. ulnerability. determination. The Department of “The Coastal partment following May The new Council nagement had exhibition website ebsite links SEPP will thePlanning Council improve meeting. to a mapping attempted to set egrate the 25 and ng tool that Coast Community News bar at 100 submissions, demonstrates how different rent coastal-related askedensure Central Coast but following public parts of the Coast would PPs and that Council consultation, changed why it did not follow its own ure coastal development be classiﬁed under the new that requirement to 50 precedent and give the appropriate and sensitive SEPP. community an opportunity objections. “People have our coastal environment, ave a short The Council had further to comment on the latest d that we maintain time to look at their own amended the new Public amendments to its new particular situation to beaches Policy. tuation and Public Submissions Submissions Policy blicto access d foreshore areas,” said A statement issuedmake by a formal submission,” require two or more Mr in Aiken said. NSWCouncil Department of 27, on October councillors to request and Environment to the questions DAs be considered atnning a response Continued ntinued page 3 b pages the draft said:on“Council considered public meeting instead of one councillor, as PP. was a draft of the Public “Once Submissions published, Policy the at its the practice of the former meeting of July 27. Gosford Council. “It was placed on public The word “submissions” was replaced with exhibition for a period of 28 “objections” in the rewritten days (but not advertised in policy so that it will only be this newspaper), and public the number of submissions submissions were received. “The policy adopted opposing a DA that will count towards the new by Council on October 26 reduced the threshold for minimum thresholds. These two late changes referral of DAs to Council have not been the subject of to better align with the further public consultation community submissions. “As a result of feedback although a precedent was set earlier this year for an [the number] was reduced amended draft policy to from 100 to 50, so no need be given a second public for further consultation.” It appears there is no consultation period. standard for In July, the Central Coast minimum Council placed an amended Councils to follow when Draft Code of Meeting consulting the community Practice on public exhibition about the setting of policies, for a further 42 days as a so technically, Council result of amendments made does not have to do any after the initial period of consultation with the public on such matters. public consultation. The Draft Code of Continued P12 Meeting Practice had initially been put on public

E FRE

December 1, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

Planning proposal redeﬁnes city’s new Commercial Core and offers new incentives

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

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

Following the col collapse, which damaged two cars, cross-arm of broke the cross-arms power polls along the street and pulled down p power lines, the crane driver remained trapped for some time in the cabin. Emergency Ser Services, including Police from the Water Brisbane Local Area Command, NSW Fire Ambu 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 fro from the cabin safely. According to Au Ausgrid, the power supply was leas 600 interrupted to at least busine homes and businesses, but most affected had their power restored with within 90 minutes. Around 50 homes and w businesses were left without power overnight an and an emergency Ausgrid crew working continued the re following morning to restore

May 2015. Two Section 96 amendments were subsequently lodged and SafeWork NSW determined approved to add six units that the construction and then make amendments company was compliant to the drive way, parking, with all SafeWork utility spaces and the requirements. internal planning of various A statement from units. SafeWork NSW said: “Initial A construction certificate inquiries indicate that the was granted by private 40 tonne crawler crane certifier, City Plan Gosford tipped over while slewing, Pty Ltd, for commencement bringing down power lines of bulk earthworks, and damaging two motor basement parking and vehicles before coming to demolition of existing rest on the road. structures on October 31, “No workers were injured 2016. in the incident. “SafeWork NSW has Media release, directed the principal Nov 14, 2016 contractor to stop work and NSW Police media arrange for the crane to be Media statement, safely removed from the site Nov 15, 2016 so it can be tested by an SafeWork NSW media Media statement, independent engineer. Nov 15, 2016 “SafeWork NSW’s Zoe Allebone, Ausgrid investigation remains Website, ongoing.” Nov 15, 2016 The original development Diagram Central of the areas to be rezoned to form the new Commercial Core Coast Council consent for the $17.1 Application Tracker, million, 48-unit residential DA46276/2014 proposal, intended to reshape the Gosford CBD, and flat building at 18 to planning 20 Jackie Pearson, journalist started by the former Gosford Council, is being taken to its next Kendall St was granted stage by the Central Coast Council. by Gosford Council in two parts in November 2014 and The proposal, new draft within the Commercial Core said. The proposal’s aim “is to lanning controls and a area,” the draft planning amend Gosford LEP 2014 ew Voluntary Planning proposal said. Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford According to Council’s by rezoning certain land Agreement Policy, aim Leader of within the Gosford City o realign zoning within Group Phone: 4325 7369 CBD, and then to use Environment and Planning, Centre from B3 Commercial Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosfordhe2250 ncentives to encourage Mr Scott Cox, “the proposed Core to B4 Mixed Use, and E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net evelopment Website: www centralcoastnews net to revitalise rezoning and amendments certain land from B4 Mixed he city’s new Commercial to the Gosford Development Use to B3 Commercial Control Plan (GDCP), seek Core.” Core. The amendments will According to the to create a distinctive development roposal, $750 million worth skyline while preserving “provide f DAs for the Gosford CBD view lines to the ridge tops incentives for land zoned B3 were lodged in the 2015- and activating streets and Commercial Core within the City Centre by introducing 6 financial year, but most public spaces”. He said the amended plan …a time-limited bonus were in B4 Mixed Use zoned and, surrounding the city’s would ensure the building ‘pool’ of floor space and/or design for the Gosford CBD increased height” for DAs Commercial Core. “Consultations with reflected its status as the that meet certain site and design criteria. wners of the main … region’s capital. Current GLEP 2014 “We have a vision of what edevelopment sites have ndicated that, having regard the future built form of the height and floor space o depressed city property CBD could look like: taller, controls will remain the rices and the difficulties … slimmer buildings around “base” controls, but a pool n accessing development the new Commercial Core of 150,000 square metres of nance, development of the CBD, Kibble Park, bonus additional gross floor ncentive measures are with activated public spaces area would be available to equired to encourage any so people can live and work any B3 applicant. Continued P5 ubstantial redevelopment in the city centre,” Mr Cox

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 148

Bonython Tower looks like being ﬁrst cab off the rank dvertising, media and p r o p e r t y entrepreneur, Mr John Singleton, has decided to kick-start the rebirth of the Gosford CBD with the development of the Bonython Tower at 155 to 163 Mann St, Gosford.

Ph: 4325 7369

Bonython Property and Investments, the development arm of the John Singleton Group, is currently waiting for the Central Coast Council to approve a Section 96 application to amend the DA that was approved 12 months ago. Another developer owned the majority of the site (except for a small property at 163 Mann St), located in the same CBD block as the Imperial Centre, but it was acquired by Mr Singleton with the development consent. The original consent was for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a groundﬂoor tavern with 75 units of housing. ndean Quarry proposal Somersby residents draw attention to the shop-top Rindean The current Section 96 reduces the number of units and increases the number of parking spaces to 62. The ground ﬂoor tavern is replaced with commercial space and the property at 163 Mann St (subsequently acquired by Singleton) is included. to tonnes the of earth cap of a million o m e r s b y bunds, rehabilitate and According company’s website, former tailings ponds and onto the site,” she said.

Quarry seeks approval pproval for 2,250 truckloadss of ﬁll per week for fourr weeks

residents are campaigning against an application for the importation of 140,000 cubic metres of Excavated Natural Material (ENM) to the Rindean Quarry at 620 Wisemans Ferry Rd.

The 240,000 tonnes of excavation soil, according to the Section 96 application currently before the Central Coast Council, would be used to build acoustic

Tower construct a road and Bonython wheel “The will soil be they are An artist's impression of Bonython Tower, to be built in Mann St a “premium mix of isluxury wash facility. importing not virgin soil space, the third Council. Group Leader Environment commercial residential and commercial Somersby resident, Ms but excavated incorporating material The redesign of the and Planning] and his team an outdoor spacious Lynn Cowie, said: suites… “This offering from Sydney infrastructure project has been completed to finalise the matter [of terrace. one two bedroom will increase the number er ofandprojects and construction The recently-appointed by East Gosford-based the Section 96 application] with sensational trucks to exponential apartments levels, vels, sites. Executive Chairman of architect, Mr Cain King, as soon as possible,” Mr convenience potentially 9,000 views trucks ucksand the “Rindean Quarries stand Anderson said. Bonython Property and from CKD Architecture. the vibrant City make more along Wisemans ofFerry to Gosford money “The redesign was to “We have been working Investments is Mr Paul at your Rd, as they only have four door.” importing this ENM Anderson, material former Chief closely with Mr Scott Cox create a beautiful building The building also Excavated weeks to build the noise opposedwill to Virgin Executive Officer of Gosford [Central Coast Council’s in the centre of the Gosford include three bunds. Naturallevels Materialof(VENM) and “There is no traffi raffi fic more money than selling or the excavated sand it has management plan ental approval to export. mention in the Environmental Office: 120c Erina Street, bout Impact Statement about Phone: 4325 7369 Continued P3 arter importing nearly a quarter

069 Y.COM.AU

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

Media release, Dec 15, 2016 Jackie Stokes, Uniting Recovery

1 in 10 Australian children are living in disadvantage*. They don’t have the basics they need for their education such as the right uniform, bag or even books.

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013).

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

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

relaxation. Headspace Lake Haven is located at the Gravity Youth Centre, 70 Chelmsford Dve, Lake Haven. The course will be conducted on Tuesday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 25.

By sponsoring an Australian child today you will give them the essentials they need to succeed at school.

Email, Dec 12, 2016 Paul Anderson, Bonython Property and Investments Jackie Pearson, journalist

Gosford

Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E mail: editorial@centralcoastnews net

A peaceful protest at Somersby

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

READ & SHARE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Haven. Topics covered will include: mental illness myths and facts; group discussions; and, there will be games, videos and music. Skills to be acquired will be stress management, problem solving, identifying personal strengths, communication skills, mindfulness and

YOUR SPONSORSHIP CAN CHANGE A DISADVANTAGED CHILD’S LIFE

Issue 146

aterfront landowners in the he suburbs of Kincumber South, Yattalunga, Saratoga, Davistown, MacMasters each, Copacabana, Avoca, Terrigal,, Wamberal d even parts of East and West Gosford osford have ntion to the en encouraged to pay close attention SW Government’s Draft Coastal Management anagement ate Environmental Planning cy (SEPP). Issue 145 Policy

Media statement, Oct 17, 2016 Central Coast Council media Interview, Oct 18, 2016 Lynne Hamilton, Darkinjung LALC Website, Oct 18, 2016 Register of Native Title Claim Details, NC2013/002 Awabakal and Guringai People

Crane collapses at a major building site

Council sets extremely high bar for DAs

creatinng aan apartheid creating creatin creati crea apa situa ssitu situat ituati tuati tionn in Australia Au situation and Land Title claims as a factor in the location of the RPAC, at least in the past 18 months of coverage by Coast Community News. As previously reported in Coast Community News, the former Gosford City Council had talked to a number of developers to gauge interest in including the Regional Performing Arts Centre in their own development plans in locations other than Gosford City Park. The owners of the Mariners Plaza development (on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St) and the Waterside Development (corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce) both said they had submitted plans

Your independent local newspaper

Consultation is insufﬁcient for Coastal Management Plan

Media release, Dec 7, 2016 Central Coast Council media

CE, a two-day program for teenagers aged 12 to 17 who have a family member with a mental illness, will be held at Headspace, Lake Haven, during January.

E FRE

September 22

“The system being installed is the best practice, and when operational, will reduce the impact of the treatment plant on the surrounding area. “As the areas that feed into the plant grow, we also need to ensure that we can efﬁciently and effectively treat the waste generated. “This $15 million investment will increase capacity and efﬁciency of the plant for the future and ensure the needs of our growing community continue to be met”, Mr Reynolds said. The remaining upgrade works on Wyong South treatment plant are expected to be completed early in 2017.

Program for teenagers with a family member with a mental illness

E FRE

FRE

as much flow. “The pumping stations that feed into the treatment plant have now been successfully connected to the new structure, which is a fantastic milestone to have reached”, said Mr Cashin. Upgrade works on the treatment plant completed so far include the emptying, maintenance and refitting of all mechanical and electrical components in the four aeration tanks, new decanters on two tanks, the construction of a new electrical room, inlet structure and odour control system. C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the upgrades to this vital service would benefit residents now and into the future. “Once this upgrade is complete, local residents

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013).

CALL 1800 024 069 THESMITHFAMILY.COM.AU

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P13 W 3

Health

Nurses and Midwives’ Association refutes statements made by Health Minister he NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has refuted statements made by NSW Health Minister, Ms Jillian Skinner, about the proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the redevelopment and future operation of Wyong Hospital.

Mr Brett Homes, General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NMA), said he questioned why Wyong had been chosen for a PPP given the area’s low socio-economic profile, low levels of private health insurance and increasing demand for public hospital care. “At the top of the list of the concerns of the hundreds of members we have employed at Wyong Hospital, is the delivery of the full range of public health care,” Mr Holmes said. “We do not want to see any rare public health dollars that should be used exclusively for public health diverted to the delivery of for-profit private hospital care,” he said. Mr Holmes responded to Ms Skinner’s statement that a partnership with a private hospital provider would result in the development of a state-of-the-art hospital superior to anything the government could afford to develop on its own. He said the private operator in the partnership had more to gain than the members of the community who relied on public health care. “The private operator gets the benefit of all the money that would go into the public hospital funded by the government, they add a bit of their own money and get a 40year lease and 20-years of guaranteed public funding,” he said. The NSW Department of Health has already entered a publicprivate partnership with Healthscope to redevelop the Northern Beaches Hospital in

Nurses and midwives joined the rally to focus on the importance of nurse-to-patient ratios

Sydney. Mr Holmes said the Wyong community and hospital employees could observe how the partnership progresses at Northern Beaches Hospital as a taste of what is to come for Wyong Hospital. The amount of information that has been made available to the public about the nature of the contract between Healthscope and NSW Health has been inadequate, according to Mr Holmes. He said Ms Skinner and NSW Health had stated they would prefer the Northern Beaches partnership to be the model for Wyong and other sites, but they will not be bound by it. “What is projected for Wyong is a three-part process,” Mr Holmes said. “The first stage is to rule out unsuitable offers and they did this in October. “The second is to select

a short list of applicants from the expressions of interest and this is expected to take until March. “The third is to ask the short list to submit detailed tenders.” Based on the stateof-play at the Northern Beaches hospital, the public will not be told who has made it to the shortlist. “All the negotiating is done behind closed doors in the Treasury,” he said. “The public will find out who the successful tenderer is via a media release, and there might be some detail about how much money they are offering to spend. “Our experience with the Northern Beaches Hospital is that we did public information access (GIPA) requests and got copies of the contract that were largely redacted. “Some time after that, we got a less redacted copy, and now the contract can be found on Treasury’s website, but

Feel better, sooner with a bulk billed home doctor visit. Now in the Central Coast

it is very complex and difficult for most people to understand,” he said. Parts of the contract have also remained confidential because they are considered to be commercially sensitive and would disadvantage Healthscope if made public. Mr Holmes said he disagreed with Ms Skinner’s statement that a public-private partnership at Wyong Hospital would create more jobs. “There is not going to be any more staff per patient because private operators refuse to negotiate nurse-to-patient ratios. “Private operators determine their staff levels of the basis of their business model. “Nurses in the public system know they have surety around the number of staff they have to manage patient care because of the nurse to patient ratios in place. “The Minister is not telling us she is going to

staff Wyong Hospital at a higher level.” If Wyong Hospital does end up in the hands of a private operator, its operation would need to be managed on the basis of the contract between the operator and NSW Health, managed by the Local Health District. “From what we have seen of the Northern Beaches contract, it has enough wriggle room for the private operator to argue the requirements placed on them are unreasonable. “If, down the track, the public health system says we think you need to improve your standards of care, the private operator may not have to accept any new requirements,” he said. Nurse-to-patient ratios are not set in those standards of care but are in industrial agreements and any private operator

will only be required to retain conditions of employment for the first two years of their agreement with the State. “After that, they are free to bargain, but public hospital staff will be compulsorily moved over – the State Government has ruled out any redundancies or transfer payments for people they deem to be offered an equivalent job under the private operator,” Mr Holmes said. The NMA has already found itself in the Industrial Commission representing Northern Beaches’ nurses and midwives’. “We have not been able to see or enforce the employment rights of the people being transferred to the new operator,” Mr Holmes said. “They maintain those rights and conditions are in contracts which are between the operator and NSW Health, and the employee does not have access to them,” he said. The Industrial Commission had asked for further discussions between the parties and a report was due back before Christmas. According to Mr Holmes, Healthscope did not participate in those discussions. Interview, Dec 16, 2016 Brett Holmes, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Jackie Pearson, journalist

Central Coast

Proudly catering to the Central Coast community for almost 50 years.

MON - FRI: 6PM-8AM (Call Centre opens 4pm) SATURDAY: FROM 12PM (Call Centre opens 10am) SUN & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 24 HRS (Call Centre open 24 hrs)

Call

13 99 99 www.myhomedoctor.com.au facebook.com/dahdcentralcoast

Delicious Meals y Free Delivery Social Support

(02) 4357 8444

www.ccmow.com.au

Sponsored by

Education

P14 P1 14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Valley View student wins Christmas Card Competition of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Governor General. “I’m really proud that I can showcase the talents of students from the Central Coast in this way. “Thank you to all the students who participated. “The standard of entries was very high, it is clear that we have some very enthusiastic and creative kids in our area.” In a ceremony at Valley View Public School, Ms McBride presented the winning artist with a $50 book voucher and the artist’s class with a $200 group book voucher. Runners up also receive a $50 book voucher and all participating students receive a certificate to acknowledge their participation.

alley View Public School student Abbie G is the winner of the Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride’s, 2016 Christmas Card Competition.

Abbie will have her design featured on the cover of the MP’s Christmas cards this year. Hundreds of artworks were submitted as part of the competition, which was open to all primary students from schools in the Dobell electorate. “Well done Abbie, your artwork is beautiful, colourful and festive,” Ms McBride said. “Well done also to Georgia and Lucy from Bateau Bay Public School, Charli from OLR Wyoming, and Scout and Taylin from Lisarow Public School, who are all runners up and whose designs will feature on the back of the card.

The winning design of the Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride's 2016 Christmas Card competition by Abbie G from Valley View Public School

“I am sending these cards to local people and

Media release, Dec 15, 2016 Heather Robinson, office of Emma McBride

community groups, as well as other Members

Textile project selected for annual Texstyle Exhibition Teagan Murray’s Gorokan High School student’s textile project has been selected costume, inspired by for the annual Texstyle Exhibition.

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

Indian Princess Tiger Lily of the Peter Pan series, was selected for the 2017 Texstyle Exhibition, a prestigious collection of the best HSC Textile and Design major projects. Murray’s project has been nominated for the Shape Exhibition to be held at the Power House Museum from February 24, 2017. Newsletter, Dec 14, 2016 Sam Ricketts, Gorokan High School

Needs based funding is making a real difference in schools ederal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, urged the Federal and all State Education Ministers to recognise the importance of the Gonski needs based school funding model in the lead up to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Education Ministers’ meeting in Melbourne, held on Friday, December 16.

Ms McBride said there was clear evidence that the Gonski needs based funding model was already making a difference in schools on the Central Coast. “At this time of the year, I am visiting schools and joining end of year presentations,” Ms McBride said. “I am hearing from teachers, parents and students about the fantastic programs in our schools,” she said. “Needs based funding is making a difference in our schools. “Schools like The Entrance Public School, where extra funding is supporting their Indigenous program, and the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program, as well as refurbishment of a classroom for coding and robotics, are showing real benefits. “The best part is the real impact on students and the school community. “At The Entrance Public School, attendance has increased and academic results have improved. “At Wyong Creek Public School, it’s meant more teachers’ aides. “At Valley View Public School, their

‘instructional leadership’ program will develop and mentor teachers. “At Wadalba Community School, a speech therapist is now supported and working with students. “Students are realising their potential with the expertise of talented teachers. “Principals have the autonomy to develop their teams. “Needs based funding makes this possible. “The Government’s failure to match Labor’s commitment to fully fund the final two years of the Gonski needs-based funding, means over $79 million will not make its way to the classrooms of the Central Coast. “Before the Education Ministers met last Friday, I urged them to think of schools on the Central Coast and the impact this funding is having. “The Education Minister in NSW is on board, we were the first State to sign up. “The NSW Government knows this is good for schools,” she said. Media release, Dec 14, 2016 Heather Robinson, office of Emma McBride

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P15 W 5

Conroy pushes for ongoing needs-based funding for schools

Education

Year 12 students achieve top results

he Member for Shortland, Mr Pat Conroy, says schools in Shortland will lose $33 million if the Turnbull Government pushes ahead with their cuts to needs-based funding.

“Today, Education Ministers from across the country are meeting to discuss the future of our schools. “It is imperative that they pressure the Turnbull Government to keep its promise to match Labor dollar for dollar and deliver needs-based funding. “We know disadvantaged kids are still struggling at school. “That’s why Labor introduced proper needs-based funding for schools, so every child, in every school, gets every opportunity to succeed, no matter where they live, or how wealthy their family. According to Mr Conroy, schools are already using the early years of Labor’s extra

needs-based funding to get better results for students. “As noted in the Newcastle Herald in October this year, with the additional funding in 2017, Cardiff High School aims to double the number of spaces for students in specially targeted literacy and numeracy programs. “We want to make sure disadvantage is no longer a barrier to getting a great education and achieving great results. “Without funding of years 5 and 6 of Gonski, programs like Cardiff High’s, which ensures kids that need a little extra tuition are able to get it, are now in doubt. “Labor’s school funding plan will give disadvantaged schools

the biggest funding increases in the fastest time,” Mr Conroy said. “The Liberals promised Australians they would match Labor’s school funding plan dollar for dollar, but instead, they cut $30 billion from schools, and disadvantaged schools will be the hardest hit. “Both Liberal and Labor State Governments know the positive difference extra needs based funding is making in their schools, that’s why they have put politics aside to campaign together against Malcolm Turnbull’s cuts,” Mr Conroy concluded. Media release, Dec 16, 2016 Paddy Doulman, Office of Pat Conroy MP

Budgewoi P S held Presentation Day udgewoi Public School held its Presentation Day on December 13.

Presentation Day is the school’s formal academic and achievement ceremony and celebrates another year of excellence at Budgewoi Public School.

Stages 2 and 3 had their ceremony combined and the K-2 ceremony was held after that. The ceremony is also the last send-off for the current Year 6 group

before their transition into high school. Newsletter, Dec 12, 2016 Kerry Moore, Budgewoi Public School

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

St Peter's school student Kimberely Weeks receiving her certificate of excellence from Minister Piccoli

ear 12 students across the Central Coast have received their HSC results, with several schools from the region landing students in the top percentile of the state.

In the Wyong region, stand out schools included Mackillop Catholic College and St Peter’s Catholic College, each with 33 students receiving top scores (a Band 6 in one or more courses of study), and Lakes Grammar with 20 students. Gorokan High School and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance Campus, also had excellent showings, each with 13 students getting top scores. Wyong High School had six students earn top scores and Wyong Christian Community School had five. Northlakes and Lake Munmorah High Schools each had one student earn a top score. Wyong students also featured prominently throughout the 2016 HSC Merit Lists, with students within the region making the All Round Achievers

List, the Top Achievers List and the Distinguished Achievers List. Students who made the All Round Achievers List (achieving results in the top band possible for at least 10 units of HSC courses) included: Elise Anderson of St Peters Catholic College and Kayla Christensen of Mackillop Catholic College. Rounding out the Top Achievers List (students whose results are in the highest band possible for the course, or who gained top places in each course) were Kayla Christensen and Bonnie Ryan, both from Mackillop. St Peters claimed the Wyong region’s only student to make the Distinguished High Achievers List (students who received a result in the highest band possible for one or more courses), in Elise Anderson, who secured top scores

in Drama, English Advanced, Geography, Modern History, History Extension and Studies of Religion II. St Peter’s also had one student claim top spot in the state for her efforts, with Kimberley Weeks taking first in Entertainment Industry. Weeks was invited to a special achievement ceremony at the Australian Technology Park on December 14, where first place finishers from each course received certificates of excellence from Minister for Education, Mr Adrian Piccoli. Website and documents Dec 15, 2016 Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards NSW First in Course List, All Round Achievers List, Top Achievers List, Distinguished Achievers List Dilon Luke, Journalist

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

Janice on 4388 2253 Sandra on 4392 8716

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

Out&About

P16 P1 16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

New playground at The Entrance nearly completed

Free Christmas Day lunch for vulnerable people

new 500 square metre playground for kids of all ages is now open at The Entrance.

Central Coast Council has invested $500,000 in the colourful new play space, which is right next to Vera’s Water Garden. The new playground has multiple climbing stations, tunnels, a seated merry-go-round, an inground trampoline, and the classic old favourite, hopscotch. It also has synthetic grass mounds and a rock climbing wall and slide, all surrounded by spongy soft fall, and shaded with shade cloths. “There’s plenty of seating for parents to sit and watch their kids play against the backdrop of The Entrance Beach and Channel. “My kids tried it out

and they loved it. “All the different play stations kept them occupied for hours and they didn’t want to leave,” said one local parent. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said “The Entrance is a popular and beautiful spot for visitors and locals alike and this new playground adds to its attractions. “This is a prime spot for a great new play space near the waterfront,” Mr Reynolds said. “Parents can sit and watch their kids play and think ahh, this is the life. “The new playground is part of a larger $3.5 million investment in improvements to public

amenity at The Entrance of which Phase 1 is nearly complete. “The majority of paving is finished with only minor finalisation works to be completed early in 2017. “We thank the local retailers and the public for their patience during these major improvements, which will benefit the area for years to come,” he added. Parents are advised that the new slide is the only part of the playground that remains temporarily out of bounds until a final shade sail is installed in 2017.

amaritans’ volunteers and staff are busily preparing for the annual Christmas Lunch held at Wyong Race Club on Christmas Day.

The Lunch ensures that people in the community who may feel isolated or are experiencing difficulty, can enjoy Christmas Day with a free lunch, entertainment, a gift and company. The Lunch is made possible through the Samaritans Christmas Appeal, which focuses on raising awareness of the vulnerable people in our community who may not otherwise be able to celebrate the festive season, and is supported by generous major sponsors, HMA, Club Toukley and the Wyong Racecourse. The Appeal aims to raise $120,000 to support and bring hope to families living in the shadow of disadvantage, and also to those who are without

Media release, Dec 16, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

friends and family at Christmas time. “At Samaritans, we go the extra mile at Christmas time,” Event Coordinator, Ms Karen Patterson, said. “We try to ensure that the joy of Christmas reaches everyone, particularly the lonely, the homeless and the marginalised. “Our Christmas Lunch on the Coast will see around 400 people from the local area enjoy a sumptuous lunch on Christmas Day, some of whom may not have otherwise been in a position to celebrate the festive season,” Ms Patterson said. “Samaritans provides a number of services to thousands of people in need at Christmas from

Media release, Dec 8, 2016 Laura Dawson, Samaritans

Please donate now salvos.org.au | 13 SALVOS

“One of the most imaginative shows for the young you will find” The Advertiser

THE ART HOUSE PRESENTS

FLUFF A STORY OF LOST TOYS MONDAY 16 JANUARY 6.30PM & TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 11AM & 2PM ADULTS: $25, CHILD: $20, FAMILY: $75

Have you ever wondered what happens when toys go missing? Enter the hilarious world of Fluff and discover what happened to a group of toys that have been lost by the people who cherished them most. Suitable for children aged 3-12.

our Christmas Assistance Centre, Emergency Relief services, our refuges and our Christmas Lunches in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Singleton. “There are a lot of people who need our help and we can only deliver this with the support of the community,” she added. Samaritans encourages people to give generously this Christmas to support those less fortunate. The Samaritans Christmas Appeal will run until December 31. “I’d encourage all who are able to give generously this Christmas to support those less fortunate,” Ms. Patterson said.

BOOKINGS W W W.THEARTHOUSEW YONG.COM.AU 02 4335 1485 19-21 MARGARET STREET, W YONG

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P17 7

‘Play me a Story, The Nutcracker’ showing at the Art House he sell-out hit show ‘Play me a Story, The Nutcracker’, transcribed from Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker Ballet, is coming to The Art House, Wyong, on December 23.

The show will feature Esmeralda Tintner and Lisa Stewart, two of Australia’s most accomplished and charismatic violinists, Kerryn Joyce on percussion, ballet dancer, Lennox Niven, and flamenco dancer, Ana Interiano. Combining violin playing, storytelling, illustrations and dance to tell the much loved story of Marie, and her favourite toy, a wooden Nutcracker carved to

look like a soldier. The solider comes to life as a Prince and takes Marie on an adventure to the Kingdom of Sweets. Selling out shows at the Sydney Opera House and festivals all around Australia, this is a show not to be missed. Suitable for the whole family, The Nutcracker is full of all the magic, dancing, and music that children love. Media release, Dec 16, 2016 Central Coast Council media

Out&About

Children’s show at the Art House luff, a Story of Lost Toys, is showing at the Art House Wyong on January 16 and 17.

Fluff: A Story of Lost Toys, tells the story of what happened to a group of toys that have been lost by the people who cherished them most. The show promises 60 hilarious minutes of songs, dance and laughter on stage at The Art House. The stars of the show are the nutty and sweet Gingham family, who are very concerned for all of the lost and abandoned toys in the world. They travel all around to rescue them and bring them to their colourful home where they welcome them to the family. Each toy is introduced one-by-one and, after learning how they came to be lost, is given sound

Members of the Gingham family with their collection of lost toys in Fluff

and movement, a piece of music, a nightlight and a nice comfy bed. Described as “one of the most imaginative shows for the young you will find” by The Advertiser¸ Fluff is the first show of 2017 for The Art House. “We are so excited to

be starting our year with this fantastic show,” said Executive Director, Ms Anne-Marie Heath. “It’s the perfect show for children who will have just been given toys for Christmas,” she said. According to Ms Heath, locals can expect “many more brilliant

children’s shows to come in 2017, as well as a whole host of national and international talent on-stage that adults will love.” Media release, Dec 8, 2016 Emily Carryer, The Art House

SUNDAY 8th JANUARY CALL RECEPTION FOR TICKETS

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

RESIDENT BAND

BLUESANGELS and this month’s guest

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

P18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 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

4367 6540 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

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 20, 2016 - P19 9

Out&About

Women welcome in Her Cave

Government grant helps bring Horrible Harriet to the Coast orrible Harriet, an engaging new show for children under eight, is coming to The Arthouse, Wyong, thanks to a NSW Government grant to assist the regional touring of new productions.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, said CDP Theatre Producers is receiving $48,033 to tour the Central Coast and other regional centres. “I am tremendously excited about shows like this coming to our community and I know the performance will be much welcomed,” Mr MacDonald said. Horrible Harriet is an adaption by Maryam Master (Mr Stink) from the much loved books by

the Australian Children’s Laureate, Leigh Hobbs. NSW Minister for the Arts, Mr Troy Grant, said almost $107,000 of NSW Government funding will support the regional touring of three new shows next year, each chosen for its artistic merit and capacity to engage with the community. “As well as helping to stage first rate entertainment, these performing arts touring grants are designed to improve community

access and deepen connections to our regional arts and culture,” Mr Grant said. “We are building best practice programming into our regional and rural facilities and at the same time building the viability of our NSW arts organisations by helping them to reach new markets,” he added. Media release, Dec 13, 2016 Chris Sullivan, Office of Scott MacDonald MLC

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

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

Entrance Leagues Club, from 2:00pm

Saturday, Jan 14 Monday, Jan 2 Ben Woodham, Mingara, from 5:00pm

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

Jason Owen featuring new single Run, The Greens The Entrance, from 7:00pm

Saturday, Jan 7

Ben Woodham, Mingara, 2:00pm

Ben Woodham, Sails Stage, Memorial Park, The Entrance

Friday, Dec 30

Saturday, Dec 31 New Years Eve Celebrations, Memorial Park, The Entrance, from 6:00pm Mikey Pie, The Greens The Entrance, from 8:00pm

Sunday, Jan 1 Ben Woodham, The

Crawfish Stew, Lakes Hotel, The Entrance, featuring Todd Stewart from 8:00pm

Ms Regina Doyle said she had spent the past nine months setting up and running Her Cave Inc. The new organisation is currently based at Gorokan and Mannering Park and is soon to take possession of a hall in Kanwal, where it will have storage for tools and supplies. “We have a small amount of members, though it is growing

every month it seems,” Ms Doyle said. “We run classes in sewing, crochet and a variety of other crafts,” she said. “As well as getting women to gain new skills, they are gaining new friendships, finding they are still needed outside of the home, and can make their lives worthwhile again after children grow up and move out, or if they become a sole parent

and need support from other women around them. “We have recently been given a small grant from Central Coast Council to help get us started, but we are looking for more sponsorships and support as we do not charge a huge amount for the classes, and all fabrics and materials have been donated so far,” she said. Email, Dec 14, 2016 Regina Doyle, Her Cave Inc

OUT NOW! $4.90 Issue 119

$4.90 Issue 113

$4.90 Issue 116

and

and 14-16 October 2016

Friday, Jan 6

Monday, Dec 26

Crawfish Stew Duo, featuring Todd Stewart, Wyong Rugby League Club, from 7:30pm

Mingara, from 7:30pm

new not-for-profit organisation has been established locally to assist women to gain new skills and friendships.

Th is

Fluff, a story of lost toys, The Art House, Wyong, 6:30pm and Jan 17, 11:00am and 2:00pm

Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music and dance magazine

Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, t alternative, lt ti bl bluegrass and d world ld music i and dd dance magazine i

WWW.TRADANDNOW.COM

$4.90 Issue 114

$4.90 Issue 117

and

Saturday, Jan 21 Lennon Through A Glass Onion, The Art House Wyong

Th is

$2 January 26th-29th 2017

Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music and dance magazine

WWW.TRADANDNOW.COM

Sunday, Jan 8 NSW Pro Wrestling, The Greens The Entrance Ben Woodham, Lakes Hotel, The Entrance, from 3:30pm

Monday, Jan 23 Art Exhibition, For Those Who’ve Come Across the Seas, Northlakes High, The Art House Wyong until Feb 9

Monday, Jan 9 Bob Turner Wildlife Show, Westfield Tuggerah 10:00am to 11:00am

Friday, Jan 13 Ben

Woodham,

Wednesday, Jan 25 ACE, Adolescent carer education for teens caring for family members with mental illness, Headspace Lake Haven and Jan 26

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.

See ont insi h's de Fe for a full tur pro e F gra es mm tiva e ls

Monday, Jan 16

$4.90 Issue 115

Th is See Mon insi th Souvenir Program Guide de 's for Fe com at ple ure te d pro Fe gra sti LEONARD NORMAN COHEN mm va 21 September 1934 to es ls 7 November 2016

11th K Kan angaro

o Val alle See Mo Fo Fo leyy insi nth lk Fest ival de 14 al fo1r4's -16 FeOc 16 co16 2016 mp attu20 1 lete re 6 pro Fe gra stiv Presen m s ted me al d by by Sho Sh S hoa alha Folk

WWW.TRADANDNOW.COM

$4.90 Issue 118

www.newsteadlive.com

and

lhaven en

Club kan aroov kang Inc In nc nc a oo alleyf ll folk olkfe ol olk stival .com.au u Souvenir Progr am $2 Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music and dance magazine

and

Partnered Partn Part P Pa Par artner artne nered with

Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music and dance magazine

WWW.TRADANDNOW.COM

Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music and dance magazine

WWW.TRADANDNOW.COM

Now 80 Pages on full gloss paper in a new compact format! Available from your local newsagent (distributed by Wrapaway) See our extensive range of over 2000 Australian traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative and world music CDs, DVDs and books at www.tradandnow.com and at 120c Erina St, Gosford 02 4325 7369

Classifieds

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

PRICES FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS IN THESE PAGES COME IN THREE CATEGORIES

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

events

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

Accommodation Pensioner Accommodation

Point Clare Retirement Village Suit Single Pensioner over 55yrs old

Private advertisements

Conditions Apply

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

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

Ph: 4324 2068 Business Hours

Antennas A Better Picture

Antenna & Digital Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555

Bookkeeping

advertisements frequently.

premium

VIP

online

Folk and Acoustic Music Club

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON CWA Hall Woy Woy Tickets $10/13/15 www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716

Family History DIG UP MY ANCESTORS Tracing your family history • Reliable • Affordable • Efficient www.digupmyancestors.com digupmyancestors@gmail.com

GosfordClassifieds.com.au is one of a network of 10 websites which form one of the largest independent online classifieds network in NSW with over 350,000 annual visitors, over 80,000 online advertisements and over 15,000 business advertisements. A

The Troubadour

0431 018 743

Online classified advertising rates Online only

business

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.

Registered BAS Agent Member of Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Accredited and experienced with various accounting packages Contact Ken

Electrician

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Same day service Guaranteed Lighting, Power Points, Phone & Data, Fault Finding,

All that we require for you to have an online advertisement such

No job too small.

as this is: 1) Heading for the advertisement; 2) Text for the body;

Seniors Discount.

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

Lic number 265652C

4308 6771 Help Ted Noffs Foundation get addicted children clean

months, $995 for 6 months and $1499 for 12 months. To be in all three newspapers as well as online costs $795 for 3

GOSFORDCLASSIFIEDS.COM.AU FOR ONLINE CENTRAL COAST CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

ourteen new recruits from the Central Coast were sworn into the ranks of the state’s correctional officers after undertaking 10 weeks of intensive training at the Corrective Services Academy in the Hunter.

2001 Hyundai Accent GL 3 door sedan, 5 speed manual 10 months rego Only 132,000 ks, log books, full service history Air conditioned, power steering Very clean, economical, reliable, small car. Only $2,200

The new graduates were from Wyongah, Charmhaven, Mannering Park, San Remo, Blue Haven, Lake Munmorah, Hamlyn Terrace, Canton Beach, Gorokan, Yarramalong and Wadalba. The new Corrective Services NSW officers have been taught key legislation, policies and procedures, and have participated in simulated search and emergencyresponse exercises, as well as weapons training. “The new recruits will now embark on a career in corrections that will be a rewarding one, playing a vital role in keeping our community safe,” said Assistant Commissioner, James Kolouris. The new recruits took part in a traditional Corrective Services NSW graduation parade attended by Assistant Commissioner Kevin Corcoran on Friday, December 9. Mr Corcoran said the parade was a very special occasion and the beginning of an important and challenging career. “Being a correctional officer can be challenging and sometimes dangerous, and the academy helps equip our new recruits with

Ph: 0410 522 070

Positions Vacant

Painting

Experienced

BUCELLO’S COASTAL PAINTING SERVICES • Residential and Commercial • Interior and Exterior • New Work and Repaints Free Quotes All work guaranteed Quality’s my game and Ryan’s my name

0410 404 664

Plumbing

Tilers wanted! Start Immediately 0439 589 426

Please donate to buy beds for Ted. Call 1800 151 045 or visit www.noffs.org.au

Same day service Guaranteed Blocked drains, Leaking taps and toilets, Hot water and all aspects of plumbing drainage and gas fitting. Lic number 265652C

4346 4057

the skills they need to face some of the more difficult situations,” Mr Corcoran said. The new officers will complete a Certificate III in Correctional Practice and have undertaken training modules designed to ensure that they are ready to work in the state’s correctional facilities, including those at Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Kariong. Media release, Dec 9, 2016 Email, Dec 14, 2016 Jodi Minus, Justice NSW

Tuition - Dance Gosford Scottish Country Dancers 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 phone 02 4324 2801 email tom@tomflood.com.au $40 hr or $25 1/2 hr Skyperharp: pay by PayPal SPRINGFIELD, NSW

Wanted

Tiling

YOUR LOCAL PLUMBER

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.

For Sale

www.gosfordbookkeeping.com.au

0417 657 414

Fourteen recruits graduate

Aubrey Downer Memorial Orange Homes

Self Care Unit available $200/week

GST and a photograph or logo is an additional $6 + GST.

Entertainment

CASH PAID

Tiling Wall & Floor Property Maintenance 0439 589 426 homes2nv@gmail.com

for good quality Swords, Knives and War memorabilia.

For large collections home visit available Shop 12 - Ebbtide Mall 155 The Entrance Rd The Entrance

4333 8555

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P21 1

Fun educational activities at council libraries

Out&About

Busways Wyong has three Christmas Buses raising funds

chool holidays are upon us and Central Coast Council’s libraries have plenty of fun educational activities to keep the kids entertained.

Highlights of this year’s activities include a workshop on 3D Printing and Design, a Japanese ghost show and a workshop on how to prepare for the HSC. Council’s Library Services Section Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards, said there was an array of events on offer catering to children as young as three, as well as tween and young adult interests. “We have everything from a 3D print and design workshop and computer game workshops to music sessions, where children can learn to play the ukulele and dance the samba,” Ms Edwards said. Mr Sean Murphy’s Ghost Jam Comedy Show was very well received when it was premiered

at the Sydney Fringe Festival in September, and he will be premiering it on the Coast on January 24 at Tuggerah Library. This free event is based on traditional Japanese ghost stories that most people have not heard before, and has some fun and scary moments that will delight kids and adults alike. It also has some comical moments. Other events include: Villain and Superhero Storytime; Saga of Heroes; HSC Ready, Set, Go!; Boy Power; Bush poet Peter Mace; Brick 4 Kids; Christmas Card Making; and, several music workshops by professional community musician, Tom Harding. Media release, Dec 16, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

The Shame File Ducks Crossing Publications has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track. However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so. From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them.

• Golden Scissors Hairdressing, Wyong • Bakefresh, Wyong

services • Rattananporn Massage, Wyong

• Frazer Park Pty Ltd • Darren Rucker, Tiler formerly trading as The Killarney Vale Big Prawn at Crangan • Thomas James Bay • Tony Fitzpatrick trading as Futuretek Roofing • David Hill, Long Jetty

Clinton, Trading as TMA Products & AthroBalm & Effective Business Solutions of Ettalong

• Jessica Davis of Erina • Grania Howard aka Sam - trading as A1 cleaning - Trading as Laserclear P/L

yong Busways drivers are hoping for a bright Christmas for some deserving charities as the Christmas Bus Initiative hits the road for its third year running.

Staff at Busways’ depots have decked out buses with Christmas decorations and will be taking them out on the road for route services. Fundraising tins will also be onboard for customers who wish to donate their loose change for a local charity nominated by the depot. The initiative was a success last year, with Busways raising over

$2,800 in donations for various charities. “This is the third year for the Christmas Bus Initiative, which is a fantastic project driven by the people working at our 16 bus depots, spread from Yamba on the North Coast, to Penrith in Western Sydney,” said Busways Marketing Manager, Ms Donna Frith. “The depot teams take

great pride in decking out their buses to put a smile on the face of our passengers, both big and small,” she added. Busways Wyong has three Christmas Buses raising funds for

the Starlight Special Children’s Foundation. Busways invites our passengers to hop on and enjoy a ride on a Christmas bus if they see it in their local area. Media release, Dec 15, 2016 Rose Brown-Mason, Busways Group

Subscribe now

and don’t miss an edition Peninsula Community Access

News

1 Year (25 editions) to Peninsula News $75

1 Year (25 editions) to Coast Community News $75

STOP

1 Year (25 editions) to Wyong Regional Chronicle $75

Phone: 4325 7369 - Fax: 4321 0940 120c Erina Street, Gosford To order online

www.duckscrossing.org/shop Name:

Before you book your next display advertisement in the local telephone directory look at this for BETTER VALUE

We will give you a display advertisement that’s 50% larger for the same price in EVERY EDITION of Wyong Chronicle (not just once) for a Whole Year! Why be with all your competitors on the Coast when you can stand out in your local area and be seen week in and week out for twelve months?

That’s right, 50% larger and in EVERY EDITION for a year at the same price What’s more, you can change your advertisement as often as you like. CALL NOW and start receiving the benefits immediately. No Upfront Payments - Pay as you go

Ph: Email: Address:

Credit Card Number: ___________________/___________________/ ______________________________________/

Exp: ______/______ Please complete credit card details or send a cheque or money order payable to

Central Coast Newspapers, PO Box 1056, Gosford NSW 2250

Ph: 4325 7369 www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

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

Sport

P22 P2 22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Corey Jones invited to Greg Norman Academy Junior Golf Invitational helly Beach resident, Mr Corey Jones, has competed in the second Greg Norman Academy Junior Golf Invitational in South Carolina, USA, from December 14 to 17.

Mr Jones was a former Central Coast Academy of Sport golfer who was awarded Male Athlete of the Year in 2013-14. He was just one of 72 participants p p ((44 boys y and

28 girls) lucky enough to be invited to be part of the tournament, hosted at the Barefoot Resort and Golf at North Myrtle Beach. Tournament players had to be 18 years of age or younger, and a member of a golf club affiliated to a national golf federation recognised by the global junior golf tour. Boys also had to have a handicap of two or better to be invited. Invitees were also

Basketballers attend training camp in Tamworth entral Coast Academy of Sport basketballers, a part of the ClubsNSW Basketball program, will have the opportunity to train in Tamworth Sports Dome as part of the program’s training camp.

The camp, which ran from December 1518, involved program athletes with intensive training regimes with some of the state’s most qualified coaches. The camp also involved a joint training session with the Hunter Academy of Sport and the Northern Inland Academy of Sport. Facilities at the Tamworth Sports Dome include six multi-purpose courts, which comply with international standards for indoor sport, as well

Tide CharT FORT DENISON

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

as two outdoor courts. The Dome also has treatment rooms for athletes and offers both physiology and allied health services. The camp will culminate with a round robin of games between

the three academies, with each group keen to test the competition prior to the 2017 ClubsNSW Academy Games in April. Media release, Dec 16, 2016 Paul Brian, Central Coast Academy of Sport

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

Time - Height(m) 0315 1.38 0218 1.38 0857 0.78 0755 0.73 TUE 1403 1.56 WED 1457 1.44 2134 0.54 2046 0.49 0506 1.46 0555 1.53 1114 0.77 1217 0.71 FRI 1659 1.30 SAT 1759 1.29 2310 0.58 2356 0.58 0039 0.57 0119 0.55 0720 1.66 0759 1.72 MON 1356 0.56 TUE 1435 0.49 1939 1.32 2023 1.34 0236 0.53 0315 0.53 0913 1.81 0949 1.84 THU 1549 0.39 FRI 1626 0.36 2145 1.38 2224 1.39 0432 0.50 0516 0.52 1101 1.78 1142 1.74 SUN 1738 0.34 MON 1819 0.35 2339 1.37

0412 1.41 1004 0.79 THU 1557 1.35 2222 0.57 0639 1.60 1311 0.64 SUN 1852 1.30

0158 0.54 0836 1.78 WED 1513 0.43 2104 1.36 0353 0.54 1027 1.84 SAT 1703 0.35 2305 1.40 0025 1.37 0603 0.55 TUE 1225 1.69 1902 0.37

0207 1.41 0306 1.45 0114 1.38 0755 0.61 0902 0.62 0656 0.58 WED 1312 1.62 THU 1406 1.53 FRI 1509 1.46 2042 0.42 2138 0.43 1950 0.39 0407 1.52 0509 1.62 0609 1.73 1017 0.59 1134 0.52 1244 0.41 SAT 1620 1.40 SUN 1732 1.39 MON 1841 1.40 2237 0.43 2336 0.41 0033 0.39 0129 0.36 0221 0.35 0705 1.84 0800 1.93 0852 1.98 TUE 1345 0.30 WED 1441 0.22 THU 1531 0.16 1942 1.43 2038 1.46 2130 1.47 0313 0.34 0402 0.36 0452 0.41 0942 1.99 1030 1.96 1115 1.87 FRI 1620 0.16 SAT 1706 0.19 SUN 1749 0.25 2220 1.48 2309 1.47 2355 1.44 0540 0.47 0041 1.42 0127 1.39 1159 1.76 0628 0.55 0717 0.62 MON 1831 0.33 TUE 1241 1.63 WED 1323 1.49 1912 0.42 1952 0.50

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

determined from d t i d f winners of the category I tournaments for 2016, as well as national and international ranking systems. The format of the tournament involved both an individual stroke play and an international teams stroke play, held simultaneously, with each player completing 18 holes per day over the three days of the tournament. The winner was the player and the team with the lowest recorded aggregate score over 54 holes. “I am stoked to be picked to compete in this highly renowned tournament,” Mr Jones said, before travelling to South Carolina. “It will be a great experience for me to travel to the United States and play on a high quality course in a competition with a massive name of Australian golf like Greg Norman attached to it,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet the other golfers from around the world and see how my skills compare to theirs,” he said.

Heward Belle no longer a Mariners’ goal keeper 9-year-old goalkeeper, Tom Heward Belle, was released from his contract with the Central Coast Mariners, effective immediately, on Thursday, December 1.

Heward-Belle approached the club and requested to be released from his Hyundai A-League contract that was set to expire at the end of this season, and that request was granted. The young shot stopper said he wished to spend more time in Sydney to focus on his university studies and thanked the Central Coast Mariners for his opportunity.

“It’s been a really tough decision to make and I will always have the Mariners in my heart as the first club that I made my Hyundai A-League debut with,” he said. “I have experienced great memories with an amazing group of people and very supportive fans. “The Mariners have helped me grow as a person and I can’t thank them enough for that.

Media release, Dec 15, 2016 Paul Blain, Central Coast Academy of Sport

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

“I wish the team all the best for this season and I am sure that the way they are going, they will experience great success,” he said. The Central Coast Mariners wish Tom Heward-Belle all the best in his future endeavours. Media release, Dec 1, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016 - P23 3

Sport

Academy Games announced as Sporting Event of the Year he ClubsNSW Academy Games was announced as the Sporting Event of the Year at the recently-held Central Coast Sports’ Awards.

The event host, the Central Coast Academy of Sport, was acknowledged amongst a field of strong finalists, including the Gosford Basketball Association, Central Coast Rugby League, Central Coast Sevens and Central Coast Oz Tag. The ClubsNSW Academy Games was held at venues across the South and North of the Central Coast. Northern venues and

events included: Golf at Shelly Beach, the Springs and Magenta Shores courses over three days of competition; Hockey at Wyong; Triathlon at Summerland Point; and, Surfing at Soldiers Beach. Basketball and Netball were played in the south. Games director and the Academy’s Sport Event Manager, Ms Emily Burgess-Moore, said: “It is really pleasing to win such a coveted award, we have a small staff

at the Academy and to be recognised with this award shows how well received the event is for the region, and how well we were able to manage the event. “We are already working on the operational elements for another successful games in April 2017,” Ms Burgess-Moore said. Media release, Dec 14, 2016 Paul Blain, Central Coast Academy of Sport

Budgewoi student athletes represent NSW at Nationals

Jemma Smith

Brad Woodward

Top sportspeople awarded he annual Central Coast Sports Awards were held at the Mingara Recreation Club recently.

The Coast’s Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to gold medal winning Paralympian, Ms Leisl Tesch for sailing, and the runner up awarded to Lachlan Tame for Kayaking. The Central Coast Sports Federation also awarded Leisl Tesch Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.

The Junior Sportsperson of the Year was Junior life saver Jemma Smith. Runner up was Brad Woodward for Surf Life Saving and swimming. Kyle Schneider was also named a junior runner up for his achievements in Rugby League. The 2016 Master Sportsperson of the Year was Vicki Townsend for

Athletics. Coach of the Year was Glenn Hall for Surfing; Event of the Year went to the Central Coast Academy of Sport for its organisation of the Academy Games. Volunteer of the Year was Terry West for AFL. Newsletter, Dec 9, 2016 Matt Sawyer, Central Coast Sport and Recreation

student from Budgewoi Public school represented NSW at the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney during the first week of December.

The student came 10th in the Multi Class 11 years Boys’ 200 metre race, and 12th in the 100 metre race.

Two other students competed in the state acrobatics and placed third in their events.

Newsletter, Dec 5, 2016 Kerry Moore, Budgewoi Public School Leisl Tesch

Kyle Schneider

Sport

P24 P2 24 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 20, 2016

Mariners disappointed not to get a point from Roar match he Central Coast Mariners were unlucky to miss out on gaining at least a point in their home game against Brisbane Roar at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday, December 19.

Brisbane Roar cemented a 2 to 1 lead that meant they departed the Central Coast sitting equal second on the A-League Table with 20 points, while the Central Coast remain in ninth place, still three points in front of Adelaide United. An end-to-end first half hour of play saw the two teams gridlocked. Central Coast Mariners dominated possession and had their chances to open the scoring but then controversy struck. Referee Chris Beath made a hand ball call that gave a free kick to Brisbane and had Mariners’ fans and Coach Paul Okon seething with the unfairness of it. In his post-match interview, Okon was asked to comment on the awarding of the free kick that gave the Roar the lead in the 33rd minute. Okon said he was probably the worst person to ask whether or not the hand ball call was correct. “I don’t get the handball rule,” Okon said. “The player said it hit him on the shoulder and that he never went with his arm, but the referee said he made a movement with his arm. “I don’t recall a movement and from where I’m sitting it doesn’t look like a free kick. “But the ball still has to go in and it’s a great strike and very difficult for the goalkeeper to get to,” Okon said of the superb Petratos free kick that gave the Roar a one goal lead they were able to maintain through to half time. Brisbane Midfielder Dimitri Petratos took the kick from just outside the penalty area giving Paul Izzo no chance. First half highlights for the Mariners included the return from injury of Club Captain Nick Montgomery, who showed no signs of stress, settling straight back into the

Dimitri Petratos gave Paul Izzo no chance to save a world-class free kick that put the Roar in front at minute 33

pace of things, continuing to pull the strings in the middle of the park. The Central Coast’s defensive efforts continued to improve but the home side had a bit of good luck with Brisbane’s Jack Hingert hitting the post in the 20th minute.

to make any changes around the hour mark and was arguably outcoached by John Aloisi when the Roar’s powerful attacker Thomas Broisch took to the park. With the Mariners pushing men forward in a desperate effort to

several occasions during the last 20 minutes, but the Roar held out and were able to take all three points home with them. “Maybe a draw would’ve been a fair result, we are a bit disappointed with the result, but we kept going until the last

Captain Nick Montgomery was back in the thick of the action Photos: Noel Fisher

Roy O’Donovan’s reply within a minute was saved by the Roar’s keeper, Theo, but was a heartening prelude to the striker’s second-half efforts. The Central Coast Mariners appeared to come back from the halftime break with more determination than they showed in the first 45. Roy O’Donovan managed to pounce on the end of impressive build up play by Montgomery and Fabio Ferreira to score at the 57th minute, bringing the game back to level pegging. Ferreira found the feet of a charging Roy O’Donovan with a pinpoint through ball. O’Donovan scooted through the Roar back four to calmly shoot past Theo. Okon appeared hesitant

take the lead, Brisbane doubled their score at the 76th minute, when Broich picked out Maclaren on the back post where the young attacker headed home with ease. Okon then made his second change, the straight swap of Connor Pain for Trent Buhagiar. “Trent’s a threat, so is Connor and Fab. “We had a few players who were probably underdone today coming into the game, so we needed to be really mindful of making subs at the right time, because we didn’t want to be left for the last 10 minutes without a sub if something happened. “We are happy with the way Trent came on and was a threat,” Okon said. The Mariners came close to equalising on

minute,” Okon said. “The effort was there and in the final third we were a bigger threat in respect to last week and we worked on that during the week,” he said, commenting on the Mariner’s previous week’s loss to Wellington Phoenix. “We set up a little differently tonight, but their first goal was a wonderful free kick, and their second goal, we lost the ball in transition and, as Thomas does, he puts in a peach of a cross and all Maclaren has to do is head it home. “We had our moments, but it wasn’t to be, and we leave here with no points,” Okon said. The Mariners’ Coach said his squad clearly needed to keep working on

careless turnovers and on finding that killer cross. “We gave the ball away a little bit too much when we weren’t under pressure and allowed them to get out of dangerous situations and take away the pressure from them. “The more you give it back to them, they’re going to make you chase. “We are a team that can keep the ball and now we just need to show that we can keep it in the final third, which is finding the right pass, finding the right cross and if that’s not on, just keep building pressure and hope that something goes for you.” The Mariners now face arguably their toughest three matches of the 2016-17 season to date against Melbourne Victory (away), Melbourne City (home on New Year’s Eve) and Sydney FC (home on January 8). “Everyone is looking forward to playing those next three games,” Okon said. “We have a nine or 10day turn around until our next game now so it’s an opportunity for us to get some work done with the players. “We will crank it up because we have two games in three days after that, then six days later, we play Sydney FC. “They are tough games but the players showed tonight that we can go right until the end and we maybe could’ve taken something at the death,” he said. In other squad news, Paul Okon reported post-match that Jacob

Poscoliero, who has not been seen for several rounds in either the A-League or Mariners’ Youth League sides, was fit and fully recovered from an earlier injury, but hadn’t been available for team selection due to illness. Okon said Jacques Fatty, who’d also been declared fit in the days before the game against the Roar, had elected to have his first start in the Youth League side to ensure he was matchfit before stepping up for selection in the A-League squad. Brisbane Roar Coach, John Aloisi, also had some words of support for his former Socceroo roommate Paul Okon, in his post-match interview. “I think that Paul is doing a really good job,” Aloisi said. “He has got a lot of young players as well, and he came to it a little bit late in terms of pre-season, but you can see the style of football they want to play, you can see the work that he is putting in and the structures he is putting in place. “I think he just needs to keep going, and he will. “They are a tough team to play against and they will keep getting better as well,” he said. Transcript, Dec 18, 2016 Paul Okon, Central Coast Mariners John Aloisi, Brisbane Roar Website, Dec 19, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners Jackie Pearson, journalist

Airborn Michael Neill