Issue 110 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

Issue 110 February 14, 2017

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Confidential airport Berejiklian refuses to feasibility study confirm September recommended sale council election of the land N

ew South Wales Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, during her visit to the region for a Community Cabinet meeting, was not prepared to confirm that the Central Coast would have a local election in September.

Mr Laurie Eyes attended the Wyong chamber to access the airport feasibility study

he former Wyong Council and the current Central Coast Council have continued to spend rate payer money on the expansion of the airport at Warnervale when a 2013 feasibility study recommended the sale of the land.

The study, which has been kept confidential by both Wyong and Central Coast Councils since 2013, concluded that the sale of the airport land at Warnervale could fetch around $7.7 million, depending on market conditions. It also argued that the sale could result in an

ongoing revenue stream back to Council through land rates. The 2013 feasibility study concluded that an upgrade of the Warnervale airport was not viable, as the costs were considered “prohibitive” and significant effort would be required by Council to attract aviation-related businesses to the site. Since abandoning its plans to develop an airport at Kiar Ridge, the Wyong Council and the Central Coast Council, have pursued an expansion of the airport into a general aviation hub. Since 2013, the former and current Council have spent at least $7

million at Warnervale airport, including on a runway upgrade without Ministerial permission, as is required by specific legislation, and on land acquisitions. At the same time, it has kept confidential the feasibility study which clearly showed the best course of action available to the Council was to sell the airport land and turn it into rateable industrial lots. Those lots would also generate employment as per the intent of its classification as a State Significant Site and the objectives of creating the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ). Continued P3

Wyong Regional Chronicle asked Ms Berejiklian to confirm that the first election for the Central Coast Council would occur in September. The Premier said: “We know, the feedback I have been getting is, that people are so happy with the current arrangements up here on the Coast. “The merger has gone extremely well, that is the feedback I have been getting, not just from the local members, but also from the community, and people want to ensure that continues,” she said. When asked if she would rule out an extension of the current Administration period for the Central Coast Council, Ms Berejiklian said: “No, I’m not ruling anything in or out. “All that I am saying is the feedback we

Premier Gladys Berejiklian shakes hands with the Central Coast Photo: Noel Fisher

have had is that it is an extremely positive experience and we are seeing a difference on the ground. “We are seeing less time taken to approve developments. “You’ve got to remember this is about the local community, it is not about how governments work, and what I have seen is really positive.” Ms Berejiklian has been under pressure to reconsider the

Government’s position on Council mergers since taking over as NSW Premier from Mr Mike Baird. For example, the State Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, who is also Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, has called for a plebiscite to give the Central Coast community the opportunity to decide whether or not it retains the two old councils or continues with a single Central Coast Council.

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

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Mariners seek to transform stadium T into a world-class entertainment hub

CHRONICLE WYONG REGIONAL

E FRE

January 12, 2017

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Issue 149

ATO building clears ﬁnal hurdle

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he NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC), on Friday, December 16, dismissed an appeal by the Gosford Waterfront Alliance against the approval of an ATO building on the Gosford Waterfront.

The Gosford Waterfront Alliance (GWA) sought a Judicial Review in the LEC based on arguments relating to a jurisdictional error in the application of a clause in the Gosford Local Environmental Plan (LEP) concerning car parking, according to the LEC judgement. The Alliance argued that

the Joint Regional Planning Panel, when approving the ATO development, had failed to consider design excellence in relation to car parking. The case also argued that the JRPP had failed to provide its reasons for approving the development. The GWA wanted the Court to declare that

Council has done nothing to generate employment - Mehan

the determination of the JRPP on June 30, 2016, to approve the mixed use commercial and retail premises at 99 Georgiana Tce, Gosford, invalid, but in her judgement, Justice Nicola Pain, found against the GWA on all grounds. Continued page 10

$53 million Creighton’s development approved

he $53 million Rola Property Group’s mixed-use development at 27 to 37 Mann St and 125 Georgiana Tce, Gosford, which included the heritage-listed Creighton’s Funeral Parlour, was approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel on December 15, 2016.

An artist's impression of the Central Coast Mariners' vision for Central Coast Stadium

s Coach Paul Okon works hard to lift the Central Coast Mariners towards their former League-winning status on the ﬁeld, the local national A-League franchise has called on the Central Coast Council to lift its game and turn Central Coast Stadium into a best-practice venue.

The Central Coast Mariners are arguably the region’s only premier sporting side and have stuck with the Coast when other sporting codes have turned their backs on the region. The local club was a foundation franchise in the national A-League football competition and one of only two regional clubs remaining in the competition. It has been playing its home games at the stadium since 2004, but the only things to have changed at the venue during those 13 years have been the height of the palm trees, the stadium’s name, and the quality of the playing

surface. Coast Community News has been attempting for months to break the story about the Mariners’ armwrestle with Council to bring the stadium into the modern era, but both the Mariners and Council have denied any negotiations or the existence of any Mariners’ Master Plan for the venue. The Mariners have listened to the thousands of Coast families, youths and seniors, many paid-up club members, who sit in blistering heat in the northern and eastern grandstands (the cheaper seats) because TV broadcast deals mean most Central Coast games kick off at 5:00pm during

By a vote of three panel members to two (and one abstention due to a perceived potential conﬂict of interest), the Central Coast JRPP gave consent, signed off the following day by the Central Coast Council, for the demolition of existing structures, retention and adaptive reuse of the

Creighton’s Funeral Parlour heritage item and erection of a new 18-storey retail, commercial, restaurant and residential development with 132 units and 205 car spaces. The original development application was lodged with the former Gosford Council in August 2014 and was

resoundingly rejected by the community and other stakeholders, including the National Trust, for the DA’s failure to incorporate the preservation of the Creighton’s building. Continued page 4

the summer months. Those same fans stand in queues instead of watching the match they have paid to see, sometimes way past half-time, to pay $5 for a bottle of water (worth $2 in the supermarket and provided the vendors don’t run out) and even more for hot food or a cold beer. The Central Coast Mariners have unveiled their vision for Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium and formally presented it to Council, which is the Stadium’s current owner and operator. The vision is the football club’s bid to transform the venue into a world-class entertainment hub. Continued page 8

$22.5 million application has been lodged with Central Coast Council for the construction of a ﬁve-storey shop top h o u s i n g development on the corner of Beach Pde and Crossingham St, Canton Beach. Until recently the land, located at 5 to 7 and 8 Beach Pde, has been used as a caravan park, but is currently vacant, according to the Central Coast Council’s Wyong DA tracker. According to a Statement of Environmental Effects

An artist's impression of the JRPP-approved mixed use development

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The proposed development looking down Beach Pde

Application lodged for iconic development at Canton Beach (SEE) submitted in support of the DA: “The proposal … includes a contemporary building that comprises one basement level containing 68 car parking spaces (49 residential, 10 commercial and 8 visitor with five accessible, to be confirmed), four commercial units at ground level and 36 units on the upper levels.” According to the SEE, the development will include 24 two bedroom units and 12 threebedroom units, including four adaptable units. “Council has identified the subject site as part of a key site … prescribed for significant uplift in height and floor space

ratio,” according to the SEE. “This is reﬂected in the development standards applied to the site by the Wyong Local Environmental Plan (WLEP) 2013… intended to stimulate the redevelopment of the Canton Beach foreshore as a tourist precinct, to provide active street-frontage uses and to supply additional residential accommodation. The provisions of the WLEP also required the preparation of a Development Control Plan (DCP) for any redevelopment of the site. However, in this

instance, a DCP has not been prepared because the applicant’s proposal “does not rely on the key sites’ provisions and instead is predicated on the development standards that would otherwise apply under the WLEP. “As Council has identiﬁed the subject site as a key site, its redevelopment for higher scale development is not only appropriate, but is anticipated by Council and residents. “The key sites’ controls seek design excellence, encourage amalgamation, Continued P5

he new Central Coast Council must develop the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ) at Warnervale if it is serious about i n c r e a s i n g employment on the Coast, according to the State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan.

Mr Mehan made his statements about the WEZ in response to questions about the poor recent performance of the tourism industry on the Central Coast. “The tourism industry is over-rated as a local employer,” Mr Mehan said. “The biggest employer on the Central Coast is retail, followed by health, and then community services,” he said. “We should make sure all employment opportunities are fully promoted and I think Council is doing the right thing with its current review of how it spends to promote the region,

e Frkeeone!

Issue 108

January 17, 2017

but we haven’t had a big employer move to the Coast since Woolworths opened its distribution centre at Warnervale in 2009-10. “The major problem is that Council has not gone ahead with the Wyong Employment Zone in the manner in which it should have. “The former Wyong Council held it back in favour of its own pet projects, such as the idea we were going to get a new university there, and it seems that everything the former Wyong Council wanted to do in that northern area is still being supported by the Central Coast Council,” Mr Mehan said. Mr Mehan said he believed, in terms of the WEZ and the generation of local employment opportunities, the new Central Coast Regional Plan “throws it all back on Council” to get anything done. “But Council has done nothing to generate employment.

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

Continued P3

e Frkeeone!

Issue 109 January 31, 2017

Edition 411

Rail crossing death

Edition 412

JANUARY 27, 2017

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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The ramp to the pedestrian underpass

Elderly man hit by train

Police said inquiries were continuing and a report was to be prepared for the Coroner. Sydney Trains reported at 11:17am that trains had been suspended between Hawkesbury River and Gosford stations due to the fatality. Police at the scene said the man went on to the crossing after the boom gates went down and the lights started ﬂashing. It was around 11am when he was hit by the northbound interurban passenger train.

Passengers, adults and children, had to be evacuated by emergency service personnel and passengers were transferred to buses. Police said the man somehow became stuck or found himself in the middle of the rail crossing as the train approached and sustained fatal injuries. Crime scene unit detectives and representatives from Sydney Trains were on the scene soon after the incident occurred and remained there for some time following the fatality. Forensic experts were on site investigating why the man was in the path of the train and had not used the nearby pedestrian underpass.

The pedestrian underpass had been opened to the public in 2015 as stage one of the Rawson Rd Level Crossing Replacement Project, a project of the former Gosford Council with funding from Transport NSW. The Public Transport Command of the NSW Police Service stated that due to formal identiﬁcation issues and issues around the circumstances of such a serious accident, the name of the victim could not be formally released. The Public Transport Command was in charge of the ongoing investigation into the incident. Interview, 17 Jan 2017 Duty ofﬁcer, NSW Police Media Interview, 19 Jan 2017 Bruce Coates, Brisbane Water LAC Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Accident highlights ‘unresolved issue’, says chamber Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has described the railway crossing accident as “a tragedy”, and the Government’s attitude as “an embarrassment” and “not good enough”. Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales said: “What it has done is serve to highlight the unresolved issue of what happens to the level crossing. “At the moment, the State Government has walked away from this location because in their view it is cost prohibitive,” Mr Wales said. “The chamber’s position is simply that this is not good enough,” he said. “We have to sit down with both the State Government and the Central Coast Council and ﬁnd the solution to the replacement of the level crossing especially after the fact that they have spent $6.2 million on the pedestrian underpass that hardly anybody uses because it is easier for them to walk straight across the level crossing at the existing pedestrian gates. “Until the level crossing is completely closed and the only access available is via the new

pedestrian underpass and an alternative vehicle underpass, there will always be a level of risk at that level crossing. “The safety risk is compounded by the intersection of Rawson Rd with Station St which is suffering from increased usage and creating its own safety issues. “Our position is that the Government has to come up with a solution and put aside its concerns over the previous costings and ﬁnd a way forward in consultation with the local community and the Council so that this gets resolved. “Whether you build an underpass at existing crossing or another one down at Bulls Hill, I don’t care. “They have to come up with a plan. “If it means the Government has to allocate funds over a period of time let’s do it, but putting it on the backburner is not going to solve the problem. “Once again, are we the last cab off the rank as we are so often? “It’s an embarrassment,” Mr Wales said. Interview, 18 Jan 2017 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Passengers had to be evacuated from the train following the fatality and moved onto buses

THIS ISSUE contains 51 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

ISSUE 150

Lack of accurate mapping has resulted in residents being misled oastal Residents Incorporated has called on the NSW Minister for Planning, Mr Rob Stokes, to delay the introduction of the new Coastal Zone Management Act and associated reforms until accurate mapping is made available to the public.

An elderly man on a mobility scooter has died after being hit by a train at the Rawson Rd level crossing in Woy Woy.

Issue 110 February 14, 2017

23 January 2017

Mr Pat Aiken, Secretary of Coastal Residents Inc, said the Act was passed by the NSW Parliament in June 2016 and was waiting to be proclaimed immediately after the close of consultation for the new Coastal Management State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) which ended on January 20. “The consultation period ended despite just one short information session and the lack of critical detail in the form of promised maps that would explain how many people would be affected if sea levels rise to the heights claimed by local government,” Mr Aiken said. “They don’t want people to know,” he said. “The vital Coastal Vulnerability maps promised in Parliament have not been made available. “Most people who would be affected do not understand the implications of this omission. “It means the owners and families of 14,000 properties on the Central Coast do not understand that the NSW Government is about to proclaim legislation that will allow councils to impose a range of development constraints.” Mr Aiken said those development constraints would include “planned retreat” in the form of timed development consents. If development consent was given for 40 years, for instance, the development would have to be removed from the land at the end of that period. “The use of timed consents would mean temporary buildings, temporary use of land and the use of ambulatory boundaries would override current Torrens Title

A beachfront property at Wamberal where residents are attempting to protect their properties from current coastal hazards

and allow submerged lands to automatically revert to the Crown with no compensation,” he said. “This directly affects more than 10 per cent of the Central Coast population. “In Sydney the Coastal Zone extends up to 200 metres from tidal waters but on the Central Coast it is 1,000 metres so the impact on Central Coast residents is far greater,” he said. On January 18, Mr Aiken wrote to Mr Stokes “to conﬁrm certain critical errors in the consultation mapping documents for the Central Coast … has led to residents and property owners in large numbers … being misled as to whether the proposed reforms affect them.” Mr Aiken said maps used during the consultation period for the Draft SEPP misrepresented to

“tens of thousands of property owners” including those on the Central Coast, that their properties were not affected by the proposed reforms. “Residents have been misled and don’t understand they are affected by a draconian framework of legislation that enforces planned retreat and will result in the expropriation by government of land affected by current and future coastal hazards.” Mr Aiken said the risk of inundation and ﬂooding in low lying suburbs had not been identiﬁed in the Draft SEPP mapping because that mapping did not show current hazard levels. “Of the 59,000 coastal properties affected by the Draft Coastal Management SEPP, it is estimated that at least 14,000

of those properties are on the Central Coast – they are affected by the current and future coastal hazards of tidal inundation and combined catchment and storm surge flooding. “It is a case of negligence or incompetence that the NSW Government has failed to include this readily-available information with the Draft SEPP mapping of coastal hazards,” Mr Aiken said. Mr Aiken said once the “flawed” SEPP is proclaimed, all other components of the new NSW Government Coastal Management legislative framework will come into play. “It does not go back to Parliament, but I hope it can be delayed so more debate can be allowed when Parliament resumes,” he said. He said the NSW Office of

Environment and Heritage (OEH) had been a key stakeholder in the development of local government Coastal Zone Management Plans and Floodplain Risk Management Plans. The ofﬁce had representatives on the council committees that developed those plans and the comprehensive mapping of coastal hazards. The NSW OEH has been virtually the sole provider of the funding used to develop these coastal management plans, he said. “Without the substantial grants of funds for such projects, there would be no mapping and no plans,” he said. “It is either disingenuous or due to a lack of capability that the NSW State Government now suggests that the ﬂawed content and omissions of the Local

Government Hazard Mapping is entirely the responsibility of local government. “Our association does not accept this repeated claim by the NSW Government. “The consultation process is ﬂawed in material and misleading ways. “Residents have been misled,” he said. Mr Stokes and other state MPs had promised that the new Coastal Zones Management Act wouldn’t come into force until there had been full consultation and public participation with all the mapping available for all residents to view. “We are also very concerned that a large part of the exhibition period has occurred during a traditional period of holidays for most Australians,” he said. Mr Aiken called on Mr Stokes to delay implementation of the Coastal Management Act and associated reforms until all mapping associated with the Draft CM SEPP was completed to a standard acceptable for consultation and public participation. He asked that “accurate mapping for all coastal hazards be prepared and put on exhibition for comment and that all other mapping should be carefully checked with a particular emphasis on littoral forest and wetland mapping”. Mr Aiken said he believed demand by purchasers for properties affected by vulnerability mapping would decline as, once the new framework is implemented, notations will be included on S149(2) Planning Certiﬁcates explaining that a property is affected by current and future coastal hazards. Emails, Jan 23 and 24, 2017 Pat Aiken, Coastal Residents Inc Letter, Jan 18, 2017 Pat Aiken, Coastal Residents Inc Jackie Pearson, journalist More on pages 3 and 4

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The need for break-walls at The Entrance Channel highlighted R

esidents from across the Central Coast came together on Australia Day to stage the second annual The Entrance Channel dig out.

The aim of the dig out is to draw attention to the myriad of issues facing the channel including flooding, water quality and water recreation. Mr Peter White, a representative from The Tuggerah Lakes Flood Mitigation Action Group, said the dig out was also staged to highlight the need for break-walls at The Entrance Channel. According to Mr White, the 2016 dig out attracted 120 volunteer “diggers” who were all behind the break-wall idea. Mr White also said that 2016’s dig out attracted attention from the former Wyong Council, members of the Save Tuggerah Lakes Party and Members of Parliament from across the Wyong Local Government Area. “The aim of our 2017 dig out was to escalate the event to a State Government level where the need for break-walls needs to be recognised and hopefully funded,” Mr White said. Mr White said the installation of break-walls along the channel would improve water flow in and out of the lake, improve the water quality and alleviate flooding from low lying areas around

the lake. Poor tidal and weather conditions did not deter the 40 strong group from the dig out, which commenced at 10am. Mr White offered his thanks to the group who braved the conditions, and the members of the public who turned out to see what was happening. “We had a few people just turn up to see what our group was doing, and

once we told them, they grabbed a shovel and got to digging,” Mr White said. According to Mr White, there is a large part of the community that wants to see break-walls included on Central Coast Council’s and the State Government’s radar. “Government focus has been on The Entrance Beach Groyne, which will ultimately have

no positive impact on the channel, which is frustrating, because there are so many positives for The Entrance and Tuggerah Lakes if a breakwall was to be built,” Mr White continued. Mr White said other than general water quality improvements, a break wall could revitalise The Entrance as a boating and ﬁshing hub, which would stimulate the tourist

economy of the region, by effectively making the channel a “boat haven” if water ﬂow was stabilised by break-walls. “The channel has the potential to attract larger pleasure and recreational boats and to be a boat shelter during storms and rough seas. “This could bring so much to The Entrance and attract much more boating and water

recreation to Tuggerah Lakes. Additionally, Mr White said more stable water ﬂow would see residents regularly effected by ﬂooding no longer suffering a poorer quality of life for their lake views.

Continued P3 Photo: Noel Fisher

6 February 2017

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Council renews commitment to crossing outcome Central Coast Council has renewed its commitment to work with Transport NSW and the Roads and Maritime Services to achieve a “positive outcome” with the Rawson Rd rail level crossing. The level crossing was the site of a fatality on January 17 which highlighted the decision made by both Central Coast Council and Transport for NSW to shelve plans to replace the level crossing. The Central Coast Council released a statement renewing its commitment to ﬁnding a solution for the community. “The State Government originally committed $52 million in funding for the removal of the rail level crossing at Rawson Rd and to provide a new road underpass at the base of Bulls Hill,” the statement said. The plan was to connect Woy Woy Rd to Nagari Rd. The trafﬁc underpass was proposed in addition to the construction of a pedestrian underpass from Railway St to Waterview Cres. “The original design for the underpass was rejected by Transport for NSW, due to the impact the works would have on the northern rail line,” the statement said. “Intermittent closures were required for critical construction works scheduled over several weekends,” the statement said. “The pedestrian underpass was completed by Council as part of this project in 2015 and taken over by the Transport NSW to be managed by the RMS. “An alternate design, for the underpass was developed by Transport NSW and costed $115 million.” The Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, said the recent fatality on the level crossing would not affect what, if any, next steps would be taken by the NSW Government or Central Coast Council. A major stumbling block continued to be that both Railway St and Rawson Rd were not state but local roads. “In terms of any State roads, I

am happy to put my hand on my heart and say we will have more state road funding go into this area,” Mr MacDonald said. “But that was a local government road and the Council came to us for help and the costing went up to $115 million and that wasn’t satisfactory from any point of view,” he said. Mr MacDonald said in order to argue for any sort of upgrade to the intersection or solution for the level crossing within the NSW Cabinet, he needed to see leadership from Central Coast Council. “For me, it is very much about I need a helping hand from Council to say this is what we want to do and this is the final contribution we need from State Government and not something that is going to blow out. “I have not got a confidence about that figure of $115 million. “I don’t know whether the scope of works was final and I don’t know whether RMS has got any confidence about that figure.” It is unlikely for local roads to be reclassified as State roads, he said. He said the best strategy available to the Central Coast Council would be to strike up a memorandum of understanding with the State Government for funding based on the road being a significant transport and rail corridor. Mr MacDonald said it was Council’s responsibility to ensure adequate infrastructure was in place as the Peninsula’s population grew through the redevelopment of areas from low- to medium-density residential. “I would hope Council would be very mindful that they have adequate road capacity or that they have spoken to the State Government for support. “If they are local government roads then they have to have the developer contributions to build up that infrastructure. “If they haven’t got those developer contributions, it is a failure of planning. Media statement, 24 Jan 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Interview, 2 Feb 2017 Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Reporter: Jackie Pearson

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ISSUE 151

A report on the future of the Regional Library to be presented to February Council meeting

They wrote a joint submission to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, following their meeting with him on January 19. Representatives from Coastlaw, David Kelly lawyers, Ryan and Seton, Tonkin Drysdale Partners and Central Coast Community Legal Centre, had earlier written individual letters in response to the proposal. Mr David Kelly from David Kelly Lawyers said: “The closure of Woy Woy Local Court will prejudice our clients who reside on the Peninsula. “The majority of our clients are based at the lower end of the socio economic spectrum. “The closing of Woy Woy Local Court will impact on their ability to access a proximate court and place further burdens upon them both ﬁnancially having to either travel to Gosford or Wyong Local Court. “The Woy Woy Local Court is a valuable and practical asset. “It should not be closed,” Mr Kelly said. Mr Michael Seton of Ryan and Seton Lawyers wrote to the Central Coast Law Society to state that his ﬁrm “wholly and unreservedly”

opposed the proposal. Mr Seton said he wished to clarify that his firm would financially benefit from the proposed changes but remained opposed to them. “The Peninsula community will lose its sole avenue for efficient, affordable and accessible justice,” Mr Seton said. “This will be the case for civil and criminal litigants, including victims, alike. “It is the vulnerable people in the community that will suffer first and suffer greatest with this proposal,” he said. Mr Paul Mereniuk from Peninsula Law wrote directly to the Chief Magistrate: “We would say that the proposal of cessation of the Adult List Day at Woy Woy Local Court will result in a 25 per cent increase in the work load at Gosford Local Court.” Mr Mereniuk said he disputed claims that the changes would result in 12 extra adult sitting days in Gosford, arguing instead that the total would be eight. “The Gosford Court House facility struggles to accommodate the stakeholders it currently services for both the District and Local Courts,” he said. “The proposed increase work load has not been met by any increase in rooms available for conferencing clients or for accommodating victims of domestic violence.

She said a development on the Broadwater site would be “in excess of what we’ve got funding for”. An alternative site is also under consideration for the library, according to Ms Vaughan. “This is part of consolidating a lot of the former projects,” she said. Ms Vaughan said a report would be presented to the February Council meeting, but that negotiations were still being ﬁnalised, and the high political interest in the project meant she needed to be cautious about what she could say publicly at this stage. “The $7 million Federal funding means the government requires us to deliver on this project, and there have been many promises for many years, but not much has been delivered.” Ms Vaughan said the $8.1 million raised via a rate payer levy was “still committed”. She said the draft designs put forward by Gosford Council were “pretty pictures, but not necessarily what was ever going to be an affordable design. “The report will identify the next steps, but we are still concurrently trying to keep the commitment of the Federal Government. “We don’t want to make any more broken promises and this review is part of the due diligence required,” she said.

Woy Woy Court House in Blackwall Rd

Lawyers write to keep local court

Peninsula lawyers have written collectively and individually seeking the retention of the Woy Woy Local Court.

“This will also result in security issues and the need for conferencing of clients in public as opposed to private spaces. “This is totally inappropriate,” he said. The partners of Tonkin Drysdale also wrote to the Chief Magistrate and described his proposals as “unfathomable”, pointing to the Peninsula’s long history of a Local Court service to a growing population. “The cessation of the criminal, family and civil jurisdictions of the Local Court will be a great loss and shock to the community. “It will lead to signiﬁcant negative outcomes for the administration of, and access to, justice on the Peninsula. “The only argument that could realistically be claimed by our political masters to improve services to a community by actually taking away the service is a perception of cost-saving, perhaps more correctly described as cost-shifting. “It is a fallacy.” Letter, 13 Jan 2017 Darrell Pannowitz, Paul Tonkin, Paul Quinn, Lee Pawlak, Tonkin Drysdale Partners Letter, 13 Jan 2017 Paul Mereniuk, Peninsula Law Letter, 19 Jan 2017 Michael Seton, Ryan and Seton Lawyers Letter, 19 Jan 2017 David Kelly, David Kelly Lawyers

THIS ISSUE contains 46 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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he long-promised regional library for Gosford has been delayed again, putting at risk a $7 million Community Development Grant, and begging questions about the status of around $8.1 million raised over 15 years from a ratepayer levy. Prior to its dismissal by the NSW Government in May 2016, Gosford Council had resolved to build a regional library on the council owned Broadwater Hotel site, next door to Gosford Council Chambers on Mann St. Draft plans were drawn and a public tender was advertised (but not in this newspaper) for an architectural consultancy and detailed design services. In a confidential Central Coast Council meeting on January 24, Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, resolved to withdraw that public tender. The reasons for the withdrawal have remained confidential, but are understood to be “procedural”. “Council will now seek an extension for the $7 million grant under the Community Development Grants Program,” Central Coast Council confirmed in a written statement issued in response to questions from Coast Community News. “[This will] enable Council to settle on a suitable location for the Gosford Library site with a report to be brought back to Council on the matter,” the statement said. Gosford Councillors voted in 2015 to move ahead with plans to build a new library in Mann St after the State Library of NSW reviewed nine possible options. The draft design was described in February 2016 as a collaborative effort between Gosford Council and leading

The last concept plan for the regional library has been described as “pretty pictures” but not necessarily affordable

architects Clare Design and Hill Thalis, which Gosford’s former mayor, Mr Lawrie McKinna, said was a “concept plan that boasts something for everyone. “There are still plenty of details to work through, but this current concept truly captures our vision of having a state of the art community hub right in the heart of the Central Coast’s capital,” Mr

McKinna said at the time. The concept plan for the Broadwater site included a ground level café and children’s area, three levels dedicated to exhibitions, library collections and an auditorium, as well as four more levels devoted to a smart work hub, a seniors’ centre and a university presence.

It appears Council amalgamation also resulted in the development application to demolish the current Council-owned building on the site never being lodged. Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the purpose of the report that was considered by Mr Reynolds in January was to “tidy up the tender process” which,

she said “fell way outside local government requirements” in terms of timing. Ms Vaughan said the work done by the NSW State Library was still being considered but questions remained about the suitability of the Broadwater Hotel as the best site for the state-of-the-art library that the region required.

Media statement, Jan 30, 2017 Central Coast Council media Interview, Feb 8, 2017 Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council Media Release, Feb 22, 2016 Gosford Council media Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Conﬁdential airport feasibility study Berejiklian refuses to conﬁrm September recommended sale local council elections of the land N

ew South Wales Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, during her visit to the region for a Community Cabinet meeting, was not prepared to conﬁrm that the Central Coast would have a local election in September.

Caption

The study, which has been kept conﬁdential by both Wyong and Central Coast Councils since 2013, concluded that the sale of the airport land at Warnervale could fetch around $7.7 million, depending on market conditions. It also argued that the sale could result in an

ongoing revenue stream back to Council through land rates. The 2013 feasibility study concluded that an upgrade of the Warnervale airport was not viable, as the costs were considered “prohibitive” and signiﬁcant effort would be required by Council to attract aviation-related businesses to the site. Since abandoning its plans to develop an airport at Kiar Ridge, the Wyong Council and the Central Coast Council, have pursued an expansion of the airport into a general aviation hub. Since 2013, the former and current Council have spent at least $7

million at Warnervale airport, including on a runway upgrade without Ministerial permission, as is required by specific legislation, and on land acquisitions. At the same time, it has kept confidential the feasibility study which clearly showed the best course of action available to the Council was to sell the airport land and turn it into rateable industrial lots. Those lots would also generate employment as per the intent of its classification as a State Significant Site and the objectives of creating the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ). Continued P3

Wyong Regional Chronicle asked Ms Berejiklian to conﬁrm that the ﬁrst election for the Central Coast Council would occur in September. The Premier said: “We know, the feedback I have been getting is, that people are so happy with the current arrangements up here on the Coast. “The merger has gone extremely well, that is the feedback I have been getting, not just from the local members, but also from the community, and people want to ensure that continues,” she said. When asked if she would rule out an extension of the current Administration period for the Central Coast Council, Ms Berejiklian said: “No, I’m not ruling anything in or out. “All that I am saying is the feedback we

Premier Gladys Berejiklian shakes hands with the Central Coast have had is that it is Government’s position an extremely positive on Council mergers since experience and we are taking over as NSW seeing a difference on the Premier from Mr Mike ground. Baird. “We are seeing less For example, the State time taken to approve Member for Wyong, Mr developments. David Harris, who is also “You’ve got to Shadow Minister for the remember this is about Central Coast, has called the local community, for a plebiscite to give the it is not about how Central Coast community governments work, and the opportunity to decide what I have seen is really whether or not it retains the two old councils or positive.” Ms Berejiklian has continues with a single been under pressure Central Coast Council. to reconsider the Continued P4

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NEWS

Confidential airport feasibility study recommended sale of the land T

From P1 Council’s current actions appear that it is intent on retaining the airport even though the NSW Government’s new Central Coast Regional Plan clearly makes the activation of WEZ a priority. The Council is also continuing to push the NSW Government to repeal the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act. Council has gone to great lengths to

keep the Warnervale Airport Development Opportunities Feasibility Study 2013 out of the public domain. On three occasions, Central Coast Council has paid a barrister to represent it in the NSW Civil and Administrative Claims Tribunal (NCAT) to block one rate payer’s attempts to access the document under the NSW Government Information (Public Access) Act. Council holds copyright in the Feasibility Study and has not given consent for its reproduction. As a result, the NCAT, in granting Mr Laurie Eyes of Wyong Creek access to the document, did so “in a way that will protect against any infringement of copyright yet still provides …access to the information contained within the study”. Mr Eyes was required to attend the Wyong

chamber of Central Coast Council where he could read the document and take notes in the presence of a Council employee. He could not have a copy of the study to take away, nor could he make copies of it or distribute it. Mr Eyes was not prohibited from taking a companion with him to view the document, so the Wyong Regional Chronicle sent a representative to read through the document at the same time as Mr Eyes. The study reported on four options and concluded that two, “do nothing” or “upgrade the existing airport” were the least feasible in terms of their return on investment (ROI). A fourth option, to completely redevelop the current airport site in stages, was seen as

having the highest ROI but also the highest risk to Council. That option involved the land ceasing to be used as an airport and being turned into either a small-lot industrial estate or a bulk-lot industrial estate. The author of the study concluded that the creation and “surprise” sale of a 15 hectare super lot for the development of the Chinese Theme Park also detracted from any plans to redevelop the airport for industrial use. The study observed that the sale of the 15 hectare lot was contrary to the intent of the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ) because it removed roads that linked the airport land to the west, leaving Jack Grant Ave as the only access point to the land. Four years later, the sale of that land to Australia

China Theme Park has still not been finalised. The “do nothing” option would mean the airport would continue to be a financial liability to council until the land was sold or developed, the author of the feasibility study concluded. The study referred to a group called Edwards Aviation, which stated that it would not land at Warnervale and had admitted the site had constraints, including difficult landing conditions when the weather was inclement. The feasibility study also discussed the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act as being an impediment to any plans to expand the airport and argued that the Act would need to be challenged as it was specifically designed to prevent upgrades. According to the

feasibility study, in 2013, the existing operations at the airport had already exceeded the limits applied by the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act. The study’s author suggested that Council could make the process of redevelopment easier by completing the subdivision of the land prior to selling it. The redevelopment option was based on leasing of lots by Council. So the study said further market research was needed before making a decision about the future of the Warnervale airport, including identifying potential tenants before deciding how to configure the lots if the highest-risk, highest ROI option was chosen. Emails, Feb 10, 2017 Laurie Eyes, Wyong Creek Jackie Pearson, Journalist

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NEWS

Page 4 February 14, 2017

Berejiklian refuses to confirm September council election N

Premier Gladys Berejiklian shakes hands with the Central Coast Photo: Noel Fisher

The Premier said the issues and discussions surrounding council mergers were ongoing, but Deputy Premier, Mr John Barilaro, was

believed to be pressuring for a review of some mergers. When asked if she felt she had been “backed into a corner” by her deputy on the issue, Ms Berejiklian said: “Can I just say I have been really pleased with how this team has come together to work together on issues. “There’s no doubt there are always issues that challenge all state governments and I am so proud of the team. “We are working together extremely closely, extremely well,

and the fact that all of us are up here together on the Central Coast demonstrates and speaks volumes about the kind of government we will be,” she said. The Premier and her 22-minister Cabinet were at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi, for a Community Cabinet meeting followed by a formal Cabinet meeting, on Thursday, February 9. “Our job as a government is to get around the State, listening to communities, working out what they believe their priorities are,

investing more in local infrastructure, schools, roads, hospitals, as well as the other services that make our communities vibrant. “I think people in the region appreciate that we are up here. “We have leaders of the Central Coast from across the region here, together, not just telling me, but the entire Cabinet and the local members, what they think and what they want as priorities. “We’ve made some investments in the region already when it comes to things like the Gosford

hospital, local road upgrades, local school upgrades, but we know there is more to do and that is exactly why we are here today,” she said. Stakeholders from a diverse range of Central Coast organisations were invited to Mingara for a morning tea and an opportunity to meet face-to-face with NSW Ministers to discuss their concerns and priorities. Interview, Feb 9, 2017 Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Premier Jackie Pearson, journalist

Community Environment Network School is in!... Time to book your excursion The Community Environment Network is pleased to support a range of school education programs through our projects and partner organisations. The Central Coast provides many opportunities to get students outdoors, undertaking field work and collecting first hand data. Here is just some of what is on offer: • the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC) delivers a range of programs. This might include a visit to the CCMDC at Terrigal, field work at a site around the Central Coast or a visit to your school. • Involve your students in Citizen Science initiatives that contribute real data that scientists can use. This might be water testing, monitoring rock platforms, collecting marine debris ....just to name a few. • our partner, Kariong Eco Garden, provides activities related to waste, recycling and sustainable living. • Central Coast Waterwatch is part of a national water quality monitoring program that has supported schools in our region for 20 years. • we can visit your school to provide talks and in-school programs. Become a Wildwatch school - engaging your students in monitoring wildlife and activities to care for the local environment.

Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre We provide engaging excursions where your students will gain hands on experience and collect first hand data. A typical program runs from 9:30am to 2pm. Our programs range from K-12 and are designed to meet syllabus needs - especially in Geography, Science and Marine Studies. If we don’t have a ready made program that suits your unit of work - then we can work with teachers to develop a field work program and resources. (*We encourage government schools to contact Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre in the first instance to discuss their field work needs). The CCMDC is located at Terrigal however, many of our field work programs are conducted at different locations around the Central Coast. We can also provide talks or lessons within your school. For more information: visit www.ccmdc.org.au or email: schools@ccmdc.org.au The CCMDC is supported by the University of Newcastle Member of Marine Discovery Centres Australia

Register for Waterwatch in 2017 Waterwatch is a national water quality monitoring and catchment education program involving schools, community groups and landholders. The Waterwatch program offers plenty of ways that your school can get involved with links to both the Geography and Science syllabuses. We provide: • training session with teacher + students • assistance with water bug surveys • P-day participation & support • assistance in obtaining a Waterwatch Kit (some kits are available for loan) • access to the online database • teacher manuals & resources • support visits as needed • a range of excursion programs.

Schools can book students in for SORT (Student Organics Recycling Training) - a 2 hour session run each term on a Monday to help student leaders who are looking after school compost and worm farm systems or who want to get them started. Cost: $10/student. Maximum: 20 students with Find out more! Email: waterwatch@cen.org. accompanying teacher or parent volunteers. au New Program! Inviting Expressions of Interest for ECO ART excursion - working with natural materials and industrial discards to create artworks in the Eco Garden, the bush and the Arts Barn. Cost: $300 for up to 60 students, with 4 adults. 10am-2pm. For more information email: kariongecogarden@gmail.com

Jane Smith, CEO

For more information about any of these programs - email schools@cen.org.au (Note: All our educators have completed a Working with Children Check and have current First Aid

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

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Page 5 February 14, 2017

NEWS

Council reiterates call for repeal of the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 he repeal of the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996 has again been called for by the Central Coast Council, even though Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, has stated the Council currently has no plans to develop a regional airport at Warnervale.

Central Coast Council briefing notes distributed to senior NSW Government Ministers who attended a Community Cabinet meeting at Mingara on February 9, called for the repeal of the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act. “The… Act … was poor policy at the time it commenced and remains poor policy, and should be repealed,” the detailed briefing notes said. The Central Coast Council owns the airport, now called the Central Coast Airport, which is located off Sparks Rd, Warnervale. “The former Wyong Council had, and the Central Coast Council has identified a need to improve the utilisation of the Airport by promoting the development of aviation and aviation support businesses at the airport,” the notes said.

The Act limits the maximum length of the runway to 1200 metres, or 1800 metres if approved by the Minister for Planning. It also sets out the mechanism the Minister must follow before granting approval for a runway extension. The Act prohibits the construction of a runway without the prior written consent of the Minister. If the runway has

been extended, the Act imposes restrictions on flight movements, including a curfew on take offs and landings between 10:00pm and 6:30am, and limits the number of take offs and landings between 6:30am and 10:00pm to 88, except for defined emergencies. According to Central Coast Council, the runway’s length is currently 1200 metres and

no runway construction has taken place. However, in April 2016 the NSW Department of Planning investigated whether the runway had been extended without the prior permission of the Minister and concluded at that time that the flight movement restrictions under the Act did apply. “If the curfew and limits of take offs and landings apply, then current and planned future use of the

Airport will be significantly affected,” the briefing notes for Cabinet said. “Central Coast Council’s position is that those restrictions are not currently operative, but the NSW Department of Planning and Environment has advised that it has the view those restrictions currently apply. “There is a real prospect of litigation between the Department and Council

on this issue,” the notes said. “In early 2016, the then Wyong Council wrote to the then Minister for Planning requesting that the Act be repealed. “The then Minister commissioned a review of the Act under s. 17 of the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act 1996, and the Central Coast Council provided detailed submissions in support of its request that the Act be repealed. “Council is not aware of the outcome of that review. “Part of its submission to the review was that the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and other legislation (such as the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997) provide appropriate means to regulate current and future uses of the Airport, just as those Acts regulate the use of every other airport owned by a NSW local council. “The Central Coast Airport is the only airport owned by a local council in NSW that is regulated by a specific Act. Document, April 2016 Review of Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act Frequently Asked Questions, NSW Planning Briefing notes, Feb 9, 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council

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Page 6 February 14, 2017

NSW Premier and Cabinet presented with Council’s comprehensive wish list A

comprehensive wish list has been delivered to the Premier and Cabinet of the NSW Government by the Central Coast Council at Mingara Recreation Club on Thursday, February 9. NSW Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, and her 22 senior Ministers, were visiting the Central Coast for a Community Cabinet meeting. Central Coast Council outlined key regional issues and delivered its wish list for the Coast as part of the NSW Government’s Community Cabinet. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, gave a short presentation on the progress of the Central Coast Council since it was created in May 2016. He presented a list of high priority issues for the Central Coast. It is understood Ministers were informed that the Central Coast Council currently has an infrastructure backlog of $141 million. Ministers were

informed that work to consolidate the new Local Environment Plan (to replace the existing Wyong LEP and Gosford LEP) was starting in March and that “the Central Coast will have a single LEP by the end of 2017”.

Briefing notes provided to Ministers stated that the merged Council had already achieved financial benefits of $750,000 from consolidation of supplier contracts. “Council has modelled the expected benefits and costs of the merger, and expects to see a net

benefit of around $70 million (in present value terms) over a 10 year period. “Council continues to ensure that customers do not experience disruption or degradation in service whilst changes are progressing,” the briefing

notes said. Detailed briefings were provided to Cabinet on the Link Rd connecting Wyong and Warnervale, the Pacific Hwy upgrade through Wyong, Central Coast Hwy upgrade, the repeal of the Central Coast Water Corporation Act, repeal of the Warnervale Airport Act and other regional strategic planning matters. Mr Reynolds said the Community Cabinet was a positive and productive forum to discuss regional matters. “The Community Cabinet is an important vehicle for residents to have their say on issues including transport infrastructure, coastal management, economic development and planning,” said Mr Reynolds. “It’s fantastic that Premier Berejiklian chose the Central Coast as her first stop and illustrates our important status as a key developing region of NSW. “We are the only Council in the State that is a region in its own right, putting us in a unique position to work with

the State Government and ensure we move the Central Coast forward. “The Central Coast is a vibrant, growing community filled with promise - we’re excited about opportunities to develop transport infrastructure, and to see improved planning to foster local job creation and thriving town centres. Central Coast Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble, said it was pleasing to be able to share the organisation’s key priorities as part of the meeting. “I’d like to thank Premier Berejiklian and her team for allowing us the opportunity to outline what we feel are key regional issues,” said Mr Noble. Items presented by Council include the Link Road to connect Wyong and Warnervale as well as roads planning overall, a Coastal Management Plan and returning more of the NSW Waste Levy to the Central Coast. Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Central Coast Council media Briefing notes, Feb 9, 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council

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Page 7 February 14, 2017

State Government asked to bring forward the Pacific Highway upgrade through Wyong

oads and M a r i t i m e Services NSW has been asked to bring forward the commencement of the Pacific Highway upgrade through Wyong. The Central Coast Council requested the timeframe change at the February 9 Community Cabinet meeting held at Mingara Recreation Club. Detailed briefing notes supplied to NSW Government Cabinet Ministers by Central Coast Council said: “Council has invested significant funds of about $800,000 in preliminary design which has been shared with RMS to assist them in accelerating the solution. “Council has also proposed that if RMS provided the funding, Council could deliver the works. “Despite this, activity has stalled by RMS, and this is impacting community scepticism about this project,” the briefing notes said. Council explained to the NSW Ministers that the Pacific Hwy was a single-lane road that had not had any upgrades for 40 years.

“Following significant representations from the community and business groups, RMS investigated and completed a design for the upgrade. “RMS tabled the design solution which received support and created anticipation from the community and business sectors. In its briefing notes, Council said the road had “reached a point of saturation with significant traffic issues and delays, and negative flow-on economic impacts for business”. Delivery of the road infrastructure would “better service growth in the northern part of the Central Coast and facilitate economic activity in the major transport hub of Wyong.” The proposed design solution encompasses the southern leg of the proposed Link Rd between Wyong and Warnervale. “Completing the two projects concurrently will deliver maximum benefits for the region and meet community expectations,” the briefing notes said. Briefing notes, Feb 9, 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council

Council calls on State Government to contribute $45 million to complete Link Road T

he NSW Government has been called upon to contribute $45 million to complete the Link Rd between Wyong and Warnervale and to assist Central Coast Council with the management of any ecological issues relating to its development.

The first stage at the northern end from Sparks Rd has been constructed. “Environmental approval for the remainder of the road and preliminary works have commenced,” according to detailed briefing notes from Central Coast Council to NSW Cabinet Ministers. “There will be a significant benefit to the NSW Government if the Link Rd is constructed sooner rather than later,” the Cabinet briefing notes said. “It is estimated the Link Rd will reduce traffic on the Pacific Hwy, between Watanobbi and Kanwal, by approximately 30 per cent. “This will delay the need for upgrading of the Pacific Hwy for 15 to 20 years,” the notes said. The briefing notes described the Link

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An artist’s impression of the Link Road Rd as “an important component of the future development of the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ) and the Wyong Education and Business Precinct at Warnervale as well as the planned new Warnervale Town Centre. “Together these developments will provide 8,500 jobs and housing for 4,200 people, the briefing notes said. The Link Rd from the Pacific Hwy, Watanobbi, to Sparks Rd, Warnervale, was proposed as part of the initial zoning of the Warnervale area in 1993.

Its main objective was to improve road transport connections between Wyong and Warnervale, as outlined in the Central Coast Regional Plan. “The proposed road will provide a direct link between the Wyong Town Centre and the new development areas in Warnervale, ensuring the existing local and state road network can accommodate the expected increase in traffic volume of 24,000 vehicles per day, and providing a more efficient transport corridor for bus servicing.

KE A M , D N E I R F A E B . E C N E R E A DIFF

The Link Rd will be 5.8km long, 4.3km shorter than the existing route, so it will halve travel times between Wyong and Warnervale. The Central Coast Council’s briefing notes specifically asked the NSW Cabinet for the $45 million needed to construct the road and to “assist Council with the management of any ecological issues which may arise”. Briefing notes, Feb 9, 2017 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council

NEWS

Page 8 February 14, 2017

Boarding House developer to take Council to court T

he long-running battle between Ourimbah residents and the developer of the proposed Glen Rd boarding house has entered a new chapter, with the developer taking the Central Coast Council to the Land and Environment Court for a deemed refusal.

The deemed refusal occurred because the Central Coast Council did not deal with the latest development application from K and P Gregory within the specified 60 days. “We are extremely disappointed and very frustrated at the Council for allowing this situation to develop” said Mr Greg McGill, Chairman of the Stop Glen Road Development Action Group. “The Ourimbah Region Residents Association

Three Tallow Wood trees that may need to be removed to make way for the boarding house “The ratepayers of the on the status of the (ORRA) wrote to the Central Coast are now consultant’s report and Council in November faced with an expensive whether the Council will warning Central Coast court case to oppose still refer this matter to Council CEO, Mr Rob what we consider to be the Central Coast Joint Noble, of this possibility, a totally inappropriate Regional Planning Panel and again raised the development application. (JRPP). subject in a meeting with Council Planning Staff on “We understand “One hundred and December 19,” Mr McGill Council have now sixty nine submissions said. appointed an external objecting to the “The Council have consultant to examine latest version of this were chosen to sit on their this application, and development hands and let this we are urgently seeking lodged by Ourimbah situation develop,” he advice from the Central residents, demonstrating Coast Council CEO that opposition has not said.

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diminished over the three years residents having been battling this development application. “We will be lobbying Central Coast Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, as well as our local NSW Member of Parliament, Mr David Mehan, [Member for The Entrance] to ensure that Council strongly defend this court action and reinforce the decision of the JRPP, in September 2015, that a four storey, 101 room Boarding Hose was out of character with the Ourimbah village. “Let me assure the residents of Ourimbah, we will fight the development application to the bitter end” said Mr McGill. Central Coast Council responded to Mr McGill’s comments with the following written statement: “Following the refusal of a previous application by the Land and Environment Court,

a modified application for a proposed boarding house at 2-6 Glen Road, Ourimbah has been lodged for consideration. “Council progressed the application, with the plans notified for community feedback and sent to the appropriate State Government authorities. “The applicant lodged an appeal with the Land and Environment Court who are responsible for making a determination in this instance. “Council continues to progress consideration of the matter, receiving over 100 submissions in relation to the application, which will be considered in the assessment and determination process.” Media release, Feb 6, 2017 Allen Benson, Stop Glen Road Development Action Group Media statement, Feb 13, 2017 Central Coast Council media

Page 9 February 14, 2017

NEWS

Glenning Valley appeal listed for court T he developer’s appeal against Central Coast Council’s deemed refusal of a major r e s i d e n t i a l subdivision at Glenning Valley has been listed for a Land and Environment Court hearing in May.

With a court date set, the Say No to Glenning Valley Development and Save Our Bushland Group will be holding a community demonstration outside the Wyong Chamber of Central Coast Council on February 22, to show support for the preservation of Glenning Valley bushland. The proposed development would see 38 hectares of bushland turned into a low-density residential estate. Say No to Glenning Valley Development Group spokesperson, Ms Kylie Boyle, said she hoped Council

Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, would address the gathering. “The community has said a clear ‘no’ to the destruction of this bushland, and with hundreds of emails sent in the past few years supporting the protection of the site, it’s time our Council supported us,” Ms Boyle said. “With Council elections this year, the present time is critical that the Council supports the community,” Ms Boyle said. The development application was being reviewed by the Commonwealth Department of Environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, as well as the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The developer’s

appeal in the Land and Environment Court has been listed for hearing from May 22 to 26. In a written statement, Council said the Land and Environment Court was responsible for making a determination in this instance. “In accordance with Council’s request to address environmental concerns, the applicant is preparing a species impact statement. “Council has worked to ensure that the environmental impacts of the proposed development are fully understood so that an appropriate decision can be made by the Court.” Media release, Jan 26 and Feb 3, 2017 Kylie Boyle, Say No to Glenning Valley Development Group spokesperson Media statement, Jan 30, 2017 Central Coast Council Media Jarrod Melmeth, journalist

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

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 412

6 February 2017

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

Council renews commitment to crossing outcome

Court workers given 25 hours to respond

Lawyers write to keep local court

Central Coast Council has renewed its commitment to work with Transport NSW and the Roads and Maritime Services to achieve a “positive outcome” ...

Peninsula lawyers have Local lawyers, police, legal written collectively and aid workers and workers in individually seeking the government agencies were retention of the Woy Woy given just 25 hours to provide Local Court. feedback about planned closure ...

Water rate review deferred 12 months

New government asked to address Peninsula roads

Central Coast Council has welcomed the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal decision to defer the next review and determination of water, sewerage and drainage

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, has called on new NSW Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, and members of her new Ministry, to address the unacceptable condition of

New ferry services ‘urgently needed’, says Chamber

Rock pool contamination denied

Permission sought for above-ground diesel tank

New ferry services between the Peninsula and the Northern Beaches and Sydney Harbour are urgently needed as “alternative transport routes”, according to the Peninsula Chamber ...

A member of the Pearl Beach Progress Association has rejected online comments that the Pearl Beach Rock Pool was contaminated and making swimmers sick as “completely unfounded”.

Court arrangements ‘decided by Chief Magistrate’ The Department of Justice has confi rmed that the Chief Magistrate, Judge Graeme Henson, was responsible for decisions about sittings at Woy Woy Courthouse.

Permission has been sought from Central Coast Council to install a new, 30,000 litre above-ground diesel tank at a service station in Memorial Ave, Blackwall.

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

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PH: 4325 7369

ISSUE 151

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

A report on the future of the Regional Library to be presented to February Council meeting

The long-promised regional library for Gosford has been delayed again, putting at risk a $7 million Community Development Grant, and begging questions about the status of around ...

Performing Arts Centre key stakeholders receive Council update Central Coast Council is holding a meeting with key stakeholders to provide an update on the Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre project.

Fears grow that PAC could lose State funding As the long awaited Performing Arts Centre for Gosford remains in limbo, fears of $12 million in State Government funding being pulled from the project grow.

Failure of Coastal Panel to Gallacher calls for reset button to New 48 unit North Gosford find a viable long term solution to respond to rock wall application development approved beach erosion deemed as a refusal Long-term Terrigal resident and NSW Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Mike Gallacher, has decided to champion the cause of Wamberal residents who are fighting to protect ...

The Land and Environment Court case to determine whether or not six residents at Wamberal can build a rock wall to protect their properties from erosion may be resolved by mediation.

A new 48 unit residential flat building is set to add to the influx of highly anticipated, condensed multistorey developments sprouting around Gosford City.

Solutions implemented to beach front erosion have only been short term A solution to the longterm erosion of Wamberal Beach does not appear to be getting any closer.

Merged Central Coast Council is here to stay despite calls for a plebiscite The amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils will stay in place, according to NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald.

Australian Local Government Women’s Association calls for a stop to council amalgamations

The NSW Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) is urging Premier Gladys Berejiklian to put a stop to council amalgamations.

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 Page 10

February 14, 2017

Secrecy is still Council’s first response

Central Coast should be included in any council merger plebiscite offer I

express concern regarding recent declarations by Mr Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, that there will be no plebiscite regarding the merging on the Central Coast Council.

There is no reason why residents of the Central Coast should not have an opportunity to have their say on amalgamations via a plebiscite. If that is offered in other areas of NSW, consistency demands a plebiscite is offered here too - the same democratic processes ought to apply across NSW. ‘Voluntary mergers’ was always a marketing tactic, rather than a genuine commitment to local decision-making. The Baird Government did everything in its power to overtly and covertly

Letters to the editor should be sent to:

Wyong Regional

Chronicle PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or editorial@wyongnews.org

See Page 2 for contribution conditions

FORUM coerce a ‘for’ decision by local Councils, including short time frames for decision-making and $10 million ‘infrastructure’ grants (also known as bribes). The Baird Government failed to make public the studies on which its merger policy was based, showing an appalling lack of transparency in decision-making about this important local policy area. Extensive studies undertaken by Professor Brian Dollery, Centre for Local Government, were ignored - wilfully, it would

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appear, as they clearly did not support the Baird Government’s policy. Both local Councils [Gosford and Wyong] demonstrated they were ‘fit for the future’ on all criteria but the nebulous and ill-defined ‘scale and capacity’ test, which was a ‘catch-all’ factor to allow implementation of the policy decision, regardless of the other criteria. Local Government is a local issue, yet local residents and ratepayers were given no opportunity to have their say about amalgamations, other than a token opportunity to address a public meeting. The two local Councils were certainly far from perfect, but putting two bad apples in a paper bag is unlikely to create either one good apple, or even two good apples. The new Berejiklian Government must be getting different feedback to what I hear daily in the community. It’s also very different feedback to that reaching your Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, or she would not even be considering a total policy backflip to regain community support for the NSW government. Email, Feb 8, 2017 Kevin Armstrong, Tumbi Umbi

he murky dealings over the Warnervale airport show that, elected Council or administrator, the first response of our “representatives” in any situation is to keep as much as possible secret from the public.

The municipality doesn’t belong to the Council, it belongs to the people of the Central Coast, and every resident is entitled to know what is being done by our officers and our servants in our name.

FORUM One might have hoped that the Administrator, who is not required to court votes, would have taken a bold view on fundamental actions that need to be taken, and on the desirability of coopting the community into the effort that is going to be required to put the Central Coast on a sustainable track to the future. Instead, we have had timidity, seat-warming, and a continuation of the practice of minimising any chance of community reaction to what is going

on. After nearly 10 months under an Administrator, we still don’t even have an integrated, functioning administration (which should have been the Administrator’s first responsibility), so it is little wonder that everything else is drifting rudderless towards an obscure horizon. I never thought that I’d welcome back an elected council, but, as John Maynard Keynes said, “when the facts change, my opinion changes”. Email, Feb 7, 2017 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Fishy response on the nose I

was watching a bloke fishing off a jetty the other day, catching big fish, and throwing them back in, and keeping the little fish. After

watching

him

FORUM throw seven big fish back into the water, and having a dozen small under sized fish proudly displayed on the jetty, I complained to him that this was breaking the law. He replied to me: “I

only have a small frying pan and, unlike the under sized fish I have caught, nothing is a crime until you are caught, and anyway, small fish taste sweeter.” I walked away totally confused, from his very fishy replies. Email, Jan 28, 2017 Richard Ryan, Summerland Point

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Page 11 February 14, 2017

Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member arrested A

member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) has been charged after replica firearms, weapons and illicit drugs were seized during a search warrant in Halloran on February 1. Officers from the Gangs Squadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strike Force Raptor have been working closely with police across the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northern Region, under Operation Garwi, to target and disrupt criminal activities of OMCG. As part of their ongoing investigations, Strike Force Raptor and police

from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command executed a search warrant at a home on Sparks Rd, Halloran, just before 3:00pm on February 1. During the search warrant, police seized a silver revolver-style replica pistol, a black semi-automatic-style replica pistol, a springloaded flick knife, an extendable baton, a push dagger, three slingshots and a rifle bolt. Police also seized white powder, suspected to be cocaine; tablets, believed to be MDMA; cannabis

Do you know this man?

and cash. In addition, police located a black Harley Davidson, which is believed to be stolen. A 24-year-old member of the Rebels OMCG was arrested at the location and taken to Wyong Police Station. He was charged with two counts of possess unauthorised firearm, six counts of possess prohibited weapon without permit, and possess prohibited drug. He was refused bail and appeared at Wyong Local Court February 2. Media release, Feb 2, 2017 NSW Police media

Man arrested for throwing a P rock at a moving police car

olice have arrested a man after a police car was hit by a rock thrown from a moving vehicle in Lake Munmorah.

A fully marked police vehicle was travelling along Anita Ave, Lake Munmorah, when it passed a Mazda 6 travelling in the opposite direction just before

11:00pm on February 4. It is alleged a large rock was thrown from the Mazda, hitting the police car, before the Mazda sped from the scene. Police made a u-turn but lost sight of the vehicle. They attended a home at Gwandalan a short time later, arresting a

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25-year-old man. He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with drive while suspended, destroy or damage property, and intentionally throw object at vehicle. The man was refused bail and appeared at Wyong Local Court on February 6. Media release, Feb 6, 2017 NSW Police media

olice have released CCTV images and are appealing for information following an armed robbery on the Central Coast last year.

Just before 4pm on November 16, 2016, a man entered a business on Pacific St, Long Jetty. Police have been told the man, armed with a knife, approached the counter and demanded cash from a staff member, before fleeing the scene in a silver Hyundai sedan.

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.

No one was injured during the incident. Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command established a crime scene and commenced

an investigation. F o l l o w i n g investigations, police would like to speak to a man shown in the CCTV images. The man in the images is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall and of slim build. He is shown wearing a black hooded jumper, with the hood over his head and black bandana across his face. Media release, Jan 18, 2017 NSW Police Media

HEALTH Page 12

February 14, 2017

Homeless and lowFree gambling counselling income earners suffer service now also at Mingara the most from heatwaves C oast Community Connections’ free counselling service, Gambling Solutions Central Coast, has opened a new branch at Mingara Wellness Centre, giving residents of the Wyong region greater access to free and c o n fi d e n t i a l gambling support.

s temperatures soared into the 40s during the weekend’s heatwave, the Central Coast’s homeless and lowincome earners were unable to escape the blistering heat. Temperatures in Wyong reached 41 on Friday, and were expected to reach 44 on Saturday and 36 on Sunday, with average temperatures of 26 degrees overnight, making it a sticky, stifling, uncomfortable night for anyone without an air conditioner. The 2011 census of the former Wyong Council found that only seven per cent of Wyong’s population earned $1,500 or more per week. St Vincent De Paul NSW CEO, Mr Jack De Groot, said people on low incomes, particularly the elderly, suffered from heat-related issues, because they could not afford the cost of running an additional fan. “The sad reality is that low income earners have the highest energy costs because their homes are poorly insulated, and their fans are the cheapest to buy, but are electricity guzzlers. “Many of the people we assist struggle to pay their bills and have to choose between a meal and a cool home,” Mr De Groot said. A case study by The

Those with the means to do so found ways to get cool during the heat wave but the homeless and vulnerable were the hardest hit Photo: Noel Fisher

Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy on Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Extreme Heat Events Affecting Public Health, as part of the Hunter, Central and Lower North Coast Regional Climate Change Project, identified the homeless as a “particularly vulnerable section of the community” during heatwave conditions. The Australian Energy Market Operator issued a warning on Thursday, February 9, that between 3:00pm and 5:30pm on the following afternoon, Friday, February 10, NSW faced a shortfall of 419 megawatts of power, even after importing large amounts of electricity from neighbouring Victoria and Queensland. Central Coast Local District Health Acting Director for Public Health, Mr Paul Cook, said that in the event of a blackout, Wyong Hospital was

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prepared to go into Disaster Management. “This is when staff prioritise services to deal with a current emergency, sometimes parts of the hospital can be shut down to allow for the issue to be dealt with a lot faster. “Over these heatwave periods, hospitals do see an increased presentation due to heatstroke and dehydration. “We have mostly the elderly, infants, people who are immobile, and overweight and obese people who are most at risk due to their fragile state. “Healthy people are not exempt either, we have cases of people exercising in the heat resulting in admission from heatstroke,” Mr Cook said. Conditions were expected to drop back into the 20s from Sunday, February 12. Media release, Feb 10, 2017 Jack De Groot, St Vincent De Paul NSW Interview, Feb 10, 2017 Paul Cook, Central Coast Local Health District Jarrod Melmeth, Journalist

With locations in Woy Woy, Gosford, The Entrance and Kincumber, The Mingara Group has provided Gambling Solutions Central Coast with a room, free of charge, to operate the service. Mr Chris Davidson, a Counsellor from Gambling Solutions Central Coast, said that the new location had already proven successful for locals needing to access the service. “Since opening our new office at Mingara, we have already made 26 bookings for counselling appointments,’ Mr

Davidson said. “We are situated right next door to The Salvation Army Chaplain’s Office and we have already received a referral from the Chaplain doing his rounds in the club,” he said. “Our location at Mingara means that we can be here for people in crisis and work with the gaming industry in times when people get into trouble. “It’s great to see venues such as Mingara committed to reducing problem gambling. “We have also been working in a facility owned by Central Coast Leagues Club in Gosford. “Our experience is that we can help more people within the community by working with local gaming venues.” Gambling Solutions Central Coast offers free counselling, support and education to anyone affected in anyway by problem gambling. The organisation has also recently hired a trained financial counsellor to provide

clients with additional vital support. “The majority of our clients are in financial hardship because of their compulsivity to gamble and many are facing bankruptcy. “Our therapeutic counsellors help clients address the issues that cause problem gambling, but they are not qualified to deal with the financial damage that gambling causes. “When a professional can assist with structuring financial strategies and providing solutions, it eases much of the stress and helps the person focus on what is needed for their longterm recovery. “It’s also important to note that you don’t have to be the problem gambler to get our help. “We work with anyone who has been impacted by problem gambling such as family members, partners and friends of problem gamblers,” he added. Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Katey Small, Brilliant Logic

Community forums regarding palliative care services entral Coast Local Health District will host two community forums regarding palliative and end of life care s e r v i c e improvements on the Central Coast.

The first forum will be held on February 15 at Mingara Recreation Club. The second will be held on February 17 at Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy. The District hopes these forums will provide a platform for locals to

share their experiences with these services on the Central Coast and gauge what aspects of these services the community wants to see improved. Media release, Feb 3, 2017 Casey Virgin, Central Coast Local Health District

Page 13 February 14, 2017

Jeffery Hyde hopes to raise $5,000 M r Jeffery Hyde from Gorokan, hoped to raise $5,000 by taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Mr Hyde’s threeyear-old daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia, but is currently in remission. He said he wanted to help Australians beat blood cancer by taking part in the Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave fundraiser. The World’s Greatest Shave is an annual sponsorship event where people raise funds through shaving, cutting, colouring or waxing their

Federal Health Minister, Mr Greg Hunt, announced on February 7 the new PBS listing, granting “immediate and free access” of the lifechanging drug for children aged two to five, with cystic fibrosis who have a gating mutation. Cystic Fibrosis Australia (CFA) members, including Jude’s mother, Ms Caron David, lobbied Federal MPs since a decision to defer PBS listing saw sufferers like Jude faced with $300,000 bills to access the drug. CFA said the drug was, “the most important development in the treatment of the disease since the discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene in 1989,” and works by turning off the genetic defect that causes cystic fibrosis. Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma

NSW Health Minister and the Premier speak with Wyong Hospital protestors B

Mr Jeffrey Hyde and his daughter hair in March. Mr Hyde is taking it one step further and getting the Leukaemia Foundation logo tattooed on the back of his head. Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Pretty Rahman, the Leukaemia Foundation

Life changing drug for Jude David now available on PBS wo-year-old toddler, Jude David, from Hamlyn Terrace, is one of 30 children across Australia whose future is brighter as cystic fibrosis drug Kalydeco has been made available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

HEALTH

McBride, said it was good news that the Government was working with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which developed Kalydeco. “I met Caron and Jude last year, and I was moved by their story,” Ms McBride said. “Caron’s advocacy on behalf of her son and other young children will change lives. “As a pharmacist, I know and respect the PBS listing process, i...but this is an example where patients and carers voices have been heard.” Media release, Feb 7, 2017 Heather Robinson, office of Emma McBride Media release, Feb 7, 2017 Greg Hunt, Federal Health Minister

oth the newlyappointed NSW Health Minister, Mr Brad Hazzard, and the Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian, took time to speak with Wyong Hospital protestors when they visited the Central Coast on February 9.

Ms Pam Illingworth, Secretary of the Northern Central Coast Branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwifes’ Association said several nurses had been asked by Mr Hazzard for their contact details so he could follow up with them. Ms Illingworth said the feedback from the protest outside Mingara Recreation Club to coincide with the meeting of the NSW Cabinet was “really positive”. She said she was hopeful that the new NSW Government would take into consideration the concerns of the community about any proposal to privatise Wyong Hospital. “I think because they are willing to talk to us, that gives me a bit of hope, whereas before, they were not even interested in what we had to say,” Ms Illingworth said. “Our main concern is in privatising the hospital, patients won’t get the standard of care they have now because we know that in private hospitals there are no mandated nursing care hours,” she said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian took time to speak with protesters Employees at the hospital are also concerned about what would happen to their wages and employment conditions if the management of the hospital was taken over by a private health care provider. “What we have been told all the way along is that we would carry across our wages and our award for two years, but after that, it would have to be negotiated.” The Nurses and Midwives Association has planned a demonstration on the public land at the front of Wyong Hospital on Tuesday, February 14. “We want to get our point across that we want our public hospital to remain under the public hospital system. “We don’t want it privatised and we want to make people aware of

that. “Nurses can work anywhere, but when you are a patient, you are limited to your health treatment choices,” Ms Illingworth said. She said the union had been letterbox dropping residents and writing to community groups to ask them to participate in the February 14 action. The Nurses and Midwives’ Association has also “sent off a resolution we had at a branch meeting to ask for the Health Minster to meet with us and discuss what is going on. “We are hoping we will get a bit more openness and a bit more collaboration about what is going on.

“They haven’t decided anything yet, they are still going through those expressions of interest. “We have been told that at the end of March, they will let us know which companies have applied. “We are doing this for the community. “Yes we need upgraded facilities, but the government will give us upgraded facilities if there is no one suitable from these expressions of interest, so let’s just go with that,” she said. Interview, Feb 14, 2017 Pam Illingworth, Northern Central Coast Branch Nurses and Midwives’ Association Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Page 14

EDUCATION

February 14, 2017

Terminated education providers named and shamed

ccording to the NSW Shadow Minister for Skills, Ms Pru Car, the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government is jeopardising the future of Central Coast students by refusing to name vocational education providers that have had their funding suspended for misconduct and poor quality control. Ms Car said the Government’s disdain for transparency placed thousands of Central Coast vocational students at risk of signing up with a potentially dodgy provider. “Despite the potential for these students to suffer heartache and stress at the hands of failed providers, the Government is refusing to name the VET providers that had their funding suspended and are under investigation. “The refusal to name the providers comes after the Government fought vehemently against a NSW Labor campaign to reveal the names and the impact failed providers had on students in NSW,” Ms Car said. “Labor’s campaign of freedom of information requests and battles in the NSW Civil Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) finally forced the Government to reveal 11 terminated providers and

targeted courses, but not the suspended providers. “The investigation uncovered that more than 240 Central Coast students have been devastated by terminated or suspended providers; a number that could balloon with more students unknowingly signing onto suspended providers,” she said. Ms Car said Labor’s investigation revealed the targeted Central Coast suburbs. Key Suburbs in the former Wyong LGA in order of most effected students, included: Tuggerah, Lake Haven and The Entrance. The government’s Smart and Skilled program offers funding to private vocational education providers offering Certificates and Diplomas in trades and skills. Ms Car said that many courses were offered at exorbitant prices and the program also acted as a gross reduction in funding for public providers like TAFE, forcing course prices there to climb, student enrolments to plummet by 126,000 places, and 5,200 teachers and support staff losing their jobs. NSW Opposition Leader, Mr Luke Foley, announced Labor’s Private Provider Investigation Unit to help weed out shonky providers in his budget reply speech.

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The unit would investigate dodgy providers to ensure taxpayer money was given to reputable providers. Ms Car also named and shamed a list of terminated providers: ASA (Australian Sports Academy) Pty Ltd, provided incorrect information in the application. Australian Vocational Training Academy Pty Ltd, failed to provide compliant Training and Assessment Strategies, non-compliant record keeping; and failure to provide records and evidence. Careers Australia Education Institute Pty Ltd, failed to properly train and assess students, non-compliance with record keeping and failure to provide records and evidence upon request. Careers Australia Institute of Training Pty Ltd, failed to properly train and assess students, non-compliance with record keeping and failure to provide records and evidence upon request. Industry Education and Training Services Pty Ltd, terminated for providing incorrect information in the application. Seluna Pty Ltd, failed to comply with training and assessment requirements of the VET Quality Framework, and submitted training activity and received subsidies for learners where there was no evidence of commencement. Western Institute of Technology Pty Ltd, terminated for: providing incorrect information in the application. Wise Education Group Pty Ltd, terminated for: failure to meet Standards for RTOs 2015 and noncompliance with record keeping requirements. Donna Mere MorrellPullin, terminated for: providing incorrect information in the application.

14-16 October 2016

$2 January 26th-29th 2017

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Media release, Feb 8, 2017 Aaron Duke, Office of Pru Car, Shadow Minister for Skills

Subsidised road safety education program at the Wyong Racecourse L

earner drivers at Central Coast high schools will now be able to participate in the RYDA Road Safety Education program at the Wyong Racecourse for $10. The reduced price is a result of funding received by RYDA under the Central Coast Council’s Stronger Community Funds Community Grants and due to support from Bendigo Bank. The most dangerous time for any young road user is in the first six to twelve months of being a solo driver. Road Safety Education Limited (RSE), a national not for profit organisation,

is committed to reducing trauma on our roads by educating young people in senior high school through RYDA, its youth safety awareness program. The funding and support also provides a 75 per cent subsidy for the school bus transport cost. The RYDA program focuses on attitude and awareness, empowering young people to make good choices. “It gives students an opportunity to develop individual strategies to take home, which they may not receive anywhere else,” said Program Director, Mr Greg Rappo. “Over the past 10 years, we have seen a 47 per cent reduction in

youth road trauma due to education, government initiatives, safer roads, safer cars and policing. “However, in 2016, the overall road toll increased by 7.9 per cent throughout Australia, and worryingly, road deaths in the 17 to 25 year age group escalated 17.3 per cent. RYDA runs for three weeks from March 6 to 24 at the Wyong Racecourse. The program features a series of practical and powerful workshops for high school students. The newly updated RYDA courses are now open for bookings. Media release, Feb 9, 2017 Jenny Ward, Road Safety Education

Two Instructional Leaders join Budgewoi PS staff B

udgewoi Public School has welcomed two Instructional Leaders to its staff for the next three years.

The Instructional Leaders are working under the school’s Early Action for Success

program. They are Ms Rebecca Raffie and Ms Jackie Murray. “They will be working with students and staff in the Kindergarten to Year 3 grades to assist all students to achieve the expected student outcomes in literacy and numeracy,” said

Budgewoi PS Principal, Ms Kerrie Moore. “This is a three-year program and we are extremely fortunate to have their expertise at our school,” Ms Moore said. Newsletter, Jan 30, 2017 Kerrie 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

Page 15 February 14, 2017

Anastasia Perceval nominated for Early Education Award M

s Anastasia Perceval of Kids Haven Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, Lake Haven, has been nominated in the Educator of the Year category in the 2017 Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards. The Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards are Australia’s biggest awards for the early year’s education sector, and celebrate the leaders and services in Australian communities that are committed to the growth and development of those in their care. Judged by a panel of

professionals from the sector through a rigorous judging process, the Australian Family Early Education and Care Awards are overseen by Judging Chairman and Australian Family Managing Director, Mr Paul Clancy. Every nomination that is received is stringently reviewed by Australian Family representatives to identify the Awards Finalists on April 26. After each Finalist is thoroughly reviewed by the judging panel, the State Winners will be revealed on May 23 and will share in $100,000 in prizes, including a three day professional development event in

June. At this event, the National Winner of each category will be determined after each State Winner has presented to the judging panel their achievements, goals and plans for continued quality improvement and innovation. The national winners of each category will be announced at the Australian Family Early Education & Care Awards Gala Event on June 16, and share in more than $50,000 in training and professional development grants. Media Release, 24 Jan, 2017 Adele Felleto, Adele Felleto PR

Central Coast Food Collective formed to help improve gourmet image W

yong’s Little Creek Cheese company owners, Mr Russell Parsons and Ms Sue Parsons, have shipped off their entries to the Royal Sydney Easter Show.

The award-winning Central Coast cheese artisans hope to add to the company’s medal tally in 2017. In 2016, they won 27 medals in competitions across Australia, including five Gold’s at

Royal Shows. Mr Parsons was most proud of winning Highest Scoring Club Cheddar in Australia at the prestigious 2016 Dairy Industry Association of Australia competition, with Little Creek’s Onion Cheddar. “We beat ‘em all,” he said proudly. “All the big names like South Cape and Margaret River, and we did it producing cheese right here on the Central Coast.” Russell is an

ambassador for the Central Coast’s This is the life promotion. “We really have the best of all worlds here on the Coast. “I encourage all Coasties to tell their friends and families how wonderful the place is,” he said. “We’ve received great backing from the local community and local businesses stocking our products.” Media release, Feb 10, 2017 Central Coast media

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!

NEWS

Council shares car park but not with public he Hely St Car Park, which services The Art House, may be permanently unavailable to frustrated motorists in Wyong CBD if an agreement between Council and the entertainment venue is struck.

A Council Spokesperson said a non-exclusive agreement is being negotiated between Art House staff and Council which, if greenlighted, would dash any hope of the car park being opened to commuters. The agreement would see Council staffers as the primary benefactors of the car park with exclusive access to the Hely St site during week day working hours (9:00am to 5:00pm). Art House staff and patrons would have unlimited access from 6:00pm to 5:00am Monday to Friday and full access on weekends. The Council Spokesperson said

Council believed this to be a suitable arrangement it aligned with the Art House’s performance schedule. The Spokesperson said the arrangement would have a positive effect on parking in the Wyong CBD as it would free up previously contested spaces by Council staff providing more parking opportunities for workers and visitors. Despite Council’s claims the agreement would ease congestion around Wyong, residents are questioning why a decision regarding the parking did not involve them. “That car park has been empty since May,” Wyong Creek Ms Jo Eyes said. “It just doesn’t seem right that a car park that rate payers paid for may never be able to be used by them,” she added. Ms Eyes, who frequents the area to utilise multiple services and facilities said the car park had been empty and locked up until Council’s recent announcement.

She has since seen three cars in the car park. “It’s very frustrating because parking around Wyong is so difficult and Council already has private parking at the Chambers and three other Council CBD lots. “It could be so much easier to visit Wyong and use all the facilities but this decision works against this. “There’s at least 50 spaces in that car park and the Art House’s performance schedule does not even align with this, seeing as on some weekends, there’s nothing on there anyway,” Ms Eyes said. “Why wasn’t this decision reversed and the spaces opened to the public during working hours?” Ms Eyes continued. Interview, Feb 9, 2017 Alison Ayres, Central Coast Council Media Interview, Feb 13, 2017 Jo Eyes, Yarramalong Dilon Luke, Journalist

Art House introduces discount pricing T

he Art House has introduced discount pricing for under 30s on seven of its biggest 2017 shows, in an effort to make theatre affordable for everyone.

Under 30s can now access up to 30 per

cent off tickets for performances at the brand new Wyong Theatre, The Art House. Discounted shows include: world-class contemporary dance from Sydney Dance Company and Australia Dance Theatre; music from the 7 Sopranos; Jane Rutter and Teddy Tahu Rhodes

plays; Coranderrk and The 7 Stages of Grieving; and, acrobatics from Circus Oz. Children and pensioners are also able to access discounts off full price theatre tickets. Media release, Feb 3, 2017 Emily Carryer, The Art House

OUT&ABOUT Page 16

February 14, 2017

The circus is in town at Bateau Bay

Tumbi Umbi family in pilot of Bogan Barbie B

eber’s Circus with a Touch of The Wild West, will be setting up the Big Top at Bateau Bay’s Bay Village from February 17 until February 26. “The circus features acts from around the world that will keep you on the edge of your seats, while the three miniature ponies, and the comedy dogs, will keep you laughing, along with some of Australia’s funniest

clowns”, according to Circus principal, Natalie Weber. “Ariel acts that will amaze audiences include the Russian Swing, with the three Weber sisters somersaulting through the air, only to be caught seven metres off the ground. “Weber’s juggler, Cody Harrington, won the junior world juggling championships in Las Vegas, and juggles no less than nine rings. “The show also

includes silks, hula hoops, Spanish web, line dancing, and much more. “Weber’s Circus is the perfect mix to keep you entertained from start to finish”, Ms Weber said. The performance lasts for one hour and 45 minutes and tickets are on sale one hour before show time at the ticket office out the front of the big top. Media release, Feb 3, 2017 Natalie Weber, Weber’s Circus

ogan Barbie, a reality television program airing in 2017, will follow Tumbi Umbi family, the Wardells.

The Wardells are a family of car enthusiast glamour girls. Mr Michael Kay from ActiveTV, the company producing Bogan Barbie, said Australia will quickly come to love the family as they deal with everyday challenges with immense character and a keen sense of humour. The family of “Cardashions” consists of mum, Natalie, aged 42, a self-confessed

bogan who loves cars and who has spent over $80,000 on her prized pink supercharged VS Commodore Miss5L. Her partner of 22 years, Brendan, is a plumber and also loves his cars. Their three daughters round out the family, with 21 year old Jazmyne, a bar waitress and the 2017 Miss Summernats, 19 year old Tamika, who bucks her family’s car loving ways in favour of partying, and baby of the bunch, 16 year old Montana, who loves cars just as much as her mum. Between the five of them, the family owns 10

cars, and they regularly enter competitions and shows around the country. Their world centres around cars (and fake tans), and whilst they may have their run-ins, they remain a close knit and loving family. In this exclusive arrangement, ActiveTV instantly recognised the family’s Aussie appeal, and has produced a pilot of Bogan Barbie, and are already in discussions with at least one major Australian network. Media release, Jan 16, 2017 Niki White, ActiveTV

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

RESIDENT BAND

BLUESANGELS WITH MONTHLY GUEST ARTIST HAMISH BAKER MAR 4 - 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

Page 17 February 14, 2017

Hating Alison Ashley to be performed at The Art House A

c c l a i m e d Australian classic and literary education staple novel, Hating Alison Ashley, will be brought to life at The Art House Wyong in 2017 by Jopuka Productions. The novel, penned by Robin Klein and then adapted by Richard Tulloch, has been at the forefront of children’s and young adult literature since 1984. The 2017 production is being handled by Ms Jessica Pascuzzo. Ms Pascuzzo, who is making her directorial debut with Hating Alison Ashley, has been working closely with her mentor, XtrAct Drama Academy’s, Ms Danielle Brame, to work with the cast of 21 local artists to capture the essence of the novel’s compelling lead

characters Erica Yurken and Alison Ashley. “I remember reading both the book and the play in High School, I fell in love with the characters and their personalities. “I remember thinking, I would love to play Erica Yurken on stage, instead I have a whole cast of wonderful actors helping bring my vision to life,” Ms Pascuzzo said. Jopuka Productions is one of the Central Coast’s newest independent nonprofit theatre companies. The company has a strong focus on youth, and getting young people aged high school to 30 involved in all aspects of theatre. The production will run eight performances from February 24 until March 3. Media release, Feb 13, 2017 Madeline Parker, The Art House

Wallarah 2 supply funding for first aid equipment for Operation Be Fire Safe R

etired firefighter, Mr Chris Wallace, is utilising his 40 years of firefighting experience to educate the Central Coast community about the importance of fire safety through Operation Be Fire Safe, a hands-on, not for profit community education program.

Operation Be Fire Safe operates out of a donated Red Bus Services bus and includes an interactive fire hazard simulation to give participants an idea of how a house looks when a fire starts. The simulation enables participants to practice fire safety methods and learn the ‘dos and don’ts’ of how to act in case of a fire. Wallarah 2 Community Foundation is supporting the program by supplying funding for first aid equipment for the bus, including a defibrillator. As the brains behind the program, Mr Wallace said, that Operation Be Fire Safe seeks to benefit all members of the Wyong community and beyond. “We provide fire education with a difference and are proud to say there is no other program like ours in Australia. “Our interactive learning space includes

THE ART HOUSE WYONG PRESENTS

THE 7 SOPRANOS SONGS FROM STAGE AND SCREEN Channel your inner Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe or Judy Garland and let The 7 Sopranos take you on a journey of spine tingling songs and memories as they take you back to an era of glamour.

WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL 7.30PM ADULTS $49 | CONC. $42 UNDER 30 $35 | CHILD $25

BOOKINGS 02 4335 1485 www.thearthousewyong.com.au

OUT&ABOUT

From left: Mr Chris Wallace, Mr Peter Allonby and Mr Kenny Barry faulty power boards, a home evacuation plan and smoke alarms, and provides participants with an opportunity to experience firsthand what to do when a fire occurs and how to identify common household fire hazards,” Mr Wallace said. “Not only are we eager to take the bus around to local preschools and primary schools to teach young children about the importance of fire safety, we are also excited to roll out the program at community events around the Wyong and wider Central Coast region,” he added. Mr Wallace has been teaching fire safety on the Coast for many

years, previously running his program out of a plastic cubby house and homemade trailer simulator. “Since we have been offering this type of education and training, using our previous model of the cubby house, we have seen an improvement in fire safety knowledge amongst our younger community members. “It has been a passion of mine since retiring to try and educate the community on fire safety to help prevent the loss of lives and our new and improved bus simulator will provide the perfect platform for reaching an even larger audience,” he concluded.

Mr Peter Allonby, General Manager of the Wallarah 2 Coal Project said: “Operation Be Fire Safe is all about prevention and preparedness and Wallarah 2 is proud to support this important community initiative. “Every community member who visits the bus will be taking away invaluable knowledge about fire safety around the home. “There’s no measuring just how many fires will be prevented from early identification of everyday hazards.” Media release, Feb 1, 2017 Peter Smith, Wallarah 2 Coal Project

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

Page 20 February 14, 2017

Central Coast Community Volunteering Legal Centre Central Coast Central Coast Not for profit org in Wyong Refer potential volunteers Potters Society providing free legal advice. to community organisations Classes, workshops, Intake times for legal advice and provide support to demonstrations, exhibitions and social events. Annual Monday to Friday 9am-5pm volunteers and community Lorraine Stewart organisations. exhibitions in May and 4353 4988 Training for volunteers and December. centralcoast@clc.net.au managers of volunteers Open Day in Sept Information Sessions held 4324 5343 Central Coast 50+ regularly across the Coast info@ccpotters.org Singles Social Group 4329 7122 Invites Ladies & Gents for recruit@volcc.org.au dinner, dancing - BBQs & Wrap with Love Socialising each w/e. Central Coast Cat Care Monthly programme for all Knitting blankets for cold $20 Desexing Special areas of the coast humanity. Cats only 0412 200 571 Donations of 8ply yarn 0437 699 366 gratefully received No Pedigrees 50pssg@gmail.com Long Jetty: 4333 4353 4388 6448 Toukley 4399 3351 4325 3163 Central Coast Social Group Wyong Neighbourhood COMMUNITY GROUPS Social contact, Centre entertainment events, new Supporting disadvantaged ARPRA friendships, for 30’s-60’s vulnerable and isolated ARPRA is the peak body representing residents living Live music, house parties, members of our community offering a range of in Residential Land Lease dinners, BBQs, picnics, trips away etc. community services, events, Communities in NSW. Monthly Meet & Chat projects, workshops, arts We are a non-profit org 0422 243 101 programs and an open providing advice and email cco30s@live.com.au community garden. advocacy and training 4353 1750 4358 8246 Gambling Solutions arpranorthlakes@outlook.com.au Gambling help counsellors Wyong Toastmasters providing free confidential Club Bateau Bay professional service to gamblers, family and friends Vibrant, progressive group. Men’s Shed Woy Woy, Kincumber, Conquer your fears of public Environment for mature Gosford and The Entrance speaking in a supportive aged men to repair items, 4344 7992 learn-by-doing environment. share and learn skills and 10.30am - 1st, 3rd and 5th socialise Lake Munmorah Senior 9am to 1.30pm Friday Citizens Club Tue to Thur Wyong RSL Computer Classes, dancing, 1 Bay Village Road, Anzac Ave Wyong exercise, pilates, yoga, craft, Bateau Bay 4328 8297 joppa@theorchards.com.au carpet bowls and Tai Chi. 0435 807 633 bateaubayshed@gmail.com 4358 8390

ARTS&CULTURE

ANIMAL CARE

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

Long Jetty Senior Citizens Club Computer classes, line dancing, tai chi and zumba gold - M-F, 9am to 3pm for full list of activities 4332 5522 Long Jetty Over 50s Club Indoor bowls, computers, exercises, yoga, linedancing, tai chi and more 9am to 3pm 4332 5522 Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation Meeting place and referral hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs through consultative services and community programs Mon-Fri 9am 4pm 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

The NSW Justices Association Inc Seeking volunteers for 8 community JP Desks in Wyong Area Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388 benefits@nswja.org.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 Central Coast Permaculture meet friendly like minded people at our information night held at Tuggerah Community Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 6:30 for 7pm start Bob on 0414 133 808

HEALTH GROUPS Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management Support and educational group providing practical experience and confidence Learn the benefits to hearing aids 4321 0275 www.centralcoast.betterhearing australia.org.au

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

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)

www.pcfa.org.au

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

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

warnervale.labor@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

PROBUS CLUBS Bateau Bay Ladies Probus Club Warm welcome, friendship and interesting speakers. 4th Mon, RSL Hall, Killarney Vale 4332 6625 Toowoon Bay Probus Club Morning tea, guest speakers talking on topics relevant to Seniors, as well as regular exciting social events. 4th Thur 10am. Anglican Church Hall, Cnr Brooke Ave & Eastern Rd., Bateau Bay 4334 3979 Tuggerah Combined Probus Club Inc Meet new friends and enjoy social events. 2nd Thur., 10:30am, guest speakers. Social outings 3rd Thur. Woodbury Park Community Hall, Mardi 4351 0450

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

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

Torchbearers for Legacy Toukley Raising funds for Brisbane Waters Legacy. Harry Moore Golf Day, Garage markets and street stalls. 2nd Mon 9.30am Norah

Head Legacy 0414 701 489

0412 164 082 0414 635 047

hartas@bigpond.net. aurotarytheentrance@gmail.com

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

Bridge Club Social bridge Tues, 9.45am1pm 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

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

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

Central Coast Lapidary Northern Women’s Club Minerals & Gems Health Centre Learn silverwork, Family law advice, Cabochons, Faceting, counselling, therapeutic and Enamelling, Stone Fieldtrips social groups, workshops, & fossicking Weekly domestic violence and Workshops Tues and Thurs abuse issues. 8.30am-2.30pm All services are provided by Thurs 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah women for women Creek Rd Ourimbah 4351 1152 4362 2246 www.cccwhc.com.au cclapidary@optusnet.com.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

If you would like your Community Organisation 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.

Page 19 February 14, 2017

Meg Champness receives Council Community Service and Activity Award G l e n g a r a Retirement Village resident, Ms Meg Champness, has been awarded the inaugural Central Coast Council Community Service and Activity Award for her longstanding c o m m u n i t y involvement.

Upon being presented with the award, Ms Champness, who for more than a decade has organised a weekly craft session for 30 Glengara residents to knit, crochet, sew and make get well cards, said that she felt thrilled and humbled. “I couldn’t believe it when they made the announcement,” she said. “I really did get a surprise, but I could not have done it without

the other residents who inspire and encourage me.” Village Manager, Mr Andrew Glover, said the Glengara village community was buzzing when they heard the news. “Our residents are renowned for supporting village activities and fundraising events,” Mr Glover said. “When the craft group heard that Meg had been nominated, they hosted a morning tea event to show their appreciation,” he said. “Meg is such a caring lady and I’m delighted that her dedication and hard work has been recognised.” In 2016 the Glengara craft group donated a range of handmade items, including 130 rugs, to hospitals and aged

care facilities, turbans for chemotherapy patients and neonatal jackets, hats, booties and mittens for maternity hospitals. Ms Champness said the group activity was a friendly gathering where residents could socialise while doing something worthwhile for the community. “Our focus is to help those less fortunate through donations, and by raising money for homeless and disadvantaged people, nursing homes and the local hospitals,” she said. “Not to mention, we love a chat. “Social inclusion is so important, yet it’s sometimes taken for granted.”

For events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263

Friday, Feb 17 Weber’s Circus, The Big Top, Bay Village, Bay Village Rd, Bateau Bay until February 26 The Cover Up, Long Jetty Hotel, 8:00pm

Wednesday, Feb 22 Central Coast Council meeting at Wyong Chamber, 5:00PM

Friday, Feb 24 Central Coast Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Volunteer Support Group Central Coast fund raising stall, Lake Haven Shopping Centre Hating Alison Ashley, The Art House, 7:30pm through to March 4 at various times

Paddle Lake Munmorah with national parks and Wildlife, 9:00am to 4:00pm, bookings essential Summerland Kings, Show and Shine, Village Green, Coles Carpark, Toukley, 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Sunday, Feb 26 Stormcellar, Catho Pub, Wallarah Hotel, Catherine Hill Bay, 2:00pm

Tuesday, Feb 28 Central Coast Connections Forum to bring businesses and experts together, Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi, from 1:30pm

9:00am Music Melting Pot, House Concert with Miriam Lieberman, Forest of Tranquility

Monday, Mar 6 Seniors Day Out 2017, Watanobbi Community Centre, 10:30am to 2:30pm

Wednesday, Mar 8 Ben Woodham, Ourimbah Campus UON, 11:30pm

Forest of Tranquility High Tea with Rainforest Walk and Sculpture Tour, with Emilia Krumm, bookings essential

Saturday, Mar 4 Disabled Surfers Smiles on Dials Surf Event, Toowoon Bay beach, sign in from

The Sydney Male Choir will be performing at the Halekulani Bowling Club

he Sydney Male Choir will be performing at the Halekulani Bowling Club on Sunday, March 12.

to Welsh hymns, comic songs and vaudeville to showstoppers and pop, as well as modern compositions and commissioned pieces. It may be the variety in its repertoire that appeals to audiences and choristers alike. The choir regularly performs across greater Sydney and does concert tours of regional NSW, other states and overseas. It was invited to sing at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at VillersBretonneux, France, in 2013, and participated in the International Male Choir festival in Cornwall. The long history of the choir has only been possible by its aspiring to

Bringing joy through song is the major objective of the Sydney Male Choice, joy to its audiences as well as to its members. The choir had its beginning in 1913 when a group of men, led by Mr Charles Miller, came together to make harmony for pleasure under the name of The Petersham Glee Club. The name was changed to the Sydney Male Choir in 1919. Since that time, it has sung all types of music, from operatic choruses

the very highest musical standards. Today this tradition is maintained by the choir’s two professionals, Musical Directors Dr Houston Dunleavy, and accompanist, Dewi Lui, and a group of around 60 singers prepared to attend rehearsals every week and to commit to memory the music and lyrics of up to 100 songs. The choir’s performance at Budgewoi will be presented by the Halekulani Bowling Club and Lake Macquarie FM and will include songs from musicals, light classics, pop and folk Australiana. Media release, Jan 24, 2017 Toni McLean, Lake Macquarie FM

Saturday, Mar 11 Brackets and Jam North Blues Sessions, Colongra Bay Community Hall, from 6:00pm E

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Sunday, Mar 12 Saturday, Feb 25

Sydney Male Choir to perform at Halekulani

Media release, Feb 2, 2017 Marie McGrane, Retire Australia

The Wyong Diary

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Issue 145

ifty objections will be the new minimum requirement for a development application to be automatically referred to a meeting of the November Central Coast 17,Council 2016 for determination.

The sign at the front of Christ Church Gosford

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

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

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

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

Consultation is insufﬁcient for Coastal Management Plan

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anuary 12, 2017

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Somersby residents draw attention to the Rindean Quarry proposal

Quarry seeks approval for 2,250 truckloads of ﬁll per week for four weeks December mber 15, 15 2016 20 016 6

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Crane collapses at a major building site

Diagram of the areas to be rezoned to form the new Commercial Core

planning proposal, intended to reshape the Gosford CBD, and started by the former Gosford Council, is being taken to its next stage by the Central Coast Council.

The proposal, new draft within the Commercial Core planning controls and a area,” the draft planning new Voluntary Planning proposal said. According to Council’s Agreement Policy, aim Leader of to realign zoning within Group the CBD, and then to use Environment and Planning, incentives to encourage Mr Scott Cox, “the proposed development to revitalise rezoning and amendments the city’s new Commercial to the Gosford Development Control Plan (GDCP), seek Core. According to the to create a distinctive proposal, $750 million worth skyline while preserving of DAs for the Gosford CBD view lines to the ridge tops were lodged in the 2015- and activating streets and 16 financial year, but most public spaces”. He said the amended plan were in B4 Mixed Use zoned land, surrounding the city’s would ensure the building design for the Gosford CBD Commercial Core. “Consultations with reflected its status as the owners of the main … region’s capital. “We have a vision of what redevelopment sites have indicated that, having regard the future built form of the The collapsed 40 tonne crawler crane at 18 to 20 Kendall St, Gosford rd to May 2015.city property CBD could look like: taller, n operator escaped without injury following a crane collapse at t depressed slimmer buildings around prices and culties … 96 Twothe diffi Section a major building site at 18 to 20 Kendall St, Gosford, on Monday, y, the new Commercial Core in accessing developmentwere amendments November 14. of the CBD, Kibble Park, finance, development subsequently lodged and Following the collapse, their supply. d SafeWork NSW determined with activated public spaces incentive measures areunits approved to add six n which damaged two cars, Ausgrid reported that, that the construction required to encourage any so people can live and work and then make amendments broke the cross-arms of by 3:00pm on Tuesday, company was compliantt to the drive way, parking, in the city centre,” Mr Cox substantial redevelopment power polls along the street November 15, 10 homes with all SafeWorkk utility spaces and the and pulled down power and businesses remained requirements. internal planning of various lines, the crane driver without power, but were m A statement from units. remained trapped for some expected to be reconnected SafeWork NSW said: “Initial al A construction certifificate time in the cabin. e to the network by around inquiries indicate that the was granted by private Emergency Services, 4:00pm. e 40 tonne crawler crane certififier, City Plan Gosford including Police from the Kendall St remained tipped over while slewing,, Pty Ltd, for commencement Brisbane Water Local closed to all traffic on bringing down power liness of bulk earthworks, Area Command, NSW Fire Tuesday, November 15, and and damaging two motorr basement parking and Service and Ambulance police advised motorists to vehicles before coming to o demolition of existing crews worked with an avoid the area. rest on the road. structures on October 31, emergency crew from d SafeWork NSW “No workers were injured 2016. Ausgrid to isolate the mains confirmed that it had sent in the incident. power in that section of the an investigator to the site “SafeWork NSW hass Media release, network so the crane driver and would explore whether directed al the principal Nov 14, 2016 could be released from the the accident was caused by contractor to stop work and d NSW Police media cabin safely. e any breach of work health arrange for the crane to be Media statement, According to Ausgrid, and safety requirements. e safely removed from the site Nov 15, 2016 the power supply was n SafeWork took charge so it can be tested by an SafeWork NSW media Media statement, interrupted to at least 600 of the site of the accident independent engineer. Nov 15, 2016 homes and businesses, and were not able to move “SafeWork NSW’ss Zoe Allebone, Ausgrid but most affected had their the crane away from the investigation remainss Website, power restored within 90 site until the morning of ongoing.” Nov 15, 2016 minutes. Wednesday, November 16. The original developmentt Central Coast Council Around 50 homes and 1 Parts of the crane may consent for the $17.1 Application Tracker, businesses were left without need to be sent away million, 48-unit residential DA46276/2014 power overnight and an for further testing and flat building at 18 to 20 Jackie Pearson, journalist emergency Ausgrid crew work would not be able Kendall St was granted continued working the to recommence on the by Gosford Council in two following morning to restore construction site until parts in November 2014 and

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The new Council had exhibition following the May attempted to set the 25 Council meeting. Coast Community News bar at 100 submissions, but following public asked Central Coast Council consultation, changed why it did not follow its own that requirement to 50 precedent and give the objections. community an opportunity The Council had further to comment on the latest amended the new Public amendments to its new Submissions Policy to Public Submissions Policy. require two or more A statement issued by councillors to request Council on October 27, in DAs be considered at a response to the questions public meeting instead said: “Council considered of one councillor, as was a draft of the Public the practice of the former Submissions Policy at its Gosford Council. meeting of July 27. The word “submissions” “It was placed on public replaced with exhibition for a period of 28 legislation garnered over was landowners in the suburbs (but not advertised in 12,000 likes, almost 4,000 “objections” in the rewritten daysaterfront of Kincumber and publicSouth, Yattalunga, shares and over 500 policy so that it will only be this newspaper), the number of submissions submissions were received. Saratoga, Davistown, MacMasters comments in three days. policy adopted One comment read: opposing a DA that will Beach,“The Copacabana, Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal by Council 26 West Gosford have “As an atheist, I feel a tad count towards the new and even partsonofOctober East and the threshold uncomfortable commenting minimum thresholds. beenreduced encouraged to pay for close attention to the These two late changes of DAs toDraft Council on your page, but I wish NSWreferral Government’s Coastal Management of toEnvironmental better align with the all churches showed your have not been the subjectState Planning Policy (SEPP). humanity and humour; what further public consultation community submissions. “AsAiken, a result of feedback a kinder and safer place the although a precedent wasMr Pat Secretary Coastal Management SEPP set earlier this year for of an the[theCoastal number]Residents was reduced world would be.” will be the single land use to from 100 tosaid 50, so the no need Another said: “Father amended draft policy Association, planning policy for coastal for further consultation.” Rod, you are a Christian in be given a second public consultation period for the development. It appears there is no“The the way I understood Christ consultation period. community to respond Coastal In July, the Central Coast standard for to be, a champion of the to theminimum draft SEPP, which Management SEPP will also to follow desperate, vulnerable and Council placed an amended closesCouncils on December 23, is when better equip councils and consulting the community marginalised; if there were Draft Code of Meeting too short. coastal communities to plan the setting policies, more like you, my faith Practice on public exhibitionMr about Aiken said ofthe for, and effectively respond for a further 42 days asone a so technically, Council might still be intact”. community meeting to, coastal challenges such does for not the haveCentral to do any result of amendments made scheduled as major storms, coastal Facebook, after the initial period Coast, with the public of consultation at Erina on December erosion and climate change Nov 2, 2016 public consultation. 9, is inadequate, given that impacts.” on such matters. Father Rod Bower, Central Coast Council The Draft Code the of local region would be Anglican Diocese of Gosford Meeting Continued P12 “one of the worst affected already has a Local Practice had Jackie Pearson, journalist by sea level rise in the whole Environmental Plan (LEP) initially been put on public country”. and Development Control The NSW Department of Plans (DCP) that include Planning and Environment, coastal hazard maps Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosfordin conjunction with the and provisions, which Phone: 4325 7369 Office of Environment and means mapped areas will Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250Heritage, is responsible for become part of a Coastal E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net developing the new coastal Vulnerability area. management framework. Mr Aiken said the two Website: www.centralcoastnews.net The new SEPP is zones that local land owners intended to support the need to pay attention to State Government’s new when examining the draft Coastal Management Act SEPP are Coastal Wetlands 2016. and Coastal Vulnerability. “The Coastal The Department of Management SEPP will Planning website links integrate and improve to a mapping tool that current coastal-related demonstrates how different SEPPs and ensure that parts of the Coast would future coastal development be classified under the new is appropriate and sensitive SEPP. to our coastal environment, “People have a short and that we maintain time to look at their own public access to beaches particular situation and and foreshore areas,” said make a formal submission,” the NSW Department of Mr Aiken said. Planning and Environment Continued page 3 web pages on the draft SEPP. “Once published, the

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

high bar for DAs

The Sydney Male Choir, presented by Lake Macquarie FM, Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi, 2:30pm

December 1, 2016

Regressive refugee law is Council sets creating an apartheid extremely situation in Australia

said. The proposal’s aim “is to amend Gosford LEP 2014 by rezoning certain land within the Gosford City Centre from B3 Commercial Core to B4 Mixed Use, and certain land from B4 Mixed Use to B3 Commercial Core.” The amendments will “provide development incentives for land zoned B3 Commercial Core within the City Centre by introducing …a time-limited bonus ‘pool’ of floor space and/or increased height” for DAs that meet certain site and design criteria. Current GLEP 2014 height and floor space controls will remain the “base” controls, but a pool of 150,000 square metres of bonus additional gross floor area would be available to any B3 applicant. Continued P5

o m e r s b y 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

bunds, rehabilitate and cap former tailings ponds and construct a road and wheel wash facility. Somersby resident, Ms Lynn Cowie, said: “This will increase the number of trucks to exponential levels, potentially 9,000 trucks along Wisemans Ferry Rd, as they only have four weeks to build the noise bunds. “There is no trafﬁc management plan or mention in the Environmental Impact Statement about importing nearly a quarter

of a million tonnes of earth onto the site,” she said. “The soil they are importing is not virgin soil but excavated material from Sydney infrastructure projects and construction sites. “Rindean Quarries stand to make more money importing this ENM material opposed to Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) and d v e rthan t i s selling ing, more money mediasand it and medi m ahas the excavated o p e r t y approvalpto rexport.

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Issue 149

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Issue 148

An artist's impression of the Central Coast Mariners' vision for Central Coast Stadium

s of Coach PaulCBD.” Okon works hard rd to lift the Central Coast Mari Mariners the Gosford CBD,” he said. The detail of the League-winning “The design brief was towards e-winning status on the field, the their former Construction cate to create a building that local nchise has called on the Ce national Certifi A-League franchise Central and building are would stand the test of Council oast to contracts lift its game and turn Central Coast Stadium in into a timelessness and illustrate currently being completed, st-practice venue. the absolute beauty of the so pricing for residences in new building is notsurface. yet surrounds in which itThe is the the summer months. Central Coast situated and the benefitsriners of finalised. Those same fans stand Coast Community are arguably mmunity News sta in anticipate Gosford as a place to live, has been attempting region’s“We only premier ttempting for queues instead of watching wat the current work and play. months to break orting demolishing side and have eak the story the match they have paid midway “Given its location, about the Mariners’ ck withbuildings the Coast when through ariners’ arm- to see, sometimes way 2017 and construction will with Council the building has to refler ectsporting codes have wrestle ouncil to bring past half-time, to pay pa $5 commence modern but quality materials ned their backs on immediately the the stadium into to the modern for a bottle of water (worth ( in its finishes and fittings ion. and following that. era, but both the Mariners $2 in the supermarket supermarke and should will be attractive to investors and Council have denied provided the vendors don’t The local“Weclub wasseea a crane site by the end ofany the negotiations and home occupiers ndation as onfranchise in the ons or the run out) and even more mo for 2016-17 financial year.”existence of any Mariners’ hot food or a cold beer. it provides unsurpassed ional A-League football bee The building will take 19 views of Brisbane Water. The Central Coast mpetition and one of only Master Plan for or the venue. “It has close immediate months to construct, so The Mariners have Mariners have unveiled their o regional clubs remaining riners access to the railway completion is anticipated by listened to the he competition. he thousands vision for Gosford’s Central C station and other transport late 2018 or early 2019. t has been playing its of Coast families, milies, youths Coast Stadium and formally fo Mr Singleton has had a nodes along with the me games at the stadium and seniors, many paid-up presented it to Council, Co benefits of CBD living with connection to the Central ce 2004, the only s, who sit in which is the Stadium’s Stad Coastbut stretching back club over members, supermarkets and specialty blistering heat in the northern current owner and operator. ope years changed when he spent stores at its doorstep,”ngs he to60 have The vision is the football and the venue fo familyduring holidaysthose at Killcare as eastern grandstands said. yearsa boy. have been the (the cheaper seats) eats) because club’s bid to transform the The new design

entrepreneur, ntrepreneur, epreneur, M Mr Continuedhas John ohn Singleton, hP3 decided to kick-start kic the reb rebirth of the t Gosford CBD D wit with the development ment o of the B Bonython thon T Tower at 155 to 1 15 163 63 Mann St, S Gosford. sford ord

An artist's impression of Bonython T 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

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

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

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

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FEBRUARY 9, 2017

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Creighton’s Funeral Parlour resoundingly rejected by heritage item and erection the community and other of a new 18-storey retail, stakeholders, including commercial, restaurant and the National Trust, for the residential development DA’s failure to incorporate oastal with 132 units and 205 car the Residents preservation of the spaces. Creighton’s building. Incorporated has The original development called on the NSW Continued page 4 application was lodged inisterwith for Planning, Mr the former Gosford Council ob Stokes, to delay the in August 2014 and was

troduction of the new oastal Zone Management ct and associated reforms ntil accurate mapping made available to the ublic.

Mr Pat Aiken, Secretary of oastal Residents Inc, said the t was passed by the NSW rliament in June 2016 and as waiting to be proclaimed mediately after the close of nsultation for the new Coastal anagement State Environmental anning Policy (SEPP) which ded on January 20. “The consultation period ended spite just one short information ssion and the lack of critical tail in the form of promised aps that would explain how any people would be affected sea levels rise to the heights An artist's impression of the JRPP-approved mixed development aimed by localuse government,” Mr ken said. “They don’t want people to Ofﬁce: ow,” he said. Phone: 4325 7369 “The vital Coastal Vulnerability Mail: aps promised in Parliament E-mail: ve not been made available. Website: “Most people who would be fected do not understand the plications of this omission. “It means the owners and milies of 14,000 properties the Central Coast do not derstand that the NSW overnment is about to proclaim gislation that will allow councils impose a range of development nstraints.” Mr Aiken said those development nstraints would include lanned retreat” in the form of med development consents. f development consent was ven for 40 years, for instance, e development would have to removed from the land at the d of that period. “The use of timed consents ould mean temporary buildings, mporary use of land and the use ambulatory boundaries would erride current Torrens Title

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ISSUE 1

Prior to its dismissal by the NSW Government in May 2016, Gosford Council had resolved to build a regional library on the council owned Broadwater Hotel site, next door to Gosford Council Chambers on Mann St. Draft plans were drawn and a public tender was advertised (but not in this newspaper) for an architectural consultancy and detailed design services. Government In a confidential Central Coast Hazard Mapping Council meeting on entirely January the 24, responsibility of l government. Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian association does Reynolds, resolved to“Our withdraw that public tender. accept this repeated claim by Government. The reasons for theNSW withdrawal have remained confidential, but “The consultation process are understood to be “procedural”. flawed in material and mislea “Council will now seek an ways. extension for the $7 million have been misl “Residents grant under the heCommunity said. Development Grants Program,” Mr Stokes and other state Central Coast Council confirmed had promised that the new Coa in a written statement issued in Zones Management Act wou response to questions from Coast Community News. come into force until there been full consultation and pu “[This will] enable Council to participation map settle on a suitable location for the with all the mapp for all residents to vi The last concept plan for the regional library has been described as “pretty pictures” but not necessarily affordable Gosford Library site available with a report areon alsoarchitects very concer to be brought back to “We Council Clare Design and Hill McKinna said at the time. It appears Council amalgamation she said “fell way outside local that asaid. large part of thewhich exhibGosford’s former the matter,” the statement Thalis, The concept plan for the also resulted in the development government requirements” in occurred period has Gosford Councillors voted in mayor, Mrduring Lawrie McKinna, said Broadwater site included a application to demolish the terms of timing. holidays plan that boasts ground level café and children’s current Council-owned building 2015 to move aheadtraditional with plansperiod wasofa “concept Ms Vaughan said the work done mostinAustralians,” he said. to build a new library Mann something for everyone. area, three levels dedicated to on the site never being lodged. by the NSW State Library was still St after the State Library NSW called Mr ofAiken on Mr “There are Sto still plenty of details exhibitions, library collections Council’s Group Leader being considered but questions reviewed nine possible to work through, to options. delay implementation of but this current and an auditorium, as well as four Connected Communities, Ms Julie remained about the suitability of The draft design concept truly Coastal was Management Actcaptures our vision more levels devoted to a smart Vaughan, said the purpose of the the Broadwater Hotel as the best described in February 2016 as reforms of havinguntil a state of the art work hub, a seniors’ centre and a report that was considered by Mr site for the state-of-the-art library associated a collaborative effort betweenassociated communitywith hub right in the heart university presence. Reynolds in January was to “tidy that the region required. mapping Gosford Council and Coast’s capital,” Mr up the tender process” which, compl Draft leading CM SEPPof the wasCentral

Lack of accurate mapping has resulted in residents being misled

Continued page 10

$53 million Creighton’s development approved

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

ISSUE 151

A report on the future of the Regional Library to be presented to February Council meeting

he NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC), on Friday, December 16, dismissed an appeal by the Gosford Waterfront Alliance against the approval of an ATO building on the Gosford Waterfront.

ANUARY 27, 2017

Your You Yo ur iinde independent ep pend dent local lo newspaper

Bonyt Bonython Bon Bony yytth hon T Tower looks like bein be bei b ingg ﬁrst ccab off the rank being

Bonython Property Prope op and nd Investmen Investments, the development opment arm of the t John n Singleton ingleton Group, G Grou is currently rrently tl waiting iti for f th the Central Central t l C Coastt Counc C Council Cou to approve e a Section 96 application n to amend the th DA th thatt was approved d 12 months nths ago. ago Another nother herr developer owned own wned ed the he majority of the th site (except for a ssmall sma property ty at 163 Mann Ma St), located ocated d in the same A peaceful protest at Somersby CBD D block as the Imperial Imperia Centre, entre, but itt was acquired ac by M Mr Singleton with w wit the development en consent. Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford The T e original consent Phone: 4325 7369 was for the demolition of o Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 existing g build buildings and a the t E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.netconstru construction of a groun groundWebsite: www.centralcoastnews.net floor or tavern with h 75 units un o of shop-top housing. i The current Section 96 reducess the number of units and d increases reases the numb number of parking g spaces spa s to t 62 6 62. The ground floor floor tavern is replaced with commercial space and the property at 163 Mann St (subsequently acquired by Singleton) is included. the According to company’s website, Bonython Tower will be “ i i off luxury l a “premium mix 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

ATO building clears ﬁnal hurdle

A beachfront property at Wamberal where residents are attempting to protect their properties from current coastal hazards

Environment and Heritage eritage (OEH) had been a key stakeholder eholder in the development of local government Coastal Zone Management ement Plans and Floodplain Risk Management Plans. The ofﬁce had representatives presentatives on the council committees mittees that developed those plans ans and the comprehensive mapping apping of coastal hazards. The NSW OEH has been virtually the sole provider of the th funding f di used to develop these coastal management plans, he said. “Without the substantial grants of funds for such projects, there would be no mapping and no plans,” he said. “It is either disingenuous or due to a lack of capability that the NSW State Government now suggests that the ﬂawed content and omissions of the Local

to a standard accept for consultation and pu participation. He asked that “accu mapping for all coastal haz be prepared and put on exhib for comment and that all o mapping should be care checked with a partic emphasis on littoral forest wetland mapping”. Mr Aiken said he belie demand by purchasers properties affected by vulnerab mapping would decline once the new framework implemented, notations will included on S149(2) Plan Certiﬁcates explaining that property is affected by current future coastal hazards. hazards

Em Jan 23 and 24, 2 Pat Ai Coastal Residents Le Jan 18, 2 Pat Ai Coastal Residents Jackie Pearson, journ More on pages 3 a

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

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n the President’s Fours, after winning their first game by just one shot, The Entrance team of Jack Burns, Lindsay Brown and Arthur Austin, skipped by Cameron Brown, won their next four games by double figure margins to take out the President’s Fours Championship title in a comfortable style.

They beat a well performed Ourimbah RSL team of Jeff Watsell, John Martin, David Ryan and Keith Cooper 27-16 in the final, under very hot and steamy conditions. The President’s Fours were played at Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club on Saturday, February 4. Media release, Feb 4, 2017 Kevin Dring, Bowls Central Coast

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Page 21 February 14, 2017

SPORT

Okon calls for respect after three wins in a row T

he Central Coast Mariners have secured their third consecutive win under Paul Okon thanks to a second half brace by Roy O’Donovan, away from home against the Western Sydney Wanderers.

After a quiet first half for both sides at Spotless Stadium on Sunday, February 13, where neither side enjoyed a clear-cut chance, it was the second half that would see the away side spring to life and claim a crucial three points with eight games remaining. The Mariners now sit two points out of the top six after their win over Tony Popovic’s Wanderers. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo also managed his third clean sheet of the season and the second in three weeks. For the Wanderers, in the first half, it was Mitch Nichols causing most of the danger, combining with Kusukami on several attacking forays, but Izzo and the Mariners’ back four stood strong to earn an invaluable clean sheet away from home.

Fans in the frame with the squad following the win against the Wanderers At the other end of the pitch, Fabio Ferreira, as number 10, was the main attacking avenue during the first half. He found space on both sides of the pitch but just couldn’t deliver the deadly final ball. In the Mariners’ defensive stocks, Liam Rose looked as composed as ever in the centre of defence alongside Jacob Poscoliero, who were both impressive under the pressure of the Wanderers’ attacking aces. Rose would go on to claim the Defender of the Match award.

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Just after the half time break, the Yellow and Navy found themselves with the best chance of the night thanks to a direct run into the box by Ferreira. Ferreira passed to O’Donovan, who looked as though he was about to fire home from close range, but Vedran Janjetovic made a timely interception to thwart the danger 10 minutes into the first half. From the 66th minute, the Mariners rolled onto an inspiring victory which was triggered by an O’Donovan penalty after Rose was fouled in the box by Jonathan Aspropotamitis. Spotless Stadium was silenced when the Mariners were awarded the penalty. The Irishman stood over the spot, full of confidence, and fired home a text book penalty into the bottom corner, giving Janjetovic no chance to make a save. Eleven minutes later the game was seemingly put to bed when O’Donovan doubled his tally for the night and moved to 10 goals for the season. The second goal was as clinical as you’ll see from a striker. Nick Montgomery provided the perfect through ball to O’Donovan which brought Janjetovic off his line. O’Donovan still had plenty to do and lobbed his shot over the keeper’s head into the back of the

Wanderers’ net to seal three points for his side. The Wanderers had a last-ditch chance to bag a consolation goal with two minutes remaining, but Rose was on hand to make a great save off the line. Full focus now turns to Hyundai A-League Round 20 that will see the Central Coast Mariners host Melbourne Victory at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday, February 20. After the match, Mariners’ Head Coach, Paul Okon said: “I think if you look at the result, it may seem to be one of our better performances of the season. “I don’t think we were good in the first half, we limited the Wanderers to any real opportunities, but we didn’t really use the ball and turned it over far too often. “We addressed that at half time and I think we improved in the second half, we had more possession and we go away with another win, three points, and as they say in football, a clean sheet. “I’m not taking credit for that second half, but

it was what we spoke about before the game, it was about re-enforcing what we needed to do. “We looked a threat every time we went forward, we get two goals and Roy probably could have had a hat-trick, which would have been the icing on the cake, but that’s great for Roy’s confidence, and next week we have another tough game which we will match up to. “If I was out there tonight, I would hate to be playing against Roy, even if his team doesn’t have much of the ball, he only needs half an opportunity and he can punish you, so I am delighted for Roy. “In the pre-game we talk about everyone having a responsibility to put Roy in those areas because we know he will score goals, we will win football games and for the players today, there was no better example. “That’s now one goal we’ve conceded in three games, it’s superb. “ A 22-year-old goalkeeper, 19-year-old centre back, 22-year-old left back, Posco coming back from a long injury, Stormy is a player who’s trying to find the level he was at before his injury. “We know that we can score goals and I’ve challenged those boys at the back to step up and show more responsibility and they did that. “They didn’t do it in local Sunday park football, they did it here at Spotless, against one of the best teams in the competition, and they defended like real veterans of the game. “This win means a lot to me; I just get the feeling that there really isn’t anyone out there that

thinks the Mariners can play football. “I still think we’re tagged from whatever happened last season. “The discussion is always about how poor the opposition is and not how good the Mariners were, which is disappointing, and I don’t think we’re going to go on a run and win the next eight games, but I certainly think that with what we’ve shown so far, we should be shown a little more credit. “We’re not at the stage yet where we cannot perform and win, every one of our victories have been a great performance. “Sydney at the moment are the best team in the competition, but they’re not the best team every week, yet they manage to pick up points, and that’s the benchmark. “We have eight games left, we have some really tough games, we have two derbies and everything to play for as a football club. “We didn’t look at it [finals] three weeks ago and we’re not going to start doing that now. “We will let our supporters enjoy where we sit on the ladder. “It’s great to have three wins back-to-back and nine points because only a couple of weeks ago we only had 10 points. “Again, we will try and continue to win, play as well as we can and if that sees us in and around that top six then fantastic. “If not, it certainly won’t be because we’ve not given it our all,” Okon said. Media release, Feb 13, 2017 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

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SPORT Page 22

February 14, 2017

Sydney Swans AFL Players BMX track at San Remo to visit schools and attend be officially opened community activities T he long awaited BMX track at San Remo will be officially opened on February 19, with some of Australia’s best riders testing the track, demonstrating their skills and signing autographs.

Central Coast Council has given the Extreme Sports Park a makeover to cater for the growing interest in BMX riding. It will complement the existing track at Terrigal. Council’s Group Leader Assets Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said it’s more than a competition style BMX track, there is also a club being established to run the facility. “We’ve been working with riders, as well as the San Remo Neighbourhood Centre, to reactivate the area and gain their valued input to make this a high quality facility,” Mr Dowling said. The Sydney Swans AFL clinic had to be moved inside due to the rain community camp Tuesday, February 6 and 7, Sydney Swans Players recently. visited 24 Schools, and AFL NSW/ACT aimed attended two community to engage as many activities. children as possible over The Sydney Swans the two day visit. Dinner, which runs On Monday and annually at Shelly Beach Golf Club, gave lifetime Sydney Swans fans the opportunity to have dinner with current players. FORT DENISON The dinner included a LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 number of interviews with Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters players regarding the Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force 2016 year and what is to Time - Height(m) come in 2017. 0002 1.49 0042 1.47 0516 0.44 “As part of the annual 0600 0.51 0644 0.57 1131 1.68 visit, we endeavour to TUE 1751 0.37 WED 1209 1.57 THU 1246 1.45 run a Sydney Swans 1825 0.45 1859 0.52 AFL Clinic on Tuesday 0123 1.44 0209 1.42 0303 1.40 afternoons, but due to 0731 0.64 0828 0.69 0933 0.71 the rain, we had to move FRI 1328 1.34 SAT 1417 1.25 SUN 1520 1.18 inside the Central Coast 1937 0.58 2023 0.64 2120 0.68 Leagues Club,” said 0405 1.41 0509 1.44 0607 1.51 Samuel Shergold from 1048 0.70 1157 0.65 1252 0.57 AFL NSW/ACT. MON 1636 1.16 TUE 1749 1.18 WED 1846 1.24 “It was unfortunate, 2227 0.70 2330 0.67 as many kids wished 0025 0.62 0112 0.56 0155 0.49 to have a kick with the 0656 1.58 0740 1.66 0820 1.74 Sydney Swans players, THU 1337 0.49 FRI 1416 0.41 SAT 1453 0.33 but over 100 kids settled for an autograph and a 1932 1.31 2013 1.38 2051 1.46 selfie, along with a Q&A 0236 0.42 0319 0.37 0403 0.34 Session.” 0900 1.80 0941 1.83 1024 1.82 SUN 1530 0.28 MON 1606 0.24 TUE 1645 0.24 Media release, 2130 1.53 2210 1.59 2252 1.64 Feb 8, 2017

“It’s been reshaped to BMX Australian competition standards to enable hosting of major events and competitions.” Works on the $300,000 upgrade include an eight lane competition style barrel gate, four straights coated in crushed granite, asphalt on the berms as well as a downhill starting ramp, turfing between tracks and around the facility, and additional car parking. Council has also upgraded the skate area on site with an increased plaza-style area and a quarter pipe, which can now cater for more styles of skate, scooter and blades of all abilities. Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is delivering projects the community has asked for. “The new look riding facility at San Remo is bound to attract riders from all over the region,” Mr Reynolds said.

“This track is an exciting new facility for riders on the Coast and will not only suit professional and technical riders, it will also cater for the young developing ones as well. “Bring along your bike and helmet to try the new track or simply sit back and watch some of Australia’s best test it out.” The San Remo BMX Track will be officially opened with a Come and Try Day on February 19. Alex Cameron, Dean Johnston, Steve Wakeham and Clare McNamara are some of the country’s top BMX riders who will be at the opening. There will also be a free sausage sizzle, jumping castle and more, including how you can be involved in the newly established BMX club. Media release, Feb 13, 2017 Central Coast Council Media

ydney Swans AFL Players, including Dane Rampe, Callum Sinclair, Daniel Robinson and Jordon Foote, visited the Central Coast for a

Tide CharT 14

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

Halekulani are Coast Fours Champions I

n a strong display of team bowls, Halekulani managed to defeat the Mingara team in the final of the Bowls Central Coast 2017 Fours Championships on February 4.

The Halekulani team of Mitch McDonnell, Chris Willingham and Pat Reynolds skipped by Michael Stead,

took advantage of the tournament favourites, being defeated in the first round, by going all the way to defeat the Mingara team of Russell Johnston, Jamie Wells, Peter Lyddieth and Neil Dell, 18 to 10 in the final. The Fours Championship were played at Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club on Saturday, February 4. It was Pat Reynolds

Samuel Shergold, AFL NSW/ACT

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fourth Zone 15 Fours Championship title, having previously won in 2005, 2007 and 2008, and his team mate’s first Bowls Central Coast Z15 Fours championship title. They will now progress to the Bowls NSW State Finals later in the year in their quest for a State title. Media release, Feb 4, 2017 Kevin Dring, Bowls Central Coast

Page 23 February 14, 2017

SPORT

Federal Government Bato Yard hosts the King of pledges over $1 million to Concrete skate series Dobell sports organisations M i n g a r a Recreation Club has been awarded $500,000 in A u s t r a l i a n Government funding towards upgrading their athletics and aquatic centres. The Federal Government has pledged over $1 million to sports organisations in Dobell, including funding for Central Coast Football

to upgrade Pluim Park and the Wyong hockey complex. Senator Arthur Sinodinos said the Central Coast was set to become a key region for sports tourism. “I’m pleased to see these local facilities secure government funding to complete critical upgrades,” Sen Sinodinos said. “The project will construct a new

covered grandstand at the Mingara Regional Athletics Centre and upgrade the amenities block at the Mingara Aquatic Centre,” he said. Alongside Australian Government funding, the Mingara Recreation Club and NSW State Government have contributed $464,554 and $100,000 respectively.

Media release, Feb 7, 2017 Nat Openshaw, office of Arthur Sinodinos

Action from King of Concrete at Bato Yard on February 11

he Central Coast’s largest skate board riding facility, Bato Yard, hosted the King of Concrete skate series for bowl riders on February 11.

Jonte Pattison represents NSW in National Indigenous Cricket Championships B ateau Bay leg spinner, Mr Jonte Pattison, returned to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Alice Springs after missing the past two years. He said he hoped to help his team secure a repeat victory in the unique annual competition, after NSW won the inaugural NICC title in 2016. Mr Pattison said he would love to see NSW score back to back wins. “We will just look to play our best cricket and hopefully make the final and win it again, two years in a row,” he said. “It is a different sort of

experience. “I get to play with a great bunch of blokes at a great spot in Alice Springs, so I’m looking forward to the time away and having a good carnival and hopefully we win it again,” Mr Pattison said. While Jonte was unable to participate in last year’s NICC due to injury, the young cricketer continued to build upon his promising cricketing career in 2016. He was named captain of the National Indigenous squad that toured Queensland in July and August 2016, and also received a rookie contract with NSW for a second year, giving

him the opportunity to train with a State squad that includes some of the country’s best spin bowlers. Mr Patterson said he was lucky to train with his team and learn from players like O’Keefe and Lyon with his spin bowling. “I’ve improved a lot, training with NSW, as anyone would if you get to train every day of the week, you’re obviously going to become a better cricketer. “So I’m really grateful to be able to train with them every day.” Media release, Feb 8, 2017 Jonte Pattison, Cricket Australia

The competition saw the best riders from across the region alongside the best in the state and country competing for a share of $5,000 in prize money, and for wildcards into the Bondi Bowl-A-Rama, the peak world bowl competition. Event organiser and former world champion, Renton Millar, said holding a King of Concrete round at Bato Yard gave top bowl skaters from the Coast a chance to showcase their skills. “Our team can’t wait to get up to Bato Yard,” Millar said. “I was a part of the original workshops and had a say in the design of Bato Yard, so it’s exciting to bring these

competitions to the Coast and watch the community improve their skating skills. “Bato Yard has the potential to attract top riders from around the country to the Central Coast as well as other major skating events. “You already have your own well-known riders, Matt Kitai and Bryce McKean, travel the country doing what they love, and now they can do it in their own backyard.” As well as the prizemoney, riders competed for the chance for three junior riders and the top two masters and open riders to compete in the popular Bondi competition on from February 18 to 19. Council administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the facility was delivering on its promise to attract world-class events and providing important opportunities for residents and visitors alike. “Since its opening, the riding facility has

seen thousands upon thousands of people come through and test their abilities on some of the rare features the Yard has to offer,” Mr Reynolds said. “Bato Yard was built for local riders and to attract major competitions to our great region, just like this one. “Last month, we had a YMCA skate event that was so popular, they are looking at holding it over two days next year. “It’s certainly becoming well known as one of the premier riding facilities in the region, if not the state.” Street riders will also have a chance to show off their skills when the team brings the King of Street competition to Bato Yard on April 22, with winners getting a chance to win a share in $5,000 and a pathway entry to an event in the USA. Media release, Feb 2, 2017 Central Coast Council Media

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