Issue 161 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

Issue 161 3 April 2019

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Wallarah 2 Land and Environment Court appeal dismissed

Mr Barry O’Farrell and Mr Alan Hayes (centre) with four Liberal politicians promising to stop Wallarah 2 in 2011

he Australian Coal Alliance (ACA) is considering its options after the Land and Environment Court ruled out its appeal against the Wallarah 2 coal mine. The community based group has fought for 20 years against the proposal by the South Korean governmentowned mining company, KORES, to put a longwall coal mine in the Central Coast’s major water catchment

of the Yarramalong and Dooralong valleys. A challenge to the validity of approval, on errors of law, was lodged with the Land and Environment Court in April, 2018, however, the court dismissed the challenge on March 22. ACA campaign Director, Alan Hayes, said: “Although we are disappointed with the decision, the ACA is still moving forward and currently considering the options available to us.” One of the campaign’s strongest supporters,

Wyong MP, David Harris, said it was one of his greatest disappointments that, after such a long campaign, it now looked like Wyong Coal (the Australian arm of KORES) could get its final approval and that the Liberal government did a backflip and changed its mind to allow the mine. “There’s still a few hoops to jump through and we will keep fighting,” he said, “because this will have quite a profound effect.” CFMEU NSW Mining and Northern Energy

District President, Peter Jordan, said the court decision should clear the way for the mine to proceed. “Now let’s get on with it,” he said. “Any further legal interventions to stop or delay this development are ideologically motivated and what our industry needs is fair rules that are consistently applied to give operators, investors and workers some certainty.” It is the security of the catchment and water supply to some

350,000 Central Coast people that the ACA is trying to protect from contamination from the mine. “If we lose our water supply from the water catchment, we do not have the luxury of another catchment area, and the distribution from the Mardi Dam to holding weirs and/or dams, and to Mangrove Dam, will be jeopardised,” ACA Director Alan Hayes said. “The new Mardi to Warnervale pipeline, like all other distribution pipelines from Mardi

Photo: Alan Hayes

Office: 3 Amy Close, Wyong Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Source: Interview Mar 27 Media statement Mar 31 Alan Hayes, ACA Interview Apr 1 Wyong MP David Harris Media release Mar 23 CFMEU Mining & Energy Journalist Sue Murray

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WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

3 April 2019

CHANCE TO WIN!

Central Coast Newspapers has moved to a new location

he Wyong Regional Chronicle in partnership with Beauté Pacifique, would like to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a luxurious winter skincare package.

Since 1997, Danish skincare house Beauté Pacifique has grown to become an internationally renowned brand with a loyal following including dermatologists, international supermodels and actors. With the arrival of the cool weather Beauté Pacifique wants to give readers the opportunity to win a beautiful body care pack loved by the elite valued at $174. Beauté Pacifique’s skincare package includes the following products: Enriched Hydrating Hand Creme, Softly Exfoliating Body Scrub and Enriched Moisturising Body Lotion. For your chance to win write your full name, address, daytime telephone number and email on the back of an envelope and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle Beauté Pacifique Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford

he Central Coast Newspapers office has moved to a new address.

We have relocated from our office at 120c Erina St in the Gosford CBD, where we have published newspapers and other publications for the past nine years. However, due to a recent expansion of the editorial and administration teams, we have needed to move to a bigger space. Our new office is located at the Masonic Centre, Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford. Our postal address will remain the same, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 and our office

2250, before 5pm on April 16. The winners of the Junkmail Competition were Clint Nemeth of Berkeley Vale, Tom Clifton of Chitaway Point and Derek Gosselin of Noraville.

Central Coast Newspapers is a local, family owned business that publishes and distributes three Central Coast Newspapers every fortnight. All staff are also locals and between them, the three papers cover the entire Central Coast. Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows: Peninsula News Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News Post Codes

Next Edition Deadline: April 15 Publication date: April 17

where they can perhaps get more information. All articles are edited and given a heading and are often quite different from what was originally received. Contributions are welcome and are preferred in email form, ideally with any relevant photographs attached. Contributions must include the contributor’s name, address and phone numbers. This is not for publication but name and suburb will be published and anonymous contributions will not be included.

2250, 2251, 2260; and Wyong Regional Chronicle Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263. Coverage takes in the entire ward of Budgewoi and major parts of The Entrance and Wyong Central Coast Council Wards. It also takes in the entire State seat of Wyong, and parts of the State seats of The Entrance and Swansea, and the entire Federal seat of Dobell and part of Shortland All articles are sourced and dated so that readers will know when and where the information came from and

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telephone number will remain 4325 7369. The Wyong office at 3 Amy Close, Wyong, also remains unchanged. For editorial inquiries, readers can contact, editorial@ centralcoastnews.net For advertising inquiries or the Not For Profit Organisations Directory contact,

Wyong Regional Chronicle covers: Alison, Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Blue Bay, Blue Haven, Budgewoi, Budgewoi Peninsula, Buff Point, Bushells Ridge, Canton Beach, Cedar Brush Creek, Chain Valley Bay, Charmhaven, Chittaway Bay, Chittaway Point, Colongra, Crangan Bay, Dooralong, Doyalson, Doyalson North, Durren Durren, Fountaindale, Frazer Park, Freemans, Glenning Valley, Gorokan, Gwandalan, Halekulani, Halloran, Hamlyn Terrace, Jilliby, Kangy Angy, Kanwal, Kiar, Killarney Vale, Kingfisher Shores, Lake Haven, Lake

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Issue 159

Edition 465

11 March 2019

New group calls for compliant development Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Multi million dollar proposal to transform Tuggerah

newly announced $2.8b Tuggerah town centre proposal will transform Westfield and the surrounding area into a major hub of employment, transport, housing, leisure, health and education.

“This is a game changing plan and is further evidence of the enormous surge of investor confidence on the Central Coast,” said NSW Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts, at the launch of the proposal on February 27. The proposal from Scentre Group (Westfield) and its partners, comprises $2.1b for the redevelopment and expansion of its Tuggerah site and surrounds in conjunction with the State Government’s required $700m of infrastructure works, likely to be funded by Section 94 contributions, to transform the broader town centre. The plan, to be delivered over 35 years, covers 70.85ha of land owned by Scentre Group, including Westfield, vacant land behind the shopping centre and on the other side of Tonkiss St, as well as nearby land owned by Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. It could create more than 10,000 construction

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Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson, Matthew West, (from left), NSW Planning and Housing Minister, Anthony Roberts, Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer, Valentina Misevska, NSW Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson, Roy Ah-See, and Scentre Group Director of Development and Strategic Asset Management, Stewart White jobs over the life of the project, 2700 ongoing jobs into the future, new dwellings to suit a variety of housing, a new transport interchange, 18ha of parkland, new health and education services and expanded retail and leisure offerings. Over the next six months, the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC), Darkinjung and Scentre Group, will work together to examine how best to deliver the significant project, before reporting back to the NSW government.

The three parties signed a Heads of Agreement at the proposal launch. Minister Roberts said there would be a complete overhaul of the Tuggerah train station to become a major new transport interchange, connecting train and bus services to intercity links, as well as additional local services. “The interchange will also connect and co-ordinate services to an 8.5km network of pedestrian paths, cycleways and land bridges, which will wind their way through 18ha of beautifully repurposed

parklands, adventure play lands, a lake and conservation spaces, that will envelop the entire redeveloped town centre,” he said. On completion, Tuggerah Town Centre would deliver 4,956 new dwellings in a mix of low, medium and high density, as well as seniors/aged care living and hotel accommodation, and serviced apartments. D a r k i n j u n g Chairperson, Matthew West, said being a party to this development would help secure unrivalled social and economic opportunity for the Darkinjung

community into the future. “We’re particularly excited to pursue training and education opportunities, and it also enables us to ensure that any future development is sensitive to the significance of Aboriginal cultural heritage,” he said. Regional Development Australia, Central, Coast (RDACC), CEO, John Mouland, said it made sense to activate this area as a catalyst for growth and development throughout the region. “Identified in the Central Coast Regional Plan as the beginning

of the Northern Growth Corridor, the Tuggerah Regional Centre sits as a midpoint of the Central Coast, with direct access to the upgraded M1, main regional arterial roads, major rail and bus interchanges, successful business parks and a prominent retail centre,” he said. “Those are the reasons that over the past five years, numerous public and private organisations have proposed major development initiatives focussed around this area.” Central Coast Councillor, Greg Best, wants Council to have a preliminary briefing on the Tuggerah proposal and will put a Notice of Motion before the next Ordinary Meeting on March 11. Best’s Motion will also call on Council to enter discussions to form a Development Corporation that would encompass linking this Tuggerah initiative with the Warnervale Employment Zone.

Office: 3 Amy Close, Wyong Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Source: Media launch, Feb 27 Westfield Tuggerah Media release, Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts Media release, Regional Development Australia, Central Coast Sue Murray, Journalist See page 8 for an artist’s impression of the entire project

Issue 161

20 March 2019

6 March 2019

A new action group has formed calling itself Residents for Responsible Ettalong Development.

The group has issued an invitation to Ettalong residents to attend a public meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at the Ettalong Bowling Club from 8pm. Spokesman Mr Peter Gillis said the new group hoped to attract a huge membership to fight inappropriate development at Ettalong. “The residents of Ettalong Beach are extremely concerned that recent and pending development applications are of a height, bulk, and scale which are not suitable for the tourist village nature of the area, and would detract from Ettalong’s natural beauty,’’ he said. “These applications would create a disconnection with the existing community, rather than integrating with it, and their scale would effectively change the micro-climate of the area due to their height and bulk. “We will be asking Central Coast Council to stop approving non-compliant development applications and consider the collective impact of multiple high density, high-rise developments in Ettalong Beach.’’ Mr Gillis said the coast’s regional strategy outlined by the council in its town centres report named Woy Woy as a town centre

Melanie Masterson, Martin Mitchell and Peter Gillis

while Ettalong Beach and Umina were called villages and described as lower order centres compared to town centres offering a “lesser order of goods and services in a smaller-scaled setting. “But despite this formal hierarchy and Ettalong’s lower-order status

in that hierarchy, proposed mixed use-residential apartment development applications such as the one at 227-231 Ocean View Rd (DA 55696) far exceed in proposed height, size and density, those approved and actually constructed in Woy Woy – a designated key

town centre. “On this scale differential alone, proposed developments such as this one and other similarly-sized proposals should be rejected by residents directly impacted and by the council itself as being inappropriate and in contravention

of council’s own planning policies, procedures, objectives and guidelines,’’ he said. Mr Gillis said more than 70 objections had been sent to council about the development proposed for 227-231 Ocean View Rd so the organisers hoped for a good roll up to the meeting. He urged residents to come along to the meeting and hear and see for themselves the areas of land along Ocean View Rd that are earmarked as potential development sites. The new group, started by Mr Gillis, Martin Mitchell from Umina Beach and Melanie Masterton from Ettalong, wants residents to let council know they are not happy with the lack of cohesion in their approvals. They say residents are worried by the collective impact of proposed high-rises within a 1.4 mile area including the proposed six-storey 40-unit development on the Centrelink site and newly-built seven storey Atlantis building. They want development that is appropriate for the village. The group has a website at rrettalong.org and an email address is info@rrettalong.org.

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ISSUE 203

Lederer Group lodges an application for a $280m mixed use development Attachment 2

“All we want is for council to set a level playing field for all developments in the Ettalong area and to stick to their strict guidelines that were applied to our development,” said Mr Barry Smith, managing director of Abrotat. His development, on the Centrelink site at 237-245 Ocean View Rd, was approved in February last year and consisted of a fivestorey, part six-storey, mixed use construction for 53 dwellings, ground level commercial tenancies, parking for 85 cars, a swimming pool and gym for tenants and a roof platform for plant and equipment. Mr Smith has made a submission about the proposed

development at 227-231 Ocean Beach Rd, Ettalong, currently being considered by the council. The application made by Jedaclew Pty Ltd would consist of a six-storey development with commercial tenants and 26 apartments and would replace old single storey commercial buildings, one at least that has potential heritage value according to some long term locals. Jedaclew wants zero setback to Ocean View Rd and setbacks to the northern boundary of about 7.8m and varying setbacks to the east and west. Its height would be 18.8m, more than 10 per cent above the standard set in the Gosford Local Environment Plan. In a submission to the council, Mr Smith said he did not object in principle to the proposal as “we firmly believe that Ettalong needs these style of projects so Ettalong

can move forward,’’ but he wants the same standards to be applied to the proposal that were applied to his development. He said that his development took close to two years of negotiations and drawing changes at great cost to appease “council stringent planning controls and conditions”. Mr Smith changed setbacks on his proposal after meetings with council. “We expect the same stringent controls to be applied to the above application as boundary setbacks and height are way out of council guidelines,’’ he said. Should council allow noncompliance in this case, “we will assume that council will readily accept a revisit of our development so we can change back to our original setbacks and extend the height”. Mr Smith is not the only objector

wanting council to stick to their guidelines. New action group Residents for Responsible Ettalong Development estimate about 70 people submitted written objections during the council exhibition period of the proposal which is now closed. One submission to council summed up the feelings of many, complaining about the height due to shading on adjacent buildings and the footpath and road. Another talked about the “significant blocking of local mountain views from both Ocean View Rd and importantly from the walkway along the beach”. “This would change tourist perception of the area,’’ the objection stated. It mentioned the effect on residents with the blocking of the southerly winds which bring relief from the hot weather to the residents beyond Ocean View Rd. “In summary, this proposal

SOURCE DA Tracker, 7 Mar 2019 DA 55896 Central Coast Council DA 49986/2016 Central Coast Council

THIS ISSUE contains 64 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

Draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan soon to be released Draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan

SOURCE: Media release/meeting, 6 Mar 2019 Peter Gillis, Martin Mitchell, Melanie Masterton Residents for Responsible Ettalong Development

represents an ugly departure from the attractive tourist nature of the commercial centre of Ettalong Beach. “The nature of this proposed building creates a disconnection with the existing community rather than integrating with it. “Ettalong Beach is not near any major rail or road transport systems and doesn’t require high density housing structures, which this application proposes.” Another submission ended with the entreaty: “Please save our village.” The application should come before a council meeting for a decision because it received more than 50 objections but is still being assessed by the planning department.

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huge “green belt” is one of the main features of the long-term vision for the Lake Munmorah region, in a structure plan soon to be released for public consultation by Central Coast Council.

Developer joins calls against non-compliance A developer has joined calls for Central Coast Council to take a consistent approach to development applications, which ensured they complied with its published planning provisions.

3 April 2019

Edition 466

MARCH 14, 2019

A sketch of how the proposed development will look from Kibble Park (from documents lodged with the NSW Department of Planning)

major makeover Assessment Requirements The development would on March 6, 2016, for the which was included in its Department of Planning and Environment has received of the Kibbleplex (SEARs) in February, 2019, include car access to first stage of an $850m 2016 application. building in Henry with a detailed application Donnison, William and Albany Masterplan, which consisted State Minister for Planning dozens of enquiries from land Sts, an open plaza to Henry of nine buildings, including and Housing, Anthony owners and their consultants, Parry Dr, Gosford, is now in the works. Parry Dr fronting Kibble Park, mixed use residential, Roberts, cited the application with very real interest in a once more on the table, The proposal is for a mixed-use development residential accommodation in commercial and retail, and as an example of a “surge in broad range of developments, as the State Government commercial, comprising five towers above the form of flat buildings or the demolition of existing investor confidence” since the including considers an application a podium, with a mix of uses shop-top housing, food and structures on the site. implementation of the NSW residential, mixed-use and from the Lederer Group including residential, retail, beverage retail premises, an But consideration of the Government’s revitalisation hospital developments. for a $280m mixed use entertainment, leisure, and indoor recreation centre and application stalled with the program for the Gosford CBD. “A number of these are development on the site. food and beverage. a cinema. amalgamation of the former “I am pleased to report that State Significant Development The NSW Department of Planning has confirmed that the group lodged an application in December, 2018, to develop the site as a State Significant Development (SSD). The Group was issued with the Secretary’s Environmental

The Lederer Group’s initial proposal says the project would transform an “unappealing car parking site” into a “lively, attractive and vibrant precinct to serve the growing needs of the emerging population in and around the Central Coast”.

The Lederer Group, which also owns the Imperial Centre, acquired Kibbleplex and adjoining vacant land from the former Gosford Council for $13m on March 1, 2016. The Group lodged a development application with the then Gosford Council

Gosford and Wyong Councils and the finalisation of new planning controls. The Lederer Group declined to comment further at this time. It is unknown if it will lodge a further application for a redevelopment of Kibble Park,

since the release of measures to revitalise Gosford City Centre, including the new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), in October, 2018, there has been much interest in the city,” Roberts said. “Since October, the

proposals with estimated values over $75m.” Source: NSW Planning Department website Media statement, Feb 27 NSW Department of Planning Media release, Feb 14 Anthony Roberts, NSW Planning Minister

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

The 1,341ha study area for the Draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan encompasses Lake Munmorah, Doyalson North, Chain Valley Bay, Kingfisher Shores, and a small area of Crangan Bay. A green belt, or biodiversity corridor, takes up a huge portion of that area through the middle of the study area. A report to Council’s Ordinary Meeting on March 11 stated that Council recognised the importance of developing a long term vision and principles for the future development of Greater Lake Munmorah, to guide land use and growth in a sustainable fashion. The key factors in that plan are to: Facilitate growth for short, medium and long term to ensure orderly development of land; Provide greater certainty to land owners, the community, industry groups with regard to land use options; Enhance quality of life through opportunities to improve the recreation network including playgrounds,

A diagram showing the series of precincts in the plan: 1. Green Corridor, 2. Employment Lands, 3. Kingfisher Shores, 4. Sportsground, 5. Saliena Ave, 6. Kamilaroo Ave, 7. Chain Valley Bay, 8. Northern Lake Munmorah, 9. Southern Lake Munmorah and, 10. Carters Rd School Precinct. sports grounds, shared the Crown, Darkinjung pathways; and, Promote Local Aboriginal Land - 65 -Council or Central Coast natural features including waterfront areas, public Council. reserves and wildlife The aim is to protect corridors. this land from future The plan has a series development and or it to of precincts and are: be retained as biodiversity 1. Green Corridor, 2. conservation. Employment Lands, Precinct 2 is earmarked 3. Kingfisher Shores, for industrial use. 4. Sportsground, 5. The Carters Rd Saliena Ave, 6. Kamilaroo Precinct is planned to Ave, 7. Chain Valley get a major overhaul Bay, 8. Northern Lake with new through roads Munmorah, 9. Southern connecting to Chain Lake Munmorah and, Valley Bay Rd and Tall 10. Carters Rd School Timbers Rd, a network of Precinct. pathways to connect the The Green Corridor four schools in Carters is mostly heavily Rd with the local centre, vegetated land which is and there is potential for predominantly owned by a Darkinjung residential

subdivision coupled with new recreation and play spaces. The Draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan is now ready for community consultation and will be released for public exhibition in about six weeks. There will be two community workshops to include and encourage key stakeholders and the broader community to participate in, while working parents will be accommodated by an after hours workshop. When the draft plan was considered by Council at its March 11 meeting, two main areas of concern

were raised. A Carters Rd resident, Stuart Durie, addressed Council regarding the Green Corridor encroaching on his privately owned land. He said that in previous consultation with Council officers, there was an undertaking that there would not be green corridors through private property and he was now seeking an amendment to the Green Corridor boundary in the draft plan. Councillor, Greg Best, said at the meeting that the former Wyong Council had resolved in 2007 to prohibit green

corridors on private land and he believed the present council was bound by that resolution. Durie is also the Secretary of the Lake Munmorah Progress Association and said that he believed there was “widespread angst” demonstrated on social media about the flood mapping in the plan, and residents were worried about the possible effects of rising sea levels on the low lying areas around Lake Munmorah, especially Anita Ave. Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said “this is just the starting point….it’s a 20 year vision….and through further scientific research, ecological assessments and assessment of the proposal in greater detail, there may be slight changes”. “This is a very high level guiding principle which is looking at the greater good for the Lake Munmorah area so that it is not developed in an ad hoc way. “We are taking submissions and staff will review them on merit and report back to Councillors for consideration,” Cox said.

Office: 3 Amy Close, Wyong Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Source: Agenda Item 2.1 Central Coast Council Meeting, Mar 11 Ordinary Meeting Webcast

2019 OFFICIAL

25 March 2019

MARCH 28, 2019

Both sitting Members retain their seats Both local Members of Parliament have retained their seats in Saturday’s State election.

Liberal Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch won an outright majority with almost 53 per cent of the primary vote, with more than half of the votes counted. Labor Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch was showing 58 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote, with one third of the preferences distributed. Ms Tesch had achieved 44.54 per cent of the primary vote by 9am Sunday morning, after the initial count which had tallied 46 per cent of the vote. Liberal candidate Ms Sue Dengate received 35.23 per cent of the vote, or 42 per cent after distribution of preferences. Greens candidate Ms Hillary Morris was next with 9.5 per cent. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Mr Larry Freeman polled 4.87 per cent.

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ISSUE 204

Funding announced for 600 Wallarah 2 Land and Environment additional car spaces at Gosford Court appeal dismissed Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Next came Animal Justice Party’s Mr Patrick Murphy with 3.58 percent of the vote. The Sustainable Australia Party’s Ms Judy Singer received 2.58 per cent of the primary vote. In Terrigal, Mr Crouch retained his seat with 52.93 per cent of the primary vote, and was showing 62.69 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote, based on 48 per cent of the preferences distributed, as of 8.30am Sunday. Labor’s Cr Jeff Sundstrom polled 25.54 per cent of the primary vote, and 37.31 per cent on a twocandidate preferred basis. The Greens’ candidate for Terrigal Mr Bob Doyle received 10.38 per cent of the vote. The other four candidates each received less than four per cent of the vote, with independent candidate Mr Gary Chestnut leading these with 3.56 per cent.

SOURCE: Website, 24 Mar 2019 Virtual tally room, NSW Electoral Commission

Tesch will be ‘getting on with the job’ Ms Liesl Tesch says that, having retained the seat of Gosford, she will be “getting on with the job”.

This means “making sure that we get our fair share, that we don’t stay forgotten by government and that we push and agitate to make the Central Coast an even better place to live, work, and play,” Ms Tesch said. “I have absolutely loved every minute of this privileged role in our community, and I really appreciate the support given to me to continue to work for the seat of Gosford, and the whole Central Coast, over the next four years.”

Ms Tesch said the last two years has been a tremendous learning experience, one that she looked forward to continuing. “Thanks to all those conversations, pieces of advice, and challenges, I’ve learnt so much from so many along the way,” Ms Tesch said. “The most wonderful thing about this job is that I get to hear the personal stories and lived experiences of new people every day. “I hear about the good, and the not so good. “Each is unique, but all reflect the same basic principle that all we

want is to live a good life and be supported to that end.” Ms Tesch has thanked the community for re-electing her as the Member for Gosford and also thanked her fellow candidates for a respectful campaign. “We often only hear when campaigns get dirty, but we should also recognise when our democratic processes work at their very best,” Ms Tesch said. “Thank you to my fellow candidates for putting yourselves out there, representing your beliefs, and being part of this campaign.”

SOURCE: Media release, 24 Mar 2019 Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford

THIS ISSUE contains 70 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

Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, discusses the parking situation with a commuter at Gosford railway station car park

entral Coast commuters were the big winners this week with the announcement on March 27 of a $35m upgrade for car parking at Gosford and Woy Woy railway stations.

Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the funds, from the Federal Government’s Urban Congestion Fund, would see $30m invested in 600 additional car spaces at Gosford, and $5m funding 140 more spots for Woy Woy commuters. “This is an issue that has been consistently raised

with me since becoming the Member for Robertson in 2013, and I am so pleased that we’re able to deliver this funding for our hard-working commuters,” Wicks said. “I’ve heard from many commuters about the frustrations of not being able to find a park, from people who park at 5am and sleep for an hour before catching the train, to parents who desperately want to spend time with their kids in the morning, rather than leaving before the sun rises to guarantee a park. “We are backing our commuters by working with Central Coast Council to form a strong plan to provide this vital infrastructure for the more

than 30,000 locals travelling to Sydney or Newcastle for work.” Wicks said securing the funding had been a “hard fought fight”. “This hasn’t been an easy win, but I would like to thank the thousands of people who signed petitions on the matter,” she said. “A lot of decisions are made because of the voice of the people.” Wicks emphasised that the move was not an election commitment, but that funds were already included in the Federal Budget. Consultation would be done with Central Coast Council

on the delivery of the parking spaces, she said. Central Coast Council Mayor, Jane Smith, said the significant increase in car parking spaces would go a long way in addressing the commuter and transport needs on the Coast. “Car parking and commuting are critical issues on the Coast and so this recognition and funding by the Federal Government is very welcome news for our community,” Smith said. “Council’s own Car Parking Strategy identifies the need for innovative parking solutions to meet the needs of our growing population. “This funding will allow

Council to provide the necessary upgrades needed at both stations and make a significant difference to the lives of our residents who currently commute.” The project forms part of a $253.5m congestion-busting funding boost for NSW as part of the Federal Government’s $1b Urban Congestion Fund. Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said the investment will make life easier for Coast commuters. “Our investment means people can spend more time with friends and family, and tradies can be earning more on site, rather than being stuck in traffic or looking for parking,” he said.

“This is a significant investment in tackling the congestion hotspots that are costing people precious time and losing businesses money. “People living on the Central Coast know better than anyone the very real impacts that road congestion has on people’s lives and we are doing something about the pinch points and bottlenecks that lie at the heart of the problem.”

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net Mobile Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Source: Media release, Mar 27 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Interview, Mar 27 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Media release, Mar 27 Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith

Mr Barry O’Farrell and Mr Alan Hayes (centre) with four Liberal politicians promising to stop Wallarah 2 in 2011

Photo: Alan Hayes

Dam, are dependent upon the Central Coast’s major water catchment not being compromised by mining.” Hayes said more than half the water in the dams supplying the Central Coast come from aquifers in the valleys where the mine will be located. Source: Interview Mar 27 Media statement Mar 31 Alan Hayes, ACA Interview Apr 1 Wyong MP David Harris Media release Mar 23 CFMEU Mining & Energy Journalist Sue Murray

Office: 3 Amy Close, Wyong Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

NOW LOCATED AT - Office: Suite 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.centralcoastnews.net - Mobile Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Page 3 3 April 2019

NEWS

Labor strengthens stronghold on Northern Central Coast seats

The Entrance first preference vote summary as at 1pm April 2

t’s business as usual across the northern area of the Central Coast, with the Labor Party retaining its stronghold, when all three sitting Members of Parliament were returned in the NSW election on March 23.

INSTA LL IN A D ED AY! *

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, was re-elected in the Coast’s most marginal seat, and held 55 percent of the two candidate preferred vote, with Liberal candidate, Brian Perrem, coming in with 44 percent. Mehan pledged to do everything he could over the next four years to “make the Central Coast a better and fairer place

Wyong first preference vote summary as at 10.30pm, April 1

for us all”. “The Berejiklian Government must acknowledge that a majority of Central Coast people did not vote for it,” he said. “This was a direct result of the lack of consultation with opposition members about decisions affecting our region. “This government will be held to account and I will fight to ensure that

projects in Sydney are not prioritised over our local schools, hospitals and infrastructure. “The successful campaign that Labor ran on the Central Coast, together with the support of the community, is one that we should be very proud of. “I am determined to see the health of Tuggerah Lakes improved and The Entrance channel

dredged, which this government has still refused to fund,” Mehan said. Wyong MP, David Harris, is now in his third term after serving from 2007 to 2011 and then reelected in 2015 and again in 2019. He romped in with 62 percent of the two candidate preferred vote, as opposed to Liberal, Ying Li-Cantwell, on 37

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NEWS

Page 4 3 April 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Labor strengthens stronghold

Swansea first preference vote summary as at 1pm, April 1 campaign against the Going forward, Harris From P3 privatisation of Wyong said he will be making 12.5 percent on Monday Hospital, but he has sure there will be no afternoon, and votes been disappointed that parking charges at still being checked and “even after a 10-year Wyong Hospital; pushing counted. campaign, it now seems for upgrade of the Pacific One of his proudest that the Wallarah 2 coal Highway through Wyong, achievements, he said, mine might have its final examining the effects was working with the approval.” of the now-demolished people on the triumphant

Lake Munmorah Power Station has had on the lakes’ system, and getting the new school at Warnervale. In Swansea, Yasmin Catley had a “pleasing result” with a five percent increase in the primary vote. On a two candidate preferred basis, Catley took 60 percent of the vote, with Liberal, Dean Bowman, way behind on 39 percent. Catley said she’s been proud to “stand shoulder-to-shoulder” with the community to stop the privatisation of Wyong Hospital, and going into this next fouryear term, Catley said she will continue to work

towards a traffic solution for Carters Rd, Lake Munmorah. “I am gravely disappointed we haven’t been able to achieve that yet,” she said. “The government knows it is a priority, it’s on the priority list, but they’ve still done nothing about it. “I feel certain we can work with the new Minister to find a traffic solution there.” Catley said it was important to make sure that the condition of Tuggerah Lakes was up to community expectations and she would be working closely with Central Coast Council to make improvements.

The count for the Legislative Council (Upper House) is about 40 percent of the way through and will be finalised on April 12. A Liberal Party source said it was likely there would be eight Coalition representatives elected, including Taylor Martin. Scot MacDonald, who was the previous Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Hunter, did not stand for re-election. Source: Website Apr 2 NSW Electoral Commission Interviews Apr 1 and 2 Wyong MP David Harris Swansea MP Yasmin Catley Media release Mar 26 The Entrance MP David Mehan Journalist Sue Murray

Community Environment Network Chairman’s Report Wetlands and Antechinus are on my mind. The previously protected wetlands in Kangy Angy and Lisarow are both being partly cleared. Kangy Angy for the poorly designed rail facility which now finds more clearing is needed and at Lisarow the highway is being realigned in a very damaging manner. In both cases CEN raised objections to clearing wetlands and put the case, only to be ignored by government. CENs role must not become one of recording what we lost and how. That is why it is so important for CEN to have positive programs to improve the environment. A bush regeneration team, native plant sales, Habitat for Wildlife, Waterwatch and Land for Wildlife, all play a part. Antechinus (native marsupial mouse) are so fast that one is never sure if they actually saw it. They occur around Terrigal Lagoon and CEN is supporting the locals to improve the local habitat. Read more about Antechinus at Backyard Buddies and be amazed: https://www.backyardbuddies.org. au/downloads/factsheets/mammals/ antechinus.pdf Join CEN or volunteer to help in many enjoyable and amazing ways. John Asquith, OAM

HELP CEN TO PROTECT YOUR LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

UPCOMING EVENTS:

HANDS ACROSS THE SAND On Sunday the 5 May at 12 noon, the Central Coast arm of Save Our Coast will be hosting Hands Across the Sand allowing community members to make a stand to protect our coastline from any potential harmful seismic testing that the current Federal Government have approved. We will hold hands across the coastline from Umina Beach heading north. We welcome all community members to attend and send a clear message to current Federal MP’s and potential incumbents on the Central Coast seats of Robertson and Dobell. We don’t need to add anymore fuel to climate warming, we need clean, green, cheaper renewable energy now. We must make a stand, before this election so we can look back proud that we have left behind a liveable, thriving planet for

generations to come as we are all in this together! Ms Hale Adasal Deputy Chair CEN

CENTRAL COAST MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRE

OPEN DAILY WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 10AM-4PM (LAST ENTRY 3PM) CLOSED GOOD FRIDAY AND ANZAC DAY

CEN Volunteer Information Session

Do you have a passion for the environment of the Central Coast? The Community Environment Network (CEN) is looking for volunteers to assist with delivering the broad range of community education, engagement and services at its Ourimbah Campus Centre. When: Thursday 11th April 2019 Where: Community Environment Network Office, The Manor, Ourimbah Campus of the University of Newcastle Time: 11am -12pm Cost: Free Register at: www.cen.org.au/events

COSS Connections Project: Information Workshop – Matcham

Come along and find out how you can get free weed control services and bushland management to help conserve the natural bush and wildlife on your property When: Thursday 11th April Where: Matcham Hall, 60 Coachwood Rd, Matcham Time: 6.00 - 8.00 pm Cost: Free, includes refreshments Register at: www.cen.org.au/events

CCEEN - Invitation - Networking Event at the Pearl Beach Arboretum Sat, 6 April, 2019

Enjoy a tour of the Pearl Beach Arboretum, followed by morning tea and networking. Hear about the range of education and sustainability education activities that are happening in our region. When: Saturday, 6 April, 2019 Where: Pearl Beach Arboretum, Opal Close, Pearl Beach Time: 8am-10am Cost: $5 (to assist with catering) Register at: www.cen.org.au/events

Wildplant Community Nursery

Our next sale day is: Saturday 13th April 2019 - 9am to 12pm CEN Office, Ourimbah We have a range of local native plants available including ground covers and herbs, shrubs and trees, bush food, bird attracting, native bee attracting, frog friendly and screen plants. Current specials on wetland plants. Cash or Credit Card. No EFTPOS Location: Brush road, Ourimbah Best access is via the Community College Carpark, Ourimbah Campus walk to the end of the carpark and then follow the signs up the steps

The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

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

www.cen.org.au Ph: 4349 4756

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Page 5 3 April 2019

NEWS

Multi million dollar Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex officially opened L

arge scale sporting events have a new home on the Central Coast with the official opening on March 29 of the new $23.71m Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah. Already, the venue has attracted the 2019 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout (known as the Koori Cup) to be held in October. That event alone is anticipated to bring $6m into the local economy through small businesses and employment. Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, said the economic benefits from significant sport competitions would continue to flow because of visitor appeal, creating both employment and

Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy, Mayor Jane Smith, NSW Senator Arthur Sinodinos and Council’s Unit Manager Open Space and Recreation, Brett Sherar tourism opportunities. significant sporting Pioneer Dairy Farm land, and was earmarked for events and attracting For Coast residents, community use when sporting talent to the area Mayor Smith said, to use this facility, would Council acquired it. it would mean an be a great opportunity to opportunity to see major The sports facility was sporting competitions inspire young people, and specifically designed to first-hand “that otherwise the broader community, accommodate a range we would have had to to be involved in local of uses including sports travel elsewhere to see”, sport,” Mayor Smith said. of all codes as well as as well as local clubs This multi-use recreational events such being able to play on complex, encompassing as markets, expos and “world-class” fields. almost 19ha in Lake Rd, festivals. “To be able to hold Tuggerah, was once the There are nine full-sized

playing fields (all floodlit), an amenities building including change rooms, canteen and store rooms; more than two kilometres of shared pathways, a main boulevard, landscaping, car parking and bus drop off and turning spaces. The complex is designed to be built in two stages and Stage 2 works were approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) in March, 2017. Council is continuing to seek funding for the second stage to develop a multi-purpose indoor complex and grandstand at the site. This first stage was jointly financed by Central Coast Council with $13.71m and the Federal Government providing $10m. There are some interesting facts about this project, Council’s

Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy, said, and sustainability and recycling had been a key factor in design and construction, with all the sub grade material sourced from the West Connect tunnel (in Sydney) and the service road on the west boundary was recycled from the Lake Rd renewal. He said there was several tons of recycled glass and at the back of Field 9, “which incidentally is bigger than the SCG”, there are several tanks that can hold over two million litres of water on site to capture rain and recycle all irrigation. “This is very important future proofing as we seek to utilise water more effectively in maintaining recreational venues,” Murphy said. Source: Official opening Mar 29 Sue Murray Journalist

NEWS

Page 6 3 April 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy decision deferred P

eople struggling to find affordable housing on the Coast will have to wait a little longer for some kind of resolution, with Central Coast Council deferring consideration of its draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy until its meeting on Monday April 8. The draft strategy was on public exhibition for 103 days in 2018, attracting 441 submissions, and supportive petitions containing 1,718 signatures. Councillors want more time to examine amendments to the original draft as suggested by Council

officers following the exhibition period. Cr Chris Holstein said there were originally 30 strategies. “We removed one, six remain, and 23 were amended,” he said at the Council meeting on March 25. “I deal with this every day and we need to get this right.” Cr Jillian Hogan agreed. “This is about young people, our families,” Hogan said. “We lived in units, flats, the very accommodation we are knocking back. “Homelessness is chronic. “Social housing is supplied by the State Government, but they sold off a lot of the housing and motels in The Entrance area full of

social housing recipients. “We want you to look at the 27 strategies; let’s get it right.” Cr Bruce McLachlan said there were some things in the report he didn’t like. “There is a difference between homelessness and affordable housing,” he said. “There are lots of things we can do but we can’t be naive about affordable housing.” Cr Kyle McGregor said the entire housing market had to change, with whole generations locked out of the market. While he had no problem delaying a decision, he hoped Council would end up with an “excellent strategy”. However, with a report to Council saying there are

4,100 to 8,500 homeless or marginally housed people in the Central Coast Local Government Area, Cr Doug Vincent, was against deferring the matter. “Let’s endorse and review in 12 months,” he said. “Winter is coming and people are waiting on us to do something. “I think deferral is code for watering it down.” At the end of the day, councillors voted in favour of deferring the matter, with only Crs Vincent and, Troy Marquart, voting against. Mayor Jane Smith, said it was an important strategy to address more housing choice for households earning less than $100,000 per year. “Many factors and

agencies influence housing affordability, and we want to ensure there are diverse and affordable local housing options on the Central Coast and we consider carefully the impacts of the strategy actions,” she said. “We shouldn’t confuse affordable housing with social housing, which has its place; but the strategy is much broader than that. “This is an issue not just on the Central Coast, but all over Australia, and there is a lot of misunderstanding in the community. “In many cases, affordable housing doesn’t look any different to other housing.” A report to Council said affordable housing was housing appropriate for the needs of a

range of households on low to moderate incomes, priced so that householders were also able to meet other basic living costs such as food, clothing, transport, education and medical care. “In 2016, 63 percent of Central Coast households earned an income below $2,000 per week ($111,000 per annum) and are classified as low to moderate income households in relation to affordable housing income and cost benchmarks,” the report said. Source: Agenda item 3.3 Central Coast Council Ordinary Meeting, Mar 25 Interview, Mar 26 Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith Reporters: Merilyn Vale and Terry Collins

LET’S TALK Northern Lakes

We want to hear from you!

Council is inviting the community to talk all things Northern Lakes, San Remo-Budgewoi and Toukley. Let's Talk will provide a great opportunity to provide discuss local area matters and learn about Council projects in your region. As part of this, Council's draft Lake Munmorah Structure Plan is now available for public exhibition with an opportunity for community comments up until Sunday 26 May 2019.

GET INVOLVED AND FIND OUT MORE! Online at yourvoiceourcoast.com/my-place Drop-in Community Information Sessions 1. Wednesday 3 April 2019, 4pm-7pm, Munmorah United Bowling Club (Acacia Ave, Lake Munmorah) 2. Friday 5 April, 10am-1pm, Munmorah United Bowling Club (Acacia Ave, Lake Munmorah)

yourvoiceourcoast.com

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Page 7 3 April 2019

Council considering legal action over JRPP decision

entral Coast Council is seeking legal advice in support of Toukley residents against a 34 residential flat development at 6-10 Dunleigh St, Toukley.

Despite strong community opposition and Council’s rejection of the development in January, the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) decided to approve it when they met in February. The JRPP approved the $9.1m development for 34 units over four storeys under the Affordable Rental Housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) 2009. Opposition to the proposal is its incompatibility with the existing residential environment and its unsuitable location. Speakers at the meeting also said that this housing was aimed at individuals

Street view of the 34 residential unit proposal in Dunleigh St, Toukley and families with high Kathleen Watson, said: support needs, however, “I want to make it clear there is a distinct lack of that we are not against important social services affordable housing and and agency supports in we are not against the the area, coupled with people who might live poor public transport to there, it’s just not the right position for this type of and from the area. Toukley Community housing”. Two group Action Group has represented residents r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s throughout the 18-month addressed Council at its battle, and spokesperson, March 25 meeting in an

appeal to support the community for a legal challenge to the JRPP. They outlined that the community’s perception of the JRPP process, in this particular instance, is that there’s a bias, a lack of transparency, decisions were made based on inadequate, outdated and inaccurate data, and it has been a flawed process where “one development was assessed in isolation without considering all aspects of cumulative developments in a small localised area, within a tiny town such as Toukley”. They claimed a 600-person petition was not provided to the JRPP, they were not informed of council’s rejection of the proposal in January, and that the local indigenous people were not consulted. The group’s, Bronwyn Evans, said: “The issue is that the SEPP for Housing

Affordability specifically says it’s for metropolitan Sydney, the Illawarra and the Hunter. “It doesn’t mention the Central Coast,” she said. “What you have here is affordable housing being put into an area where it’s out of context and the people are unsupported. “It’s the precedent. If you put this in Toukley, then it can go into a whole lot of other areas”. Councillor, Greg Best, who put a Notice of Motion to seek legal advice, said: “This is an issue of regional significance. “Toukley is the test case for this SEPP, which is going to roll out across the region on steroids unless we deal with this here and make a stand,” he said. “We have already voted Dunleigh St down, we have appealed to the JRPP not to support it, the community has said don’t do it, so, on

NEWS

those premises alone, we should challenge the JRPP.” Council voted to request the Chief Executive Officer to seek urgent legal advice on proceeding with a challenge, the process, timing, costs and prospects of such a Land and Environment Court challenge proceeding. Councillors, Kyle MacGregor and Jeff Sundstrom, declared pecuniary interest and did not participate in discussion or voting. MacGregor is a member of the JRPP and receives income from attending their meetings, and Sundstrom is the alternative member. Source: Mar 25 Item 6.3 Central Coast Council Meeting Interview Mar 28 Kathleen Watson Toukley Community Action Group Journalist Sue Murray

Emma McBride MP MEMBER FOR DOBELL

Caring for our community

Emma loves the Coast. A true local, Emma’s family has been on the Coast for generations - and she went through school in Wyong and Tuggerah. The Coast is her home and she’s working hard to make our community an even better place to live. Emma spent 20 years working in health, 10 years as a Pharmacist at Wyong Hospital. She moved her way up from a clinical post to deputy director of pharmacy.

Emma works tirelessly for the Coast. She fought to save Wyong Hospital from privatisation and will stand up for pensioners, working families and young people. Emma understands families are doing it tough and will do her best to care for our community by: Protecting Medicare and strengthening our hospitals

Guaranteeing TAFE funding and creating new apprenticeships

Restoring penalty rates and easing pressure on family budgets

Investing in cheaper, cleaner renewable energy

Strengthening local schools with $43.7 million more funding

Mail: PO Box 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259 ✆ 02 4353 0127 @ emma.mcbride.mp@aph.gov.au www.facebook.com/mcbrideemma Authorised by Emma McBride, MP, ALP, Suite 204, 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259.

NEWS

Page 8 3 April 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Ourimbah heritage needs to be specifically protected S

tate Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, is taking a stand to protect the heritage of Ourimbah, one of the Central Coast’s oldest suburbs.

He said that although the Ourimbah Masterplan identified 10 “heritage” sites, it did nothing to protect the streetscape and link the heritage elements together in a coherent way. Mehan has called on Central Coast Council to make amendments to the plan. “The masterplan envisages four-storey commercial and residential towers surrounding isolated heritage ‘islands’, which will presumably be protected, but this isn’t strongly articulated in the plan,” he said. “I would have thought

Ourimbah railway station a walk down the main street of Gosford would be enough to show this approach as a complete failure. “The heritage elements, which include the post office, railway station and war memorial, need to be linked together and the draft plan doesn’t provide

for this. “The reality is that the majority of buildings facing the Pacific Hwy are single-storey timber homes, and some of these support the timber heritage of the township, even though they have been poorly maintained.” Mehan said a better

approach would be to implement rules to preserve heritage listed structures, to maintain the height along this frontage to one storey. “Maintenance of the heritage streetscape needs to be a strategic objective, and new development should complement the existing heritage structures, with strict rules around materials, character, look and fencing. “Council has been a strong supporter of preserving Ourimbah’s heritage in the past and assisted my campaign to halt the demolition of the Ourimbah Railway Station Master’s Cottage,” he said. “I hope Council can review its masterplan and do something special at Ourimbah.” Source: Media release Mar 29 The Entrance MP David Mehan

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast no longer exists W

yong MP and S h a d o w Minister for The Central Coast, David Harris, has slammed the newly re-elected State Government for putting the Central Coast “at the bottom of their priorities list”. “The Central Coast has been completely blindsided by the reshuffle of the Berejiklian cabinet,” he said. “There was no Minister or Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast appointed, and the only Minister that had shown interest in the Central Coast outside election time, Anthony Roberts, was demoted.

“Minister Roberts had previously held the Planning portfolio and had appeared to show an interest in moving along the redevelopment of the Gosford CBD. “Not only have they failed to appoint a representative for our region, but they have demoted the only Minister who visited outside election time. “This reshuffle is a blunt demotion for our whole region.” The previous Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Scot Macdonald, did not stand at the March 23 election. Source: Media release Apr 1 Wyong MP David Harris

NomiNatioNs opeN for

L O C A L H E R O AWA R D S

We all have heroes living amongst us. Help us celebrate the unsung people who keep our city ‘going and growing’ by nominating someone you know who has impacted the community in the last twelve months. For the 2019 awards, we are looking for heroes in Emergency Services, the Police Force, Chaplains and Local Government. This includes Councillors and Council staff, workers in waste disposal, recycling, parks and gardens etc, as well as general members of the community who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others.

AWARDS

how to NomiNate:

Online at www.myliberty.info/localheroes OR Collect a nomination form from Imperial Shopping Centre or Liberty Family Church, 129 Erina Street, Gosford.

NomiNatioNs close 5.30pm 30th april 2019

Heroes presented at the Celebration of Heroes Ceremony Saturday 25th May 2019.

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Page 9 3 April 2019

NEWS

Floodplain risk management studies and plans on public exhibition

loodplain risk management studies and plans for Wyong River and Ourimbah Creek catchments are now on public exhibition. Submissions and community feedback will be accepted until Friday, April 26. There is a separate Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for each of the catchment areas, but they have a common primary goal of quantifying the nature and extent of the flooding problem and to evaluate options to manage the existing, future and continuing flood risk. The Wyong River catchment has a long history of flooding, including significant events in 1949, 1977 and 2007. Wyong River catchment is a 440sq km network of rivers and creeks

The catchment area for Wyong River The following areas including Wyong River, Cedar Brush Creek, Jilliby were identified as likely Creek, Porters Creek, to experience significant Mardi Creek and Deep property damage, risk Creek, which ultimately to life and/or evacuation drain into Tuggerah Lake difficulties during floods and then discharge into within the Wyong River the Pacific Ocean through catchment: Yarramalong Valley, rural residential The Entrance channel. A flood damage properties in the vicinity assessment was of Deep Creek including completed as part of the Yarramalong Rd, Old study, and it determined Maitland Rd, Collies La, that the annual cost McPherson Rd and Mardi of flooding would be Rd; the Tuggerah straight $4.3m, if the status quo industrial area; properties in the vicinity of Tacoma remained. and Tacoma South; and,

The Ourimbah Creek catchment area properties adjoining rural properties before Wyong River, south of passing beneath the M1 Wyong (eg. Panonia Rd, freeway and Pacific Hwy, McDonagh Rd, Boyce near Palmdale. Ave). It continues to flow The Ourimbah Creek north and then in an catchment area has easterly direction before flooded since prior to the passing beneath the 1970s, and the events of main northern railway February 1990 and June line and Wyong Rd, 2007 typify the nature of eventually discharging the problem. into Tuggerah Lake at Ourimbah Creek Chittaway Point. catchment covers 160sq The catchment also km and generally flows incorporates numerous in an easterly direction significant tributaries through state forest and east of the M1 freeway

and Pacific Hwy, such as Bangalow Creek, Cut Rock Creek, Chittaway Creek, Dog Trap Gully, Canada Drop Down Creek and Kangy Angy Creek. While few urban areas are affected by flooding, the key issues are inconvenience and significant road access issues, as cars being washed away in floods are one of the main SES rescue activities and the main cause of death from floods in Australia. Recent development on the fringe of the floodplain have placed further pressure on the flood problem and, in particular, at the Newcastle University Ourimbah campus, where there has been inundation of vehicles parked there. Source: Media release Mar 25 Central Coast Council Website, Yourvoiceourcoast.com

Safety Learning Program

Desexing Saves Lives

Preventing Plastic Pollution

Subsidised Desexing Program Central Coast Council is providing eligible residents with a subsidy for desexing their pets. Residents who are pensioners or receive entitlements from Centrelink and/or the Department of Veterans' Affairs can apply for a Desexing Voucher, valued up to $180, to reduce the cost of the desexing procedure when carried out by a participating vet. To apply, just complete the Subsidies Desexing Program Application Form and submit it along with proof of current pensioner or low income status. Applications must be made in the name of the registered owner who meets the eligibility requirements. Application forms are available from centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/pets or from one of Council's Customer Service Centres.

For further information contact Council's Community Education OfďŹ cer on 1300 463 954.

Are you a local fruit and vegetable supplier looking to help #KeeptheCoastClean? Do you contribute to environmentally sustainable practices? Then we are looking to partner with you to help protect our waterways and valleys to reduce single use plastic bag litter. Following the success of our litter reduction initiative last year, we are once again looking to partner with locally owned and operated fruit and vegetable suppliers to provide reusable produce bags to their customers for free. Those interested in taking part in this initiative are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by Sunday 14 April.

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/producebags for criteria and details

NEWS

Page 10 3 April 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Intercity Fleet Maintenance Facility project has applied to clear more land

ransport NSW is seeking to modify its development of the new Intercity Fleet Maintenance Facility project in Orchard Rd, Kangy Angy. An application has been made through the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to conduct additional works outside the approved site boundary, which will entail clearing an extra 0.58ha of vegetation which is habitat for 13

identified animals. Clearance of the extra land is not considered by Transport NSW to have a significant impact on threatened biodiversity, and the OEH proposes to allow the cleartance of the additional 0.58ha. At Central Coast Council’s meeting on March 24, Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said a submission would be lodged on a point of clarification only at this stage. However, a review of

the matter was ongoing Councillors (except, Troy Marquart and Chris Holstein) voted to request the CEO to identify grounds, if any, to oppose the modification request and if there were any grounds to write a submission to OEH. Cr Kyle MacGregor said: “It is a very eye opening thing to drive past and see how that area has changed and how the amenity and the local environment has been impacted, particularly for the local

residents, and I support the people of Kangy Angy, and to not have as many trees removed.” Cr McLachlan’s question about what power Council had to oppose the modification was answered by Executive Manager of Innovation and Futures, Matthew Prendergast: “Council’s role is purely as a stakeholder – the same role as a general resident”. Source: Mar 25 Item 6.4 Central Coast Council meeting

BUILT FOR BATTLE

RESISTANCE BATTLE READY GAMING FULLY CUSTOMISABLE LAPTOP & DESKTOPS BUILT

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Woongarrah subdivision approved despite traffic concerns A

dual occupancy and strata subdivision at 11 Grasstree Ave, Woongarrah, got the green light from Central Coast Council, even though there has been community concerns that it would add to existing traffic problems. During the March 25 Council meeting, Environment and Planning Director, Scott Cox, said there was “community angst about the road network out there”. At present, residents have problems with nonresidents parking on the street during the peak drop off and pick up of students at Woongarrah Public School at the western end of Grasstree Ave. People are parking in front of driveways causing difficulty for residents wanting to

access their driveways, and others are parking on the nature strips, which is also causing problems for garbage collectors. There are also concerns for children’s safety because of the expected increased vehicular movements. An on-site meeting was held in December, 2018, between residents and Council staff, and subsequently, Council’s Traffic Section who would undertake an investigation of traffic and parking in Grasstree Ave land implement measures, if necessary, to address the situation. Such measures could include parking on one side of the street only or one-way street signage. Any improvements identified will be referred to the Local Traffic Committee which next meets at the end of April. Source: Mar 25 Item 2.1 Central Coast Council meeting

NEWS Mayor urging the region’s state representatives to make good on their election promises WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

News in Brief – Central Coast Council Ordinary Meeting Budgewoi beach access Councillor Hogan requested at the Central Coast Council’s February 11 meeting, that the emergency access to the beach at Ocean St, Budgewoi, be repaired. She said the only closest access was 2.3km away. Council staff reported to the March 25 meeting that work crews completed repairs to the existing board and chain surface access at Ocean St, Budgewoi, during September, 2018. There is currently a board and chain surface in place over the dunes, however, due to the loss of sand from the beach in recent years, the beach side of this access way is still too steep, even with the board and chain in place, for vehicular access. In late February Council crews used a ‘pozitrack’ machine to push sand up to the access way to reduce the steepness. Council staff will continue to regularly monitor this beach access and will put in place measures to improve access as soon as it is possible. Should further sand return to the beach, to enable it to be pushed into the area, the board and chain will be extended and raised so as to allow vehicular access.

Because of the state of this access point, Council lifeguards have to access the beach and transport equipment along the beach from the Lakes Beach Surf Club, where the equipment is stored.

Wrack harvest meeting target Collection of wrack and algae from the lagoon system of Tuggerah Lake is well on track to meet its target. A report submitted to Council’s March 25 meeting said wrack and algae collection was currently being done by Council’s vessel in the southern areas of Tuggerah Lake, around Long Jetty, Killarney Vale, Berkeley Vale and Chittaway. Meanwhile, a contractor, Australian Environmental Services, is working Budgewoi and Lake Munmorah lakes. The report stated that wrack collected between July, 2018, and February, 2019, totalled 7,800 cubic metres and was well on track to meet the target of 10,000 cubic metres for the 2018/19 financial year.

Review of dredging Council has c o m m i s s i o n e d consultants GHD to conduct a feasibility study of The Entrance dredging program. The investigations and report will review

effectiveness of dredging operations and alternative methods, and a feasibility assessment of current dredging operations in relation to recent environmental compliance issues and the Environment Protection Authority Prevention Notice issued. There will be investigation of capital and ongoing operational and maintenance costs of purchasing a new dredge which, a Council report said, would likely cost up to $5m capital and $1m annually to operate – just for The Entrance Channel. That would be compared to the cost of external contractor dredging operations. The consultant’s report should be ready for the Council meeting of July 8.

Conference delegates Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, will be the voting delegate at the 2019 National General Assembly of Local Government to be held in Canberra from June 16 to 19. Other delegates attending will be Councillors, Richard Mehrtens, Jeff Sundstrom, Lisa Matthews, Kyle MacGregor, Greg Best and Jilly Pilon. Source: Central Coast Council Ordinary Meeting, March 25

Page 11 3 April 2019

Mayor Jane Smith

entral Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, has weighed in on the State election results. “With the election over, it’s time to take stock of what the result means for the Central Coast. “Firstly, it is an historic occasion. “While we’ve had a female Premier of NSW, this is the first time a woman has been elected to that position, and I congratulate, Gladys Berejiklian, on this achievement,” Mayor Smith said. “Congratulations to all parliamentary representatives on the Coast, most of whom were returned with increased votes.

“We need to harness that collective trust in our political leadership and work together to ensure that the Central Coast gets the services and infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing community. “A good starting point is to deliver on the promises made in the election. “$80m for a rail alignment between Woy Woy and Northern Sydney, plus train station upgrades. “$380m for the Central Coast Hwy. “Promised funding needs to flow for Tuggerah Lakes’ and Terrigal Beach water quality. “It is also time to talk Snowy Hydro Funding

and ensure the Coast gets its share of this $4.2b infrastructure fund for Regional NSW. “I am committed to Council taking a leading role in getting the best outcomes. “As the largest region in the state by population, and covering the whole of the Central Coast, we must be the voice of reason, change and persuasion. “I will be asking our political representatives to come together to work with a common commitment to our community,” Mayor Smith said. Source: Website, Mar 28 Jane Smith, Mayor of the Central Coast official Facebook page

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FORUM 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.

Edition 466

25 March 2019

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

Both sitting

Both sitting Members retain their seatsretain Members

Tesch will be ‘getting on with the job’

Dredged sand to replenish Ocean and Umina Beaches

their ofseats Both local Members Parliament Ms Liesl Tesch says that, having Dredging of the Ettalong Channel have retained their seats in retained the seat of Gosford, she is planned to start again in April, Next came Animal Both local State Members of Saturday’s election. willJustice be “getting on with the job”. with dredged sand to be deposited Parliament have retained Party’s Mr Patrick Murphy with their seats in Saturday’s 3.58 percent of the vote. on Ocean and Umina beaches, The Sustainable Australia State election. Liberal Member for Terrigal Mr Party’s Ms Judy Singer received according to Peninsula Chamber of 2.58 per cent of the primary vote. Adam Crouch won an outright In Terrigal, Mr Crouch retained majority with almost 53 per cent of Commerce the primary vote, with more than his seat with 52.93 per cent of the half of the votes counted. Labor Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch was showing 58 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote, with one third of the preferences distributed. Ms Tesch had achieved 44.54 per cent of the primary vote by 9am Sunday morning, after the initial count which had tallied 46 per cent of the vote. Liberal candidate Ms Sue Dengate received 35.23 per cent of the vote, or 42 per cent after distribution of preferences. Greens candidate Ms Hillary Morris was next with 9.5 per cent. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Mr Larry Freeman polled 4.87 per cent.

primary vote, and was showing 62.69 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote, based on 48 per cent of the preferences distributed, as of 8.30am Sunday. Labor’s Cr Jeff Sundstrom polled 25.54 per cent of the primary vote, and 37.31 per cent on a twocandidate preferred basis. The Greens’ candidate for Terrigal Mr Bob Doyle received 10.38 per cent of the vote. The other four candidates each received less than four per cent of the vote, with independent candidate Mr Gary Chestnut leading these with 3.56 per cent.

Mabel turns 101

Peninsula retirement village resident Ms Mabel Laidlow celebrated her 101st birthday on March 15.

Ethan organises student strike for climate action

Ettalong to get recycling bins

A Year 8 student at Brisbane Water Secondary College at Umina was the driving force behind the March 15 student strike in Gosford for climate action.

Ettalong is expected to get recycling bins in its main street in the next round of council’s bin renewal program, scheduled before the end of June.

SOURCE: Website, 24 Mar 2019 Virtual tally room, NSW Electoral Commission

Strata subdivision is approved

Tesch will be development Responsible group forms with 80 people ‘getting on with the job’ “A dramatic improvement to the The inaugural public meeting of Shepard St flooding expected to improve in 18 months

A proposed strata subdivision of an existing retail and commercial building at 261 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong, has been approved by Central Coast Council.

flooding” Shepard St,that, Umina, is said Residents forwant Responsible Ettalong Ms Tesch the last two years is to live a good life and be Ms in Liesl Tesch says having retained the seat of has been a tremendous learning supported to that end.” expected overshe thewillnext 18 months, Development was held March experience, one that she looked Ms Tesch has on thanked the Gosford, be “getting forward to continuing. community for re-electing her as on with the job”. “Thanks 19 to with all those the80 Member for Gosford and also according Flood group about people attending. Thisto means “making action sure that we get our fair share, that we don’t conversations, pieces of advice, thanked her fellow candidates for a stayPeninsula forgotten by government and and challenges, I’ve learnt so much respectful campaign. Woy Woy Floods. from so many along the way,” Ms “We often only hear when that we push and agitate to make the Central Coast an even better place to live, work, and play,” Ms Tesch said. “I have absolutely loved every minute of this privileged role in our community, and I really appreciate the support given to me to continue to work for the seat of Gosford, and the whole Central Coast, over the next four years.”

Tesch said. “The most wonderful thing about this job is that I get to hear the personal stories and lived experiences of new people every day. “I hear about the good, and the not so good. “Each is unique, but all reflect the same basic principle that all we

Page 12 3 April 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Ash dam failure will affect more than recreation centre

he NSW G o v e r n m e n t ’s Office of Sport has elected to close the Myuna Bay Recreation Centre because of its close proximity to Eraring Power Station’s ash dams after a commissioned engineering review found the walls of the dam were found unstable if there were an earthquake. The Centre has been a significant community recreation facility for many years, that has catered for all forms of sport, extreme activities, and school programs much the same as Raw Challenge, and is situated opposite the Vales Point ash dams at Doyalson. There is a blatant difference between the two sites, that being the massive proposed residential and commercial developments within the newly announced Structure Plan Greater

FORUM

Lake Munmorah. The Plan proposes the doubling of the population down the road from the Vales Point ash dams with no sign of any plan to remediate the site for the last decade of the power station’s life. Thousands of locals and visitors frequent Doyalson RSL Club each year. On the western edge of the dam is Wyee village, yet they too are in the firing line if these walls were also impacted upon by an earthquake, mine subsidence or structural faults. The Vales Point dam walls are nothing more than compacted dirt. Unlined and well over 50 years old, arguably already leaching outside the dam’s boundaries. Within the dam, there has been millions of tonnes of clean fill being dumped, putting more pressure on the walls, whilst unscrupulous contractors have mixed

asbestos to the fill. If the State Government thinks that there is the potential of weakening or breakdown of the walls of Eraring’s fly ash dams, then why couldn’t it happen at Vales Point in a built up housing area, with the only alternative road network linking Newcastle to Sydney? Surprisingly, the RMS large sign on the highway at Doyalson alerting drivers that the undulations in the roadway are due to mine subsidence has conveniently disappeared. I have been calling on both Central Coast Council and the State for an Independent Environmental and Human Health Audit of the region, yet whilst the State Government can carry out reviews for the Lake Macquarie region, everything I have been spruiking over many years falls on political deaf ears. Email, Mar 29 Gary Blaschke, Lake Munmorah

campaigns get dirty, but we should also recognise when our democratic processes work at their very best,” Ms Tesch said. “Thank you to my fellow candidates for putting yourselves out there, representing your beliefs, and being part of this campaign.”

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

SOURCE: Media release, 24 Mar 2019 Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford

MARCH 28, 2019

YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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ISSUE 204

Funding announced for 600 additional car spaces at Gosford

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

Funding announced for 600 additional car spaces at Gosford Central Coast commuters were the big winners this week with the announcement on March 27 of a $35m upgrade for car parking at Gosford and Woy Woy railway stations.

University campus in the heart of Gosford could soon be a reality All sitting MPs on the Coast have Member for Robertson, Lucy retained their seats as the count Wicks, has welcomed news that continues following the State the University of Newcastle has Election on March 23. signalled its intention to build a campus in the heart of Gosford, a project she has been working hard

Council endorses six pledge actions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions Central Coast Council has endorsed six pledge actions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the national Cities Power Partnership Program, despite some fiery debate in chambers on

Council to deliver $791m investment in essential services and capital works Central Coast Council will budget for an operating deficit of $7.7m over the next 12 months, to deliver a $791m investment in essential services and capital works for the region.

All sitting members retain their seats

Somersby subdivision approved despite debate over road siting A subdivision at Somersby, comprising five industrial lots and three lots for road dedication and habitat protection, has been approved by Central Coast Council, despite a last ditch attempt by

New service station and Councillors defer decision on OneWave holds Fluro Friday Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, discusses the parking situation with a commuter at Gosford railway station car park restaurant proposed for Erina affordable housing strategy events at local beaches

entral

Coast with me since becoming the than 30,000 locals travelling on the delivery of the parking Council

to provide the “This is a significant necessary upgrades needed investment in tackling the at both stations and make a congestion hotspots that are significant difference to the costing people precious time lives of our residents who and losing businesses money. currently commute.” “People living on the Central The project forms part of a Coast know better than anyone $253.5m congestion-busting the very real impacts that road funding boost for NSW as part congestion has on people’s of the Federal Government’s lives and we are doing $1b Urban Congestion Fund. something about the pinch Prime Minister, Scott points and bottlenecks that lie “A lot of decisions are made Wicks, said the funds, from to parents who desperately because of the voice of the Government is very welcome Morrison, said the investment at the heart of the problem.” ThethefullFederal articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.centralcoastnews.net Coast Community News Government’s want to spend time with their people.” news for our community,” will make life easier for Coast Urban Congestion Fund, Source: focusses on news specifically related post codethatareas 2250, and articles can also beMedia read and kids in the morning, rather to said. 2251, 2260commuters. Wicks emphasised the Smith would see $30m invested in release, Mar 27 than leaving before the sun move was not an election “Council’s own Car Parking “Our investment means Member for Robertson, 600 additional car spacesshared at on your mobile phone by going to www.coastcommunitynews.com.au. rises to guarantee a park. Lucy Wicks commitment, but that funds Strategy identifies the need for people can spend more time Gosford, and $5m funding Interview, Mar 27 “We are backing our were already included in the innovative parking solutions to with friends and family, and 140 more spots for Woy Woy Member for Robertson, commuters by working with Federal Budget. meet the needs of our growing tradies can be earning more commuters. Lucy Wicks Central Coast Council to form a on site, rather than being Media release, Mar 27 Consultation would be done population. “This is an issue that has Central Coast Mayor, strong plan to provide this vital with Central Coast Council “This funding will allow stuck in traffic or looking for been consistently raised Jane Smith infrastructure for the more parking,” he said.

for Robertson in to Sydney or Newcastle for spaces, she said. commuters were Submissions on Member a proposed People struggling to find Central Coast Council Mayor, the big winners 2013, and I am so pleased work.” that we’re able to deliver this affordable Wicks said securing the Janeon Smith, the said the significant service station housing Coast this week with theand restaurant funding for our hard-working funding had been a “hard increase in car parking spaces announcement on March commuters,” Wicks said.of will fought have fight”. a longlonger way in development onfor the corner to waitwould a golittle 27 of a $35m upgrade “I’ve heard from many hasn’t been an easy addressing the commuter and car parking at Gosford Avoca Dr and The Entrance Rd atthe forwin,“Thissome kind of resolution, with commuters about transport needs on the Coast. but I would like to thank and Woy Woy railway frustrations of not being able the thousands of people “Car parking and commuting Erina closed on March Coast Council deferring stations. to find21. a park, from people who Central who signed petitions on the are critical issues on the park at 5am and sleep for an matter,” she said. and so this recognition Member for Robertson, Lucy consideration of itsCoast draft Affordable hour before catching the train, and funding by the Federal

Non Profit Surf community organisation, OneWave, celebrated its sixth birthday on March 22 by holding Fluro Friday events at 100 beaches around the world, to raise awareness of mental health.

Feedback on draft water pricing determination The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) reviews and determines the maximum water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices for major water utilities across NSW. IPART has released its draft determination for the Central Coast and Council is encouraging all community members to have their say. Community feedback will be considered by IPART during a three week review process in April 2019 ahead of their ﬁnal determination for the Central Coast in May 2019.

Find out how to provide feedback directly to IPART and access further information on Council's submission by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com/WaterPricing

ON THE BEAT Disqualified driver charged with driving offences

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Polling booth closed for two hours

olling booth staff who manned the polling station at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance Campus, have been offered counselling after an elderly man died at the station. At around midday on Saturday, March 23, an 80-year-old man attended the polling booth at The Entrance Campus and was waiting in line, when

he collapsed. Emergency services were called, but the man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The booth was closed for around two hours as police commenced an investigation. The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and it is believed that he died

as a result of a medical episode. In a statement issued by the NSW Electoral Commission, the Commission offered its condolences to the family of the man and confirmed that all polling booth staff who witnessed the incident would be offered counselling and assistance. Source: Media release, Mar 23 NSW Police Media Media statement, Mar 24 NSW Electoral Commission

Man stabbed at a convenience store

nvestigations are underway following the stabbing of a man at a convenience store in Wyong. Emergency services were called to the store on the corner of Ave and Levitt St, Wyong, at about 9:25am, on Tuesday, April 2, following reports a man having been stabbed. Police have been told

that at least two people entered the store and an altercation ensued, where a man sustained multiple stab wounds. The pair fled the scene on foot, and were last seen heading east on Warner Ave. A man, believed to be

in his 40’s, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and is in a critical condition. Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District have established a crime scene and commenced inquiries. Source: Media release, Apr 2 NSW Police Media

Dangerous drugs stolen from veterinary hospital

uggerah Lakes Police District are seeking assistance from the community to identify two thieves who broke into a veterinary hospital.

At 3:50am on Wednesday, March 27, a break and enter occurred at a veterinary hospital in Kanwal.

The offenders stole a safe from inside the location which contained a number of dangerous drugs. Police are issuing a warning that consuming these drugs could cause significant harm or could be fatal. It is great concern to

Page 13 3 April 2019

38-year-old Buff Point man, disqualified from driving until 2038, has been charged with 15 offences, after fleeing from police during a routine patrol in Budgewoi. At about 5:15pm on Friday, March 29, police from Tuggerah Lakes Highway Patrol were patrolling Natuna Ave, Budgewoi, when the man, who was driving a Holden commodore, sighted police. Police allege the man stopped his vehicle before fleeing on foot towards a nearby public toilet. He was arrested by police, with enquiries revealing that he was disqualified from driving until 2038. He was also on bail at the time regarding prior driving offences with conditions prohibiting him from occupying the driver’s seat of any motor

vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed differing number plates on the front and rear which were both stolen. Further stolen number plates were found within the unregistered vehicle along with a taser. The man was charged with 15 offences: Breach of bail; Drive whilst disqualified (2nd or subsequent offence); Use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road; Use uninsured

motor vehicle; Use vehicle on road or road related area - tax not paid; Use class A vehicle displaying misleading etc number-plate (x2); Unlawfully possess thing resembling number plate; Acquirer fail to apply for transfer of registration; Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (x4); Unlawfully possess number plates; and, Possess prohibited weapon without permit. Source: Website, Mar 30 NSW Police Force

police that these drugs are out in the community and police have released CCTV images and are asking members of the public for information that will assist in identifying the persons depicted. Source: Website, Mar 28 Tuggerah Lakes Police District official Facebook page

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Consumed two bottles of wine before commencing a journey

Officers snapped this image of the woman’s vehicle on the ledge

driver has had her licence suspended after being charged with high range drink driving. At about 9:10pm on the evening of Monday, March 25, Tuggerah Lakes Highway Patrol officers responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision within the twin service stations on the M1 Motorway at Jilliby. Upon arrival, a heavily intoxicated 58-year-old Port Macquarie woman was located near her

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.

crashed vehicle. The vehicle was balancing precariously on a small ledge with all wheels off the ground. She informed officers that she had consumed

two bottles of wine before commencing a journey from Sydney’s CBD to Port Macquarie. She was arrested and later returned a high range reading of 0.170 at Wyong Police Station. Her licence was immediately suspended and she was charged with Drive with High Range PCA along with negligent driving. She is due to appear at Wyong Local Court on April 29. Source: Media release, Mar 26 NSW Police Media

Armed holdup of a business P olice are continuing a search for a man after an armed holdup of a Wyee business.

At about 10pm on Sunday, March 31, two men were preparing to close a food business on Wyee Rd. A man entered the store armed with a shortened firearm and threatened

the men, demanding money. The contents of three cash registers were handed over to the man, along with a quantity of cigarettes. The man left the premises on a motorcycle. Lake Macquarie police were called and established a crime

scene. Investigators believe a man described as wearing a helmet, long sleeved black hoodie, dark long pants, and black gloves may be able to assist with their inquiries into the matter. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. Source: Media release, Apr 1 NSW Police Media

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Female police officer assaulted in Wyong A

San Remo man appeared in Wyong Local Court on Tuesday, March 19, after allegedly assaulting a police officer while in custody. Just before 5pm, on Monday, March 18, police attended a home on Huene Ave, Halekulani, after reports of an assault and intimidation. When officers arrived, a man and three children were seen running from the area. A short time later, a 41-year-old man was arrested, following a struggle with police, and taken to Wyong Police Station. While in custody, it’s

alleged the man assaulted a female sergeant. The sergeant sustained a broken nose and facial lacerations, and was taken to Wyong Hospital for treatment, including stitches. She has since been released. Additional officers intervened, and the man allegedly ran from the custody area. He was detained and charged with 10 offences including assault police officer in execution of duty, cause actual bodily harm, enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, common assault,

wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, assault officer in execution of duty, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, resist officer in execution of duty, escape police custody, and aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence. The man was refused bail. A child at risk notification has been made. NSW Police Media did not indicate if the man recorded a conviction for any of the charges laid against him. Source: Media release, Mar 19 NSW Police Media

Comanchero member arrested in Wyee A

member of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) faced Newcastle Local Court on March 28, charged after weapons, drugs, and a python were seized from a home in Wyee. As part of regular targeting of the illicit activities of OMCGs, Strike Force Raptor North investigators conducted a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) search, and executed a search warrant at a home on Pirama Rd, Wyee, at about 7:30am, on

Wednesday, March 27. During the search, investigators located sling-shots, bladed walking canes, flails, an electronic stun device, 1.6kg of cannabis leaf, 28 cannabis plants, methylamphetamine, cash, a Mitsubishi Triton utility believed to have been stolen, ammunition, and a coastal carpet python. These items were seized and will undergo forensic examination. A 46-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to

Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with 23 offences, including: Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (x8); Supply prohibited drug (x5); Possess prohibited drug (x4); Unlawfully obtained goods in personal custody; Cultivate prohibited plant; Buy/sell/possess/ control protected fauna; Steal motor vehicle; and, Possess ammunition without holding licence (x2). The man was bail refused. Source: Media release, Mar 28 NSW Police Media

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Page 15 3 April 2019

HEALTH

National Close the Gap Day recognised

yong’s Yerin/ Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre hosted a morning tea event on March 21 in recognition of National Close the Gap Day. Present were around 50 guests from the region’s indigenous and health services communities for the special event.

“Yerin is proudly committed to Closing the Gap on the Central Coast by delivering quality health services and advice to our community. “Our team would like to thank everyone who came to our event in what was a great turnout,” said Yerin CEO, Belinda Field. Source: Website, Mar 22 Belinda Field, Yerin/ Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre

1005 Gosford

HEALTH

Page 16 3 April 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Students partake in an intergenerational project

yong High School and Kanwal based aged care facility, Arcare, have joined forces to partake in an i n t e rg e n e r a t i o n a l project. Entitled ‘When I was your age’, the project is an opportunity for Arcare clients to reminisce and share their memories with the younger generation. Over 10 weeks, Wyong students will work with

Arcare clients to learn about their lives and create a book of their stories for each of them. The school’s Year 9-10 AVID class volunteered themselves for the project. The project is now in full force with 17 students in total, some working individually and some in pairs, with 11 Arcare clients. “The students are so excited to be a part of this,” said Wyong High

School Teacher, Jan Pennisi. The first session was a casual meet and greet, where everyone had the opportunity to find out about each other. In upcoming sessions, students will interview, chat and record conversations with Arcare clients that will later be made into books. Source: Website, Mar 20 Rodney Hill, Wyong High School

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HEALTH Parking fees are expected to be introduced at Wyong Hospital WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Yerin is a registered NDIS provider W

yong’s Yerin/ Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre held an information session on March 27 outside their Alison Rd premises. The session was hosted by the centre’s Muru Bara National Disability

Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Services team, and was held to educate Yerin service users about the team’s role and how they can help people with their NDIS journey. “Yerin/ Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre is a registered NDIS provider proudly servicing the Central

Page 17 6 February 2019

Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with culturally responsive disability support,” said Yerin CEO, Belinda Field. Source: Website, Mar 27 Belinda Field, Yerin Incorporating Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Centre

Parking fees expected at Wyong Hospital said. more than North Gosford “Wyong Hospital Private. has never charged for “I am absolutely parking. opposed to parking fees being introduced at “Wyong Hospital Wyong Hospital. has inadequate public transport which forces “The NSW Liberals staff, patients and visitors have privatised parking at to drive,” he said. our public hospitals. “At Gosford Hospital, “I will be starting “The NSW Liberal staff are being forced to a campaign which Government policy on pay over an additional opposes the introduction parking at hospitals says $1,200 a year to park at of parking fees at Wyong Wyong Hospital will face work, and visitors $19.90 Hospital,” Harris said. parking fees when its car per day or $6.70 an hour. Source: park is improved in the “This is more than Website, Mar 28 redevelopment,” Harris John Hunter Hospital and David Harris, Official

ember for Wyong, David Harris, has warned his constituents that parking fee rises at Gosford Hospital could spell a parking fee rise at Wyong Hospital.

Yerin’s Muru Bara NDIS Services team

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EDUCATION

Page 18 3 April 2019

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Bella travelling to the battlefields of Europe

Christine Anu helps celebrate Harmony Day I

n d i g e n o u s entertainer and e n t r e p r e n e u r, Christine Anu, was the guest of honour at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale’s Harmony Day celebrations held on March 26. “A huge thank you to Christine Anu, Australia's iconic indigenous female entertainer, for visiting

n artwork by a St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah, student has been selected by the Office of Veteran’s Affairs as the official submission for the 2019 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial History Scholarship. “At the end of the 2018 school year, St Brigid’s became the

Bella’s winning submission recipient of the Premier’s ANZAC Memorial History Scholarship,” said College Principal, Julie Terry. “Several Year 10 and 11 students put forward submissions, but only one could be the final candidate, and we are pleased to announce that the Office of Veteran Affairs chose Bella U from year 10 as the successful candidate. “Bella put forward an

us to help promote Harmony Day with her performance, In Conversation and Song,” said College Principal, Steven Todd. “The event was a huge success, as Christine inspired our Year 5-12 students and parent community, sharing her stories about growing up in the Torres Strait Islands and the experiences that led to being the proud Indigenous performer she is today.

“Primary students spent the day in multicultural celebrations and activities, while Secondary students continued festivities with a multicultural lunch. “Such a wonderful day reminds us of one very important thing about this world, everyone belongs,” Todd said. Source: Website, Mar 26 Steven Todd, Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale

outstanding submission which consisted of a digital art work and a researched essay on war veterans. “Bella will be travelling to the battlefields of France, Belgium and Germany in September. “We know she will do St. Brigid’s proud,” Terry said. Source: Website, Mar 19 Julie Terry, St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah

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Page 19 3 April 2019

EDUCATION

Two educational bodies receive Students performed during Junior Landcare Grants opening ceremony

oukley Public School and Follyfoot Farm Early Education Service have been selected from over a thousand applicants to be a recipient of a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant, as part of the supermarkets’ commitment to grow the next generation of environmental champions. The program aims to inspire students with hand-on projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices and enhancing native habitats. It is being funded with proceeds from the sale of the Woolworths’ bag for good. Woolworths will be providing up to half a million dollars in grants to more than 500 schools nationally during this first round of the program. The local grant will mean that Toukley Public School and Follyfoot Farm Early Education Service are now able to develop two proposed projects,

with Toukley Public School taking on Recycle Warriors Composting and Follyfoot an interactive and sensory Bush Tucker Garden. The purpose of the Recycle Warriors project is to compost as much food and garden waste as possible, redirecting food waste to compost, instead of landfill. The compost will then be used to cultivate the school’s grounds for better food production. The Bush Tucker Garden will be built in Follyfoot’s playground to provide a seasonal garden for the families utilising the farm’s centre. A feature of the garden will be its range of plants relevant to local indigenous culture, based on consultation with a Guringai tribal elder, with further plans to develop a yarning circle at the site and to incorporate nesting boxes for local wildlife. Woolworths’ Wyong Region Group Manager, Bert Vandenberg, said: “We are inspired by the students at Toukley Public School and Follyfoot Farm Early Education Service who are playing an active role

in ensuring a greener future for our community and can’t wait to see their project come to life. “In partnership with our local customers, we can continue to empower this next generation of school students to work towards a more sustainable Australia,” he said. Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: “This fantastic response shows the community’s passion for caring for the environment. “Junior Landcare offers opportunities for sharing knowledge, developing skills and creating experiences that foster connections with the environment and community from childhood to adulthood. “The projects by Toukley Public School and Follyfoot Farm Early Education Service are highly deserving and we look forward to the students getting handson experience and making a difference to their local environment,” Dr Norrish said.

Northlakes students performing at the opening Students put on a and the local indigenous orthlakes High School students digeridoo performance community. “It was a great pleasure performed during for guests at the opening. The garden is located to attend this event,” the opening at the San Remo said Principal, Warren ceremony of The Epicentre building and Welham. Ngaliya Dhulung was created through a Community Garden Source: collaborative partnership Website, Mar 19 on March 18. between Epicentre staff Warren Welham, Northlakes

High School

Source: Media release, Mar 22 Rebecca Wallisch, PPR

Financial literacy program to be held T

he Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc. will hold a financial literacy program in April. The ‘On The Road to Riches’ program will commence on April 29 at the old Wyong Primary School building on Rankens Crt, Wyong. The program will run in three parts, with all sessions running at the same place, with the second and third sessions taking place on May 6 and May 13. The program is suitable for anyone wishing to learn how to improve their financial situation. Source: Media release, Mar 27 Sharyn Burgess, Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc.

FREE Holiday fun at The Entrance Weekdays during the April school holidays Monday 15 April – Friday 26 April. Bring the kids down to The Entrance these school holidays for a range of fun free activites. Cupcake and Cookie Decorating Workshop 15, 17 April Waterfront Plaza

Easter Egg Hunt 16, 18 April Waterfront Plaza/ Memorial Park

Magic Circus Show 15, 17 April Waterfront Plaza

Find out more details Live Entertainment 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28 April online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ Waterfront Plaza

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OUT&ABOUT Page 20 3 April 2019

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Financial management and wellbeing for women seminar

Sustainability Challenge underway

n an effort to combat local food waste, Central Coast Council is funding the inaugural Central Coast Sustainability Challenge.

omen from across the Central Coast are invited to attend a breakfast and financial wellbeing seminar at the Nexus Smart Hub, Wyong, on April 5. The seminar will unpack the complexities surrounding women’s finances, and is being held by Robson Partners and the Community

and Business Women’s Network, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2019. The seminar will be conducted by accredited financial planner, Christine Hallowes, who will cover the four major aspects of improving financial wellbeing. “It’s a sad truth that when it comes to women’s finance in Australia, women earn less, retire with less and are less confident to

invest. “This event will help local women be more confident in their financial situation,” Hallowes said. Men are also welcome to attend the seminar. This is a ticketed event with all proceeds being donated to local mental health charity, the Iris Foundation. Source: Website, Mar 15 Sonia Pansare, Nexus Smart Hub Wyong

food waste breaks down to produce methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas,“ she said. Kicking off in April with stage 1, the Plate to Paddock Challenge, participating local businesses will take part in a series of simple, fun activities focused on increasing their knowledge about sustainable food practices and reducing and repurposing food waste. Participants will be encouraged to share their Challenge journey online with their followers using the hash tag, PlatetoPaddock Challenge. According to Blik, the more the hash tag is posted and shared, the more the Challenge can collectively raise awareness about the impacts of food waste and what can be done about it across the Coast. “The Challenge will run

To help educate people on this issue and recognise businesses that are doing the right thing, local sustainability consultancy firm, The Good Dirt, is launching the inaugural Central Coast Sustainability Challenge. “Have you ever wondered what happens to all the food waste generated at our local cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, businesses and in our homes? “It is a sad fact that thousands of tonnes of food waste ends up in landfill every year on the Central Coast alone,” said The Good Dirt Founder, Elisabeth Bilk. “When sent to landfill,

for the four weeks of April, during which participants will score points for each sustainable activity completed,” Bilk explained. “At the end of the month, all scores will be tallied and several Plate to Paddock Challenge winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony in early May. “A variety of environmentally friendly prizes will also be awarded on the night. The Good Dirt works closely with Central Coast businesses, teaching them how to avoid and minimise food waste and help redirect any surplus food to local charities, farms for animal feed, or for processing into high-grade soil, which explains the term Plate to Paddock. Source: Media release, Mar 1 Phaedra Pym, Way with Words PR

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Inner Wheel Club celebrates its Diamond Anniversary

he Inner Wheel Club of Wyong will celebrate its DiamondAnniversary on April 11. The club will welcome many special guests, including Inner Wheel Australia President, June Muller, and Inner Wheel Australia Secretary, Pam Lyons. Wyong Inner Wheel Club had its beginnings in March, 1959, with 20 enthusiastic members forming the club. “During those 60 years, it has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local charities, national causes and international projects, and whenever there is a national disaster, such as floods and fires, Inner Wheel immediately raises funds to directly support afflicted families. “It is a labour of love,” said Wyong Club President, Gaye Jolly.

Cord Blood Research is Inner Wheel’s major national project, for which nearly $3,000,000 has been raised, to provide annual grants to Australian scientists investigating the many uses of cord blood to help save lives. Founded in 1924, Inner Wheel is one of the oldest and largest women’s voluntary service organisations in the world. It is active in 104 countries across the globe with about 108,000 members. “Wyong members are like-minded women,” said Jolly. “Through their strong friendship, they enjoy working together to help make a positive impact on the lives of many people.” Jolly added. Source: Media release, Mar 28 Margaret Unwin, Inner Wheel Club of Wyong Inc.

OUT&ABOUT

Page 21 3 April 2019

Veterans’ Suicide Memorial to be unveiled T

he first Veterans’ Suicide Memorial in NSW will be unveiled at Budgewoi, in the A u s t r a l i a Remembers Grove, on Sunday, April 7. The event, starting at 11am in Slade Park, on Budgewoi Rd, will acknowledge military and civilian men, women and children fallen to the ills of suicide. “There is no discrimination on this mental health dilemma,” said Mannering Park resident, Clarence Ormsby. He is the Founder, world patron and President of Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Inc. Ornsby served in the NSW Artillery and his unit was responsible for saving the remaining Australians at the Battle of Long Tan. He was at Vietnam

Clarence Ormsby with the Soldiers Promise banner in the Battle of Coral, Balmoral, and “17 days after the end, one of my soldier mates was so traumatised that he took his own life in our tent lines of the 1st Australian taskforce, Nui Dat.” Ornsby said what prompted him to action,

and to become a welfare officer in 1974, was the knowledge that “one of our military officers wrote a letter of ridicule to our soldier’s mates and family, ridiculing his suicide death”. “It destroyed the family and made me very, very

angry,” he said. “For 50 years, I’ve been carrying that invisible scar,” he said. Orsnby got the ball rolling for the Budgewoi memorial in October, 2018, with the help of Mayor, Jane Smith, and Councillors, Louise Greenaway and Jillian Hogan. Cr Jillian Hogan and New Zealand veteran, Peter Grant, will unveil the Suicide Memorial plaque at the ceremony. Following the service, families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to nearby Mackenzie Park, Weemala St, Budgewoi. “This is a drug and alcohol free event for the broader community to come and support this memorable and sensitive event,” he said. Source: Media release, Mar 21 Interview Apr 1 Clarence Ormsby JP Journalist, Sue Murray

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OUT&ABOUT Page 22 3 April 2019

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Iris Foundation holds awards night T

he Iris Foundation held its inaugural Community Business Women’s Network (CBWN) Resilience Awards at Toukley RSL Club on March 6. The awards were held to recognise the efforts of local women who embody the ethos of the Iris Foundation, with Carol Lenthall named the 2019 honouree. “All the Foundation’s work to reduce the risk of suicide in the local community is underpinned by three protective factors identified in current mental health research,” said the Foundation’s Community and Engagement Officer, Sharyn Burgess. “Resilience is the ability to ‘bounce back’, to recover effectively from stress, trauma and other significant setbacks. “Hope is a belief in the possibility that situations and people can change. “Positive connections

Resilience Awards finalists, 2019 honouree, Carol Lenthall (front row, second from right) Iris Foundation staff and, Emma McBride with the people around us, family, friends, coworkers and others, are essential to navigating adversity effectively.

“CBWN is a unique opportunity for Central Coast women to network, gather inspiration and share ideas in relaxed

social settings and online. “Many CBWN members live and/or work independently, which can make networking

a challenge and create a sense of isolation,” Burgess said. “The inaugural 2019 CBWN Women’s

Resilience Awards was a great success and certainly fulfilled the objective to inspire a sense of hope amongst those attending. “The award finalists had an opportunity to share what they learned through challenging circumstances and to be publicly recognised for their courage and tenacity,” she added. Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, was on hand to open proceedings and share her reflections on the strength of Central Coast women. “Carol Lenthall was very surprised and visibly touched to be named our 2019 honouree. “The awards encouraged others to reflect on the strengths, abilities and healthy relationships they can draw upon when times are tough,” Burgess said. Source: Media release, Apr 1 Sharyn Burgess, Iris Foundation