Issue 179 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

Issue 179

4 December 2019

CCN YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS - PH: 4325 7369

Vandals attack Little Tern colony

The abandoned Little Tern chick in the care of ASRCC

he Little Tern colony at North Entrance’s Karagi Reserve has suffered a devastating blow after several nests and eggs were destroyed during a raid over the weekend. The Little Tern is considered endangered in NSW and is particularly sensitive to human disturbance when breeding. They nest on the ground and have therefore been severely impacted by the human takeover of nesting beaches, as parents are known to abandon chicks and eggs when stressed or threatened, making for a generally poor breeding rate for the species. In an effort to help preserve the North Entrance colony, the section of the reserve where they nest has been fenced off and large signs informing of the colony’s presence have been

A Little Tern and chick from the North Entrance colony Photos: Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast

erected by Central Coast Council. However, according to Central Coast Birding Group member, Luke Ullrich, that did not stop two children and one adult from entering the nesting ground on Sunday afternoon (December 1) and harassing several parents and chicks, destroying multiple nests and eggs in the process. Ullrich, who had gone to photograph the colony’s latest lot of chicks a few days earlier, was riding his bike along The Entrance Channel when he witnessed the trio inside the nesting ground around 7pm. When he realised what they were doing he began shouting at them to leave and they quickly did, but the damage was already done. “It was gut wrenching really,” Ullrich said. “They were harassing the parents and chasing the chicks. “They were even

throwing the eggs at each other. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. Ullrich said the colony was well known to locals with the space generally respected by residents, and its fencing and signage well maintained by Central Coast Council. He described the three intruders as a man possibly aged in his 30’s and two boys possibly aged between 12 and 15. He was unclear how long they had been terrorising the colony but was thankful that he was passing by. “It’s just so hard to get your head around that someone could do that. “There’s no way you can do that and not know that what you’re doing is wrong,” he said. Ullrich and other bird lovers and specialist organisations now fear for the health of the colony, with this incident having potentially wiped out a good portion of its next generation.

“Who knows what effect this will have long term? “I know of one chick that was abandoned and it’s possible there’s more, and there could also be some abandoned eggs. “It’s just awful,” Ullrich said. The abandoned chick is now in the care of Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast (ASRCC). ASRCC Coordinator, Cathy Gilmore, echoed Ullrich’s sentiments and said it was unthinkable that someone could do this, let alone condone children disrupting endangered wildlife. Central Coast Council and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW DPIE) have both been approached for comment. Spokespeople for both organisations have confirmed a full interagency investigation into the incident is underway.

In a statement, the Council spokesperson said Council was extremely disappointed in the alleged behaviour of the trio involved. “Council has a longstanding practice of erecting temporary fencing and warning signs each breeding season to help protect the critically endangered Little Terns. “During these periods, the animals are monitored by dedicated community volunteers. “Council and The NSW DPIE both encourage any residents who witnessed the incident to contact the Environment Line on 131 555 to provide any additional information that may help with investigations,” the spokesperson said. The NSW DPIE spokesperson said the Department was shocked by the reports of intentional damage to the North Entrance Little Tern colony. “NSW DPIE is working with Central Coast

Council to investigate the incident and is calling on the public to come forward if they have any information on the alleged incident. “Little Terns rely on the public to protect them by staying clear of marked nesting areas and keeping their dogs and vehicles well away. “The Little Tern is listed under NSW legislation as endangered, so every nesting area is important to securing their future in NSW. “Offenders who harm or attempt to harm them could face significant fines under the Biodiversity Conservation Act,” they said. Source: Website, Dec 1 Cathy Gilmore, Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast Interview, Dec 2 Luke Ullrich, Central Coast Birders Media Statements, Dec 2-3 Central Coast Council Media NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Dilon Luke, Journalist

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

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4 December 2019

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Gingle Bells Floral Gin Baubles are lovingly hand made by Wild Hibiscus Flower Co. The Baubles are the latest creation of company founders Lee and Jocelyn Etherington and are the perfect gift for gin lovers this Christmas. A gift set of six, each bauble is handmade and contains six different Wild Hibiscus Flower Co. natural botanical gins: Finger Lime, B’Lure Butterfly Pea Flower, Wattleseed, Snow Chrysanthemum, Wild Hibiscus and Pepperberry. Included in the gift set is a cocktail recipe to accompany each bauble’s

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yong Regional Chronicle includes “source lines” at the end of each article which aim to provide readers with information about where and how we came across the information, so that they might judge for themselves the veracity of what they are reading.

envelope and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle Gingle Bells Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on December 16. To be eligible to win this competition you must be 18 or older. The winner of the Grit Scooter Competition was Damian Lade of Tuggerawong.

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11 November 2019

14 NOVEMBER 2019

Young artist aims to raise $5000 for support service

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Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill could see the end of Wallarah 2 Edna celebrates her 100th birthday

www.centralcoastnews.net

Central Coast Greens MLC, Abigail Boyd, introduced the Bill to the NSW Parliament Upper House in October and it is due to be debated on November 21. “If passed, this Bill will protect our drinking water here on the Central Coast and prevent the Wallarah 2 coal mine from proceeding,” she said. Boyd, also the NSW Greens spokesperson on Mining, Coal and Coal Seam Gas, said the Bill would protect the Central Coast drinking water by imposing a moratorium on mining and mining related activities in the following catchments: Mangrove Mountain Creek dam and weir, Mooney Mooney dam, Ourimbah Creek, Porters Creek, Wyong River as well as land where surface water drains to those places. “The Wallarah 2 coal mine will consume gigalitres of our drinking water supply

“We’re in the middle of a Umina resident Ms Edna centenarians at the village: Ms Taylor celebrated her 100th Beatrice Abrahams, Ms Norma process where we are changing Petersen, Ms Frances Dawson, our care methodologies and we birthday on October 20. “I’ve had such a wonderful life and can’t believe I made it to 100,” she said. The daughter of a World War I Anzac, Ms Taylor lives in the Jack Aldous House at Peninsula Village. “I was lucky enough to share my birthday with all my family and friends from Jack Aldous House as well as the staff at the village,” Ms Taylor said. Ms Taylor joins eight other

Mr George Jackson, Ms Dorothy Callister, Mr Gordon Briggs, Ms Joy Lewis and Ms Phyliss Hill. Peninsula Villages chief executive Mr Shane Neaves said he believed that maintaining an environment of inclusion, independence and support was crucial to longevity in full-time care. “There are not many places where you’ll find nine centenarians living at the same address.

think it’s going to really improve the experience here at Peninsula Villages,” he said. “People are living longer and moving into residential aged care at a later age which means we are adapting our services and our models of care to ensure we can cater for our community of seniors now and long into the future.”

SOURCE: Website, 24 Oct 2019 Shane Neaves, Peninsula Villages

Two marine rescues near Lion Island Marine Rescue Central Coast conducted two rescues off Lion Island on October 31.

and threatens its contamination, with clean up possibly taking up to 30 years,” said Boyd. “It poses significant threats to the waterways that form the Central Coast water supply system at a time when our water reserves are already being depleted at an alarming rate across the state. “The Sydney and Illawarra water catchments already have the benefit of special protections and are within the remit of Water NSW. “So why not the Central Coast? “The Liberal-National

The Community Environmental AlIiance rally in Wyong, protesting the Wallarah 2 coal mine Government defends its promise that the Liberals and ensure that mining mining approvals process would not approve leases and exploration despite it having led to Wallarah 2. permits reflect that a longwall mine being “Protecting the Central common sense’. permitted in the drinking Coast from Wallarah 2 ‘No ifs, not buts’, a water catchment of over was the subject of an guarantee, said Boyd. 340,000 people. election promise from the “Prior to the 2011 “They defend that Liberal Party in 2007 and election it was also stated process despite it 2011, and the Labor Party in Liberal Party policy resulting in a mining in 2015. that there would be no company being allowed to “In a statement that coal mining in the Wyong discharge recycled mine the Liberal Party will not water catchment valleys. water into that drinking be allowed to forget, “Almost a decade water catchment. on February 28, 2008, after the ‘no ifs, no “Nowhere else in the Barry O’Farrell, (then buts’ guarantee given world would this be leader of the Opposition), to the Central Coast allowed to happen.” addressing a rally against community, in the face During her speech the Wallarah 2 coal mine, of sustained community introducing the Bill, Boyd said the next Liberal opposition and the slammed the Liberal Government: ‘will ensure evidence mounting Party over the approval, that mining will not occur about the dangers of bringing up Barry on the Coast or in any invasive, destructive, O’Farrell’s now infamous water catchment area water intensive longwall

mining, this Bill gives the government the chance to finally make good on the Liberal’s promise,” Boyd continued. Boyd also criticised the Liberals for putting the onus on the mine operator, Kores, to ensure the catchment is not polluted. “The government will say that the 200-plus conditions placed on the mine, that rely on Kores to do the right thing and ensure they don’t accidently pollute or deplete the drinking water, is sufficient protection.

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

Continued P6

4 December 2019

20 November 2019

Edition 482

Issue 179

Issue 178

6 November 2019

A yacht and a runabout were rescued in quick succession late on the Thursday afternoon. At around 3:30pm, a 26ft trailer sailer called for assistance after losing steering and power in Broken Bay. The conditions were choppy with a stiff north-easterly blowing the yacht close to the rocks at Lion Island. Their small auxiliary motor could do little in the conditions, but they were able to hoist a jury rig while waiting for rescue crew to arrive. The rescue service boat Central Coast 21, skippered by Mr Mark Sheehan and crewed by Mr Alan Harvey, raced to the scene taking the vessel in tow for the long haul back to Lions Park. Just after rounding the western side of the island another call came in from a runabout which was on the northern side, having also lost power and drifting dangerously towards the rocks. Watch officer Mr Duncan Coles

contacted Marine Rescue Terry Hills and Broken Bay Water Police to see if any other vessels were in the area. With no quick solution available, it was decided that Central Coast 21 would take the first vessel to anchor in the safety of Iron Ladder and then return to assist the runabout. As Central Coast 21 raced back

to the runabout, the vessel was able to flag down a passing boat which took it in tow. Central Coast 21 shadowed the tow in the choppy conditions before returning to the yacht and continuing with its tow to Lions Park. SOURCE: Media release, 3 Nov 2019 Mitch Giles, Central Coast Marine Rescue

An 11-year-old Point Clare girl who has benefited from a support service in Woy Woy for siblings of people with special needs is aiming to raise $5000 to help fund the program. Courtney Cottle is big sister to Harmoni, who has autism. Growing up as part of her sister’s support network, Courtney has faced challenges other children do not have to face. She has attended the siblings program offered by Coastwide Therapy Services in Woy Woy, and has raised money previously for the service. The program connects siblings of special needs children with one another, providing them the opportunity to talk about some of the issues they face at home. It also focuses on teaching these children coping mechanisms and other strategies for dealing with feelings of isolation, stress and resentment under the guidance of a psychologist. “The sibling program helped me cope with some big changes in my life after Harmoni was diagnosed, and when I learnt it was stopping, I knew I wanted to help it get back up and running,” Courtney said. “We are all going through things and it’s important that we all lift each other up, not bring each other down.” Art has always been a passion of Courtney’s and she’s now putting her creativity towards a cause as she prepares to hold a fundraising exhibition at The Entrance Gallery. Courtney’s exhibition, “The Girl”, is an expanded version an exhibition which was held in Point Clare in April. It will feature new paintings and sculptural pieces and will act as a multi-media installation where guests are given a sneak peek into the life of ‘the girl’. “My art is an expression of a time when I felt unsupported and I think many people can relate to that feeling,” Courtney said.

Courtney is hoping to raise $5000 from the exhibition to donate to Coastwide to directly fund the program and has already raised just under $2000 from the first exhibition. As part of the exhibition, Courtney and her siblings have also created over 300 rocks which will be hidden around the Coast in the lead up to opening night. The rocks have been decorated with different artworks and have information about ‘the girl’ on them. “Anyone that finds a rock should bring it to the exhibition. “It will help you discover the girl’s secret,” Courtney said. The girl’s secret is a hidden phrase that guests will be challenged to guess after viewing the exhibition. Those who guess successfully will have a chance at winning prizes. The exhibition will open at The Entrance Gallery at The Entrance Community Centre from 7pm on November 22 and will run until December 21. SOURCE: Media release, 29 Oct 2019 Vanessa Cottle, Point Clare Interview (Dilon Luke), 30 Oct 2019 Courtney Cottle, Point Clare

THIS ISSUE contains 61 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info 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

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Prime Minister makes a flying visit to the Central Coast but has nothing new to offer

rime Minister Scott Morrison reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in the Central Coast region during a brief but largely unremarkable visit to Gosford on November 12.

Morrison popped into town to be keynote speaker at Gosford, Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce’s November luncheon meeting, en-route to Canberra, where he was expecting an update on the dire bushfire situation which continues to ravage NSW. He told around 250 attendees that local businesses were “the beating heart” of any community and noted that the Central Coast region had seen 1,500 new businesses start up since 2015. “This government believes very passionately in small business,” he said. “A strong regional economy is the only way to guarantee the provision of essential services, things like roads and

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison in Gosford on November 12

schools, and we are strong on investing in small business to give it a chance to grow.” “This is an incredible environment and you all get that,” he said. “More and more people are also getting it and moving to the Coast.

“We have big plans for the Coast which we will continue to roll out.” Morrison highlighted the government’s commitment to the $72.5m Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute now under construction at Gosford

Hospital, jointly funded by the Federal Government and the University of Newcastle. He also highlighted government commitments of $70M in road upgrades, $1.6M on the M1 upgrade and $35M for commuter carpark upgrades at Gosford and Woy

Woy. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, who introduced Morrison at the meeting, said: “The desire to drive investment in Gosford like the university campus was a vision long before I became the Member for Robertson,” she said. “Providing opportunities for people to work where they live is what drives me and I know drives the Prime Minister.” Chamber president, Rod Dever, said the Prime Minister had shown a real understanding of regional issues. “He made it clear we were on his radar and that we are no longer the forgotten Central Coast,” Dever said. The Prime Minister was not available for questions from the media despite our many attempts to ask more specific local questions. Source: Gosford Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce meeting, Nov 12 Media release, Nov 13 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks Reporter: Terry Collins

Catastrophic Fire Danger survived

he Central Coast survived a Catastrophic Fire Danger warning on November 12 virtually unscathed, although the Rural Fire Service warns that residents should remain vigilant, with rain not predicted for some time. Several schools were closed on the Coast in view of the warning and thick smoke filled

the air for most of the day. RFS Central Coast public liaison officer, Stuart O’Keefe, said there were a “couple of minor ignitions” which were dealt with quickly. “There was a report of fire at Warnervale but nothing was found, and smoke sightings reported at Woy Woy Bay and Green Point required no firefighting,” O’Keefe said. “However, there is a heightened level of awareness in the community and a certain level of anxiety at the moment

and we would encourage people to report any suspected fires quickly and we will respond accordingly.” O’Keefe said firefighters had “planned and had resources for the worst possible scenarios” following the Catastrophic listing and news that southerly winds due late in the day could lead to a heightened fire risk. “Fortunately for us, none of that preparation was required,” he said. “But the message is that although the high

temperatures and winds have abated for the moment, they are likely to return “The bush is very dry and drought affected and even on calm days fires can take hold and burn quickly. “We would ask everyone to remain vigilant and maintain the highest level of preparation. “Ensure your bushfire survival plan is regularly reviewed, especially in the current situation. “The situation will not really

resolve until we have flooding rains and these are not predicted for months.” O’Keefe said smoke on the Central Coast was coming from the Gospers mountain region, 50km to the west. “I urge everyone to keep up to date with the Fires Near Me app,” he said. Source: Interview, Nov 13 Stuart O’Keefe Public Liaison Officer, Rural Fire Service Central Coast

ISSUE 220

Leagues Club Field work to commence

ork on the $10M redevelopment of Leagues Club Field on the Gosford waterfront is to start in December. See Page 3 for more

Loss of temporary Terrigal car park

he loss of 33 car parking spaces in Church St, Terrigal, became inevitable when the former Gosford Council made the decision to sell the land to a private developer in 2015, Central Coast councillor, Chris Holstein, said this week. See Page 8 for more

Cluster home builder goes into liquidation

embers of the Narara Ecovillage have been left with 18 incomplete cluster homes after their contracted builder went into liquidation. See Page 11 for more

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

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Application lodged for rezoning to develop a 300 lot housing subdivision

entral Coast Council is considering rezoning land at Lake Munmorah to develop a 300 lot housing subdivision. Applicant, EDH Group, wants Council to start the process of rezoning the 27.2ha site at 285-305, 315, 325 and 335 Pacific Hwy, Lake Munmorah, to low density residential and environmental conservation. This is part of the draft Greater Lake Munmorah Structure plan which was on public exhibition earlier in 2019 and is due to be reported back to Council before the end of the year. Secretary of Lake Munmorah Progress Association, Stuart Durie, said the detailed concept plans were put to the community on several occasions during the exhibition period of the Structure Plan and it seemed that no objections were raised.

An indicative masterplan of the Lake Munmorah site – the red section could be rezoned for 300 housing lots “There seems to be a general consensus,” he said, “and anything that precipitates the start of the second stage of the Woolworths centre is a good thing”. The site currently comprises an animal boarding kennel, dwellings, telecommunication tower, retail nursery, a service station, four water dams and most of

the land is cleared. The proposal seeks to amend the Wyong Local Environment Plan or the future Central Coast LEP to allow a minimum lot size of 450sqm to the site to retain consistency with low density residential lots in the surrounding area. A specific Development Control plan will be prepared by Council staff to ensure any

future development is properly integrated with an expanded future commercial precinct and other adjoining residential development. The developer will be required to provide intersection and road upgrades as well as contributing to cycleways and footpaths in the locality. A traffic study submitted with the

proposal states that most of the additional traffic from the development will pass through Chisholm Ave and on to Tall Timbers Rd and will require significant road upgrades. Alternate access options to the Pacific Hwy are also put forward by the applicant for a new intersection on the highway and Kangaroo Ave.

The best traffic management solution will need to be confirmed by Council and the Department of Transport before the planning proposal can be publicly exhibited. Included in the green corridors will be significant opportunities for rehabilitation, recreation links and a public cycleway. A continuous link of vegetation and wildlife corridor between Lake Macquarie and Lake Munmorah must be retained and restored. Councillors decided at the October 28 meeting to defer a decision until a site inspection was held as well as a workshop to consider key principles in transport, land capability, sustainability and liveability features. Source: Meeting, Oct 28 Agenda item 2.2 Central Coast Council Interview, Nov 12 Stuart Durie, Lake Munmorah Progress Association Journalist, Sue Murray

NSW Audit Office audit has delayed production of council’s financial statements

entral Coast’s financial statements will eventually be out on display for the public to see that council has “absolutely nothing to hide”, Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy, said. He said it “is pretty

unusual” for the statements to be so late but people should not read anything into that. “Council has a thorough risk and audit committee with very experienced people who are on top of everything, particularly the financial statement,” he said. He assured the public that council would not commence

public consultation on the statements over the Christmas period when everyone was on holidays. The councillors would “form an opinion” on the financial statements probably in February next year and then they will go on public exhibition. He said it was frustrating for everyone, but the auditors were

entitled to do all the testing they needed. Murphy said it was the first time that the NSW Audit Office had audited the council and they were taking a lot of time, mainly seeking to understand how the council operated. The auditors were doing a lot more testing around the control environment, such as

who has the authority to sign off on costs, etc. and it was taking a lot longer than anyone would have expected. “To be fair to them, they are used to auditing State Government Departments and Local Government is new to them,” he said. He said it was unusual to adopt the Annual Report without the

financial statements because they were such a large component of it. At council’s November 11 meeting, councillors agreed to adopt the annual report and wait until February 29, 2020, for the financials to be added as an addendum.

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

Continued P7

2019 OFFICIAL

25 November 2019

Bays group opposes demolition of historic boatshed The caretaker of a historic boatshed at Horsfield Bay has gained the support of the Bays Community Group in his efforts to save the building from demolition. A demolition order has been issued by NSW Crown Lands following storm damage a year ago. Department of Planning, Industry and Environment media manager Mr Scott Tucker said: “The boatshed has been held by the holder under a Crown licence since October 20, 1960. “The licence conditions have not changed and have always stated that the boatshed should be removed at the end of its life. “An insurance assessment obtained by the licence holder has found that the storm damage left the structure beyond repair and it needs to be demolished. “It is also creating a safety hazard. “Once cleaned up, the site will be restored to public open space for the safe enjoyment of the community,” Mr Tucker said. However, caretaker Mr Stan McDonald said: “Melita Boatshed is a landmark and must be preserved. “It has been an icon in the Brisbane Waters area for a century and is an important part of the area’s history,” he said. The Bays Community Group president Ms Cathy Gleeson

agreed, saying the potential loss of the boatshed would be a crippling blow to the rich heritage of The Bays. “The Melita Boatshed has been an integral part of the history of The Bays and, in particular, Horsfield Bay. “It is over 100 years old and is the last of several sheds that were built along the foreshore of Horsfield Bay,” Ms Gleeson said. “The Bays Community Group has, over the past 25 years,

supported and asked for assistance to have Melita acknowledged by Gosford Council (at the time) as a heritage item and to be preserved and given financial support to help be maintained. “Unfortunately, this has not been forthcoming, and as such the boatshed has suffered. “The Bays Community Group, on behalf of residents of The Bays, is asking for assistance and support to have this important part of our local history given as a matter of

urgency, financial assistance by way of heritage listing by Central Coast Council and for its historical significance to be recognised and preserved so that it can be restored and remain an integral part of our area’s history,” Ms Gleeson said. Mr McDonald said the boatshed suffered extensive damage following a severe storm in November last year which saw it dislodged from its foundations and partially submerged in the bay. He said that, after a lengthy

insurance claim that lasted 12 months, he was informed the boatshed had been approved for repair, but the Crown Lands department had since stepped in, claiming the boatshed’s current state had made it a safety hazard and that it must be demolished. Mr McDonald said he was aware the foundation of the boatshed could not be saved but argued that the remainder of the structure could be preserved to retain the culturally and historically important structure. He said he had been told that following further assessments of the site he could have just 60 days to get the boatshed demolished and is now in the process of launching a submission to Crown Lands calling for the decision to demolish Melita Boatshed to be overturned. Mr McDonald said he had discussed the situation with Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch and was encouraging concerned residents to write to NSW Crown Lands seeking the preservation of the boatshed.

SOURCE: Email, 7 Nov 2019 Interview (Dilon Luke), 18 Nov 2019 Stan McDonald, Horsfield Bay Media statement, 18 Nov 2019 Cathy Gleeson, The Bays Community Group Media statement, 19 Nov 2019 Scott Tucker, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

New phase in building aged care extension A new phase of works is set to begin at Umina’s Peninsula Village new 114bed extension.

Village chief executive Mr Shane Neaves said the structure of the building was complete and work was set to start on the exterior of the building. “We are pleased to report the structure of the building is complete with frames and trusses to be finalised by the end of the month. “The entire roof will be on by the end of the month too,” Mr Neaves said.

“The roughiins of all services are complete to the ground floor with 70 per cent on level one and 30 per cent on level two completed.” He said plastering had started on the lower floors which had enabled the carpenter, painter and tiler to commence work. “The ensuite fit-outs will commence towards the end of the year. “The facade is 50 per cent complete with cladding progressing well and the majority of the windows now installed.”

SOURCE: Social media, 11 Nov 2019 Shane Neaves, Peninsula Villages

THIS ISSUE contains 63 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info 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

29 NOVEMBER 2019

CCN

ISSUE 221

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Department of Planning criticised for lack of transparency

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Vandals attack Little Tern colony

/centralcoastnewspapers The abandoned Little Tern chick in the care of ASRCC

T The proposed St Hilliers Mann St development

An Executive Member of the Community Environment Network (CEN) has criticised the State Government for not allowing enough time for community feedback on Development Applications (DAs) being assessed for approval as State Significant Developments. CEN Executive Member, Michael Conroy, said proposals for the Kibbleplex site on Henry Parry Dr, Gosford and the St Hilliers’ development in Mann St were two cases in point. “CEN considers that the NSW Government is only going through the motions of the public participation process that is required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, while minimising the window of opportunity for Central Coast Council and community groups to make submissions to this process,” Conroy said in a letter to the editor. He said that while both DAs had been exhibited for the legal

minimum of 28 days from October 11, the scale of the proposals and the number of documents involved did not allow adequate time for community comment. “The development proposed on the Kibbleplex site would be the largest private sector development in Gosford; it is estimated to have a capital cost of $345M and its five residential towers (and podium) would have a gross floor area of 73,000 square metres,” Conroy said. “The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this proposal contains 129 pages and has 20 technical appendices (such as traffic, water cycle, visual impact etc). “The St. Hilliers’ development is estimated to have a capital cost of $165M and would have just over half the floorspace of the Kibbleplex development (40,000 square metres) in its hotel and two residential towers “The EIS for this proposal contains 104 pages and 23

appendices. “With all the resources and professional expertise available at Central Coast Council, the Council officers only completed their submissions on the hundreds of pages in the Environmental Impact Statements and 43 appendices in the first week in November, with submissions closing on November 7.” Conroy said if members of the public wished to make a submission on line after digesting the hundreds of pages of technical information, the Department specified that they should: create a user account on the Department’s Major projects website; click the ‘Have Your Say’ link; find the project concerned; and Click the ‘Make a Submission’ icon, all after reading the Department’s privacy statement. “It is not surprising that the only community group which … had the time and patience to successfully make an online submission was the Community

The Lederer Group’s proposed development on the former Kibbleplex site

Environment Network,” he said. “No individual members of the public made a submission on two of the largest developments proposed in the Gosford City Centre. “CEN considers that the Department’s exhibition of these two applications for State Significant Development in Gosford City Centre has failed to implement community participation principles.” He said according to the Environmental Planning and AssessmentAct:the community has a right to be informed about planning matters that affect it and planning authorities should encourage effective and ongoing partnerships with the community to provide meaningful opportunities for community participation in planning; planning information should be in plain language, easily accessible and in a form that facilitates community participation in planning, and the community should be given opportunities to participate in

strategic planning as early as possible to enable community views to be genuinely considered; community participation should be inclusive; and planning authorities should actively seek views that are representative of the community. But a spokesperson from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said the department’s approach for DAs in the Central Coast region was “consistent with all of our projects across NSW”. “The community is the heart of everything the department does and we always invite the community to comment on all major projects under assessment,”the spokesperson said. “The development applications (DAs) mentioned were exhibited for 28 days from Friday, October 11, until Thursday, November 7. “All DAs and State Significant Development applications are exhibited for 28 days and rarely

does the department extend this timeframe. “The department will now collate submissions and then the applicants will be required to respond to community concerns raised. “This report will be publicly available on the department’s major projects website.” Unfortunately, the department’s approach for DAs in the Central Coast region does not include advertising development applications for major developments being on exhibition in any of Central Coast Newspapers’ publications, leaving it up to residents to have to find out somehow in time to react before the exhibition period closes, according to Cec Bucello, CEO, Central Coast Newspapers. Source: Letter to the editor, Nov 26 Michael Conroy, Executive Member, Community Environment Network Media statement, Nov 28 Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

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

A Little Tern and chick from the North Entrance colony Photos: Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast

/CoastNewspapers

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

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

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4 December 2019

NEWS

Woolworths exchange contracts for Hilltop Park location L

andcorp NSW (formerly named Lirun Developments) has confirmed that it has recently exchanged contracts with Woolworths for a site on Sparks Rd in the Hilltop Park residential development at Warnervale.

flagship stakeholder in this particular overall development reinforces its premium location and amenity,” Ahearn said. “With stage 1 all but sold out, and numerous sales in the remaining stage 2, interest in this Warnervale Town Centre development generally is increasing rapidly, particularly as there is only a limited number of residential and commercial lots available. Landcorp NSW is hoping that the centrepiece of its development, namely Hilltop Park, will be completed by the end of 2020, with extensive facilities to engage the community, including a sporting field, running/ jogging tracks, and

Sales agent for Landcorp NSW, Dan Ahearn, said the fact that Woolworths had decided to exchange contracts for this site was evidence of the importance of this development to both the local and the broader community. “In my opinion, having Australia’s largest supermarket chain becoming a

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a separate bicycle challenge track. “Landcorp NSW plans to deliver an overall community based precinct, with facilities for all ages, shops, a childcare centre, a family tavern, and other community infrastructure that will offer something for everyone and be a permanent asset to both residents and visitors,” Ahearn said. “This long-awaited development of the site is welcome news,” he said. The much anticipated town centre will be on its way in 2020, with works about to start on the commercial centre in Stage 5. Source: Media release, Dec 2 Landcorp NSW

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NEWS

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4 December 2019

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Eight community projects receive coal mine royalties

ight community projects will share in almost $50,000 under the 2019 Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program. In late 2013, Delta Coal (previously Lake Coal) was granted development consent to extract up to 2.1 million tonnes of coal per year, until the end of 2027, from Chain Valley Colliery. For each tonne of coal produced, $0.035 was required, as a condition of consent, to be allocated as a community funding program for projects

within the suburbs of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park. Central Coast Council holds the contributions made by Delta Coal under the Voluntary Planning Agreement and expenditure may only be made in accordance with recommendations made by the Community Advisory Panel. The panel comprises representatives from Council, Delta Coal and the local community, and its role is to make recommendations to Council as to the specific community projects for

funding to improve public infrastructure. The total available funds held by Council for the 2019 round was $83,559.97. Eight projects were recommended by the panel, totalling $48,898.95. The remaining funds of $34,661.02 will be rolled over into the 2020 Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program. This year’s round of funding will go to: Mannering Park Tidy Towns group – Keep It Clean, Keep It Green ($6,475) and Welcome

Wall upgrade ($730.45); Mannering Park Amateur Sailing Club – Sailability Safety RIB ($17,237) and volunteers support packs ($6,931); Northern Lakes Neighbourhood Centre – Cinema Under the Stars community event ($4,657.60); Mannering Park Public School P&C – classroom laptops ($5,877.90); Southlake Marketplace – Out ‘n’ About ($2,150); and, Mannering Park Mens’ Shed – three-phase converter ($4,840). Source: Meeting, Nov 25 Agenda item 3.10 Central Coast Council

Mannering Park Tidy Towns members, Andrew Whitbourne (left) and John Sauerbier, at the Welcome Wall

Community Environment Network UPCOMING EVENTS: Sustainable Saturdays

CEN YOUTH PRESENTS: ‘STEPS TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE’

Living Systems The recent catastrophic fire conditions have highlighted the deep disconnect we have with nature and lack of understanding of our interdependency with this living system, of which we are a part. This ignorance at all levels of our complex societies, has detached the connection between deforestation leading to soil erosion and without the “deep root of trees to bring moisture from deep underground eventually replenishing the atmospheric moisture from our oceans, the droughts tend to be longer and drier,” as described by Charles Eisenstein in his book Climate a New Story. He describes how deforestation results in higher clouds, which produce less rainfall in total but in greater intensity, aggravating the drought/ flooding cycle. This living system also includes our wildlife, such as our Koala’s, whose interdependent relationship with native eucalyptus trees are vital for other wildlife and so any catastrophic change to their population can trigger an ecological chain reaction. That’s why we are in a critical stage in human civilisation and why more than ever, we need to protect our Coastal Open Space System (COSS) and native forests from being cleared. Also, continue to protect our biodiversity, essential for the resilience of our living system, such as Porters Creek Wetland on our Central Coast, so it is not only protected but thriving. Join us at our monthly Sustainable Saturday’s to Protect, Reconnect and Regenerate our living human communities so dependent on a healthy ‘living system’. Hale Adasal CEN Chairperson

Our Community Environment YOUTH Network have over the past few months been developing the following: ‘Steps Towards a Sustainable Future’ - as an easy guide for members of our Central Coast community and beyond to act in building a sustainable future. I’m so proud to be sharing their first major project with you. Protect, Reconnect,

Regenerate are the main themes that all the steps cover, including the following categories: Native Trees & Plant Based Foods; Transport; Storytelling; Reduce Reuse Recycle and Renewable Energy. To read more and all the steps you can take, please see CEN website under Youth Projects. Hale Adasal CEN Chair

CEN NETWORKING NIGHT AND BAT AWARD WINNERS

When: Sat 7th December, 2019, 9am to 1pm Where: CEN Office, Ourimbah Our December Sustainable Saturdays on 7 December will be gifts of kindness to one another and our living earth as we team up with our local Amnesty Write for Rights event and write letters to protect our local natural habitats and defend those throughout the world who are doing the same. When we think globally as the earth knows no boundaries when it comes to our natural habitat and we act locally to protect our natural wonders to keep our air and water clean and our living communities safe from harm. We also act buying and sharing native plants encouraging through our CEN nursery to give gifts that keep giving. Join us won’t you. Everyone is welcome at your local Community Environment Network, Central Coast

Wildplant Community Nursery When: Saturday 7th December 2019, 9am to 1pm Where: CEN Office, off Brush Road, 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. Location: Brush road, Ourimbah Best access is via Brush Road – Turn into Brush Road from Shirley Street and as you start to drive up the hill turn left into the laneway and follow it along to parking and our driveway - look for the Plant Sale signs.

Phosphorous Awareness Week

Thursday night was CEN’s End of Year get-together where we celebrated together the achievements of this past year. We also presented the 2019 Be a Team (BAT) Awards and CEN Staff gave a brief update on their activities for the year. The 2019 winners were ost outstanding all-rounder “BAT” Award - Gary •M Blaschke for his dedicated work with Disabled Surfers Association, Coal-ash Community Alliance and as a vocal spokesperson on local issues.

ost outstanding community based organisation •M - Grow Urban Shade Trees (GUST), founders Melissa Chandler, Debbie Sunartha and Jennifer Wilder for their tireless work promoting the benefits of trees and community planting events. • R ookie of the year - Justin Estreich, for his inspirational marine debris clean ups across the Central Coast for Sea Shepherd and bringing people together in these events. • B est 12th person - Carla Roberts for her dedication and commitment to Wildlife ARC caring for injured native animals for more than 30 years

P-Week (2nd – 8th December, 2019) is to raise awareness about excess nutrients in our local waterways, which can be harmful for native plants, animals, and can cause algal outbreaks and eutrophication. Excess nutrients can come from sources such as detergents, fertilisers, animal & human waste, and many more! Waterwatch will hold a P-Day event for existing Waterwatch volunteers and anyone new who would like to find out more about nutrients in their local waterways. When: Thursday 5 December, 2019 VENUE: Terrigal Scout Hall, Willoughby Rd, Terrigal COST: Free Lunch will be provided on the day! Bookings by Wednesday 3rd Dec 2019 Contact: Waterwatch on Ph 4349 4757 or email: waterwatch@cen.org.au if you require any further information P-Day is coordinated by the Community Environment Network’s Waterwatch program and supported by Central Coast Council

Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre January Talks and Workshops – these events will be available at www.ccmdc.org.au/events to register by mid-December. • Marine Art Workshops: 7th January and 23rd January • Rockpool Rambles: 9th January and 17th January • Expert Talks: Shark Behaviour 10th January • Expert Talks: Rocky Shores 24th January • Shark Awareness School: 16th January

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

NEWS Marquart calls fellow councillors hypocrites over climate change WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

entral Coast Councillor, Troy Marquart, used a regular report to council on community grants from a coal company to launch an attack on fellow councillors for their stand against climate change, calling them hypocrites. “The reason I did want to speak on this item tonight is because in this room there has obviously been a horrendous amount of vilification in regard to coal and that type of base load power,” Cr Marquart said. “Unfortunately, recently this council decided to jump into bed with Extinction Rebellion and all their mates and say things such as base load power, such as coal, such as farmers who want to have sheep, farms with cows, gas, all these things need to go.” He was referring to the Council declaring a climate emergency, at

its August 26 meeting, when Crs Troy Marquart, Greg Best and Chris Burke voted against the declaration. The Council report that triggered Cr Marquart’s ire was about successful applicants under the 2019 Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program. Cr Marquart said Delta Coal (previously Lake Coal) had two coal mines and employed 250 workers who were employed “to dig up that horrendous black rock that many people in this room don’t like”. “I personally like it because it keeps the lights on.” In late 2013 the company was granted development consent to extract up to 2.1 million tonnes of coal per year until the end of 2027 from Chain Valley Colliery For each tonne of coal produced $0.035 was required, as a condition of consent, to be allocated as a community funding program for projects within the suburbs of

Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park. Cr Marquart said he appreciated the company wasn’t doing it out of “the absolute goodness of their heart but you go through what they are doing and I’m sure Cr Best is going to appreciate that the forgotten north is getting all this money, $48,898 which is going into the exact region that these people are working in.” Cr Marquart said Delta Coal was employing people and doing good things for the community and providing coal. “Yes coal, base load power, and so I just wanted to stand here tonight and say thank you very much to Delta, thank you very much for the employment of Central Coast people, thank you very much for what we’re looking at here and all those organisations that are going to benefit up in the forgotten north,” he said. Cr Greg Best then got in on the act.

“I really have some reservations about this, quite seriously,” he said. “This council is sending mixed signals now. “How long have we opposed coal mine activities? “When I came here, Wyong was pro-coal and we were a member of the mine-related councils and I was a leper in my own council. “Back then, the local mining protest group wasn’t allowed in the council chamber, 20 years ago, they weren’t allowed in and now we’re receiving this kind of money from coal.” He called on Council to be consistent. “I think we should flag here that we need to understand this, if we are going to have a line in the sand on our position, particularly with relation to emissions that we should be consistent,” he said. He then moved on to talking about the Korean government-backed Wallarah 2 coal mine with approved mining leases

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4 December 2019

in the Yarramalong Valley. He noted that the ALP had voted with the State Government on November 22 when the Greens’ Abigail Boyd put up the 2019 Central Coast Water Catchment Protection Bill to the Upper House. At this point, the Mayor cut in, saying the motion was about funding, not about Wallarah 2. She said he was wandering down a goat track and directed him to speak to the motion. Cr Sundstrom said it was about supporting an industry which made money in the area giving money back to the community. As the debate wrapped up, the Mayor asked Cr Marquart if he really felt he needed to take his right to close debate. “I do Madam Mayor,” he said. “If hypocrites were made of gold, then in my opinion we’d be the richest council in the southern hemisphere.” He said if it was a grant from “Cr MacGregor’s

mates, Extinction Rebellion, I’d be voting against it.” After the Mayor interrupted, he retracted his statements and apologised to Cr MacGregor. He then reworded his attack, saying he wouldn’t take a 30 cent voucher from Extinction Rebellion. Cr Marquart continued, saying it was hypocritical for people to put their hands up to accept this “Christmas present from coal and then next week again affirm that we’re in a climate change emergency and if we don’t all stop burning coal tomorrow then Mangrove Mountain is going to be waterfront”. Mayor Matthews said the debate had been hijacked and nobody had spoken about the projects the money would fund. “Shame on you,” she said. Source: Meeting, Nov 25 Agenda item 3.10 Central Coast Council meeting Journalist, Merilyn Vale

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NEWS

Page 6

4 December 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Labor and Liberal vote against Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill

reens NSW spokesperson on Mining, Coal and Coal Seam Gas, Abigail Boyd, has described the recent defeat of the party’s Central Coast Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill 2019 in the Legislative Council as “disappointing”.

Only six of the 42 upper house members, including Boyd, supported the Bill when it went to the final vote on November 21. The Bill, which sought to replicate similar protections afforded to water catchments in Sydney and the Illawarra, was aimed at preventing contamination of drinking water by the Wallarah 2 coal mine. “It is disappointing that the major parties continue to put the short

Greens MLC, Abigail Boyd, addresses the crowd outside Parliament House term profits of the coal industry ahead of the long term interests of the community,” Boyd said of the outcome. “No project is worth risking the drinking water of 350,000 people. “We can protect the environment and provide thousands of good jobs by investing more in

renewable energy and manufacturing on the Central Coast.” Greens Senator for NSW, Mehreen Faruqi, accompanied Boyd to the Central Coast on November 22, where the two met with residents. “The world is changing and the writing is on the wall for coal,” Faruqi said.

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“In response to the climate crisis, we are seeing the coal industry close down in places like Germany while our traditional export markets are pledging to cancel coal power stations. “The Central Coast needs real and sustainable jobs, not empty promises that will damage the environment and threaten crucial water supplies. “We know the Coalition are climate criminals who are refusing to take any action to protect the Central Coast community and its water. “Labor has voted against the Greens’ motion condemning the Wallarah 2 mine in the Upper House. “It’s time they made it clear to the community where they stand on this environmental ticking time bomb. “We need the Federal Government to protect the water of Central Coast communities and cancel all environmental approvals.” Wyong MP and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said “the Greens got this all wrong. “Their Bill, which copied the legislation that I had previously moved, was designed for when the mining company only had an exploration licence,” he said. “The Greens’ Bill failed to acknowledge the fact that the Berejiklian Government has now issued a mining licence which gives permission to Wallarah 2 to mine coal

for 28 years. “Labor has to acknowledge the fact that the Liberals have given permission to mine in our water catchment. “The facts are that there will not be the numbers in Parliament to pass any legislation at least until after the next election in 2023,” Harris said. He said Labor had taken the position that they would focus on the 122 conditions imposed in the licence to make sure no mining began until they were 100 percent met. “Labor continues to take the position that mining under our water catchment is reckless and we will continue to try and protect the integrity of our precious drinking water,” Harris said. “The Greens’ Bill had no chance of success and Labor will remain focussed on what can be achieved to protect our water catchment. “I have personally opposed this mining for over a decade and I remain committed to protecting our water supply,” Harris said. Several Coast residents travelled to Sydney on November 21 to rally outside Parliament House for the vote and many made it into the public gallery to find an almost empty chamber. When it came time to vote however, a Division forced all absent politicians back to the chamber where ALP members sided with the Liberals, Nationals and others to oppose the Water Protection Bill. Liberal Leader of the House, Scott Farlow, said the proposed protections would mean the cessation of all existing mining in the area, including the Mandalong coal mine and Boral Montaro clay mine, causing job losses and adverse impacts to regional growth. He cited a list of environmental reviews that the Wallarah 2 mine had passed through as well as an extensive set of conditions that had been set for its safe operation. Farlow was interrupted at times by disruptions

from the public gallery. The Liberals Central Coast MLC, Taylor Martin, spoke against the Bill, saying the Wallarah 2 coal mine would generate $800M in mining royalties for the State over the life of the project. Labor’s Leader in the House, Adam Searle, said his party opposed the Bill, although he explained at length that his party remained opposed to the Wallarah 2 coal mine. However, he said, since planning approvals had been given, new legislation that prevented its operations would create a case for compensation from the mine owners and create “sovereign risk’’. “To my knowledge, Australia is the only country that mines in water catchments,” Searle said. In a speech supporting the Bill, Independent MLC, Justin Field, said recent studies of coal mining in the Sydney water catchment had shown significant impacts on water supply and quality. “People on the Central Coast need future jobs, not jobs in declining industries,” he said. Boyd made it clear to all members of the House that the Bill would include amendments so no existing mining operations or jobs would be affected. She acknowledged that there could be costs associated with compensating mine owners, but it would be nothing compared to the cost of compensating Central Coast residents for the contamination of their drinking water. “Sometimes, when you make mistakes, it costs money to fix those mistakes, and approving this mine was a huge, huge mistake.” she said. Source: Hansard transcript, Nov 21 NSW Parliament Legislative Council Media release, Nov 21 Abigail Boyd, Greens MLC spokesperson on Mining, Coal and CSG Media statement, Nov 27 David Harris, Shadow Minister for Central Coast and Wyong MP Reporters: Ross Barry, Terry Collins, Sue Murray

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

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4 December 2019

NEWS

Future of promised skate park at Lake Munmorah still unknown

“conflicting situation” has arisen over a promised skate park at Lake Munmorah. Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, highlighted the $1.9M regional park in a recent brochure to residents, saying it would be built this financial year and the funding was in the 2018/19 budget. However, Lake Munmorah Progress Association is doubtful, as Secretary, Stuart Durie, said Council staff told them the park had been put on hold. Councillor Greg Best has called for an update report on this “conflicting situation” and “in the event that this project has been stalled” he wants the funds for the project preserved and moved over to the 2020/21 budget, instead of the money possibly being allocated elsewhere.

“This important youth project has been going on for years, arising from Wyong Council in 2015,” he said. Stuart Durie spoke in the Public Forum at Council’s November 25 meeting. He said the community was very concerned that council recently advised that the project was officially “on hold”. Durie said that in 2016, council officers told them that the preferred option was to have the park in Colongra Bay Rd, Lake Munmorah, and the community supported that site because of its proximity to the original and existing skate park, sport grounds and the benefit of passive surveillance from the bowling club. “The then council Director, Mike Dowling, assured us that this site would be accepted,” he said. “However, it is

Concept image of the skate park understood that the Colongra Bay Rd site was subsequently overlooked due to its apparent conservation value and it now has been chained off and is off limits. “And I might add that about $200,000 was spent on investigation to come to that conclusion.” Durie said the Progress Association raised concerns over the new site on Tall Timbers Rd, foreshadowing tenure

problems with the Crown land. “However, in November 2018, we were reassured, and it was confirmed by council staff, that a lease had been secured with the Crown for this parcel of land and that the funding will not be removed from this project,” Durie said. “So, that was quite heartening. “Now we are told it is on hold and there’s all sorts of rumours circulating as

to why it’s on hold,” Durie said. He said the community preferred the Colongra Bay Rd site and “obviously it suits people on the eastern side of the highway and is also adjacent to the existing skate park”, however, “we don’t take issue with the Tall Timbers Rd site as long as it can go ahead without any further prolonged delays”. Cr Best did not get a hearing for his Notice of Motion at the November 25 meeting because it ran over time, and it has been deferred to December 9. The skate park is part of a proposed new recreation area on the corner of Tall Timbers Rd, adjacent Woolworths, and alongside the football field, Gumbayah Oval. Durie said the Progress Association had previously asked Council to keep the original skateboard ramp in Colongra Bay Rd, but

Council reported that the skate park would be decommissioned and the site would be redeveloped as a recreation facility to complement the existing tennis and netball courts. Community feedback for the pre-design phase of the proposed recreation facility was sought in February, however it appears that no further progress has been made and Council’s website about the Lake Munmorah Recreation Facility says it has “put on hold community consultation”. Council declined to answer any questions from this newspaper about the progress of plans and would not give any reason why they would not answer those inquiries. Source: Meeting, Nov 25 Agenda item 6.3 Website, Nov 29 Media statement, Nov 29 Central Coast Council Journalist, Sue Murray

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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

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NEWS

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4 December 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Call to tighten water restrictions to be debated

ouncillor Greg Best will try for the fourth time, at Council’s next meeting, to tighten water restrictions to Level 2 on the Central Coast. His Rescission Motion to the December 9 meeting will be another attempt to convince his fellow councillors to skip Level 1 and go straight to Level 2 restrictions when Mangrove Creek Dam falls to 50 percent capacity. Central Coast Council’s Director, Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader, said storage in the dam was likely to dip to that level in mid to late summer. The water level in the dam on December 2 was 53.6 percent. Cr Best wants Council to recognise the “precarious situation” being faced around “our dwindling water supplies” in what he calls a water supply emergency.

Water levels at Mangrove Creek Dam are holding steady around the 53 percent mark. Under the Water Wise Rules which apply at present, watering is allowed any day before 10am and after 4pm and everyone is encouraged to use no more than 150 litres per person per day. Level 2 restrictions would prohibit the use of fixed hoses or sprinklers and limit use of hand held hoses with nozzles to one hour a day, three days a week, during designated hours. Cr Best said going to Level 2 water restrictions would reduce

water consumption by 10 percent and this represented tens of millions of litres of valuable drinking water in just the next few months. “Over 60 days of the Christmas New Year period, this would save us about 480 million litres, which is a huge amount by anyone’s measure,” he said. “On my calculations, checked by Council staff, Level 2 at this high usage period would yield a water saving of eight megalitres per day.

“Sydney water has recently moved to Level 2 water saving measures ahead of their agreed trigger levels and Hunter Water also now is in restrictions for the first time in 25 years,” he said. “Further, it is important for our community to understand that the Central Coast’s Level 2 is nowhere near as restrictive as Sydney’s Level 2 and still allows for the washing of cars and watering of gardens using hoses with control nozzles.

“Simple measures such as this with a growing population of some 350,000 residents can make such a difference.” His previous Motions on September 9 and 25 were deferred, and when it went to Council again on November 11, his Motion was lost, and Council decided to refer the water level restriction trigger levels to the Water Advisory Committee for consideration. “The community will judge this Council harshly if we do not show leadership on this crucial issue,” he said. “It is not good enough for this Council to repeatedly refer this issue to a Committee that was not even formed and then, subsequently, refer it to a Committee that hasn’t even met and unlikely to even meet this year,” he said. “Furthermore, even if the Committee does meet, its findings will not be able to be reported

for a Council decision until, at the earliest, mid February 2020. “This will be after millions of litres of drinking water has literally gone down the drain. “We have no choice but to act now,” Cr Best said. However, Mayor Lisa Matthews said the community had answered the call to help conserve water. “There have been calls for Council to move to water restrictions now but this is not necessary at this time as our residents are resilient, resourceful and responsible water users,” she said. “Thanks to their ongoing conservation efforts our dam levels are holding steady.” Source: Interview and Email, Nov 29 Councillor Greg Best Meetings, Sept 9 and 25, Nov 11 Media release, Dec 2 Central Coast Council Journalist, Sue Murray

RFS will recognise Central Coast as a region from 2021 T he NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has confirmed that from 2021, the Central Coast will be officially classified as a stand alone region for weather forecasts and emergency warnings.

RFS media officer, Angela Burford, said the Central Coast had been identified by both the RFS and the Bureau of Meteorology as one of the areas in particular to come under review. She said the RFS and the Bureau were working together in an ongoing

process to review all areas of NSW in correlation with the national fire danger rating system, and “it was anticipated that Central Coast would be its own area by 2021”. This follows a report in the Chronicle on November 20, when Wyong MP and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, addressed State Parliament the week before, calling on the government to have Central Coast become a distinct weather and fire district to avoid confusion. He said the problem was

once again highlighted during the “catastrophic” fire declaration on November 11 as the Bureau of Meteorology puts the Coast in the Hunter regional yet the RFS calls it part of the Greater Sydney region. Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, is calling on all government agencies to follow the lead of the RFS to ensure the Central Coast is recognised as a stand alone region and community. Mayor Matthews said: “The recent fire emergency had brought to light the lack of

recognition and identity for the Central Coast and this needs to change. “We had the situation where a catastrophic fire warning was issued but nowhere did it say Central Coast,” Mayor Matthews said. “This caused confusion in the community as to whether it applied to us, and that is the last thing you need in an emergency. “I am pleased that the RFS, which has been doing an amazing job during this unprecedented bushfire threat, has recognised this and will be changing

warnings in the future. “This is great news for our community.” Mayor Matthews and Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, have written to the Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management to ask for recognition as a stand alone region for all Federal agencies including the Bureau of Meteorology. “It is not just in emergency management, it is in other areas too, such as health and education, where we are often put together with the Hunter,” Mayor

Matthews said. “We are the third largest Council area in NSW by population, and growing. “We are big enough to be recognised as our own region. “I will continue to take up the fight to ensure that our community and our region gets the recognition and the services that they need and deserve.” Source: Interview (Sue Murray), Dec 2 Angela Burford, Media Officer, NSW Rural Fire Service Media release, Dec 2 Lisa Matthews, Mayor, Central Coast Council

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4 December 2019

Consent to operate Air B’n’B property at Norah Head refused N

orah Head residents have a reprieve from a noisy Air B’n’B property when Central Coast Council knocked back development consent at the November 25 meeting.

Location of the proposed Air B’n’B property at Norah Head installing further privacy screening on the upper balcony, limiting the hours of use of amplified music and use of the pool and restrictions on the parking of vehicles. Cr Jilly Pilon moved the

Source: Meeting, Nov 25 Agenda item 2.1 DA 288/2018 Central Coast Council Reporter: Sue Murray

SE RV IC E

destroying the amenity of the neighbourhood and their peaceful and private residential lifestyles. The applicant submitted a Plan of Management containing a comprehensive suite of measures to avoid or minimise impact on surrounding properties. These included restricting the maximum number of guests to eight, limiting the rentals to 120 days per year,

at the property were abusive and intimidated neighbours “because we had the temerity to ask them to tone down their exceedingly loud and sustained celebrations”. Ms Lane said that screening of guests and withholding security bonds were not measures that improved the situation. She said the operation of short term rentals at the property was

property would continue to be the primary place of residence for the owner and use of the property for short term rental would be on an ad hoc basis, primarily at holiday times. Short-term rental accommodation is permissible in the R2 low density residential zone and staff reported that with the stringent operating conditions put in place as part of the consent, the residential amenity could be maintained and the concerns of surrounding residents could be avoided or minimised. The final vote was sixall and the Mayor, Lisa Matthews, used her casting vote to topple the support for the AirB’nB at Norah Head.

Councillors spent more than 30 minutes debating the matter, knowing that the applicant already had an April appeal hearing in the Land and Environment Court, but finally, they sided with the residents. The applicant, Michelle Thomas, had been operating short term rental, mostly during holidays, at her private residence at 18 Soldiers Point Dr, Norah Head. In January this year, Council refused consent to operate and this latest application was for Council to review that decision and grant a 12 month consent. In public forum, a neighbour, Ms Lane, said: “Here we are again, to battle this self interest business practice invading our lives”. She said guests

staff recommendation to support the initial 12 months, with conditions. Cr Pilon said the responsibility would be with the owner of the property to see that the rules and Plan of Management was imposed. “We should see how the 12 months pans out,” she said. Cr Jillian Hogan rose to oppose the motion, mentioning noise and privacy issues, and Cr Louise Greenaway said it was one of her fears “that no matter how many complaints, it would be difficult to wind back” if consent was given. A staff report to the meeting said there were eight submissions and a petition containing 136 signatures opposing the operation of short term rental accommodation at the five bedroom, threebathroom property. The report said the

NEWS

Norah Head Marine Rescue to receive five new laptops

he Wallarah 2 Community Foundation has delivered a grant that will provide five new laptops to be utilised by new recruits and current volunteers at Norah Head Marine Rescue. “At present, Norah Head Marine Rescue has two very old laptops for training purposes and this important organisation will benefit from upgrading of their computers,” said Wyong Coal General Manager, Peter Allonby. Marine Rescue NSW is the state’s official volunteer marine rescue service, committed to saving lives on the water. At Norah Head, Marine Rescue provides the local

and visitor boating public and the community with a prompt, reliable, friendly and professional volunteer emergency service 365 days a year, on duty or on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They work closely with and support other emergency services when called upon. Norah Head Unit Commander, William Hignett, said volunteers are the unit’s greatest strength and should be recognised for their marine knowledge, courage and community service. “They are dedicated to helping boaters stay safe on NSW waterways. “Marine Rescue NSW is a registered training organisation

and our volunteers are professionally trained to national standards for their roles, both on and off the water. “One crucial part of our training is a specific software program containing details and descriptions of registered vessels. “It is used to log on and log off vessels, monitor vessels in transit, enter voyage details and create incident reports,” he said. “By assisting the Marine Rescue station and its volunteers by providing new computers, Wallarah 2 can be assured that there will be continued community safety benefits,” Allonby said. Source: Media release, Nov 18 Mandy Auston, Wyong Coal

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Traditional items such as televisions, computers, tablets and printers are all accepted as well as any electrical product with a cord that does not contain liquid. Dispose of waste responsibly and help create a more sustainable Coast! Accepted materials and Waste Management Facility locations can be found via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ewaste

NEWS

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4 December 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

New Chamber President says “we need to think big for the town”

he new president of Wyong Chamber of Commerce, Matt Lusted, is leading a team with big plans to become the administrative hub of the north and “second city” of the Central Coast, along with a Southbank style precinct along the river foreshore. To achieve these aims, Lusted said the Chamber’s focus was on building relationships between the business community and all levels of government. He has already met with the NSW Premier and Cabinet Ministers when they visited the Central Coast in September, as well as key Council officers to push a topic

Matt Lusted foremost in his mind, the success of the Northern Economic Growth Corridor. “It was important to impress upon them that the Wyong Chamber of Commerce is the ideal link between community and government and that the Northern Growth Corridor is ready for investment,” he said. “Our focus will be

proactive, not reactive”, he said. “The chamber needs to have a longer term view, to see itself as bridge builders, tree planters and city planners, working hand in hand with all levels of government for the generations that follow.” Lusted proclaimed Wyong to be the second city of the Central Coast, “the heart of the northern growth corridor”. “The biggest thing with Wyong is that it had been stagnant for so long but Wyong needs to be seen for what it is, the administrative hub in the northern end of the coast. “The upgrade of the highway through Wyong needs to be resolved, we’ve been talking about it for a very long time, and then people will

see Wyong in a much different light and the great opportunities with rail, bus corridor and so on. “There’s things we need to address from a planning point of view and that’s why we are in contact with NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, and have regular meetings with Council Directors to work together, and they’re extremely supportive of the proposals that we are putting forward. “There’s lots of opportunities presenting themselves in Wyong and Tuggerah right now. “One of the things I’m really interested in is spruiking the retail sector that is already happening here, through Alison Rd and the gallery precinct, and I want to see that

grow in co-operation with the Art House.” “We need to think big for the town and one of the things we’re putting forward is a river foreshore precinct, let’s call it Southbank, from Church St through to Johnson Rd on Tuggerah Straight. “Think of Southbank in Brisbane and in Melbourne and it straight away gives you a vision of what it could be,” Lusted said. Matt Lusted grew up around Wyong and his family commercial construction company has been in the area for more than 50 years. He is a long serving Chamber member and has previously been on the Board as their representative to the RMS during the planning

stages of the Pacific Highway upgrade. Lusted leads the newly elected 2019 Board comprising: Secretary, Georgia Thomas of Legal HQ; Treasurer, Susan Rodak of ANZ Mobile Lending Central Coast North; Joanne Cho of Organic Property Group; Jenny Darbin of Jendar Interior Designs; Richard Eifler of Next Step Inc; Adrian Simpson of Coastwide First National; and, Glenn Zocher of Studio 2 You. The chamber office has recently moved back into town directly above Motel Mezza at 1/98 Pacific Highway, Wyong. Source: Interviews, Oct 14 and Nov 13 Matt Lusted, President, Wyong Chamber of Commerce Journalist, Sue Murray

Petition launched to name reserve in honour of sailing club co-founder

udgewoi Sailing Club and the Noela Place Reserve Community Group have together launched a petition to see the reserve officially named the Ashley Chapman Reserve in honour of the Sailing Club’s CoFounder. An accomplished sailor, Chapman co-founded

the Sailing Club in the 1970’s and was a driving force for the development of recreational and competitive sailing in the area for 30 years. Such was his dedication, that Chapman was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. He lived behind the reserve from 1968 onwards and continued to be an active sailor and

advocate for the sport up until 18 months before his death aged 99, in 2012. With the Sailing Club poised to disband early next year, petition founder, Doreen Vandersteen, said Sailing Club members and friends of Chapman are hoping to see the reserve named to commemorate the legacy of Chapman and the rich sailing legacy of Budgewoi.

“The reserve is currently unnamed and there is wide local community support for honouring Ashley Chapman. “Many families and young people learned to sail through Ashley and the Club, and he was a mentor to local youth and was officially honoured for his contribution to sport and the community,” she said. The Sailing Club has

utilised the reserve for years in its endeavours and has championed the installation of an amenities block on the site that caters to the various needs of community members. Vandersteen said the reserve sees regular visitors for sailing and other recreational endeavours and said the petition was being launched to help Central

Coast Council see the community’s strong desire to see Ashely Chapman recognised for his contribution to Budgewoi. The petition, entitled Naming of Reserve at Noela Place, Budgewoi, is live on the Change. org website for anyone interested in signing. Source: Website, Nov 29 Doreen Vandersteen, Change.org

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4 December 2019

Council News in Brief

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tacoma South sewerage system to be replaced Replacement of the sewerage system to more than 100 properties on the southern bank of Wyong River at Tacoma South is due to start in April 2020. Tenders for the work are now open. A new pressure system, estimated to cost $3.5M, has been designed specifically for the conditions of Tacoma South and will significantly reduce the number of water infiltration incidents and their impacts. Residents will have an opportunity for an at-home consultation session to review the existing property design, reassess the electrical equipment for any changes in order the run the pumping apparatus, ask questions, raise concerns and discuss any potential changes before plans are finalised.

$148,000 in community grants allocated Council has allocated more than $148,000 in funding to 36 community projects across the Coast that actively retain, conserve and promote local heritage and enhance community life. The grants help groups run programs, buy equipment, subsidise

costs or upgrade or maintain facilities. This round of heritage grants allocated includes: Norah Head lighthouse, tower parapet repairs, $5,000; The Entrance historical carousel, $6,978; and, old Wyong Police Station, $1,045. Community grants include: Chain Valley Bay Progress Association, $1,620 for grand opening of new playground in Joshua Porter Reserve; Graffiti Removal Australia, $829 for green screening on corner of Wyong Rd and Bundilla Pde, Berkeley Vale, to combat graffiti; Shoebox revolution, $7,725 for 400 care packages for homeless and rent subsidy clients at The Entrance Community Centre; Mannering Park Tidy Towns, $750 for green screening to

An upgraded sewerage system will be installed in Tacoma combat graffiti; Wyongah and the Community Progress Association, Support Grant Program $1,558 for rates subsidy is open all year with on hall; Toukley & District applications assessed Art Society, $212 for monthly. annual children’s art competition; Wyong dog Dump electronic training club, $2,148 for waste for free ground fees and club laptop; Central Coast Domestic Violence Buttonderry Waste Committee, $4,965 for Management Facility at Central Coast Against 850 Hue Hue Rd, Jilliby, is Domestic and Family now accepting unlimited Violence Walk at The quantities of electronic Entrance; St Vincent waste (e-waste) at no de Paul Society, $4,400 charge. for women’s leadership E-waste is one of the workshops in Gorokan; most common items Norah Head Lighthouse placed in household Reserve Land Manager bins and bulk kerbside Board, $4,950 for collections, says marketing and historical Council’s Unit Manager book; Berkeley Vale Waste Service, Andrew Neighbourhood Centre, Pearce. $5,000 for nursery “Last year, we recycled upgrade. more than 135 tonnes The Heritage Grant of e-waste and with the Program Round 2 will number of new items that open in February 2020 can now be dropped off,

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we are hoping to continue this upward trajectory.” Items that can be dumped include televisions, computers, printers, phone and any electrical product with a cord that does not contain liquid. E-waste collected at Council’s three waste tips is transferred to an e-waste processing facility in Sydney where it is shredded and sorted to create high quality raw materials for re-use. All data on devices is destroyed during the dismantling process. If concerned, people can reset and erase all data from devices before dropping them at the tip.

Sale of “Chappypie” site delayed Councillors

have

called for a report to be presented at the December 9 meeting to explain the delay in selling the former Chappypie Chinese theme park land at 4 and 10 Warren Rd, Warnervale. Cr Louise Greenaway said the community was mystified about the holdup, considering Council resolved 12 months ago to put the property up for sale. CEO, Gary Murphy, said at the November 11 Council meeting “…to put the property on the market for market value, we need to understand what is the calculated value of the biodiversity offset for that site. “The only way to do that is to complete an ecological assessment and this would take 12 months because you need to consider all seasons when conducting an environmental assessment,” he said.

Meet Council staff at Wyong The general public will have a chance to ask questions and talk to key Council staff in Wyong on Thursday, December 5. They will be at a popup information centre in Wyong Village Centre at 18-34 Alison Rd, between 10am to 12 noon. Source: Meeting, Nov 11 Media release, Nov 11 Website, Nov 12 Media release, Nov 18 Central Coast Council

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4 December 2019

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Coast encouraged to celebrate local volunteers D

ecember 5 is the International Day of Celebration for Volunteering and The United Nations’ designated International Volunteer Day (IVD), and Volunteering Central Coast (VCC) is calling on locals to celebrate the numerous community members that give their time to improve the lives of others on the Coast. VCC Executive Officer, Fiona Morrison, said volunteering was a part of Australia’s national identity, with more than 5.8 million Australians, 31 per cent of the population, engaging in formal volunteering in the past five years. “Here on the Central Coast, 46,000 people volunteer in designated roles that they are formally recruited to every year. “Many more people are helping out their local communities on an informal or spontaneous basis, lending a hand at

Reese Muller is one of hundreds of volunteers working to make the Central Coast a better place school fetes, the sausage contribution of $290B per volunteering. sizzle at the local year. VCC embodies this community sports club or “Volunteers are a core theme by supporting helping out a neighbour element of the arts, people to find by mowing their lawn or education, emergency volunteering roles that giving them a lift to the services, sport, can meet their Centrelink shops,” Morrison said. environment, health, aged mutual obligations “In fact, formal care, disability support, through formal volunteering has woven tourism, and community volunteering. itself into the fabric welfare services,” she They also cater to of everyday life and said. mature aged jobseekers Australian society is The theme of this who bring a wealth increasingly dependent year’s IVD is Volunteer of knowledge, life on volunteering activities for an Inclusive Future, experience and skills to and programs, making highlighting the pursuit the table. an estimated annual of equality through Volunteering Australia economic and social

• Maintenance of the former Munmorah Power Station buffer lands and Weed Management. Site briefing 1.30pm, 6 December 2019

urf Life Saving Central Coast’s (SLSCC) major fundraiser, Ducks for Bucks, will return to The Entrance on Australia Day 2020 (January 26).

Site inspection and briefing address: Offices of Generator Property Management, managers of the former Munmorah Power Station, Scenic Highway, Doyalson NSW 2262, located between Doyalson and Budgewoi.

Ducks for Bucks has been held in partnership with Newcastle

Tender notice: GPM Co (Generator Property Management Pty Ltd) invites suitable and qualified companies to submit a tender for the following: • Concrete remediation works of the former Munmorah Power Station water cooling screens road bridge. Site briefing 10.30am, 6 December 2019

Attendance is not mandatory however prospective tenders are strongly encouraged to attend. Please contact Shalan Rao at s.rao@morrisonlow.com to confirm your attendance. Obtaining documentation: The tender documents will be available for downloading from eProcure portal at https://www.eprocure.com.au/ts/ from 26 November 2019. Tenderers will need to register before downloading the documents. If you experience any difficulties logging on or downloading any documents from this site, please contact eProcure on 1800 377 628. Direct all Tender questions through the ‘Question Forum’ once you have logged in. Tender contact person: Shalan Rao, Senior Consultant at s.rao@morrisonlow.com Closing date and time: Tender closes at 3pm on Wednesday, 18 December 2019. Lodgement: Submissions should be lodged in the Electronic Tender Box via https://www.eprocure.com.au/ts/ before the closing date and time.

roles. With IVD just around the corner, Morrison encourages all locals to be conscious of the volunteers that makeup the backbone of their area’s community services and to consider volunteering themselves. “At VCC we assist all sorts of people to find the right role for them, usually in their local neighbourhood, and support our member organisations to develop the art of creating a meaningful volunteer role. “You can volunteer for as little as 10 minutes a day or many hours a week, for one organisation or several, it’s up to you. “VCC can assist you to find the right role for you. “Our motto is ‘helping people, changing lives’ and that is as much about the lives of people who volunteer as the lives of the people they assist by volunteering,” Morrison said. Source: Media release, Nov 27 Fiona Morrison, Volunteering Central Coast

Ducks for Bucks to return as an Australia Day favourite

Generator Property Management Pty Ltd Description: Maintenance of buffer lands, weed management and concrete remediation works on water cooling screens road bridge.

defines volunteering as: ‘Time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain’ and it’s all about good will and the benefits that individual volunteers can bring to the services and causes they support. “It’s a real treat for me to be working with my organisations’ own volunteers every day who assist us to help everyone on the Central Coast find the right volunteering role for them,” Morrison said. “I love being able to introduce the benefits of volunteering to people who may have never considered volunteering before. “A lot of people have volunteered without considering it formal volunteering, it’s just a part of being helpful in their local neighbourhood,” Morrison said. Across the Coast, VCC has a membership of 115 not-for-profits that involve volunteers in their activities to make a difference in their communities. “We have over 900 different volunteering

Permanent for over two decades and it has been a major part of the Coast’s Australia Day festivities since it was greenlighted to run on the public holiday in 2014. Each year around 12,000 rubber ducks are let loose in The Entrance Channel with the first three ducks to cross the finish line awarded

a Newcastle Permanent bank account with $2,500 (first), $1,500 (second) and $1,000 (third), respectively. While situated in the northern end of the Coast, all 15 surf clubs on the Coast are encouraging their communities to enter a duck with the sponsorship fee directly going to SLSCC to help

fund its 15 branches. SLSCC CEO, Narelle Duggan, said aside from supporting the surf lifesaving movement on the Coast, Ducks for Bucks was also just a great day out, with the thousands of ducks and hundreds of junior lifesavers who enter the channel to keep them on course, making for quite the spectacle. The event also takes place close to sunset (around 6pm) so that families can settle in for The Entrance Australia Day fireworks afterwards. SLSCC has begun selling tickets for Ducks for Bucks now through the raffletix website. Source: Website, Nov 26 Narelle Duggan, SLS Central Coast

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4 December 2019

REGIONAL

Local Planning Panel confirmed and we have to make the best of a bad situation T

he State Government has confirmed a Local Planning Panel (LPP) will be up and running on the Central Coast early next year, with Mayor, Lisa Matthews, saying the move will see “hardly any” Development Applications (DAs) come before Central Coast Council. The government says the panel will “pave the way for impartial expert decision making on complex or contentious development applications”. DAs will go to the panel for consideration if: the applicant or landowner has a conflict of interest; the application has 10 or more objections; the proposed development deviates from standards by more than 10%; or the application relates to ‘sensitive development’

such as residential building greater than four storeys, licenced premises, or where a developer has offered to enter into a planning agreement. Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the government was committed to independent planning decisions on significant developments. “The LPP will bring greater transparency and accountability to the decision making process for local DAs, and give Central Coast residents greater certainty about planning decisions,” Crouch said. “LPPs have been operating successfully across Greater Sydney and Wollongong since March, 2018, and we want to see that success replicated on the Central Coast.” Liberal Member of the NSW Upper House for the Central Coast, Taylor Martin, said the Central

Mayor Lisa Matthews Coast was experiencing community. significant growth, “Putting decision boosting the need for making in the hands of impartial decision making the experts will allow on major projects, while elected councillors to Planning and Public focus their time and Spaces Minister, Rob energy on setting the Stokes, said the creation strategic vision, policies of an independent Central and development Coast Panel would allow controls for the Central the Council to be the Coast,” he said. “strategic leader” of its

The Central Coast LPP will be made up of an independent chair, two independent experts and a community representative. The experts will come from a pool of 200 people who have backgrounds in planning, architecture, heritage, the environment, urban design, economics, traffic and transport, law, engineering, tourism or government and public administration. A chair for the LPP will be appointed shortly, and Central Coast Council will nominate the expert members and community representatives. Clr Matthews said she had been advised that given the stated criteria, if a panel had been in place for the previous year, around 63 DAs determined by Council would have been referred to it. One recent example was Council’s approval of a $10.7M six-storey

development in Church St, Terrigal, she said. Clr Matthews said no official notification of a timeline for the introduction of the panel had yet been sent to Council, and concerns remained over its composition. “We don’t even know who these panel members will be,” she said. “I have heard of bad experiences that other councils have had with panels in their own LGAS. “But our objections have come to nothing and we just have to get on with it. “We have to make the best of a bad situation and hope the panel will make the right decisions for our community.” Source: Media release, Nov 15 Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch Interview (Terry Collins), Nov 26 Media Statement, Nov 27 Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews

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REGIONAL

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4 December 2019

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Mayor believes de-amalgamation is a “non-issue” D

e-amalgamation of Central Coast Council is a nonissue, Mayor Lisa Matthews said this week. But the size and geographic boundaries of the five wards and even their names need to be looked at. “People on the Peninsula don’t want to be called Gosford West,” she said. “Wyong Ward cuts into parts of Gosford. “The Entrance is probably the neatest ward and the easiest to get around compared to, say, Budgewoi. “There is a disparity relative to numbers and geographically.” Her comments come after a report on the

amalgamation process was adopted at the council meeting on November 25 without debate. The report noted that most residents surveyed in both the former Wyong and Gosford council areas were opposed to a merger but supported joint service delivery. Clr Matthews said her interpretation was that the community did not get a say, there was no consultation, just the State Government proclaiming the two councils were “getting married”. “Some would say a vote for the Liberals at the State election was a tick, a rubber stamp for amalgamation, but I’d disagree with that,” she said. “The community has

some concerns around amalgamation. “I think there are issues around the current ward structures. “Council needs to have a look around some of those issues. “The matter has been referred to a workshop where there will be robust discussion, I’m sure.” At the previous council meeting, on November 9, Cr Doug Vincent called the ward structure a “gerrymander”, the way the north was treated in the amalgamation of the former Gosford and Wyong Councils in 2016. The topic came up when councillors heard their next election, to be held in September, 2020, will cost more than $2.1M after a 34 per cent cost blowout estimated by the

Electoral Commission. The councillors voted to discuss at their annual workshop any potential questions for a poll or referendum that could be held in conjunction with that election. Should council decide to conduct a poll, the questions would need to be lodged with the NSW Electoral Commission no later than June and would add an estimated 10 per cent – or $236,000 – to the election cost. “Is this about demerging,” asked Clr Troy Marquart. “No,” Clr Chris Holstein said, but he wouldn’t rule out what could be discussed at the meeting. Clr Holstein has talked previously about three wards with five councillors in each.

The current system has three councillors for each of five wards. Clr Marquart said a de-merger had as much chance as the loch ness monster appearing in Brisbane Water. The report adopted on the amalgamation process recommended council include some “relevant questions” in its annual customer experience survey. “These additional questions will add value to the existing survey questions and data collected from 2018 and 2019 Customer Experience surveys and provide a comprehensive analysis on views of amalgamation and satisfaction of the Local Government Area,” the report said. The cost of adding

three minutes of extra questions to the 2020 customer experience survey would be an additional $7,900 plus GST. The amalgamated council received $10M under the new council Implementation Fund and a further $10M under the Stronger Communities Fund. A further report will come to the councillors in early 2020 that will outline the expenditure on amalgamation, the percentage of amalgamation that has been effectively delivered and what funds remain. Source: Central Coast Council meetings, November 25 and November 11. Interview, Mayor Matthews, November 12. Reporter: Merilyn Vale

Fourth quarter financial statements from last financial year still not available C

ouncillor Greg Best called on Central Coast Council to release a summary of the last financial year’s last quarter’s figures, saying councillors were flying blind without the numbers. His call came as councillors heard that it was operating at a deficit of $21.7M in the first quarter of this financial year, $3.1M more than it anticipated in its original budget. Council lost $2M expected income from

the three drops in the official cash rate, reducing interest paid on investments, and copped a $1.2M increase in operating expenses due to a new profit-sharing arrangement at Council’s holiday parks. On the plus side, the waste services pricing and emergency levy were less than expected. The figures were tabled at the November 25 meeting. It included an increased proposed budget for replacing the pitch at Central Coast Stadium. Clr Greg Best asked

why the councillors were seeing the first quarter financials of this year but they still hadn’t seen the fourth quarter financial statements from last financial year. The full financial statements for last financial year have still not been made public, as they are still being audited by the NSW Audit office. Clr Best asked if it was reasonable to have to wait until the next year to see the figures. “How do we know where we are at,” he asked.

CEO Gary Murphy said if councillors wanted an indicative fourth quarter report, it could certainly be arranged. “Would you not think it prudent from a board position to have those figures as we embark on our budget for 2020/21 so we sit in the February March discussions knowing where we have just come from let alone where we are going,” Clr Best said. Murphy said councilllors would certainly have information about the previous year’s financial position when they met about the

budget. Clr Best said councillors needed to be on the numbers and they were literally flying blind. He said they should have had the figures in August and that it would be six months late. “You have an $850M document and you have no idea where you’re travelling.” “With the greatest respect, Gary, we know how that can play out.” Clr Kyle MacGregor said he had full faith in the professional staff and he didn’t need to undermine their work.

He suggested councillors needed to look at the figures as an economist, not as an accountant. He said the action in the Q1 report showed a good record of delivery but noted the extra funds that had to be allocated to the Terrigal boardwalk and the re-pitching of the stadium. The Q4 report will be released to the councillors and the community but no time has been set. Source: Central Coast Council meeting, Nov 25 Reporter: Merilyn Vale

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4 December 2019

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Community Participation Plan went under the radar O

nly three people from the community submitted their thoughts on how the community can voice their opinions on development when Central Coast Council put its Community Participation Plan out on public exhibition.

Deputy Mayor, Clr Jane Smith, thinks that lack of reaction shows that perhaps council has more work to do, especially

when developments were usually such an important issue with residents. She wants the plan to include clear descriptions of how the community can participate in development decisions. “The Community Participation Plan is a really important development in response to the changes in the Environment and Planning Assessment Act that happened a couple of years ago and recognises the important role that the community does play in planning,” Clr Smith said.

The plan “wasn’t bad” and it needed to be adopted by December 1 but Clr Smith believed it could be improved. She said the fact that only three people “submitted a response on such an important issue as development when so many people write to council, attend meetings, want onsite meetings, have concerns about plans in their area, that they either didn’t know or weren’t engaged enough to review this and make a submission”. However, it’s more likely that the community didn’t

respond because they didn’t know about the plan, given that Central Coast Newspapers did not publish an article about it as Council failed to advertise the matter after being asked to do so. In any case, Clr Smith thought the complexity of planning in the region was missing from the document. “We’ve got SEPPS, we got potentially a local planning panel soon, we’ve got a range of other things happening and this document really needs to outline to the community

how they engage in that process,” she said. “It also needs to outline council’s role in the new framework.” She noted two recent developments in Gosford, the Kibbleplex and St Hilliers’ sites, that councillors had not been briefed on, and had not made submissions on, onbehalf of residents. Clr Smith moved at the November 25 meeting that Council further review the plan within four months to include a description of the role of the councillors in

planning decisions and to provide a description of the different categories of development and opportunities for community participation. She also wants improvements in ease of access to planning information and for councillors to consider how the plan will be implemented. A report will come back to the Council next April. Source: Central Coast Council meeting, Nov 25. Reporter: Merilyn Vale

Huge Central Coast sanctuary for all native flora and fauna proposed

urimbah and Strickland State Forests and Dharag, Popran and Brisbane Water National Parks, have been suggested as possible sites for a plan to create a huge Central Coast sanctuary for all native flora and fauna.

The plan has been put forward by Pearl Beach resident, Dr Van Davy, as a submission to Central Coast Council’s Draft Biodiversity Strategy. “I hope this sanctuary would become a national research centre of Sanctuary Science and Practice,” Davy said. “I propose the centre be attached to an urgently needed Central Coast focussed and managed public Central

is printed on 100% recycled paper products, even the ink is made from vegetable matter. So when you’re done reading this paper please recycle it or give it to someone else to read

Coast University, which would be independent of government and corporations.” Council’s Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said the draft strategy was the first single strategy combining the progress of former Gosford and Wyong Councils in conservation planning and it presented a scientifically robust roadmap for the future of the biodiversity of the region. “The draft strategy highlights the roles that Council plays to support biodiversity as a land use planning authority, a community leader and a major landholder and land manager,” Cox said. Davy envisages that the sanctuary he proposes would definitely include Yengo, Dharag, Popran and Brisbane Water

National Parks. “Probably the sanctuary should also include Onley, MacPherson, Ourimbah and Stickland State Forests,” he said. “Then possibly, the Glenning Valley, Ridgeway, Kincumba Mountain, MacMasters fire trail, Bouddi Peninsula and National Park could be added too.” The submission said there should be large areas of these public lands where experts advise and oversee to ensure such things as koala friendly habitats, corridors linking each large area to create safe habitat for all native species, total elimination of all feral animals and ongoing maintenance, including modern IT protected fencing, for a feral free environment. He said there should

be signage containing historic and conservation information and smartIT gates which would permit people to enter and observe, learn and enjoy the natural areas. “In recent months we have heard alarming predictions about global warming consequences to humans and that hundreds of our beloved flora and fauna face extinction,” Davy said. “Rather than address this problem, the NSW Government proposes to sell off, which means privatise, our State Forests to corporations who want to make a dollar. “Both the NSW and federal governments are to pursue a series of policies that will further desecrate our unique and coast fragile environment such as oil/gas drilling, oil rigs, more coal mining,

coal fired power stations, fracking for gas, and an uncapped let-‘er-rip population policy. “The only way to successfully fight this multi pronged assault on the Central Coast is to have a people-generated Central Coast Plan, supported by the people and spearheaded by a gutsy Council prepared to argue the case.” Davy said his idea of a sanctuary and research centre was an example of a necessary and new regenerative industry which would employ hundreds of workers. “It could lead to opportunities to trial work experience schemes for those on Newstart or other Centrelink benefits as well as more advance training schemes for TAFE or university students,” he said.

“The idea of a sanctuary is not a project with a finish date. “There’s the possibility of trialling a raft of new policies in addition to satisfying our desire to reverse the rapid rush to extinction of many species.” Now that the public exhibition period for the draft strategy has closed, Davy’s submission, together with others, will be considered by Council’s Environment and Planning Department to formulate the final draft of the Biodiversity Strategy to be presented to a future Council meeting for adoption. Source: Email, Nov 20 Dr Van Davy, Pearl Beach Media release, Sep 12 Scott Cox, Director Environment and Planning, Central Coast Council Reporter: Sue Murray

FORUM Page 16

4 December 2019

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 483

25 November 2019

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

Bays group opposes New phase in building aged Students remove 320kgs of demolition ofcarehistoric boatshed extension rubbish from mangroves

Bays group opposes demolition of historic boatshed

insurance claim that lasted 12 months, he was informed the

The caretaker of a historic

boatshed at Horsfield Bay The caretaker a historic A new phase of works is set to has gained the support of of the Bays Community Group boatshed Horsfield Bay has begin at Umina’s Peninsula Village in his efforts at to save the building from demolition. gained theordersupport A demolition has been of the Bays new 114- bed extension. issued by NSW Crown Lands Community Group in his efforts to following storm damage a year ago. Department of Planning, save the building from demolition. Industry and Environment media manager Mr Scott Tucker said: “The boatshed has been held by the holder under a Crown licence since October 20, 1960. “The licence conditions have not changed and have always stated that the boatshed should be removed at the end of its life. “An insurance assessment obtained by the licence holder has found that the storm damage left the structure beyond repair and it needs to be demolished. “It is also creating a safety hazard. “Once cleaned up, the site will be restored to public open space for the safe enjoyment of the community,” Mr Tucker said. However, caretaker Mr Stan McDonald said: “Melita Boatshed is a landmark and must be preserved. “It has been an icon in the Brisbane Waters area for a century and is an important part of the area’s history,” he said. The Bays Community Group president Ms Cathy Gleeson

BP service station could become 7-Eleven store

Peninsula receives two out of 36 grants

boatshed had been approved Students from Brisbane Water for repair, but the Crown Lands department had since in, Secondary College WoysteppedWoy claiming the boatshed’s current had made it a safety hazardof campus havestate removed 320kgs and that it must be demolished. Mr McDonald said he was waste from around mangroves aware thethe foundation of the boatshed could not be saved but near Woy Woy Station argued Railway that the remainder of the structure could be preserved to as part of a retain recent Clean4Shore the culturally and historically important structure. He said he had been told that following further assessments of the site he could have just 60 days to get the boatshed demolished and is now in the process of launching a submission to Crown Lands calling for the decision to demolish Melita Boatshed to be overturned. Mr McDonald said he had discussed the situation with Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch and was encouraging concerned residents to write to NSW Crown Lands seeking the preservation of the boatshed.

Rotary club raises $10,000 through charity ball

The BP service station on the Council has allocated more The Rotary Club of Umina Beach corner of Rawson and Ocean Beach than $148,000 in funding to has raised more than $10,000 saying the potential loss of supported and asked for assistance urgency, financial assistance by Rds, Woy Woy, couldagreed, 36 community projectsby across through its third annual Central the become boatshed woulda be a crippling to have Melita acknowledged way of heritage listing by Central blow to the rich heritage of The Gosford Council (at the time) as a Coast Council and for its historical Bays. heritagethat item and retain, to be preserved significance to be recognised and Charity Gala Ball on 7-Eleven store if a redevelopment the Coast conserve Coast Youth “The Melita Boatshed has been and given financial support to help preserved so that it can be restored SOURCE: integral part of the history of The be maintained. remain an integral part of our Email, 7 Nov 2019 proposal is successful.an and promote local heritageand and November 9. Interview (Dilon Luke), 18 Nov 2019 Bays and, in particular, Horsfield “Unfortunately, this has not area’s history,” Ms Gleeson said. Stan McDonald, Horsfield Bay Bay. forthcoming, and as such the Mr McDonald said the boatshed enhancebeencommunity life. Media statement, 18 Nov 2019 “It is over 100 years old and boatshed has suffered. suffered extensive damage is the last of several sheds that were built along the foreshore of Horsfield Bay,” Ms Gleeson said. “The Bays Community Group has, over the past 25 years,

Pelican researcher conviction overturned

Local pelican researcher Ms Wendy Gillespie has had an assault conviction overturned on appeal in Gosford District Court.

“The Bays Community Group, on behalf of residents of The Bays, is asking for assistance and support to have this important part of our local history given as a matter of

following a severe storm in November last year which saw it dislodged from its foundations and partially submerged in the bay. He said that, after a lengthy

Work to extend water deadends into the main network

Cathy Gleeson, The Bays Community Group Media statement, 19 Nov 2019 Scott Tucker, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

CWA branch launches Christmas drive

Central Coast Council setNew to The Woy Woy branch of the phase in building start work on a water mains Country Association aged careWomen’s extension maintenance program onA new thephase hasof launched a roughiins Christmas drive “The of all services are works is set to begin at Umina’s complete to the ground floor with Peninsula. to support crisis accommodation 70 per cent on level one and 30 per Peninsula Village new 114cent on level two completed.” bed extension. He said plastering had started service Coast Shelter Village chief executive Mr on the lower floors which had Shane Neaves said the structure of the building was complete and work was set to start on the exterior of the building. “We are pleased to report the structure of the building is complete with frames and trusses to be finalised by the end of the month. “The entire roof will be on by the end of the month too,” Mr Neaves said.

enabled the carpenter, painter and tiler to commence work. “The ensuite fit-outs will commence towards the end of the year. “The facade is 50 per cent complete with cladding progressing well and the majority of the windows now installed.”

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: Social media, 11 Nov 2019 Shane Neaves, Peninsula Villages

29 NOVEMBER 2019

ISSUE 221

YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Department of Planning criticised for lack of transparency Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260

Department of Planning criticised for lack of transparency An Executive Member of the Community Environment Network (CEN) has criticised the State Government for not allowing enough time for community feedback on Development

Labor and Liberal vote against Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill Central Coast Greens MLC and spokesperson on mining, coal and coal seam gas, Abigail Boyd, has described the recent defeat of the Party’s Central Coast Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill

$70M road works pledged by the Federal Government to proceed Major roadworks at Avoca, Saratoga, East Gosford, Copacabana and Tascott will be completed by 2025, thanks to a $70M roads package to be undertaken by Central Coast

Chamber calls for a new parking facility to replace Kibbleplex Gosford Erina Business Chamber (GEBC) is pushing for a new parking facility to be established near the corner of Erina and Albany St North, Gosford, with the eventual demolition of the

Local Planning Panel confirmed and we have to make the best of a bad situation The State Government has confirmed a Local Planning Panel (LPP) will be up and running on the Central Coast early next year, with Mayor, Lisa Matthews, saying the move will see “hardly any”

After 17 year delay Davistown wetlands could be sold to a private buyer The future of sensitive wetlands at Davistown is uncertain, with Central Coast Council voting on November 25 to expedite buying the land and the real estate agent representing the owner saying

Springfield Pond cleaning underway

Fire threat still exists

Mayor believes that deamalgamation is a non-issue

Springfield residents were Property owners and residents De-amalgamation of Central The proposed St Hilliers Mann St development The Lederer Group’s proposed development on the former Kibbleplex site pleased to see heavy machinery on the Central Coast, particularly Coast Council is a nonissue, Mayor An Executive Member of minimum of 28 days from appendices. Environment Network,” he strategic planning as early as does the department extend theall the west of andthesaid.region, should Lisa saidthisthis week roll the suburb the in to Community October 11,early the scale this of the to“With possibleMatthews to enable community timeframe. resources Environmentas work Networkonproposals and the number of remain professional expertise available as “No individual members of views to be genuinely “The department will now vigilant firefighters month, the next state (CEN) has criticised the documents involved did not at Central Coast Council, the the public made a submission considered; community collate submissions and then ofState theGovernment cleaning of Springfield Pondfor continue tocompleted workon ontwo containing for not allow adequate time Council officers only of the largest participation should be the applicants will be required allowing enough time for community comment. inclusive; and planning to respond to community their submissions on the developments proposed in the began. blazes in and close to the LGA, authorities should actively concerns raised. community feedback on “The development proposed hundreds of pages in the Gosford City Centre. Development Applications are Community the Kibbleplex be Environmental “CENwww.centralcoastnews.net considers that the seek views that “This report will be publicly The full articles and onmore cansite bewould seen on line on ourImpact website Coast News (DAs) being assessed for the largest private sector Statements and 43 appendices Department’s exhibition of representative of the available on the department’s focusses on news specifically related to post code areas 2250, 2251, 2260 and articles can also be read and approval as State development in Gosford; it is in the first week in November, these two applications for community. major projects website.” your byclosing going www.coastcommunitynews.com.au. Significant Developments. shared estimatedon to have a capitalmobile cost withphone submissions on toState Significant Development But a spokesperson from the Unfortunately, the CEN Executive Member, Michael Conroy, said proposals for the Kibbleplex site on Henry Parry Dr, Gosford and the St

of $345M and its five residential November 7.” in Gosford City Centre has towers (and podium) would Conroy said if members of the failed to implement community have a gross floor area of public wished to make a participation principles.” 73,000 square metres,” Conroy submission on line after He said according to the

Department of Planning, Industry and Environment said the department’s approach for DAs in the Central Coast region

department’s approach for DAs in the Central Coast region does not include advertising development applications for

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Water catchment protection bill was doomed to failure from the start O

n November 21, the NSW Legislative Council voted down the Bill by Greens MLC, Abigail Boyd, to stop Wyong Coal Pty Ltd from mining beneath the Central Coast’s water catchment district.

It also included protection from Coal Seam Gas (CSG) mining in the catchment. In true form, the Greens are now blaming the major parties for not supporting the Bill. The Bill was badly conceived from the start. Had Abigail Boyd and those in the Greens taken the time to sit down with the Australian Coal Alliance (ACA) before moving forward with their plans, they might have learned something. The ACA has been fighting the Wyong Coal project for 24 years and has successfully kept the mine from going ahead. The water catchment district, which was legislated in 1951, covers an enormous area that extends way beyond the actual catchment for the Central Coast water supply. On the fringes of the catchment district, where the water flows east toward the sea, is the Boral clay mining activity, which has no impact on

FORUM the water supply into Mardi Dam. Under the Greens’ Bill, this activity would have to cease, a problem that Labor realised when constructing their water protection Bill prior to the last election, and they amended their proposed Bill to exclude the activities of Boral. Another fact that the Greens failed to realise was that in 2005, the Carr (Labor) Government put in place legislation to prevent CSG mining in the water catchment. During the period of 2004-05, I led the onground campaign against Sydney Gas, who had a mining exploration lease in the water catchment, and I am therefore extremely familiar with the legislation. In fact, I had to personally enter into a signed agreement with the gas mining company to never again attack them or their heirs and successors so that the legislation could be put in place. If Abigail Boyd’s Bill had been properly constructed, it may have then received the support of the opposition, but still would have to face jumping the hurdle from the Shooters and Fishers Party and One Nation. Even if all that had been

achieved, it would never have passed the Lower House, a fact the Greens were aware of. I have been the Campaign Director of the ACA for more than two decades and during that time the ACA has engaged numerous experts, such as a hydrogeologist, geologists, environmental scientists, agronomists, town planners and others, so as to firmly establish that a mine beneath the Central Coast’s major water supply area would compromise its integrity. Yet the Greens and others, who now seem to be keen to stop a coal mine, will not sit down and engage in meaningful discussions with the ACA. Political stunts and other activities that have no direction or strategy are not only doomed to fail, but achieve absolutely nothing at all! The simple fact is that Wyong Coal now has a mining lease beneath the water catchment district, but they also have to meet 122 conditions before mining can commence. The ACA will continue to employ certain strategies until the water catchment district is finally free from the threat of coal mining beneath it. Email, Nov 25 Alan Hayes, Campaign Director Australian Coal Alliance

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4 December 2019

FORUM

Cumulative impacts ignored and community has less input H ow can we take Council seriously when they schedule both the Draft Community Participation Plan on the same day as the Urban Spatial Plan exhibition in different locations?

See Page 2 for contribution conditions

I find it a total insult that the community has been bombarded with requests for submissions and yet we get very little in return. I have written many submissions on Local and Regional Plans over the past 10 years. I have conducted access audit after audit for both former Gosford and Wyong Councils and

yet hear nothing in return. I thought that when we amalgamated, we were all equal, yet our rates notices state that Wyong residents are paying $180 per annum more than those in the former Gosford wards, and Council has just allowed the system to continue. I submitted to the

Letters to the editor should be sent to:

PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or

editorial@ centralcoastnews.net

FORUM

Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, which Council did not lift a finger to oppose, instead pushing the Greater Lake Munmorah Strategic Plan, one of many stealth plans for the region that the community know little of. Council is all about ticking the boxes and looking as though they care about the community, wheeras nothing could be further from the truth. How dare Council propose to double the population in the north whilst cancers run riot, air pollution is causing respiratory and other health issues in children and adults, asbestos

Not happy with 32c petrol price increase

oy are we being ripped off.

Last Wednesday, November 20, our local garage was selling petrol at 135.9c/l. On Friday, November 22, it was 167.9c/l. That’s 32c/l more for the same stuff they were selling on Wednesday or an increase of 23.55 per cent. Were they explaining why? No. Were they apologising? No. Were they paying more staff, more rent, more maintenance? No, just making 32c a litre more on Friday. Crude oil goes up and down a couple of cents a litre and that is the only thing that changes the cost of the end product, but only by 2 or 3 per cent, not 23.55 per cent. So let’s do some

FORUM arithmetic. Let’s assume they are open from 6am to 10pm, 16 hours. Let’s assume, conservatively, that a car fills up every five minutes. That’s 192 in the day. Let’s assume the average sale is 40 litres, making it 7,680 litres sold in the day. Now they were making a profit on Wednesday and nothing appears to have changed, so on Friday they got $2,457.60 more than Wednesday. Not bad for doing nothing except putting your price up. Of course they will tell you they have to pay GST on that so they only pocket $2,234.18 on the day. I bet Woolies and Coles wish they could increase

all their prices in the supermarkets by 25 per cent, but that would lead to riots bigger than Paris or Hong Kong. On top of that, if ALDI and IGA left their prices alone they would have the best sales in their history. No that’s not going to happen. How do the oil companies get away with it? That’s easy, no one complains, no government takes any action, no one seems to write letters like this one. Why don’t we do something? Are we too apathetic to care? When are we going to stop ourselves being ripped off? Email, Nov 24 Colin Paulson, Chain Valley Bay

has been added to the equivalent of 455 Olympic swimming pools of coal-ash dumped in 55 year old, unlined dams that show signs of leaching with toxic heavy metals being flushed into our lakes and Council just keeps on keeping on with unsustainable development, without any noticeable infrastructure proposals, except for the proposed $180M per annum worth of mineral extractions in the north. We now have three minutes instead of five to address Council on matters of concern and only if that concern is a motion or on the business papers and we are approved by the Mayor to address Council, so

much for democracy, considering I pay my rates. The community has no opportunity to discuss developments next door, let alone around the corner, no matter how large the development. We in Lake Munmorah have just found out that we are getting another large retirement village (Elizabeth Bay Dve) without anyone knowing, until questions have been asked during the destruction of many trees, so much for biodiversity or greening the Coast. Not only could it create further traffic issues during school drop-offs and pick-ups, the cumulative impacts

are ignored whilst each development is looked upon in total isolation. This is not how you create sustainable development. Have a good look at yourselves and see what you have approved or allowed at Warnervale, Glenning Valley, Wadalba or Kangy Angy to name just a few. Survey after survey by Central Coast Council states the top three values for the Coast is: “Our Way of Life, Our Bushland and Our Beaches” and obviously Council is not listening. Shame. Email, Sep 25 Gary Blaschke, Lake Munmorah

Airport’s necessity for fire fighting questioned his letter is in response to Ian T FORUM Thistlethwayte’s letter, ‘Infrastructure which supports community health and safety is vital’, featured in edition 178. I cannot claim to have any expertise in the technical areas of helicopter operation as does Mr Thistlethwayte, but I have taken off and landed in fully loaded helicopters from river piers, sports fields and the like, without there being any apparent technical constraint in the manoeuvre. It is notable that helicopters use ship decks, oil rigs, building roofs, paddy fields and White House gardens for loading and unloading,

so I think I can express some scepticism about the claim that Warnervale airport is a vital facility for their use in lifesaving and fire-fighting exercises. As for Warnervale’s use by fixed-wing firefighting aircraft, the aerial tankers that seem to be in the widest use are jetengined, and Warnervale airport is not suitable for these machines. I fail entirely to see what my residence in Woy Woy has to do with my understanding of our future firefighting requirements in the State, and Mr Thistlethwayte’s mention of it appears completely gratuitous. The fact that the present availability of Warnervale airport has

not ameliorated the severity of any current fires suggests that its contribution has been minimal, if it has made any contribution at all, and this would continue to be the case, even if I lived at Warnervale. However, if Mr Thistlethwayte can demonstrate that Central Coast’s firefighting (and lifesaving) protection will be damagingly undermined by the nonavailability of Warnervale airport, he should make this case to local and state government and ensure that the airport is retained (and expanded, if necessary). I suspect that he would be hard-pressed to produce convincing evidence to this effect. Email, Nov 24 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

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4 December 2019

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Robert Cottam found not guilty due to mental illness

obert Cottam, the North Gosford security guard that stabbed a co-worker in the neck during a shift change at the Munmorah Power Station last October, was found not guilty of reckless wounding charges due to mental illness. Cottam fronted Gosford District Court on November 25 to answer charges of wounding with intent to murder and wounding to inflict grievous bodily harm after he stabbed a coworker several times with a pocket knife on October 14, 2018. In making her sentence, Judge Tanya Bright

was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Cottam wounded his victim with the intent to kill or maim, but found the evidence of his compromised mental state too compelling to dismiss and found him not guilty. During his trial, the court was told of Cottam’s declining mental health which began in his teen years. Evidence presented to support the defence included police accounts of Cottam’s initial interview after his arrest where he allegedly told officers his victim had “pulled faces” at him and was out to get him,

despite his victim only having known him for less than six months. Excerpts from a diary found by Cottam’s father were also listed, with some containing demonic imagery and text, which backed up a psychologist’s report that stated Cottam had claimed he had seen demons and that one had possessed him at the time of the incident and encouraged him to stab his victim. After making her ruling, Judge Bright adjourned Cottam’s case for further consideration. Source: Documents, Nov 25 NSW Department of Justice Transcript and Casefile, R v Robert Cottam 2018/00313719 Dilon Luke, Journalist

85-year-old man sentenced

orokan’s, Edward Anthes, has been sentenced to a two year Community Corrections Order (CCO) after pleading guilty to intentionally doing a sexual act towards a child.

Anthes fronted Gosford Criminal Court on Thursday, November 14. The court was told Anthes had made inappropriate sexual comments towards a 15-year-old girl at a Central Coast Mariners game in December, 2018. In an agreed upon Statement of Facts (SOF), it was stated that the girl attended the game with her parents but left them shortly after arriving to sit with a friend in a different grandstand. After the Mariners

scored a goal, the SOF alleged that Anthes, who was seated behind the victim, engaged her in conversation telling her she “had a nice butt”. “The victim felt extremely uncomfortable and was unsure how to deal with the situation,” the facts read. He then apologised to the girl before asking her several inappropriate questions about herself and whether she would be interested in dating him. Anthes was 84-yearsold at the time. At the half time intermission, the girl returned to her parents and informed them on what transpired. They called police and Anthes was ejected from

the stadium. The court also heard how the victim had lost trust in older people, especially older men, and that she had required counselling via her Victim Impact Statement. “The experience has affected me that much that I try to stay away from old men even if they try to talk to me. “Before this incident, I loved to have a conversation with an old person. Anthes will serve his CCO under supervision, as the court also found him to be in breach of a Good Behaviour Bond for a Personal Violence Order at the time. Source: Documents, Nov 15 Transcript and Casefile, NSW Department of Justice R v Edward James Anthes 2018/00227831 Dilon Luke, Journalist

Teacher sentenced to a conditional release order without conviction

anwal Public School teacher, Justin McPhan, fronted Waverley Criminal Court on Wednesday, November 13, after he was caught with cocaine at the Randwick Races. McPhan pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited drug after he was caught with 0.8g of cocaine at Randwick’s TAB Everest Race on Saturday, October 19 In an agreed upon Statement of Facts read to the court, it was stated that events at Randwick Racecourse were well known to police as having a high presence of cocaine and that McPhan admitted to having drugs in his possession after being questioned by police when a sniffer dog indicated he could be carrying.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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

When mounting his defense, McPhan’s lawyer stated that his client had a clean record and that he was a respected teacher and athlete with links to the Wyong Lakes AFL Club and Wyong Wildcats Baseball Club. Taking into account McPhan’s record and character references, Magistrate, Allison Hawkins, sentenced him to a six month conditional release order without conviction. When the Chronicle

approached Kanwal Public School for comment our request was passed onto the NSW Department of Education’s Media Unit. In a statement a spokesperson for the Department confirmed McPhan had been removed from the school with an investigation underway by the Department’s Employee Performance and Conduct Directorate. The spokesperson would not confirm if McPhan had been terminated from his teaching position and did not rule out the possibility of him returning to teach at Kanwal PS or elsewhere on the Coast. Source: Documents, Nov 13 Transcript and Casefile, R v Justin Reece McPhan 2019/00339914 Media statement, Nov 18 Mark Davis, NSW Department of Education Dilon Luke, Journalist

Drunk disqualified driver gets let off with an ICO

Charmhaven drunk driver who crashed his car into a ditch whilst checking his Tinder App, won’t serve a minute of his seven month jail sentence, with a judge ruling that he could serve it by way of an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO) instead. Luke Woods was driving through Lake Munmorah whilst intoxicated on the evening of June 7, when he decided to pull over and check his Tinder. While stopped, he removed his foot from the

brake, which caused his vehicle to roll backwards into a nearby ditch. NSW Police Force’s Operation Stay Alert was on at the time (June long weekend) and officers who attended subjected Woods to a random breath test which returned a positive result. He was subsequently arrested and taken to Toukley Police Station where he was subjected to further testing which revealed that he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.188. Woods was

immediately issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for high range drink driving and for driving whilst disqualified. Further background checks revealed that he was also in breach of a suspended jail sentence incurred in Queensland. His court proceedings commenced in July and wrapped up on October 14, with Magistrate, Elizabeth Ellis, sentencing him to seven months jail time, to be served as the ICO. Source: Case file and transcript, Oct 14 R v Luke Woods 2019/00248454 Dilon Luke, Journalist

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Alleged historical sexual abuser of three children charged

man has appeared in Wyong Court charged over the alleged historical sexual abuse of three children. In September, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual assault by a man on the Central Coast. During the investigation, information was received that two girls and a boy had been sexually abused by the man, who was known to them. Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 48-year-old man outside a home on the Central Coast just after 8am on Wednesday, November 6. Shortly after the arrest, a search warrant was executed at the home, where detectives seized 70 items, including mobile phones, cameras, computers, and other electronic devices.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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

The man was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with 17 offences, including disseminate/produce child pornography (x2), sexual intercourse with person under the age of 10 years, indecent assault person under 16 years of age (x8), take/ detain person with intent to obtain advantage (x2), aggravated sex assault - victim under the age of 16 years, break and enter do indictable offence (x2), and enter dwelling with intent (not steal/destroy/ damage). Police alleged in court that the man sexually and indecently assaulted the girls, then aged 8 and 9, on multiple occasions

at homes near Canberra and in Sydney’s north west between 2008 and 2009. It’s further alleged that the man sexually and indecently assaulted a boy, then aged between 11 and 13, at homes on the Central Coast between 2010 and 2011. The man was refused bail to appear at court on Thursday, November 7. His case is still before the court. Investigations are continuing. The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect. Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source: Media release, Nov 7 NSW Police Media

Man faces court over inappropriate comments towards two teenage girls

man has been charged with intimidation after allegedly making inappropriate comments towards two teenage girls at Wyong Railway Station. At about 7:30pm on Thursday, October 24, two 13-year-old girls were getting off a train

at Wyong Railway Station when they were approached by an unknown man. Police will allege that the man made inappropriate comments towards the pair. The teenage girls attended Wyong Police Station a short time later.

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About half an hour later, officers arrested a 60-year-old man near Wyong Railway Station and took him to Wyong Police Station. He has been charged with intimidation and refused bail and fronted Wyong Local Court on Friday, October 25. Source: Media release, Oct 25 NSW Police Media

olice are appealing for public assistance following an aggravated home invasion.

About 8:40pm on Saturday, October 19, a 31-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man were inside a unit in The Entrance, when three unknown men approached the front door, asking for a male called “Shane”. Two of the men then forced entry to the home, while the third man remained outside. The man was assaulted with a sledge hammer

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4 December 2019

and sustained serious injuries. The woman was not injured. Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District arrived a short time later and established a crime scene. Police are now appealing for public assistance to locate the three men. The first male is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 22 and 26-years-old, between 175-180cm tall, with

a solid build, rounded cheeks and a dark unkept short beard. The second male is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 22 and 25-years-old, between 180-185cm tall, with a skinny build, and light brown hair to the shoulder. The third male is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 50’s, with a solid build and short dark greying hair, and a crooked nose. Source: Media release, Nov 21 NSW Police Media

Weapons and prohibited drugs located at Hamlyn Terrace

Hamlyn Terrace man appeared in court after weapons and prohibited drugs were located in his home. At about 1pm on Thursday, November 21, officers attached to the Tuggerah Lakes Drug and Anti-Theft Unit executed a search warrant at a home in Highland Cls, Hamlyn Terrace. Upon searching

the home, police located and seized approximately 40 grams of methylamphetamine, 50 grams of cannabis, prescription medication, digital scales, a safe, mobile phones and prohibited weapons, including knives, nunchakus and sling shot. The drugs have an

estimated street value of over $22,000. A 37-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, two counts of possess prohibited drug and two counts of supply prohibited drug. Source: Media release, Nov 22 NSW Police Media

Police officer injured in single vehicle crash

n officer attached to NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol was injured in a single-vehicle crash and police are calling for witnesses to come forward. At about 4:15pm on Sunday, November 17,

the male officer was riding an unmarked motorcycle on Berkeley Rd, Berkeley Vale, when he lost control and crashed into a guardrail. He came off his bike and landed down an embankment.

Emergency services were called and came to his aid. He was treated at the scene for two broken legs and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition. Source: Media release, Nov 19 NSW Police Media

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5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] News Breakfast [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] Classic Countdown (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised Grand Designs Australia (PG) 12:00 Movie: “Secret Of The Nut2:10 Entertainment Tonight [s] ABC News At Noon [s] cracker” (M h,v) (’07) – A 121:00 Movie: “Man On A Ledge” year-old has a magical journey (M l,v) (’12) Stars: Sam 2:30 Neighbours (PG) [s] National Press Club Address 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] to find her father in a World War Worthington, Genesis Compass (PG) [s] Rodriguez, Elizabeth Banks 3:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] II Prisoner Of War camp on Parliament Question Time [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] The Cook And The Chef [s] Christmas Eve. Stars: Bill 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Baksa, Katherine Bennett 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 2:00 The Daily Edition [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] Think Tank (PG) [s] 6:00 NBN News [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 6:00 Celebrity Name Game (PG) [s] 7:00 A Current Affair [s] The Drum [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 David Attenborough Seven ABC News [s] Worlds, One Planet: North 7:30 The Unicorn: 6:00 7Prime News [s] 7.30 [s] No Small Parts (PG) [s] America (PG) [s] Julia Zemiro’s Home 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 7:30 The Unicorn: Summer: Countdown To 8:40 Desert Vet: Delivery: Shane Gould (PG) [s] Leopard Shark (PG) [s] Three Men Out (PG) [s] Christmas [s] 8:30 Melbourne Comedy Festival 8:30 Playing For Keeps (M s,l) [s] Gala (M l,s) [s] 7:30 Zumbo’s Just Desserts (PG) 9:40 Monster Croc Wrangler: 9:30 Program To Be Advised 8:40 Special Event: AACTA Awards Croc In The Hole (PG) [s] 10:30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 2019 [s] 10:40 Lethal Weapon: (PG) In The Same Boat (MA15+) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:15 The Latest Seven News [s] 11:10 ABC Late News [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen 11:40 Chicago Med (M mp) [s] 11:40 The Business [s] 10:45 Modern Family: Colbert (PG) [s] ClosetCon ’13 (PG) [s] 1:30 Destination Happiness [s] 12:00 Silent No More (M l,s) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 12:45 Media Watch (PG) [s] 11:15 Chicago Fire: What I Saw (M) 2:00 Home Shopping 4:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 4:30 CBS - 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The magicians pull Jack is puzzled when the fiancé Stellan Skarsgård, John Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Jamie off a series of daring heists of hotel billionaire Philip Mighton, Rachel Majorowski Oliver, David Mitchell and against corrupt business Marston is found dead. 11:00 Movie: “Six Degrees Of Kesha. leaders during their 8:30 Endeavour: Canticle (M v) [s] Separation” (M l,s,n) (’93) Stars: 9:30 Just For Laughs Australia (M) performances. Stars: Jesse 10:00 QI: The Occult (PG) [s] Stockard Channing, Will Smith 10:30 Taboo (M l,s) [s] Eisenberg, Dave Franco 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 1:10 The Hold Down (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:45 First Dates UK (M l,s) [s] 11:05 The Business [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:20 Tick F***ing Tock (M l,n,s) [s] 12:00 Movie: “Farewell, My Love” 1:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] (MA15+) (’99) Stars: Gabrielle 4:30 The Avengers (PG) [s] 12:15 Planet America [s] 5:30 A Current Affair [s] 2:30 Home Shopping Fitzpatrick, Phillip Rhys 1:00 rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:10 12:00 12:30 1:30 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00

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Sunday 8 December

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Tuesday 10 December

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4 December 2019

6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:10 12:00 1:00 1:45 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:00 12:10 1:40 4:30 5:30

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rage (PG) [s] 6:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 7:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 10:00 ABC News At Noon [s] QI: The Occult (M s) [s] 12:00 Endeavour: Canticle (M v) [s] Father Brown: The Angel Of Mercy (PG) [s] Grand Designs Australia: Port 5:00 Melbourne Urban Greenhouse 5:30 (PG) [s] Landline Summer [s] 6:00 Football: A-League: Round 9: 7:00 Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers *Live* From Eden Park, Auckland [s] ABC News [s] Vera: Young Gods (M v) [s] 10:30 Doc Martin: Sons And Lovers (M) [s] 12:00 Midsomer Murders: Murder Of Innocence (PG) [s] Father Brown: The Face Of The Enemy (PG) [s] rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) [s] 2:00

6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 12:00 (PG) [s] 12:30 Golf: 2019 Australian Open 1:00 Golf: Day 3 *Live* From The 1:30 Australian Golf Club, Kensington, New South Wales 2:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 3:00 Border Security - Australia’s 4:30 5:00 Front Line (PG) [s] 5:30 7Prime News [s] 6:00 Special Event: 2019 NSW Schools Spectacular (PG) [s] – 7:00 School Spectacular unites kids from schools all across New South Wales. Special Event: 2019 Victorian 9:15 Schools Spectacular (PG) [s] Movie: “The Pawn” (M v,l) (’98) Stars: Greg Evigan, Tony Lo 11:05 Bianco, Rob Stewart, Sydney Penny, Phillipe Simon, Tom Pashkov, Leslie Daniels, Yoav 1:10 2:00 Dekelbaum 5:30 Home Shopping

Ellen (PG) [s] 6:00 Weekend Today [s] 6:30 Today Extra - Saturday (PG) Destination Happiness [s] 7:00 Cybershack (PG) [s] 7:30 Giving Life [s] 8:30 Our State On A Plate (PG) [s] 9:30 Baby It’s Christmas (PG) [s] 12:00 CMA Country Christmas (PG) 12:30 1:30 The Garden Gurus [s] 2:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] Good Food Christmas (PG) [s] 2:30 3:30 NBN News Saturday [s] 4:00 Movie: “Just Go With It” (PG) 4:30 (’11) Stars: Adam Sandler, 5:00 Jennifer Aniston, Brooklyn 6:00 Decker, Nicole Kidman Movie: “Big Daddy” (PG) (’99) 6:30 7:30 Stars: Adam Sandler, Joey 8:45 Lauren Adams, Kevin Gerrity Movie: “The Brothers Bloom” 10:00 (M v,l) (’08) Stars: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody 11:00 Harry (PG) [s] 12:00 Home Shopping Wesley Impact [s] 1:00

I Fish [s] 5:00 Seafood Escape With Andrew 5:15 Ettingshausen [s] 5:30 RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] 1:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) [s] 2:00 Maxing Out (PG) [s] Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 2:55 Luxury Escapes: [s] 3:50 The Living Room [s] 4:50 Healthy Homes Australia [s] 4:25 Buy To Build [s] Maxing Out (PG) [s] 5:25 What’s Up Down Under [s] Farm To Fork [s] 6:30 Discover Japan: Kyushu [s] 7:30 10 News First [s] Luxury Escapes: Italy [s] Jamie’s Quick And Easy Food 8:30 Ambulance Australia (M) [s] Ambulance UK (M) [s] 11:50 999: What’s Your Emergency? (M) [s] NCIS: Musical Chairs (M v) [s] 1:50 Elementary: 4:00 Moving Targets (M v) [s] Home Shopping

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour George Clarke’s Shed Of The Year (PG) Coast New Zealand The Crystal Maze: The Cheerleaders (PG) Travel Man: Tenerife (PG) Bushfires - Inside The Inferno (PG) Who Do You Think You Are?: Jonnie Peacock (PG) SBS World News The Vietnam War: Chasing Ghosts (M v) Movie: “The Godfather” (MA15+) (’72) Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino Movie: “Harry Brown” (MA15+) (’09) Stars: Michael Caine Movie: “Macbeth” (MA15+) (’15) Stars: Jack Madigan Gourmet Farmer Afloat: Ready, Willing And Abel

6:00 7:00 10:30 12:00

6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 11:00 Golf: 2019 Australian Open 11:30 Golf: Day 4 *Live* From The 12:00 Australian Golf Club, Kensington, New South Wales 12:30 Seven News At 5 [s] 1:30 Sydney Weekender [s] 7Prime News [s] Sunday Night (PG) [s] Movie: “Love Actually” (M n,l,s) 3:30 4:30 (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley, 5:00 Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, 5:30 Andrew Lincoln, Emma 6:00 Thompson, Colin Firth, Bill 7:00 Nighy 8:00 First Dates UK (M l,s) [s] – Rajan is back, and he’s looking to get lucky, this time with love- 9:00 lorn Corinne, who seems to meet all the wrong men. And 11:15 gentlemanly retiree John hopes 12:05 1:00 to find understanding and empathy in his date. 1:30 Home Shopping

Harry (PG) [s] Weekend Today [s] Sports Sunday (PG) [s] Cross Court [s] The Hold Down [s] Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates [s] Global Roaming [s] Movie: “Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day” (PG) (’08) Stars: Amy Adams, David Alexander Mountains: The Andes [s] Explore TV-Viking [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] Customs (PG) [s] NBN News - Sunday [s] 60 Minutes [s] Witness To Disaster: Chilean Mine Rescue (PG) [s] Movie: “San Andreas” (PG) (’15) Stars: Dwayne Johnson Manifest: Re-entry (M) [s] Harry (PG) [s] Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates [s] South Aussie With Cosi (PG)

6:00 7:30 8:00 9:00 9:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00

Religious Programs 5:00 Fishing Australia [s] 5:15 Behind The Sash [s] 5:30 Discover Japan: Kyushu [s] 1:00 Studio 10: Sunday (PG) [s] 3:00 The Offroad Adventure Show All 4 Adventure (PG) [s] 3:05 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventure 4:00 Australia By Design [s] RV Daily Foodie Trails [s] Seafood Escape With Andrew 4:35 Ettingshausen [s] Farm To Fork [s] 5:30 10 News First [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 8:35 [s] – Guests Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jodie Whittaker, Sir 9:55 Michael Palin and Harry Styles. NCIS: IRL (M v) [s] 11:20 NCIS: What Child Is This? (M v) 11:55 FBI: Compromised (M v) [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 1:05 Home Shopping 2:20 CBS - This Morning 3:25

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch Speedweek Destination Flavour China Bitesize Coast New Zealand Back In The Soviet Bloc: Artists, Activists And Stilettos (In Ukrainian/ English/ Russian) Running Wild With Deion Sanders (PG) Apocalypse (In English/ French/ German) SBS World News The Greatest Air Race Charles And Diana: The Truth Behind Their Wedding (PG) Stacey Dooley: Countdown To Armageddon (MA15+) Christians Like Us (M l) Europe’s Last Warrior Kings (M v) Civilisations (PG) The Obesity Myth (M l) My Fish Fight

5:00 5:15 5:30 2:00 3:40

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch Real Vikings: Celtic Woman: Ancient Land (In English/ Gaelic) Rome Unpacked: When In Rome (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind (PG) SBS World News The Royal House Of Windsor: The Top Job (PG) 24 Hours In Emergency (PG) 24 Hours In Police Custody: What Lies Beneath (PG) SBS World News Late Football: The World Game M - The City Hunts A Murderer (MA15+) (In German) Safe Harbour (M l) (In English/ Arabic/ Dinka) Spin (MA15+) (In French) Great British Railway Journeys: Llanrwst To Porthmadog (PG)

rage (PG) [s] Weekend Breakfast [s] Insiders [s] Offsiders [s] The World This Week [s] Compass [s] Songs Of Praise [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Landline Summer [s] Gardening Australia [s] Doc Martin (M) [s] Christmas At St Paul’s [s] Football: W-League: Round 4: Sydney FC v Melbourne City *Live* From Cromer Park [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News Sunday [s] Grand Designs [s] Midsomer Murders (M v) [s] Howards End [s] World’s Busiest Cities (PG) Silent Witness (M v) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] Vera: Young Gods (M v) [s] Silent Witness (M v) [s] Insiders [s]

5:00 5:30 6:00 7:00 8:30

11:20

12:30

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 Back Roads [s] Antiques Roadshow (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 Grand Designs [s] 3:00 Howards End [s] 4:00 The Cook And The Chef [s] 5:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 6:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:00 The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 [s] 8:30 Australian Story [s] Silent No More: Changing The Culture (M s) [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] Q&A [s] ABC Late News [s] Love On The Spectrum (PG) Midsomer Murders: 11:05 Drawing Dead (M v) [s] 12:05 rage (MA15+) [s] 1:00 The Drum [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Angels In The Snow” (PG) (’15) Stars: Jaeda Lily Miller, Kolton Stewart The Daily Edition [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] 7Prime News [s] Better Homes And Gardens Summer: Countdown To Christmas [s] Special: ABBA Forever [s] Movie: “We Bought A Zoo” (PG) (’11) – Set in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo. Stars: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church Chicago Fire: Move A Wall (M) The Catch: The Trial (M s,v) [s] Home Shopping

5:30 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 Back Roads [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) ABC News At Noon [s] Silent No More: Changing The 2:00 Culture (M s) [s] 3:00 Media Watch (PG) [s] 4:00 Janet King (M l,d,v) [s] Poh’s Kitchen On The Road 5:00 6:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 7:00 Think Tank (PG) [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) The Drum [s] 7:30 ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] 8:30 Dream Gardens [s] Love On The Spectrum (PG) Program To Be Advised ABC Late News [s] 10:35 Q&A [s] Midsomer Murders (M d,v) [s] 11:35 12:00 rage (MA15+) [s] The Drum [s] One Plus One [s] 1:00

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “A Cinderella Christmas” (PG) (’16) Stars: Emma Rigby, Peter Porter, Sarah Stouffer The Daily Edition [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] 7Prime News [s] Better Homes And Gardens Summer: Countdown To Christmas [s] Highway Patrol Special: Drivers Behaving Badly (PG) [s] Movie: “Vacation” (M l,s,v) (’15) Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Ed Helms, Chris Hemsworth Behave Yourself (PG) [s] Trial And Error: Barcelona (M) The Family: Of Puppies And Monsters (M d,v) [s] Home Shopping

5:30 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66) 7FOOD (Channel 74)

3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:25 12:15 1:05 1:30 4:00

8:00 8:30 10:30 11:25 12:15 1:10 1:30 2:00 2:30

4:30 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 4:30

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra [s] 8:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Movie: “Fear” (M v,l,s) (’96) 2:00 Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Reese 2:30 Witherspoon, William Petersen, 3:00 Amy Brenneman, Alyssa 3:30 Milano, Christopher Gray, Tracy Fraim 4:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 5:00 NBN News [s] 6:00 A Current Affair [s] 6:30 RBT: Meat Tray/ Barina Blues 7:30 (PG) [s] The Fix: Pilot (M) [s] 8:30 The Fix: Revenge (M) [s] World’s Wildest Flights (PG) 10:00 I Am Innocent: 11:30 George Gwaze (M) [s] 12:30 Harry (PG) [s] 1:30 A Current Affair [s] Home Shopping 2:30 Ellen (PG) [s] 4:30

Headline News [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] NCIS: IRL (M v) [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Neighbours (PG) [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] Farm To Fork [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] Celebrity Name Game (PG) [s] The Project (PG) [s] Jamie’s Quick And Easy Christmas Special [s] Em Rusciano: Rage And Rainbows (M) [s] Kitty Flanagan: Hello Kitty (M) WIN’s All Australian News [s] The Project [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS - This Morning

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] The Fix: Pilot (M) [s] The Fix: Revenge (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NBN News [s] A Current Affair [s] Young Sheldon: A Pineapple And The Bosom Of Male Friendship (PG) [s] Young Sheldon: A Research Study And Czechoslovakian Wedding Pastries (PG) [s] Movie: “Little Fockers” (M s,v) (’10) Stars: Robert De Niro Mom (M s) [s] Cold Case: Street Money (M) Harry (PG) [s] Adelady: Woodside (PG) [s] A Current Affair [s] Home Shopping Skippy - The Bush Kangaroo

Headline News [s] 5:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 NCIS: What Child Is This? (M v) 1:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Neighbours (PG) [s] 2:10 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 4:15 Farm To Fork [s] 5:25 The Bold And The Beautiful 6:00 (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] 6:30 Celebrity Name Game (PG) [s] 7:30 The Project (PG) [s] Ambulance Australia (M) [s] 8:30 One Born Every Minute Australia (M) [s] 10:50 NCIS: IRL (M v) [s] 11:25 NCIS: Los Angeles: All Is Bright (M v) [s] WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:20 The Project [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] 2:50 Home Shopping 4:00 CBS - This Morning

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

6:00 8:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:40 10:40 11:35 12:35 1:35 2:30 4:30

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

4:20 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:25 10:55 11:30 12:30 2:30 4:30

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Lucknow (In English/ Hindi) Real Vikings: Viking Women Who Do You Think You Are?: Charles Dance (PG) Rome Unpacked: The Eternal City (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind (PG) SBS World News Russia To Iran: Across The Wild Frontier (In English/ Russian) Michael Moore: Capitalism - A Love Story (M l) SBS World News Late Asylum City (M l,v) (In Hebrew) Greyzone (M l,v) (In Danish/ Swedish/ English) Hijacked (M) Gourmet Farmer Afloat: Thar She Blows!

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

HEALTH

Page 22

4 December 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

New Medical Imaging facility opened at Bateau Bay L

ife Medical Imaging has officially opened at Bateau Bay. With an aim to reduce waiting times at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, the team at Life Medical Imaging Bateau Bay will be offering bulk-billing services while bringing to the Coast state-of-the-art equipment including low dose CT scanning, 3D mammography, as well as 3D/4D obstetric imaging and gynaecology. According to the Bureau of Health’s quarterly report (AprilJune 2019), waiting times in emergency departments and waiting lists for surgery at Wyong and Gosford hospitals have risen. The report also indicated the fact that Central Coast hospitals were top of the list, with

the highest percentage of patients waiting more than four hours. “With the ability to offer same day appointments for our patients’ needs and bulk-billing, we’re confident we can contribute to helping reduce wait times at the Central Coast’s major hospitals, especially those who may be waiting for services that can be accessed closer to home at an imaging facility,”

Life Medical Imaging Bateau Bay said Director of Life Medical Imaging Bateau Bay, Jacob Wasef. Medical Imaging is one of the most in-demand medical services, with more than nine million Australians accessing 24 million individual radiology services, including x-ray, ultrasound, CT, nuclear medicine and MRI scans on the recommendation of their GP or specialist in 2018.

The state-of-the-art imaging equipment will be operated by some of the best in NSW, including: Dr Arnold Kang, who is a radiologist at Gosford Hospital; along with Dr John Pereira, who has over 20 years of medical imaging experience, including a specialty in Pediatrics; Dr Glenn McNally, a former President of the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine;

and, Dr Adam Gardiner, a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and is a staff specialist in the Department of Medical Imaging at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney. They are all leaders in their own fields of medical imaging, now helping the Central Coast community with their imaging health needs. “We are aware of the increasing need for a variety of services without incurring major costs and we’ve answered that with bulk billing services (some exclusions apply) including women’s imaging, cardiac imaging, digital X-Ray, digital dental imaging and paediatric imaging, all of which are on offer at our clinic. “This is just another way we’re offering convenience and world

class expertise to the residents of the Central Coast,” added Wasef. Reports will also be a major point of difference between Life Medical Imaging and other imaging facilities, as all imaging reports from Life Medical Imaging will be classified as ‘hospital grade reports’ written by medical specialists in their specific area, ultimately resulting in detailed reports meaning less visits for patients for potential follow-ups. With current capacity to see between 100 to 150 patients per day, Life Medical Imaging will offer the highest standard of care and imaging in a modern, professional and comfortable environment. Source: Media release, Nov 26 Brooke Simmons, Pursuit Communications

Community rallies to support Sienna Smith and her family T he Central Coast has come together in support of one of their own, as Sienna Smith and her family solider on through her cancer journey. Sienna’s life changed in an instant after she was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. Her mum, Rachael Howarth, said she’ll never forget that day. She had taken Sienna

Family Business

for an eye test after she had been complaining about headaches and sore eyes and was advised to take her daughter to hospital after her optic nerves were found to be swollen, a telltale sign of pressure on the brain. At Wyong Hospital later that day she would learn that her 10-year-old had a brain tumor. That night they were at Westmead Children’s Hospital, where Sienna

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would undergo surgery to have the tumor removed and tested. While Sienna recovered, her family received the devastating news that the tumor was cancerous. Sienna was diagnosed with a Grade 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma and while the mass on her brain had been removed, she was now facing a lengthy stint of radiation therapy to ensure her cancer was gone. One month later, with Sienna well into her treatment plan, doctors discovered a small mass. To ensure it wasn’t a residual piece of the tumor, Sienna had to undergo a second surgery to remove it on November 27. This effectively hit the reset button on her treatment plan, meaning Sienna’s now facing a three week recovery period from her surgery before having to recommence her radiation therapy from scratch. It’s been hell for the family. Rachael has had to take extended leave from work and has been away from the rest of her children.

Steve, Sienna’s stepdad, has had to hold down the fort at home, juggling the couple’s four other kids, supporting his family on a single income and worrying about his very sick daughter. They’ve been through the ringer, but their friends, family and community have rallied behind them. A day after Sienna’s diagnosis, a fundraiser was launched to help ease some of the financial burden by Steve’s expartner, Lauren Mills. It’s raised $13,950 as of November 28 and counting. The team at Halekulani Bowling Club is also backing the family and is holding a fundraiser for the family from 11am on December 14. The local business community has hit the ground running on this one, with several donations of goods and services being made to the fundraiser’s raffle, with all proceeds from ticket sales going directly to Rachael and Steve. There’s also a huge array of activities planned for the day, with everything from pony rides to free barefoot bowls sessions. A Stay Strong For

Sienna Benefit Night is also being planned by family friends, Summah Ridley and Rachael Turner, for February 1, 2020, at Doyalson Wyee RSL Club. For Rachael the support from the community has been unimaginable. “This has been the worst time of our lives, but we are so grateful and humbled by the love and support we’ve been shown,” Rachael said. ““All the support has

just been so comforting. “It’s been a glimmer of hope for us in a really dark time and it just reminds you how special it is to be a part of the Central Coast community,” Rachael said. Source: Websites, Nov 28 Lauren Mills, Sienna’s Fundraiser Katie Sherriff, Bowls Family Fundraiser Summah Ridley and Rachael Turner, Stay Strong for Sienna Benefit Night Interview, Nov 28 Rachael Howarth, Blue Haven Dilon Luke, Journalist

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Page 23

4 December 2019

HEALTH

Local Health District claims to be closely monitoring staff levels

he Wyong Hospital Branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association is calling for three extra nurses to be rostered on day shifts and in the emergency department. Nurses rallied at the hospital on November 18 to air their concerns over staff shortages. The association’s General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said the impacts were being felt most in the emergency departments at both Wyong and Gosford hospitals. They say they have had enough of an “overstretched and underfunded system” and they are “feeling the brunt of a neglected health system”. Wyong branch President, Katrina Bough, said the Liberal government had a lot to answer for. “You just can’t take money out of health to balance the budget, these are humans we’re taking out,” she said. “And no one wants a burned out nurse either.” The nurses held a previous rally in August and Bough said the nurses would continue to speak out. “We are in negotiations with the district (Central Coast Local Health District) but while that’s happening, the public are still waiting,” she said. Bough said the nurses

Nurses rally at Wyong Hospital were grateful for the “solidarity” and knowing they were “not alone” as NSW Labor and Central Coast Labor MPs pledged to “stand alongside the nurses”. “The situation has now reached crisis levels,” she said. Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, was in Wyong for the rally and said: “The latest report from the Bureau of Health Information shows just how stretched Wyong Hospital is with unprecedented strain as waiting lists for surgery have soared and more people are stuck in emergency departments”. “Statistics reveal that more than 35 percent of patients are waiting more than four hours to be attended to. “Emergency department figures for Central Coast hospitals show that they are feeling the brunt of the neglect of the health and hospital

system. “Both Wyong and Gosford hospitals recorded decreases in the percentage of ED patients receiving treatment within recommended timeframes across all triage categories compared to the same period in 2018. “Wyong hospital has one of the busiest emergency departments on the Coast and it is unfair that patients are waiting for hours to be seen by a doctor. “The Government needs to make a commitment to appropriately resource the hospital. “The Central Coast is growing at a rate of knots and the government is not providing the funding to keep pace with growth, let alone meet the current demand. “They can’t even meet their own patient benchmarks.” “The Premier told the people of NSW, before the last election, that

they could have it all, but instead, our hospitals are now at breaking point and the nurses are desperate for additional resources to allow them to do their job,” Park said. “The people of the Central Coast expect the government to make sure there’s a strong, wellresourced public health system that’s meeting the needs of locals. “Unfortunately, we are seeing patients continuing to suffer,” he said. Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Wyong MP, David Harris, said: “Our hospital staff are overworked and under pressure. “It’s not fair,” he said. “They want to do their best for patients but are prevented from doing so because of unrealistic work pressures.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for CEO of the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD), Dr Andrew Montague,

said staffing levels at hospitals were closely monitored. “Between June 2012 and June 2019, CCLHD increased its nursing and midwifery workforce by 21 percent, meaning an additional 453 more nurses and midwives,” he said. “Wyong Hospital’s Emergency Department complies with the agreed staffing arrangements outlined in the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award. “As a District, we welcome feedback and are committed to working with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association to address any concerns. “Our priority is creating a safe environment for our patients and staff, and daily meetings are held to ensure nursing levels are appropriate and meet patient demand. “Nursing rosters are regularly reviewed to ensure adequate

staffing, including during unexpected periods of increased demand and unplanned leave. “CCLHD has a high retention rate for nurses and midwives and offers a number of graduate programs to transition student nurses and midwives to professional practice. “In 2019, the number of NSW Health Enrolled Nurse Scholarship positions at CCLHD increased by 15 from the previous year. “The NSW Health Budget for 2019-20 is a record $26.7B and includes funding for an unprecedented boost to NSW Health’s frontline workforce. “The 2019-20 budget for Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) is $873M which is an increase of $32M on the previous financial year’s annualised budget. “The Central Coast will also benefit from the NSW Government’s $2.8B commitment to recruit a record 8,300 frontline health staff over the next term, including 5,000 additional nurses and midwives,” Dr Montague’s spokesperson said. Source: Media release, Nov 19 Central Coast Labor MPs David Harris (Wyong), David Mehan (The Entrance), Leisl Tesch (Gosford), Yasmin Catley (Swansea) Media statement, Nov 19 Spokesperson for Dr Andrew Montague, CEO of Central Coast Local Health District

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EDUCATION

Page 24

4 December 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Harlan Mace featured on SBS’s ‘Child Genius’ program F

ans of SBS’s Child Genius may have recognised a familiar face on this year’s program, when Bateau Bay’s Harlan Mace joined the 15 exceptional young Australian primary school students all vying for the title of Child Genius 2019. SBS launched Child Genius in 2018 to shine a light on some of the country’s brightest young minds, with children aged between 8-12 going head to head in an academia styled battle royale. Overseen by Australian Mensa and Quiz Master, Dr Susan Carland, this year’s competition saw contestants tested on their knowledge of

mathematics, science, history, memory and spelling. Harlan made it through to the top 12, but was eliminated following the memory challenge, where contestants were tasked with recalling an entire 52 card sequence of a personalised deck of cards. Doubling as a documentary series, aside from plumbing the depths of these brilliant young minds, Child Genius also offers a glimpse into the home lives of competitors and the highs and lows of being one of Australia’s smartest kids. Harlan lives with autism and has displayed high functioning cognitive skills for as long as his

Bateau Bay’s Harlan Mace family can remember, but until filming started his mum, Melissa Clarke, that I realised just how said she never knew the advanced he is,” she extent of Harlan’s intellect said. until the competition Ten-year-old Harlan is came about. in Year 5 and is a part of “I always knew he Wyong Public School’s was smart, but it wasn’t Opportunity Class.

University researchers awarded $5,000 to fund research into mosquito repellent

team of University of Newcastle (UON) Central Coast Ourimbah Campus researchers have been awarded $5,000 to help fund their research into the use of eucalyptus oil as a mosquito repellent. The Grand Challenge is an annual event with a $50,000 funding pool launched to combat the flying annoyance that are mosquitoes. UON’s Ourimbah and Callaghan Campuses are rife with the bloodsuckers in the summer months and the challenge is seen as a fun, yet important meeting of some of UON’s multidisciplinary minds to solve the mosquito problem without harming the wetland ecosystem that the campuses were

built on. The Ourimbah Campus team includes: psychologist, Dr Bill Budd; botanist, Dr Anita Chalmers; consumer behaviour researcher, Dr Tamara Bucher; PhD student, Md (Saif) Saifullah; consumer behaviour psychologist specialising in scent research, Professor Patrick Hehn; and, food scientist, Dr Quan Vuong. They received their funding for making the finals of this year’s challenge. Their research will investigate how the oil could be used to confuse a mozzie’s sense of smell, thereby increasing students’ and staffs’ chances of remaining mozzie free. “Using their sense of smell is the main way mosquitos track their prey, so it is no surprise

that aromatics such as citronella are widely used to repel the pesky insects. “Citronella is one of the most powerful naturally occurring mosquito repellents according to the Centre for Disease Control, and the essential oil from certain types of eucalyptus have highconcentration of this compound. “If Team Eucalyptus’ hypothesis is correct, theirs could be a local solution to beat the mozzie,” said UON Ourimbah Campus Dean, Dr Brok Glenn. Dr Glenn said the team is currently working with an Australian company to potentially commercially develop their idea to help combat mosquitoes naturally. Source: Media release, Oct 22 UON Media

According to Melissa, Harlan’s areas of expertise are maths and science with spelling his greatest strength. “He loves to read, I joke that his bedroom looks more like a library. “Regardless of content, if it has a spine and pages, he’ll read it,” she said. His penchant for reading means that Harlan’s also an ace at general knowledge, with his young brain soaking up interesting titbits and facts that’d make a professional trivia player’s head spin. “I went along to be part of the live audience with Harlan’s teacher and a few of his classmates and it was really just amazing. “The words these kids

were spelling and the dates and events they were recalling were just insane. “Truly, what these kids are capable of was just mind-blowing to behold,” Melissa said. On the overall experience, Melissa said that she was incredibly proud of her son. “Just to be cast was incredible. “Harlan is the only kid from the Central Coast to have competed and he made so many friends on the show,” Melissa said. Despite his elimination Harlan’s not down, with the kid genius keen to contest the title again next year. Source: Interview, Nov 11 Melissa Clarke, Bateau Bay Dilon Luke, Journalist

TAFE Foundation Scholarships awarded S

everal Central Coast residents have been honoured with 2019 Semester 2 Hunter TAFE Foundation Scholarships. Marking its 20th year of operation, the Hunter TAFE Foundation granted 32 students from TAFE campuses across the Hunter and Central Coast regions $42,200 worth of awards and scholarships in a formal ceremony at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri on October 30. Attended by more than 70 members of the Hunter business community, students and their families, the event celebrated the recipients’ resilience, determination and commitment to

further education. Local winners included: Berkeley Vale’s Timothy Pager, who was awarded a City of Newcastle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship; Killarney Vale’s Taylor Forsythe, who picked up a Study Assistance Scholarship; Gwandalan’s Amy Austin and Ourimbah’s Katrina Rees, who received this Semester’s two Accounting Bean Counters Achievement Awards; The Entrance’s Tara Duffy, who received the Central Coast Campus Friends Award; and Gorokan’s Rose Antony, who picked up the Foundation’s Youth Encouragement Award. Hunter TAFE Foundation President,

Gary Webb, said: “Over the past 20 years, Hunter TAFE Foundation, through the generosity of our donor partners, has helped hundreds of local students with their TAFE NSW studies. “We have made the vocational pathway easier for people no matter what occupation they have in their sights. “Many are now key participants in our local workforce, contributing great value to our local economy. “Together we are making a tremendously valuable contribution to the lives of many who strive towards career success.” Source: Media release, Oct 31 Janelle Kelly, TAFE NSW Media

W W W. C E N T R A L C O A S T N E W S . N E T

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Landcare Grant for Ourimbah Public School O

urimbah Public School has secured a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant.

The school was selected out of close to 1, 000 applicants in the national program, which launched last year. The program aims to inspire students with hands on environmental projects and offers grants of up to $1,000 for primary schools and early learning centres across the country. Projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices and enhancing native habitats were preferred. The grant will allow Ourimbah Public School to fund its Rainforest Rangers project which will allow a group of students to improve environmental education amongst the wider student body. The project focus is to clear and maintain areas that classes can then use to learn about natural habitats. The school has already identified their frog pond as the first site for maintenance. The funds will also allow the school to investigate setting up its own pseudo

Return and Earn program, to encourage effective recycling. Woolworths Group Manager, Martin Allison, said: “We’re extremely proud of what this program has achieved to date and delighted that local schools have been recognised in the latest round of grants. “Ourimbah Public School students have developed a deserving project that will contribute to a greener future for our community and we look forward to tracking their progress and success.” Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: “Getting handson with environmental projects at this early stage in their development will help equip students with the ability, knowledge and resources to take meaningful action to protect our shared local and national biodiversity as they grow up. “We’re looking forward to seeing the project proposed by Ourimbah Public School. “Interested locals can track their success via an interactive map at landcareaustralia.org. au.” Source: Media release, Dec 3 Morgan Annike, PPR

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4 December 2019

EDUCATION

Students have triumphant performances during the Schools Spectacular

undreds of students from the Central Coast returned to school on November 25 with stars in their eyes after triumphant performances during the Schools Spectacular. Over 5,000 student dancers, vocalists, choir members, puppeteers and aerialists, took to the stage, with support from a 100-piece symphony orchestra and 20-piece stage band for a series of matinee and evening performances over the two days. Students from TLSC Tumbi Umbi Campus, Gorokan Public School, North Lakes High School and Wadalba Community School all took part. Schools Spectacular Creative Director, Sonja

Sjolander, said everyone who was a part of this year’s Schools Spectacular should be applauded. “This year our theme was STARS,” Sjolander said. “Everyone truly lived up to their star billing. “They really shone and together our galaxy of stars made the 2019 Schools Spectacular a show to remember,” she added. Students from Gorokan Public School and Wadalba Community School were a part of the 2,800 strong combined choir. Northlakes students performed in the Aboriginal Dance section and TLSC Tumbi Umbi performed in the Combined Dance. The Coast also had four students named Featured

Dancers in Wadalba Community School’s Kurt Dawson, TLSC Berkeley Vale’s Bailey Mitchell and Ryan Goldsworthy, and TLSC Tumbi Umbi’s Jada Johnston. Sjolander said audiences of around 30,000 across the four performances were thrilled with the trademark colour, outstanding talent and variety on which the Schools Spectacular has built its reputation. “They were entertained by a kaleidoscope of music ranging from time honoured classics through a nostalgic 90’s mash up, to the latest hits that have the kids in the audiences singing along. “A highlight was the 80th anniversary celebration segment of the Wizard of Oz, exclusively featuring students from rural and remote areas of NSW.

“We’re so proud of the learning opportunities that we can offer to our NSW public school students through the Schools Spectacular,” Sjolander said. “Whether it was students enriching their passion to perform, enjoying the excitement of being part of the world’s biggest amateur variety show or building a joint HSC and industry credential as a VET (Vocational Education and Training) student, every star returns home with the reassurance that they worked with some of the entertainment industry’s best, who were devoted to ensuring that every star shone,” she said. Source: Media release, Nov 25 Grant Hatch, NSW Department of Education

OUT&ABOUT Page 26

4 December 2019

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Social and environmental justice groups join letter writing forces

entral Coast Amnesty will join forces with the Community Environment Network in the lead up to International Human Rights Day on December 10, by inviting Central Coast locals to ‘Write for Rights’ at CEN’s December Sustainable Saturday event. The event will take place from 9am to 1pm on December 7, at the CEN’s Ourimbah office. “We are proud to be joining forces with the Community Environment Network (CEN) at their monthly Sustainable Saturday’s letter writing event and Xmas plant sale,” said Emma Whitmore and

Shelly McGrath, Central Coast Amnesty’s Coconvenors. “The idea that social and environmental justice are two different struggles needs to be corrected. “Many of our cases

CEN members at a previous Sustainable Saturdays event this year include pair said. environmentalists, or Chair of the Community as we call them, earth Environment Network, protectors, who have Hale Adasal, said: “It’s been jailed protecting wonderful to be working their ancestral Indigenous together once again lands, which is a basic with our local Amnesty human right, hence, we human rights defenders, must speak for them,” the

because if we think globally, the earth knows no boundaries when it comes to our natural habitat.” “So, when we act locally to protect our natural wonders on

local environmental campaigns to keep our air and water clean and our living communities safe from harm, this has rippling effects across the globe. “Also buying and sharing native plants is encouraged through our CEN nursery to give gifts that keep giving. “So please, join us as we write letters to protect our local natural habitat and support human rights defenders from around the globe, sharing nature’s gifts with Xmas purchases of native plants this holiday season,” Adasal said. Source: Media release, Nov 25 Hale Adasal, Community Environment Network

Men’s Shed celebrated 10th anniversary

he Entrance Men’s Shed has celebrated its 10th anniversary. Shed President, Bruce Crouch, said that during its 10 years’ of operations, over 150 men have taken advantage of the shed and the facilities it offers. Currently, the Shed has some 50 members of which 40 are active, and an average of 16 to 17 attend each of the three days the shed is open. Ages range from 35 to 87. The Shed was officially opened on November 27,

2009, by the then Wyong Mayor, Bob Graham, following several years of planning and effort

The Entrance Men’s Shed by current members, Geoff Dunn and Alan Kember, plus other Men’s Sheds’ stalwarts, Kevin

Armstrong Sharples. Other committee

ADVERTISING

and

John

foundation members,

Lyn Sawyer, Col Kennedy and Kim Hopkins are now unfortunately all deceased. The Men’s Shed is one of the original tenants of The Entrance Community Centre and is housed in a purpose built building on the Battley Ave side of the site. Originally, the premises housed the office, lunch room and workshop activities in one area, but an extension to the building in 2012 sees it now house the office and lunch areas away from the dust and noise of the workshop.

An official function to mark the anniversary was held in the Community Centre grounds on November 27, and was attended by guest of honour, Bob Graham, Central Coast Council and Australian Men’s Shed Association representatives, current and past shed members, Community Centre volunteers and representatives of suppliers and supporters of The Entrance Men’s Shed. Source: Media release, Nov 28 Terry Anderson, The Entrance Men’s Shed

We are here to help you on journeys big and small

Whether it’s staying close to home or heading off on that must-see adventure. Road Runner Tours help you make the most memorable experiences. The hardest part will be deciding if it’s an Extended Tour, Day Trip or Live Show your after, or all of the above as it is for many of our regular travellers. On the extended holidays you will be looked after from the moment you book. Home pick-ups (conditions apply), travel in luxurious coaches, all entry fees included and full buffet breakfasts and 2 course dinners with accommodation in quality motels. All these costs are inclusive – so you are not continually putting your hands in your pocket. So if you are thinking of an extended holiday you can tick off all the inclusions. From then there is nothing else to do but enjoy the company of others and seeing the sites and places you’ll be visiting. And there are many to choose from with trips from the coast to the outback.

The hardest decision will be knowing what to wear. Alternatively, you might be a Day Tripper. Road Runner Tours have pickups from designated pickup points across the Central Coast, so it’s easy to get on board. The choice of places you’ll visit varies immensely – like a trip to the Zoo, lunch on a Paddlewheeler, Vivid Lights on Sydney Harbour, or a Flower Festival, and the list goes on. Once again these trips are worry-free and surprisingly low priced. Maybe you prefer the lights and entertainment of a live show. Road Runner Tours take passengers from designated pick-up points across the Central Coast to live shows at Sydney theatres throughout the year. The entertainment factor and performances are worldclass, so when the lights dim and the curtains open you will get to experience Let Road Runner Tours help you find your best escape by calling them, or visiting their website. www.roadrunnertours.com.au - 02 4353 9050

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4 December 2019

OUT&ABOUT

Central Coast Freemasons donate over $50,000 F

ive community driven organisations around the Coast have benefitted from a share in over $50,000 worth of donations from the Central Coast Freemasons and Masonicare. Headspace, The Glen and Camp Breakaway all received $1,330, with The Smith Family receiving $5,000 and Surf Life Saving Central Coast the 2019 major beneficiary, receiving $42,400. The funding has been distributed to each organisation to boost their programs, with Surf Life Saving Central Coast again using their funds to purchase the bright pink Nippers’ vests used by surf lifesaving clubs across the region. According to the Freemasons’ Director of Publicity and Communications, Simon Pierce, the Freemasons had a hand in developing and rolling out the iconic pink rash vest which has become synonymous

The Freemasons of the Central Coast with 2019 beneficiary representatives at their charity presentation with the Central Coast surf lifesaving movement. “We were the first to start this initiative in 2012 which has now been taken up by Freemasons and other community minded groups around Australia and throughout the world. “It all started in 2011 when the Freemasons on the Central Coast created a relationship with Surf Life Saving Central Coast. “A short time later,

after the unfortunate drowning of a surf lifesaver at the Australian Championships in Queensland, discussions commenced between Chris Parker, then CEO Surf Life Saving Central Coast, and the Freemasons to find a way to minimise future risk to our community. “The greatest problem was being able to spot the lifesaver in the surf or under the water.

“Tests were conducted to ascertain the most visible colour that could be spotted underwater, especially in rough conditions where the water gets discoloured by the sand. “From the tests, it was clear that hot pink was the best colour to use. “Surf Life Saving Central Coast in conjunction with Freemasons on the Central Coast then got

to work and sourced the bright pink vests that are now common place on our beaches,” Pierce said. “First to wear the vests on the Central Coast were the Nippers (Under 14’s) in September 2012, and by the end of the year, as the vests were accepted by parents and children alike, they became the norm for all surf clubs in NSW.

“The following year the vest was introduced to the Seniors (14–18 years) and the Masters, becoming compulsory for all competitors in all age groups. “Now, on the Central Coast, all surf lifesaving clubs provide the pink vests to all Nippers and Seniors,” Pierce said. According to Pierce, the Freemasons pride themselves on the fact that since their introduction, the vests, in conjunction with the diligent work of local surf lifesavers, no lifesavers, Nippers or Senior, have died on a Central Coast beach. “Freemasons on the Central Coast are extremely proud and thankful for this statistic and will continue to work with Surf Life Saving Central Coast to keep our beaches, and community, safe,” he said. Source: Media release, Nov 15 Simon Pierce, Freemasons on the Central Coast

GOSFORD REGIONAL GALLERY &

E D O G AWA C O M M E M O R AT I V E G A R D E N

CWA Toukley collecting Christmas gifts for CWA Baradine

WA Toukley members have been collecting Christmas gifts and toiletries to assist the embattled town of Baradine. CWA Baradine branch member, Nea Worrell, put the call out through the CWA

network for assistance these holidays and CWA Toukley President, June Howard, said her members were happy to help out and have been busily collecting gifts, toiletries and other bits and pieces to make one large donation to CWA Baradine to distribute to its drought stricken

community. Toukley members have collected three large boxes worth of goods which local business, The Little Juddies, has generously agreed to transport to Baradine in December.

15 NOVEMBER 2019 - 12 JANUARY 2020

Source: Media release, Nov 23 Jennifer McIntosh, CWA Toukley

Awarded to the best painting of a notable

Australian, the Archibald Prize is a who’s who of

Australian culture, from politicians to celebrities and from sporting heroes to artists. Visit the exhibition to vote for your favourite portrait in the ANZ People’s Choice award.

Check out our website for associated Archibald Prize public programs and events. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/galleries/archibaldprize

TOP LEFT: Tony Costa, Lindy Lee, oil on canvas, 182.5 x 152 cm.

TOP RIGHT: Tessa MacKay, Through the looking glass, oil on linen,

An Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition

BOTTOM: Jordan Richardson, Annabel, oil on aluminium

TICKETS

• $7.50 Adult • $5 Concession • Members free OPEN DAILY: 9.30AM - 4.00PM

36 WEBB ST, EAST GOSFORD | TEL: 4304 7550

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4 December 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

COASTAL DIARY

CCN

A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF EVENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ON THE CENTRAL COAST WEDNESDAY, DEC 4

Clay Christmas Free for 60 years and over- Coast Opera Australia: A Night of Power and Passion, Decorations, Bookings essential, Central Coast Leagues Lake Haven Library, 1pm - 3:30pm Annual Complex Regional Club, Ticketed, 8:30pm Bookings essential, Pain Syndrome Workshop, 11am - 12pm Stand Up Comedy Night Breakers Country Club - LIVE with Christian Wamberal, Free, Avoca Twilight Markets, MONDAY, DEC 9 Elderfield, Elliot Stewart, 3pm - 10pm Avoca Village, Will McKellar, 5pm - 9pm Christmas Wreath Making, The Savoy Long Jetty, Central Coast Ageing & The Avoca Surfhouse, Ticketed, 7:30pm Disability Association Gosford RSL Sub Branch: Ticketed, 7pm - 9pm Meeting with special 100th Anniversary Gala No Regrets - The Edith Piaf guests, Dinner, Tech Savvy Seniors: Story, Meeting Space 3 , Erina Gosford RSL Club, Ticketed Introduction to Apple iPads The Art House Wyong, Centre The Hive, Free, & iPhones - BYO, Ticketed, 8pm 9am - 12:30pm Greedy Guts Presents: The Tuggerah Library and Peter Kuruvita Street Food Council Services, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Library Bookclub - Come Experience, Free for 60 years and overalong and discuss a new Service Raceday, Florida Beach Bar, 1pm Bookings essential, The Entertainment Grounds, book title each month, 1pm - 3:30pm Woy Woy Library, 12pm - 6pm Fairhaven Christmas Fair All welcome, 2pm - 4pm 2019, Valley of Dreams - Seya SHIFT: Looking Within the Fairhaven Brisbane Water, Hashemi, FRIDAY, DEC 6 Self - artists of OPTIONS 9am - 2pm The Community Gallery Disability Support, East Gosford, Annual Testimonial Dinner, Free Movie In The Park Erina Centre Gallery, 9/12 - 31/12 Avoca Beach Surf official opening - 7pm, Wallace And Gromit: The Lifesaving Club, Ticketed, Curse Of The Were Rabbit, 4/12 - 3/01 ‘The Changing Room’ 6:30pm - 11:30pm 9am - 5pm Peninsula Recreation Christine Sykes: Precinct, 5:30pm Author event, Aussie Night Umina Beach Knitters - all Lake Haven Library, markets Gosford, welcome, Metropolis Touring presents 6pm - 8pm The Entertainment Grounds, Umina Library, The Animals 5pm - 10pm 10am - 12pm with special guests, TUESDAY, DEC 10 The Entrance Leagues Club, My Forever Family NSW: Age Pension and Your Ticketed, 7pm LifeSpan Central Coast Foster carer recruitment Choices Wrap Up & Beyond Event and education roadshow, Centrelink information Making Meditation Help us celebrate the end Mingara Recreation Club, session, Toukley Library, Mainstream: Free Beach of the LifeSpan Trial Site Ticketed Free - Bookings required, Meditation Session, and see what is in store for 10:30am - 12pm Terrigal Beach, 6:30am Suicide Prevention on the Terrigal’s Taste of Sri Lanka Coast, Free, with Peter Kuruvita, History Hounds, Drop Legs + Mana Lion, Wamberal Surf Life Saving Seasalt Restaurant, Tuggerah Library, The Rhythm Hut, Club, 9am - 2:30pm Ticketed, 6:30pm Free, 10:30am - 11:30am Ticketed, 6:30pm Christmas Gingerbread The North Face: Fetish Sculptures From Biscuit Decorating with the THURSDAY, DEC 5 The Reel Rock Tour 14, Found Materials with CWA, Avoca Beach Picture Jane Gillings, Kincumber Library, Council Pop Up, Theatre, Ticketed, Gosford Regional Gallery, Free Bookings essential, Wyong Village Central, 7:30pm Ticketed, 10am - 4pm 3:45pm – 4:45pm 10am - 12pm

WEDNESDAY, DEC 11 Luke Antony: Christmas in Song, Laycock Street Theatre Auditorium, Ticketed, 11am Discover your own Backyard: What to do on the Central Coast, Erina Library, Free Bookings required, 10am - 11am Green Living Workshop: Keeping Backyard Chooks, Umina Library, Free - Bookings required, 10am - 12:30pm

THURSDAY, DEC 12

Coastal Art Exhibition, Patonga (opposite the Bakehouse Gallery) 14, 15, 21 & 22/12, 10am -4pm Christmas Party Picnic Raceday, The Entertainmnet Grounds, Ticketed, 12pm - 6pm Create a Gingerbread House, Narara Valley Baptist Church, Ticketed, 2pm - 8:30pm Troubadour Central Coast: Hawaiian Christmas Party, St Luke’s Hall Woy Woy, Ticketed, 7pm

15/12 - 17/12, 6:15pm - 9pm

SATURDAY, DEC 21

Combined Churches Carols and Lessons, MONDAY, DEC 16 Umina Uniting church 346 Ocean Beach Rd, Tech Savvy Seniors: Introduction to the internet 7pm, 4341 8536 - FREE for participants aged 60 years and over, Kincumber Library, 10am - 12:30pm

WEDNESDAY, DEC 18 The 2019 Archibald Prize exhibition After Hours with Jonathan Dalton, Gosford Regional Gallery, Ticketed, 4pm - 8pm

A Vibrant New Solo Exhibition - Drawing in Santa Sack Decorating - for Green Living - Bee Aware Space with Willemina Villari, for Kids, making an insect Gosford Regional Gallery, ages 5-10, hotel, Ticketed, 18/12 - 22/01 Tuggerah Library and Gosford Regional Gallery, Council Services, Free - Bookings essential, Free - Bookings essential, THURSDAY, DEC 19 9am - 10:30am 4pm - 5pm Mind Blowing Magic By Fresh Christmas Wreath Indian Buffet and Music Julian Bull - The Most Making, with Sandy Bigara & Intensely Magical Alberts Line Gosford, Friends, Experience Of Your Life, Ticketed, 2pm - 4pm Rajdhani Indian Restaurant Wyong Milk Factory Cafe, Dried Christmas Wreath Terrigal, Ticketed, Ticketed, 7pm Making - 2pm - 4pm 7pm - 9pm Tech Savvy Seniors: Internationally acclaimed Introduction to the internet FRIDAY, DEC 13 troubadour - Owen - BYO Smartphone, Tablet/ Campbell, iPad or laptop, Faulty Towers - The Dining Mangrove Mountain Hall, Woy Woy Library, Experience Show 1, Ticketed, 6pm Free - Bookings essential, Breakers Country Club 10am - 12:30pm Wamberal, Ticketed, Church on the Hill 7pm - 11pm Quarterly Markets, Multi-Sport Fun Day - Six All Saints Anglican Church, hours of fun playing Boho Native Wreath Making 8am - 1pm games such as wheelchair Workshop, basketball, soccer, hockey Erina Fair Shopping Centre The Radiators, and volleyball as well as - Between Lorna Jane Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL, jumping on the inflatables & Surf Dive N Ski, 13 & Free, 8pm and trampolines, 14/12, 9:30am - 11am Niagara Park Stadium, yourvoiceourcoast.com Christmas in the Valley, Oarsome! FREE catchment 2019 Archibald Prize Artist Ticketed, 9am - 3pm Tech Savvy Seniors: Greedy Guts Markets, Valley View Public School, crawl of Erina Creek, Talk: Jordan Richardson, Introduction to the internet, Florida Beach Bar Terrigal, 5pm - 8pm The Way We Were: Barbra Free - Bookings required, Gosford Regional Gallery, Nightmare Before Tuggerah Library, 5:30pm Streisand, Frank Sinatra 9am - 3pm Ticketed, 2pm - 3pm Christmas: Libraryoke Free Bookings essential, and Dean Martin Tribute, SATURDAY, DEC 7 Disco - ages 7-13 years, 10am - 12:30pm Brackets and Jam, The Art House Theatre, SUNDAY, DEC 15 Tuggerah Library, Bookings SUNDAY, DEC 8 Kincumber Mountain, Wildplant Community Ticketed, 8pm required, 5pm - 7pm Oarsome! FREE kayak tour 7:30pm Nursery & Write for our Hard to Be Merry - A of Woy Woy, Handmade on the Coast, rights, Green Living Workshops: service for those who Lions Park Woy Woy, Woy Woy Wharf, FRIDAY, DEC 20 Christmas at TEG, Sustainable Christmas gifts, CEN Office, off Brush find Christmas a 10 & 11/12, 8am - 12pm The Entertainment Grounds, 9am - 2pm food and beeswax wrap, Road, Ourimbah, Star FM Central Coast difficult time, Ticketed, 6pm Take 3 Sustainability Hub, 9am - 12pm Sensitive Santa at the Carols, Hans: Like a German, Ettalong Uniting The Entrance, www.cen.org.au/events Library, Central Coast Stadium, Laycock Street Community SATURDAY, DEC 14 Church - 55 Picnic 10am - 12:30pm Toukley Library, Ticketed, 4pm - 9pm Theatre, Ticketed, 8pm Parade, 3pm BYO Festival The Witching 8:30am - 9:30am HopeUC: The Nativity – a 4341 8536 Christmas Card Making, - Hour’s “Under My Skin” Free Discovered - We The Lakes Carols, Carols Spectacular, Woy Woy Library, Australian Tour, Supporting Healthy welcome singers and The Lakes Church HopeUC Charmhaven, The Road to Bethlehem - A Free - Bookings essential, ECP Studios Berkeley Vale, Relationships: singer/songwriters (aged Tuggerah, 5pm Ticketed, 14 & 15/12, Drama Tour Portraying 10am - 12pm Ticketed, 5pm - 11pm Free workshop for 7 – 24 years) who have a Multiple sessions, The Events Of The First love of singing, domestic and family Carols on the Green, 14/12 - Sensory show, Christmas, Tech Savvy Seniors: Xmas Artisan’s Market The Hub Erina Youth violence awareness, Everglades Country Club, 11am Central Coast Adventist Introduction to Apple iPads Arts & Craft, Entertainment Venue The Art House Meeting 6pm School Erina, Free & iPhones - BYO, Beachcomber hotel Toukley, Room Wyong, Booking’s required, Kincumber Library, 10am - 4pm 9:30am - 11:30am

Breath-Training Workshop for Ocean Swimmers, Ocean Beach SLSC & Pearl Beach rock pool, Ticketed, 8am - 1pm Breastfeeding Basics, Gosford Private Hospital, Ticketed, 9:30am - 12pm Ettalong Chrismtas Markets, The Galleria Ettalong Beach, 10:30am- 4pm

SUNDAY, DEC 22 Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United, Central Coast Stadium, Ticketed, 6pm www.a-league.com.au

TUESDAY, DEC 24 Christmas Eve Community Carols in The Park with Gosford City Brass Band, Kibble Park Gosford, 6pm - Community building games, 7pm - carols Carols in the Park, Memorial Park The Entrance, 6pm - 9pm

Christmas Eve Carols - led by some of our young people, You are welcome to come dressed as an angel, a shepherd or a wise man / woman, Umina Uniting church 346 Ocean Beach Rd, 6:30pm WEDNESDAY, DEC 25

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch, Ettalong Diggers, Ticketed, 11:30am & 12:30pm 4343 0111

Basic entries in the Coastal Diary are FREE. Send information to coastaldiary@centralcoastnews.net

ENHANCED entries using bold typeface with an address, phone number and a live link are available for a small fee. Photographs can also be added for a small fee. All display advertisers are entitled to a free enhanced entry.

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4 December 2019

OUT&ABOUT

The Art House has an action packed school holiday program I

n the countdown to Christmas, The Art House, Wyong, is to become an action packed school holiday destination with events including kids’ circus show, Brass Monkeys, interactive music experience, The Ukulele Kids Show, and free holiday craft activities. Specifically designed for kids who move to the beat of their own drum, Brass Monkeys is packed with live music, acrobatics and approximately a ‘zillion’ hula hoops. This is the latest extravaganza from the acclaimed creators of Children are Stinky, and is produced by Circus Trick Tease. The show is full of high-flying tricks and

Circus Trick Tease’s Brass Monkeys acrobatics set to make suitable for children heads spin. aged 5-10 years and no Budding young circus experience is necessary. stars will also have the The Ukulele Kids Show chance to join in an gives kids the chance optional workshop with to learn three chords on the performers, featuring the popular and trendy a combination of acro- instrument as they play balance, tumbling, along to the story of juggling, and hula Jasmina, a shy young girl hooping. at school who learns to The workshop is express herself through music and unlock her

Woody Clarke musical potential. community programs Up to 100 ukuleles and festivals, with proven are handed out to the and sustained results. audience to foster musical “I love teaching kids expression, creativity, and their parents about and confidence. the fun and creativity that With over 15 years’ comes with music. experience, show creator “It really is a universal and music teacher, language that permeates Woody Clark, has seen every facet of our daily his work tried and lives. tested across schools, “The Kookaburras

singing in the morning, the music of the suburban train on the tracks or the laughter and singing of the school yard. “It flows in and out of each and every day,” Clark said. Summer at The Art House kicks off from January 9 with Brass Monkeys, which will run until the 11th. The Ukulele Kids Show will run from January 17 to 18. Both shows have various run times. Package deals are also available for the Brass Monkeys show and workshop for interested parents and carers. Tickets are essential for both shows and can be purchased through The Art House. Source: Media release, Nov 26 Kristina Deminick, The Art House Wyong

Winter lifeguard patrols to continue at The Entrance ocean pool T

he Grant McBride Pool at The Entrance will continue to provide a lifeguard patrol during winter for five hours a day, after a trial this winter proved popular.

Council agreed at the November 25 meeting to budget an additional $35,000 a year to maintain the winter patrol, meaning the baths are patrolled all year round. A council staff report said numbers at the Grant McBride Baths at The

Entrance, a 50m outdoor ocean pool, increased from an average of 90,000 visits a year to 102,000 with the extended lifeguard patrols in winter. The patrols from April to September operated from 8am to 1pm seven days a week.

There is no charge for using the baths. Community feedback was positive with users saying they felt safer. The Peninsula Leisure Centre at Woy Woy wins hands down as the most popular council pool on the Coast.

The indoor heated pool’s annual attendance stands at 491,000 visits. Gosford’s outdoor and indoor heated pool complex is next best, but a long way behind with 189,000 visits. The Toukley indoor heated pool had 132,000

swimmers. The seasonal outdoor unheated pool at Wyong lags behind with 33,000 swimmers in the 2018/19 financial year. Source: Meeting, Nov 25 Agenda item 3.6 Central Coast Council

PRESENTS | A SUMMER OF STAND-UP COMEDY

WIL ANDERSON 11 JAN BOOK NOW

02 4335 1485 www.thearthousewyong.com.au

JUDITH LUCY 17 JAN

CAL WILSON 25 JAN

GIVE THE GIFT OF LAUGHS CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

DAVE THORNTON 25 JAN @thearthousewyong

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4 December 2019

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

WHERE DO YOU GET IT?

CCN

FOLLOWING IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COAST COMMUNITY NEWS PICKUP LOCATIONS, PAPERS ARE DELIVERED TO ALL OF THESE LOCATIONS EVERY FRIDAY BATEAU BAY Ritchies IGA Cresthaven Shopping Centre Bateau Bay Bowling Club 5 Bias Ave The Entrance Leagues Club 3 Bay Village Rd Tuggerah Lakes Community Centre 1 Bay Village Rd Bateau Bay Men’s Shed 1 Bay Village Rd Bateau Bay Square 12 Bay Village Rd Coles The Entrance Rd Woolworths 12 Bay Village Rd Sun Valley Tourist Park 2 Bateau Bay Rd Blue Lagoon Beach Resort 10 Bateau Bay Rd Uniting Nareen Gardens Bateau Bay 19 Bias Ave Bupa Aged Care Bateau Bay 17 Bias Ave

Leader Pet Supplies 17 Lake St

Gamban Rd

2/14 Bannister Dr

Coast Hotel 169 Budgewoi Rd

HAMLYN TERRACE Hakea Grove Aged Care 102 Louisiana Rd

McDonald’s Goobarabah Ave

Tenth Avenue Pharmacy 56 Tenth Ave

Wyong Public Hospital Pacific Hwy

CANTON BEACH Heritage Village Toukley 2 Evans Rd

The Dam Hotel Cnr Minnesota Rd & Pacific Hwy

Lakefront Village 1-91 Village Way

Bottlemart 181-187 Minnesota Rd

CHAIN VALLEY BAY Valhalla by Gateway Lifestyle 25 Mulloway Rd Teraglin Lakeshore Home Village 2 Mulloway Rd CHARMHAVEN Charmhaven Tennis Centre Parkside Dr Northlakes Tavern 17-33 Pacific Hwy Supanews Westfield Northlakes CHITTAWAY BAY Chittaway Centre Pharmacy Chittaway Shopping Centre

Elderslee Retirement Community 15 Bias Ave

DOYALSON Macquarie Shores Home Village 150 Tall Timbers Rd

Southern Cross Care Reynolds Court Residential Aged Care 7 Bias Ave

Doyalson Wyee RSL Club Pacific Hwy

Kiah Lodge Retirement Community 15 Anne Findlay Pl

FORRESTER’S BEACH Celebrations Shops 6&7, 15 Forrester’s Beach Rd

BERKELEY VALE Berkeley Vale Public School 6 Pindarri Ave

Brown Sugar Bakery 15 Forrester’s Beach Rd

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College - Berkeley Vale Campus 5-25 Berkeley Rd BP 1 Blade Cl Berkeley Vale Private Hospital Lorraine Ave Opal Berkeley Village 8 Lorraine Ave Medical Centre 3/10 Lorraine Ave Berkeley Vale Cellars 258 Lakedge Ave Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre 3 Heather Ave BLUE HAVEN Blue Haven Community Centre 1 Apsley Ct Blue Haven Public School 37 Colorado Dr BUDGEWOI Coles Noela Pl Budgewoi Soccer Club 1 Millington Way United Petroleum 67-71 Scenic Dr Discount Drug Store 73 Scenic Dr Halekulani Bowling Club 50 Natuna Ave

Forries Café¬¬ 970 The Entrance Rd, Forrester’s Beach Di Matteos 27 Forrester’s Beach Rd Forrester’s Beach Retirement Village 1001 The Entrance Rd Caltex service station The Entrance Rd Cnr Bellevue Rd GOROKAN Guardian Pharmacy 70 Wallarah Rd

Palm Springs Home Village 181 Minnesota Rd Catholic Healthcare Wellness Centre 1 Minnesota Rd Warnervale Public School Warnervale Rd & Minnesota Rd KANWAL Amcal+ Pharmacy Kanwal Medical Centre Kanwal Medical Centre, k2/654 Pacific Hwy Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital 645 Pacific Hwy

Lake Munmorah Senior Citizens Club 1 Acacia Ave Munmorah United Bowling Club Acacia Ave Lakeside Leisure Village 51 Kamilaroo Ave LISAROW Lisarow Takeaway Shop 2/1 Parsons Rd

Opal Norah Head 63 Palomar Parade

WOONGARRAH Warnervale Gardens 171 Mataram Rd

Neighbourhood Centre 28 Brava Ave THE ENTRANCE The Entrance Visitor Information Centre 46 Marine Parade Nesuto The Entrance Apartments 18 Coral St Lakeside Shopping Centre The Entrance Rd & Dening St Coles The Entrance Rd &, Dening St The Greens The Entrance Corner Park Road & Warrigal Street 7-Eleven The Entrance Gosford Ave

KFC 16 The Entrance Road

Woolworths 3 Parsons Rd

Jimbo’s Quality Seafoods 109 The Entrance Rd

Coles 11 Parsons Rd

Subway 35/37 Coral St

Wyong Rugby League Club 40 Lake Haven Dr

The Orchards Retirement Village 15 The Ridgeway

Dunleith Tourist Park 2 Hutton Rd

KILLARNEY VALE Opal Killarney Vale 1 Daniel Cl

LONG JETTY Caltex Long Jetty 431 The Entrance Rd

Central Coast Community Care Association Cnr Cornish Avenue & Wyong Rd

Bridge Club 415 The Entrance Rd

William Cape Gardens 40 Pearce Rd Oasis Caratel Caravan Park 207/209 Wallarah Rd

Coles Express 102-106 Wyong Rd The Bottle-O Shop 2/120 Wyong Rd Killarney Vale Bakery & Café 122 Wyong Rd Killarney Vale Newsagency 112 Wyong Rd Central Coast Cycles 118 Wyong Rd

KULNURA General Store, Indian Restaurant & Cafe

TSG Gorokan 1/74 Wallarah Rd

LAKE HAVEN Lake Haven Castle Cottage 8 Kylie Cl

Masonic Centre 86 Mann Street

Parktrees Village 750 Pacific Hwy

SAN REMO Coles Northlakes Shopping Centre

McDonald’s 2 Parsons Road

Arcare Kanwal Aged Care 2 Pearce Rd

Central Coast Fresh & Cooked Seafood 74 Wallarah Rd

Central Coast Leagues Club 1 Dane Dr

Woolworths 1 Tall Timbers Rd

Warnies Café 1/13 Warnervale Rd

Smoking Dragon Shop 12 Ebbtide Mall

Red Prawn & Seafood Takeaway 118 Wyong Rd

GOSFORD Imperial centre 171 Mann St

Jamaica Blue 275 Pacific Hwy

Toukley Golf Club 54 Ninth Ave

Lisarow Newsagency Shop 13/1 Parsons Rd

Liquorland 72 Wallarah Rd

Wallarah Bay Recreation Club 40 Wallarah Rd

LAKE MUNMORAH Lake Munmorah Public School Pacific Highway Carters Rd

Lee Rowan’s Garden world 72 Pacific Hwy

Metro Cinemas Lake Haven Forrow Dr Lake Haven Shopping Centre (service desk) Lake Haven Drive & Goobarabah Avenue Lake Haven Library and Council Services Lake Haven Shopping Centre

GWANDALAN Gwandalan Public School Kanangra Dr

RFBI Lake Haven Masonic Village Christopher Cres

Gwandalan Bowling Club

Subway

CUT Computers 421 The Entrance Rd Diggers at The Entrance 315 The Entrance Rd Kaino’s Seafood And B-urgers 324 The Entrance Rd MAGENTA Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 1 Magenta Dr MANNERING PARK The Bottle-O Mannering Park Cellars 68 Vales Rd NORAH HEAD Norah Head Bowling & Sports Club Victoria St

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance Rd David Mehan MP - The Entrance Electorate Office 24 The Entrance Rd TOOWOON BAY Toowoon Bay Holiday Park 1 Koongara St

Canton Beach Sports Club 11 Hibbard St PRP Diagnostic Imaging 54 Victoria Ave Toukley Library Main Rd Coles 781/17-21Yaralla St TUGGERAH Westfield (service desk) 50 Wyong Rd Coles Westfield Tuggerah Supanews Westfield Tuggerah Terry White Chemmart Westfield Tuggerah Tuggerah Library and Council Services Westfield Tuggerah Shingle Inn Tuggerah Westfield Tuggerah Meals on Wheels 6/10 Pioneer Ave Emma McBride MP Mariners Centre of Excellence, Suite 204 TUMBI UMBI Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, Tumbi Umbi Campus 150 Bellevue Rd Glengara Retirement Village 220 Hansen’s Rd Mingara Recreation Club 12-14 Mingara Dr

Bay Takeaway 205 Bay Rd

Chemist Outlet Tumbi Umbi Discount Chemist 7 Mingara Dr

Toowoon Bay Cellars 153-155 Bay Rd

Domino’s Pizza Mingara 8 Mingara Dr

Australia Post 145 Bay Rd

McDonald’s Mingara Mingara Dr

Toowoon Bay Seafood & Take Away 92 Toowoon Bay Rd

Hungry Jack’s Mingara Recreation Complex

Amcal+ Pharmacy Toowoon Bay 96 Toowoon Bay Rd Family Bean 90 Toowoon Bay Rd

NORAVILLE Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel LTD 1 Evans Rd

Flour & Co. 88 Toowoon Bay Rd

OURIMBAH Ourimbah Lisarow RSL Club 6/20 Pacific Hwy

Toukley50 Plus Leisure & Learning Centre 1 Hargraves St

Coastal Rural Traders 10 Ourimbah St

Toukley Public School Main Rd

Toukley

Seabreeze Seafoods 10 Hargraves St

TAFE Ourimbah Campus Q-10, Loop Rd & The Boulevarde

The Salvation Army 28 Canton Beach Rd

The Preview The Boulevarde

NewsXpress Toukley Shop 1/30 Canton Beach Rd

The Millery 10 Chittaway Rd

Coastal Health Medical Centre 213-217 Main Rd

KFC Mingara 3 Mingara Dr Subway Restaurant Lot 9 Mingara Dr &, Wyong Rd WADALBA McDonald’s London Dr Woolworths 1 Figtree Blvd Coles Orchid Way The Lott 2 Edward Stinson Avenue Nargis Gourmet Food Indian & kebab 6/2 Edward Stinson Ave WAMBERAL Pacific Garden Hotel 871 The Entrance Rd WARNERVALE ChemistCare 3 Mary Mackillop Drv

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR LOCATION ADDED TO THIS LIST FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ACCESS, PLEASE LET US KNOW.

St. Mary Mackillop Catholic Church Warnervale 91 Sparks Rd WYEE Wyee Mini Market Shop 5 Wyee Shopping Village WYONG Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc Building 2/8 Rankens Ct Wyong Family History Group 6 Rankens Ct Village Central Wyong 18/34 Alison Rd Plaza Newsagency 6/18-34 Alison Rd The Art House Theatre 19-21 Margaret St Club Wyong RSL 15 Margaret St Central Coast Mobile Village 1A Cutler Dr IGA North Wyong Shop 2/34-38 Cutler Drive North Wyong High School 53 Alison Rd TAFE NSW – Wyong Porter St Wyong Milk Factory Café 141 Alison Rd All Sorts Fitness Wyong 141 Alison Rd Alison Homestead 1 Cape Rd United Petroleum 359 Pacific Highway North Mr David Harris MP - Wyong Electorate Office 142 Pacific Hwy KFC 300 Pacific Hwy Subway 250/300 Pacific Hwy Nexus Smart Hub 3 Amy Cl JAY-C 60/1-10 Amy Cl Kidz Hq 2c Amy Cl Wyong Golf Club 319 Pacific Hwy St James Anglican Church 25-27 Byron St Wyong Bowling Club 3 Panonia Rd Meander Village 18 Boyce Ave Kooindah Waters Golf Club 40 Kooindah Blvd Wyong Men Shed Incorporated 175 Pollock Ave Bendigo Bank 88 Pacific Hwy

WYONG REGIONAL CHRONICLE - WWW.CENTRALCOASTNEWS.NET

Page 31

4 December 2019

OUT&ABOUT

This year’s Christmas light displays highlighted C

hristmas is almost upon us and as the Coast prepares for Santa’s visit, homes across the region are lighting up as families gear up to get out and about and enjoy this year’s Christmas light displays.

The Redman’s 2018 light display This special annual event will close down the street and bring Santa, a petting zoo, jumping castle, ice cream truck and a sausage sizzle. There will also be a raffle with ticket holders going into a draw to win a family holiday, power tools and more. Throughout all this, the Redman’s will be collecting gold coin donations for the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Westmead Children’s Hospital. The Redman’s extended family suffered the loss of a young child and ever since they’ve been keen supporters of the two children’s hospitals. All funds raised will go towards the hospitals with the Redman’s raising $6,700 for the cause last year. This year they’re hoping to raise around $12,000. They’ll turn their lights on from 8:15pm to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, with the lights running a little later on Fridays and Saturdays. Wyongah’s Michelle Dribble has been decorating her home at 55 Dari Rd for the past 11 years. Her $8,000 display gets bigger and brighter each year. This year’s display will feature more lights, more inflatables and a new snowy village. The Stokes family have visited Dribble’s display in previous years and we were amazed at how many fun and

Photo: Katie Stokes Playing in Puddles

festive elements she has managed to include on her front lawn. There will be a Santa’s lounge room complete with brick fireplace, Santa on a motorbike, oversized penguins, Santa piloting a plane, prancing reindeer, Santa driving a train, myriad fairy lights, a snow machine, and a ginormous Christmas tree adorned in tinsel, baubles, bows, lights, candy canes and of course, a crowning star. “Michelle goes to all of this trouble each year to raise money for the Sydney Children’s Hospital, as her 15-yearold daughter, Hope, has

cerebral palsy and has spent a lot of time over the years in and out of hospital. “There will be a little wishing well out the front of the property with all money raised going to the hospital,” Stokes said. Dribble will also be holding additional entertainment on Saturday nights with a mini festival set to take place on her lawn with Disney characters and Santa handing out lolly bags and welcoming visitors. Dribble will switch her lights on from December 7 and keep them on until

CENTRAL COAST

coastcommunitynews.com.au

A directory for all things kids, Playing in Puddles, has compiled an interactive map of this year’s best displays and the Chronicle has teamed up with map creator, Katie Stokes, to inform residents of the must see lights in their area. “An evening drive or walk around the neighbourhood in the weeks before Christmas is a ritual many Central Coast families love, and with the Christmas Lights Map outlining the best decorated homes, we hope to make it that much easier for you to plan your route,” Stokes said. Across the former Wyong Shire, homes at Wyongah, Woongarrah and Wadalba have all made this year’s list. Woongarrah’s Redman family have again stolen the show for the northern end of the Coast with their colossal display at 31 Bayberry Ave. “Matthew Redman has been working on his computerised light display since February; yes, you read that correctly, February,” Stokes said. Redman’s an old hand at the decorations with 19 years under his belt. It takes him four weeks to set up the display each year, but he loves bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to his suburb. “I get a big buzz from the joy on the faces of kids and families seeing our Christmas lights display go off and this year we have lights synchronised to more than 25 songs,” he said. The Redman’s Santa on Saturdays is also set to return, with Santa being at the property to welcome onlookers every Saturday night. The popular Christmas on Bayberry Festive Night will also return on December 14.

FIND THE BEST FUEL PRICES

December 21. She’ll welcome visitors between 7:30pm and 8:45pm each night. Rounding out the must see sights for Wyong, are the Byrne’s display at 66 Settlement Dve, Wadalba. Troy Byrne is the mastermind behind the Byrne’s lights, which he spends months programming to synchronise to a soundtrack. “This year the display is going to be a whole lot bigger,” Byrne said. “I’ve added new wreaths, singing elements, a sleigh with kangaroos, gingerbread man, a lot of stars on the top roof and new larger snowflakes. “The show has grown so large that I’m now taking over some of the next-door neighbour’s house to fit it all in,” he added. Byrne’s love of programming and Christmas has married together so perfectly that

he’s now helping other families around the Coast set up their own light shows, something he said he’s always wanted to do. The Byrnes will be collecting gold coin donations for The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome and Therapeutics Australia. They raised just under $1,000 for The Foundation with last year’s lights and are hoping to improve on that figure this year. The Byrne’s lights are on from December 1. While these might be the first lot of must see lights on the map, Stokes said she’ll be continuing to update it in the lead up to Christmas and encourages any locals looking to plan a comprehensive lights road trip with their kids to check for updates regularly. Source: Website, Nov 29 Katie Stokes, Playing in Puddles Reporter: Dilon Luke

Issue 176

Issue 177

23 October 2019

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

220,000 solar panels to be installed on Delta Electricity’s coal ash dam

Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill could see the end of Wallarah 2

ews of a power partnership in a $75M solar project on Delta Electricity’s coal ash dam, comes only two weeks after the announcement of a Parliamentary Inquiry into rehabilitation of ash dams at coal fired power stations. One of the Inquiry’s criteria is to investigate site remediation and re-purposing of the land, and this Delta Electricity solar project is a good example of repurposing, according to the NSW Department of Environment and Planning. Coal ash from the Vales Point Power Station has been dumped in a huge dam area off Ruttleys Rd since the power station opened in the 1960s. Over the years the ash dam has been capped with soil and other landfill as well as replanting with native grasses. The solar field will be on about 80ha of the rehabilitated portion of the 524ha ash dam, within the 1,730ha Vales Point power station landholding. The $75M project will create 100 construction jobs and five full-time ongoing positions. Community feedback about the project has been generally positive as a good use of the rehabilitated areas of the ash dam. An evaluation report

The brown shaded area is the solar farm area within the ash dam boundary depicted by the yellow broken line (including Mannering Lake in the bottom left of the boundary). Electricity transmission lines are shown in pink by NSW Department of is likely to ecological clean electricity annually, and federal government Planning and Environment communities, migratory which is enough to power renewable energy said even though species and, particularly, about 20,000 homes targets. some environmental threatened species, and and save up to 116,000 This innovative project impacts were identified, even though wading tonnes of greenhouse will pioneer in Australia a such as temporary birds use the saltmarsh, gas emissions a year. fully ballasted system to traffic inconvenience, it was not considered Independent power anchor the solar panels, ecological impacts, a “critical” habitat, the producer and investment where traditional driven construction noise and report said. company, Enernet Global, or screw piles are not vibration, they had been Safety improvements and Delta Electricity, have possible, such as the avoided or minimised, and road upgrades signed a power purchase rehabilitated ash dam wherever possible, will take place at the agreement for the sale of surface. through design and access off Ruttleys Rd, 87GWh of energy from Delta Electricity CEO, mitigation measures. Mannering Park, with the 62MW solar farm. Greg Everett, said The report said the dedicated turning lanes Enernet will finance other advantages for beneficial effects of from both directions into and construct the solar establishing a solar farm renewable energy the property. farm and sell the power to at Vales Point was the generation, on land Construction will start Delta, who will distribute proximity to an existing unsuitable for any other in the second quarter of it through the national grid connection and development, was 2020 and be operational electricity grid. already being in the considered to outweigh by the end of the year. Delta will also use land-use zone for power the mostly temporary There will be about power from the solar generation. adverse impacts and 220,000 solar panels, farm in its retail business, “The partnership with risks associated with the 2.4m high, which will ensuring a significant Enernet recognises project. generate 120,000MW of contribution to state that both dispatchable No significant impact

power and low emission technologies have a role to play in supporting an affordable, reliable and sustainable national electricity grid,” he said. “Vales Point (power station) is an example of how both technologies can be co-located and integrated into the grid,” Everett said. Vales Point solar farm will have an estimated life of 30 years when it would either be rejuvenated or decommissioned. Solar projects are highly reversible after decommissioning, with all above-ground infrastructure able to be removed. Over the next 18 years, Vales Point will be one of four NSW coal-fired power stations to close, and this transition to solar energy will add to NSW’s five major renewable power projects, one of which is the largest solar farm in Australia. Enernet Global President, Paul Matthews, said Vales Point solar farm would pave the way for his company to deliver similar plants in other challenging sites across Australia, including other ash dam sites, mining tailings dams and landfill sites.

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

Source: Environment Impact Statement NSW Dept Planning & Environment Media statements, Oct 21 Delta Electricity and Enernet Media release, Oct 17 Delta Electricity Journalist, Sue Murray

Issue 178

6 November 2019

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

he timely release of a State Government Inquiry, revealing adverse effects of mining in the Sydney drinking water catchment, should add significant clout to the Central Coast Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill 2019, introduced by NSW Greens. Central Coast Greens MLC, Abigail Boyd, introduced the Bill to the NSW Parliament Upper House in October and it is due to be debated on November 21. “If passed, this Bill will protect our drinking water here on the Central Coast and prevent the Wallarah 2 coal mine from proceeding,” she said. Boyd, also the NSW Greens spokesperson on Mining, Coal and Coal Seam Gas, said the Bill would protect the Central Coast drinking water by imposing a moratorium on mining and mining related activities in the following catchments: Mangrove Mountain Creek dam and weir, Mooney Mooney dam, Ourimbah Creek, Porters Creek, Wyong River as well as land where surface water drains to those places. “The Wallarah 2 coal mine will consume gigalitres of our drinking water supply

20 November 2019

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

Continued P6

Application lodged for rezoning to develop a 300 lot housing subdivision

NSW Audit Office audit has delayed production of council’s financial statements

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

Wyong Regional Chronicle is your paper, focussing entirely on the former Wyong Shire.

Keep fully informed of all activities affecting where you live. 20,000 copies are published every two weeks, on alternate Tuesdays, and distributed to hundreds of locations throughout the area. If you live in or are interested in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 or 2263, Wyong Regional Chronicle is the paper for you. Full colour tabloid newspaper with all the latest news Generous multiple booking and multiple publication discounts available to advertisers Special discount arrangements apply to not for profit organisations All editions complete with photographs and advertisements are published on-line Free event diary, tide chart, not for profit organisation directory and emergency contact information included

Phone: 4325 7369

88 Mann St Gosford - PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 www.centralcoastnews.net - manager@centralcoastnews.net

Page 32

4 December 2019

CCN

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE Wyong Writers Writers meet monthly on the fourth Saturday at 1.30pm Woodbury Community Centre 1 Woolmers Crescent, Mardi.

4333 7489

meilingvenning@hotmail.com www.wyongwriters.org

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Minimalism, Creativity, Community Lounge Area, Free Wifi, or a cuppa and chat, call in and see us at 5/22-32 Pacific Highway (Next to BYO Cellars) Opening hours Mon-Sat - 9-4pm

0437 048 815

Country Women’s Association of NSW-Toukley

Central Coast Shire. Free training and insurance provided.

0418 493 388 benefits@nswja.org.au

Tuggerah Lakes Toastmasters Club Thinking about being more effective and more persuasive? Learn clarity, brevity, context, impact and value. This is achievable at Tuggerah Lakes Toastmasters

Central Coast Permaculture meet friendly like minded people at our information night held at Tuggerah Community Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 6:30 for 7pm start Bob on 0412 133 808

HEALTH GROUPS Better Hearing Australia Central Coast

Monthly Market 2nd Sat 9am-1pm 175 Main Rd, Books, bric-aHearing loss management 0409 487 095 brac, cakes, Devonshire tea, Support and educational groups Environment for mature aged men handicrafts, plants, preserves, providing practical experience and to repair items, share and learn sausage sizzle, fun, fellowship, Toukley Neighbourhood confidence. Learn the benefits of skills and socialise fundraising - Meetings 1st Wed Centre hearing aids 9am to 1.30pm Tue to Thur monthly 10am Lakes Food Care, Energy Account 4321 0275 1 Bay Village Road, Hall available for hire. Assistance (EAPA), No Interest Bateau Bay 4976 1642 Loan Scheme (NILS) & Free Central Coast Prostate 0435 807 633 Counselling. Children, Youth & bateaubayshed@gmail.com Cancer Support Group Adult Activities. Laundry & Hot Gambling Solutions (Wyong) Showers. Hall & Meeting Space Gambling help counsellors Bateau Bay Meet last Friday Month for Hire. providing free confidential Neighbourhood Centre Terrigal Uniting Church professional service to 4396 1555 Information, Child & Adult 380 Terrigal Dre, Terrigal www.tnc.org.au gamblers, family and friends Groups & Services, Youth 9.30am to 12 noon Woy Woy, Kincumber, Worker, Free Counselling, 4367 9600 Toukley Presbyterian Gosford and The Entrance www.pcfa.org.au Energy Account assistance Church 4344 7992 (EAPA), Food Assistance Hargraves St & Victoria Ave (incl. Food Store), Op Shop, GROW Support Groups Family Service (Sunday School Freemasons Computer Lessons, Equipment Small friendly groups formed to 9.30am) Cafe Church - informal Annual event 4th Thurs in May (PCs, Laundry Facilities & learn how to overcome anxiety, (in hall 5pm) Community Activities each year. Regular event 4th Lawnmower),Community Events. depression and loneliness and to ALL WELCOME Thurs monthly from 10am 4332 7450 improve mental health and well4392 9904 Ladies are invited admin@bbnc.org.au being. Anonymous, free and open toukleypc.org.au https://bbnc.org.au/ Morisset Masonic Centre to all. Weekly meetings at Bateau Westlake Daylight Masonic Lodge Bay and Wyong Venue for Hire 5 Yambo Street Morisset Berkeley Vale 1800 558 268 Central Coast Wetlands is located Jack Harris 4392 1231 Neighbourhood Centre www.grow.org.au in Tuggerah. Information & Referral, Talks & We have several buildings for hire. Freemasons Information Sessions. Energy They would be suitable for Lodge Toukley 933 Account Assistance (EAPA), weddings, seminars, markets & Museum & Historical Meets 1st Wednesday each Counselling (concession fund raisers. Society Wyong District month - Toukley Memorial Hall available), Food Help, & Access 0408 271 957 Groups/Schools Welcome Pearce Street Toukley to PCs, Internet & Printing. Toy pioneerdairy@bigpond.com Morning tea/lunch for group John Jenkins 4392 1631 Library, Community Garden bookings, wheelchair friendly, & Activities Groups including Volunteering Alison Homestead Cards, Indoor Bowls, Mah-jong Friendly Travellers Central Coast 1 Cape Rd Wyong & Berkeley Vale Walking for Caravan Club Refer potential volunteers to Open Sun-Thur 10am-2pm Pleasure. School Holiday Activities Caravans, Tents, community organisations and 4352 1886 & Workshops. Mobile Homes, All welcome provide support to volunteers and www.alisonhomestead.com.au 4388 5801 plus social outings & trips away community organisations. manager@bvnc.org.au New memebers and visitors are Training for volunteers and www.bvnc.org.au invited to attend managers of volunteers 0458 645 979 Information Sessions held Brisbane Water Soundwaves www.friendlytravellers.com regularly across the Coast Caravan Club A cappella harmony for Men 4329 7122 Caravans Wanted to – new members welcome. Lake Munmorah recruit@volcc.org.au join and have fun Rehearsals Mondays 7.00pm to 50s Plus Leisure and Gosford NSW 9.30pm Central Coast Leagues Learning Club Wyong Neighbourhood Your owners are most Club, Dane Drive, Gosford Computer Classes, dancing, welcome too Centre Ring Max on 4324 3631 exercise, pilates, yoga, craft, Contact Joe Supporting disadvantaged or Kieran 4324 1977 carpet bowls and Tai Chi. 4344 4363 vulnerable and isolated members 4358 8390 https://bwcaravanclub.wixsite.com/bwcc of our community offering a Coastal a Cappella range of community services, Vibrant women’s a Long Jetty Senior Central Coast events, projects, workshops, arts cappella chorus Citizens Club Caravanners Inc programs and an open community new members welcome. 3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Computer classes, line dancing, garden. Music eduction provided Visitors - New Members welcome, tai chi and zumba gold 4353 1750 Rehearsals Tue 7pm Trips Away, Social Outings, M-F, 9am to 3pm Gosford TAFE friendship with like minded folk for full list of activities Wyong Toastmasters Details from Geoff Lots of Performance opportunities, 4332 5522 Club 0447 882 150 or hire us for your next event. Improve your public speaking, 0412 948 450 Long Jetty Over coastalacappella@gmail.com leadership skills & improve your Central Coast 50s Club confidence in our positive, friendly Community Legal Centre Indoor bowls, computers, club. Not for profit service providing free exercises, yoga, line-dancing, tai 1st, 3rd & 5th Friday of each legal advice. Monday to Friday chi and more - 9am to 3pm Australian Labor Party month 9am to 5pm 4332 5522 Ourimbah/ Narara 10:30 to 12:30 at Wyong RSL 4353 4988 Branch contact@centralcoastclc.org.au Club Discussion/action community The Lunch Bunch 0421 216 952 issues - 3 levels of Government Social lunches for seniors on the wyongtoastmasters@gmail.com Central Coast 50+ Niagara Park Primary School Central Coast, meet at 12 noon Singles Social Group 7.30pm 1st Mon 1st and 3rd Sun Wyong Uniting Church Fun And Friendship With an All welcome to join 0410 309 494 Weekly Sunday Service 9am, Excellent Monthly Progam of kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com All welcome. – Bible Study our friendly group Dinner, Dancing, Scrabble, Cards, group Call or SMS And Tenpin Etc. So Call Central Coast Greens

Bateau Bay Men’s Shed

HISTORY GROUPS

MUSIC

POLITICAL GROUPS

0437 699 366 0412 200 571

The Creative Compassion Centre Inc. Secondhand Shopping, Upcycling

0418 772 569

62 Watanobbi Road, Wyong 4352 1528

The NSW Justices Association Inc

wyonguca@gmail.com www.wyong.uca.org.au

Seeking JP volunteers for Community JP Desks in

GARDEN CLUBS

The Central Coast Greens For a fairer, more transparent and accountable government based on democratic principles Local, state-wide, national and international issues and

campaigns - Council and parliamentary representation Developing a new economy Protecting our environment Peaceful conflict resolution Community participation We meet monthly every 3rd Thu - Details and info: centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

Ourimbah Branch Liberal Party of Aust How good is this! Branch meets 2nd Thursday of Each Month

0468 476 237

Call Colin

0413 014 266 www.wyong.nsw.lions.org.au

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

Warnervale Branch - NSW Labor Party

The Entrance Camera Club Inc

PROBUS CLUBS

theentrance.myphotoclub.com.au

Tuggerah Combined Probus Club Inc

Central Coast Tenants’

New members and To support and promote NSW visitors welcome. Labor within the Warnervale area. Renowned for Nature photography 3rd Tue 7pm Grow your photographic skills Hamlyn Terrace in all genres with a friendly Community Centre group of enthusiasts. 0419 128 497 Monthly Competition. warnervale.labor@gmail.com Meets 2nd Friday 7pm CWA Hall Long Jetty

Advice and Advocacy Meet new friends and enjoy social Service events. 2nd Thur., 10:30am, guest Free telephone advice and speakers. Social outings 3rd Thur. Woodbury Park Community Hall, advocacy for all tenants as well as residents in residential parks Mardi 4351 0450

4353 5515

cctaas@hotmail.com

Probus Club of Wyong Inc meet at wyong golf club 4th Mon, Morning Tea, Guest Speakers, regular monthly outings

4352 3692

probuswyong55090@gmail.com

Probus Club of The Entrance Ladies and gentlemen welcome. Guest speakers, morning tea and many activities. 9.30am 4th Tuesday Bateau Bay Bowling Club

0478 228 914

Central Coast Soaring Club Inc

Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members. 14 Y/O and up for Training Thur, Sat, Sun (weather permitting) Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Mountain

0412 164 082 0414 635 047 www.ccsoaring.com.au

Tuggerah Lakes U3A The Entrance - cryptic

crosswords, play reading Bateau Bay - Memoirs, Reading Group - Killarney Vale - Talks, Mah Inner Wheel Club Wyong Jong - Toukley - Creative Writing CAN YOU HELP? join a team of Berkley Vale - Music appreciation dedicated women, sharing fun - Chittaway Bay - Movies and friendship and a passion for 4390 2451 community service 6.30 pm 3rd www.tugglakesu3a.info Wed Wyong Golf Club

SERVICE GROUPS

4393 2755

iiw.au.wyong@gmail.com

The Lions Club of The Entrance Inc Serve your community make friends, join Lions. 1st and 3rd Wed, North Entrance Surf Club. Runs The Entrance Markets Sunday Mornings Behind The Entrance Cinema.

0488 286 006

theentrancelions@gmail.com

The Lions Club of Gwandalan Inc Come join the Lions, make friends and help your local community Saturday Garage Sales and BBQ 7am to 11.30am help your local community

4972 5562

secgwandalanlions@gmail.com

The Lions Club of Wyong Inc 50 years supporting local activities Join us - Meet new friends 4th Tues Monthly 6:30pm Don Small / Lions retirement village

SPORT

KI-DO Mingara Judo Academy Junior boys and girls Mon and Wed Two classes 6-8.30pm from 7yrs Kangy Angy

0413 237 010

www.kidomingarajudo.com.au

Wyong Lakes Australian Football Club Come and play AFL Teams for Boys, Girls, Women, Men No Experience Necessary

0404 257 702

play@wyonglakesafc.com.au

VENUE HIRE Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy

Central Coast Wetlands is located in Tuggerah. We have several buildings for hire. They would be suitable for weddings, seminars, markets & fund raisers. 0408 271 957

pioneerdairy@bigpond.com

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Glen Mills is Toukley RSL’s Minor Singles Champion

entral Coast Academy of Sport Golfer of the Year, Josh Hawkshaw, was a part of the NSW team that placed second in the School Sport Australia Under 12 Championships. Hawkshaw, who plays for Toukley Golf Club, was named captain of the NSW team that would go

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oukley RSL Men’s Bowling Club held their Minor Singles Championships on November 16. Bowlers arrived to pleasant but breezy conditions, but nothing could take the wind out of Glen Mills’ sails as he recorded a nail biting 31 to 30 win over Mick Lynch in the semi-finals to be affirmed Toukley’s first grand finalist. Grant Wyatt also put on a commanding display in the semi, beating Franco Mastroianni 31 to 9. Club Publicity Officer, Ian Garling, said the grand final proved to be highly entertaining with Mills pulling ahead and maintaining a comfortable lead to be crowned champion with a final score of 31 to 21. “The game was quite an exciting one, watched by a large number of our members who enjoyed the sausage sizzle during the match. “The heads were close and quite a few times one player or the other, who would be holding multiple shots, then managed to push the other bowler’s nearest bowl into the jack losing what could have been a good score. “Glen told me afterwards that he thought the game was a very tight one and that Grant just wouldn’t back down,” Garling said. Source: Media release, Nov 18 Ian Garling, Toukley RSL Men’s Bowling Club

SPORT

Second in School Sport Australia Under 12 Golf Championships

Glen Mills is Toukley RSL’s Minor Singles Champion

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4 December 2019

on to place second in the Nett contest and overall second in the Craig Parry Shield. Hawkshaw was a standout for team NSW posting consistent six and nine overs and even recorded the lowest individual score of all boys in Australia on day two of the championships. Source: Website, Nov 14 Jason Millers, Central Coast Junior Golf

Josh Hawkshaw

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