Peninsula Community Access Edition 103
News 18 October 2004
Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4325 7362
Housing Department snubs Council The State Housing Department has refused to talk to Gosford Council about its plans for its housing stock in Grafton Ave and surrounding areas in South Woy Woy. Instead it has referred an application to replace a single occupancy dwelling with a dual occupancy dwelling to the Minister. The council recently invited the department to discuss the issue of a long-term strategy for affordable housing on the Peninsula. After hearing the department’s response, the council decided to refuse the application. The application was the fifth similar application for the area. “I recommend we refuse. This is
an ad hoc development,” Cr Terri Latella said. “There is no strategy behind it.” Cr Latella said there was a need for a strategy for affordable housing on the Central Coast. Cr Chris Holstein said: “It is sheer arrogance for the department of housing not to talk to us.” Cr Laurie Maher said: “It really is a slap in the face.” The council decided to reject the application because the proposal did not form part of a strategic affordable housing policy for Gosford and that it was not in the public interest in light of the housing department’s refusal to discuss its long-term strategy. The application was also rejected because the proposal did not reflect the size of the neighbouring
dwellings and that there was no on-site parking. The council’s assessment team originally supported the approval of the development as the officers considered it to be consistent with the objectives of the residential zoning as well as being consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. The report from the assessment team stated that the proposal provided no on-site visitor parking however it said the street was wide enough to allow adequate and safe on street parking. One public submission was received with respect to the application but the issues raised were not considered relevant. Lyle Stone, Council agenda DH.102, October 5
Smoking on beaches and council-owned public land on the Peninsula could be banned as soon as January subject to the agreement of Gosford Council’s strategy and policy committee. The council resolved at its October 5 meeting that smoking would be banned from council controlled land. The ban would affect patrolled beaches, sporting fields, amenities, playgrounds, footpath dining areas and within four metres of entry to public buildings. This would include places such as James Browne Park, Rogers Park, Ettalong Oval, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, Pearl Beach and most cafes on the Peninsula. The move was both a public health initiative and a means of addressing the litter problem associated with cigarette butts. “It will send a message that this (smoking) is unacceptable social behaviour,” said Cr Terri Latella. Lyle Stone, Council agenda NM.31, October 5
Minister for the Central Coast Mr John Della Bosca has opened the Central Coast cannabis treatment clinic, using six health centres across the region, including one at Woy Woy. The Woy Woy service will operate from the community health centre in the grounds of Woy Woy Hospital. The clinic is the second to open in New South Wales and is part of a government program to help heavy users quit the drug. “Cannabis has serious health consequences, particularly for young people,” Mr Della Bosca said. “The clinic is staffed by one-part time and two full-time counsellors who are all experienced clinicians,” Mr Della Bosca said. “In addition there will be medical support from the medical staff from the Alcohol and Other Drug Service and the treatment outcomes will be evaluated through a research project that is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Newcastle.” It is estimated that at least 300
clients will seen in the first year and that 24 parent groups will be run. Mr Della Bosca said the clinic was expected to service three distinct groups. They included heavy cannabis users in the 16 to 45 age group, who were generally reluctant to approach drug and alcohol services. Parents of young cannabis users looking for information and advice were a second group. The third group was current clients of the Central Coast mental health service, whose case manager or psychiatrist had identified cannabis use as a problem. “This initiative, coupled with our youth anti-cannabis campaign and the school intervention program Marijuana Matters, are providing useful information and treatment options for young people,” Mr Della Bosca said. To contact the clinic regarding individual counselling or the parent groups phone 4394 7999. Press release, October 7 Andrew Plumley, Minister’s Office
Friday October 22nd $15 entry fee 8 pm.
Rotary Club of Umina presents
Masons close part of hall The upper level of the Woy Woy Masonic Hall has been closed due to lack of funding for repairs.
Cannabis clinic opens at Woy Woy
Smoking to be banned at beaches and parks
The Masonic Hall on Railway Rd, Woy Woy
It was closed after concerns were expressed about fire and electrical safety in the upper level. The move was detailed in a letter from the Mason’s United Supreme Grand Chapter of New South Wales which also stated that the ground floor kitchen was also unacceptable for food preparation. It stated that for the immediate future the ground floor area would
have smoke detectors fitted and all activities would take place on the ground floor level. Any future hiring of the hall will require public liability insurance. The hall is currently on a draft heritage list, soon to be formalised through a Local Environment Plan. A council spokesperson said the heritage listing would not restrict any internal refurbishment. However, external renovations would be complicated as the exterior had to be preserved. Rob Jimenez, October 14
Moran claims local swings Labor candidate for Robertson Ms Trish Moran has claimed significant swings to Labor within the electorate. Traditional Liberal areas such as Pearl Beach, Empire Bay, Hardys Bay and Pretty Beach recorded notable swings to Labor, she said. “Of the 46 local booths, there were swings to the ALP at 28 of them,” Ms Moran said.
Ms Moran said in this year’s campaign the Liberals had failed to gain any ground in Robertson. Ms Moran also said that claims she would not stand again were incorrect. ”I am keeping my options open, and will make a decision at a later date in the best interests of the party.” Press release, October 12 Trish Moran
Come and see Simply Simply Tina & Friends for a night of entertainment and dancing
Umina Beach Folk Festival Concert at Everglades Featuring: Vic Jeffries, Lost ‘n Found, Cathy Gibson & Gary Brown, Linda Campell, The Redheads, New York Public Li Library brary
Friday November 5 $12 entry fee 8 pm.
Everglades Country Club, Dunban Road, Woy Woy Phone: 4341 1866 Information for members and their guests