Peninsula Community Access Edition 231
News Phone 4344 1844 Fax 4344 1944
January 11, 2010
Umina is State’s worst for cat attacks Umina residents are being asked to keep cats indoors overnight after a survey revealed the suburb to be worst in the State for cat attacks on native wildlife. In an 18-year survey, the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (Wires) found the suburb was also the third highest in NSW for dog attacks against native birds and animals. The survey found that from 1991 to 2009 there were 437 cat attacks and 125 dog attacks on native wildlife in Umina. Woy Woy also featured in the survey, with 282 cat attacks and 79 dog attacks on native animals. These figures contributed to a total of 16,885 dog attacks and 34,363 attacks by cats on native fauna in NSW over the past 18 years. Survey results also show the Central Coast as featuring as one of the worst regions in the state for domestic animal attacks on native
wildlife. Possums, rainbow lorikeets, galahs, Australian wood ducks and kookaburras were among the victims. The Central Coast recorded a total of 4820 incidents involving cats and 1580 dog attacks, according to survey results. Wires chief executive officer Mr Stan Wood said that the survey did not include native animals delivered directly to local vets or other wildlife care organisations. He said the figures “would not include native animals that simply die in the bush from their injuries”. “For some of our statistics, we can only suspect dog or cat attack without any direct proof. “So the figures could be much, much higher.” Mr Wood said domestic cats were responsible for the injuries seen by Wires’ members in suburban areas, as feral cats kill and eat their prey. He said the animal most
attacked by cats is the common ringtail possum (4647 attacks in NSW) and the bird most attacked is the crested pigeon (2770) closely followed by the spotted turtle dove (2589) and the rainbow lorikeet (2139). Mr Wood said blue-tongued lizards also fared badly with 1392 cat attacks listed in NSW. “For those that survived, many animals face a long period of rehabilitation and may ultimately die of stress even after release. “Animals attacked by cats and dogs need treatment with antibiotics and these have side effects for some animals which may compromise their chances of survival once released. “Many of the animals on our death list are nocturnal and are vulnerable to straying cats and dogs at night. “This is why it is essential to keep them inside at night.” Press release, 13 Dec 2009 Stan Wood, Wires
Signs will remind of theft risk The Peninsula will be included in a new campaign reminding residents and visitors to the Central Coast to be mindful of thefts from motor vehicles in public car parks this summer. The Look, Lock, Leave campaign is a joint initiative with Gosford Council, NSW Police and the NSW Department Premier and Cabinet to reduce the risk of theft from cars parked at local beaches, sporting grounds and other public facilities. Over the coming weeks, it aims
to educate the public on how to keep their cars safe. Electronic sign boards will be posted at Picnic Pde in Ettalong Beach, along Brisbane Water Dr and Empire Bay Dr on the approach to the Peninsula, according to campaign coordinator Mr Andrew Stuart. Mr Stuart said the signs would be temporarily erected in the week leading up to and following Australia Day. The campaign is part of a broader initiative aimed at minimising antisocial behaviour on the Central Coast this summer.
Arrested for possession A 32-year-old Umina man has been arrested and charged after he was allegedly caught with six kilograms of cannabis during a vehicle stop at Buronga on December 19. The man was driving a white Ford panel van along the Sturt Highway in the state’s south-west when he was stopped by highway patrol officers around 12.30am. On inspection of the vehicle, police allegedly discovered three plastic bags containing cannabis
with an estimated street value of more than $50,000. The highway patrol officers also found three small bags containing a small amount of white powder believed to be cocaine, according to police. The man was arrested and taken to Dareton police station where he was charged with two counts of drug possession and charged with being in possession of property believed to be proceeds of crime. Website, 7 Jan 2010 NSW Police Media
THIS ISSUE contains 58 articles
Police crime coordinator senior sergeant Vivienne Crawford said the initiative focused on reducing specific anti-social behaviour. “The initiative is targeting a range of anti-social behaviour including over consumption and secondary supply of alcohol, malicious damage caused by alcohol consumption, intolerance, helping people to get home safely and of course theft from motor vehicles with the Look, Lock, Leave campaign,” senior sergeant Crawford said. “We are aiming to target known local hot spots for these kinds of
anti-social behaviour and are also looking at key dates around known celebrations where we have had issues of anti-social behaviour in the past.” Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein said Look, Lock, Leave is spearheading the summer safety campaign to remind people that they can assist in creating a safer environment on the Peninsula this summer. “The Look Lock Leave campaign is about making it easy for visitors and community members to take responsibility in helping to reduce the risk of theft from motor vehicles
and creating a safer environment for everyone to enjoy,” Cr Holstein said. “The campaign operates on the premise that by taking a few simple steps including removing all valuables from cars, closing windows, not hiding keys or covering items, removing traces of GPS systems in cars and remembering to lock vehicles, members of the public can contribute to a safer environment for us all.” Press release, 7 Jan 2010 Alison Hood, Gosford Council
Boats towed to Woy Woy Two boats experiencing engine trouble were towed to Woy Woy by the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol on December 13. Coastal Patrol publicity officer Mr Ron Cole said the first incident involved a 4.5 metre runabout taking part in a local fishing competition which had broken down just north of Maitland Bay. Mr Cole said the stricken craft
was towed back to Lions Park in Woy Woy. “While this tow was underway, at about 11:50am, another participant in the same fishing competition radioed for help due to a fuel problem,” Mr Cole said. “The five metre runabout with three people on board was at Lobster Beach. “Brisbane Water Lifeboat, with Terry Reynolds and Collis Harvey
aboard, was despatched to assist. “The runabout was towed back to the Blackwall ramp. “On its return, Central Coast Lifeboat was despatched to aid a dismasted catamaran but found the patrol’s services were not required as a passing yacht was already assisting.” Press release, 13 Dec 2009 Ron Cole, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol
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