Peninsula Community Access Edition 249
News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4339 2307
27 September 2010
Highway patrol to look at tinting Brisbane Water Highway Patrol has warned Peninsula drivers that vehicles with illegal film on their windows run the risk of receiving a defect notice and possible legal proceedings.
Flooding is already experienced in some parts of the Peninsula after heavy rainfall including around Chambers Pl in Woy Woy (pictured)
One fifth face flood risk, says insurer Around 20 per cent of homes on the Peninsula have some risk of flooding and were more expensive to insure, according to a national insurance company. A spokesperson for GIO Insurance Australia said its insurance premium was based on a “robust” flood rating system that determined the specific flood risk of an individual property. Our flood data shows that around 20 per cent of homes in the 2256 and 2257 postcodes areas have some risk of flooding,” the spokesperson said. “GIO’s investment into developing a robust flood rating system means that we are able to determine flood risk right down to an individual property level.
“This means our pricing is determined by the specific flood risk of each individual home and not simply calculated at a postcode level based on the wider surrounding area. “As such, only customers whose homes are at risk of flood will see an impact on their premiums as a result of flood cover. “The extent of the increase will be determined by the level of risk.” The spokesperson said GIO was able to offer flood cover for every home in Australia as it was engaged in substantial research that allowed for accurate pricing based on the likelihood of a flood occurring. “We use information collected from a wide range of independent sources, including Willis and Risk
frontiers, the Insurance Council of Australia, terrain mapping data and expert hydrologists. “While flood cover could potentially increase home and contents premiums for some GIO customers in high risk areas, it should be noted that a range of other factors may also contribute to premium increases, such as increased rebuilding and reinsurance costs and/or other serious weather events “If a customer believes we have made an error in the flood risk assessment of their property, we have a process in place to review the details and would encourage them to contact us to discuss their individual circumstances.” Press release, 23 Sep 2010 Victoria Rooney, GIO Australia
Senior Constable Steve Russell said officers from the Brisbane Waters Highway Patrol would be looking to inspect any vehicle if suspected of displaying illegal window tint on local roads including on the Peninsula. “If it is believed the tint contravenes NSW law then it may be defected and a fine may be issued,” Senior Constable Russell said. “If the vehicle is defected it will need to be rectified and inspected to have the defect status removed. “Highway Patrol officers are now equipped with roadside testing facilities to determine if tint does not comply. “Tinted windscreens or windows not in accordance with NSW standards are unsafe as they impede driver vision especially for reversing, parking and lane changing. “If a motor vehicle is involved in a collision that results in death or serious injury, and illegal window tinting is a contributing factor, drivers risk legal action.” Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ) president Mr Rob Hamilton said car owners ran the risk of having an insurance claim refused if a car is deemed unroadworthy because of illegal film. Mr Hamilton advised Peninsula car owners choose a credible installer to the apply film. “When used correctly window film provides great protection, but
be wary of tinters that recommend dark film for your car,” Mr Hamilton said. “Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand has received reports of Central Coast installers applying 15 per cent visible light transmittance film, and telling car owners it is legal. “Motorists need to know that any film darker than 35 per cent VLT is not acceptable, at worst it could lead to an accident and at best it could result in a fine. “Window film applicators may also face fines or criminal action if installing film illegally.” Mr Hamilton said drivers wanting to boost safety, security, comfort and reduce glare and UV exposure often turn to window film and when applied correctly, it could protects a car’s interior and its passengers from the sun’s harmful rays. “The question then is how to ensure the window film is compliant,” Mr Hamilton said. “The solution is simple. “Just ensure your tinter is aware of the NSW standards. “Contact your local WFAANZ member as they have access to the latest updates and training and abide by a strict industry code of practice.” The NSW auto film regulations and a list of installers can be found at www.wfaanz.org.au A visible light transmittance (VLT) rating measures the amount of light that passes through tinted glass. The lower the VLT light percentage, the darker the film. NSW law requires that newly tinted side and rear windows maintain a VLT of at least 35 per cent and no film at all can appear on the lower part of the windscreen. Press release, 23 Sep 2010 Ally Cronan, WFAANZ
Rescued ski boat ignores advice Three men in a leaky ski boat assisted by Marine Rescue have ignored advice from the service to take their boat from the water at Ettalong, instead heading into seas of up to three metres in an attempt to return to Palm Beach. Volunteers aboard the Marine Rescue Central Coast lifeboat
assisted the men at Lobster Beach on September 18. Publicity officer Mr Ron Cole said the marine rescue base received a phone call from a member of the public around 2.30pm seeking assistance for a speed boat sinking at Lobster Beach. Skipper of Central Coast Lifeboat Al Morris and his crew of Jim Robertson and Steve Finney
were tasked to investigate,” Mr Cole said. “At Lobster Beach, they found a five metre ski boat, three men and six surfboards. “The ski boat was beached but full of water. “The rescue crew provided the men with a portable pump to enable to boat to be refloated. “The men indicated they had
come from Palm Beach and it was their intention to return to Pittwater despite the two to three metre seas in Broken Bay and a leaky boat. “The volunteer rescue crew suggested that they head for Ettalong ramp instead where there boat could be retrieved safely. “The men handed back the pump, thanked the crew, then they gunned the 135HP outboard and
headed straight out to Broken Bay crossing the bar at Little Box Head, where some waves were breaking due to the big seas. “The rescue boat and crew were concerned so followed ‘just in case’ until the ski boat was seen to enter Pittwater.” Press release, 18 Sep 2010 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue Central Coast
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