Peninsula Community Access Edition 254
News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4339 2307
6 December 2010
Katie Smith to stand for Labor Local solicitor Ms Katie Smith is the Labor Party’s new candidate for Gosford, following Ms Marie Andrews’ decision to stand down at the next state election.
The site at 276 Empire Bar Dr, Empre Bay where the substation will be built
Empire Bay substation work starts Energy Australia will start this week to build its Empire Bay substation. Crews will begin installing fencing and signage around the site this week, as well as conduct site surveys and environmental inspections. Preparation to build the new substation at Poole Close and Empire Bay Drive follows 12 months of community feedback and protest. In its attempt to persuade the local community, Energy Australia held resident focus group meetings, three information display sessions and distributed over 2000 project newsletters to local homes and businesses. Energy Australia claimed an environmental assessment confirmed the project would protect dedicated bushland zones and not increase the fire risk to the area. However, last week Greens MP Dr John Kaye said: “In 2003 the proposed site was recognised by the Land and Environment Court for its environmental significance and a restriction was created on the permissible uses of the land. “Energy Australia is acting in direct contravention to the court decision. “The substation cannot be lawfully built on the Empire Bay site,” he said. Dr Kaye said: “Approximately
20 threatened species forage on the site. “It also provides habitat for the Regent Honeyeater which has recently been listed as a Critically Endangered Species under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. “Residents have offered a number of more appropriate locations that would not have such a destructive impact on the environment and the local community. “They have been thoroughly ignored. “The Minister has refused to intervene and the Coalition did not support the Greens’ motion in the NSW Upper House calling for the development of alternative sites for the new infrastructure.” Energy Australia’s general manager engineering Mr Geoff Lilliss said the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) had been considered in the final design of the substation. “This multi-million dollar project to improve reliability and help meet growing demand in the area will meet all planning requirements and will protect dedicated bushland zones on the site,” Mr Lilliss said. “We recently extended the period for comment on the draft Review of Environmental Factors to allow residents more time to respond to the proposed project. “We’ve made some adjustments
to the project including modifications to the design and external finish of the substation building. “Our landscape plan will include a significant number of new plantings around the new substation buildings and will also preserve and enhance the site’s bush regeneration area. “The new substation will also include fire-rated walls and doors and construction materials as part of our commitment to safety. “We’ve drawn on expert opinions on flora and fauna, bushfire risks, noise and electromagnetic fields to make sure this project is safe and secure.” According to Mr Lilliss, about 25 kilometres of new power lines will be installed underground, with only three kilometres being installed overhead. Building work is expected to begin in January with new electrical equipment scheduled to be installed in the new substation next September. The Empire Bay substation is expected to supply about 6000 homes and businesses between Empire Bay to Killcare from early 2013. Media Release, 2 Dec 2010 Kylie Yates, Energy Australia Media Release, 3 Dec 2010 John Kaye, NSW Greens
Ms Smith has been a member of the Labor party for over a decade and currently runs her own legal practice in Umina. “I’m proud to have lived in the area for 26 years and, if elected as Member for Gosford, I will have a strong local voice,” said Ms Smith. “It’s an absolute honour to represent the Australian Labour Party in our area as Labor’s new candidate for Gosford,” she said. Ms Smith said she believed there were a number of issues that would demand attention at the next election and beyond, including transport, the environment, creating local jobs and the need for better health services. “As a local solicitor and commuter, I have firsthand knowledge of the issues that matter to locals,” Ms Smith said. “A priority for our area is ensuring residents have access to jobs close to home, as well as giving jobseekers the skills and
training they need to secure quality jobs into the future. “The availability of quality health services for people on the Coast is also a growing issue particularly with our growing and ageing population and as a community we need to make sure Gosford and the Peninsula gets its fair share.” Ms Smith paid tribute to retiring Member for Gosford Ms Andrews, praising her record of delivery for the local community since elected over 16 years ago. “Marie has been a wonderful Member for Gosford. “She stood up for the Central Coast when it really mattered and for that we should be thankful,” said Ms Smith. “I’d like the chance to keep doing that for local residents. “I want people in our area to know they can raise their concerns and ideas with me, and I’ll work hard to act on them. “I want to do my best for the people of Gosford and I look forward to working with the community to make our area an even better place to live.” Media Release, 29 Nov 2010 Katie Smith, Australian Labor Party
Council approves plans Gosford Council has reviewed its earlier decision to reject plans for the redevelopment of the Umina Mall shopping centre at the corner of Lone Pine Ave and Ocean Beach Rd. Council has accepted the proposal in a rescission motion after the developer, SJH Planning and Design, reapplied proposing to include the unnamed laneway behind the centre in the development, resulting in the closure of the lane. The application was approved with a deferred commencement requirement for the laneway to be closed before work on the centre can begin. The application was originally rejected due to concern that delivery vehicles reversing in the laneway behind the centre could
be dangerous to pedestrians and other motorists. Residents will continue to have rear access to their homes via the far end of the laneway. Council’s principal building surveyor Mr Gary Lofts said the start of construction depended on when Council and the Department of Lands closed the laneway. “You could do it in six months but it might take two years,” said Mr Lofts. Before the lanes can be closed council must apply to the Land and Property Management Authority under the Roads Act. “We want to see this development go ahead. “We think it’s something that the Peninsula needs,” he said. Council agenda NM.22, 9 Nov 2010 Kaitlin Watts, 30 Nov 2010 Interviewee: Gary Lofts
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