Peninsula News 385 by Mark Snell, Peninsula News editor

Peninsula Community Access Edition 385

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

25 January 2016

Jumbuck Reserve in Jumbuck Close, Woy Woy

Gosford Council land sale may breach Act, says consultant Gosford Council may be in breach of the Local Government Act and State planning policy in its management and proposed sale of council-owned land on the Peninsula, according to an East Gosford environmental consultant. Mr Phil Conacher of Conacher Consulting said that it appeared that the council-owned blocks on the Peninsula were not covered by a management plan, despite the Local Government Act requiring such a plan. He said the council had also not followed the requirements of State Environmental Planning Policy 19 in its proposed sale of the land. Mr Conacher said Jumbuck Close reserve was a “classic example” of how, without a management plan in place or adherence to SEPP19, council could be damaging any endangered ecological species or remnant flora present on the site. “The appointment of councillors requires them to follow the rules and act just like we have to: follow traffic rules or get fined if we don’t,” he said. “They have possibly destroyed a lot of other vegetation on the Jumbuck Close site and others that could have made those sites

more significant.” Mr Conacher said the parcels of community land on the Peninsula that have been earmarked for reclassification and sale by Gosford Council should have management plans in accordance with the Local Government Act. Under the Act, all land owned by a local council that is classified as community land must have a management plan prepared for it. Mr Conacher said: “There was a plan of management for community land, natural areas and bushland prepared by council in 2002. “Under the Local Government Act, council can prepare a generic plan of management but must identify what land is included in it,” he said. According to Mr Conacher, the Gosford Council document has a schedule attached which lists which parcels of land were included. “None of the Peninsula lots appears to be on the schedule,” he said. All councils in NSW had to classify all their land holdings when the Act came into law in 1993. “All land had to be identified, even if it was a 1920 subdivision or a person may have gifted land and expect council to look after it as a reserve for the sake of that family, a management plan had to be put

in place,” he said. According to the Local Government Act, land owned by a council must be classified as either operational or community, Mr Conacher said. Operational land included any land used for the general operations of council and includes depots, roads, and other infrastructure. Community land was defined as land that was not operational and was generally public open spaces such as parks, reserves and conservation areas. Community land could come into council ownership in a variety of ways: Crown land transferred to council by the State government; land set aside for community use as part of a development approval; or bequeathed to council from families, individuals or community organisations. According to Mr Conacher, if Gosford Council failed to develop management plans for the Peninsula’s reserves, it could be in breach of the Local Government Act. Mr Conacher said that in reclassifying reserves the council had to pay regard to State Environmental Planning Policy 19 (SEPP 19), which covered the management of bushland in urban areas.

He said SEPP19 spelt out what Gosford Council must do if it intended to reclassify community bushland with characteristics of remnant vegetation. According to Mr Conacher, SEPP19 stated that councils should give priority to retaining bushland unless it can prove a significant social, economic or environmental benefit for reclassifying it. Its over-arching objective is to “protect and preserve bushland within urban areas… to protect remnants of plant communities which were once characteristic of land; to retain bushland in parcels of a size and configuration which will enable the existing plants and animal communities to survive in the long term”, he said. He said Gosford Council may also be exposing itself to compensation claims if it had acquired land at a price based on its unimproved value and then by rezoning, perhaps for residential development, its value per hectare is increased. He said the original vendor may have a case for being compensated for that valuation difference. Mr Conacher also questioned why Gosford Council has launched its land sale strategy now and not undertaken a review of its land holdings when the Local Environment Plan was drafted in

2013. “The Gosford LEP was a 15year process. They had four or five goes at it so surely reviewing community holdings would have been part of that process,” he said. SEPP 19 instructs councils that, when drafting an LEP, council should have regard to the priority of retaining bushland, he said. “Why wasn’t it identified that they needed for residential purposes?” He also questioned whether the resale of the reserves currently listed would be viable. “If you were a private developer wanting to develop those lands for residential development, you’d first have to apply for rezoning and you would have to find biodiversity offsets. “You would have to find land of a similar nature and similar locality at a ratio of 10 to one. “It is usually the person applying for the rezoning that has to find those offsets and that is why if Gosford Council goes ahead to sell those reserves the person buying the land could do their due diligence and may find requirements of the Local Government Act haven’t been met.” Interview, 20 Jan 2016 Phil Conacher, Conacher Consulting

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Page 2 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

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Twice average rainfall in just three weeks

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The first three weeks of January has already seen twice the monthly average rainfall for the Peninsula.

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A total of 253.2mm has been recorded until last Friday, according to figures supplied by Mr Jim Morrison of Woy Woy. This is 128.2mm, or 102.6 per cent, above the January average of 125mm. It is also the second highest January fall in the last 10 years. The highest was 367.4mm in January last year. The wet start to the year follows one of the wettest years in recent history. Rainfall for 2015 was 1582mm, just behind the 2011 total of 1597mm and the 2007 total of 1622mm, which the highest annual rainfall on the Peninsula in the last 10 years. The Peninsula’s average annual rainfall is 1279mm.

Editor: Mark Snell Commercial Operator: Cec Bucello for Central Coast Newspapers Journalist: Jackie Pearson Assistant Journalists: Victoria Power, Con Orfanos, Dilon Luke, Thom Birch, Blake Camilleri, Jasmine Gearie Graphic Design: Justin Stanley Sales: Val Bridge Declaration of interests Honorary editor: Mark Snell Owner and managing director, Open Windows Consulting Pty Ltd Vice-President, Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast branch

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Spreadsheet, 22 Jan 2016 Jim Morrison, Woy Woy

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Belinda Neal may be only Peninsula candidate Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal may be the only remaining Peninsula candidate for Labor pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson. The nominations of two of three local candidates, reported in the last edition of Peninsula News, have faced administrative obstacles. Killcare resident Mr David Abraham has withdrawn his nomination after being informed it was invalid due to what he described as “a small administrative anomaly”. “In the interests of unity and clarity, I will now withdraw from the Robertson pre-selection race rather than appeal this matter,” he said. Pearl Beach candidate Mr Van Davy has acknowledged he was unable to furnish the names of five supporting members required for nomination. He said he had requested access to a database of local ALP members so he could canvass them for support. He said that he would lodge an appeal if his nomination was not accepted. Describing herself as a community activist and former Gosford councillor, Ms Neal said she was the only Labor candidate ever to have successfully won the seat of Robertson from a sitting Liberal Member. “I have been a resident of the Central Coast and the Peninsula for 30 years and have raised my family here and run a business here. “I love this community and our environment, but we are not getting our fair share from either Federal or State government.” “I am very aware of both the benefits and challenges of calling the Central Coast and the Peninsula home, and I want to stand up and fight for our fair share of funding and resources.” Ms Neal said she believed most observers expected that

Ms Belinda Neal

an overwhelming majority of Peninsula Labor Party members would support her in the preselection. Ms Neal said she had always been a strong advocate for the local community. She claimed to have secured more Federal funding for the Peninsula and Robertson overall during her time as Federal Member than the Liberals had done in the previous 10 years. “As the MP for Robertson, I ran a successful campaign for a Regional Cancer Treatment Centre at Gosford Hospital with a Federal Government grant $28.5 million and negotiated the support of the NSW Government for ongoing operational costs.” She said she had “obtained Federal funding for our schools and hospitals, commuter car parks and a new freight rail corridor to reduce delays and disruptions for commuters, obtained CCTV in the Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina CBDs to counter antisocial behaviour and secured funding for massively-improved water infrastructure for the Peninsula”. She said she was “passionately committed to securing more training assistance and new Youth employment programs to give our young people better opportunities”. “Whatever your politics, you have to agree that what has happened to TAFE under successive NSW and Federal

governments is a disgrace,” she said “I will fight to make sure our young people have access to the skills and learning they need to succeed in the future. “I will not rest until we have restored an affordable, high-quality TAFE system and ended the farce of $100,000 uni degrees.” Nevertheless, Ms Neal said she was not resting only on her record: “Ï want to achieve new goals for the people of the Peninsula and obtain the best results for our community. “Working as an MP is all about achieving for the community,” Belinda said. “I have spoken with many Peninsula residents, about local issues, and I have gained new insights on how to further improve our health services, enhance education, secure better infrastructure and encourage local jobs.” Ms Neal said she had worked in close cooperation with many Peninsula and Gosford community partners over the years, including church-based charitable organisations, social welfare organisations, disability services, youth support groups, mental health support groups, women’s groups, parents and citizens organisations, unions and the union movement as a whole. She said she had “a great record in Council and as an MP of standing up for sustainability, meaningful action on climate change and conservation of our natural and built heritage”. She said she had the trust of the environmental movement on the Central Coast, including the Greens. “At the next election, Labor must attract Green preferences to have any chance of winning Robertson,” she said. Media release, 30 Nov 2015 Belinda Neal, Woy Woy Bay Email, 1 Dec 2015 Dave Abrahams, Killcare Interview, 1 Dec 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach

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E FRE

Edition 383

Both Pearl Beach and the Bays Rural Fire Brigades have been permitted to submit development applications to undertake projects to improve their stations. Gosford Council has agreed to donate the services associated with the applications. The project to be undertaken to improve the Pearl Beach RFS facility will be the construction of an additional tanker bay with a new office and new meeting room. The current station comprises of two bays. One houses a Category 1 heavy tanker and the other a Category 12 personnel carrier. The station does not have a meeting/training room and lacks appropriate storage space. If the brigade was to accommodate a second tanker it could not be stored in the current bay. The rear of the Bays RFS Station will be extended to house a meeting room, office, kitchen, amenities, change and store room. The improvements will align the station to the RFS building standard. The kitchen and amenities at the station were in poor condition and below the required standard, according to a report from council staff. Detailed drawings for Pearl Beach and The Bays Stations were

not available but similar projects to be undertaken at Wamberal and Mangrove Mountain indicated that Council would donate around $5500 to $6000. It said the Gosford Rural Fire Service was responsible for all bush fires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and other fire related incidents. This also extended to bush fire mitigation, planning and public education. Gosford Council has had a long history of working in partnership with the Gosford Rural Fire Service, according to the report. Under the Act, Councils have the responsibility and funding obligations for the establishment of a Fire Control Centre, the establishment of Rural Fire Brigade Stations, the supply of ancillary vehicles, the maintenance and repair of the vehicles, the insurance of all vehicles, the maintenance and repair of all buildings dedicated to the RFS, the insurance of all buildings dedicated to the RFS; and the general costs associated with the running of the RFS. The report stated that the existing Rural Fire Brigade stations at Pearl Beach and The Bays were aged and had limitations that required upgrading to meet Rural Fire Service and local brigade needs for kitchen and amenities. Gosford Council agenda CON.40, 24 Nov 2015

Neal alleges defamation Labor preselection candidate for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has alleged Peninsula News has defamed her in a front page article published last edition. Ms Neal claimed the article was inaccurate and untrue, defamatory and damaged her reputation. She said that whether or not Peninsula News had the intention or reason to damage her reputation that had been its effect. Peninsula News does not believe the article was defamatory, but apologises for any hurt or

embarrassment it may have caused her. As a gesture of goodwill, further distribution of Peninsula News was stopped when Ms Neal raised her complaint and material in the article was deleted from online editions. Apart from the media release used in the lead article on this page, and seeking an apology and retraction, Ms Neal has not submitted any corrections of fact for publication. Peninsula News, 4 Dec 2015 Mark Snell, editor

THIS ISSUE contains 77 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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7 December 2015

Fire brigades to get station improvements

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Wyong Council agreed at its December 9 meeting to make a submission to the JRPP endorsing the development. At this stage, the applicant is seeking ‘concept approval only’ for the works to take place in three operational stages, with subsequent detailed development applications being lodged for each future stage. The development would include demolition of existing buildings and construction of a shopping centre with a supermarket, shop top housing, hotel accommodation, restaurant, multi-purpose function space, and ancillary parking and other works. Moving a motion for Wyong Council to endorse the development and make a submission to the JRPP in support of the developer, Cr Lloyd Taylor said: “We need to support the applicant on this particular one because

A photomontage of the proposed development within its surrounding coastal context

it is a huge commitment, a commitment that very few developers can make. “This is a $300 million project that will kick start the Central Coast and The Entrance,” Cr Taylor said. “This will really kick start investment in this tourist Mecca. “It will be the highest building on the Central Coast but that is a good thing. “It will hopefully kick start other sites and other areas. “We want businesses to succeed and grow and employ more people and this development is going to deliver.”

Cr Adam Troy seconded the motion and said: “It is not every day you get a $300 million development in council chambers, it is a milestone on the Central Coast. “It is going to be one of those focal points, a pretty special place and I can’t wait to see it happen,” he said. The site covers 21,357 square metres and takes in the existing Lakeside Plaza Shopping Centre and surrounding sites. According to a report prepared by Wyong Council staff for the consideration of councillors at their

December 9 meeting, the project is expected to generate 660 full time jobs, post construction. The proposal includes a retail podium and two towers and seeks variation to a number of Wyong Council’s planning controls. The site is identified as a ‘key site’ under Wyong LEP 2013 which allows for a bonus building height of 113.8 metres. The bonus building height is provided in return for “significant public benefits to be provided to the community and to stimulate further development and

viability of town centres,” according to the report. The proposed shop top housing would include 478 dwellings. The development would also encompass a 108 room hotel and parking for 1,433 cars. The podium would make available 13,250 square metres of lettable retail space fronting Dening St, Taylor St and The Entrance Rd. There are two levels of retail ﬂoor space along The Entrance Rd frontage and ground ﬂoor retail space along the Taylor St frontage containing a supermarket and a major

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Gosford’s city centre development approvals approach $700 million

retail tenancy. The proposal includes two levels of basement parking and rooftop parking (179 spaces) with shade sails above the podium. Above the retail space, facing The Entrance Rd, shop top housing is proposed, comprising 48 residential apartments over three storeys. Within the northern (Dening St) end of the building is a restaurant and function/convention space (at the hotel lobby level). The next level up would be a landscaped level (referred to as the oasis level) which is located directly below the tower buildings and would contain two pools, landscaping, day spa, decks and a bar. Above this level, the development proposes two towers with 250 residential apartments (27 storeys) within a residential tower located on the corner of The Entrance Rd and Dening St. One hundred hotel rooms (6 storeys) and 110 residential apartments (11 storeys) would be located within a second tower building located on the corner of Taylor St and Dening St.

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lmost $700 million worth of development has now been approved in Gosford’s city centre after the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel gave the green light for another landmark development. The Panel approved a $234 million mixed use development opposite the Gosford City Council Administration Building in Mann St. The Waterside development on the corner of Mann St, Georgiana Tce and Baker St includes three towers rising up to 33 storeys, an 80 room hotel, two cinemas and a tavern as well as 500 residential apartments, over 600 car parking spaces and other commercial and retail premises. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, said the JRPP decision would cement Gosford’s position as the regional capital of the Central Coast. “This is the second, vital game changer the panel has approved for Gosford this year,” Cr McKinna said. “For too long the site opposite Council’s administration building that used to house the Froggy’s skating rink has sat dormant. “But now it’s ﬁnally set to be reactivated and play a deﬁning role in the social and economic revitalisation of our city’s centre by delivering another much needed tourist facility and iconic structure only a stone’s throw away from Gosford’s waterfront,” he

said. Council’s chief executive ofﬁcer, Mr Paul Anderson, said the community’s dream of a vibrant and bustling city centre in Gosford was fast becoming a reality. “Gosford’s importance as a regional city has been recognised by the NSW Government and unlocking its potential means embracing new opportunities for stimulus and growth like the panel and Council has over the past year. “Along with the almost $460 million worth of development already approved for the city centre, today’s decision is set to ﬁll Gosford’s skyline with even more cranes to build a world-class city here on the Central Coast. “I would also like to once again thank the Council staff who have worked tirelessly to review this development and provide very comprehensive reports to the panel,” Mr Anderson said. Council had recommended that the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel approve the development. Media release, Dec 4, 2015 Gosford Council media

4 5 8

1 9?

10? Development Address Description 1. Waterside Cnr Mann St and Georgiana Tce Three towers, Commercial, residential, cinema, hotel, tavern 2. Mariners Plaza Cnr Mann St and Donnison St Two towers, 26 storeys and 28 storeys, retail, hotel, residential 3. Mixed use 27A to 37 Mann St & 125 Georgiana Tce 16 storeys, retail, commercial, restaurant and residential 4. Quantum Towers Henry Parry Drive Two towers residential 5. Retail and Shop Cnr Erina St and Henry Parry Dve 2 x residential towers, 15 storeys and 12 storeys Top Housing 6. Telstra-Transfield 12-23 Mann St 15 storeys, 140 residential flats 7. Commercial and 43-45 Beane St 20 storey shop top housing plus 4 storey residential flat building on Keevers residential Land 8. Mixed use Duttons Tavern Mann St 14 storeys, residential flats with ground floor tavern 9. ATO Cnr Mann St and Georgiana Tce Commercial building 10. Performing Arts Location to be confirmed 1,000 seat theatre with studio and other facilities Centre Source: Hunter and Central Coast JRPP website, development and planning register, Dec 15, 2015

$ Value $230 million $157 million $50 million $50 million $37 million $34 million $26 million $18 million $? $30 million

Continued P3

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NSW premier, Mr Mike Baird and minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole announced their proposal on Friday, December 18 to merge Gosford and Wyong Councils in order to create one of 15 new councils in the “Sydney region”. The announcement has been described as a “dark day for democracy” and one that will “set a number of communities on the warpath with the Baird Government,” by Local Government NSW president, Mr Keith Rhodes. “This bully-boy farce is about removing genuine local representation, and completely ignoring the expressed wishes of local communities,” Mr Rhodes said. “It’s a cruel joke, and unfortunately the joke is on the people of NSW, because they are the ones likely to lose any meaningful input on the issues that impact on their day-to-day lives.” Mr Baird and Mr Toole promised improved infrastructure and services and stabilised rates would make ratepayers the big winners under the proposal. They said the community would have the opportunity to have a say on the NSW Government’s vision for local government in NSW. The new, as yet unnamed, Gosford and Wyong council was included in ‘Greater Sydney’, where the government is proposing to create the 15 new councils “to help the city [Sydney] grow, which would bring the total number of metropolitan councils down from 43 to 25. “Fewer councils will mean a big reduction in red tape for the NSW community and the businesses that work with councils,” Mr Baird said. Mr Toole said under the proposal there will be no change to merged council’s existing rate paths for four years.

The NSW Government’s proposed Sydney region council mergers with Gosford and Wyong in blue

“This package provides ratepayers with certainty,” Mr Toole said. Mr Toole said each proposal was the result of careful consideration of all the evidence, including four years of consultation with every council in NSW, independent assessments, merger preferences submitted by councils, and feedback from communities and stakeholders. “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and we have recognised that each community area in NSW is unique,” said Mr Toole. “Through the Stronger Communities Fund, every new council that is established will be provided with up to $15 million to invest in community infrastructure,” Mr Baird said. “Each new council will receive funding of up to $10 million to ensure ratepayers do not bear the upfront costs of merging.” New councils will decide how to spend their Stronger Communities Fund allocation, which could include projects such as pool refurbishments, new sporting facilities, street beautification projects, car park expansions and library upgrades. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie

McKinna said he and council staff learned of the proposal via a live webcast with the premier and local government minister at 9:30am on Friday, December 18. Cr McKinna said he was expecting the announcement to have “a bit more meat” but was waiting to receive a more detailed document from the government. He said the local councils who were part of the webcast had been informed that the next local government election would be put back from September 2016 to March 2017. “Now we have to use that extra time to make sure the outcome is good for the community,” Cr McKinna said. “The one good thing is that it confirmed there will be a rate freeze for four years,” he said. However, Cr McKinna said he believed the process of combining the two Central Coast councils to form the new local government would be much more expensive than the $10 million provided by the state government to assist with costs. “I don’t know what the total amount is going to be but it is going to be far far more than that.” Cr McKinna said both councils

would have to draw on their surpluses and be “Scottish with their money” to cover the expense of amalgamation. However, he said he did not believe any associated cost cuts would have a negative impact on services. “We have been told that both council’s budgets and operational plans would run through until 2017, so it is business as usual. “Senior managers from both councils have been having regular meetings to sort out how it is going to happen and that will keep going now,” he said. Cr McKinna said he had heard rumours about NSW Government plans to sack councils or appoint panels to oversee mergers but was confident the two Coast councils would remain in place until the amalgamation was finalized and new council elections held. The NSW Government is using the existing process set out in the Local Government Act to consider council mergers. “Our process will provide an objective assessment of the merger benefits and impacts, and give the community a chance to have a say before a final decision is made,” Mr Toole said. Detailed merger proposals are now being finalised and will be referred to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government (OLG) for examination and report under the existing process set out in the Local Government Act. The Chief Executive will appoint qualified delegates, who will commence a public consultation process for all 35 proposals, including public hearings. Following this stage, final proposals will be referred to the Boundaries Commission for comment. Mr Toole commended councils for their leadership in submitting merger preferences to Government and for recognising the significant benefits mergers will bring to their communities. The public consultation process will commence in January, once detailed proposals are made available at www. councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov. au. A factsheet is also available to download. Both Gosford mayor, Cr

McKinna and shadow minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris said local residents should make submissions and let the state government know their views on amalgamation during the consultation process. Cr McKinna said he believed public consultations should have been held prior to the decision being made to go ahead with mergers but at least now those residents who were concerned about the lack of consultation could have their say. Mr Harris slammed Mr Baird and Mr Toole’s announcement as “undemocratic”. Mr. Harris said Mr Baird had disregarded community input and pushed forward with his Local Government reforms just before Christmas, trying to avoid serious scrutiny. “This decision will affect local residents, sporting and community organisations and above all hundreds of jobs without any real consultation,” Mr Harris said. “The government should be addressing the massive cost shifting from State and Federal Government to local ratepayers instead of its dubious policy of amalgamation,” he said. “Mike Baird has ignored the wishes of a majority of Central Coast residents and councillors. “The whole Fit for the Future process has been a multi-million dollar farce - it was a done deal from the start; “61 per cent of Central Coast residents with 59 per cent of small businesses strongly opposed amalgamations, yet this government claims to have a mandate. “Community voices were forced silent under Mike Baird and instead it was left to the politicians - there must be a Citizens Panel to ensure complete transparency and Community input into any new Council structure moving forward. “I strongly encourage people to write to the Boundary Commission delegate expressing their views about amalgamation. “They should indicate whether they support it or not.” Media releases, 18 Dec 2015 Mike Baird, NSW Premier Jake Allen, office of David Harris Keith Rhodes, LG NSW Interview, 18 Dec 2015 Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council Reporter: Jackie Pearson

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EPA accused of failure to regulate landﬁll run-off

Edition 385

January 19, 2016

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Public transport costs could rise by almost half

y o n g C o u n c i l ’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble has conﬁrmed that a new Heads of Agreement has been signed between the council and the Australia China Theme Park (ACTP) Pty Ltd concerning the $10 million purchase of land at Warnervale for ACTP’s proposed Chinese theme park.

Weekly public transport osts for Peninsula residents ould rise substantially – in ome cases by almost 50 per ent - if IPART’s proposed eforms to Opal transport ares are adopted by the SW Government. The weekly fare from Woy Woy Central could rise by 25 per ent over two years from $60 to 75 a week, while the weekly fare om Woy Woy to Tuggerah will crease by 48 per cent to $57 with e changes to be implemented in uly. The current $60 per week cap ll go up to $65 per week in July, eaning the maximum increase r commuters who already reach e cap would be $5 or eight per ent, according to IPART chairman r Peter Boxall. IPART proposes increasing the eekly cap to $70 in 2017 and $75 2018 – 25 per cent higher than e current cap. The draft reforms would apply daily cap of $18 from July 2016, eaning that passengers taking a

one-off return journey from Woy Woy to the city who currently pay $15, would pay $3, which is a 20 per cent increase. A further increase of the daily cap is then planned, to $19 in 2017/18 and $20 in 2018/19. Central Coast Greens spokesperson, Ms Kate da Costa has described the IPART proposals as a mixed bag for the Peninsula’s commuters. “Moving to integrated multimode fares is long overdue but other recommendations might stop people using public transport which is the opposite to what government policy should be,” Ms da Costa said. “We have real concerns about increasing the prices for seniors and pensioners with fares rising from $2.50 to $3.60 and upwards,” she said. “Why is the State Government seeking to increase revenue from some of the most vulnerable public transport users? “We should be doing everything we can to get cars off the road

including on weekends which are increasingly congested. “Removing reduced price or free trips and introducing a complicated fare credit scheme will not promote public transport use. “Coast users will be slugged again with increased fares for longdistance commuters. “If speeds can’t be improved because of the Cowan Rise, we are calling for the introduction of continuously available wifi and charging points in trains, so that commuters can negotiate with their employers to take work time on the train into account to shorten their day in the office, and gain back some valuable family time.” NSW Shadow Minister for Transport and infrastructure said a commuter travelling between 25 and 35km to and from work would face a yearly increase of $959. Mr Park said a daily train journey from Woy Woy to Tuggerah would fall into that category. Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has said IPART’s proposed reforms to Opal transport fares will

not be in the best interests of the Peninsula community. She said IPART assumed that only a minority of commuters make 10 public transport trips per week. “To assume public transport users don’t travel for 10 trips per week is naïve or misleading,” Ms Smith said. “The majority of users are commuting to work to five day a week jobs hence they complete a minimum of 10 trips per week,” she said. She said the reforms also appeared to give preferential treatment to commuters using more than one mode of public transport. According to Ms Smith this would also disadvantage commuters in the Gosford electorate, many of whom drive their own cars to Woy Woy (or Gosford train station) and then catch the train to and from work. “The majority of train travellers also only use one form of transport. “Of particular concern to me is the fact that the NSW Government

no longer tracks passeng journeys. “Instead a record is kept only where people start their journey. “How can this possible help w future planning? IPART is now seeki community feedback on its dr fare reform package before a fin report will be released next year Submissions will be accept until February 5, 2016. Any new fares would come in effect on 1 July 2016. The Draft Report is available IPART’s website. “We want to hear fro passengers and taxpayers abo what they want their fares to lo like and how they prioritise differe things where there are trade-offs be made,” Dr Boxall said. Media statement, 7 Jan 20 Jane Letteri, office of Kathy Sm Media releases, 21 and 22 Dec 20 Julie Sheather, Independe Pricing and Regulatory Tribun Media release, 21 Dec 20 Mehreen Faruqi, NSW Gree Media release, 21 Dec 20 Ryan Gibb, Office of Ryan Pa

THIS ISSUE contains 54 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Storm water run-off from Mangrove Mountain landﬁll site into Stringybark Creek catchment on Wednesday, January 6

he NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has continued to fail to meet community expectations over the environmental management of the waste landﬁll site at Mangrove Mountain golf course according to Mountain Districts Association spokesperson, Dr Stephen Goodwin.

“Following the widely reported ‘uncontrolled discharge’ alleged to have occurred from the landﬁll site in 2015 and that subsequently appeared in Ourimbah Creek some 12 km downstream, the EPA said that it was conducting a criminal investigation,” Dr Goodwin said. “This has still not been resolved,” he said. “As a result of the discharge and following repeated requests from members of the community, in late September, some two months after the event, the EPA had science staff from the Ofﬁce of Environment and Heritage sample the water system in Ourimbah Creek and sources. “They also took foliage and sediment samples from

the area of the discharge. “A week later, the EPA waste environment officer for Gosford LGA sampled water and sediment from the various ponds and accumulated water within the landfill site.” Dr Goodwin said when he enquired about the results in January 2016, the environment officer told him the EPA was still trying to identify a correct method of analysis for the foliage. “As for the results from the water and sediment sampled from inside the landfill site, he couldn’t disclose these without seeking approval. “This is over three months after the samples were taken,” Dr Goodwin said. In late November 2016,

members of Mountain Districts Association met with Mr Scott MacDonald, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast at the golf course. “During the conversation, a water cart appeared on the landfill site spraying discoloured water up into the air over the surface of the landfill,” according to Dr Goodwin. Dr Goodwin said periods of extreme rainfall, such as the 240 ml recorded by the official Bureau of Meteorology station on Bloodtree Oval at Mangrove over four days from January 4 to 7, resulted in significant run-off at the landfill. “When extreme rainfall events occur, such as recently occurred, any contaminants from such

Storm water run-off from Mangrove Mountain landﬁll from two directions meeting in gully leading into Stringybark Creek catchment on Wednesday, January 6

water will be washed off the surface and into watercourses and creek catchments,” he said. “Even EPA site inspections are worthless.” Following a recent community enquiry, Mr Rob Hogan, EPA director waste and resource recovery, reported that, following an EPA inspection of the Verde Terra facility (Mangrove Mountain landfill) on January 7, the EPA had found no storm water discharges at the time of the inspection. Dr Goodwin said “This is only part of the story. “The day before the EPA visit, storm water discharge was noted gushing down a gully from the landfill site through private property in the direction of Hallards Creek catchment. “It was also freely flowing under the boundary fence of the licensed area and downhill along a public fire trail towards the same catchment.

“There was also cloudy, foamy water gushing down another gully running alongside the boundary fence between the landfill site and national park. “When traced back, it was seen to be coming from within the landfill site. “This water met up with a separate flow of water running down from the landfill site from a different direction. “This joined up to rush down the gully running alongside the golf course fifth hole in the direction of the Stringybark Creek catchment. “Both Hallards and Stringybark Creeks flow into Ourimbah Creek, which feeds in to the Central Coast water supply. “Has the EPA sampled the run-off as it left the landfill site in the north east corner and if not, why not? “Clearly after such a major storm event, there is an expectation that there

may well be significant run-off that could be contaminated. “Central Coast residents should be concerned at the inability of the Mangrove Mountain golf course waste landfill to adequately contain storm water, and to isolate leachate from other water sources,” Dr Goodwin said. “Mountain Districts Association is aware of the expectation of an 18 hole golf course from this activity, but clearly the emphasis is now on receiving large quantities of waste from Sydney and less about a new golf course and the failure of the EPA to regulate this, with any vestige of environmental safety, is a major concern for us all.” Media release Jan 12, 2016 Stephen Goodwin, Mountain Districts Association Landfill Subcommittee

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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25 January 2016

Issue 84

Chinese theme park Heads of Agreement signed W

Most Peninsula commuters make 10 trips a week by train according to Ms Kathy Smith

Community Access

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January 14, 2016 11 January 201

Gosford and Wyong to merge The Peninsula is about to become part of a local government area double the size of the current Gosford City Council following an announcement by the NSW Government of its proposal to go ahead with the merger of councils throughout the state.

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Issue 123

Issue 83

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel he Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday, December 14.

Your independent local newspaper

Mr Noble said he expected the parties to exchange contracts for the sale of the land within the next two or three weeks. Mr Noble said the contract is currently under construction. Mr Noble said he understood a Heads of Agreement to be an agreement to enter into a contract. “It sets out the key principles and terms around which the contract is likely to be based. “It is like a guiding document and expression of intent.” In this instance, Mr Noble said he could conﬁrm that the Heads of Agreement was a written document signed by both Wyong Council and the Australia China Theme Park Pty Ltd. “Based on the discussions we have had with the company and the fact they have been prepared to sign a heads of

An artists impression

agreement as a precursor, I have no reason to believe they will not go ahead and sign a contract with us despite the delays that have occurred in the past,” Mr Noble said. “One of the aims that council had when it considered the letter received from the company early last November was to work with the company towards the possible creation of a new contract with new terms and conditions that would be more favourable and less risky and more on commercial terms than what had been the case previously,” Mr Noble said. “I can’t tell you about terms or money just yet, that will come out in due

course, but I can say that the proposed terms will be on a proper commercial basis and will be more favourable to council and the community and so in that way they will meet the requirements of the council when they looked at it in November,” he said. When asked if he, therefore, considered the previous contract to be deﬁcient or less favourable to council and the community, Mr Noble said: “I would never say that. “I am not going to say anything about what may or may not have been wrong with the previous contract but I can say the new heads of agreement will result in a better

outcome, should it all proceed.” Mr Noble said he could not commit to a date for settlement of the transaction because those details were “all commercial in conﬁdence at the moment but the proposed terms set out in the heads of agreement will be on normal commercial arrangements.’ In the event that ACTP Pty Ltd signs the contract and pays Wyong Council $10 million plus GST for the Warnervale land, Mr Noble said there were other steps the developer would have to go through before the Chinese theme park could be built. “There is a gateway approval by Department

of Planning that addresses rezoning matters so there is an in principle approval for matters to deal with rezoning subject to conditions. “Specifically the Department of Planning identified that there actually wasn’t a need to change the zoning itself but, subject to the company doing certain things and proposing those to the council, then there is a way suggested by the Department of Planning to allow what the company is wanting by making changes to the schedules in the Wyong LEP for that particular land.” The DA has already been received by Wyong Council for the first stage

of the development. “The proposed temple and ancillary buildings are covered in the initial DA and so yes there will be staging involved,” he said. According to Mr Noble, once stage one made its way through council processes, it would still need approval from the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) because of the amounts of money involved (more than $20 million). “It will absolutely require JRPP approval; it is a very big development.” ACTP have re-engaged its key consultants, Cardno, who have been instructed to move forward as quickly as possible with the rezoning of the Chinese Theme Park land. ACTP has paid Wyong Council $100,000 out of the $10 million plus GST it owes to secure ownership of the land at Warnervale slated for the development of its $500 million Chinese theme park. A Wyong Council media release followed two recent articles in the Fairfax and Murdoch press pointing out “nonpayment and delays” had plagued the proposed development. Media release, Jan 15, 2016 Wyong Council media Emails, Jan 18, 2016 Interview, Jan 18, 2016 Rob Noble, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

Jumbuck Reserve in Jumbuck Close, Woy Woy

Council land sale may breach Act, says consultant Gosford Council may be in breach of the Local Government Act and State planning policy in its management and proposed sale of council-owned land on the Peninsula, according to an East Gosford environmental consultant. Mr Phil Conacher of Conacher Consulting said that it appeared that the council-owned blocks on the Peninsula were not covered by a management plan, despite the Local Government Act requiring such a plan. He said the council had also not followed the requirements of State Environmental Planning Policy 19 in its proposed sale of the land. Mr Conacher said Jumbuck Close reserve was a “classic example” of how, without a management plan in place or adherence to SEPP19, council could be damaging any endangered ecological species or remnant flora present on the site. “The appointment of councillors requires them to follow the rules and act just like we have to: follow traffic rules or get fined if we don’t,” he said. “They have possibly destroyed a lot of other vegetation on the Jumbuck Close site and others that could have made those sites

THIS ISSUE contains 53 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 3

News

Application for more units in Berith St An application to develop a three-unit residential flat building at 46 Berith St Umina has been received by Gosford Council. The development application was lodged with the council on Tuesdya, January 19 and the estimated cost of the development is $660,000. The developer is listed as Knight Mapleton Design Partners and the proposal is for a two-storey development. The site is located on the western side of Berith St and is relatively flat, not bushfire prone or within a heritage conservation area, according to the application. It currently contains a single dwelling house, according to a statement of environmental effects that accompanied the development application. “The surrounding residential development is characterized by primarily medium density housing and an eclectic blend of one and two storey dwelling houses, ranging from modest, post-war design to dwelling houses of a contemporary appearance,” the statement said. The DA seeks consent for the demolition of the existing house and the erection of three brick and tile town houses with front courtyard fencing.

This house may be demolished and replaced with three units

Vehicle access is proposed via a driveway running along the southern boundary and separate garages are proposed for each town house. The rear dwelling would have vehicle access by the unnamed lane. “The proposed units provide sufficient areas to store mobile waste collection bins away from the street and clothes drying areas that would be screened from other

dwellings and the public.” According to the statement of environmental effects: “The multi-unit housing building design would not result in any adverse environmental, amenity, social or economic impacts to the site and surrounding area. “The proposal entails an increase in development density that is commensurate with the locality and the land use zoning. “The use of the land would

not adversely impact on the surrounding properties and would allow the existing environment to be adequately protected whilst allowing suitable and appropriate creation of new dwellings to proceed.” According to the applicant, the use of the land for multidwelling housing is an orderly and economic use of the land that reflects the character of the locality and environment.

According to the application, the proposal complies with Gosford LEP 2014 for minimum lot size, height and floor space ratio. The site is in a flood prone area so any further building works would be required to have floor levels raised to meet the flood planning levels stipulated by council. Issues of non-compliance addressed in the DA include the side and rear setbacks. However, the application said: “Notwithstanding the noncompliance with the numerical measures, the design of the development would allow sufficient boundary setbacks to alleviate visual amenity, privacy and overshadowing impacts to the adjoining properties within the medium density residential zone.” The proposed development would require the removal of several native trees and their relocation within the centre of the site, the retention of the trees is “unrealistic, otherwise the site would be sterilized in regards to the ability to erect new dwellings within the medium density residential zone”. The site did not contain ecologically-endangered vegetation or significantly listed trees, according to the application. Website, 20 Jan 2016 DA49124/2016, Gosford Council planning portal

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Page 4 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

News

Mayor hits back about West St flags Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna has hit back claims by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce that Gosford Council was not honoring an agreement to install Australia Day flags along West St, Umina. Peninsula petrol prices are much higher than elsewhere on the Coast

Wicks takes up petrol price concerns Residents who have concerns about petrol prices have been urged to contact the Federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, and add their name to a petition calling on the ACCC to investigate fuel pricing on the Central Coast. “There’s often quite a lot of disparity in our region … which is

quite strange I have to say,” Ms Wicks said in an interview on ABC Central Coast. “I would encourage people if you are concerned about this to get in contact with us and sign our petition and add your name to the list, because I do believe it adds weight to our argument,” she said. “We wrote to the ACCC. “We’ve asked them to actually consider doing a deep dive

investigation into the Central Coast region. “We’ve written to them recently, reminding about our letter and our petition last year, respectfully requesting that they do consider the Central Coast as a region. “We need to continue to stand up for Central Coast motorists,” she said. Transcript, 21 Jan 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks

“It’s very disappointing that the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has waited until now to demand that we install their flags, at our cost, in time for Australia Day,” Cr McKinna said. “Given the flags are owned by the Chamber, we offered to cover some of the installation cost if the chamber would also contribute something towards it. “Unfortunately, the chamber refused to contribute anything. “Despite their claims, there is no, and has never been, an agreement that council would commit to installing the Chamber’s flags every year at our cost. “Fortunately, we have been able to help the Chamber over the past five years by installing their flags at a cost of around $20,000 to council

and ratepayers. “Plus we’ve covered the cost to install their other flags for many other events. “At the end of the day, these installation works are not budgeted for. “It’s very important that we deliver the community services, infrastructure and facilities we’ve said we would, especially given we’re now in the Gosford and Wyong merger proposal period. “The Chamber is well aware that we have various official grant and sponsorship programs that local organisations and individuals from across Gosford City can apply for at the start of each financial year to support their initiatives. “I’d strongly encourage the Chamber to apply for this funding in the future so that it can avoid this sort of issue so close to Australia Day,” he said. Council is again putting on a number of events and activities for residents on Australia Day this year including Australia Day festivities in Wagstaffe and Woy Woy. Media release, 20 Jan 2016 Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 5

News

Australia Day breakfast planned The Bays Community Group’s Australia Day breakfast will be held in the community hall on Sunday, January 31. The group’s annual meeting will be held on February 17 and will include the election of office bearers. “If you wish to have a voice or become involved in the community, it is in your interest to attend,” said Bays Communiy Group president

Mr Bob Puffett. Residents have been informed that membership fees have increased. A one-year membership fee is now $15. Those who wish to join for three years will be charged $40; a fiveyear membership now costs $60 and life membership is $120. Newsletter, 20 Jan 2016 Bob Puffett, Bays Community Group Inc

Community meeting votes to request Gosford Council to withdraw community and operational land from list for sale and reclassification

Police end search Brisbane Water Local Area Command police have completed a fruitless search of Brisbane Water National Park for people reportedly needing help. They were called on Tuesday, January 19, after flares were sighted in the National Park. Police received four reports of flares being sighted in bushland near the Great North Walk, Patonga, near the Warrah Trig lookout at around 8:30pm. A man fishing in waters off the area reportedly spoke to people who said they needed emergency assistance.

Emergency services were notified. The Westpac Helicopter searched the area but nobody was located. NSW Rural Fire Service personnel patrolled the fire trails in the area and also did not locate anyone. The search was suspended at 10:30pm and recommenced at 5am on January 20 by police from Brisbane Water LAC and SES personnel but concluded by 9am when no evidence of anyone in need of assistance in the area could be found.

CEN urges community action Community Environment Network has urged community members to take further steps to encourage Gosford Council to “cease the sale and reclassification process, put a strategy on exhibition, consult with communities and transparently assess the economic, social and environmental values of these lands.”

Media release, 20 Jan 2016 NSW Police media

Network CEO Ms Jane Smith

has called on community members to download the CEN petition, obtain signatures and return it to CEN by February 1. She also encouraged residents to write letters to Gosford councilors to make them aware of concerns and why reserves should remain community land. According to Ms Smith, the matter of the land sale strategy should come back before Gosford Council on Tuesday, February 9. “The meeting starts at 6:45pm but we would like as many people as possible to meet in front of the

Gosford Council building at 6pm,” she said. Ms Smith also said local groups could consider making placards. “Put up a sign that makes others in your neighbourhood aware of council’s move to sell off your local reserve. “Include a facebook logo so people know how to connect with us and sign up to the Save Central Coast Reserves Facebook page,” she said. Media release, 21 Jan 2016 Jane Smith, Community Environment Network

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Page 6 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

News

Meeting told of shortage of urban green space The Peninsula has a shortage of suburban green spaces, a public meeting in Gosford has been told. Peninsula Environment Group representative Mr Mark Mann said this at the meeting on Tuesday, January 19, to discuss Gosford Council’s push to rezone and potentially sell six parcels of community land on the Peninsula. Mr Mann said that, in spite of being surrounded by national park and the greenery of the ridge line, the Peninsula had a shortage of suburban green spaces. “Once sold off, we are not going to get them back,” Mr Mann said. He said he also represented the community group formed to save Jumbuck Reserve in Jumbuck Close, Woy Woy, “one of the largest stands of native trees left on the Woy WoyUmina sandplain”. Mr Mann invited other Peninsula residents concerned about the potential loss of public green spaces in their neighbourhoods to contact him so they could work together. The Peninsula community land listed for reclassification in stage one of Gosford Council’s ‘Land Sale Strategy’ included lot 195 and 196 Brisbane Ave, Umina and 40 and 42 Albion St Umina. Stage two was announced by Gosford Council in November and included another four parcels. Prior to the community meeting, Gosford Council had confirmed that operational land at 23 Memorial Ave, Blackwall, which did not require

reclassification, would be marketed for sale within the next month. In addition to the Jumbuck Reserve, another two parcels of community land – 40, 42 and 46 Pozieres Ave, Umina, and 9 to 11 Mackenzie Ave, Umina, were included in the stage two list. Mr Mr Mann said the meeting demonstrated strong community concern and opposition to Gosford’s land sale plans. “I support the motion that the meeting asked Cr Vicki Scott to put to Gosford Council, which was essentially to halt the sale of all blocks and restart the process with proper community engagement and consultation,” he said. Other Peninsula residents who attended the meeting expressed their concerns about land at 83 to 85 Brisbane Ave, Umina, to Mr Mann, he said. “Cr Gabby Bowles talked at the meeting about a process of community consultation that, apparently, is still to come, but we have no assurances that such a process will actually take place. “The council’s minutes, when this item was discussed seemed to be a vote to reclassify and sell with no mention of community consultation,” he said. Over 200 people attended the meeting along with Gosford councillors Cr Gabby Bowles, Cr Vicky Scott and Cr Jeff Strickson. The Australian Labor Party candidate for the Federal seat of Robertson, Ms Anne Charlton, also

attended, along with State Member for The Entrance Mr David Mehan who stood in for the Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith. Central Coast Greens spokesperson Ms Kate da Costa also attended. Apologies were received from Cr Deanna Bocking and Cr Hillary Morris. The meeting was organized by the Community Environment Network and Save Central Coast Reserves, an umbrella group set up by Ms Sue Chidgey who started an online campaign to Save East Gosford Reserve. Cr Gabby Bowles and Cr Vicky Scott also addressed the meeting along with Ms Chidgey and Ms Jane Smith of CEN and local environmental campaigner Mr Jake Cassar. In addition to Mr Mann representing the Peninsula, another three community members addressed the meeting and called for Gosford Council to protect reserves in Wamberal, East Gosford and Lisarow. Each speaker stated that the community placed a high value on green space and biodiversity and the Central Coast’s environment was one of the main reasons why people choose to live here. A common theme was that community expected its local council to act as custodian and protector of that green space, not sell it. Cr Gabby Bowles addressed the meeting to explain why she had supported the reclassification

process so far. Cr Bowles said she had not yet made a decision about which lots she would be supporting for reclassification. However, she said Gosford Council had an “obese property portfolio” and the reclassiciation process was supposed to look at whether there was excess land that is not serving the community as well as it could. She said the money raised from the sale of surplus land could be used to fund Gosford Council’s $140 million infrastructure backlog and could be spent on drainage, roads and new playgrounds. Cr Bowles urged community members to come forward with information about the history, social and environmental significance of any lots that were listed for reclassification and potential sale. “I have absolutely no hesitation about removing lots from reclassification once we have had the community consultation if the case is strong,” Cr Bowles told the community meeting. “I don’t believe this is a conspiracy theory to get rid of reserves,” she said. Cr Bowles did agree that, in hindsight, Gosford Council should have started the process by having a conversation with the community. She urged the community to contact council with their knowledge about reserves. However, she said she would not support a notice of motion to

be put to the February 9 meeting of Gosford Council to withdraw some parcels of community land from the reclassification list. Cr Bowles said, in the interests of governance and transparency, that all community land currently listed in stage one and stage two should have to go through the same community consultation. Cr Vicki Scott said she had resubmitted a notice of motion for February 9 that was withdrawn from Gosford Council’s meeting agenda on December 8 for legal reasons. The notice of motion can only relate the parcels of community land listed in stage one of the “land strategy” so the only Peninsula parcels that it may help to keep as community land are in Brisbane Ave, Umina and Albion St, Umina. Parcels at Jumbuck, Pozieres and Mackenzie Ave cannot be the subject of a similar motion until March, three months after Gosford councillors passed the existing resolution to start the reclassification process. Meeting, 19 Jan 2016 Sue Chidgey, Save Central Coast Reserves Jane Smith, CEN Cr Gabby Bowles, Gosford Council Cr Vicky Scott, Gosford Council Mark Mann, Peninsula Environment Group Media release, 20 Jan 2016 Sue Chidgey, Save Central Coast Reserves Media release, 20 Jan 2016 Mark Mann, Peninsula Environment Group Reporter: Jackie Pearson

ADVERTISEMENT Gosford City Council is calling on the Peninsula community to contribute photos regarding sporting culture and history that will form part of an art installation in the new Woy Woy Oval. Do you have photos that capture important moments in your sporting life? If so Council invites you bring your images to be scanned at the following sessions at Woy Woy Library: Tuesday 9th February from 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday 13th February from 9.30am - 12.30pm

If you are unable to attend these dates, Library staff can scan your images the week of the 8th – 12th of February. For further details please contact Coralie McPhie, Recreation Officer on (02) 4325 8429 or email Coralie.mcphie@gosford.nsw.gov.au

25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 7

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Page 8 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

News

Waterfront restaurant hopes to renovate and extend A waterfront restaurant at Woy Woy hopes to renovate its upstairs manager’s unit and build an addition to the rear wharf of the existing restaurant. Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant has lodged a development application for work estimated to cost $400,000. The restaurant is located at 50 Brick Wharf Rd, Woy Woy. The applicant is Louise A Williams of LAW Building Design Pty Ltd, who has been employed by the proprietor of Fisherman’s Wharf, Tupuseleia Pty Ltd. Tupuseleia Pty Ltd is the private owner of the buildings and the site is leased as a commercial waterfront from NSW Crown Lands. The DA was lodged as an integrated development under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act which meant prior to making a submission to Gosford Council for DA consent, the proposal required external consent from Fisheries NSW under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and from NSW Maritime Services under the Water management Act 2000. A pre-DA meeting was held in March 2015 between the developer and Gosford Council and issues were raised which LAW Building Design sought to address in a statement of environmental effects submitted with the development

An artist's impression of the renovated Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant

application. said Ms Louise Williams in the statement of environmental effects. “The site is located within the W2 Recreational Waterways land use zoning within the Woy Woy Town Centre, where surrounding features include the Woy Woy Channel (W2); mangroves to the north (E1), adjacent public waterfront (RE1); residential development to the east (R1); the Woy Woy Town Centre to the south (B2); and the Woy Woy Railway Station precinct to the west (SP2),” Ms Williams said. “First built in 1969, the history of the site includes consents in: 1970 to build a boatshed and dwelling; additions in 1983; extensions in 1990; a roof and pergola over the deck was approved in 1992; an awning was given consent in 1997 along with a roof, pergola and refreshment room.”

According to the statement of environmental effect, the wharf is currently in a bad state of repair. “The pylons have deteriorated to the point where they need repair and replacement,” the statement said. “It is a condition of the … Crown Lands Lease that piers be maintained. “The proprietors have always maintained piers over the term of their lease (over 40 years).” According to Ms Williams: “The most economically efficient way to undertake maintenance works on the wharf is to remove the existing covered structure to gain access to the piers. “Due to the extent of the maintenance on the existing structure the owners are taking the opportunity to improve the amenity of the existing space by achieving a high quality renovation. ADVERTISEMENT

“The renovated structure will have a gently sloping skillion roof to tie in with the existing building with an outdoor area skirting the perimeter of the wharf. “This proposal will repair, maintain and result in a small addition to the existing wharf of the restaurant. “A new covered pavilion is proposed to give the wharf a new fresh appearance. Ms Williams said the site was well suited to the development in view of: food and drink premises were permissible use in the WR Recreational Waterways zoning under Gosford Local Environment Plan 2014; proximity to Woy Woy Railway Station; accessible to the waterfront and town centre. “An enhanced food and drink premises will potentially increase economic activity in the Woy Woy Town Centre and Woy Woy

waterfront precincts, particularly through increased competition,” the statement said. “The site has nil endangered vegetation constraints and manageable bushfire, flooding and acid sulfate constraints.” The site is affected by coastal storm surge and catchment flooding which will be appropriately managed by designing the alterations and additions in accordance with 1 in 100 year average recurrence interval flood risk, Ms Williams said. The existing wharf extends outside the current crown land lease boundaries but the owner is confident that the lease boundary alignment will be adjusted to contain the building structure within a renewed lease contract post-2030. Fisherman’s Wharf currently employs 12 full-time employees and 20 casuals but the proposed alterations could increase opening hours and increase employment opportunities. “We are seeking a quick approval process so that construction for much needed repairs to the wharf and the rebuilding can occur in the quieter winter months so as not to affect the employment status of long term employees.” Website, 19 Jan 2016 DA49094/2016, Gosford Council planning portal

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 9

News

Lifeguards respond to near-drowning Gosford Council lifeguards have responded to a near drowning at the Peninsula Leisure Centre. A three-year-old child was pulled unconscious from one of the leisure centre’s pools at around 12:15pm on Thursday, January 14, and resuscitated by four Council lifeguards. The child was airlifted to hospital. It was unclear how the incident occurred.

“Council will be working closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident,” a media statement issued by Gosford Council’s communications and engagement team said. “Given the current circumstances, it would not be appropriate for Council to make any further comment,” the statement said. Media statement, 14 Jan 2016 Judy Jaeger, Gosford Council

Program to help fathers The Peninsula Community Centre is holding a threesession program which aims to help fathers gain the skills necessary to build closer relationships with their children. The program covers topics such as how fathers can connect with their children, understanding

the special role of a father in a child’s life and how to discipline constructively. The program will be run from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on three days: February 15, 22 and 29. The cost of the program is $20 or $15 concession with bookings essential as numbers are limited. Email, 12 Jan 2016 Louise Manson, Coast Community Connections

An artist's impression of the Oval Cafe

Council tenders cafe at Woy Woy oval forecourt Gosford Council is seeking tenders to manage a new cafe within Woy Woy Oval forecourt at Chambers Place. The cafe lease is part of the $8 million redevelopment of Woy Woy Oval, jointly funded by the federal and state government, and Gosford Council. “This is an exciting opportunity to partner with Council to provide a vibrant destination facility for residents and visitors, and contribute to the social and economic growth of the

community,” the tender document said. Council devoted $2.7 million towards the redevelopment, which also includes a new grandstand building and fit-out, forecourt and extensive landscaping. The Australian Government provided $3.5 million in funding through its Community Development Grants Program. NSW Government support includes $2 million from NSW ClubGrants as well as $40,000 from its Community Building

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Partnership Program. Cafe construction will finish in March 2016. Potential operators need to be financially competent in hospitality, with a proven ability to run a commercially viable and sustainable business. Applications close at 1pm on Tuesday, February 16. For more information, contact Council’s Recreation Officer on 4325 8429 or email coralie. mcphie@gosford.nsw.gov.au Media release, 21 Jan 2016 Coralie McPhee, Gosford Council

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Page 10 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

News

Demolition allowed for Umina Mall redevelopment Gosford Council has allowed demolition works to proceed ahead of the redevelopment of Umina Mall at the corner of Ocean Beach Rd and Lone Pine Ave. The demolition will be able to proceed before conditions are met for the issue of a construction certiďŹ cate. The change in consent meant that work could start on the project before development consent expired on December 17 last year. Laundy Exhibitions Pty Ltd has been granted a modiďŹ cation to a 2010 consent for the deferred development of the proposed Lone Pine Plaza Shopping Complex, a mixed commercial and retail development, including the site of the current Umina Mall. Mr Arthur Laundy told Peninsula News he was well aware that the current Umina Mall shopping centre was an eyesore and needed redevelopment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The proposed redevelopment will transform the site into a modern and welcoming village centre that will be of great convenience to the local community and the people visiting the Umina area,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Section 96 application was lodged with council to enable the activation of the development approval which has now been achieved.â&#x20AC;? In the letter of approval dated December 4, Gosford Council chief

The existing Umina Mall

Mr Paul Anderson wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having regard to the provisions of Section 96 (1A) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the council is of the opinion that the amended proposal is a minor modiďŹ cation and is substantially the same development consented to by the council.â&#x20AC;? The amendment involved changing â&#x20AC;&#x153;deferred commencement conditionsâ&#x20AC;? into â&#x20AC;&#x153;operational consent conditionsâ&#x20AC;?. As a result, Laundy Exhibitions Pty Ltd will be able to complete additional steps on the site before being issued with a construction certiďŹ cate. The proposed development takes in 11 lots in Pozieres Ave, Ocean Beach Rd Umina and Lone Pine Ave, Umina. The developer will need to consolidate all lots, including all closed roads into a single allotment, and provide a copy of the registered

plan to the council. The conditions of consent have also been changed so that â&#x20AC;&#x153;no activity is to be carried out on site until a Construction CertiďŹ cate has been issued, other than: site investigation for the preparation of the construction and/or; implementation of environmental protection measures such as erosion control etc that are required by this consent; and demolition of any existing buildingsâ&#x20AC;?. Under the prior conditions of consent, demolition of existing buildings was not allowed prior to a construction certiďŹ cate being issued. Mr Andersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please note that the approved amendment does not extend the term of the original consent.â&#x20AC;? A report to Mr Anderson from Gosford Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governance and planning division said: â&#x20AC;?There are no planning issues with the proposal and approval of the application

will allow council to activate the deferred commencement consent enabling the applicant to carry out demolition works and obtain physical commencement prior to expiry of the consent on December 17.â&#x20AC;? The development takes in the existing Umina Mall and other blocks currently occupied by residential dwellings. The governance and planning report said the development would be employment-generating and would be valued at $3.2 million. In November 2009, the original development application was refused under staff delegation. In November 2010, as part of the Review of Determination, the matter was referred to council for determination and was again refused. However, days later council decided to rescind its resolution of November 2 and resolved under Section 82A of the Environmental

Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to support the proposal. Councillors also delegated the general manager or his representative authority to determine the application subject to issue of a deferred commencement consent and conditions. The applicant, Laundy Exhibitions, was informed via a notice of determination of a development application on December 17, 2010, that the application was approved subject to deferred commencement consent and conditions. The deferred commencement consent was due to expire on December 17, 2015. The approval of the Section 96 application which allowed demolition works to be carried out prior to the applicant obtaining a construction certiďŹ cate meant that the project could be started before the consent expired. According to the report to Mr Anderson, Gosford Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property section advised that the laneways had been closed and negotiations were continuing regarding purchase of the closed roads to enable consolidation onto a single lot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the relevant conditions relating to consolidation of the closed roads into the subject site are not met, a construction certiďŹ cate cannot be issued,â&#x20AC;? the report said. Website, 19 Jan 2016 DA37199/2009, Gosford Council planning portal

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 11

News

Wicks announces McEvoy Oval upgrade Federal Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks has announced $304,000 in funding to upgrade the facilities at McEvoy Oval in Umina. Ms Wicks said the project will knock down and replace the existing sporting amenities block which is used by Woy Woy Little Athletics, Southern Spirit Cricket Club and Peninsula Touch Football. “McEvoy Oval is an important community asset in terms of its size, location, and the services it can provide to families and organisations on the Peninsula,” Ms Wicks said “The project aims to create a vibrant, highly functional and engaging sporting ground for formal and informal recreation,” Ms Wicks said. Gosford Council welcomed the news that the Australian Government is set to provide funding towards the upgrade. Council allocated $220,000 to the project as well as securing $220,000 from the NSW Government. Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Anderson said that it was great to see the Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks on board. “McEvoy Oval is one of Council’s vital sport and recreation facilities on the Peninsula. “I’m very proud of the hard work

Lucy Wicks with Woy Woy Little Athletics athletes and local community members celebrating the funding announcement at Umina's McEvoy Oval

Council has put in to develop a master-plan for the entire site. “The oval’s local sporting groups, especially Woy Woy Little Athletics, need to be commended for the major role they’ve played in the project so far. “Through their fantastic efforts, we hope that these groups will be able to contribute around $10,000

towards the upgrade works. “Council’s master-plan for the site [includes] bush re-generation works in the ecologically endangered bushland community around the oval and irrigation improvements. “We’re currently looking at ways to deliver these additional works over the next few years.

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“We know that sport and recreation is an important part of our residents’ lives on the Peninsula and that’s why we’re committed to delivering the facilities the community deserves,” Mr Anderson said. The construction of a new amenities building should result in improved storage facilities and

toilets and an improved canteen and club room, he said. The oval’s car park is set to be upgraded as well. Media releases, 13, 15 Jan 2016 Lucy Wicks, Federal Member for Robertson Media release, 14 Jan 2016 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council

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Page 12 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

News

Delegate appointed for council merger review Gosford Council has received further information about the next steps in the amalgamation process from NSW Minister for Local Government Mr Paul Toole MP. The Minister has referred a council merger proposal to the chief executive officer for the Office of Local Government for examination and report under the Local Government Act 1993. Mr Toole has written to Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna saying that the examination of and reporting on the merger proposal would be delegated to Mr John

Rayner. Mr Rayner is the retired general manager of Sutherland Shire Council, where he was employed for 33 years up until 2013. “The process for reviewing a council merger proposal will now commence, and will allow councils and the community to have their say through public inquiries (public meetings) and written submissions,” the letter from Mr Toole said. Cr Hillary Morris said the community needed to be aware that they only had until Sunday, February 28, to make a submission via the above website if they wanted to have a say about

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amalgamation. “I remain opposed to the amalgamation of the two local government areas as I see no financial benefit to the residents,” Cr Morris said. “While they [the state government] are promising $135 million in financial benefit over 20 years that equates to $6.7 million per year and Gosford Council has already proven that it can do better than that with its recent surplus of $14 million without being amalgamated,” she said. “And the $10 million being offered for community infrastructure projects is hardly worth going through the exercise when it is going to cost us $38 million to amalgamate,” she said. “It is important that alternative options are put to the Department of Local Government from the community,” Cr Morris said. “One of the first things I will do on council in February is make sure a notice of motion goes up requesting council ensures people are aware of the submission process but as the meeting isn’t until February 8, it doesn’t give the community much time to have a say,” she said. Cr Morris also said the immediate future of the current elected councilors is still unknown. “I am unsure about my role going forward as the government has not yet made a decision in relation to how existing councillors will be involved according to information provided by the minister,” she said. According to Mr Toole’s letter: “The government remains committed to allowing councilors that are supportive of making the new council a success the opportunity to shape the future of the new council. “No decision has been made in relation to the manner in which existing councilors may continue to be involved in a new council for an amalgamated area. “Options available under the Local Government Act 1993 include the appointment of a single person or group of people

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(which may include councilors for presently existing council areas) to act as administrators or the continuation in office of councilors from the former council areas, as councilors of a new area ahead of the next election. “In addition councils can establish Local Representation Committees to help shape the new council,” the letter said. The 20-page merger proposal that will be considered by Mr Rayner has been prepared by the Minister for Local Government under section 218E(1) of the Local Government Act. According to statistics included in the proposal the Peninsula will account for approximately 10 per cent of the new local government area’s total population. The Minister’s forward in the proposal document states that it has been informed by council merger preferences, community views and the unique characteristics of each area. The document predicts a 119 per cent improvement in annual operating profits over 10 years that the merger may reduce council reliance on rate increases through Special Rate Variations to fund local infrastructure. According to Mr Toole, the merger should result in improved road works, upgrades to local water and wastewater infrastructure, cleaner waterways, safer food, promotion of the region for tourism and business and the management and maintenance of open spaces, cultural and recreational facilities. “The savings, combined with the NSW Government’s policy to freeze existing rate paths for four years, will ensure that ratepayers get a better deal,” Mr Toole said. The proposal suggests that there will be a payback period of three years “after which the merger benefits will exceed the expected merger costs. “The analysis also shows the proposed merger is expected to generate, on average around $10 million in savings every year from 2020 onwards,” the proposal said.

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According to the proposal, those savings will be generated by redeployment of back office and administrative functions, streamlining of senior management roles, efficiencies from increased purchasing power and reduced expenditure on councillor fees. The document repeats the message that the local community will have an opportunity to attend a public inquiry that will be held for the merger proposal but the details are not yet available on the official boundary review website. Accelerating the supply of new housing and protecting the natural environment including the coastline are mentioned as priorities for the proposed merger. The proposal does mention preservation of key environmental areas as outlined in Gosford City’s Coastal Open Spaces System (COSS) as a priority that “could” be generated by the merger. The legislative criteria that the delegate will have to consider when making his recommendation include the financial advantages or disadvantages to the residents and ratepayers; community and geographic cohesion; historical and traditional values in existing areas and the impact of change; the attitude of residents and ratepayers; past and future patterns of elected representation; provision of services and facilities; employment of staff by councils; impact on rural communities; desireability of dividing new area into wards; other relevant factors to the provision of efficient and effective local government. The proposal Mr Rayner will be considering, along with more information about the process can be seen at councilboundaryreview. nsw.gov.au. Mr Rayner’s email address within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet is also available along with a 1300 phone number. Letter, 6 Jan 2016 Paul Toole, NSW Minister for Local Government Interview, 7 Jan 2016 Hillary Morris, Gosford Council Website, 7 Jan 2016 Councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au Article, 14 Jan 2015 St George and Sutherland Shire leader Merger proposal, Jan 2016

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Page 14 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

News

Australia Day celebrations Australia Day celebrations will be held at Woy Woy, Wagstaffe and Pearl Beach. Woy Woy waterfront will begin celebrations at 2pm and conclude with fireworks around 9:15pm. The Boulevarde and Brick Wharf Rd in Woy Woy will be closed from 6am until 12am. Brisbane Water Dr between the Spike Milligan Bridge and The Boulevarde will be closed from 9pm until 9.30pm.

Australia Day celebrations at Wagstaffe will commence at 8am with an official ceremony, including a flag raising, and free breakfast. Mulhall St in Wagstaffe between the Wagstaffe ferry wharf and Wagstaffe Ave will be closed from 7am until 12pm. Pearl Parade between Tourmaline Ave and Amethyst Ave will be closed from 5am until 12pm. Media release, 19 Jan 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council

A map of Woy Woy from the NSW Valuer General showing land lots with red dots

Valuation notices on their way The NSW Office of the Valuer General has announced that Notices of Valuation for land values as at July 1 last year will be issued to landholders in the Gosford local government area this month. NSW Valuer-General Mr Simon Gilkes said the notices to be issued gave landholders the opportunity to consider their land value before it is used by council for rating. Land value is the value of the land only and does not include the value of a home or other improvements on the land. “Land values are one factor used by councils to calculate rates,” Mr Gilkes said. Any changes to council rates due to the new Notices of Valuation would come into effect from July 1 this year. “However, changes in land value don’t necessarily lead to similar changes in rates. “Each council develops a revenue policy to use in the calculation of rates and charges to fund services to the community.” According to NSW Minister for Local Government Mr Paul

Toole, the State currently has a policy of freezing council’s current rate pathways for four years so the impact of the new Notices of Valuation remains to be seen. Mr Gilkes said when determining land values, property sales were the most important factor considered. The values reflect the property market at July 1 last yar. The valuers analysed 1145 property sales in Gosford to arrive at the new land values. Landholders who disagree with the land value on their Notice of Valuation have a 60-day period to lodge an objection to have their land value reviewed. Although only about one third of NSW LGAs receive a Notice of Valuation each year, all land in NSW is valued on an annual basis. No Peninsula suburbs were mentioned as experiencing moderate to strong increases in the Valuer-General’s announcement. The Peninsula’s beachfront properties also missed out on special mention in the official valuer general’s announcement for the Gosford Local Government area whereas the value of properties in North Avoca, Wamberal, MacMasters Beach and Forresters

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Beach were reported to have remained steady or decreased slightly. Land values in the commercial areas of Gosford and Erina showed a moderate to strong increase, while trends in the smaller suburban and neighbourhood centres varied. Industrial land values generally showed a slight increase, with variations depending on locality. According to the Gosford Council website, ordinary rates are calculated using the land value multiplied by the rate in the dollar. A minimum amount is applied where the land value calculation is less than the minimum amount. That minimum amount is determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority (IPART). IPART also caps the percentage by which local councils can increase their rates in any given year without applying for a special rate variation. Rates and charges have already been set for 2015-16 and the current residential ordinary rate is 0.00359671 cents per dollar with the minimum rate of $496. Media release, 6 Jan 2016 Kelly Burke, NSW Department of Finance, Services and Innovation Website, 7 Jan 2016 NSW Globe Information Valuation Information

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Night call-out for Marine Rescue Marine Rescue volunteers were called out at night on Wednesday, January 13, to assist a wake-board boat with four people on-board at Lobster Beach. The eight-metre wake-board boat was damaged when it crossed the sand-bar at Little Box Head at around 7.30pm. Experienced Marine Rescue skipper Mr Norm Smith and his

crew, Mr Bob White and Mr Bruce Lorking, on rescue-vessel Central Coast 21, located the boat at the southern end of Lobster Beach after being called out by the Marine Rescue regional controller. The damaged boat was towed to Empire Bay and the rescue crew were able to return to their homes at around midnight. Media release, 14 Jan 2016 Ron Cole, Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 15

News

Other Regional News - In brief Peninsula News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2256 and 2257. Given the advent of a Greater Central Coast Council in the near future,

following is a summary of the first 9 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.peninsulanews.info and on 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.

FRE

January 14, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 124

Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260

The new-look bus shelter at Phegans Bay

Bus shelter make-over Phegans Bay Heights bus shelter received a make-over during the Christmas break. Mr Jim Doe, Mr Dick Kirk and others gave the bus shelter near the fire station a new coat of paint and installed art work produced by local children. The artwork included children’s paintings of birds, animals and things they wanted to display.

There were also paintings of birds local to the Bays, reminders of the impact of fire and the work of the RFS along with photos taken from the walking trail at the end of Olive Ave. Newsletter, 20 Jan 2016 Bob Puffett, Bays Community Group Inc

Securing construction certificates for major developments is next hurdle The sight of cranes in the sky

EPA accused of failure to regulate landfill run-off

Public meeting regarding council sell off

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has continued to fail to meet community expectations over the environmental management of the..

A public meeting will be held to bring together groups and residents who are opposed to the loss of local reserves, parks and greenspaces through...

Median value of residential land has increased by 17.5%

R Review i off C Council’s il’ refusal f l regarding Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

Heritage consultants H it lt t recommend listing cinema as a heritage item

The NSW Offi ce of the Valuer General has announced that Notices of Valuation for July 1, 2015 land values will be issued to landholders in the Gosford local...

The multi year struggle between Norman and Beth Hunter and Gosford Council has entered its fourth year with the couple deciding to request...

Avoca Theatre Preservation Society Inc has “put its running shoes on” in response to the lodgement of an application by Mr Norman and Ms Beth Hunter...

Council merger referred to Office of Local Government

$430,000 funding for RFS

C Community it consultation lt ti process being offered over merger is a farce

Gosford Council welcomed the news that the community’s voice would be heard following an announcement by NSW premier Mr Mike Baird and minister for...

Nearly half a million dollars will be delivered to the Central Coast as part of a multi- million dollar investment into bushfire protection for the local community.

Central Coast Greens have called the consultation process offered by the NSW Government to residents of Wyong and Gosford as part of a council ‘merger ...

above Gosford CBD is still some months away but, according to Mr Bob Bourne, the race is on to secure construction certificates...

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.centralcoastnews.net Coast Community News articles can also be read and shared on your mobile phone by going to www.coastcommunitynews.com.au.

FREE

January 19, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 84

Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263.

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Chinese theme park Heads of Agreement signed

Central Coast Tourism could lose support from both councils

Berkeley Vale worst hit by storms

Wyong Council’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble has confirmed that a new Heads of Agreement has been signed between the council and the Australia China Theme Park (ACTP) Pty Ltd concerning the $10 million...

Central Coast Tourism has been advised that Wyong Council currently has insufficient information to extend its contract.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) had registered 150 calls for assistance and around 4,000 were left without power following a storm that hit parts of the Central Coast on the evening...

Wyong wastewater pump station being upgraded

Another supermarket approved for Wadalba

New pedestrian refuge on highway at Kanwal

Wyong Water is starting work on a $4.2 million upgrade of a wastewater pump station in Wyong as the revitalisation of this key suburb in the shire continues.

Wyong Council unanimously approved the development of a Woolworths supermarket adjacent to the Wadalba Village Centre at its December 9 meeting.

Safety for pedestrians will be improved on the Pacifi c Hwy at Kanwal with a new pedestrian refuge installed south of Sparks Rd in early January, according to a Roads and Maritime Services.

Water main break at Gorokan

Compliance with C li i h conditions di i of consent at Ourimbah under investigation

Traffi c diversions were put in place west-bound on Wallarah Rd, Gorokan following a water main break on Thursday, January 14.

Wyong Council is currently investigating the use of the Big Flower site at Ourimbah, including compliance with conditions of consent related to council’s approval of a development application by Eaton and Sons Pty Ltd to change the use...

Road upgrades near completion Major upgrades of Hume Bvd in Killarney Vale and Kanangra Dve were nearing completion at the beginning of December 2015, according to Wyong Council.

Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263. The full articles and more can be seen on our website www.centralcoastnews.net

Page 16 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Forum

The wind tunnel exists

The morality of tax havens Is it immoral that Malcolm Turnbull is wealthy? No, who cares? Is it immoral if a large part of Malcolm Turnbull’s wealth is unpaid tax, ‘stolen’ public monies which, as a consequence of not being paid, leaves disadvantaged kids disadvantaged, under-staffed hospitals floundering, medical costs so high that sick people get sicker, schools underfunded, road tolls instead of public roads, cut disability care, unfunded mental health care, Medicare threatened with taxes and ‘privatisation’, reduced pensions to the most in need, and so on? Yes. The Prime Minister makes no bones about where his financial affairs have been (legally) placed; his financial affairs have been moved to the Cayman Islands which is a ‘tax haven’. Google identifies several definitions of “tax haven”. First from Investopedia.com is a country that offers foreign individuals and businesses little or no tax liability in a politically and economically stable environment, tax havens also provide little or no financial information to foreign tax authorities. Second from Wikipedia is a tax haven is a state, country or territory where, on a national level, certain taxes are levied at a very low rate or not at all, it also refers to countries which have a system of financial secrecy in place. The third definition of tax haven from businessdictionary.com is a foreign country or corporation used to avoid or reduce income taxes, especially by investors from another country. So we know there are two main reasons for using the Cayman Islands to place ones financial affairs – secrecy and tax avoidance. We don’t know how Prime Minister Turnbull makes his money, after all, that is secret in the Cayman Islands. My guess is that he doesn’t make anything useful, or provide useful services so it is a fair bet that he buys and sells stocks and shares. If a person buys shares for $2 million and sells them for $3 million, s/he has made a capital gain of $1 million.

Forum In Australia s/he would have to pay tax on the $1 million capital gain but, if the transaction is made in the Cayman Islands where no capital gains tax is payable, the entire $1 million capital gain becomes profit. S/he is richer than s/he would have been if s/he had just paid the flaming taxes s/he was morally, but not legally, required to pay. Let us say there is an Australian company earning heaps of money, big profits. However, driven by ‘private profit’ rather than concern for the ‘Common Good’, the company executives try to find a way to reduce their profits without actually reducing their profits, here is one of many ways they can do that. A foreign company is set up by the Australian company, let’s say the fake company is set up in America. The American company borrows $1 billion on the American money market at 2 per cent interest and lends it to a Cayman Islands company at 2 per cent, no profit has been made and no losses. The Cayman Island company lends the $1 billion to the highly profitable Australian company at 9 per cent interest. The Australian company deducts its interest bill (9 per cent of $1 billion, almost $10 million from its profit) It pays no tax on the $10 million. I suspect Prime Minister Turnbull is doing nothing illegal but clearly these secret tax manipulation activities are immoral, they offend any definition of ‘fair go’ so, why are they legal? Sometimes we hear commentators and politicians speak of tax ‘loop-holes’ which are there accidentally and are ‘found’ by clever lawyers employed by big companies for that purpose. This story about ‘loop-holes’ is just a way of wrapping corrupt and immoral practices in a bogus claim. The truth is the big end of town wants the legislation, the big end of town consciously and deliberately lobbies politicians so that these practices are legal. Then when we protest their corruption, they scream indignantly just as the Prime Minister does, “But I

do nothing illegal”. No, you do nothing illegal, because you wrote the rules, the big end of town looks after the big end of town. Big end of town Malcolm is guilty of much worse than immoral but legal practices because by engaging in immoral tax haven practices as Prime Minister he encourages all other would-be participants. When the Prime Minister is engaged in bad behaviour it teaches others that this bad behaviour is okay. At a more sinister level, when the Prime Minister is deeply immersed in immoral practices, all the other immoral elements from the big end of town know that they too can act secretly and avoid tax, with impunity, after all, the Prime Minister does the same thing. In this case, big end Mal is leading the pack; he knows this pack, as a commentator has already written “Malcolm Turnbull Is the Big End of Town”. You thought it was crook that a Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s daughter was given a secret $60,000 ‘scholarship’ for which no-one else could compete. Just think about what a Prime Minister is doing to the tax base of his country when he trumpets the legality of, and gives respectability to, the practice of large numbers of wealthy and corporate Australians hiding their financial dealings in secret and tax avoiding foreign ‘havens’. These practices should be criminalised with huge penalties of community service and gaol. They massively rob the public purse, they destroy the revenue side of the Australian economy, and they starve the public sector in general and the essential Social Wage in particular. Like all corrupt practices, it tears at the democratic fabric of our country and reduces the legitimacy of the political process as many people believe that “politicians, they are all the same, corrupt and in it for what they can get for themselves.” Email, 27 Dec 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach

I support Jane Smith’s comments on the sevenstorey development on the corner of Memorial Ave and the Esplanade at Ettalong (PN, 11 Jan 2016). The comment that the development will create a wind tunnel on Memorial Ave, especially during the frequent southerly winds, from Broken Bay requires elaboration. The wind tunnel exists. Why is access to Diggers Ettalong and the Mantra resort located on Memorial Ave and not on the Esplanade to take advantage of the Ettalong beach vista? Is the waterfront an eyesore? Or are there other reasons? The severe storm of April of 2015 with flood, wind, rain and sand is the answer. Access to the underground car-park, club foyer and resort foyer are positioned to protect customers and staff and to reduce

Forum maintenance costs, risks and hazards, clean-up costs, property damage, energy consumption, inconvenience and insurance claims. Any building located in the wind tunnel will need to be designed to withstand storm events, more likely with climate change, similar to those in April of 2015. Has this building been designed to suit local conditions? Retail developments with a southern aspect will be particularly vulnerable. As I recall there were major issues with traffic management which were unresolved in the original proposal. Design limitations of the site may create problems for business owners and their customers in Ettalong. Be prepared. Letter, Jan 15 2016 Norman Harris, Umina

Move boarding house to Woy Woy The long wait for the decision by the Land and Environment Court on the Ettalong boarding house is indeed frustrating (PN Forum, 11 Jan 2016). Could the applicant for the boarding house plan perhaps be persuaded to change his mind? There is an ugly, long-standing empty block opposite the Woy Woy railway station. In that location a boarding house would do nobody any harm and it would have all the facilities nearby - train station, bus interchange,

Forum doctors, chemists and the police. I don’t think that a boarding house on that spot would be very controversial at all. It would also beautify and bring more life to a dilapidated area. Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, if you win your case, try to inspire the developer to move it over there. One more ugly site gone and Ettalong will keep its lovely relaxed atmosphere. Email, 15 Jan 2016 Johanna Reygersberg, Woy Woy

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 17

Forum

Brilliant $5 idea I have this issue with petrol prices on the Peninsula. The editor of Peninsula News is not the only one I email about this issue. I have written to Federal and State Members. The only reply I got was from our State Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith. She had a great idea: only buy $5 worth of petrol on the Peninsula and tell the service station operator it’s only to get you off the Peninsula to buy cheaper fuel.

Forum The price has come down to $1:20 a litre but it is still $1:13 at Empire Bay. I think it went down because of the proposed rally outside the local servos. The $5 idea is brilliant. The Federal Member has not answered my emails and it is not the first time. Email, 13 Jan 2016 Rodney Munson, Ettalong Beach

Problems with drainage remain It was with great interest I watched the resurfacing of the carpark behind the Old Pub in Woy Woy. The big question was: would it be done properly? Or would we get the usual anything is good enough. There were trucks and all sorts of other machines; supervisors and workers everywhere. It really looked impressive. This had to be it. No more potholes, no more puddles, efficient line markings, the works. Well, looks can be deceiving.

Forum A quick check the other day revealed most of the potholes were filled, which meant you were at a lesser risk of falling or stepping in a puddle right up to your middle. However there was no grading done so the problem with drainage remained and the puddles will still be there, just not as deep, for the first few years. The greatly reduced number of spaces for commuters continues and line marking is inadequate. Email, 21 Jan 2016 Fred Charles, Woy Woy

Generosity shown over Christmas We had our Christmas lights up over the holidays at 380 Booker Bay Rd, Booker Bay, and raised $910 for Guide Dogs and Vision Australia.

Forum many people donated. We would like to let the residents know how generous they were.

Almost all the money was in coins and a few small notes, so

Email, 17 Jan 2016 Noel and Shirley Crockett, Booker Bay

Job creation claim ludicrous Godfrey Franz’ claim (PN, 11 Jan 2016) that the ATO office in Gosford will create 2.5 times as many jobs as the number of tax workers employed is too ludicrous to be taken seriously. As any econometrician will tell him, a multiplier effect of 0.25 is a good figure for a highly productive employment generator, and the ATO office is far from that. I would suggest that 0.025 would be a realistic figure but I’m open to any proof that Mr Franz can provide to the contrary. For instance, can he offer any plausible reasons as to why accountant and lawyer numbers will increase as a result of the transfer of ATO staff to Gosford? Lawyers and accountants rely on local clients, not ATO employees, and the amount of work will be exactly the same as it is now, regardless of where the ATO office is located. As for his obfuscation that the site was not public land but belonged to the Department of Education, the last time I checked, the Department was a public service and its assets belong to the

Forum LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be sent to:

Peninsula News PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 or editorial@centralcoastnews.net

See Page 2 for contribution conditions public (i.e., us). The Department is not entitled to maximize the value - code for getting the highest price - if maximizing the price is contrary to the general public interest. In any case, is there any evidence that the Department achieved the maximum value for the site? Mr Franz completely avoids the issue of how the ATO came to be involved in the first place [in the tender process] - assuming, as Mr Franz is keen to point out, the land belonged to the Department of Education.

First woman mayor lives on Peninsula The Peninsula News is a good local newspaper and a great exponent of that bastion of democracy, freedom of the press. Recently, I was interviewed by their reporter and that interview was published in the edition of November, 9. The journalist’s professionalism and integrity to the interview is impressive. A brilliant piece of work.

If the Department passed the land to the ATO for the purpose of running a tender, whereby a private developer came into possession of the title, subject only to a 10-year lease by the ATO, we are entitled to know the terms of this undercover transaction and to see the evidence that it produced the maximum value. Finally, Mr Franz attempts to confuse the issue by pretending that anyone who opposes the idea of the tax office being on the old school site must be against any development in Gosford. The real issue is that there are better, cheaper and more accessible sites in Gosford for the tax office and that the waterfront is too valuable an amenity to be alienated for such a silly purpose as a building that has no direct community value. Incidentally, if Mr Franz is correct and there will be 1500 jobs generated in Gosford by the new office, it must mean that 1500 jobs will be lost in the location from which the ATO jobs are being transferred. Mr Franz presumably approves of this beggar my-neighbour attitude and cares little, if at all, for the hardship being visited on the community in the losing position. I take it that this would only be a concern for “left-wing whiners” and that hard-nosed economic realists, such as Mr Franz, would consider that it serves them right for not living in a marginal electorate.

Forum

Email, 19 jan 2016 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

I forgot to mention in the interview that, in the later years, I served under the first woman Mayor of Gosford City, Dr Patricia Harrison. She lives on the Peninsula and was a strong representative for our part of the world.

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Page 18 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Health

Checks for Education and support for women cervical cancer expected to fall

Peninsula Women’s Health Centre is running a nineweek group which provides education and support for women who have experienced domestic or family violence encompassing all forms of abuse.

The group, Breaking Free, aims to provide an opportunity for women to achieve a greater understanding of themselves, how the abuse has

impacted them, looking at ways of reducing self-blame, assertiveness and discovering what are healthy relationships. Women can join other women in a supportive environment. The group will be facilitated by a counselor from Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre Karina and a family support worker. The group will be held at

the Peninsula Women’s Health Centre, 20A McMasters Rd, Woy Woy, from 10am to 12:30pm. The group will be held each Thursday morning commencing February 11, finishing April 7 and is free of charge. Childcare is available. Bookings are essential, and should be made on 4342 5905. Email, 12 Jan 2016 Katherine Bradfield, Peninsula Women’s Health Centre

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Peninsula Women’s Health Centre co-ordinator Ms Kate Bradfield has warned that changes to subsidies for pathology services could affect the numbers of local women taking cervical cancer checks. “This will act as a disincentive to women on low incomes and most of our clients or patients are on low incomes,” Ms Bradfield said. “We are concerned that these women may choose not to have this vital test because of cost and this could result in delayed diagnosis and even higher rates of cervical cancer amongst our patients,” she said. Senator Deborah O’Neill commented: “Pap tests save lives by detecting pre-cancerous cells. “To skip regular pap tests poses the real danger that cervical cancer

will develop. “This government appears determined to slash away at the health safety net. “It is putting women’s health at risk by removing the bulk-billing incentive payments that are paid to pathologists who will be forced to pass the costs for a range of tests including pap smears onto patients.” Senator O’Neill said cuts to subsidies to pathology services which would result in women having to pay $30 for a pap test. She said that other women’s health centres on the Central Coast had also told her that many of their clients lived on low incomes and would put other daily essentials ahead of paying for the $30 lifesaving pap test. Media release, 14 Jan 2016 Scott Coombes, Office of Deborah O’Neill

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 19

Health

Paul and Sue on the bikes they took across Australia

At the halfway point across the Nullabor

Local residents raise $5000 for cerebral palsy Woy Woy Bay residents Paul Lepora and Susan Douglas have raised nearly $5000 for Cerebral Palsy by riding their motorbikes across Australia in December. The motorbikes were transported by road to Perth and Mr Lepora and Ms Douglas ﬂew out to collect them on December 16. In their ride, they covered about 5000km and arrived home on Christmas Eve. Their route covered Perth to Esperance (780km), Esperance to Madura (750km), Madura to Ceduna (760km), Ceduna to Port Augusta (600km) and then home via Broken Hill. “We left Perth’s King’s Park at 5:30am on December 18,” Paul recorded in his diary. He described the ﬁrst day as “an awesome experience” that included cracking tropical eucalyptus forest, golden rolling hills, semi-outback red sand, stumped gum trees and, eventually waist-high scrub.

“A beautiful land this is; on the way back south down to Esperance the trees came back and the sand went from red to yellow to white. “Esperance is a paradise. I have never seen such white sand and blue sea.” On day two of their journey Paul and Susan crossed the Nullarbor, stopping half way to make the 1400km crossing a bit more manageable. Their Nallarbor crossing was described as “500km on a straight road with just two or three petrol stations to break it up” and night two was spent in Madura “a petrol station with a motel”. Day three was marked by battling high cross-winds on the way to Ceduna which caused fuel consumption to go up: “Got to Ceduna this evening with just 12km range left,” said Paul. “But we crossed the Nallarbor and what an experience; it’s tough, arid, bleak but stunningly beautiful at the same time, a true unspoilt wilderness; a real privilege to have ahd the opportunity,” he said.

On day four, the travelers were still battling wind and low-grade petrol but: “We found a sign saying half way across Australia; cool but a bit worrying. It is still a very long way to go.” Sue and Paul left Port Augusta on day ﬁve and travelled up and over the Flinders Ranges. “We stopped in a lovely little town called Peterborough for breakfast then headed north towards Broken Hill,” he said.

Broken Hill went on Paul’s bucket list for future trips and day six saw the duo press on through Nyngan, Wilcannia, Cobar and an extra push to Dubbo. “It is a bit hard to fathom exactly how big this country is and just how unbelievably empty it is. “What an experience,” Paul remarked in his ﬁnal diary entry before setting out from Dubbo to make it home to the Bays in time for Christmas.

“It was well planned and researched, the bikes were 100 per cent, the weather was fabulous – a truly great crossing. “The only rain we ended up experiencing the whole journey was when we turned into Kariong,” he said. Further donations may be made at https://tsc-diy.everydayhero. com/au/annie.

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Page 20 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Education

New parent representative on school council

Assessment for childcare facility plan A planning assessment is being conducted by Gosford Council following receipt of a development application to increase the capacity of a childcare facility at 433 Wards Hill Rd, Empire Bay. Oxandra Capital Management Pty Ltd applied to Gosford Council on January 4 to make a Section

96 amendment to increase the capacity of their childcare facility from 75 children to 82. No documents have been recorded on Gosford Council’s online planning portal in support of the Section 96 application. The Playhouse Preschool currently operates out of this address.

Ms Vicki Dickinson has been elected as the parent representative on the Umina Beach Public School Council.

The original development application to operate a preschool at the premises was lodged with Gosford Council in 1995 but the Section 96 application relates to a DA that was lodged with and approved by Gosford Council in 2003. Website, 19 Jan 2016 DA21574/2003.3, Gosford Council application search

Mr Reilly said he was pleased with the novel’s early success. It is published by Brolga Publishing and distributed by Pan MacMillan and is available from bookshops throughout Australia. The launch was held at Jasmine Greens Kiosk.

“It was a great start,” Mr Reilly said. “Now the book is being released in the United Kingdom with negotiations under way for a release in the United States,” he said. Mr Reilly said he liked to write each morning while his mind was fresh, but ignored grammar, spelling and structure, instead concentrating only on the ideas. The afternoon was the time for

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reviewing and Mr Reilly said he was not afraid to throw away the morning’s work if it did not come from the characters. “I once threw out 40,000 words because the plot had taken a wrong turn and I needed to backtrack,” he said. Hidden Enemies was written as a fantasy tale for teenagers and young adults, but Mr Reilly said it had something for all readers. Mr Reilly’s second novel, The Hopes of Kings, is currently with the publisher and is expected to be released in the second half of 2016 and he is currently working on his third tale, Return of Magic. Locally, copies of the book can be found at the Book Bazaar at Umina, Jasmine Greens Kiosk and the Deepwater Newsagency. The book is also available in electronic format. Media release, 16 Dec 2015 Steve Reilly, Umina

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School considers band project Ettalong Public School is considering running a Primary Music Institute band project for its students in 2016. Information sheets were sent home to families in the final weeks of term four.

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All staff at Ettalong Public School attended a final school development day for the year on Thursday, December 17. The development day included CPR training and anaphylaxis response and treatment training. Ettalong Public School principal Mr Colin Wallis said: “We will

welcome back those in Years 1 to 6 on January 28 and those in Kindergarten on February 1. “I will be leading the deployment of the Learning Management and Business Reform on the Central Coast for the first three terms of next year,” Mr Wallis said. “I know I am leaving the school in expert hands,” he said.

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Newsletter, 8 Dec 2015 Lyn Davis, Umina Beach Public School

Final development day held The academic school year for the Peninsula’s public schools concluded on Wednesday, December 16.

Debut novel launched in Umina Peninsula writer Mr Steve Reilly has launched his debut novel, Hidden Enemies, in Umina.

“Congratulations to Vicki who will commence her time on the School Council from 2016,” said principal Ms Lyn Davis. “Our thanks also go to Amanda MacDonald for also nominating for the position,” she said. “There was a lot of interest in

the voting process with a record number of votes counted. “Hannah Butler has served the parent community very well as their representative over the past two years and the School Council would like to thank her for her contribution.”

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 21

Out&About

Mandy Francis has Material Poetry exhibition Ettalong sculptor, Ms Mandy Francis, was the headline exhibitor for the opening of the newly renovated Watt Space Gallery in Newcastle on Wednesday, December 9. Titled ‘Material Poetry’, the works were a compilation of her PHD works. The exhibition presented viewers with an array of sculptural installations, documentation and video installation. “My sculptures are designed to

invite the audience to question the boundaries between art, politics and design.” Ms Francis said. Ms Francis has exhibited her work in a range of large exhibitions and residencies such as Sculpture By The Sea, Underbelly Arts Festival, Cockatoo Island and Echigo Tsumari Art Triennial in Japan, where she was also awarded for her skill and creativity. Media release, 7 Dec 2015 Gabby Greyem, Jasmine Greens

Third exhibition at Olive Branch The Olive Branch Gallery in Umina, has just held its third exhibition this year, showing 72 works by more than 30 local Peninsula artists. Artists also exhibited works including pottery, wood sculptures and prints and cards, on tables set up outside the gallery. The ongoing exhibitions are held by Mr Noel Olive who turns

his home into an art gallery for the exhibitions. Paintings were sold at this last exhibition commission free. “We all greatly enjoy the experience and are already on the roster for 2016,” said one of the artists, Ms Barbara Kelly. Email, 16 Dec 2015 Barbara Kelly, Olive Branch Gallery

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The Troubalukers perform CC Rider on the CD

Folk club releases first CD The Troubadour Folk Club at Woy Woy, which has been staging regular acoustic concerts for the past 16 years, has released its first CD. “This recording gives us the chance to celebrate the talented local artists who have provided support for every guest artist we have ever featured in the concerts,” said Troubadour president Mr Michael Fine. “Many are singer-songwriters who have celebrated their home here in sometimes poignant, sometimes funny, always intelligent and well-crafted songs,” Mr Fine said. Mr Fine’s own track, Why I live in Woy Woy, is a perennial favourite among Troubadour audiences. Others include Hugh Worrall, with his take on the local weather: There’s Lots of Water in Woy Woy. Others have a wider geographical range, such as True Love Never Dies, by Marilyn and Frank Russell, which reflects on the lives of people commemorated on headstones in a local graveyard, Linda Campbell’s Little Hope Flower, a melodic tribute to a walk with her father, in a local meadow. Judy Robinson and Susie Lochhead celebrate the local op shop, The Blues Angels sing about coming home to Kincumber and Trish Peartt sings her upbeat response to the garden bird which wakes her every morning in time for work. “The wide range of styles and genres on the CD also reflect the variety of acoustic offerings our audiences have enjoyed over the years,” said Mr Fine. “We have the blues, from the Blues Angels and the Troubalukers performing CC Rider with a blistering harmonica solo from Tom Flood.

There is a protest song: Do We Really Belong, from George May, who can’t resist adding a solid rock rhythm. There are rollicking singalongs from Slightly Off with Great Old Whale, and Ian Smith with Just Breezin’ Along. An alarming take on the standard folk tale from Sue Robinson and the audience with Waltzing Matilda and a story from the nationally renowned bush

balladeer Peter Mace. “We are launching the CD at a special concert at the Woy Woy CWA Hall (which also features on the cover) at 7pm on Saturday, February 6. “The entry will cost $15 and will include a copy of the CD in the ticket,” Mr Fine said. Media release, 18 Jan 2016 Marilyn Russell, Troubadour Folk Club

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Page 22 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Out & About

The team from the 2015 Woy Woy Little Theatre Company's Flash Festival

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Little Theatre calls for writers Woy Woy Little Theatre is calling for applications from writers interested in writing a script for the third annual Flash Festival that will be held over three days from Friday, July 1.

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forwarded on to Ms Hauser for preparation for the workshop. Media release, 19 Jan 2016 David Wicks, Woy Woy Little Theatre

The festival will feature 10 flash scripts running between five and 15 minutes in length. Woy Woy Little Theatre president Ms Christine Vale said: “Instead of a class of 15 writers collectively being coached by a professional tutor, this year our writing workshop is more focused on mentoring writers on a one-toone basis as they develop their flash script for the festival.” “But to do this, we need the writers draft scripts or outlines in advance. “The workshop will be held on one day, Sunday February 14 for those with a love of writing and run by Ms Suzanne Hauser,” Ms Vale said. This years running word is ‘wave’ which requires scripts to use this word at least once. Those interested can apply at www.woywoylt.com.au or www.

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25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 23

Out & About

Umina SLSC nippers are participating in the Take 3 for the Sea program

Umina SLSC nippers and their families collected sea debris from the beach on Sunday, January 10

Umina SLSC nippers participating in the Take 3 for the Sea project

Umina SLSC nippers learning about plastic debris

Umina SLSC nippers Take 3 for the Sea

Rubbish collection campaign Umina Surf Life Saving Club nippers joined the Take 3 for the Sea campaign on Sunday, January 10, by collecting rubbish from the beach and learning about sea debris. The project, which is supported by Gosford Council and started on the Central Coast, is now in its second season and has 12 surf life saving clubs on board in NSW. Take 3 organiser Ms Sarah Beard said she was hopeful that Ocean Beach SLSC would also join the program. “We are looking to engage more surf life saving clubs on the Coast,”

Ms Beard said. “The Take 3 message is simple,” she said. “Take three pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or anywhere and you have made a difference. “Marine debris, particularly plastic, has a disastrous impact in our oceans on marine life and, ultimately, us. “We can greatly reduce the amount of marine debris in our oceans by preventing it from getting there in the first place. “We encourage people to refuse disposable plastic, reduce, re-use, recycle and respond by picking up

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rubbish. “Our aim is to stop the impacts of plastic pollution through education and participation. “We want to educate the world about this complex problem by inspiring simple actions. “Take 3 won the inaugural Taronga Conservation Society Green Grant in 2011 and has since grown from a grass-roots organisation to a global voice on marine debris,” she said. In addition to their surf life saving club program, Take 3 also has a school program for primary and secondary schools, source reduction and partnership programs with local councils and an ambassador program. As a participating club, Umina Surf Club and particularly the club’s nippers are expected to increase community awareness of marine debris and impacts on oceans, waterways and life, increase participation of club members in sustainability education, remove debris from local beaches, reserves and waterways, and increase the role of surf life saving clubs as environmental champions. Media release, 13 Jan 2016 Sarah Beard, Take 3

Troubadour Tracks Concert and CD Launch

February 6 2016 7pm Contact Michael at 4342 6716 $10 Entry with Free CD included

Japanese taiko + African djembe drumming. 2016 enrolments now open. FREE open nights 2nd & 9th Feb, 6.30pm www.therhythmhut.com.au

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Page 24 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Directory - Not for profit Community Organisations

Art Ettalong Beach Art & Crafts Centre Adult classes in Pottery Watercolours, Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Silvercraft, Patchwork & Quilting Children’s Art & Pottery Mon – Sat 10am – 3pm 4341 8344 madogis@hotmail.com

Central Coast Art Society Weekly paint-outs Tues 4369 5860. Workshops 9.30am 1st & 3rd Wed Gosford City Art Centre 4363 1156. Social Meetings 1.30pm 4th Wed for demonstrations publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

4325 1420 Point Clare Art & Craft Wed - Adult Art Class Wed & Fri - Adult Crafts Bunka Embroid, Cards, Crotchet, Cross Stitch $3 Point Clare Hall 10am - 12noon 4325 5007 Hospital Art Australia Inc. Meet every Tue and Fri 9am-2pm - 109 Birdwood Ave, Umina - Painting and Canvas drawing. Volunteers welcome hospitalartaustralia.com.au

0431 363 347

Bushwalking National Parks Association Central Coast Twice weekly bush walks, varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, floral, history. Keep fit and make friends. 4389 4423 & 4332 7378 Community Centres Peninsula Community Centre Cnr Ocean Beach Rd & McMasters Rd Woy Woy Activities, programs and support groups for children, teens, adults and seniors including occasional care, playgroups, dance classes, karate, fitness classes, youth services, gambling solutions, internet kiosk and social groups. www.coastcommunityconnections.com.au

4341 9333 Ettalong 50+ Leisure & Learning Centre Mon - Fri - Cards, Computer Lessons, Dancing, Indoor Bowls, Fitness, Handicrafts, Leatherwork, Line Dancing, Painting, Scrabble, Table Tennis, Tai Chi, Yoga, Darts 4341 3222 Community Groups ABC “The Friends” Support group for Public Broadcaster. Aims: Safeguard ABC’s independence, adequate funding, high standards. Meetings through the year + social afternoons Well-known guest speakers www.fabcnsw.org.au

4341 5170 Central Coast Over 30s Social Group Social contact, entertainment events & new friendships for people in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s & 60’s etc. Live music, house parties, restaurant nights, BBQ’s/ picnics, trips away etc. Free calendar 0422 243 101 cco30s@live.com.au

Central Coast 50+ Singles Social Group Ladies & gents dinner, dancing - BBQs & socialising each w/end. Monthly programme for all areas 4396 3640 or 0437 699 366 50pssg@gmail.com

Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Provides members and other groups a meeting place and referral hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs. Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

Peninsula School for Seniors Community Centre, McMasters Road, Woy Woy Discussions, rumikin, craft, history, walks, & coach trips Tues, Wed, Thur 4341 5984 or 4341 0800 Peninsula Village Playgroup Carers, Grandparents, parents & children ‘Intergenerational Playgroup’ Tues 10-11.30am 4344 9199 Probus Club of Woy Woy Friendship, Fellowship, and social functions for active retirees. 1st Wed - 10am Everglades Country Club 4341 9195 Seniors Computer Club Central Coast Beginners Class PC or Mac, Mon or Tues. Other Classes Mon to Fri, 10am to 12 md or 1pm to 3pm. Mthly Meeting with Guest Speaker, 1st Mon. Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre 4369 2530 The Krait Club Community Centre Cooinda Village, Neptune St, Umina 10.30am For seniors. Gentle exercises, quizzes, games, social activities, guest speakers, entertainment and bus trips - 4344 3277 Umina Beach Men’s Shed Men share a variety of tools, pursue interests and hobbies, spend time with other men and learn new skills Darrell 4342 9606

buying group www.peg.org.au p g g

Health Groups Al-Anon If someone’s drinking is causing you problems... Al-Anon can help 4344 6939 1300 252 666 Meetings Sat 2pm Woy Woy Hospital Ocean Beach Road Arthritis NSW 3rd Tues 10.30am Peninsula Community Centre, Cnr McMasters Rd and Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy 1800 011 041 Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management support and education. 7 groups across the Coast Providing practical experience and confidence 4321 0275 www.centralcoast. betterhearingaustralia.org.au

BlueWave Living Woy Woy Community Aged Care facility providing residential aged care to the frail aged. Permanent and respite care accommodation available. Information 2nd and 4th Tues - 11am 4344 2599 reception@bluewaveliving.org.au

Gambling Solutions Gambling help counsellors providing free confidential professional service to gamblers, family and friends. Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford and The Entrance 4344 7992 GROW - Small friendly groups formed to learn how to overcome anxiety, depression, and loneliness and improve mental health & wellbeing. Weekly meetings at Bateau Bay, Woy Woy and Wyong. 1800 558 268 or www.grow.org.au

Meals on Wheels Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal Help with shopping and cooking classes 4341 6699 Mary Mac’s Place Providing hot, freshly cooked meals - Mon to Fri 11am-1pm with support, info & referrals 4341 0584 marymacs@woywoycatholic.org.au

Volunteering Central Coast Refers potential volunteers to community orgs. Supports both volunteers and community orgs. Training for volunteers & their managers. 4329 7122

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) 12-step fellowship for those with eating disorders. No dues, fees, or weigh-ins. Peninsula Com. Cntr, cnr. Mc Masters Rd & Ocean Beach Rd. Woy Woy, Fri 8pm

recruit@volcc.org.au

www.oa.org

Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Protect and preserve the environment & residential nature of the Bouddi Peninsula and to strengthen community bonds 2nd Mon, 7.30pm Wagstaffe Hall 4360 2945 info@wagstaffetokillcare.org.au

Environment Peninsula Environment Group Environmental projects, (incl. Woytopia), Woy Woy community garden, social events, workshops, organic food

0412 756 446 ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products home delivered for all continence, wound care, respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support avail. 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au

Peninsula Village Wellness Centre Offering holistic and complementary therapies including aromatherapy, massage and music therapy 4344 9199

Peninsula Village Meals Delivered daily to your door Nutritious, great for the elderly 4344 9199

Soundwaves Men’s a-capella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon. Central Coast Leagues Club John 0413 276 698 jbthomson51@gmail.com

Peninsula Village Carer’s Support Group For carers of loved ones with dementia - 1st Wed 10 to 11.30am Paula 4344 9199 Peninsula Women’s Health Centre Clinic sister; counselling; alternate therapists; groups and community education; drop-in; support for women in crisis; 4342 5905 Wed & Thur 9.30am-3pm 20a McMasters Rd, Woy Woy www.ccwhc.com.au

Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Last Fri, Terrigal Uniting Church, 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600

Troubadour Central Coast Folk, Traditional & Acoustic Music and Spoken Word Concerts, Ukulele meets, and Sessions 4th Sat 7pm CWA Hall Woy Woy 4341 4060 mail.info@ troubadour.org.au g

Woy Woy Public Hospital Alliance To restore medical services previously available & upgrade to a standard that meets with local needs. 2pm 2nd Sat St Lukes Church Hall, Blackwall Rd Woy Woy 4344 4811 Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Club Everglades Country Club 2nd Tues 11am Company, up-to-date info, hydrotherapy, bus trips 4341 7177

Marine Central Coast Rescue Unit Marine Education Courses. Radio Licenses, Boat Safety & Boat License & PWC License Tests, Navigation, Seamanship and Meteorology. 4325 7929 www.vmrcc.org.au g

Music Brisbane Water Brass Brass Band entertainment for the community playing all types of popular music. Rehearsal every Tues 7.30pm-10pm 0419 274 012 Gosford Musical Society Minstrels Entertain at various venues on the Coast seeking new members Thur Night Laycock St North Gosford 4341 4210 JAZZ LEAGUE Live Jazz Bands - Come to listen, Come to dance Free - Every Sun Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford 2-5pm www.jazzleague.net

Bridge Duplicate Bridge Mon Tue Thur Fri Sat-12.15pm & Wed 9.15am Brisbane Water Bridge Club, Peninsula Community Centre 93 McMasters Rd. Woy Woy www.brisbane-water.bridge-club.org

Australian Labor Party Political discussions, national, state and local government issues

Cash Housie 50 Games every Sat night Peninsula Community Centre, McMasters Rd, Woy Woy, 7.30pm. Proceeds to Woy Woy Catholic Parish.

Umina Ettalong Branch 2nd Mon Umina Beach Bowling Club 7.30pm 4342 3676 Ourimbah/ Narara Branch Niagara Park Primary School 7.30pm 1st Mon 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

Woy Woy Branch Everglades Country Club 7.30pm 2nd Mon 0412 517 520 belindaneal@bigpond.com

Peninsula Day Branch 1pm 2nd Mon CWA Hall Woy Woy 4341 9946

stateoffice@rdansw.org.au

Schizophrenia and Bipolar Fellowship For Schizophrenia/Bipolar/ Mental Health sufferers, family, carers and friends. . 1st Thur - 1pm Room 3 Uniting Church Donnison St Gosford 4344 7989 or 4368 2214

network@bizplus.com.au

Politacal Groups

www.pcfa.org.au

Riding for the Disabled Horse Riding as a therapy for those with intellectual or physical disabilities. Volunteers required. No previous exp. necessary School hours only. Mon to Sat 4340 0388

Association Business owners networking group. Biz Networking breakfast every Thur 7:15am - 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson

Central Coast Greens Active regarding ecological sustainability, social & economic justice, peace & non-violence, grassroots democracy & getting Greens elected 3rd Thur, centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

Service Groups Lions Club of Woy Woy 1 and 3rd Mon. Woy Woy Leagues Club 0478 959 895 Make new friends and have fun while serving your community. st

Northern Settlement Services - Volunteers Volunteers needed for friendly visits to the elderly in nursing homes. People with a second language encouraged. Training support provided 4334 3877 cvscc@nsservices.com.au

Rotary Clubs International service club improves lives of communities in Aust. & o/ seas. Fun-filled activities, fellowship and friendship. Rotary Club of Kariong Phillip House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd, Fri 7.15am 4340 4529 kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au

Rotary Club of Umina Beach Wednesdays 6.30pm Everglades Country Club 0409 245 861 curleys@ozemail.com.au

0409 245 861 Rotary Club of Woy Woy Tues 6pm Everglades Country Club. Don Tee 0428 438 535

Special Interest Brisbane Water Caravan Club located on the Central Coast and looking for new members www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/bwcc

4344 4363 Biz Plus Networking

wwcphousie@hotmail.com

Central Coast Handweavers, Spinners and Textile Arts Guild Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community quilting bees Day and Night Groups 4325 4743 www.cottagecrafts.net.au

Central Coast Family History Society Inc. Resources, information & advice to study your family’s history. 1st Sat 1pm Lions Community Hall, 8 Russell Drysdale St, E. Gosford. www.centralcoastfhs.org.au

4324 5164 Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Help with issues with landlords & real estate agents? Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants and residents in residential parks. 4353 5515 cctaas@hotmail.com

Central Coast Lapidary Club, Minerals & Gems Learn silverwork, cabochons, faceting, enamelling, stone fieldtrips & fossicking. Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 8.30am-2.30pm Thurs evening 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246 Central Coast Potters Society Running classes, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and social events - Annual exhibitions in May and December info@ccpotters.org 4324 5343 Central Coast Soaring Club Inc Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members Come and have an Air Experience Flight All Welcome 14 and up for Training Flying at Bloodtree Road Mangrove Mountain Thur, Sat, Sun ( weather permitting) 0412 164 082 0414 635 047

0434 000 170 www.woywoyjudoclub.com

Veterans National Malaya Borneo Veterans Association 1st Sat (except Jan) 2pm Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club, 51-52 The Esplanade. 4342 1107 Vietnam Veterans’, Peacekeepers’ and Peacemakers’ Assist all veterans & families with pension & welfare issues. Mon & Wed 9am-1pm 4344 4760 Cnr Broken Bay Rd & Beach St Ettalong. centralcoastveterans@bigpond.com.

Woy Woy Ettalong Hardy’s Bay RSL Provide help with pensions and welfare etc. Shop 5/382 Oceanview Rd Ettalong. Tues & Thurs p 4341 2594 9am to 1pm

Women’s Groups BPW Central Coast Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, wellbeing and friendship. All women welcome to attend monthly dinner meetings. Be enlightened. $40 covers two course meal and speaker. 0438 989 199 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast

Country Women’s Association Woy Woy Opposite Fisherman’s Wharf Craft & Friendship 1st and 2nd Wed 10am Meetings 4th Wed 10.30am 4324 2621 Country Women’s Association Umina Branch meeting 1st Wed 10am Craft and Friendship Other Weds 9am 1st and 3rd Sun 12.30pm 0438 033 039 - 4344 1070 Gosford RSL Women’s Auxiliary For women over 18 years. Raise money for welfare of veterans and their families RSL Club, West Gosford 4th Mon 2pm 4323 7336 Peninsula Women’s Health Centre Counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services by women for women 4342 5905 www.cccwhc.com.au

WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom connects women and local businesses around a common theme of wellbeing to share wisdom and explore life’s potential. Regular PowWows, WOW Wisdom gatherings, WOW days and WOW courses. www.wowgirls.com.au info@wowgirls.com.au

www.ccsoaring.com.au g

Sport Woy Woy Judo Club 3 Classes every Tue & Fri 5.30pm to 8pm Ettalong Leisure & Learning Centre Min age 5 years old

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here, call us on 4325 7369 or see www.centralcoastnewspapers.com Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Australia Post is about to increase their postage rates by over 42% and we can no longer continue to absorb these increases. Subscription rates have therefore needed to be increased from $50 to $75 for 25 editions.

25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 25

Out&About

Local clubs in surf boat event Two Peninsula clubs will compete at the fifth round of the NSW arm of the 201516 Team Navy Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Series comes to Manly SLSC, followed by the National Short Course Championships on January 23-24. Umina and Ocean Beach SLSCs will compete over the weekend. Divisions of surfboat racing being contested include Open Men, Open Women, Reserve Men, Reserve Women, Under 23 Male, Under 23 Female, Under 19 Men, Under 19 Female, Mixed and Masters. More than 200 crews and over 1000 competitors representing approximately 100 clubs from across the state and country, who

are also volunteer surf lifesavers competing in the Team Navy ASRL Series, will battle it out on the beach. The Team Navy Series will be fast and furious. A race distance of 400 metres with wet starts and finishes will ensure tight racing with crews determined to start fast through the break to set themselves up for a good finish. Great viewing will be available from the beach with parking close by. The Team Navy events act as the local qualifying series for the chance to represent NSW at the Team Navy ASRL Interstate Championships at Shellharbour, NSW from February 19-21, 2016. This is Australia’s biggest standalone surf boat event. Media release, Jan 19, 2016 Darren Saffin, Progressive PR

Fran Kendall (centre) performed with the Frantastics at the Peninsula Community Centre

Choir seeks new members The Frantastics Choir will hold its registration day on Monday, February 1, at 12.30pm at the Walter Baker Hall in Woy Woy. New members are welcome and there are no auditions. The only requirements are a love of singing and a desire to make new, long-lasting friends. The choir’s founder and director, Ms Fran Kendall, said: “The large number of bookings for 2016 are an indication of the popularity of the group which not only sings popular songs in three-part harmony but also entertains audiences with solos, duos, quartets, comic skits and hilarious melodrama. “This year the choir celebrates its 10th year with many founding members still enjoying the companionship and relaxed atmosphere as well as the joy of

The Peninsula Diary of Events For events in post code areas 2256 and 2257 Ettalong Diggers, doors open 8pm Woy Woy Library Book Club, topic will be books read during the holidays, 2pm to 3pm

Tuesday, Jan 26

Sunday, Jan 31

Australia Day welcome ceremony and breakfast, Wagstaffe Hall, 8am Pearl Beach Australia Day activities, 8am to 12pm Woy Woy Australia Day Celebration, The Boulevarde and Brick Wharf Road from 2pm with fireworks at 9:15pm Good Morning Ettalong featuring Lucky Starr, Dryan Davies and Roland Storm, Ettalong Diggers, doors open 10am Brisbane Water Blues Cruise featuring Doggin It and Johnny Devilseed and Old Man Rubes, from 10am

The Bays Community Group Inc first community breakfast for 2016 at The Ways Community Hall, 19 Woy Woy Bay Rd, Woy Woy Bay from 8:30 am to 10:30am Rewind Duo, Patonga Beach Hotel, featuring Margaret Rew, 7:30pm

Troubadour Tracks CD launch, Woy Woy CWA Hall, 7pm, $7 entry with free CD included

Monday, Feb 1

Monday, Feb 8

Saturday, Jan 30 The Springstein and Neil Diamond Show, Ettalong Bowling Club January Deadly Young Aboriginal Surf Program, Umina Beach 9am to 5pm

Frantastic Choir registration day, no audition necessary, Walter Baker Hall, Woy Woy, 12:30pm

Wednesday, Feb 3 Closing date for writers to express interest in submitting scripts for 2016 Woy Woy Little Theatre’s Flash Festival Umina Library Book Club, new members welcome, 10:30am to 11:30am

Thursday, Feb 4

singing. “Groups who book the choir, sometimes more than twice a year, include Meals on Wheels, 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre, Probus clubs and retirement

Reading Buddies at Woy Woy Library, does your child need help with reading? Join the reading buddies program that will run until Apr 18 Primary Book Club, Umina Library for ages eight to 12, 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Tuesday, Feb 9 Reading Buddies at Umina Library for children who need help with reading, running until April 12.

Adam Brand and the Outlaws,

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 Emergency Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 Police Assistance Line 131 444 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Woy Woy Police Station 4379 7399 Energy Australia 13 13 88 Gas Emergency 131 909 Gosford City Council 4325 8222 Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast 4325 7929 SES - Storm and Flood Emergency 132 500

Horizons (For men with children) 4351 5008 Uniting Care Burnside Gosford 1800 067 967

Health Poisons Information 131 126 Ambulance Text Mobile 106 Ambulance GSM 112 Gosford Hospital 4320 2111 Woy Woy Hospital 4344 8444 Sexual Health @ Gosford Hospital 4320 2114 After Hours GP Help Line 1800 022 222

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations Legal & Financial Help Mingaletta 4342 7515 Aboriginal Home Care 4321 7215 Drug & Alcohol rehab 4388 6360

Dept. of Housing Gosford 4323 5211 Cassie4Youth 4322 3197 Coast Shelter 4325 3540 Pacific Link Com Housing 4324 7617 Rumbalara Youth Refuge 4325 7555 Samaritans Youth Services 4351 1922 Youth Angle • Woy Woy 4341 8830 Woy Woy Youth Cottage 4341 9027

Animal Rescue Wildlife Arc 4325 0666 Wires 1300 094 737

Community Centres Peninsula Community Centre 4341 9333 Men’s Shed Cluster Inc 0413 244 484

Counselling Centacare: 4324 6403 Relationship Australia: 1300 364 277 Interrelate: 1800 449 118

Family and Relationships If you’ve got something happening on the Peninsula over the next few weeks, let us know about it and we’ll list it here for you, for free. Contact details are on page 2. See the Coast Community News for events in post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260 and the Wyong Regional Chronicle for events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 & 2263

Email, 15 Jan 2016 Ms Fran Kendall, Frantastics Choir

Peninsula directory of services, contacts and support groups

Accommodation Saturday, Feb 6

villages.” For information about bookings or joining the choir, go to www. frantastics.org.

Centacare Gosford 4324 6403 Central Coast Family Support Service 4340 1099

Financial Counselling Service 4334 2304 Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service 4353 5515 Woy Woy Court 4344 0111

Libraries Gosford district: Umina Beach 4304 7333 Woy Woy 4304 7555

Problems, Habits & Addiction Alcoholics Anonymous 4323 3890 Narcotics Anonymous 4325 0524

Transport Taxi 131 008 Busways 4368 2277 City Rail 131 500

Welfare Services Gosford Family Support 4340 1585 Meals on Wheels 4341 6699 Department of Community Services Gosford 4336 2400 The Salvation Army 4325 5733 Samaritans Emergency Relief 4393 2450 St Vincent De Paul Society HELPLINE 4323 6081

Page 26 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Classifieds Prices for classified advertisements in these pages come in three categories

Not For Profit Organisations Not for profit organisations’ advertisements are subsidised.

events

A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $20 + GST. Each additional cm is only an additional $4 + GST, colour is $6 + GST and a photograph or logo is an additional $6 + GST.

ANTENNAS

CARPENTRY

A Better Picture

Carpenter

Antenna & Digital Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555

Private advertisements Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Business rates A one off advertisement only costs $40 + GST in mono and an extra $8 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph. Advertising on an ongoing basis attracts discounts if paid for in full in advance. 3 months $215 + GST, 6 months $385 + GST, 12 months $700 + GST – Approximately $14 per week. Having the same advertisement in one of the other Central Coast Newspapers as well attracts an additional 10% discount for those advertisements. If in the third paper as well, it will attract a 15% discount which drops to $11.50 + GST per week in that paper. Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently.

Antenna sales and installations TV and Audio Repairs 4341 8860 - 4341 7332 0473 468272

BATHROOM TJM Bathroom Renovations Quality Workmanship at affordable prices Call Tony

Online only

lic15642c

GosfordClassifieds.com.au is one of a network of 10 websites which form one of the largest independent online classifieds network in NSW with over 350,000 annual visitors, over 80,000 online advertisements and over 15,000 business advertisements.

BOREWATER

It costs a similar amount to go on any one of the other nine Sydney based websites as well, or only $1699 + GST for all sites for 12 months. The other sites cover Bondi, Manly, Newtown, Cronulla, South Sydney, St George, West Sydney, North Sydney, Wollongong and suburbs surrounding those areas. All that we require for you to have an online advertisement such as this is: 1) Heading for the advertisement; 2) Text for the body; and, 3) Up to 3 images if required i.e. logos etc.

Combined online and print advertising Combined print and online packages have been created providing further discounts. Having a Gosford classifieds premium on line advertisement plus a printed advertisement in one newspaper will only cost $495 + GST for 3 months, $695 + GST for 6 months and $999 + GST for 12 months. Having it in two newspapers as well as online costs $595 + GST for 3 months, $995 + GST for 6 months and $1499 + GST for 12 months. To be in all three newspapers as well as online costs $795 + GST for 3 months, $1395 + GST for 6 months and $1899 + GST for 12 months.

See page 2 for contact details. All newspaper advertisements have a minimum of two weeks’ shelf life.

GosfordClassifieds.com.au for online Central Coast classified advertisements

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For all your carpentry needs Specialising in Joinery

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ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS Unit 1/14 Alma Avenue Woy Woy

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A premium VIP online business advertisement on GosfordClassifieds.com.au only costs $299 + GST for 3 months, $399 + GST for 6 months and, $499 + GST for 12 months.

(Semi Retired) For all your home maintenance repairs and small jobs contact Max Hull for a friendly reliable service

Bores and Spears

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ELECTRICIANS

CARPENTRY Carpenter & Joiner 40yrs Experience Decks, Pergolas, Doors, Windows etc Fully Insured - Call Gary

Electrical Services

0458 130 829 4341 1346

Lights - Fans Power - Reno's Switchboards Security lights No job too small Call Ben on

Weston & Wilson Cleaning Services

Install high quality pumps and maintenance free spears, existing systems reconditioned, all work guaranteed.

Domestic, end of lease, holiday & vacate cleans.

Ph: Warren Greenway Ph: 4341 7736 Mob: 0408 225 390

Maryanne 0403 505 812

Regular or one off. Fully insured, WWC & Police check avail. From $35 hour.

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Spear pump installations, repairs & maintenance for all types of pumps est 1978

John Woolley 4342 2024 BUILDER

Carpentry - Building over 30 years experience Local know how working with pride and honesty Paul Skinner Lic 62898c

0432 216 020 or 4339 2317

BKW Lic No:248126C

no labour & materials over $1000

CLEANING

DANCE

0404 093 299

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

February 13 Bush Dance with Snake Gully Admission $18 incl. supper Folk Fed Affiliates & Pensioners $15,

Students 13 to 18 $8 www.ccbdma.org for more information

Enq: 4344 6484

SATURDAY 6th FEB 7.00PM

Troubadour Tracks Concert and CD Launch $10 Entry with Free CD included

CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716 BluesAngels Your total acoustic blues/roots package, top to toe, and then some. Minnie the Moocher to Eagle Rock and on into indie roots, beatnik jazz, backhills bluegrass and prog folk. Available as duo, trio or band negotiable for your party, event or venue.

Same day service Guaranteed

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FOR SALE

Lighting, Power Points, Phone & Data, Fault Finding, Seniors Discount.

4324 2801

Lic number 265652C

4308 6771 ENTERTAINMENT

Central Coast Bush Dance & Music Association Experience Folk Music at its best at East Gosford Progress Hall @ 7.30pm Henry Parry Drive

ENTERTAINMENT

The Troubadour

Lic 1355c - Fully Insured

AJ Donnellan Carpenter & Joiner

Private advertisements only cost $33.

DOORS&WINDOWS

Daihatsu Terios All Wheel Drive

Slightly Off

Want to have a lot of fun, unique music at your next event? Call Leila at 0423 147 797 or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ SlightlyOffMusic

Have a premium VIP online advertisement in gosfordclassifieds.com.au and reach thousands of viewers for only $499 + GST for 12 months

Goes Well Excellent Condition 225,000km 5 speed 10 months rego Manual, towbar, electric mirrors, sound system

3250 ono 0410 522 070 GARDENING

Dave’s Hor icult ral Ser ices

Lawns & Edging Pruning & Weeding Pest & Disease Control Qualified Hort. 25 yrs exp. Pensioner Discounts,

Phone David 0429404202

25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 27

Classifieds HANDY MAN

PAINTING

Handyman BUCELLO’S Gardening Painting Services Also: Chimney sweeping Parts & repairs Fencing repairs House maintenance Bill Wilson

• Residential and Commercial • Interior and Exterior • New Work and Repaints

PLASTERING

PUBLIC NOTICE

PHIL BOURKE PLASTERING

Car Boot Sale

Over 36 yrs exp Gyprock, Renovations

Free Quotes

Small Jobs, Free Quotes

All work guaranteed

Reliable Service

0434 259 901 0410 404 664 0418 452 474 Licence No 2107c

HEALTH

STAY YOUNG

WITH W I GENTLE EXERCISE

QIGONG / TAIcHI INSTRUCTOR Cherel Waters

invites you to join CLASSES at WOY WOY WEDNESDAY - 9:30am (Beginners) Other Classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for Intermediate & Advanced levels - Info: cwreflex@iprimus.com.au: www.naturaltherapypages.com.au QI GONG/ TaiChi – Chinese remedial exercises for healing, relaxation, suitable for all ages.

Contact Cherel

0417 444 277 HOME HELP

Ned’s Domestic Bliss

For a range of services Cleaning - Shopping Cooking Call Nerida to chat about your needs

0403 674 793

Pensioner Discount

KITCHENS Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

R&J Benchtops Gosford

0456 884 545 LANWMOWING

Eyecare Lawnmowing and Stump Grinding Services

CMK Painting and Decorating abn 2342 9360 036

Home Maintenance Maintenance Scheduling Colour Scheming 38yrs on the Coast

4382 2817 0419 202 609 Lic 27261c

PLUMBING

Umina Beach Plumbing All aspects of plumbing: Drainage and Gasfitting, Domestic and Maintenance Works

Installation of

rainwater tanks

4344 3611 0402 682 812 Lic 164237c

PETS

Jan, 31 9am to 1pm m

Great variety of stalls ~ BBQ, Tea & Coffee. Vendors Welcome ~ $15 per car Now at Dunban Road Car Park NB stall sites not open until 6.30am Cnr. Ocean Beach Road Woy Woy Always Last Sunday (Except December)

Dog Walker / Minder Experienced Cheapest Rates 0413 808 936 Peninsula Area PHOTOGRAPHY CENTRAL COAST EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER corporate – website – events

a one stop solution for all your photographic needs

VALSPIX

www.valspix.com

0418 600 436

YOUR LOCAL

Peninsula Community Access

1 Year (25 editions) to Peninsula News $75

1 Year (25 editions) to Coast Community News $75

REMOVALS

Deliveries & Removals, Local Sydney, Newcastle & Country. Single items or a house full. Competitive rates.

0411 049 559

Phone: 4325 7369 - Fax: 4321 0940 120c Erina Street, Gosford To order online

www.duckscrossing.org/shop Name: Ph:

PLUMBER

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Blocked drains, Leaking taps and toilets, Hot water and all aspects Of pluming drainage and gas fitting. Lic number 265652C

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Experiend Tilers wanted! Start Immediately 0439 589 426

MASTERPAINTER ULTIMATE TRADESMAN Proud member of Master Painters and Master builders

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

TELSTRA WOY WOY Call into Your local Telstra Store Woy Woy and discover a better way to connect. We will provide the best advice and support for all your communications needs. We care about giving you personal service.

Visit Telstra Store Woy Woy Shop 24 Deepwater Plaza 24/26 Railway Street Woy Woy Ph: 4341 0061

Great rates for pensioners Excellent workmanship is guaranteed All aspects of painting also interior plastering and Dulux Acra-tex exterior rendering

TILING

Fully Licensed, Insured, Dulux Applicator qualitytradesman@hotmail.com

CONTACT JONATHAN

0413 088 128

0466 966 547

News

1 Year (25 editions) to Wyong Regional Chronicle $75

PAINTING

Lic: 217611c

and don’t miss an edition

Enq: 0478 959 895

02 4342 1479

Call Jamie www.eyecarelawnmowing.com.au

Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club

Subscribe now

Tiling Wall & Floor Property Maintenance 0439 589 426 homes2nv@gmail.com

Credit Card Number: ___________________/___________________/ ______________________________________/

Exp: ______/______ Please complete credit card details or send a cheque or money order payable to

Central Coast Newspapers, PO Box 1056, Gosford NSW 2250

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

The Shame File

Central Coast Newspapers has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track. However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so. From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them. • Affordable Roof Solutions Brad Sedgewick Ettalong • Sharon Martin - Devine Image • Depp Studios - Formerly of Umina • Stan Prytz of ASCO Bre Concreting • Andrew and Peter Compton • Bruce Gilliard Roofing of Empire Bay • Jamie McNeilly formerly of Jamie’s Lawn Mowing, Woy Woy • William McCorriston of Complete Bathroom Renovations • First Premier Electrical Service of Umina Beach • High Thai-d Restaurant of Umina Beach • Bob Murray of Vetob P/L

trading as Browse About of Woy Woy • Mal’s Seafood & Charcoal Chicken of Ettalong Beach • Simon Jones - All external cleaning and sealing services • Erroll Baker, former barber, Ettalong • Tony Fitzpatrick, Trading as Futuretek Roof Constructions • Tye King - Formerly The Fish Trap Ettalong Beach • Jessica Davis of Erina - Trading as A1 cleaning services • Simon and Samantha Hague, Trading as By the Bay Takeaway Empire Bay • Rick Supplice of Ettalong Beach, Trading as Rick’s Flyscreens

Page 28 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Sport

Research confirms ongoing effectiveness of traditional advertising Based on their research and worldwide experience, international marketing company NRS Media has provided the following 10 compelling statistics to help convince small to medium enterprises (SMEs) of the effectiveness of advertising in traditional mediums. As small businesses have a limited budget, they’re often cautious about investing in marketing, so having some real facts and figures can help them justify their expenditure.

1. $1 spent on advertising benefits an SME 8x as much as a larger firm

Small businesses are often wary about spending money on advertising, wrongly thinking it’s the sole realm of big companies. But even though they have less money to spend, they will see more impact when they do advertise. 2. An investment of $1 in newspaper advertising gives an average return of $11.89 in revenue According to research by the Direct Marketing Association, the return that small businesses can get when they invest in newspaper advertising is eleven times their expenditure. See the research by the DMA at http:// printinthemix.com/fastfacts/show/414. 3. Advertising is the second most effective marketing method, behind word of mouth Some people think advertising doesn’t work, or that they’d be better investing their time in social media. But only 35% of small businesses think social media is successful. Advertising and word of mouth are both more effective. 4. 64% of SMEs say their advertising has been a success Small businesses might think advertising only works if you’re a big corporate but that’s simply not true. Even more small businesses could experience success if they had the support of a media partner who could guide them to create the most effective campaign. 5. 61% of small businesses with high levels of growth advertise, consult marketing advisers, or have their own marketing experts. Only 43% of small businesses not experiencing growth do If you need to grow their business, advertising is important. It’s actually one of three elements that marks out high-growth businesses from other SMEs. 6. An estimated 46% of digital ad impressions aren’t actually seen by people This shocking figure is a surprise to many people. Why pay for adverts that can’t be viewed? 7. Clickthrough rates from online ads are falling, from 9% in 2000 to just 0.2% in 2012 As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective. Not only are they less likely to be seen, they’re also less likely to clicked. That makes it much harder to reach out to people. The figure is likely to be less again in 2015. Traditional advertising can help. 8. TV, newspaper and magazine advertising is more likely to be noticed than online ads As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective. 9. Traditional media is also more likely to be trusted Newspaper, magazines and TV ads all have the highest level of trust, at 63%, 62% and 61% respectively. Radio and billboards aren’t far behind and are trusted by 58% and 55% of consumers. However, online ads are less trusted, with search ads coming in at 44%. That drops to 33% for banner ads. It makes sense for small businesses to place their budget into areas where they can influence people and grow trust. These statistics show that that area is traditional advertising. 10. 88% of consumers still use print to get information Despite what some people say, print is far from dead. So if you are worried that people don’t use print anymore, this research can help. It showed that 63% of people like print ads, compared to just 25% for online adverts. This information has been supplied based on newspapers of all types and sizes around the world. The trust and effectiveness factor will be far higher for newspapers such as those published under the Central Coast newspapers banner, as they are highly regarded for their content and are read from cover to cover because of their relevance to their readership and longer shelf life.

Shaye Booth won swimmer of the meet at the Coast and Valley Summer Championships held at the Peninsula Leisure Centre

Summer swimming championships at Woy Woy The Coast and Valley Swimming Association summer championships were held at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy on December 5 and 6. Five Central Coast clubs competed in the championship: Kincumber Pacific Dolphins,

Mingara, Titan, Woy Woy and Gosford. Woy Woy achieved the third highest medal count of the Central Coast clubs which competed. The Woy Woy club won seven female and five male medals, as well as 11 gold medals, 11 silver and 22 bronze at the meeting.

Second-place in the overall point score for the championship was awarded to a Central Coast Club, Mingara and the male swimmer of the meet was Shaye Booth from Mingara. Email, 11 Dec 2015 Michelle Burley-Jones, Coast and Valley Swimming Association

25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 29

Sport

First charity day for the year Central Coast Kids in Need Charity Bowls kicked off its fund raising efforts for 2016 with 54 bowlers attending Sporties at Woy Woy on Sunday, January 17. The day raised $1000 for Central Coast Kids in Need brining their 2016 ﬁgure to $2300. The Spider Glass was won by John McDonald, a ﬁrst time winner. Bob Pickard picked up the cash for the Spider Tray. The lucky rink draw was won by Mick Stone over Laurie McAnally. Bill Shanahan won the Wednesday Morning Bowlers’ Hamper while meat trays were won by Bob Willis, Peter Milson and Barbara Azzopardi won the carton donated by Ray Wise. Julie Bath won a shopping

voucher and plenty of other prizes. John Hughes won the cinema tickets. Bea Seagrott won a vegetable box. The next charity day will be held on Sunday, February 21. Central Coast Kids in Need raises money to assist families who have seriously ill children with prolonged illness. Most of these children are cancer patients others have organ transplants and there are premature babies with lifethreatening issues. The money is used to defray the cost of accommodation for the families while the children are receiving treatment. Newsletter, 17 Jan 2016 Ken Dixon, Central Coast Kids in Need Charity Bowls

Eighty four bowlers compete in Pig and Duck Day Sporties at Woy Woy Bowling Club held their annual Pig and Duck Day on Saturday, December 5. Twenty-eight teams of three played two games of eleven ends each. The prizes for the day’s

competition were legs of ham, turkeys and pork. It went down to the wire and the eventual winners were Matt Lynch, Paul Thomas and Dave Bowman. Email, 7 Dec 2015 John Orme, Sporties@Woy Woy

Nippers to compete in Wave Warriors Challenge Nippers from Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club will travel to Newport to compete in the Wave Warriors Junior Challenge on Saturday, January 30. A new Ocean Swim Run event that is open to everyone aged ﬁve to 60 plus years is being held from 7am to 8:30am prior to the Wave Warriors kicking off at 9am. Champion Ironman Zane Holmes created the Wave Warriors Junior Challenge, an annual event

Boxing before school is proving successful Boxing at Sunrise is continuing to be a big success at the Umina Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC). “Local Aboriginal lads have been training the house down,” said club manager, Mr Martin Eddy. Early morning training takes place with boxing instructor, Joel Keegan and the PCYC Boxing institute team on Thursday and Friday mornings. After training, participants have a good breakfast and then make their way to school. More participants are welcome.

now in its ﬁfth year which attracts competitors from across Australia and New Zealand. The Wave Warriors Junior Challenge is open to competitors from under nine to under 15 years olds and is a beach and surf spectacular, set up to mirror the famous Ironman series and promote further development for junior lifesavers in this iconic Aussie sport. “My goal was to create a unique ocean and beach spectacular for junior lifesavers (nippers) so they

can come together from around Australia to participate in an exciting competition,” Mr Holmes said The competition is about participation and fun, encouraging youngest athletes towards a healthy and active lifestyle and encouraging them to continue their participation in the sport and to become future volunteer patrolling lifesavers at their local surf lifesaving clubs. Media release, 18 Jan 2016 Darren Saffin, Progressive PR

All aspects of small building work and property maintenance Now servicing Gosford and surrounding areas 25 years building experience

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Newsletter, 4 Dec 2015 Martin Eddy, Umina PCYC

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Page 30 - Peninsula News - 25 January 2016

Sport

John Kenney: The life of a sports administrator The administration of soccer, rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules and cricket has been an enormous part of Mr John Kenney’s life on the Peninsula. Mr Kenney operates on a big picture scale. He talks about sport, history, community and business as if they are inseparably linked entities. One will always need the other in order to prosper in his eyes. Mr Kenney defines himself as a sport administrator, a role he took up around 1970. “You mostly work behind the scenes and make connections happen,” Mr Kenney said. “When you want to build a team of players, everyone is important,” he said. “Even the boys who carry the

bottles of cold water on the field. “It is all one large team.” Mr Kenney raises both hands in the air with open palms. “You see these open hands? “Everything can come through my fingers and I cannot stop it.” He then brings both hands together in a closed fist. “You see now? “Nothing will come through this: if we are fragmented we fall; if we are united we stand undefeated.” This philosophy has assisted Mr Kenney in building many strong teams along the years for soccer, rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules and cricket associations. Although he is the current vice president of the Woy Woy Rugby Union, Mr Kenney sees a clear line joining all types of sport. “My passion for sport comes

Surf program at Umina Beach The Deadly Young Aboriginal Surf Program will be held on Saturday, January 30, at Umina Beach. The free program operates every year and includes beachsafety as well as learn-to-surf workshops. The program is available for young indigenous Australians. Three sessions will be held on the day between 9am and 5pm. One one-hour session will be

held for participants aged between eight and nine years and two 1.5 hour sessions will be held for those aged between 10 and 16 years. Participants will be notified of session times closer to event date, as they depend on tides. Booking is essential and can be made by calling 4325 8850, or emailing mikell.borg@gosford. nsw.gov.au. Newsletter, Jan 15, 2016 Mikell Borg, Gosford Council

T ide Char T FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

Time - Height(m) Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

0237 0.43 0317 0.45 0358 0.49 0902 1.82 0940 1.77 1016 1.70 MON 1534 0.29 TUE 1609 0.33 WED 1643 0.38 2135 1.42 2214 1.42 2250 1.41 0437 0.53 0519 0.59 0009 1.39 1052 1.61 1128 1.52 0604 0.64 THU 1715 0.42 FRI 1750 0.48 SAT 1207 1.42 2329 1.40 1828 0.53 0054 1.38 0146 1.38 0245 1.39 0657 0.69 0800 0.72 0912 0.72 SUN 1253 1.33 MON 1348 1.25 TUE 1457 1.19 1911 0.58 2002 0.62 2102 0.64 0346 1.43 0444 1.50 0535 1.59 1025 0.68 1127 0.60 1218 0.50 WED 1611 1.18 THU 1715 1.22 FRI 1809 1.28 2203 0.63 2300 0.59 2350 0.53 0623 1.69 0037 0.46 0124 0.38 1303 0.39 0708 1.79 0752 1.87 SAT 1856 1.35 SUN 1345 0.30 MON 1427 0.22 1941 1.43 2025 1.51

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs - Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

from believing it is one of best ways we have to create better citizens on our streets. “Sport builds character… especially when you lose a match or a tournament…nothing is ever lost.” Mr Kenney is one of the original advocates who spoke to Gosford Council about the need for a new Woy Woy Oval. He acknowledges that council is doing a great job in taking this project on since it is a long and difficult process. In his opinion the voice of the community has been heard and taken into account from start to finish. “The best results in my book come when no one cares who gets the credit,” he said. The new oval will feature a modern urban landscape with coffee shops that welcome people beyond sport seasons. “The new oval will be a great asset for everyone not just for the sport community,” he said. “I hope this new work will be a platform for sport, business and community launching the Peninsula to new heights.” This interview is part of the collection of stories on the sporting culture of Woy Woy. An artistic mural will be developed in February as a feature of the new oval and Gosford Council in association with Woy Woy library will be collecting photographs to be used as source material for the mural. Community members who have photographs of local sporting events, actions or occasions who would like those photographs to be considered as part of the mural

John Kenney has been involved in sports administration on the Peninsula for many years

can bring their photos to Woy Woy Library from Tuesday, February 9 to Saturday, February 13. Photos will be scanned and returned on the spot. They will be used to create a public mural as well as becoming part of Gosford City Council

archival collection of the Peninsula history and culture. For more information contact project officer Coralie McPhie on 4325 8429 or email coralie. mcphie@gosford.nsw.gov.au. Interview, 9 Dec 2016 John Kenney, Woy Woy

UMINA BAIT & TACKLE

From 6am Weekends and 7.30am Weekdays

25 January 2016 - Peninsula News - Page 31

Sport

Umina Bunnies fight suspension The Umina Bunnies Rugby League Club is fighting suspension from the 2016 Central Coast Rugby League competition. The club has started a campaign on the website communityrun.org called Rally Round the Banner of Umina. It hopes to gain community support for an appeal against the club’s suspension. The club says it will appeal a decision suspending it from the 2016 Central Coast Rugby League competition. Vice president Mr Troy Mansell said the committee had met for over two hours with the club’s solicitor and the club would be “100 per cent appealing the decision to suspend our admission into this year’s competiton”. “We are extremely confident, and I will say again to emphasise, extremely confident that we will be successful in this appeal,” Mr Mansell said. “We have a plan and we are working overtime to make this happen,” he said. Mr Mansell said that plan included steps to ensure outstanding payments would be

made to players and creditors. “We will push forward with what we have been doing currently, fundraising and planning for this year’s competition and promoting our club in every way possible,” he said. According to the online campaign, the club has acquired old and new sponsors this year. “To be removed from the competition not only causes undue suffering for the players and club management but also for the community members and organisations that the club is supporting and working with this year,” the petition stated. “It hinders the partnerships planned between the seniors and juniors of the club as well as the Netball Bunnies. Comments from residents who have signed the online petition included as their reasons for signing: “The Peninsula wouldn’t be the same without the Umina Bunnies.” The Umina Bunnies facebook page links to the communityrun. org online petition. Websites, 21 Jan 2016 Umina Beach Rugby League FC Facebook

Former Woy Woy Rugby Union president Stuart McGoldrick (left) presents a cheque for $2,750 to Bill Ide of the Umina Men's Shed

Support for Men’s Shed When famous Wallaby captain Nick Farr-Jones spoke at Woy Woy Rugby Union’s season launch in 2013, a decision was made to make the Umina Men’s Shed the club’s chosen charity. The decision was to make a donation to an institution catering for local people, engendering camaraderie within the local community. It was an effort to show that the Rugby Union Club was not simply for the enjoyment of its players and supporters but for a wider selection of local people. As long-time committeeman and former president Mr John Kenney said: “We talk about the game teaching young people that life is not all about winning nor

about personal gain, but about team work and helping others, so what better way to show it than by forming an association with the Men’s Shed which has much the same ethos.” Following launches in 2014 and 2015 featuring equally famous Wallaby captains, John Eales and George Gregan, the club has donated almost $8000 to help the Men’s Shed. In return, the club has been given a magnificent hand-crafted lectern and several Men’s Shed members now attend the games. Club president Brian Macauley, a former NSW representative, said the association with the Men’s Shed has proven one of its best moves. “It’s been great to get more community support and to help

such a valuable institution.” Men’s Shed president, local lawyer, Darrell Pannowitz, is equally enthused. “We are appreciative of the financial support given which has allowed us to buy some valuable equipment and it’s very pleasing to see some of our members enjoying the games on a Saturday afternoon.” This year’s launch, to be held at Ettalong Diggers on February 26, will feature another famous Wallaby, Mark Ella, the first indigenous captain of any national sporting team, as well as Gordon Bray, “the Voice of Rugby”. The club is confident that this year’s donation will take the total to over $10,000. Article, 18 Jan 2016 Peter Fenton, Woy Woy Rugby Union Club

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