Central Coast Business Review February 2021

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Jenny Harwood Chartered Accountant McKinna appointed Chair RDA Central Coast Innovation driving Eastcoast Beverages Gosford Erina Chamber launches Music in Gosford project

Edgar Adams’ Editorial Plenty of confidence as we move into 2021 SPECIAL REPORT Investors still showing interest in Central Coast

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February 2021 Published monthly (except January)

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Cover story 4

Jenny Harwood

Chartered Accountant

Business news 7 McKinna appointed Chair RDA Central Coast 8 Innovation driving Eastcoast Beverages 9 Gosford Erina Chamber launches Music in Gosford project 10 SPECIAL REPORT Investors still showing interest in Central Coast

12 Crowne Plaza Terrigal rebrands bars – now Terrigal Beach House 13 Bar reopens in Gosford as Lyons Den 13 Christmas trade good for new Ettalong Beach business 13 A new concept in portable home design and construction 14 Mint Equity moves into Platinum Erina 14 New home for Chapman & Frazer Commercial Real Estate 14 Dental clinic opens at Mingara 14 AdviceCo to be a major supporter of Cerebral Palsy Alliance expansion on Central Coast

Contact

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15 Rate rise inevitable – thanks to incompetence 15 Minister extends Council suspension 15 CEO $380,000 termination payment explained 17 Off market sale for proposed medical centre 19 Online suburb searches show skyrocketing demand for Coast property 20 Time to rise 20 If a safety system exists in business, but no one follows it – does it really exist 21 Mind your business – Future proof your business

Regular features 6

Edgar Adams’ Editorial

Plenty of confidence as we move into 2021

12 Business briefs 15 Central Coast Council news 16 Property news 19 Residential property report 20 Business tips 22 Funny business

Front cover: Jenny Harwood – Photo: Jeff McGarn

Hear Edgar Adams’ business comment 8.10am each Monday.

Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Central Coast Business Review Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved.

Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

Phone 02 4367 0733 Fax 02 4367 0744 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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COV ER S TORY

Jenny Harwood – Harwood Chartered Accountants CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS in business this year, Jenny Harwood is a highly experienced local Chartered Accountant, registered auditor and accredited Chartered Accountant reviewer known for her proactive, forward-thinking approach. The challenge of working through various scenarios, anticipating the future and putting in place proactive solutions for her clients to mitigate risks and optimise their ongoing financial success drives Jenny every day.

Speaking with her, it is clear that accounting is more than just a profession for her; it’s a passion, particularly helping people, including her fellow Chartered Accountants.

As founder and Managing Director of Harwood Chartered Accountants at Erina, Jenny admits that, while she loves the profession, it is a tough industry to work in on the Central Coast because there are so many accountants for the size of the population. However strategic decisions and outside the box thinking have allowed Jenny to not only survive in practice, but thrive and continue to grow, despite a period of turbulence following a business decision that taught her the value of charting her own course.

“You think you know a lot, but it’s not until you’re actually dealing with clients that your education really begins.”

Jenny didn’t always aspire to be an accountant, but once the seed was sown,

she knew she wanted to run her own practice and made decisions that would enable that to happen. Returning home to the Central Coast in her early twenty’s after nineteen months abroad with her toddler daughter, Jenny undertook a secretarial course and found herself drawn to the lessons on bookkeeping. She subsequently completed the Accounting Certificate at TAFE, which gave her a one-year advanced standing towards the Accounting Degree.

Completing the degree by correspondence, she worked for a few different firms, including Coopers and Lybrand in Gosford and a smaller chartered accounting firm in Umina, Harmer and Cassin, where she was inspired by Daryl Harmer, who she regarded as a role model. After four years gaining allround experience and her CA and auditing qualifications at Harmer and Cassin, Jenny resigned to start her own practice. “You think you know a lot, but it’s not until you’re actually dealing with clients that your education really begins,” she said.

Right from the start, Jenny maintained the philosophy that, in order to succeed in business as an accountant on the Central Coast, where the marketplace is so heavily saturated, she had to be as versatile as possible for her clients. “There are a lot of accountants for the size of our population, too many in fact. Half the people who have worked for me in the past now have their own firms. In fact, 85% of Chartered Accountants are sole practitioners. We like to run our own show,” said Jenny. She decided to complete an MBA in the late

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“Completing the MBA gave me another type of education that was different from the technical education I’d had before. The technical side was bread and butter to what we did but the other things I learnt through the MBA was to help clients run their businesses better. I found that invaluable.”

Becoming an accredited CA reviewer seven years ago was another strategic move but also a role Jenny has grown to love.

Not only does the role allow her to advise clients more proactively and with greater confidence, but she also gains a great deal of personal satisfaction from helping other accounting professionals, all outside the Central Coast to avoid conflict of interest.

By 2005, Jenny had built up a successful $2 million plus practice through acquisition and hard work. She was approached by the director of a large multidisciplinary regional firm to join forces. Believing the merger would be advantageous, she accepted, only to discover once on board that she was the only director who had ever built a business from the ground up and this proved problematic. She also found she had little influence over how things were done at the firm, meaning she was unable to offer her clients the proactive service and rapid turnaround she was used to delivering. Three years later, she returned to sole practice. “You either work in that big group atmosphere or you don’t. It wasn’t for me,” said Jenny. It is a true testament to Jenny that she didn’t lose any clients during that period. Throughout the three years, she

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COV ER S TORY

had kept the lines of communication open with them, which is why they stuck by her, however many admitted they would have jumped ship had she stayed with the larger firm.

“Finding good people is our biggest challenge, partly because of a lack of education and also because the good people either go to Sydney, start their own practices or opt to work in commercial accounting, which is easy work compared to the work we do with SMEs and high net worth individuals.”

Today, Jenny employs a Chartered Accountant who has worked with her for many years, two intermediate accountants (one working remotely) and a receptionist.

After recently agreeing to acquire another practice, Harwood Chartered Accountants is now in growth phase. However, Jenny said finding experienced accountants is problematic, which is the only reason she had to resort to outsourcing work. “Finding good people is our biggest challenge, partly because of a lack of education and also because the good people either go to Sydney, start their own practices or opt to work in commercial accounting, which is easy work compared to the work we do with SMEs and high net worth individuals,” said

The Harwood Team: Belinda Henson, Trisha Sullivan, Jenny Harwood and Sarita Bhattarai Jenny, adding that it takes five years to train a university graduate. “What we do, particularly our work with small to medium businesses, is really hard. You can’t afford to waste time because you can’t recover the time if you’re not efficient. The knowledge is so broad.

Every business is different, so you have to adjust to every business. The Tax Act is very complex. You have to be really competent at what you do and have an eye for detail.

My outsourced staff member is very cost effective, but I am not outsourcing for cost.

I would much rather have someone in the office.” Knowing that artificial intelligence is the way forward for accounting, Jenny and her team are early adopters of the latest industry technology, which has the added benefit of facilitating the outsourcing of work.

Reflecting on the past twelve months, Jenny was full of praise over the generosity

of our government. “It (COVID-19) was a lot to navigate to begin with and it generated a lot of work for us. So far, all our clients have pulled through. I thought our government was unbelievably generous. We really are the lucky country,” said Jenny. As for an exit strategy, Jenny said it’s a work in progress. “I may look at retiring in around five years but I’m just not sure how that will play out at this stage. But when I do retire, I will continue doing my quality review work with Chartered Accountants and also the general auditing, as there aren’t many registered general auditors around anymore.

That could extend my work life a while, which is great because I really love what I do and helping people. Every client is different. It’s like solving a puzzle. That’s what keeps me motivated – there are always new puzzles to solve.”

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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EDITORIAL

Edgar Adams discusses local issues

Plenty of confidence as we move into 2021 WELCOME TO THE first issue of CCBR for 2021.

With 2020 now behind us a quick look back would have to tell us that (a) Australia has handled the COVID-19 pandemic exceptionally well and (b) we are lucky to be living on the Central Coast.

It was the same at the start of last year when this region dodged a bullet with the catastrophic bushfires. We escaped what could have been our own catastrophe had they not been stopped at Mangrove Mountain.

With that in mind and trying to get a handle on what we might expect as we move into 2021 CCBR talked to some of the various business owners around the region.

Across business categories major nongovernment dependent businesses in our region are; Manufacturing, Construction, Hospitality and Retail.

All indications are that our manufacturing sector is going “gangbusters” as one business owner put it. And so is the region’s building industry – check out our article on page 10 which is a review of projects underway and about to start across the region. Hospitality which includes accommodation and food are now quite happy and looking forward to a satisfactory year.

Retail is a mixed bag with some, mostly food businesses reporting good business, while others are just surviving.

The travel sector is in real trouble with international travel out of the question for at least all of 2021.

There is no question that JobKeeper and the various state and federal grants that are available to business have kept most going.

There is no question that that Federal Government and the NSW Government have handled this crisis exceptionally well. No politics just a commitment to getting the whole community through these tough times.

However, 2021 will see a lot of businesses fall by the wayside. We have to remember that Australia has not had a recession for 30 years and there are businesses out there that have never seen anything but good times and will find it impossible to continue as the government winds back the subsidies that have kept everyone going.

One issue that we will be stuck with through to September is that of the future of our Central Coast Council.

Administrator, Dick Persson AM, is there until April after which he will hand down his report to the Local Government Minister.

It is unlikely that he will find any reason for the Minister to sack this mob, they were not corrupt and no one stole any money or took bribes – they weren’t smart enough to try that!

Whether the Local Government Act provides for maladministration is another matter.

When you watch these councillors perform on YouTube (all council meetings are livestreamed) and see how the ALP councillors plus independents - except for Councillors Best and McLachlan who called

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

them out - have been happy to be manipulated this has to be as close to maladministration as one can get.

One example of this is the appointment of the CEO under then Mayor Jane Smith.

Council did advertise for a CEO and they received five or six applications but no one was told who and why Gary Murphy was appointed CEO. Mr Murphy came from Lismore Council where the rate income was around $50 million annually to the second largest council in NSW with a rate income of around $250 million.

Put simply this is akin to asking a milk bar owner to manage BHP. And yet this Mayor and her Committee appointed Mr Murphy and refused to tell the full council who else had applied or the compelling reasons for Mr Murphy’s appointment on a whopping big salary.

Meanwhile, since the appointment of the Administrator now Deputy Mayor, Jane Smith at every opportunity prattles on about “transparency”. She has a regular half page advertisement in the Coast Community Newspaper under the banner ‘Central Coast NEW Independents (never mentioning that she was for 16 years part-time CEO of the green group Community Environment Network) where she airs her views and talks about the importance of “transparency”.

And, she is totally supported by the Labor Councillors plus Independent Councillor Greenaway.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

NEWS

Lawrie McKinna appointed Chair RDA Central Coast FEDERAL MEMBER FOR Robertson Lucy Wicks has congratulated Lawrie McKinna on his appointment as Chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central Coast.

The former Mayor for Gosford City Council and regional sporting leader was officially appointed to the position by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino with effect from 1 January 2021.

Mr McKinna said that he is committed to supporting the organisation in its ongoing efforts to grow the Central Coast as a strong, viable and sustainable economic centre.

“I am extremely honoured to serve the Central Coast as the incoming Chair of RDACC. As a resident of the Coast and an active member of our local community, I am passionate about growing the opportunities for economic development here in our region,” said Mr McKinna.

“We all know how lucky we are to live in this truly unique part of the world, and I am looking forward to working with the RDACC Board and staff to continue to grow a thriving and prosperous region for the benefit of future generations.”

The appointment was formally announced by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino.

Minister Marino said, “Mr McKinna will lead RDA Central Coast under a refreshed national RDA Charter that focuses on driving investment and local procurement opportunities and through this, creating jobs and economic growth for our regions.

“I look forward to working with Mr McKinna and the RDA Central Coast members and staff over the coming years and encourage the community to reach out

to their RDA to discuss how it can help business succeed”.

Mr McKinna said, “RDA Central Coast is a highly valued and respected organisation that has successfully partnered with all regional stakeholders to drive economic development in our region and provide critical intelligence back to Lucy Wicks, Member for Robertson with Dr Brok Glenn Dean University of Newcastle all levels of govern- Central Coast Campus and Lawrie McKinna outside the recently completed Central Coast ment about the Medical School and Research Institute key issues impactand enhanced economic outcomes”, ing our local community” said Mr McKinna.

“Regional partnerships such as the recent In addition to his position as RDACC MOU developed between RDACC, the Chair, Mr McKinna is the General Manager University of Newcastle and Central Coast of the Newcastle Jets and previously held Industry Connect have been a huge boost the positions of founding Manager and in achieving our Regional Development then Director of Football for the Central Australia Central Coast region’s goal of Coast Mariners. growing our local industries, creating new jobs and building sustainable regional busiMs Wicks said she was looking forward to ness competitiveness. working with Mr McKinna on increasing the “Unprecedented collaboration between opportunities for economic development, creRDACC and our Central Coast Federal & ating jobs and driving investment in our region.

State members, has resulted in over $750 “Lawrie McKinna has always been a million in infrastructure funding for essential staunch advocate for the Central Coast, and enabling infrastructure works and in excess I have no doubt that he will hit the ground of $30 million of National Stronger Regions running in his new role with RDA Central Funding being secured by the region” Coast,” Ms Wicks said “RDACC will continue to be an important “We have already held discussions on the conduit between all levels of governprogress of the Central Coast Medical School ment, business and our community to and Research Institute and fast tracking our drive further collaboration, innovation plan for a university campus in Gosford.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

We voted this lot in and we are now whinging about the necessary 15% rate rise that the Administrator needs as part of a bail out of Council. Not too many are commenting on the properties that must be sold off, one of which will be Gosford Council Chambers and the obvious move of staff to Wyong. That will have an immeasurable effect on the economy of the Gosford CBD. Thanks Councillor Jane Smith! Where was the transparency?

Edgar Adams Editor

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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BUSINESS NEWS

Innovation driving Eastcoast Beverages CENTRAL COAST FRUIT juice company, Eastcoast Foods & Beverages has released a new range of products aimed at the cocktail drink market but without the alcohol.

Already renowned for their range of Eastcoast Juice products, spring water and Lentini Sparkling Water, which is bottled at the source at their Kulnura facility, the company has now developed a new concept aligned toward a trending market that is steering away from alcoholic beverages.

Under The GOOD DROP brand, there are four flavours; Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Pina Colada and Vodka Sunrise. What differentiates these products is, although there is absolutely 0% alcohol, they mimic the flavour profile of the popular spirits they are based on – tequila, vodka and white rum, giving the consumer the taste of the cocktail they love, without the effects of alcohol.

Eastcoast Managing Director, Samuel Lentini said that a ‘cool sober’ trend has been developing in Europe for some time, and the demand for products like these have now clearly reached Australian shores.

“We want to be on the front foot with this new trend,” he said. “There are many different reasons a person may choose to not drink alcohol, but still want to feel like they are – and that’s why we wanted to develop premium options that are as close as you can get to the real thing.”

“Woolworths NSW have introduced The G00D Drop on a trial basis for three weeks and, if successful, will give us a permanent place in the retail market. We are also partnering with other great local businesses

The GOOD DROP product range from Eastcoast Beverages like The Ary Toukley, who have introduced The G00D Drop to their customer base and added all four flavours to their new and exciting cocktail and non-alcoholic cocktail menu.”

Orange Juice and Spring Water in cans – an alternative to plastic packaging

Canned lemonade from Six Strings Brewery and Eastcoast Beverages

Meanwhile, staying true to their brand ethos that aims to waste nothing of what they produce, Eastcoast’s Return – Regrow – Re-Juice philosophy and their continuing improvement approach to sustainability and recycling, Mr. Lentini said, “We have to be innovative in the way we do things and that means we have to look at alternatives to plastic packaging.”

As a first step, Eastcoast has partnered with Erina boutique brewery, Six String Brewing Co to produce a joint-branded 375ml canned lemonade using local lemons grown on the Eastcoast farm, and ginger beer.

Service CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

Gosford Erina Chamber launches Music in Gosford project IN A MOVE that will see Gosford CBD become a Music City with the branding Gosford Beats, an initiative of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber, the inaugural meeting of Gosford restaurants was held on 22nd January to inform them of the Chamber’s plans and to get buy-in from the operators.

The Chamber’s plans are to develop a live music culture in the Gosford CBD making it a living and exciting city for a new demographic of residents that are moving in as a wave of residential apartments are built.

More importantly though is that there is now a critical mass of restaurants and coffee shops in the CBD that, as businesses, must be supported and encouraged.

In addition to the local residents Gosford has a large daytime commercial, professional and retail workforce and attracts visitors seeking medical services.

“The idea behind this concept is that all people love and react to music. Music attracts people from all walks of life. Good restaurants always have a musician playing and that keeps the patrons there and spending more money,” said Edgar Adams, Director of the Chamber whose idea it has been for some years to bring a new atmosphere into the City which has been held back for almost 50 years.

“It is also a well know fact that the Central Coast is home to many internationally and locally known musicians who we should acknowledge and encourage,” he said.

In addition, the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music is a major contributor the Gosford’s cultural life and provides an opportunity for Gosford to be talent incubator.

The long term plan is for Gosford to have a continuous music schedule with street music supported by buskers and musicians looking to promote themselves.

This includes monthly music festivals that will make the place thrive on weekends with Kibble Park being the central attraction bringing in visitors who will in turn eat at the many restaurants and coffee shops as well as support the local retail businesses.

The success of this initiative will be in the promotion of participating venues and participating musicians.

Well known media specialists and experts in social media marketing, Erina bases Oddfish Media, have developed a marketing plan that will guarantee that the Gosford Beats message reaches a wide ranging audience.

Oddfish Director and also Director of the Gosford Erina Chamber is Darren Fischer

(clockwise from left) Gosford Beats Music Coordinator Jane Stewart-Kemble, Chamber Director Edgar Adams, Jared and Clair Lyons from Lyons Den, Rebekah Crichton and Lydia Tate from The Good Bits,Amber O’Brien and Kristen Grizzly from The Rhythm Hut, Sebastian Thuet from The Bon Pavilion, Chef Daniel Abou-Chedid from At Baker Street, Narelle Mackell-Wong from Alberts Line Gallery and Creative Hub, Jennifer Abou-Chedid from At Baker Street, Petrina Waddell, Director Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Kristen Budd from Southern Cross Austero and Chamber Sponsor, Marie Lentini, Events Team Leader at Central Coast Council and Darren Fischer, Director Gosford Erina Business Chamber and Director Oddfish Media. who has put together the marketing plan and developed the Gosford Beats website that will promote the venues and musicians along with Facebook page along with an Electronic Direct Mail marketing campaigns.

In addition, Southern Cross Austereo who operate Hit 101.3 Central Coast and 2GGO Triple M Central Coast radio stations, long time sponsors of the Chamber are supporting the project as part of their sponsorship.

We have been able to put together a team that will give this initiative the best opportunity to succeed. There’s no questioning it will take a lot of planning and effort by Jane and the committee to implement however the GEBC board are confident and very bullish on the project.

Initial funding for the Gosford Beats initiative has come from Gosford Business Improvement District (GBID) an organisation set up some fifteen years ago to promote the CBD with funding from a Business Development Levy levied on business ratepayers in the CBD by the Gosford City Council.

In 2019 Central Coast Council determined that it would take on the responsibility for events and community activities for all town centres in the region and terminated funding GBID causing it to cease operations and is now in the process of winding up.

As a result GBID’s retained funds from business sponsorships over many years

which were earmarked for initiatives and activities for business improvement in the City Centre have been transferred to the Gosford Erina Business Chamber for the express purpose of promoting the Gosford Beats initiative.

These funds have been used to employ a Part Time Music Coordinator, Jane StewartKemble, to work on the Gosford Beats project as well as to assist venues engage musicians.

The aim being that over the next six to twelve months, with extensive promotion, the venues will have sufficient patronage to support live music themselves.

As the project proceeds the Chamber will seek sponsorships to support monthly music festivals. enues that have shown their support V for Gosford Beats are: Alberts Line Gallery and Creative Hub At Baker Street The Good Bits Co The Lyons Den The Bon Pavilion Southend Social Bay Rd Brewery South End Social Pinocchio’s Central Coast Leagues Club Imperial Centre Hotel Gosford The Rhythm Hut

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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SPECIAL REPORT

Investors still showing interest in Central Coast THE LAST FOUR years has seen a flurry of investment on the Central Coast mostly in and around the Gosford CBD. It started with former car dealer and property developer now financier Tony Denny who through his development company Central Real developed six properties including Elysium at Terrigal in that time.

At the same time well known adman and hotel investor, John Singleton, developed Bonython Tower, the first high-rise residential and commercial building in the Gosford CBD. Subsequently Mr Singleton bought the Elanora Hotel in 2019 for a reported $25 million and during last year spent $5 million refurbishing the property.

He is presently developing Ravello Residences on the Gosford waterfront (see later).

Towards the end of 2020 the NSW Government completed construction of a $300 million Inter-city Train Maintenance Facility for Transport NSW at Kangy Angy.

This Facility will become operational during 2021.

Meanwhile, two major property developers, St Hilliers and Lederer Group, continue to be frustrated in their plans to build two major developments in the Gosford CBD totalling around one billion dollars.

Both advise CCBR that they are committed to their projects (see later in this article).

Work has started on Sapphire Apartments on Henry Parry Drive (Old Quarry site) after a number of false starts over many years.

Now under new ownership, Pacific Project Group, who is also the builder have been working on the site since early December. CCBR is advised that the crane will be installed in March and a marketing campaign will commence in April.

Architects for the project are Thrum Architects who have designed a number of high quality developments on the Central Coast over the past 20 years.

Tesmar Projects have developed three residential unit blocks along Hargraves Street, Gosford over the past five years in stages. Construction of Stage 5 at 18 Hargraves Street on the corner of Hargraves and Faunce Streets, to be known as Crestview is about to start.

David Nichols from Raine & Horne Gosford who is marketing agent said that Crestview will comprise 40 units with a price tag from $500,000 to $600,000.

Azure Point Frederick – This property was acquired by Dasco Australia from Central Real last year with plans to complete the 39 unit development on the corner of Duke and Albany Streets, Point Frederick.

CCBR is advised that construction is planned to commence later this year.

Meanwhile, Kyle Brand from George Brand Real Estate said that marketing the project will commence in March 2021.

Central Coast Quarter – Following conditional approval by the Independent Planning Commission in August 2020 for a mixed use development at 32 Mann Street, Sydney developer, St Hilliers is now currently progressing the detailed DA and will submit it in the coming weeks, Development Manager Justyn Ng advised CCBR. St Hilliers are developing the 8,884 sqm site on the former Gosford Primary School and completed the Financial Services Building for the NSW Government in 2019 as the first stage.

St Hilliers Development Manager, Justin Ng said that the first stage of the development will be the Northern mixed-use residential tower which features approximately 137 apartments with active retail space adjacent to the new Gosford City Park. “We are optimistic about breaking ground this year,” he said.

GOSFORD

Ravello Residences on Gosford Waterfront Construction of Ravello Residences on Gosford Waterfront is well advanced with builder Stevens Construction saying that the project will be completed towards the end of 2021.

Marketing agent Jaimie Woodcock from McGrath reports that only a handful of apartments remain unsold out of the 45 in the development.

The property is being developed by the John Singleton owned Bonython Properties & Investments Pty Ltd.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

Horizon, 321-331 Mann Street, Gosford Horizon is a 20 level development to be built on a 3,310 sqm site at 321331 Mann Street, Gosford designed by Sydney architects Lutolli Architects for developer JMGM. The building will comprise two towers over a podium base, with two levels of basement car parking, ground level commercial space; and 184 one, two and three-bedroom residential apartments.

Exclusive Sales Agents Raine & Horne Coastal opened a Display Suite sales office in Terrigal in early 2021.

Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute - Construction of the $72.5 million Central Coast Research Institute and University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School saw completion in November 2020 of its base-build with overall completion due for mid-2021.

Located at Gosford Hospital, the Clinical School will feature a 100-seat lectorial space, seminar rooms, problem-based learning spaces and breakout areas for students, as well as a library.

SPECIAL REPORT

The building will include three simulation labs, and laboratory settings that will expose students to real-life situations they could expect to experience as public health providers when they entered the workforce.

The project is being built by a Sydney construction company and is due to be completed in April 2021

Lamer, Church Street, Terrigal

Architect’s image of new Gosford Private Hospital for Healthecare Gosford Private Hospital redevelopment Work on this $32 million project commenced in late 2019 and is due for completion in mid 2021 with construction by local builders Red Eye Constructions.

The major revamp will deliver 12 theatres, additional beds, an expanded day surgery unit/recovery chairs, a new maternity ward and more to meet the growing demands of the Central Coast community.

TERRIGAL Terrigal Boardwalk is a jointly funded $6 million project by the NSW Government and Central Coast Council which will improve pedestrian access between Terrigal Beach and The Haven and is expected to become an important tourism asset.

Lamer Terrigal – This development at 5-7 Church Street, Terrigal has been designed by local architect, Slater Architects for developer Daabcorp Pty Ltd Sydney builder Daabcorp Pty Limited commenced construction of the 12 unit, 2 retail shop development over 5 levels in December 2020.

Azure Terrigal Azure Terrigal at 15 Kurrawyba Avenue, Terrigal is being developed by Dasco

Australia. It comprises 23 luxury residences and one ground level retail space.

Dasco acquired the site from Tony Denny’s Central Real in 2019 along with a development site at Point Frederick.

Sales agents for development, George Brand Real Estate said that all units have been sold.

Units in the development sold at prices from $800,00 to$3.3million WYONG Wyong Hospital Redevelopment – The 5-level $200 million Wyong Hospital building topped-out in August 2020 with construction by Sydney builder Richard Crooke Construction planned to finish by the end of 2021 and completion of the project in 2022.

Construction of a new Porters Creek Primary School at Warnervale to accommodate up to 460 students and costing $32 million commenced in 2020 with forecast completion to be late 2021.

Sydney builder Richard Crookes Construction won the contract for the project.

ING Australia call centre – July 2020 saw local builder, Stevens Construction start work on a new $26 million office building at North Wyong for the Gibbens Group to be occupied by ING Australia.

ING Australia, which currently operates a call centre at Tuggerah Business Park, will relocate to the new building having signed a long-term lease for 3,600sqm of space over three levels including the ground floor and staff parking for 350 vehicles and will accommodate 600 people.

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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SPECIAL REPORT

Crowne Plaza Terrigal rebrands bars – now Terrigal Beach House

ERINA

Entrance to Crowne Plaza Terrigal showing new Terrigal Beach House signage

New Junior School for Central Coast Grammar School Central Coast Grammar School at Erina Heights has invested over $20M in a new Junior School campus opening in January 2021.

The School is currently undertaking a large capital works programmeme which includes a new Junior School and the conversion of the current K-2 buildings for senior use.

Apart from the new Junior School which is due to open for the beginning of the 2021 school year, the School is undertaking another $5M worth of redevelopment which includes the new senior precinct and minor refurbishments to a range of other buildings.

of the derelict Umina Mall for Laundy (Exhibition) Pty Ltd. The development will see 3,000 square metres of new retail and commercial floor space and nearly 90 car parking spaces.

The project is slated for completion by November 2021.

The redevelopment works also coincides with the construction of a United Service Station at 303 Ocean Beach Road which includes car washing facility and several retail outlets and coincides with the upgrade of the BP Service Station on the corner of Ocean Beach Road and Rawson Road at Woy Woy”.

“These are significant investments into our business community which will create hundreds of local jobs,” said Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President Matthew Wales.

Considering employing a skilled overseas worker?

Image of new Erina development for Northshore Timber & Hardware Building supplies company, Northshore Timber & Hardware will relocate from West Gosford to Erina upon completion of a new warehouse facility at 197 The Entrance Road, Erina.

The development will include a warehouse facility for NTH and an adjacent development comprising two retail units at the from with sizes 235 sqm and 156 sqm and four warehouse units at the rear.

Construction is by Full Tilt Constructions Pty Ltd of South Windsor.

UMINA BEACH Local builder, Pluim Group have started work on a new $10 million shopping complex on Ocean Beach Road, the site CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

The closure of the Florida Beach Bar at Crowne Plaza Terrigal in early 2020 due to COVID-19 gave the hotel owners the opportunity to carry out a $3 million plus makeover of the old premises with a fresh seaside atmosphere and new branding.

Terrigal Beach House overlooking Terrigal Beach was opened to the public on 2nd January 2021 with General Manager, Cameron Abbott telling CCBR that patronage had been very encouraging despite COVID-19 issues.

The property was acquired from Eureka Funds Management in January 2016 by the Laundy and Karedis Families for a reported $60 million under a management deal with Intercontinental Hotel Group operating their Crowne Plaza brand until 2020 with a 10 year option.

Meanwhile IHG announced the appointment of Cameron Abbott as General Manager at the end of last year.

This is Mr Abbott’s second time at the 199-room hotel after nine years when he was Hotel Manager. He joined IHG in 2005 and has remained with the company since then working across a number of properties. His most recent posting was General Manager at Holiday Inn Resort Penang Malaysia.

Our solicitor, Sam Haln, can advise and assist you to get your sponsorship approved for temporary and permanent skilled visas.

Some areas of the Central Coast are also eligible for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

If you have skills and qualifications in demand in Australia, or wish to join an Australian family member, Sam can assist you in finding and applying for the right visa.

Sam also advises and represent clients at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for reviews against visa cancellations and refusals.

Taperell Rutledge providing legal services to the Central Coast since 1958.

T A P E R E L L L

A

W

Get in touch

R U T L E D G E Y

E

R

S

p. 4323 3333 e. info@taperells.com.au

Cameron Abbott

f

BUSINESS BRIEFS

A new concept in portable home design and construction Christmas trade good for new Ettalong Beach business

Hayley Powell Hayley Powell has opened Pure Bulk Foods, a natural foods store at 46 Picnic Parade, Ettalong Beach. The store opened in September and has proved to be a popular venue for those looking for natural and organic food products on The Peninsula.

Ms Powell said, “our mission is to inspire a healthy and waste-free lifestyle. We provide a personal shopping experience with real foods as nature intended, to support your health and the environment.”

Ms Powell said she had found that it was difficult to access bulk natural foods on The Peninsula and when she lost her job as a travel agent due to coronavirus she decided to go into business with a new offering.

Bar reopens in Gosford as Lyons Den

Claire and Jared Lyons Brother and sister Jared and Claire Lyons launched an exciting new venture in midDecember with the opening of Lyons Den, a place to drink, eat and relax in an indoor – outdoor setting.

Formerly the well know Reviver Bar the Lyons conceived the idea in early 2020 and engaged Interior Designer, Xanthe Highfield from Studio Highfield to create a space with a ‘bright, fun and playful’ theme.

In keeping with the business name and theme, painter Leigh Kaplan painted the signature lion mural.

From the opening patronage has been better than the pair expected with every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night booked out and afternoon trade strong.

“We are getting a younger crowd, around the mid-20s on Friday and Saturday nights and lots of families who we are finding are mostly local residents,” said Claire Lyons.

The Lyons Den is open every day from 12.00am until 10.00pm.

Erina based business partners. Paul Klumper and.

Michael Jones have created a new and innovative concept of portable and modular homes.

The new business Lite Homes Pty Ltd is located at West Gosford where the modular homes are Paul Klumper and Michael Jones with a Lite32 module under construction built. ous glass windows, ducted air conditioning Lite homes have been founded to build and open areas along with quality carpet, sustainable, high quality, contemporary, tiles and timber flooring. and innovative building solutions. They are Lite Homes also offer a Lite64 and Lite96 cost-effective and suitable for an extensive which as the name implies come with 64 variety of housing and business projects. and 96 sqm of internal space with 2 and 3 Lite Homes embrace a contemporary bedrooms, respectively. design and steel construction technique The Lite32 comes with a starting price that enables modules to be easily transtag of $140,173.00. ported anywhere – a truly light home.

The Lite Homes are fully fitted out with Built with a welded steel frame structure plumbing, electrical, and communications and clad in an innovative insulated firecabling and can be fitted with solar panels resistant aluminium cladding. so as to function off-grid.

The modules come in a range of options The design and fit-out are based on luxufrom 1-bedroom to 3-bedrooms with ry campervans that have gained popularity optional extras including awning, deck and in recent years. landscaping.

Mr. Jones highlighted that uses for the The Lite32 module – the flagship module Lite Home extends from granny-flats to - features a kitchen (including dishwasher temporary homes and are perfect for and stove), luxury bathroom, bedroom, holiday resorts. “They also make excellent lounge/dining, and ample storage. sales offices for real estate agents and other With 32sqm of internal space, the Lite32 commercial uses,” he said. also features 2.5m high ceilings and gener-

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Mint Equity moves into Platinum Erina

Mr Peteh and Mint Equity have received significant plaudits for their work over the past few years. In 2017, Mint Equity won the award for Best Regional Office in New South Wales’ Better Business Awards, where Zac won the 2018 award for Best Regional Broker.

New home for Chapman & Frazer Commercial Real Estate

Leigh and Zac Peteh Mortgage broker, Mint Equity, has relocated their office to the Platinum Building in Erina, the financial hub of the Central Coast, having acquired the office in late 2020 to provide space for additional staff as they expand their operations.

Established in 2014 by husband and wife team, Zac and Leigh Peteh, Mint Equity specialises in home loans, business loans, development finance and SMSF lending.

Leigh said that the new office fit out reflects the quality and premium services Mint Equity offers their clients. Their Erina office will now become their flagship office, with the design being the basis for their future offices.

Prior to founding Mint Equity, Mr Peteh accumulated 20 years’ experience in banking, working in credit, commercial and residential lending with NAB, Suncorp and Citibank. Mrs Peteh manages the operations, strategy, marketing and communications for the business.

20 years supporting our community

One of the Central Coast’s oldest real estate businesses has relocated to new premises in Gosford following the sale of the business early last year.

Established in 1956, Chapman & Frazer has been a fixture at 83 Mann Street, Gosford 1983. The history of the business goes back even further to 1888 when Fred Wheeler the first real estate business in Gosford sold out to the new firm.

The move to 27 Dane Drive, at the gateway to Gosford, in late January follows the completion of the sale of the business to Daniel Mason and Chris Watson in early 2020 with the retirement of long time owner Rob Wilcox.

Mr Mason said that the new premises would give them much more exposure as well as providing extra space for additional staff.

Dental clinic opens at Mingara

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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

Dr David Bassal Dr David Bassal and business partners; Drs Ned Restom, James Hanna and Claudie Restom-Narciss has opened a new dental clinic, Mingara Dental and Implant Centre Dr Bassal said that with cosmetic dentistry continuing to grow in popularity, the clinic is proud to offer a number of big city services to residents of the Central Coast

including veneers, dental implants including All On 4, teeth whitening and Invisalign.

Dr Bassal is Founder and Principal Dentist at Warnervale Dental which he opened in 2018. He is also a Founding Partner of the Australasian Implant Academy.

AdviceCo to be a major supporter of Cerebral Palsy Alliance expansion on the Central Coast Cerebral Palsy Alliance has a therapy centre in Tuggerah that is bursting at the seams.

Those who require support on the Coast far outnumber the capacity of the facility, so it is with great excitement that an additional new therapy centre is being established on Karalta Rd, Erina.

It is supported by a number of generous individual donations, and a $10,000 dollarmatch programme by local accountancy firm AdviceCo, and their partner the Count Charitable Foundation.

Set to be opened on 8 March 2021, 180 families from the southern end of the coast will be able to access services from the more conveniently located facility, reducing travel times and increasing access to therapists.

Why it is so important: Every 20 hours, an Australian baby is born with cerebral palsy. It is the most common physical disability in childhood that is ‘incurable’, yet not unchanging.

Early and frequent therapy can mean the difference between a life of emotional and physical hardship, and a quality of life filled with hope, progress and happiness for the whole family.

More help is needed: To set the Erina centre up with the necessary bespoke equipment for the therapy intensive programmes, physiotherapy, occupational, speech therapy and exercise physiology services, social skills programmes, youth programmes, and social and community supports, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance needs to raise a whopping $203, 500.

AdviceCo and the Count Charitable Foundation have joined forces to dollar match any donation up to the value of $10,000.

AdviceCo is a leading accountancy and financial planning firm on the Central Coast.

28 team members and Coasties are passionate about supporting the local area to be a place where everyone can thrive and enjoy life.

To make a donation, please visit this link: https://donate.cerebralpalsy.org.au/campaign/38/erina .

AdviceCo and the Count Charitable Foundation will match it, and together we will provide meaningful support to those who need it.

CEN T R AL COA S T COUNCIL NE WS

Rate rise inevitable – thanks to wilful incompetence

Central Coast Councillors – Elected 2017 Suspended 2020 (left to right) Jilly Pilon (Lib), Chris Bourke (Lib), Jeff Sundstrom (ALP), Doug Vincent (ALP), Jane Smith (Central Coast New Independent), Jillian Hogan (ALP), Chris Holstein (Ind), Bruce McLachlan* (Ind), Lisa Matthews (ALP), Richard Mehrtens (ALP), Rebecca Gale (Lib – Resigned 2020), Greg Best* (Ind), Louise Greenaway (Ind), Kyle MacGregor (ALP), Troy Marquart (Lib – Resigned 2020) *Only Clrs McLachlan and Best called out the financial mismanagement of Council.

CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL has notified the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of its intention to apply for a Special Variation (SV) of either a one-off ten percent remaining in the rate base for seven years or a one-off fifteen percent, remaining permanently in the rate base, inclusive of the 2021/22 rate peg of 2%.

The application for a rate rise is proposed as of part of a suite of measures being considered to address the current financial situation Council is experiencing.

“I want to assure the community that this is not a done deal. It remains one of the options on the table,” Administrator Persson said.

“We need to keep our options open here as a rate rise may be needed to ensure our community can continue to receive the services they want and need.

“IPART is a completely independent process and the community will be consulted on a rate rise if we go down that path. We can’t put rates up on our own.

“We are exploring all other options as well including the sale of assets, borrow-

ings, a reduction in our management structures and restrictions on spending which will all help our bottom line.”

Meanwhile Council has surveyed ratepayers as to their attitude to the rate increase with the survey closing on 1st February.

Acting CEO Rik Hart said he was closely monitoring the community sentiment as it was critical that the community were heard on this very important matter.

“However, I need to make it clear that no rate rise is not a viable option. Council needs a rate rise to repay the restricted funds spent on community infrastructure and services and to deliver a level of service to the community that ensures our assets and essential services are maintained.

“I urge all community members to keep an open mind, consider the information put before them, and to provide their feedback before 1 February.

“We are committed to capturing as much community feedback as we can in order for the Council to consider whether or not to formally apply to IPART for a Special Variation of the rates,” Mr Hart said.

Minister extends Council suspension The NSW Government has extended the suspension of Central Coast Council for an additional three months.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said it followed a request from interim administrator Dick Persson AM for more time so he can continue to develop and implement a comprehensive recovery strategy to address the financial crisis.

“The interim administrator’s 30-day report alone made a compelling case for more time to address the significant financial issues and dysfunction plaguing the council,” Mrs Hancock said.

“There is no doubt that he needs more time to develop and implement his recovery strategy to restore stability and address the significant reputational, financial and organisational issues.

“In particular, Mr Persson is focusing on recruiting a new general manager and putting a new budget in place for next financial year.

“Mr Persson and acting general manager Rik Hart have done an outstanding job to date and I thank them for their efforts in these very challenging circumstances.”

Under the Local Government Act, the Minister can extend the period of suspension for up to three months if she believes it is necessary to restore the proper or effective functioning of the council.

As required by law, notice has been served on the council advising of the intention to extend the period of suspension.

The current three-month suspension period expires on January 29.

The order to formally extend suspension until April 29 will be published in the Government Gazette

CEO $380,000 termination payment explained Central Coast Administrator, Dick Persson, issued a statement to explain his decision to make a $380,000 termination payment to former Chief Executive Officer, Gary Murphy.

“Ratepayers’ anger about my decision to agree to a full payout of the former CEO’s contract is totally understandable,” Mr Persson said. “I was angry too.

“I was angry because, as I said in my 30-Day Report, the former CEO did not adequately perform key parts of the role and, therefore, was a major contributor to the financial decline confronting the Council.

“So, why did I agree to it? I spent a lot of time challenging the legal advice and working through the contract.

“While I accept responsibility for my decision, I don’t believe I had a realistic alternative given the provisions of the contract and

the laws governing employee legal rights.”

“So, why pay 38 weeks salary to someone who I felt had not performed to an acceptable level?

“The contract lays out several options to remove a CEO. The option I ultimately agreed to provided the most clear-cut path.

“No reason needed, but 38 weeks’ pay.

“The path to remove a CEO for unsatisfactory performance (still with 13 weeks’ pay) would have required me to conduct a performance review and then provide the CEO an opportunity to respond.

“This process would have taken at least eight weeks.

“Proving the poor performance would have been made difficult by the previous Council having determined his performance as ‘meets expectations’ in the two

previous CEO performance reviews.

“This timetable also assumes that Mr Murphy was available to be interviewed.

“On two occasions, I requested a meeting and he declined to meet.

“Given all this, I stand by my decision as the best for the long-term future of the Council, its ratepayers and staff.”

Persson said he regretted that he could not find a better way forward.

Mr Persson said having reached that decision, a new CEO was needed to lead Council through the challenging times ahead.

Therefore, the most important thing was to remove the former CEO quickly to allow the recruitment of the new CEO to commence.

“Recruiting a new CEO typically takes three to four months, so getting started became the major priority,” he said.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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PROPERT Y

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE/LEASE

FOR SALE

FOR LEASE

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

SOMERSBY – FREEHOLD WAREHOUSE

KINCUMBER

Freestanding warehouse , can be used as 1 whole space or divided into 3 separate units.

Colourbond construction & roof, building area is approx.. 580m2 (incl mezz office 40m2) 3 roller doors & 3 phase power, 2 tonne & 1 tonne overhead crane.

TO BE AUCTIONED WED 17TH FEB 2021

WOY WOY - CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFFICE SPACE

1st floor office approx. 140m2. Accessible by lift, open plan office, meeting rooms, shared amenities, kitchen, male & female bathroom. Ideal for medical practices, hot desks, call centres etc.

FOR LEASE $65,000 GROSS + GST

SOMERSBY - WAREHOUSE SPACE FOR LEASE

LISAROW - VACANT LOT, 10 ACRES!

Rare vacant land within a high growth location, subdivided into 11 separate allotments, lot sizes from 3,200m2 to 4,000m2. (STCA) Zoned DM (previously 7a Conservation Zoning ) Fully secured sites.

FOR SALE Expressions of Interest

TENANTED INVESTMENT

Established business, strong income & upside, excellent exposure, land area approx. 1,633m2, building area approx. 787.8m2, 5 tenancies, great access via Kerta Rd & Shipwrights Ln. TO BE AUCTIONED WED 17TH FEB 2021

ERINA - IMPRESSIVE INVESTMENT!

Located in the Platinum building, Well maintained & refurbished office space, 6 car spaces, area approx.

225.0m2. Tenants pay all usual outgoings. Diverse income stream from 2 separate tenants.

FOR SALE $1,499,000 + GST

TUGGERAH BUSINESS PARK – THE BLOCK

Quality, concrete, high clearance construction, unparalleled finishes & sizes that you can combine to make for a better, more affordable unit. High & wide roller doors, beautiful landscaping with great powder coating shopfronts, optional amenities, shower & kitchenette packages. Flexible B7 zoning.

FOR SALE FROM $231,000 - 519,000 + GST

TUGGERAH – PREMIUM NEW DEVELOPMENT

Incredible location and superb finishes, extra parking, better access, higher clearance, a range of unit sizes, large showrooms, offices & quality amenities Undercover director spaces and flexible IN2 zoning. There are 14 units in the first stage, so be quick to secure a size that suits your requirements!

FOR SALE FROM $ 292,000 + GST

FOR LEASE

TUMBI UMBI – ‘ A ‘GRADE QUALITY UNITS

Each unit has high clearance warehouse space & quality separate amenities, high & wide roller doors Designed & constructed with pre-cast concrete & steel, excellent concrete hardstand plus parking area. Sizes start from 256m2 each with room for mezzanines (total area approx. 512m2).

FOR SALE $529,000 + GST EACH

WEST GOSFORD - WAREHOUSE/ OFFICE WITH EXPOSURE Warehouse area approx. 410m2, including fitted mezzanine office, approx. 56m2. Great internal height, three phase power, storage area/ garage, kitchenette, male /female toilets, roller doors, on-site parking.

FOR LEASE $ 43,860 GROSS + GST

Visit our website for additional properties and more information centralcoast.ljhcommercial.com.au

Approx. 1,200m2 of clear area, perfect for storage with current pallet racking available to use. 2 large automatic roller doors , PA door, disabled bathroom & kitchenette. Near M1 Mwy. FOR LEASE $110,000 GROSS + GST

TUGGERAH – BRAND NEW BUSINESS COMPEX

Flexible IN2 zoning, superb finishes, large showrooms, high clearance, offices & quality amenities. Great parking & access, 14 units with a range of sizes perfect for different businesses.

FOR SALE FROM $292,000 - $1,085,000 + GST

TUGGERAH - PREMIUM OFFICES PRICED TO LEASE

410m2 approx. with 12 offices (+ compactus), boardroom, reception, kitchen & balcony, plus massive “open plan” area and 2 x extra large offices, private balcony off the kitchen, 3 separate entry/exit points, approx $250k of fit out and a great layout!

FOR LEASE - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

WYOMING - ICONIC RESTAURANT SITE UP FOR GRABS!

Home to a popular Thai restaurant for the past 16 years, this site is an absolute icon located at the Fiveways roundabout.

Approx. 250sqm floor area, high foot traffic & highway exposure, close to Gosford CBD, ample on-site parking.

FOR LEASE - EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST

Suite 401 / 1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259 87 Mann Street, Gosford NSW 2250

Phone 4353 7700

HUGE EXPOSURE FOR LEASE Suite 3, 36-40 Victoria Street East Gosford

FOR SALE/LEASE

FOR SALE

1/346 Manns Road, West Gosford

4 Fairmile Close, Charmhaven

Ideal Location to Occupy or Invest

Outstanding Charmhaven Industrial units

$575k / $30k + GST + outgoings p.a

From $380,000 + GST

• Ready for occupation • 191m2 of highly exposed Strata Titled first level office • High exposure with more than 22,000 vehicles passing daily (approx.)

• Five car spaces on site & Title

• Outstanding Industrial units with balconies • 14 units from 140m2 to 205m2 on the ground floor and with DA approved mezzanine level up to 273m2 GLA • Up to 5 allocated car spaces per unit • �uality architect design with a�ention to style and practicality • Register your interest NOW. Completion date mid 2021

Brad Rogers 0459 921 122

Bernie Nash 0418 405 130

rhccc.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

Local Knowledge & National Strength

High proole, ground oor, corner position.

Located at main intersection on Central Coast Highway.

Customer car park on site.

1x undercover reserved space for tenant.

122 sqm internal area.

Awning signage area.

Ducted air conditioning, 3 phase power, ceiling, lighting, white walls.

Lee Woodward 0414 877 780 | 02 4323 7606 lee@vcmanagement.com.au www.vcmanagement.com.au

PROPERT Y

Off market sale for proposed medical centre 4325 0208 www.chapmanfrazer.com.au

FOR SALE | $420,000 + GST SHOP 25 / 16 WASHINGTON AVENUE, NIAGARA PARK

RETAIL SHOP INVESTMENT Great little investment in a busy retail centre at an affordable price. This 151sqm shop has a new tenant in place, offering immediate cash flow for the investor.

The shop is part of the Niagara Park Shopping Centre, which offers a range of services and retailers, and great on-site parking, making it a great neighbourhood convenience destination. ___________________________________________________________ FOR SALE | $720,000 + GST 10 ACE ROAD, SOMERSBY

SOMERSBY INDUSTRIAL LAND A total site area of 4,475sqm (1.1 acres). Zoned IN1 General Industrial with moderate slope from road entry.

The parcel is separated from adjoined development sites on two sides by chain wire fencing, with the entry positioned right in front of a large wide street and culde-sac. The parcel is suitable for owner occupiers and/or developers looking to secure a position in Somersby. __________________________________________________________

A local medical practice has acquired a freehold investment at 25-27 Fairview Avenue, The Entrance in an off-market sale with the intention of converting the property into a medical centre.

Located on the corner of Copnor

FOR SALE 20 DONALDSON STREET, WYONG THE GROVE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE

COMPLETION MID 2021 We are now offering the chance to purchase, 12 industrial/business style strata units. With construction to start December 2020. Sizes from 120 sqm up to 214 sqm. This stylish development will be constructed of full concrete pre-cast panel construction with commercial glazed shopfront windows and doors, high clearance automatic roller doors, amenities etc. Also, with the ability to install mezzanine level either by the developer or you can arrange to install to potentially value add.

CONTACT: Daniel Mason | 0403 889 530 Chris Watson | 0402 430 213 Mark Davies | 0422 442 858 A: Level 1/27 Dane Drive, Gosford NSW 2250 E: enquiries@chapmanfrazer.com.au

@chapmanfrazer @chapman_frazer

Erina development block sold A 1,037 sqm block with 3-bedroom house at 61-63 Barralong Road, Erina with R2 zoning has sold for $590,000 (GST not applicable).

Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Street the 436 sqm property comprises 4 retail shops (2 with cooking facilities), onsite parking at the rear.

Price paid was $!.5 million plus GST Ben Purdue from Raine & Horne Commercial negotiated the sale.

Sydney investor buys Somersby industrial unit

FOR LEASE

PROFESSIONAL & SPECIALIST MEDICAL SUITES

152-154 PACIFIC HIGHWAY TUGGERAH

Easy Parking, great exposure, well maintained & presented property with well known quality tenants including Trader Vics, BCF & Super Cheap Auto, PRP Radiology, Australian Clinical Labs Pathology, Fullerton Health Medical Centre, Geriatrician; Psychologists, Dentist, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Cafe & more.

Ideal for the Professional, Legal, Financial or Medical Specialist with sizes from 16m2 up to 95m2 suitable to Lease or Purchase.

Features include: • Flexible lease terms • Competitive rentals • Excellent parking • Air-conditioning, carpets, kitchenette • Balcony access for East Wing suites • Exposure of Complex to Tuggerah Straight

For further details contact Julie Davies on 0402 779 186

A Sydney SMSF investor has paid $1.5 million plus GST for Unit 26, 222 Wisemans Ferry Road, Somersby.

The unit is part of a 29 unit complex completed in 2020.

Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Argyle Estates

Business Brokers Buying or selling a quality business, contact the experts on the Central Coast

Argyle Estates

EST. OVER

40YEARS

024332 6555 argyle@argyleestates.com.au Graham McMullen – Licensee F.A.I.B.B. 0419326555

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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PROPERT Y NEWS

6.8% return for aquatic centre investment

A Sydney investor with multiple investments across the Central Coast has paid $1.3 million (GST not applicable) for the North Wyong Aquatic Centre in Unit 3, 16 Donaldson Street, North Wyong.

Investor buys storage units investment

Established in 2003 the centre has 1,200 members and operates 6 days a week.

The current tenant has a new 7 year lease with 2 x 7 year options.

Ben Purdue from Raine & Horne Commercial negotiated the sale.

Ben Purdue from Raine & Horne Commercial negotiated the sale.

Investor buys units Wyong industrial units

An investor has bought a 53 unit self storage complex in the Tumbi Umbi Industrial Estate at 1 Bon Mace Close, Berkeley Vale, paying $1,225,000 (GST not applicable) The complex is built on a 2,077 sqm site and has a number of long term tenants and generates a rental income of $55,000 gross per annum.

It was built in 2007 and has been with the same owner since.

An investor has bought Units 13 and 14 at 11 Donaldson Street, Wyong paying $617,500 (GST no applicable).

The adjoining units are leased to a long established tenant who has signed a new 3 x 3 year lease at $42,000 per annum net plus GST providing a yield of 6.68% per annum net.

Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Owner occupier buys West Gosford industrial unit An owner occupier has purchased a 226 unit at 290 Manns Road, West Gosford paying $550,000 plus GST. Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

LEASES Podiatrist leases at Tuggerah Business Park A podiatry clinic has leased a 146 sqm office space in Block G, ½ Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $36,500 per annum ($250 per sqm) plus Outgoings and GST. Ben Purdue from Raine & Horne Commercial negotiated the lease.

Fabricator leases at Tuggerah Business Park A fabricator has leased a 480 sqm warehouse unit at 11 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah Business Park.

Terms of lease are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $49,500 per annum net + GST Ty Blanch and Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

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RESIDENTIAL PROPERT Y REPORT

Online suburb searches show skyrocketing demand for Central Coast property THE CENTRAL COAST has been highlighted as one of the places to watch in 2021, with Realestate. com.au recently reporting huge demand for suburbs in the region.

By Jess Verrender Online searches for listings in Glenning Valley, Saratoga, Kariong and Wamberal were reported to have more than doubled over 2020.

Realestate.com.au’s chief economist Nerida Consibee’s opinion was that buyer priorities are shifting towards lifestyle and space, with the pandemic the likely catalyst for the change.

This information comes as no surprise, with local agents and experts having described a thriving property market throughout last year, and experts like Hotspotting’s Terry Ryder now tipping a nationwide “boom” going into 2021.

All good news for the Central Coast, and according to the Realestate.com.au report, Glenning Valley saw the biggest increase in buyer demand, with a whopping 317 per cent increase.

Agent’s Alyce Lewis and Hayley Bastin from Ray White Coast Edge attributed much of the Glenning Valley interest to land sales in a new estate called The Glades.

“It’s not easy to secure a block of land on the Central Coast these days, the demand has been phenomenal,” Ms Lewis said.

“There are also some beautiful acreages that are popular with Sydney treechangers.

People love the privacy on offer in Glenning Valley.”

Since 2018, Ray White has been involved in the sale of around 150 blocks of land in The Glades estate. Ms Bastin said that around 70-80 percent of purchases were made by locals, with plenty of first homebuyers. Prices have increased over 30% since the first release.

“The $25,000 home builder government grant attracted a lot of interested buyers hoping to build, with registered land now selling extremely quickly – we just don’t have enough land for the current demand” Ms Bastin said There are still approx. 100 blocks yet to sell within future stages, details will be released in the coming months.

Annual increases in buyer interest for Saratoga was 209 per cent, Kariong 140 per cent and Wamberal was 139 per cent.

The beaches seem to be the place for high-end buyers, with recent top sales all coming from seaside suburbs. The coastal

23b Oceanview Drive, Wamberal erosion debacle in Wamberal did not deter one buyer from splashing cash on the beachfront. A property at 23B Ocean View Dr was sold in early January via Mat Steinwede and Jordan Bulmer of McGrath for a generous $4.1 million.

Mr Bulmer said that the property was on a ‘low risk’ erosion section of the beach and that it had been DA approved for a privately built seawall. The buyer, a Sydney developer, plans to follow through on an existing DA to build a three-storey home.

Mr Steinwede and Mr Bulmer also recently sold a Terrigal penthouse for a Central Coast apartment record. While the purchase price is unable to be disclosed, it is said to have sold close to the guide of $4.5-$5 million, snapped up by another Sydneysider.

With 346sqm of internal space and 305sqm external, the penthouse is one of the biggest in Terrigal and includes 180 degree ocean views. Mr Bulmer said that the buyer liked the location, set back from the main road, and the privacy of having his own lift.

Meanwhile a stunning Queenslander home in the tiny town of Spencer on the Hawkesbury River has recently achieved the second highest sale price ever in the suburb, selling to a Sydney couple for $1.205 million.

Sold by Shaun Coffey and Scott Wall of Capital One, the elevated cottage at 4627 Wisemans Ferry Rd is surrounded in river views and includes multiple living areas, a rustic kitchen with butlers pantry, ducted air conditioning and a 6.6KW solar system.

The sale price is only surpassed by Sentry Rock, the former resort home of Australian stockbroker Rene Rivken. Given that the Queenslander property is set on a 2043sqm block, while the monstrous estate stretches across 3.89 hectares, the two Spencer properties are not really comparable.

RMB 4627 Wisemans Ferry Road, Spencer Unit 5, 15 Painters Lane, Terrigal Top five disclosed sales on realestate.com.au for January (to 20th) 231 Del Monte Place, Copacabana - $4.515m 23B Ocean View Dr, Wamberal - $4.1m 700 The Scenic Road, Macmasters Beach - $3.8m 29 View St, North Avoca - $3.6m 501/15 Kurrawyba Avenue, Terrigal - $3.3m

On the topic of Sentry Rock, the iconic property was sold late last year by Cullen Royle’s Deb Cullen and Trent Iverson of Harris Iverson Real Estate. Both agents declined to comment on the buyer identity or sale price, however the epic estate was marketed with a guide of $10m-$12m.

Features include seven bedrooms, a cinema room, wine cellar, a manager’s quarters, a 20 metre man made waterfall and a World War II munitions barge used for mooring river boats.

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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20

BUSINESS TIPS

Time to rise

By Brett Gilday, Director, Moneywise Group

FEW OF US will forget 2020. By March, the word unprecedented had been used an unprecedented number of times as we came to grips with the world potentially never being the same again.

International and state borders closed, restaurants, pubs and shops closed. Usually busy streets like ghost towns.

And you could be forgiven for having the thought that your job/business, your home and livelihood were in serious jeopardy through no fault of your own. Sometimes many years of effort – seemingly extinguished.

12 months on from these cataclysmic events, for some, the feeling is one of relief

and surprise of how well we are positioned.

It is like we drove the car off the road, rolled down the embankment several times and seemingly exited the car with a minor scratch and new car courtesy of insurance.

Admittedly it is not all roses. Specific industries such as travel & tourism-based businesses, may never recover.

Some businesses however, are inadvertently in the best shape they have been in for years thanks to the government cashflow boost.

Despite Chinas efforts to place tariffs on some products, exports of resources to China are booming.

Retail sales have been unusually strong.

The inability to travel internationally has diverted some discretionary funds to things like caravan and boat purchases and visits to rural towns.

The share market has recovered to pre pandemic levels.

Interest rates are at record lows – if you have confidence to borrow, money has never been cheaper.

And the residential property market in coastal areas such as the Central Coast, can-

not cope with demand as people realise they can work (at least part time) at home.

Commercial property agents, who 6 months ago were negotiating rent relief, describe an uptick in commercial property enquiry despite the move to work from home.

It is as if everyone is standing around, patting themselves down, amazed they survived the car crash, looking at one another trying to determine who will jump first and lead us out of the wilderness.

So, my sense is it is a time for cautious optimism. Time to wake up, poke our head out of the COVID cave and venture into the open. It is a time when the brave and industrious who were prepared to work through whatever environment was in front of them, lay a solid foundation for future success. Time to embrace the relatively fortunate position we found ourselves in compared to others in the world and rise up and lead.

So, don’t pause too long waiting for the signal to begin.

Be the one to lead and embrace the many opportunities that await you.

If a safety system exists in business, but no one follows it – does it really exist?

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

EVERY BUSINESS HAS competing priorities. How does its WH&S system get the priority the law demands? It needs to be melded into the business DNA, driven by frontline managers and embraced by all employees.

This was highlighted in the recent case of Safework NSW v ABC Tissue products Pty Ltd [2020} NSWDC 640 (23 October 2020). The business had significant safety systems and dedicated WHS staff.

However, it received a fine of $400,000 for failing to address the safety risk of staff crossing the forklift area as a short cut.

The incident occurred in February 2017 when a worker was struck by a forklift

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

transporting a 1.86 tonne, jumbo roll of toilet paper.

The worker had just been to the toilet and was crossing the loading bay to return to the production area. The worker was struck by a forklift transporting the enormous roll of tissue paper. The worker sustained significant physical injuries including a traumatic brain injury.

The Judge found that although the business had safety procedures in place, they were neither followed nor understood by staff. Further, he found management was aware of this but did not take remedial action to address it. In particular the judge found: • it was usual for employees to “cut across” the loading bay from the toilet; • the forklift drivers, when moving large rolls of paper, had limited vision; • managers and supervisors where aware of this did not take any corrective action What are the lessons for business owners?

Even the best WHS system is of little benefit if it is not understood, implemented and enforced.

What is the culture like in your business? Are your frontline managers aware of all policies and procedures? Do they ensure they are followed?

There are 4 key areas essential for business to drive the correct safety culture: 1. Recruitment – you need to start with the right people as your line managers.

2. Training – if staff are not aware of the policies and procedures, they have no value. Ensure that training is engaging and interactive and not merely a ‘ticka-box’ compliance exercise.

3. Reward and Recognition programs – are you using it to drive your safety culture? Is your reward and recognition program something the employees want to be involved in?

4. Communication – conflicting messaging causes distrust and cynicism amongst employees. Ensure that business leaders ‘walk the talk’. Also, avoid jargon, as clear communication sets a direction for employees to easily follow.

A safety system is ineffectual – unless it becomes part of the operational fabric of your business.

BUSINESS TIPS

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

Future proof your business

David Evers and Troy Marchant, Directors of AdviceCo WHEN REAL LIFE turns out to be stranger than fiction, business owners know that they need to be prepared for anything. Here are the top trends that will improve business agility and security no matter what the future holds…

• Automation is no longer a ‘nice-tohave’. Those who were automated ahead of COVID were in a much better position to control their financial response. Remote working, digital reporting, accounts processing – none of it skipped a beat. Data is your friend. It will tell you what is working and what’s not so that you can adapt and make smart business decisions.

• R emote working is here to stay. If not for you, perhaps for your team, or clients, suppliers or partners. Having the right technology, processes, communication methods and IT security is a must!

Simply having an email account and a computer from home won’t cut it when it comes to productivity, engagement and profitability.

• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is your fall-back plan when something unexpected, albeit unlikely (such as a pandemic) pops up. Finance managers aim to pre-empt crisis management by planning to manage risks and prevent their impact before they occur.

• Upskill and train yourself and your team.

This is an important step for competitive advantage. Technical knowledge and the building of specialty areas will appeal to your clients and customers, and soft skills such as communication, decision-making and problem-solving will help to get you over the line. A wellcommunicated investment in training and development will improve staff retention and you will be an attractive employer to potential talent in an employer’s market.

• Monitor the market. Having one eye on what your key competitors are doing

will ensure that you equal or surpass your offering to your clients and customers. A fluid communication process with your clients will also keep you informed of what their needs and wants are so you can adapt accordingly. And sometimes the best ideas come from outside of your industry.

• Diversify your revenue streams.

Businesses could be called into lockdown at a moment’s notice. How would that affect you? Do you have multiple revenue streams that you could continue despite an external mandate on your operational freedom?

• Build a culture of innovation. When your team feels a sense of ownership over solutions and projects, they will initiate ideas and invest their time and energy into its success. This requires letting out a little rope, but it is worth it. The old adage rings true – two heads are better than one.

David Evers and Troy Marchant are hosting a free business workshop on Wednesday 24 February, 5.30pm, Albany Street North, Gosford on how to support your business during and post COVID19. Places are limited due to COVID safe measures. Register at www.adviceco. com.au/events/

CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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FUNNY BUSINESS

WHAT DID THE digital clock say to the analog clock?

Look, No hands!

A biology teacher wished to demonstrate to his students the harmful effects of alcohol on living organisms. For his experiment, he showed them a beaker with pond water in which there was a thriving civilization of worms. When he added some alcohol into the beaker the worms doubled-up and died.

“Now,” he said, “what do you learn from this?”

An eager student gave his answer. “Well the answer is obvious,” he said “if you drink alcohol, you’ll never have worms.”

It was the end of the school year, and a kindergarten teacher was receiving gifts from her pupils. The florist’s son handed her a gift. She shook it, held it overhead, and said, “I bet I know what it is. Flowers.”

“That’s right!” the boy said, “But, how did you know?” “Oh, just a wild guess,” she said.

The next pupil was the sweet shop owner’s daughter. The teacher held her gift overhead, shook it, and said, “I bet I can guess what it is. A box of sweets.” “That’s right, but how did you know?” asked the girl. “Oh, just a wild guess,” said the teacher. The next gift was from the son of the liquor storeowner.

The teacher held he package overhead, but it was leaking. She touched a drop of the leakage with her finger and put it to her tongue. “Is it wine?” she asked. “No,” the boy replied, with some excitement. The teacher repeated the process, tasting a larger drop of the leakage. “Is it champagne?” she asked.

“No,” the boy replied, with more excite-

ment. The teacher took one more big taste before declaring, “I give up, what is it?” With great glee, the boy replied, “It’s a puppy!

SURPRISE!” A jet ran into some turbulent weather. To keep the passengers calm the flight attendants brought out the beverage carts. “I’d like a soda,” said a passenger in the first row.

Moving along, the attendant asked the man behind her if he would like something. “Yes, I would,” he replied. “Give me whatever the pilot has been drinking!”

Through the pitch-black night, the captain sees a light dead ahead on a collision course with his ship. He sends a signal:“Change your course 10 degree east.”

The light signals back: “Change yours, 10 degrees west.” Angry, the captain sends: “I’m a navy captain! Change your course, sir!”

“I’m a seaman, second class,” comes the reply. “Change your course, sir.” Now the captain is furious. “I’m a battleship!

I’m not changing course!” There is one last reply. “I’m a lighthouse. Your call.”

not been in business 20 years. The business owner replied, “I know, but it’s going to be great advertising!”

A software manager, a hardware manager, and a marketing manager are driving to a meeting when a tyre blows. They get out of the car and look at the problem.

The software manager says, “I can’t do anything about this - it’s a hardware problem.”

The hardware manager says, “Maybe if we turned the car off and on again, it would fix itself.”

The marketing manager says, “Hey, 75% of it is working - let’s ship it!”

All my husband wanted was to pay for some batteries, but none of the clerks in the electronics store seemed interested in helping him.

“I’ve got an idea,” I said and pulled a tape measure out of my purse. I stepped over to one of the giant plasma-screen TVs and started to measure it. Faster than you can say high definition, a young man came running over. “May I help you?” he asked breathlessly.

“Yes,” I said. “I’d like to buy these batteries.”

Isn’t it strange how drivers who go slower than you are idiots, and those that go faster are maniacs?

An ill business owner was discussing with his lawyer a final draft of his last will and testament.

“Well,” as he was discussing with his lawyer, “I want to put in a clause for my employees. To those that have worked for me for 20 years or longer I want to give and bequeath the amount of $50,000.”

His Lawyer reminded him that he has

Quote of the month “I hire people brighter than me and then I get out of their way.”

Lee Iacocca

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ay w e h ow te maze n k We gh th u thro CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2021

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