17 FEBRUARY 2021
ISSUE 226
REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS
News
Outrigger Canoe regatta at Point Wolstoncroft
Central Coast Council decided at its February 8 meeting to formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a 15 percent rate rise. See page 8
Out&About
The Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club have reformed their team spirit in 2021 ahead of their inaugural regatta at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre on Saturday, March 6.
See page 38
Youngsters can now enjoy Storytime in person with the Toukley and Tuggerah libraries bringing back Storytime sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. See page 17
Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club team members at the Pittwater Regatta Photo: Michelle Strang
Health
Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund overlooks the Central Coast
Central Coast Labor MPs took on Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, when NSW Parliament resumed in February, demanding answers to why the region has been ignored in the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. The Labor MPs David Harris (Wyong), Yasmin Catley (Swansea), David Mehan (The Entrance) and Liesl Tesch (Gosford) say that despite the Central Coast region suffering $163.3M of economic damage in the wake of last Summer’s destructive bushfires, the region did not receive a cent from the bushfire fund. Impact assessment data and maps released by the NSW Government show that 40 buildings and 144 rural landholders were impacted by the bushfires. “Instead of distributing
Wyong MP David Harris during Question Time in State Parliament
money from the $177M Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund on the basis of genuine need, the Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and the Berejiklian Government, allocated the vast bulk of the funding to seats held by the
Government, while Labor seats across the Central Coast received nothing,” said Shadow Minister for Central Coast, Wyong MP David Harris. Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, who is responsible for bushfire recovery, faced a
Parliamentary Inquiry on February 8, which was originally to investigate funding allocations to councils under the Stronger Communities Program but then expanded to include the bushfire fund. It is understood that Barilaro
was asked to explain the government maps; which show the worst hit areas in terms of economic impact ($750M) from the fires are Coalitionheld seats on the South Coast; yet other areas such as the Central Coast, which also suffered extensive economic damage, did not receive any financial help. Three council areas with a total $300M economic impact, according to government data, did not receive any funding and, in contrast, another council with an estimated $16M impact, received $40M in funding. “Our communities simply got nothing,” Harris said. “The fires didn’t discriminate on the basis of politics when they roared through our communities and I’m shocked that the recovery effort does. Continued page 4
Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley, is calling for a review of the NSW Government’s “rigid” bus pass policy ... See page 33
Sport
Northern Power Cricket Club has raised over $20,000 toward the Kelly McGrath Foundation at their annual Pink Stumps Day on Sunday, February 7 See page 40
Puzzles page 23
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