Coast Community Chronicle 284

Page 1

13 APRIL 2022

ISSUE 284

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Eight of the 16 surf lifesaving clubhouses across the Central Coast are now operating on renewable energy, thanks to a community funding partnership from RESINC Solar based in Wyong. See page 4

Out&About

Federal election set for May 21

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has officially called the election for Saturday May 21. See page 6

Business

Council backflip on advisory committees Central Coast Council has changed its tune on the immediate future of its advisory committees. News broke last week that Council had temporarily “paused” all Council advisory groups and committees that were not mandatory while a review requested by the Administrator Rik Hart was undertaken. Community members volunteer to share their expertise on more than a dozen committees which advise Council on topics ranging from disability access and social inclusion to economic development and protection of the environment. Individual members of committees received emails last week explaining the pause and a day later Council answered media questions confirming the pause while the review would examine the

purpose and terms of reference of the committees. The Status of Women’s Advisory Group (SOWAG) was told the practical implication of the pause meant that effectively the actions of the Advisory Groups have been placed on hold – not just meetings. “Given that reality we will pause any follow-up from the International Women’s Day Forum for now until the review is finalised,” the members were told. But later that day, Council had completely changed its story. It announced a reprieve – at least temporarily – on the advisory committees. “Central Coast Council Advisory Committees and Networking Groups will continue to function and operate while the discussion paper and review requested by the Administrator in February 2022 is undertaken,” the press

Beautiful Mt Ettalong is part of the COSS system championed by the COSS committee

release said. “All advisory groups will run to the end of the current Council term. “Meetings and engagement will continue to occur with the members of each of these groups,” the statement said. It continued: “Council acknowledges and appreciates the ongoing contribution of committee members in this space.

“The end of the Council term will be known following the announcement of the Local Government Election for the Central Coast Local Government Area, which is yet to be announced.” Council apologised for the “human error” but did not elaborate. Members of a variety of advisory committees who had spoken out at the original decision were pleased with the

Two dancers from Premiere Studios in Tuggerah are in the United States until April 20 to compete in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. See page 11

change of heart. Groups such SOWAG, the Coastal Open Space System (COSS) and the Catchments to Coast advisory committee have continued to meet since Council has been under administration, while others were disbanded or amalgamated or changed into a networking group by interim administrator Dick Persson more than a year ago. The networking group has never met; the playgroups working group hasn’t met in over a year and members of other groups say attending meetings has been hard with times being scheduled and then changed at the last minute. The review is expected in a report to be tabled at the May meeting of Council. Merilyn Vale

The Warnervale airport has attracted criticism from the members of the Catchments to Coast Advisory Committee who were treated to a preview of the as-yet unrevealed masterplan. See page 17

Sport

Five unanswered goals went the way of Sydney FC against the Mariners at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday evening, April 9, torpedoing the local club’s chances of playing finals football in 2022. See page 24

Puzzles page 14

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

coastcommunitynews.com.au - 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net


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