E E FR December 19, 2011
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Issue 023
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Cycle path lengthened to Davistown
New freight corridor funding he Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill has welcomed the announcement of the Federal and State Government’s $1.1 billion agreement on the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor.
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The Living Choice Kincumber FITS cycle group, dressed in their new cycling shirts
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s part of a project to circle the greater Brisbane Waters inlet with a path-cycleway system, Gosford Council recently added another stage when it completed a three kilometre concrete path-cycleway from Kincumber to Davistown. Kincumber resident Mr Roger Miller said the path has proved exceptionally popular with local residents, both with the young and the not-so-young. “Nowhere was this enthusiasm more evident than in the Living Choice Waterfront Estate at Kincumber, which is located right at the start of this pathway. “The wonderful
opportunity for many residents to dust off their cycles and get themselves pedalling again became obvious. “The complex’s regular cyclists no longer had to plough through winter mud and slush along the old Broadwater track, as in the past. “So, residents have accepted the challenge with much enthusiasm, and have
now formed a Saturday morning cycle group called Fun In The Saddle (FITS),” he said. Mr Miller said the initial aspirations were low key and cyclists could ride at their own pace to the cafe in Davistown for coffee, fun, laughter and good fellowship before returning home. “Perhaps the greatest benefit is the prospect
of better health, with added benefits of fresh air, sunshine, wonderful company and that tantalizing coffee aroma.” Currently, the group covers about seven kilometres in total, but will increase the distances as fitness levels improve. The group were also recent recipients of eyecatching cycling shirts provided by Living Choice.
“This is an important national economic reform that will substantially benefit the Central Coast,” said Ms O’Neill. “When completed in 2016, this new rail infrastructure will improve the reliability of rail passenger services for thousands of commuters. “It will also take more trucks off our major roads which is something I know Coasties will all welcome. “Labor is, again, leading the way, providing $840 million in funding for the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor and NSW chipping in $214 million.” The agreement will see the construction of new
passing loops at Gosford, the laying of a third track between Epping and Pennant Hills, and other works. The announcement on Wednesday, December 7, followed three years of detailed planning and preconstruction work. “This is a great result for the Central Coast,” said Ms O’Neill. “And it’s fantastic to deliver on another Labor promise that will improve the infrastructure of our region.” Media Release, 7 Dec 2011 Matt Pulford, Office of Deborah O’Neill MP
Email, 13 Dec 2011 Roger Miller, Kincumber
Gosford train station duty officer and Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill with a freight train
Council requests climate change report osford Council has requested that a report be brought back to Council on the updated status of the climate change mitigation strategy, current climate change mitigation initiatives, including review of electricity and energy contracts in order to incorporate any viable clean energy options and grant funding opportunities.
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Gosford Council’s clean energy options and future strategy are currently being assessed and developed in the climate change mitigation strategy.
The development of the climate change mitigation strategy commenced in August last year following the adoption of Council’s climate change policy in
May. A recent report received by Council from the Climate Commission stated that “the risks have never been clearer and the case for
action has never been more urgent.” “Failing to take sufficient action today entails potentially huge risks to our economy, society and way of life into the future. “This is the critical decade for action.” Gosford Council’s report of Tuesday, November 6, said the proposed introduction of a carbon
price by the federal government was a hotly debated political issue and would be a driving force for Australia’s clean energy future. “The cost of electricity is increasing and there is a growing need for Council to investigate energy efficiency and alternative energy sources. “It is important that
Councillors and senior Council management are informed of the current status of Gosford City Council’s climate change mitigation initiatives being undertaken by staff.” Gosford Council Agenda MM.15, 6 Dec 2011