18 SEPTEMBER 2020
ISSUE 260
REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS
News
From combat to wombat: Scomo visits the Coast
Central Coast Council has ramped up its inspections of Wamberal beach as material fragments which potentially contain asbestos continuing to be sighted... See page 10
Out&About
The Central Coast Watercolour society will hold its springtime exhibition, showcasing the unique translucency of watercolour...
See e pag 19
See page 17
Lifestyle
Against a backdrop of a controversial commitment to increased gas-fired power, growing angst over Chinese data mining and a combative week with State governments over border restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison made a surprise visit to Somersby on September 15 to announce a $172,190 boost for the Australian Reptile Park.
Future of Empire Bay Marina hangs in the balance Community activist Errol Baker is determined to pull out all the stops to save the heritage listed Empire Bay Marina, which was closed by Crown Lands suddenly early in September due to safety concerns.
The fenced off marina
Baker, who is Vice President of the Empire Bay Progress Association, has set up the Facebook page Save Our Heritage Listed Empire Bay Boat Shed in an effort to attract community support for his drive to save the marina. “Crown Lands has stopped business there and asked the tenant to move on,” Baker said. “I think they want to demolish
it, but I’m hearing it will cost the government around $1M to do that. “I am currently assembling some quotes on the cost of restoring it and if that would cost less than demolishing it, it’s possible it could be saved. “I intend to set up meetings with Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and Crown Lands officials to work through possibilities. “Once the Brisbane Water was littered with boat sheds, but they have gradually disappeared. “The Empire Bay boat shed is just two years short of its 100th birthday and it is one of our only
remaining links to our heritage in the area. “It’s one of the few original working boat sheds left and we really need to save these links to the past. “I am sure groups like the local fishing club and the sea scouts would give a hand with renovations and Men’s Shed Australia has also approached me about doing something in the area. “We’ve lost too much of our history in the Brisbane Water and this community asset is too big a part of Empire Bay to lose.” See page 3
The sustainable shoe brand, D’bris, which makes footwear from ocean plastic and car tires, has reached its global Kickstarter campaign goal... See page 25
Sport
The Central Coast Roosters have secured the first grand final spot in the NSW Harvey Norman Women’s Rugby League Premiership after beating the Cronulla Sharks 13-12 over the weekend. See page 40
Puzzles page 23
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