29 OCTOBER 2021
ISSUE 316
News
Lakes Festival returns
Vulnerable people on the Central Coast were the winners when Gosford Community Corrections officers delivered a load of food staples to Coast Shelter in Gosford on October 26. See page 3
Out&About
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) has reminded boaties to be aware of approach distances as humpback whales return to their summer feeding grounds in Antarctica. See page 19
The Central Coast Lakes Festival returns this year in a new format, following its cancellation last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Business
See page 17
McBride says Government can’t be trusted on climate Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, has described the Federal Government’s announcement of its plan to deliver net zero emissions by 2050 as a “major let-down” for the Central Coast. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government would “act in a practical, responsible way to deliver net zero emissions by 2050 while preserving Australian jobs and generating new opportunities for industries and regional Australia”. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the Long-Term
Emissions Reduction Plan would see Australia continue to reduce emissions while growing the economy, maintaining affordable, reliable energy and ensuring the regions remain strong. “Our Plan continues the policies that we have already put in place and that we know have worked,” Wicks said. “Our technology-driven approach will continue our strong emissions reduction record while preserving traditional industries and establishing Australia as a leader in emerging low emissions technologies.” Wicks said the latest official
projections showed Australia was on track to reduce emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030, “well above our target of 26-28 per cent”. But McBride said there was no new policy in the announcement. “The Government hasn’t provided modelling for their plan, or legislation,” she said. “Just last week in Parliament, they voted against legislating net zero emissions by 2050. “Australians need a solid commitment, not empty promises. “This is a government that claims it wants to reduce
emissions ‘the Australian way,’ without risking jobs in regional communities like the Coast. “At the same time, they refuse to put a stop to risky projects like PEP-11… a project that would devastate our local environment, our marine life, and our local economy. “It would put thousands of jobs at risk, but the Government is still refusing to act. “If they can’t rule out dangerous projects like PEP11, they can’t be trusted with Australia’s national climate plan.” A joint press release issued
by Prime Minister Morrison and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said the plan was based on existing policies and would be guided by five principles to ensure Australia’s shift to a net zero economy would not put industries, regions or jobs at risk. These principles are: technology not taxes; expand choices not mandates; drive down the cost of a range of new technologies; keep energy prices down with affordable and reliable power; and, be accountable for progress. Continued page 4
Central Coast Leagues Club has reported a profit of just over $3.5M for the 2020-21 financial year, following a loss the previous year of a little over $1M and is forging ahead with a masterplan for the future. See page 25
Sport
Sydney Thunder player and Central Coast local, Lauren Smith, is gearing up for a new season of Women’s Big Bash League ready to face the Sixers and Scorchers on October 30 and 31. See page 40
Puzzles page 22
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.
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