20 APRIL 2023
ISSUE 386
Thousands expected at ANZAC Day services
News
New lease of life for Parklands preschool See page 3
Out&About
Local students shine in ANZAC art comp See page 13
Thousands of people are expected to flock to ANZAC Day services in the region on April 25. See page 4 for a list of Central Coast events
Business The 2022 service at Empire Bay
Reid calls for action on dangerous intersection Member for Robertson Gordon Reid has taken up the fight to improve safety conditions at the Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr intersection at Empire Bay, launching a petition calling on the State Government and Central Coast Council to take action. CCN reported on the issue in February, with a post on the KillcareWagstaffe Community Facebook page calling for a roundabout at the dangerous intersection attracting numerous likes and comments. Resident Bill Young said at the time that unless motorists took the long route via MacMaster Beach, the intersection was the only exit from the heavily populated Killcare, Hardys Bay, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe areas. “At the moment, many cars do a ‘ratrun’ through the petrol station to avoid
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid at the dangerous intersection
the intersection and turn left towards Ettalong,” he said. “But it is the right hand turn on to Empire Bay Dr that is the most dangerous. “Often your vision to the left is obscured by a vehicle turning left.” Young said the traffic bank up from
the Empire Bay Primary School often extended to the intersection on school days. Reid met with concerned residents recently and said he would write to new State Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Atchison and Council Administrator Rik Hart, as
well as launching the petition. “The Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr intersection is no longer fit for purpose and cannot handle the volume of traffic safely during peak periods”, he said. Young welcomed Reid’s involvement, saying residents are fed up with traffic congestion and poor safety conditions. “More needs to be done than bandaid solutions like line marking and more signs,” he said. “The community wants to see this project as a priority and an outcomesbased solution.” To sign the petition, go to https:// drgordonreidmp.com.au/our-coastcommunity/wards-hill-road-andempire-bay-drive-intersectionpetition/. Terry Collins
Reinventing the pelican feeding
See page 22
Sport
Rugby season off to a great start See page 30
Structural Pools & Spas
Puzzles page 18 Includes: • Excavation • 200mm coping • Cartridge filter • 1 HP pump • Aussie white pebble
Dig in winter to
0480 06 06 06
traditional
S wi m in Summer
Pool size 7.0 x 3.0 Rectangle shape Depth 1.0 x 1.6 Lic. No: 210539C Owner builders welcomed