17 DECEMBER 2020
ISSUE 004
REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS
News
Smith takes out Single Ski
A house in Umina Beach has brought festive cheer to locals with a spectacular lightshow that is free to all each night of the week. See page 6
Out&About
A local fire brigade has swapped Santa’s sleigh for a sidecar at its annual threeday Santa run which started on December 10.
Peninsula local Jemma Smith took out the Female Single Ski event in round three of the Envirobank Super Teams Series at Umina Beach on December 5.
See page 17
Education
See story page 39 Jemma Smith winning the Female Single Ski
Rates could rise by 15 per cent Peninsula residents could be facing a 15 per cent rate rise next year, following an announcement at the Central Coast Council meeting on December 14. A proposed rate rise of 10 per cent signalled in November has now risen to a proposed 15 per cent. Administrator Dick Persson announced Council would write to the Independent Regularity and Pricing Tribunal (IPART) asking for permission for an increase of 13 per cent plus another two per cent for inflation. Harmonisation of the rates between the former Gosford and Wyong council areas would see Peninsula residents paying about $7 a week more while residents to the north of the region would pay about $3 a week less than they are paying now.
Residents protested a mooted rate rise ahead of the Council meeting on December 14
These are average payments. Persson said further work has been done in forecasting reductions in levels of service to achieve sustainable long term financial plans and repay
the restricted reserves debt. “As a result, it is now apparent that a larger increase needs to be considered in order to maintain a similar level of service,” he said.
The increase, if granted, would be permanent. “In considering a possible rate variation, I have looked at the rate levels for neighbouring councils,” Persson said.
“It is clear from this information that residential rate payers on the Central Coast pay less in rates than neighbouring councils of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Cessnock – all of whom currently have special rate variations applying.” Persson said COVID-19 had resulted in a loss of income to Council. “I also note that during Council’s response to COVID-19 steps were taken to protect permanent employees through a program of redeployment,” he said. “I also understand that various fee waivers and reductions were applied during this period for the purpose of assisting and protecting local businesses and community organisations.” Merilyn Vale
CWA of Umina Beach members donated home knitted hot water bottle covers to children in war-affected countries on November 18. See page 35
Sport
It was a historic day for a local cricket club last month when the family of a late player pitched on the field named in his honour. See page 40
Puzzles page 22
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