6 MAY 2021
ISSUE 013
REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS
News
Bevan Router awarded RSL Australia Life Membership
With community angst running high over the proposed sale of council assets on the Peninsula... See page 5
Out&About
Locals brought bush to the beach with the planting of over 2,000 trees at Umina Beach on April 21.
A Woy Woy veteran has been recognised for his decades of service with a Life Membership award at an Anzac Day service at Ettalong Diggers on April 25. See page 12
See page 18
Health
Bevan Router (3rd from right) and Ian Weekley (3rd from left) and others, at the Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy’s Anzac Service
Peninsula assets on the block Community land across the Peninsula – including green spaces, a retirement community and a sports oval – is set to be reclassified and sold off as part of Central Coast Council’s ‘solution’ to solving its financial woes. The Council first released their ‘assets sales program’ as part of its financial recovery plan at the April 27 Council meeting, with many members of the public unaware of the looming auction. With growing anger in the community, Council swayed on their decision to sell off the assets, and quickly announced a formal community consultation process into the list of sites. Residents have until May 21 to provide feedback, view the location and a description of
Fassifern Street in Ettalong Beach will need to be reclassified as a residential zone prior to its sale
the land parcels by visiting yourvoiceourcoast.com. Council Administrator, Dick Persson, agreed with community requests for a community feedback process after an outpouring of community anger, as characterised by the protest
outside the Council’s Chamber in Wyong on April 27. Persson said he regretted his handling of the matter which had caused widespread concern amongst the community. “There is still a need for
Council to raise funds through the sale of surplus or ‘lazy’ assets if we are to pay down the huge debts run up by the suspended Councillors,” Persson said. “This is not a ‘fire sale’ as some are claiming - any properties sold will be at
market price or better, and the market is very strong at the moment. “I can assure residents that all due diligence is being undertaken in this process. “This includes assessment against the Community Strategic Plan, consultation with the independent Property Advisory Committee and always independent market valuation assessment.” The plan, which required a review of Council’s property assets, then grouped the properties into three categories: operational classified and appropriately zoned land, operational classified land which requires rezoning, and land parcels where Council is seeking reclassification from community to operational land. Continued page 6
Hardy’s Bay RSL Club have received over $16,000 in funding to help reactivate their live music venue after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions... See page 26
Sport
There are encouraging early signs emerging from the Woy Woy Lions in their Premier 1 men’s and women’s teams following big changes. See page 40
Puzzles page 22
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