Issue 104 of Wyong Regional Chronicle

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November 8, 2016

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Issue 104

Comprehensive Wyong Grove rezoning proposal to go to NSW Department of Planning outique Wyong Living Pty Ltd has gained Central Coast Council support for a proposal to rezone parts of the former Wyong Grove Public School site from R2 Low Density Residential to R3 Medium Density Residential.

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Floor space ratio and building heights will also need to be amended in Wyong Local Environment Plan 2013 (WLEP), if NSW Planning gives consent for a gateway determination.

A portion of the former school site remains subject to a compulsory acquisition application that was lodged by the former Wyong Council and is expected to be concluded between November 2016 and January 2017.

At Council’s ordinary meeting on October 26, Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, agreed that the latest rezoning proposal should be sent to the NSW Department of Planning for a gateway determination.

Council will consult with landowners of surrounding properties to seek their support to be included in the revised planning proposal, as recommended by Council staff.

If the proposal is successful, properties from 1 to 5 Ingram St, 1 to 17 Owen Ave and 1 to 5 North Rd, Wyong, will be rezoned for medium density residential

The subject site for the rezoning proposal is edged in red

development.

The southern part of two lots at 1 North Rd will retain their low density residential zoning.

The site is known as the Wyong Grove Community and Cultural Hub and is the home of the Wyong Drama Group and Musical Theatre Company.

Wyong Grove Public School closed in June 2013 and Wyong Council entered a two-year lease with the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) in May 2014.

However, DEC sold the site in October 2015, and in December, the former Wyong Council resolved to acquire the front portion of the former school to retain it as a community hub, and council is still awaiting the outcome

of its application to compulsorily acquire the site.

A development a p p l i c a t i o n (DA/794/2016) was lodged with Council on 24 June 2016, for the demolition of all the existing buildings on the site, but has not yet been determined.

The applicant lodged a request for a pre-Gateway review in respect of this planning proposal with the Department of Planning and Environment in August.

The pre-Gateway review is yet to be considered by the Department and the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).

A report from the Central Coast Council’s Department of Environment and Planning to the October

The portion of the site subject to the compulsory acquisition application is edged in yellow

26 ordinary meeting said: “It is recommended that the planning proposal be amended and progressed in the following manner: rezone the majority of the subject site and those sites east of Owen Ave and south of Ingram St, to R3 Medium Density Residential; apply a maximum height of 16m and maximum Floor Space Ratop of 2.0:1 to the rezoned areas; Retain the R2 Low Density Residential zone over the south-western portion of the site which is currently utilised as the Wyong Grove community and cultural hub and is subject of the compulsory acquisition proposal; and, apply a Land Reservation Acquisition layer to the southern portion of the site to facilitate purchase of this portion of the site

by Council.

“The planning proposal has been informed by a series of preliminary technical studies/investigations and it is considered that there is currently adequate information to support a rezoning of the site for a higher density residential use.

“Further detailed works would be required to progress the planning proposal should a gateway determination be given.

“The proposal will provide for increased housing density and expand the housing choice within 800m of the Wyong Train Station and within walking distance of facilities and services of the town centre.

“WLEP only provides for limited areas of medium density residential land around

Wyong Town Centre, and this land is considered a reasonable expansion of the land use.

“The indicative development concepts accompanying the planning proposal are very basic and will need to be further developed to address matters such as privacy, overshadowing and visual impact,” the report said.

“Council’s Community and Culture Unit has advised that the rezoning should only progress on the northern portion of the lot, being the part which is not impacted by the compulsory acquisition proceedings.

“Preliminary consultation has been undertaken with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (L&HC), which owns four properties directly abutting this site, and a further six properties situated nearby.

“NSW L&HC supports the expansion of the R3 Medium Density zone (together with a 2:1 FSR) to apply to their landholdings.

“Expanding the R3 Medium Density zone (together with a 2:1 FSR) for land on the eastern side of Owen Ave, north of Ingram St and south of Cutler Dve is not recommended.

“It is considered preferable to restrict the proposed R3 zone to the area south of Ingram St.

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Agenda item 3.4, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

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October 6, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

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12 month community campaign has won its battle to stop the reclassification and potential sale of 25 community reserves and parks across the city of Gosford.

Mr Ian Reynolds, Administrator of the Central Coast Council abandoned the former Gosford Council’s Land Sale Strategy at the September 28 council meeting.

Ms Sue Chidgey, the founder of Save Central Coast Reserves, the umbrella group that coordinated the community’s campaign against the land sale strategy, said Mr Reynold’s decision had “brought immense relief to the communities whose neighbourhood sites were threatened.

“Save Central Coast Reserves, the Community Environment Network and eight additional community groups across the Gosford region have campaigned for over a year for the protection of their 25 local reserves, parks and green spaces,” Ms Chidgey said.

“Only two Councillors voted against the Land Sale Strategy when it was first announced, Ms Vicki Scott and Ms Hillary Morris.

“In the campaign that followed, hundreds of community emails and submissions were sent to the Mayor, CEO and

Councillors, as well as a large petition.

“In addition, rallies were held, as the community pleaded for the protection of their sites.

“Then in early 2016, with the Council Amalgamation, the community again rose up and sent huge numbers of emails and submissions to the new Administrator and CEO,” Ms Chidgey said.

“Many of our communities now look forward to joining with Council in the ‘Adopt a Park’ initiative to enhance their community sites for the well-being of their

community and for the urban environment.

“I wish to extend my sincere thanks to every community member or group who supported the campaign to achieve this wonderful outcome.”

Ms Jane Smith of Community Environment Network said: “An overwhelming groundswell of community support has saved these precious sites from sell-off and development.”

"An overwhelming groundswell of community support has saved these precious sites from sell-off and development.”

The sites being considered for reclassification were located in: Isis St, Wyoming; Perratt Cl, Eagle Cl and Winter Cl, Lisarow; George St, Wells and Coburg St, East Gosford; Ocean View Dve, Dover and Lakeview Rd, Wamberal; Yarram Rd, Bensville; Bluewave Cres, Forresters Beach; Riviera Ave, Terrigal; James Sea Dve, Green Point; Hely St, West Gosford; Jerribin St, Wyoming; Kateena Ave, Tascott; Alan St, Delaware Rd, Niagara Park; Ilumba Ave, Davistown; and Warren

Ave, Avoca Beach.

In late 2015, the former Gosford Council resolved to reclassify the identified parcels of public land from “community” to “operational”.

A consultant was appointed in early 2016 to review the potential reclassification of community land, and to undertake the community consultation process on Council’s behalf, including public meetings to gauge the views of the community.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the former Council had started the process with the best intention to help fund its infrastructure backlog, but in the end, the numbers didn’t stack up.

“After weighing it all up in the context of the merged Council, I believe Council can find more efficiencies and savings in our now consolidated budget without the need to sell community land as a strategy,” Mr Reynolds said.

“This will be welcome news to the many residents who approached me directly with concerns about the potential loss of open space in their neighbourhood and the hundreds who put in submissions.

“There is genuine benefit for Council to listen to the community.

Continued P3

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Edition 404

Issue 143

October 11, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 102

Muck raking tabloid journalism at its worst he negative coverage of an announcement that Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) would relocate its operations to the Central Coast has been described

by Central Coast Council CEO, Mr Rob Noble as: “Quite seriously muck raking tabloid journalism at its worst.”

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He described the US-based AAI as a “burgeoning company”.

“If that’s how every burgeoning company that wants to move its business to the Central Coast gets treated, then they will soon realise this is not a region they want to come to.”

Mr Noble said he was confident Council staff had done their due diligence thoroughly.

“My understanding is AAI will be refurbishing planes and eventually building new ones.

“We are confident they have the wherewithal, the authorisation and the legal capacity to do what they have said they will do.

“This company has the Type Certifications for the Grumman amphibian aircraft from the Federal Aviation Administration

announcement means thousands of jobs for the region with a significant flow on to the Central Coast economy,” Mr Baird said.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said: “Bringing jobs to this region and enabling employment growth are some of the key priorities of Central Coast Council.

“There were a number of locations that AAI was investigating and we’re pleased to have successfully attracted AAI to the Central Coast,” he said.

Mr Reynolds said the lease agreement with AAI is part of a wider vision to make the Airport a hub for light to medium commercial general aviation.

“Having an anchor tenant like AAI at Central Coast Airport will help put our region on the aviation industry map,” Mr Reynolds said.

The Albatross at sea and the $100 million factory proposed for Warnervale inset “It will stimulate the According to the Central Coast to become in the United States and privy to a great deal of will move its operations that is not an easy thing information that was, for from the USA to a site Central Coast Council, nationally recognised the present, commercial at Central Coast Airport the deal will create 240 and help in attracting to do.

“Council’s senior staff in confidence, that would under a 40 year lease. direct jobs in aircraft additional investment NSW Premier, Mr manufacturing, as well as from related industries have been working with demonstrate the flowthis company for about a on benefits of Council’s Mike Baird, visited the thousands of indirect jobs and innovators and Coast on September 27 in auxiliary industries growing our economy. agreement with AAI. year.

AAI is the Type to announce that AAI like “We are talking about parts supply, an 18,000 square metre Certificate holder to would become the first instrumentation, interior Continued P3 hangar, it really is a major the HU-16 Models A-E transport category aircraft fitouts and avionics. and G-111 Albatross manufacturer to set up in development.

“This is a great day for Mr Noble said he was Amphibian Aircraft, and Australia since the 1940s. the Central Coast; this

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

17 October 2016

Administrator to review Council defibrillator refusal Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds has called for a review of Council’s decision to refuse approval for a publiclyaccessible defibrillator to be installed at Pearl Beach along with rescue tubes and resuscitation diagrams.

The Pearl Beach Progress Association announced a campaign to raise funds to purchase a defibrillator for the beach in December 2015.

The goal was to have a defibrillator and rescue tubes and resuscitation diagrams on the beachfront and at the rock pool.

The response to the campaign was so positive that the association was able to purchase four defibrillators.

The Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group, a working group of Pearl Beach residents with professional backgrounds in health and safety, was formed.

The Progress Association also received support from the Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, who organised a grant of $8250 under the Stronger Communities Program for a cabinet to house the defibrillator.

Upon application, the Council declined to allow the devices to be made available to the public at the Pearl Beach beachfront or rock pool.

A statement from Central Coast Council on Wednesday, October 12, said that Mr Reynolds had received a letter from the association and had already asked Council staff to review the decision.

That review is currently underway, according to the statement.

“Council staff are more than happy to meet with the association to find the best possible solution for the community.”

The statement said Council’s reasons for declining to approve the defibrillator had been outlined in previous correspondence to the progress association.

Those reasons included “concerns about damage, vandalism, and equipment being used by untrained people.

“The reserve they are talking about putting the equipment in received damage from storms previously and is exposed to impacts of environment,” the statement said.

From left: Mr David Kenny from the Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group holds a rescue tube and Mr Ross Christie, President of the Pearl Beach Progress Association, holds a defibrillator Photo: Patrick Everett

However, Pearl Beach resident Mr Dave Kennedy, a Safety Advisory Group member and professional firefighter for Fire Rescue NSW, said the concerns were unwarranted.

He said: “I have undertaken over 100 rescues in the past 14 years as a professional council lifeguard.

“As an example, saving a fiveyear-old girl was made possible with a rescue tube, and we need equipment on our beach to save lives.”

Since moving to Pearl Beach about a year ago, Mr Kennedy, who is a qualified CPR trainer, offered to train community members as a way of supporting the association’s beach safety initiatives.

Mr Kennedy said he had no concerns about the defibrillators being used by untrained individuals.

“It is quite the opposite. They are designed for use by members of the public,” he said.

According to Mr Kennedy, Mosman Council had four defibrillators located at Balmoral Beach.

“They are public access devices that have been used twice and both people were bought back to

life as a result.”

The positive result was achieved because members of the public were able to use the defibrillators on the cardiac arrest victims within the first five minutes of the attack.

They still dialled 000 but did not have to wait the 10 or more minutes for the paramedics to arrive.

“It is common knowledge that a person’s survival chances are reduced by 10 per cent for every minute lost before resuscitation begins,” Mr Kennedy said.

“If we can get that defibrillator on them during the first five minutes their chances of survival shoot through the roof,” he said.

The Pearl Beach Progress Association has organised for their defibrillators to be monitored by an alarm company, in an attempt to appease Council’s concerns.

Anyone needing to use the device will have to call the alarm company first to receive a security code.

“The user will need to call 000 then press the button on the device and basically they will get someone talking to them who gives them the code.

“You will start seeing defibrillators in train stations, shopping centres and other public

places.

“That is already happening in Europe,” he said.

In an open letter to Mr Reynolds, Pearl Beach Progress Association president Mr Ross Christie said the Council had placed impediments in the way of improving safety at Pearl Beach.

“I note that the Central Coast Council has: failed to respond to the report of the Coroner on the drowning of Chayce Kelly; refused permission for the Pearl Beach Progress Association, at its expense, to establish a defibrillator unit on the foreshore; failed to reply to a June 20 letter appealing against the decision of Council not to allow the Pearl beach Progress Association, again at its expense, to place rescue tubes and resuscitation charts on the beach and near the rockpool; and not responded to repeated requests to meet with you to discuss this matter,” Mr Christie said.

“I trust that my file which evidences unreasonable impediments to improving beach safety at Pearl Beach never has to be tendered to the Coroner as evidence at some time in the future,” he said.

Mr Christie said Council’s

decision did not take cognisance of the current state of defibrillator technology.

“They are specifically designed for public access and to be used by untrained people,” he said.

“The embedded system avoids misuse and danger to operators and defibrillators are being rolled out in public reserves around Australia.”

Mr Christie said the drowning of five-year-old Chayce Kelly at Pearl Beach in 2014 had “triggered a whole lot of beach safety issues including rescue tubes and angel rings or life buoys as they used to be called.

“I have offered to meet with council and bring a new-generation defibrillator with me so they could see it has been designed for public access,” he said.

“We have already had training for about 50-60 people in the village but you turn it on and a TV screen comes on and tells you what to do.”

There is already a defibrillator located at the Pearl Beach shop but public access is limited to the shop’s opening hours.

“I think they’ve got some misplaced concept of liability but there is no case law about anybody ever getting into trouble by attempting to save a life.”

Mr Christie said the progress association wanted the equipment in place before the beginning of the 2016-17 beach season.

“It is a very popular spot and very heavily populated.

“I would have thought that on a sunny day 400 to 500 people would be on Pearl Beach.”

Mr Christie said former Gosford councillor Mr Bob Ward had agreed to make representations to Mr Reynolds.

“There is no doubt we are on the right side of history.

“It is just a question of people waking up to themselves.

“We raised $26,000, and I would say $15,000 came from medicos and doctors who were very supportive of the appeal.”

Email, 11 Oct 2016 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association Interview, 12 Oct 2016 Ross Christie, Pearl Beach Progress Association Interview, 12 Oct 2016 David Kennedy, Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group Media statement, 12 Oct 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Reporter: Jackie Pearson

October 20, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

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Edition 405

Issue 144

October 25, 2016

Issue 103

Rally attracts over 1,000 people

nresolved Native Title and Land Title claims could see Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront frozen for years, making it impossible to build a Regional Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on the NSW Government’s preferred site in the foreseeable future.

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According to the Central Coast Council, a Native Title Claim and a Land Title Claim over Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront are a factor being considered by the new Council in its attempts to determine the best location for the RPAC. The Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, recently confirmed that the NSW Government’s $12 million funding commitment to the RPAC was conditional on the facility being located on Gosford City Park (also known as Poppy Park).

The park is located on the corner of Dane Dve and Vaughan Ave, Gosford, directly across Vaughan Ave from the former Gosford Public School site.

Mr Crouch said the NSW Government was not willing to change its mind about the location of the RPAC. He said the new Central Coast Council now had responsibility for advancing the project.

If the Central Coast Council decided on another site for the Centre, it would be reliant on $10 million promised in Federal Government funding and its own funds to deliver the project which has been sought by the community for decades.

It is understood that Gosford City Park is Crown Land that is managed by Central Coast Council.

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Ms Lynne Hamilton, Planning and Development Manager for the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, said the organisation lodged a Land Claim under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act with NSW Crown Land in 2014 over vacant Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront.

Ms Hamilton said the claim did not cover all Crown Land on the waterfront and Coast Community News has asked Crown Land NSW to confirm that the claim does cover Gosford City Park.

Ms Hamilton said such claims can take “a long, long time to resolve.

“We still have land claims unresolved from the 1990s,” she said.

According to the National Native Title Tribunal’s Register of Native Title Claims, the Awabakal and Guringai People have made a Native Title claim for the

right to hunt, gather and fish on lands spanning from Wahroonga in Sydney’s North to Maitland.

The claim was lodged in 2013 and appears to apply to Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront including Gosford City Park.

“It also takes a very long time for a Native Title claim to be resolved,” Ms Hamilton from Darkinjung LALC said.

“And the Federal Court is taking its time resolving this one, but there is nothing stopping the Central Coast Council from saying it has been affected by the matter,” she said.

Meanwhile, according to Ms Hamilton, the Awabakal and Guringai People Native Title claim means the subject land is frozen until the matter is resolved.

This casts a cloud over whether the Central Coast Community will ever receive the promised NSW

Government funding for the RPAC. If the Native Title and the Land Title claims are successful, future use of any Crown Land subject to those claims will need to be negotiated with the Native Title holders.

Coast Community News asked Central Coast Council for an update on its progress with the development of the Centre.

A written statement from the Council said: “There has long been a proposal to put a Regional Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on the Gosford Waterfront on the Gosford City Park site.

“Council is evaluating this option but notes there is a Native Title claim over the land as well as a Land Title claim which needs to be considered.”

This is the first time that the Central Coast Council or the former Gosford Council have referred to the Native

The Pearl Beach Progress Association will be able to locate a defibrillator on the beachfront, following negotiations with the Central Coast Council.

community on installation details.

“Council’s initial view was centred around risk management and I think the meeting on Friday has satisfied staff that those issues can be managed.

Association president Mr Ross Christie said the meeting with Council representatives had been positive.

“We had a meeting on Friday morning and we got a letter of approval on Friday afternoon for a defibrillator on the beachfront,” Mr Christie said.

“Everybody is fine and happy and negotiations are continuing about the location of other safety equipment,” he said.

“Unfortunately we needed a public campaign to move things along a bit,” Mr Christie said in relation to the Central Coast Council’s initial refusal.

Interview, Oct 24, 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Interview, Oct 24, 2016 Ross Christie, Pearl Beach Progress Association Reporter: Jackie Pearson

The area subject to the Awabakal-Guringai Native Title claim currently being dealt with by the Federal Court

and Land Title claims as a factor in the location of the RPAC, at least in the past 18 months of coverage by Coast Community News.

As previously reported in Coast Community News, the former Gosford City Council had talked to a number of developers to gauge interest in including the Regional Performing Arts Centre in their own development plans in locations other than Gosford City Park.

The owners of the Mariners Plaza development (on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St) and the Waterside Development (corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce) both said they had submitted plans

to Council indicating how a smaller version of a Performing Arts Centre could have been included in their development designs.

At this stage, both the security of the NSW Government’s $12 million pledge and the location of the RPAC remain unresolved.

Media statement, Oct 17, 2016 Central Coast Council media Interview, Oct 18, 2016 Lynne Hamilton, Darkinjung LALC Website, Oct 18, 2016 Register of Native Title Claim Details, NC2013/002 Awabakal and Guringai People

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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“My NSW Labor NSW,” Sen O’Neill said. ell over 1,000 people attended the Wyong Hospital privatisation no certainty about their colleagues and I will “The Baird community rally at Morrie Breen Oval on Sunday, October future. own “There are areas stand with the community Government’s 17.

Local Labor MPs who addressed the rally said the turnout demonstrated widespread public concern about the NSW Government’s decision to invite private operators to upgrade and run Wyong Hospital.

“The Wyong rally is just the start, with a series of events planned for regional locations where a public-private partnership model will be considered for hospital upgrades and construction,” said Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, Mr

David Harris.

Central Coast Labor MPs slammed the NSW Health Minister, Ms Jillian Skinner, for failing to consult with the community.

“Throughout two elections, we did not hear a word from the Government about this plan,” Mr Harris said.

“They have failed to treat our area with any respect or give us any say in decisions around our hospital.

“I hope the Government is paying attention to the reaction

of our community.

“This is not their hospital to sell,” he said.

Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride joined the debate.

“Having worked at Wyong Hospital for the past 10 years, I know how dedicated our health workers are and the strain they work under caring for us,” Ms McBride said.

“They don’t deserve this.

“It is unacceptable that local health workers have been put in a position where they have

within the health system where the public-private partnership model is known to be inadequate.

“How do we know this will not put more pressure on nearby public hospitals?

“We have no information from the Government about how they plan to address these risks.”

Member for the Entrance, Mr David Mehan said: “I am sure many more people will show their opposition to this Government and their unbridled attachment to privatisation.

every step of the way against the privatisation of Wyong Hospital,” Mr Mehan said.

Federal Labor Senator, Deborah O’Neill, said the NSW Government’s own documents proved their privatisation model would be used for further hospital construction and upgrades.

“The Government’s Public-Private Partnership approach, which will place Wyong Hospital in private hands, will potentially be used for other hospitals on the Central Coast and also affect all residents in

documents confirm: ‘If other projects are assessed as being able to deliver … using this approach, then partnerships will be looked into’,” she said.

“The public health system is not for sale.

“The community rightly believes that our health system is not something a government can make a profit from.”

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Joint media release, Oct 19, 2016 Heather Robison, office of Emma McBride Media release, Oct 19, 2016 Scott Coomber, office of Deborah O’Neill Jackie Pearson, journalist

From left, Jayden Gordon holidaying at Pearl Beach is taught about a rescue tube by Mr Dave Kennedy Photo Patrick Everett

November 3, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

-

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 145

Regressive refugee law is Council sets creating an apartheid extremely situation in Australia

Defibrillator permitted at Pearl Beach The association’s initial application had been rejected by the council.

The agreement came after an open letter from the association was published in the last edition of Peninsula News, The defibrillator will be located adjacent to the amenities block.

Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said Council staff and community representatives held a meeting on the morning of Friday, October 21, at the waterfront.

“I had signalled my intention to review the decision and staff met with representatives of Progress Association on Friday at Pearl Beach,” Mr Reynolds said.

“We have agreed on a suitable location for the defibrillator,” he said.

“Staff will liaise further with the

Artwork from the National Native Title Tribunal

31 October 2016

FREE

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Ph: 4325 7369

Native Title claims cast doubt over arts centre

THIS ISSUE contains 58 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

e Frkeeone!

FREE E FRE

Ta

Ph: 4325 7369

Community campaign results in land sale strategy being abandoned

high bar for DAs

The Rawson Rd Level Crossing at Woy Woy

ifty objections will be the new minimum requirement for a development application to be automatically referred to a meeting of the Central Coast Council for determination.

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Government abandons level crossing project The State Government has abandoned the Rawson Rd level crossing replacement project.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Mr Duncan Gay, announced the decision in answer a question from Mr Walt Secord in the Legislative Council on October 20.

According to Mr Gay, the overpass project would now cost the NSW Government a total of between $80 million and $115 million.

The NSW Government originally promised $30 million towards the replacement of the crossing in 2011 as a major component of Mr Chris Holstein’s campaign to be elected as the Liberal Member for Gosford.

Since then, the cost of replacing the level crossing has been revised upward on several occasions.

The level crossing replacement project has been at a standstill since the completion of the pedestrian underpass in 2015.

At the opening of the new pedestrian underpass, I committed

an extra $7 million towards the council’s proposed upgrade of the level crossing,” said Mr Gay. “This increased the overall commitment of the New South Wales Government at this location to $52 million because a total of $45 million had been committed towards a pedestrian and road solution at the level crossing.

“Unsurprisingly, the cost estimate to achieve a solution at the level crossing increased from $52 million, which increased from the original $30 million, to be between $80 million and $115 million.

“Following the cost estimate increase, I wrote to the council and advised that no further funding would be available for the proposal, which the council admitted it could not possibly afford itself.

“Taxpayers should not be forced to foot an even larger bill.”

Mr Gay said the Government had no responsibility for the roads involved.

“Woy Woy Rd and Rawson Rd are regional roads under the care and control of the Central Coast

Council, previously the Gosford Council.

“In other words, they are not state owned or managed roads,” he said.

“Since 2011, the New South Wales Government has committed more than $36 million in grant funding to Gosford City Council for the upgrade and repair of council owned and managed roads.

“This is equal to a 27 per cent increase in the grant funding compared to what Labor spent in its last term of Government.

“The New South Wales Government also spent $178 million upgrading the West Gosford interchange to address traffic demand on the Central Coast Highway and Brisbane Water Drive.

“The latter is the key State road connection to the northern end of Woy Woy and this upgrade was open to traffic in 2015,” Mr Gay said.

Hansard, 20 Oct 2016 Duncan Gay, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Reporter: Jackie Pearson More on level crossing - Page 13

THIS ISSUE contains 52 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

The sign at the front of Christ Church Gosford

ather Rod Bower, the Arch Deacon of the Anglican Diocese of Gosford, has said the Commonwealth Government’s proposed life ban on asylum seekers and refugees is a regressive law that is creating an apartheid situation that must be condemned by every decent Australian.

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“The Government’s retrospective legislation on refugees is nothing more than creating a sub-class of human beings that no other respectable nation would be willing to sanction,” Father Bower said.

“Australia has a weak and frightened Prime Minister promoting legislation on refugees that portrays us a weak and frightened nation,” he said.

“We are better than that and we deserve better than this.

“We must not let One Nation set the agenda on refugees, or anything else

for that matter.

“We must not allow them to drag the political landscape even further to the right.

“We must not allow the decent, compassionate soul of the Australian people to be destroyed.”

Fr Bower used facebook to send a message to Federal Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten.

“You owe no allegiance to Kevin Rudd’s decision not to allow asylum seekers who arrive by boat to settle in Australia,” Fr Rod said in his post to Mr Shorten.

“You, above all people,

know that this decision was made in an attempt to salvage some of the electoral furniture.

“You now have the opportunity and the electoral space to formulate and prosecute a more humane and sustainable refugee policy.

“Please do not waste this chance.

“Oppose this cruel and evil legislation.

“This retrospective law will cause the deaths of innocent, broken and desperate people.”

Fr Bower’s four facebook posts on the proposed

legislation garnered over 12,000 likes, almost 4,000 shares and over 500 comments in three days.

One comment read: “As an atheist, I feel a tad uncomfortable commenting on your page, but I wish all churches showed your humanity and humour; what a kinder and safer place the world would be.”

Another said: “Father Rod, you are a Christian in the way I understood Christ to be, a champion of the desperate, vulnerable and marginalised; if there were more like you, my faith might still be intact”.

Facebook, Nov 2, 2016 Father Rod Bower, Anglican Diocese of Gosford Jackie Pearson, journalist

The new Council had attempted to set the bar at 100 submissions, but following public consultation, changed that requirement to 50 objections.

The Council had further amended the new Public Submissions Policy to require two or more councillors to request DAs be considered at a public meeting instead of one councillor, as was the practice of the former Gosford Council.

The word “submissions” was replaced with “objections” in the rewritten policy so that it will only be the number of submissions opposing a DA that will count towards the new minimum thresholds.

These two late changes have not been the subject of further public consultation although a precedent was set earlier this year for an amended draft policy to be given a second public consultation period.

In July, the Central Coast Council placed an amended Draft Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition for a further 42 days as a result of amendments made after the initial period of public consultation.

The Draft Code of Meeting Practice had initially been put on public

exhibition following the May 25 Council meeting.

Coast Community News asked Central Coast Council why it did not follow its own precedent and give the community an opportunity to comment on the latest amendments to its new Public Submissions Policy.

A statement issued by Council on October 27, in response to the questions said: “Council considered a draft of the Public Submissions Policy at its meeting of July 27.

“It was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days (but not advertised in this newspaper), and public submissions were received.

“The policy adopted

by Council on October 26 reduced the threshold for referral of DAs to Council to better align with the community submissions.

“As a result of feedback [the number] was reduced from 100 to 50, so no need for further consultation.”

It appears there is no minimum standard for Councils to follow when consulting the community about the setting of policies, so technically, Council does not have to do any consultation with the public on such matters.

Continued P12

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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November 8, 2016

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 104

Comprehensive Wyong Grove rezoning proposal to go to NSW Department of Planning outique Wyong Living Pty Ltd has gained Central Coast Council support for a proposal to rezone parts of the former Wyong Grove Public School site from R2 Low Density Residential to R3 Medium Density Residential.

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Floor space ratio and building heights will also need to be amended in Wyong Local Environment Plan 2013 (WLEP), if NSW Planning gives consent for a gateway determination.

A portion of the former school site remains subject to a compulsory acquisition application that was lodged by the former Wyong Council and is expected to be concluded between November 2016 and January 2017.

At Council’s ordinary meeting on October 26, Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, agreed that the latest rezoning proposal should be sent to the NSW Department of Planning for a gateway determination.

Council will consult with landowners of surrounding properties to seek their support to be included in the revised planning proposal, as recommended by Council staff.

If the proposal is successful, properties from 1 to 5 Ingram St, 1 to 17 Owen Ave and 1 to 5 North Rd, Wyong, will be rezoned for medium density residential

The subject site for the rezoning proposal is edged in red

development.

The southern part of two lots at 1 North Rd will retain their low density residential zoning.

The site is known as the Wyong Grove Community and Cultural Hub and is the home of the Wyong Drama Group and Musical Theatre Company.

Wyong Grove Public School closed in June 2013 and Wyong Council entered a two-year lease with the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) in May 2014.

However, DEC sold the site in October 2015, and in December, the former Wyong Council resolved to acquire the front portion of the former school to retain it as a community hub, and council is still awaiting the outcome

of its application to compulsorily acquire the site.

A development a p p l i c a t i o n (DA/794/2016) was lodged with Council on 24 June 2016, for the demolition of all the existing buildings on the site, but has not yet been determined.

The applicant lodged a request for a pre-Gateway review in respect of this planning proposal with the Department of Planning and Environment in August.

The pre-Gateway review is yet to be considered by the Department and the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).

A report from the Central Coast Council’s Department of Environment and Planning to the October

The portion of the site subject to the compulsory acquisition application is edged in yellow

26 ordinary meeting said: “It is recommended that the planning proposal be amended and progressed in the following manner: rezone the majority of the subject site and those sites east of Owen Ave and south of Ingram St, to R3 Medium Density Residential; apply a maximum height of 16m and maximum Floor Space Ratop of 2.0:1 to the rezoned areas; Retain the R2 Low Density Residential zone over the south-western portion of the site which is currently utilised as the Wyong Grove community and cultural hub and is subject of the compulsory acquisition proposal; and, apply a Land Reservation Acquisition layer to the southern portion of the site to facilitate purchase of this portion of the site

by Council.

“The planning proposal has been informed by a series of preliminary technical studies/investigations and it is considered that there is currently adequate information to support a rezoning of the site for a higher density residential use.

“Further detailed works would be required to progress the planning proposal should a gateway determination be given.

“The proposal will provide for increased housing density and expand the housing choice within 800m of the Wyong Train Station and within walking distance of facilities and services of the town centre.

“WLEP only provides for limited areas of medium density residential land around

Wyong Town Centre, and this land is considered a reasonable expansion of the land use.

“The indicative development concepts accompanying the planning proposal are very basic and will need to be further developed to address matters such as privacy, overshadowing and visual impact,” the report said.

“Council’s Community and Culture Unit has advised that the rezoning should only progress on the northern portion of the lot, being the part which is not impacted by the compulsory acquisition proceedings.

“Preliminary consultation has been undertaken with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (L&HC), which owns four properties directly abutting this site, and a further six properties situated nearby.

“NSW L&HC supports the expansion of the R3 Medium Density zone (together with a 2:1 FSR) to apply to their landholdings.

“Expanding the R3 Medium Density zone (together with a 2:1 FSR) for land on the eastern side of Owen Ave, north of Ingram St and south of Cutler Dve is not recommended.

“It is considered preferable to restrict the proposed R3 zone to the area south of Ingram St. Agenda item 3.4, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

www.wyongnews.org

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P3 3

News

Train Maintenance Facility’s environmental impact to be assessed he referral of the proposed Tr a n s p o r t for NSW (TfNSW) intercity train fleet maintenance facility at Kangy Angy to the Commonwealth Government for review, under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, has given all interested parties another opportunity to submit their views about the project.

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The EPBC Act is the Commonwealth Government’s key environmental law that enables the Commonwealth to join with the states to provide a national scheme for environmental protection.

The TfNSW proposed train maintenance facility was referred to the

Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Energy, Mr Josh Frydenberg, because it was deemed to be of national environmental significance.

The Kangy Angy Residents’ Action group (KARAG) spokesperson, Ms Michelle Nicholson, said: “The project will remove habitat for two species of critically endangered birds, the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot, both of which are covered by the Commonwealth legislation.

“Additionally, there is the possibility that the remaining habitat will be affected by earth works and changes in the site water flows, and therefore changes to the understory,” Ms Nicholson said.

The new sign erected outside a Kangy Angy residence that was compulsorily acquired by Transport for NSWt

Continued P4

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Gosford City Farmers’ Market will feature a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, primary produce including gourmet jams and preserves, olive oil products, pestos, macadamia nuts and fresh home made products. The market will include other food related items as well as high quality “foodto-eat” vendors. Flowers, plants and trees will also be available for sale.

Additionally the market will also feature hand-made products other than food such as artists, designers and other quality artifacts.

The market will operate each Sunday from 8.00am till 1.00pm Rain, Hail or Shine.

Gosford City Farmers’ Market Gosford Racecourse, 4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford West

News

P44 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Train Maintenance Facility’s environmental impact to be assessed rom P3

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Mr Frydenberg determined that the project did require approval under the EPBC Act and has decided that that approval process that will be used would be a “controlled action”.

As part of the Commonwealth approval process under the EPBC Act, TfNSW has been required to publicly display its Review of Environmental Factors (REF), Species Impact Statement (SIS), an addendum to the REF and SIS with updated species listings, the original EPBC referral to the Australian Department of Environment and Energy, and a letter from TfNSW responding to a request for more information on the referral.

The information will remain on display until Monday, November 21 which is also the closing

date for submissions on the documents currently on display.

According to Ms Nicholson, TfNSW has stated that submissions already made will be considered as part of the NSW approval process and will not be reconsidered as part of the Commonwealth process unless the department receives a specific request for a submission to be reconsidered.

As a result, KARAG has been encouraging residents to make fresh submissions so they are considered as part of the Commonwealth approval process.

“TfNSW will not forward any previous submissions to the Commonwealth unless asked to do so, therefore it is important to send in a new or amended submission.

“There is no

Commonwealth Legislation that covers live power lines or flooding bridge access, although it is our understanding that TfNSW need to satisfy the Federal Government that they have addressed these issues raised in submissions.”

According to the information on public display, Mr Frydenberg will make a decision on the project following the public display period and the consideration of submissions.

This is expected to be early in 2017.

Following the Federal Minister’s decision, TfNSW will make a determination on the project.

KARAG has labelled TfNSW’s document referring the project to the Commonwealth G o v e r n m e n t “misleading’.

“We note that on page five of the New Intercity Fleet Maintenance Facility EPBC Act Referral, it states that ‘eight potential sites ... were identified based on the initial criteria,” Ms Nicholson said. “’A multi criteria assessment of these sites was undertaken to identify a preferred location… “’Kangy Angy was selected as the final preferred site’.

“We all know that Kangy wasn’t in the eight initial sites, and their site selection process is flawed, so the document is misleading,” she said.

KARAG committee members met with the project director, Mr Murray Harris, and his team on October 20.

Ms Nicholson said it was a “disappointing community consultation”.

“Mr Harris basically

told us the project is going ahead even though Federal approval is required,” she said.

“He would not engage in conversation regarding the site selection process or how the site is unsuitable, or the impact it will have on the residents.

“At every community engagement meeting, he has mentioned the positives this train maintenance facility development could bring to the residents, yet has failed to specifically mention one of those single positives.

“He again promised to engage with the community to make it better, but to date, the project team has failed to reassure us as to how they will be able to make it better.

“We will now have to wait until early 2017 to have the concerns

raised in our submissions addressed.

“Transport for NSW are still working through the approval process although they were hoping to get Commonwealth approval easily.

“It is also a concern that sometime in the future, the north access will be built.

“This would result in further damage to the environment, yet this is not considered in the referral to the Commonwealth government.”

Email, Oct 28, 2016 Michelle Nicholson, Kangy Angy Residents Action Group Websites, Nov 4, 2016 Environment.gov.au, EPBC Act approval process Transportfornsw.gov.au, Intercity feel maintenance facility Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P5 5

News

$28 million intersection upgrade completed he upgrade of the major intersection at Wyong Rd, Enterprise Dr and Chittaway Rd at Chittaway Bay has been completed.

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Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, said the NSW Government provided $28 million for the project with major work to replace the roundabout with traffic lights starting in September last year.

“With around 48,000 vehicles using it daily, the previous roundabout was heavily congested and needed the upgrade,” Mr MacDonald said.

“The project included replacing the roundabout with traffic lights to better manage traffic flow at the

Scot MacDonald (fourth from left) with RMS representatives

intersection.

“Key features included double right and left turn lanes from Enterprise Dr into Wyong Rd; double right turn lanes from Wyong Rd into Enterprise Dr, and from Chittaway Rd into Wyong Rd; and a left turn lane from Wyong Rd into Enterprise Dr.” Mr MacDonald said the new bus priority lanes at the traffic lights in both directions on Wyong Rd will prioritise public transport and a shared pedestrian cycleway will improve options for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This is a major win

for the region and it’s the first of three major intersection upgrades to Wyong Rd to be carried out,” Mr MacDonald said.

“The upgrade of Wyong Rd at Tumbi Rd and Mingara Dr is on track to be completed in 2018 and the Pacific Hwy and Wyong Rd intersection upgrade at Tuggerah is due for completion in early 2019.

Media release, Oct 31, 2016 Chris Sullivan. office of Scot MacDonald

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News

P66 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program recipients announced

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entral Coast Council has announced the first round of funding such as improving sports Ourimbah Rugby Club and, the San Remo as part of the Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants facilities, implementing Inc (Razorbacks Rugby Neighbourhood Centre community programs Club) to improve sports Inc. for its Opportunity Program.

A total of 14 not-forprofit community groups will receive a share of approximately $250,000 in grants towards delivering projects that improve community infrastructure and services.

As part of the $10 million provided to Central Coast Council under the NSW

Government’s Stronger Communities Fund, $1 million has been earmarked for local community group grants until 2018.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the grants will help the successful applicants deliver much needed community projects and initiatives

across the Coast.

“Congratulations to the successful applicants who will receive funding to deliver a range of essential social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits to our community,” said Mr Reynolds.

“The funding will contribute towards a wide range of vital projects

and restoration projects, all of which will enhance the lives of Central Coast residents.

“I am looking forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and seeing the community utilise and enjoy them.”

Successful recipients for round one of the Stronger Communities Fund included:

facilities; Youth Off the Streets Ltd for the fitout of Lakes College alternative high school; the EDSACC Croquet Club Inc. for a sun safety shelter; Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc. for a WiFiSurf, Information Technology Upgrade; Wyong District Tennis Association Inc. to pay for a court upgrade;

Knocks social enterprise project.

Applications for round two of the Stronger Communities Fund open on January 30, 2017 and close on February 24, 2017.

Media release, Oct 31, 2016 Central Coast Council media

Community Environment Network CEN concerned about the intentions of the Central Coast Council It was such fantastic news in September when the Central Coast Council Administrator resolved to take no further action in the reclassification of community land to operational land for the purpose of selling off. Many community members felt a great sense of relief - that they didn’t have to take more time away from their families, their jobs and their daily life to continue a battle that had already been going for 12 months.

Many of us also felt relief that maybe, just maybe, the Central Coast had turned a corner from what many believed had been years of poor governance and decision making by the former Gosford and Wyong Councillors. Previous decision making that had not prioritised the public interest, our communities or the protection of the environment Sadly, our hopes have been dashed!

This current Council now seems determined to put decision making behind closed doors - reducing the number of Council meetings from 4 per month (before the amalgamation) to 1 per month.

At the most recent meeting of Council on 28 October, the Central Coast Administrator also adopted new procedures that require 50 submissions opposing a development application (DA) before it comes to a Council meeting for debate and a decision. The policy of the previous Gosford Council required 5 objections. What a difference!

In 2012, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) produced a document entitled 'Anti-corruption Safeguards and the NSW Planning System'. The report suggested 6 anti-corruption safeguards including ensuring transparency and meaningful community participation and consultation.

It is extremely disappointing that the new Central Coast Administrator has significantly reduced some of those safeguards.

CEN believes that instead of continuing the attacks of the former Councils on the environment and our communities, the new Council should start the repair of our wetlands, threatened species, water catchments ... and trust in our planning system.

Central Coast Regional Plan - Week 1: Approved Week 2: Ignored for Old Farm at Mardi

Upcoming events Sat, 12 November Wadalba Microbat Night

At the Central Coast Council meeting held on 28 October, 2016 the Central Coast Administrator resolved to support a planning proposal to allow increased development west of the M1 expressway.

5:30-8:30pm Wadalba

CEN is concerned that this approval signals the end of protection for our rural and agricultural land west of the M1 and is not consistent with the Central Coast Regional Plan that was released by the Minister of Planning, Rob Stokes, on 14 October, 2016.

Sat, 19 November Urban Wildlife - Nests,

The importance of strategic agricultural land is emphasised in the Regional Plan in Direction 9: Protect and enhance productive agricultural land. This Direction is supported by the NSW Government’s mapping of Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land (BSAL), issued in January 2014, which includes land in the Yarramalong and Jillaby/ Dooralong Valleys. Most of the land on the Mardi Old Farm that is proposed to be zoned R5 Large Lot Residential is included in the Yarramalong Valley BSAL. It is understood that BSAL areas were based on a scientific assessment of soil fertility, land capability, rainfall and access to water resources.

Direction 11: Sustain and balance productive landscapes west of the M1 aims to reduce the potential conflict that may occur if new housing encroaches into rural and resource areas. In particular, this is to be implemented by Action 11.1: Identify and protect intensive agriculture clusters in local plans to avoid land use conflicts, particularly with residential and rural-residential expansion.

Water and Feed 10:00-12noon Peninsula

Sun, 20 November Environmental Education Network Event - A different way to engage in nature 10am-12noon Kincumba Mountain

CEN argues that the proposed rezoning of 49 hectares of the Mardi Old Farm to R5 is contrary to Direction 9 and Direction 11 of the Regional Plan. The development also allows much greater densities than existing R5 zoned land. It raises the question of whether the Central Coast Regional Plan has any weight in strategic planning for the Central Coast.

Thu, 24 November CEN Networking Night and BAT Awards

If you care about protecting west of the M1 - then email us at: cen@cen.org.au

6:30pm-8:30pm Ourimbah

An Invitation CEN Networking Night and BAT Awards

For many events there is a small charge. These

Thursday, 24 November, 2016 - 6:30pm-8:30pm, Ourimbah

charges vary so please check

This will be our end of year get-together - so come along and celebrate the achievements of the past year. We will also be presenting the 2016 BAT Awards and CEN Staff will give a brief update on their activities for the year.

Bookings essential. $5 donation appreciated to help with catering. RSVP at www.cen.org. au/events or phone 4349 4756

the website for details.

Bookings are essential FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK - VISIT www.cen.org.au/events

Jane Smith, CEO

Our Central Coast - Worth Protecting The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

Support CEN - Become a member - Volunteer - Make a donation

www.cen.org.au

Ph: 4349 4756

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P7 7

News

Mike Campbell awarded the Allen Strom Hall of Fame Award entral Coast local, Mike Campbell, was awarded the Allen Strom Hall of Fame Award 2016, connecting two identities involved with protecting the environment on the Coast.

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Mike Campbell’s award was announced at the NSW Environment Awards ceremony conducted by the Nature Conservation Council, at Sydney University on Saturday, October 22.

Mr John Edye, Vice President of the Mountain Districts Association, said Mike has dedicated much of his life to protecting the environment in NSW, with more than 40 years of activism, particularly on the Central Coast.

“His passion began in the 1970s as a young activist with the NSW Trades and Labour Council, and he worked

Mike Campbell with Don White, chair of the Nature Conservation Council after the award presentation

on local environment issues after he moved with his wife, Lynn, to the Central Coast in 1976,” Mr Edye said.

“During the 1980s, Mike successfully led campaigns to stop two proposed coal-fired power stations on the

Central Coast, mobilising Hunter Valley doctors to give evidence on the health impacts of living near power stations.

“This led to the proposals being defeated and the pre-existing coal plants being forced to clean up their operations.

ENJOY COASTAL LIVING IN

“Other major achievements include preventing the construction of a new coal mine in the Central Coast drinking water catchment, and stopping the sale of the Old Pioneer Dairy in Tuggerah, a sensitive wetland area with a wide range of threatened species, which was subsequently gazetted for public use.

“Mike was also a community leader in the Brisbane Water Save Riley’s Island campaign to protect it from development.

“As a member of the Trades and Labour Council, Mike worked with Allen Strom and Jack Mundey to convince the union movement to support the protection of this pristine island from development with a successful ‘green ban’ strategy.

“In the 1980s Mike also worked closely with Allen and Beryl Strom

in an environmental study of the Wyong Valley, and during this time, Mike became the State Treasurer for the Association for Environmental Education.

“This is Australia’s peak professional body for Environmental Educators, working with government, schools, businesses and community organisations, with the aim of growing sustainability education and behaviour change.

“Mike remained as Secretary and Treasurer of the organisation in the 1990s.

“Today, Mike continues as a community leader, as a member of the Hunter and Central Rivers Alliance, Australian Coal Alliance, Community Environment Network and the Lock the Gate Alliance.

The Nature Conservation Council’s Allen Strom Hall

of Fame Award was established in memory of Allen Strom AM (1914 – 23 March 1997) for his untiring dedication to conservation and education.

Allen devoted much of his life to the establishment of national parks and nature reserves.

He was chair of the NSW Fauna Protection Panel and a trustee for many national parks, including Bouddi National Park.

On the Central Coast, he promoted the establishment of Brisbane Water and Wyrrabalong National Parks, and the Wamberal Lagoon and Cockle Bay Nature Reserves.

He was a driving force behind the proposal for Gosford Council to have its first environmental officer in 1986.

Email, Oct 27, 2016 John Edye, Mountain Districts Association

News

P88 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Fifty submissions required before a DA automatically goes to a council meeting ifty objections will be the new minimum requirement for a development application to be automatically referred to a meeting of the Central Coast Council for determination.

F

The new Council had attempted to set the bar at 100 submissions, but following public consultation, changed that requirement to 50 objections.

The Council had further amended the new Public Submissions Policy to require two or more councillors to request DAs be considered at a public meeting instead of one councillor, as was the practice of the former Gosford Council.

The word “submissions” was replaced with “objections” in the rewritten policy so that it will only be the number of submissions opposing a DA that will count towards the new minimum thresholds.

These two late changes have not been the subject of further public consultation although a precedent was set earlier this year for an amended draft policy to be given a second public consultation period.

In July, the Central Coast Council placed an amended Draft Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition for a further 42 days as a result of amendments made after the initial period of public consultation.

The Draft Code

of Meeting Practice had initially been put on public exhibition following the May 25 Council meeting.

Coast Community News asked Central Coast Council why it did not follow its own precedent and give the community an opportunity to comment on the latest amendments to its new Public Submissions Policy.

A statement issued by Council on October 27, in response to the questions said: “Council considered a draft of the Public Submissions Policy at its meeting of July 27.

“It was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days (but not advertised in this newspaper), and public submissions were received.

“The policy adopted

by Council on October 26 reduced the threshold for referral of DAs to Council to better align with the community submissions.

“As a result of feedback [the number] was reduced from 100 to 50, so no need for further consultation.”

It appears there is no minimum standard for Councils to follow when consulting the community about the setting of policies, so technically,

Council does not have to do any consultation with the public on such matters.

Minimum consultation requirements are in place for matters such as Development Applications and Development Proposals.

Four local residents spoke against the motion to adopt the new Public Submissions Policy at the October 26 ordinary Council meeting.

“The Policy will put decision making regarding DAs behind closed doors with a lack of transparency and accountability to the community,” said Ms Jane Smith, manager of the Community Environment Network (CEN).

“Even with an amendment to numbers of submissions, the draft policy is unreasonable,” Ms Smith said.

“It is disappointing that, rather than proposing a higher standard of transparency and accountability, this Council wants to choose the lower standard of the former Wyong Council, rather than the higher standard of Gosford,” Ms Smith said.

According to Ms Smith, the Policy also removed anti-corruption safeguards, noting

the report from ICAC entitled ‘Anti-corruption Safeguards and the NSW Planning System’.

Ms Smith said the report suggested six anticorruption safeguards, including ensuring transparency and meaningful community participation, and consultation.

“All Councils suffer from community perceptions of dodgy deals, including the former Gosford and Wyong Councils,” Ms Smith said.

“Many hoped that the new Central Coast Council would restore some confidence in the planning process, however, the proposed policy reduces these safeguards against corruption.

“We also note the previous Gosford Council also included the requirement that a DA come to Council for determination if it was in excess of $15 million.

“It is unclear if this resolution of Council will continue.

“The Report also seems to give some weight to the views of the Local Representative Committees (LRC).

“To my knowledge, there is no mechanism for the LRC to engage with the community and their role as representatives is pretty much non-existent.

“CEN requests that the

Draft Policy be amended so that it is consistent with the former Gosford Council procedure,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith also requested, but was not given: clarification of the logic behind Council’s comments that this policy will not reduce transparency and accountability; and, clarification as to whether developments in excess of $15 million would be required to come to Council, and if not, what the new threshold would be.

Mr Gary Chestnut also addressed the Central Coast Council meeting on behalf of Friends of Gosford and the Mountain Districts Association.

Mr Chestnut said the two community groups did not support the recommendation.

“The information presented in the report is not a true reflection of how the former Gosford Council policy on reporting DA’s to Council has operated in the past and the structure that was in place to assist Councillors,” he said.

He tabled an extract from the 2014 Gosford Council Annual Report that showed the median turnaround time for DAs from July to December 2013 was 35 business days, not the 52 days in the report.

“Even when reports

had to be prepared for the Joint Regional Planning Panel … from July to December 2013 … 98 per cent were assessed within 40 days, and in January to June 2014, 99 per cent were assessed within 40 days.

“Consequently, the management structure that was in place in 2013-2014 had a direct relationship on the DA assessment determination times and not the number of DA’s referred to Council for determination,” he said.

Mr Chestnut conducted a review of policies in local government areas surrounding the Central Coast which revealed that the new Central Coast Council Policy has higher requirements for a DA to be referred to Council than any of the new Local Government Area’s surrounding neighbours.

According to the survey of surrounding councils conducted by Friends of Gosford, in Newcastle City, DAs are referred to an ordinary council meeting when the value of a development exceeds $10 million, more than 25 unresolved public submissions are received, or there is a request from two Councillors.

Lake Macquarie City Council has no adopted policy, as applications are referred to ordinary council meetings at the request of any Councillor

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P9 9

or at the discretion of management.

When clarification was sought on how management determined when to refer the matter to Council, the officer responded that since they had been working at Council, the officer had never known management to call up an application as they are always called up by the Councillors, even if there is just one person within the community that is concerned.

Hornsby Council has adopted a policy of referring DAs to meetings on the basis of 20 unresolved public submissions or a request by any Councillor.

Cessnock Council has no adopted policy, but applications are referred to an ordinary council meeting at the request of any Councillor or at the discretion of the assessing officer.

Anything between 10 to 20 unresolved public submissions can result in a DA being called before a council meeting.

“Adjacent local government areas had either no policy on the number of unresolved public submissions or the adopted work practice referred DAs to Council for determination when the number of unresolved public submission was between 10 to 20, 20 or 25,” Mr Chestnut said.

“The Mountain Districts Association does not believe the threshold numbers nominated reflect the true character of the population west of the M1 motorway,” he said.

“Within the Gosford City Community Profile, it records that the population in the former Gosford Local Government Area in 2015

was 173,138, resulting in a population density of 1.84 persons per hectare.

“In the same reference source, the population for Mountain North (which includes the areas of Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge and Somersby), the population in 2015 was 2,823, with a density of 0.07 persons per hectare.

“For Mountain South (which includes the areas of Gunderman, Spencer and Calga), the population in 2015 was 1,584, with a density of 0.06 persons per hectare.

“Clearly there is a significant difference in population number and density across the City.

“The Mountain Districts Association believes that it is important to have the policy that is based on the local population character of an area, rather than an excessive large global number.

Under the new Central Coast Council Public Submissions Policy, DAs with more than 50 submissions will be reported to a Council meeting for a decision, and DAs with less than 25 submissions will be determined by staff under delegated authority, Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said at the October 26 Council meeting.

Applications with more than 25 submissions will automatically trigger a briefing note to be sent to the Administrator for consideration.

The Administrator can also call up any DA for deliberation at a Council meeting.

A report to the Administrator from Council’s Department of Environment and Planning said: “The policy

will not restrict the ability of the Administrator or a Councillor to request that a development application be considered by the Council, irrespective of how many submissions are received”.

However later, the report seeks to further clarify the ability of Councillors to call up DAs. “It is proposed that this be further clarified in the policy by indicating that a group of two or more Councillors can have any development application called to Council irrespective of the number of submissions received.”

Mr Reynolds said Council now had one approach across the Coast making the process of determining DAs clearer for everyone.

“This has always been about adopting one uniform approach so the community is clear about the process,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Because the number of submissions required for an application to come to me for determination has been reduced from 100 to 50, development applications with a high level of public interest will automatically be determined by Council.

“I do want to assure the community that all submissions are taken into account when considering any DA, no matter how many are received.

“Staff must assess all DAs on their merit and under planning law and I have confidence in staff to do their job effectively.”

The former Wyong Council had a threshold of 50 submissions to trigger a briefing memo to all Councillors and a threshold of 100 submissions to trigger referral to Council.

For the 12 months prior to amalgamation, 66 DAs had been determined at Gosford Council meetings, whereas only six were determined at Wyong Council meetings for the same period.

The report argued that a 50-submission threshold would improve efficiency.

“The preparation of a Council report to consider a development application has an impact on development application determination times,” the report said.

“A total of 1,627 development applications were determined by the former Gosford Council for the 12 month period prior to amalgamation.

“A total of 1,696 development applications were determined by the former Wyong Council for the 12 month period prior to amalgamation.

“Using the 12 months preceding the Council amalgamation as a benchmark, the combined Councils determined a total of 3,323 applications.

“A combined total of 406, or 12 per cent, of those determined applications received more than five submissions.

“If the former Gosford Council delegation thresholds were applied, all 406 development applications would have had to have been automatically reported to a Council meeting.

“Based on 10 meetings per year, this is equivalent of 40.6 reports per meeting.

“This is in addition to any other development applications which may be called up by the Administrator or Councillors throughout the year.

“It is noted that this will have a direct impact on

development application determination timeframes and resourcing (especially now that council meetings have been reduced to 10 per year for the whole Central Coast).

“The processing of development applications is acknowledged by the Department of Planning and Environment as a key indicator of Council performance.

“It is noted that for the 12 month period prior to amalgamation …the median development application assessment time for the former Wyong Shire Council was 25 business days, and for the former Gosford City Council was 52 business days.

“In the 12 month period prior to amalgamation … the former Gosford Council reported 60 more applications to Council than the former Wyong Council.

“It is noted that the preparation of a Council report adds at least 21 to 26 days to the DA determination time of each development application considered by Council.

“It is considered important to balance the desire to have matters of high community interest determined by the Administrator/ Council with the need to ensure that development applications are not unnecessarily delayed,” the report said.

CEN’s Jane Smith said: “The report seems to suggests that the former Wyong Council’s method of operation is in some way superior to that of Gosford,” Ms Smith said.

“Considering that the current Central Coast Council is dominated

by Wyong Council staff in senior positions, that perspective is not

News surprising, however, many in the community would disagree [with it],” she said.

“The comparison of numbers of applications coming to council as a negative puts a heavy weighting on developer interests compared to the public interest.

“The comment about the number of reports that would come to a council meeting is a factor of the reduction from four Council meetings per month (in April) to one Council meeting per month now.”

Mr Gary Chestnut, representing tthe Mountain Districts Association said: “When comparing the former Gosford Council and the former Wyong Council policy on this matter, we believe a key component of the former Gosford Council policy has been overlooked.

“In the former Gosford Council policy on referring DAs to Council, it was based upon five or more significant submissions.

“Only DA’s that received five or more significant submissions were reported to Council.”

Media release, Oct 26, 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council Agenda item 3.6, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Media statement, Oct 27, 2016 Central Coast Council media unit Email, Oct 28, 2016 Gary Chestnut, Friends of Gosford and Mountain istricts Association Email, Oct 28, 2016 Jane Smith, Community Environment Network Jackie Pearson, journalist

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News

P10 P1 10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Rezoning of land on the western side of the M1 Motorway supported proposal to rezone parts of Mardi Old Farm, at 414 Old Maitland Rd, Mardi, has been supported by Central Coast Council A d m i n i s t r a t o r, Mr Ian Reynolds, following two periods of community consultation.

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At the October 26 ordinary Council meeting, Mr Reynolds resolved to support an amended planning proposal and request that NSW Planning agree that inconsistencies in relation to environmental protection zones, flood prone land and bushfire protection be considered “of minor significance”.

Mr Reynolds resolved that the proposal sent to NSW Planning should amend minimum lot sizes from 500 square metres to 900 square metres.

Central Coast Council will enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement to establish the requirements the applicant will need to undertake before submitting a DA. The Administrator resolved that “Council consider appropriate notations on planning certificates informing future purchasers ... of additional applicable development standards in relation to mine subsidence and acoustics.”

The 224 hectare site is owned by the applicant, Transnational Pastoral Pty Ltd, and they wish to rezone it from E2 Environmental Conservation, E3 Environmental Management and RU1 Primary Production, to E2 Environmental Conservation, E3 Environmental Management and R5 Large Lot Residential.

Locality plan for the proposed rezoning at Mardi Old Farm

Opponents of the proposal, four of whom addressed the Council meeting, said they feared the rezoning represented the “thin edge of the wedge” for the rezoning of land on the western side of the M1 Motorway for residential development.

According to a report from the Central Coast Council’s Department of Environment and Planning, the proposal to rezone Mardi Old Farm dates back to 1998 when a rezoning request was lodged to develop a rural residential hamlet or village.

The application included a concept design which showed village areas, rural lots, a lake (dam), a restaurant, community facilities, accommodation, function centre, shops and 400 dwellings.

In 2004, the plan was

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denied by the (then) Department of Planning and Infrastructure on the basis it was inconsistent with the principles and objectives of the GosfordWyong Structure Plan (1975), Shaping the Central Coast (1999) and the Central Coast Regional Strategy (2006).

The former Wyong Council resolved to support a new planning proposal to rezone the land in March 2013, according to a report to the October 26 meeting from Council’s Department of Environment and Planning.

A gateway determination was issued in September 2013 and Wyong Council supported the preparation of a sitespecific Development Control Plan in 2014.

The report from staff said the proposal was consistent with the latest regional plan, Central

Coast Regional Plan 2036.

“The proposed zoning amendment is to be partnered with …

WLEP 2013 provisions to facilitate and control development outcomes.”

Those provisions, according to the report, include a minimum lot size exception…so 30 per cent of the area of any lots may be less than the minimum lot size, provided they are no less than 900 square metres in area; application of a Dwelling Density Map to restrict overall lot yield to 300 lots; application of an Urban Release Area Map which will apply Part 6 Urban Release Areas of Wyong LEP 2013 to any future development of the site; and may require contributions to be made for the provision of state public utility infrastructure.

“A DCP amendment

has been prepared and exhibited with the planning proposal.

“A draft Voluntary Planning Agreement has been negotiated to ensure that the Proponent: establishes a 120 hectare Biobanking site in the Mardi locality; undertakes works to upgrade the Potters Gully and Mardi Dam West Fire Trails; provides a monetary contribution to Council to construct and/ or upgrade the Mardi Dam West Fire Trail where it is located on Council land; and, undertakes ongoing maintenance of the Potters Gully and Mardi Dam West Fire Trails, where they are on the Proponent’s Land.”

According to the report, the first time the proposal was placed on public exhibition, 118 submissions were received, including 108 community member objections.

Amendments were made to the VPA to ensure land in the locality will be established as in perpetuity Biobank sites.

The area proposed for conservation increased from 55 per cent to 75 per cent.

The amended planning proposal was further exhibited for 31 days in 2016 and extended for 21 days.

A further 86 submissions were received, including 60 objecting to the proposal and 26 letters of support.

According to the comments in the report that respond to issues raised in submissions: “An Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan will have to be prepared for any future subdivision of the site.

“Additional detailed flood modelling will be required to be undertaken to support any future

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subdivision of the site.

“The extent of the E2 Environmental Conservation zone has been extended and now applies to over 75 per cent of the site.

“When combined with the requirement for 120 hectares of this land to be the subject of a biobanking agreement, this provides for extensive areas of environmental protection.

“Submissions have raised concerns that the proposed rezoning and potential filling of flood prone land is inconsistent with … Flood Planning… and the Lower Wyong River Floodplain Development Plan.

“The Lower Wyong River flood study identifies that the site is affected by a 1 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event.

“The DPI-Water have reiterated that they have no objection to the proposed rezoning, however activities on water front land may require additional approval.

“Concerns regarding the capacity of Wyong Rd are being rectified by works planned and currently being undertaken by the RMS.” Many submissions identified the potential impact on the region’s water supply resulting from sewage overflow during the 1 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) Event.

Contamination of the Mardi Dam storage through groundwater was also raised as a concern.

However, according to the report to Council: “The site is not located within the Drinking Water Catchment, nor the catchment for Mardi Dam. Any future development of the subject site will be required to be connected to Council’s reticulated sewerage system at the future developer’s expense,” the feedback on submissions said.

Agenda item 3.5, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

News Second stage of The Entrance upgrade underway

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P11 W 1

Fishing industry research paper results in concerns over adjustment program new research paper has highlighted consumer demand for locallysourced fish, and the ongoing economic impact the commercial fishing industry has on the Central Coast, according to State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan.

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The two-year Valuing Coastal Fisheries Project by the University of Technology, Sydney, has revealed that the Central Coast region generates more than $82.62 million in revenue and over 489 full-time local jobs.

“The report highlights the valuable contributions the industry makes to the local economy,” Mr Mehan said.

“Despite this, the State Liberal Government is set on imposing its controversial business adjustment program, which has left many local commercial fishers in the dark about the future of the industry,” he said.

“This has been a longterm project by UTS to identify the ongoing vibrancy of commercial fishing in NSW and has highlighted the multiple ways in which the industry benefits our local economy.

“However, local fishers are still struggling to understand what legitimate reasons the government have to overhaul an industry that is clearly working well, without any real consultation with the local small businesses.

“This report proves that the local produce that our fishers provide is sought after by the community, and the Government’s flawed adjustment program threatens to drive local producers out of business

or heavily into debt.

“The Minister for Primary Industries should read this report and hit the pause button on going forward with the program until he can explain in real terms what the economic benefit will be for the community.”

NSW Labor is pushing for an Upper House Parliamentary inquiry into the commercial fishing restructure.

Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Mr Mick Veitch, said for months, requests to hit the pause button, sit down with the industry and deliver fair, transparent and sustainable reform had been ignored by the NSW Government.

“After a further round of meetings with commercial fishers, Labor believes there is no other option left but to push for a parliamentary inquiry,” Mr Veitch said.

“Labor is also concerned about the knock-on effects to associated industries such as gear and fuel suppliers, tourism and hospitality sectors,” he said.

“The inquiry would look at a number of issues surrounding the restructure, including the history of the reforms, the rationale of the current restructure, and assumptions used, as well as economic impacts on the industry and regional communities.

“The Baird

Government has stubbornly refused to listen to the industry and its call to suspend the restructure.

“It has pushed back deadlines on key parts of the reform in an attempt to buy more time.

“The restructure lacked widespread industry support, was underfunded and lacked scientific rigour.

“Without Government support, Labor will require the backing of crossbench MP’s to establish an Upper House inquiry.

“A Parliamentary inquiry will ensure an impartial assessment of the restructure and its impacts on commercial fishers.

“An inquiry will get to the bottom of the restructure process, allow industry and other stakeholders to have a say, and try to answer questions the Government simply refuses to answer.

“Just like the greyhound ban, the Baird Government has got it wrong and needs to rethink their approach to our valuable fishing industry in NSW,” Mr Veitch said.

The NSW Government welcomed the release of The Social and Economic Evaluation of NSW Coastal Professional Wild-Catch Fisheries by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, according to

ork continues at Lakeside Pde, The Entrance, as the second stage of the upgrade gets underway.

W

Some $1.2 million has been set aside for the final stage of the project, which includes upgrading pavement and drainage from Fairview Ave to Lentara Walk.

The first stage of the upgrade cost $900,000 and was completed in the previous financial year.

The work includes full drainage and road

pavement upgrade, including kerb, channel and driveways.

The works are due to be completed in February 2017 and will help to make the area more accessible to residents and holidaymakers.

The project complements a number of recent street upgrades by Council in the immediate

area including Ashton Ave, Campbell Ave, Oakland Ave (part), the southern end of Lakeside Pde and View St (part).

Upgrade of the nearby Manning Rd has also been earmarked for a future project, with a budget of $1.5 million.

Media release, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council media

News

P12 P1 12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Proposed Toukley service station decision deferred decision by Central Coast Council on the controversial application to develop a service station and convenience store at 356-8 Main Rd Toukley has been deferred until November 23.

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C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, decided to defer his decision although a report from Council’s Department of Environment and Planning to the October 26 ordinary meeting recommended that the project be granted conditional consent.

The application resulted in 242 individual submissions along with four petitions containing a total of 988 signatures.

Issues raised included concerns about emissions from the petrol bowsers and the impact of noise and headlight glare from tanker movements.

Other objectors raised concerns about the proximity of the development to the Toukley Public School which is 100 metres away.

Pedestrian safety, reduced parking on Main Rd, and the closure of the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre Food Care and Opportunity Shop were also raised as concerns.

Two residents, Korrey Blackwood and Robert Nardi, spoke against the recommendation.

The $1.2 million DA from the Stevens Group on behalf of the land owners, Mr and Mrs R Gattelari, proposed the demolition of existing single storey shops and the construction of a service station on the

land, l d which hi h is i zonedd B2 Local Centre and SP2 Infrastructure.

The 1,726 square metre site comprises three parcels of land on the northern side of Main Rd. The rear six metres is zoned SP2 Infrastructure and is required to be set aside for the extension of Bucks La, according to the staff report to the Council meeting.

According to the report, the site is bounded by large residential allotments to the north, containing a mix of single and two storey dwellings; and a single storey dwelling to the east (although DA/771/2016 was recently approved for a two storey shop top housing development on this site).

“The property to the west of the site contains a single storey shop building and to the south, on the opposite side of Main Rd, there are a single and two storey shop/commercial buildings.

“The convenience store is proposed to be constructed adjacent to the eastern boundary of the site.

“The fuel dispensing area comprises three double sided bowsers and is proposed to be covered by a 5.35 metre high

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“The area is proposed to be bunded to ensure that any spills are contained within the fuel dispensing area for discharge to trade waste.

“Car parking is proposed for eight vehicles adjacent to the western elevation of the convenience store, including one accessible space.

“The proposal includes the erection of a pylon sign, 6.95m x 2.33m in size, on Main Rd. “The service station is proposed to operate from 6:00am to 11:00pm, seven days per week.”

According to the staff report to Mr Reynolds, consent was granted in 2007 for the construction of a mixed use development comprising six retail tenancies, 14 apartments and basement car parking.

This consent lapsed in 2012.

The staff report said Council’s Development Engineer assessed the latest proposal in terms of access, traffic, car parking and stormwater, and raised no objection subject to some conditions relating to placement of median strips, relocation of an existing bus stop, stormwater works, bunding, car parking, tanker filling and fuel tank locations.

C o u n c i l ’ s Transportation Engineer also assessed the proposal in terms of road safety and raised no objection.

“The applicant “Th li t submitted plans detailing two central concrete medians which will physically restrict right turn movements into and out of the site in response to concerns raised by the NSW RMS,” the report said.

“These medians will not impede movements between Main Rd and Ray St,” it said.

In response to issues raised in objections to the project, the report from Council staff noted that pumps are fitted with vapour recovery systems under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010.

The report also noted that the applicant had reduced the proposed hours of operation from 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to 6:00am to 11:00pm seven days per week, and tanker movements would be restricted to 7:00am to 6:00pm, seven days per week.

“Further, the tanker refuelling points are required to be relocated to an area adjacent to the Main Rd frontage, which will minimise the impact on neighbours to the rear.

“A 2.4 metre high acoustic fence is to be provided, protecting properties to the rear from headlight glare and noise.”

In terms of the development’s proximity to Toukley Public School,

the h report said: id “The “Th application has been assessed by Council’s Environmental Health Officer, who advised that the generation of emissions and odours into the atmosphere from the proposal is considered to be minimal due to the requirements and obligations outlined under the “Protection of the Environment Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS)) Regulation 2008.

“The proposal will result in the net loss of six on-street car parking spaces.

“It is noted that there will still be sufficient onstreet car parking on the northern side of Main Rd and in the Council owned car park off Evans Rd. “It has been observed that this car park generally has a high vacancy rate. “ In terms of the loss of the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre food care and an opportunity shop, the report said: “It is acknowledged that some existing tenants may be displaced from the site by the proposal in the event that it is approved and constructed.

“However, the contractual arrangements of landlords and tenants is not a matter for consideration under Section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.”

The report also noted that there is an approved

Development Application for a 7/11 service station (under construction) 200 metres from the subject site.

“The proximity of the proposed service station to another service station is not a matter for consideration under Section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979,” the report said, calling it a “commercial consideration for the applicant”.

“The proposal is permissible within the B2 Local Centre zoning and has demonstrated that it meets the objectives of this zone.

“The proposal will facilitate the extension of Bucks La. In response to a comment from an objector that the proposed development was not in keeping with the Toukley Planning Strategy which outlines shop top housing for the subject locality, the report said: “One objective of the Toukley Planning Strategy is to ‘encourage’ shop top housing within the commercial area of East Toukley.

“It is not the only objective and is one of many objectives.

“The proposal is consistent with the objectives of the B2 Local Centre zone and the objectives of the applicable Development Control Plan, relevant Policy and the principles of ecological sustainable development,” the staff report concluded.

“Therefore, subject to conditions of consent, the proposed development is recommended for approval.”

Agenda item 3.1, Meeting Minutes, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P13 W 3

News

Wadalba land to be rezoned proposal to rezone E2 Environmental Conservation land at Wadalba to R2 Low Density Residential, has been endorsed

by Central Coast Council.

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C o u n c i l ’ s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, resolved to prepare a planning proposal to amend the Wyong Local Environment Plan 2013 (WLEP2013) to rezone part of 205 Johns Rd, Wadalba, from E2 to R2 and to forward that planning proposal to the NSW Department of Planning and request a gateway determination.

Subject to the gateway determination, the proposal will be exhibited and community and agency consultation undertaken.

The 3,000 square metres of vacant land is owned by Ms S Haddad and the applicant was Delroy Projects Pty Ltd.

The subject land is outlined in red

It is located on the northern side of Johns Rd, Wadalba, approximately seven kilometres north east of Wyong Town Centre/ Prior to December 2013, the subject land was part of the Urban Release Area Zone.

According to a report from the Environment and Planning Department of Central Coast Council, the site was zoned E2 because it was proposed

to be used as a drainage corridor.

The report said: “The part of the site proposed for rezoning is generally cleared land dominated by non-native vegetation.

“The site is identified in the North Wyong Shire Structure Plan as being within an existing urban area.”

The proposal also requests the minimum lot size map be altered to show this area as having a

minimum lot size of 450 square metres to align with the provisions of the adjoining R2 zoned land.

“A preliminary assessment of the concept indicates the proposal has merit.

“The planning proposal has been informed by a series of preliminary studies relating to flooding, ecology and planning matters.

“The application is supported by the

Stormwater Management Plan Addendum report prepared by ADW Johnson.

“This report indicates that the stormwater detention works undertaken in relation to DA/1580/2005 on the adjoining site, provided additional stormwater detention which compensated also for development on the subject site.

“The drainage reserve land is now in the ownership of Council.

“Council’s engineering staff have confirmed that there is adequate stormwater detention capacity and as such, the subject land is no longer required for drainage corridor purposes.

“The site consists of land where native vegetation has been removed and contains exotic grassland and coral tree thicket vegetation.

“The site does not form part of an area of native vegetation and does not provide a potential

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natural connective habitat for wildlife within the locality.

“There is no significant native vegetation on the site and the rezoning will not raise any significant ecological issues.

“The assessment of the proposal by Council’s ecologist supported the preparation of a planning proposal.

“The subject site is not identified … as part of the Wadalba Wildlife Corridor.

“The proposal will provide for orderly and economic development of land that is no longer required for infrastructure purposes,” the report concluded.

“It is therefore considered that a planning proposal should be prepared and forwarded to DP&E for a gateway determination,” it said.

Agenda item 3.2, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

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News

P14 P1 14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Jilliby rezoning reduced by 265 hectares eventy hectares of land at Jilliby, instead of the original 335 hectares, is likely to be rezoned from Rural Landscape to Environmental Living and Environmental Management, following the agreement by Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, to send the proposal to the NSW Department of Planning for approval.

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The site is around 8km north-west of the Wyong Town Centre and adjoins Sandra St, Jilliby.

According to a report prepared by the Central Coast Council’s Department of Environment and Planning: “The site has long been identified as having the potential for rural residential land use and is supported by Council’s Settlement Strategy (2013).

“It is considered that the site provides an orderly extension to the existing Jilliby rural residential development to the south, and it is therefore recommended that Council support the preparation of a plan proposal.”

According to the

Aerial photo showing Jilliby Stages 1 and 2 and Buttoinderry Waste Management Facility

report: “To the east is generally dense vegetation, including the western portion of both the Buttonderry Waste Management Facility (WMF) and the site of the proposed Wallarah 2 Coal mine; and to the immediate west are heavily vegetated steeper slopes.

“The rezoning of a broader Jilliby Stage 2 was proposed as part of the former Wyong Council’s Shire wide draft Local Environmental Plan 2012.

“In issuing certification for the public exhibition,

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the then Department of Planning and Infrastructure excluded the subject site and recommended that it proceed as an independent Planning Proposal.”

According to the report, in March 2013, the former Wyong Council resolved to support the broader Jilliby Stage 2 Planning Proposal for the purposes of seeking a gateway determination to facilitate rural residential development.

“The previous planning proposal covered 335 hectares of land and included a Concept Masterplan which identified the potential for 197 hectares of ruralresidential lots ranging from 1 to 3 hectares in size, together with 76 hectares of drainage corridor land.

“On September 17, 2013, as part of its conditional endorsement of the Wyong Council Settlement Strategy, the DP&E advised the former Wyong Council that it will need to commence a Strategic Assessment to justify any future rural residential planning proposals.

“DP&E advised that this strategic assessment

would need to consider a number of relevant factors.

“Council has been in the process of undertaking a review of rural lands within the northern portions of the Local Government Area (LGA).

“To facilitate the provision of such land uses, a number of specific localities (including the Jilliby 2 site) have been recommended for further investigation for rural residential development purposes.

“The areas nominated for such development have been considered on the basis of physical constraints, environmental constraints (flooding, bushfire) and land use constraints (compatibility of rural residential with existing agricultural land use patterns).

“The 70 hectares … has been identified as being capable of supporting additional rural residential development.

“In respect to the Buttonderry WMF, a Strategic Environmental Study (SES) was undertaken by the former Wyong Shire Council to inform the planned expansion of the Buttonderry WMF to

manage waste generated from the expected population growth of the Central Coast in the short and longer term.

“The boundaries of the planning proposal area have been significantly reduced by the applicant in response to the findings of the Buttonderry WMF SES. “Areas which were formerly part of the rezoning proposal which are affected by potential noise and odour buffers of the Buttonderry WMF have been removed from the proposal.

“A revised planning proposal was submitted in May 2016 which reduced the area proposed for rural residential zoning.

“The reduction in area was to exclude those areas affected by potential noise and odour buffers of the Buttonderry WMF. “The planning proposal now applies to an area of approximately 70Ha instead of 335Ha. “The majority of the properties within the applicant’s 2013 study area are now not proposed to be rezoned.

“The amended planning proposal currently before Council proposes to facilitate

development for rural residential purposes in the form of approximately 70 allotments ranging from 0.5 to 3 hectares.

“As part of the Rural Land Study (RLS), Council is currently examining the most appropriate zone for this form of rural residential development.

“It is considered that the E4 Environmental Living zone provides for an appropriate low impact built form, promotes positive environmental outcomes and has a less intensive range of permissible uses.

“A portion of the area to be rezoned is below the 1 in 100 year flood extent (60 and 70 Sandra St).

“While these blocks are constrained by flooding there remains some low intensity rural residential capacity on the allotments.

“It is proposed by the applicant to rezone these areas from RU2 – Rural Landscape to E4 Environmental Living.

“However, given the flood constrained nature of these parcels, the E3 – Environmental Management zone is considered more appropriate for these two properties than E4 Environmental Living.

“The proposal will expand the available housing choice in terms of providing for additional rural residential living within the northern part of the Central Coast.

“The site is located outside of the water catchment and relatively close to transport connections and centres.

“The WLEP only provides for limited areas of rural residential land, and this land is considered a reasonable expansion of the land use,” the report said.

Agenda item 3.3, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting

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November 8, 2016 - P15 5

News

Regional Development Australia Central Coast welcomes new regional plan hil Walker, Chair of Regional Development Australia, Central Coast (RDACC), has welcomed the recent release of the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2036.

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Mr Walker said the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 had delivered a broad planning framework which is intended by the NSW Government to stimulate regional growth and deliver improved professional, government and health services, better transport and enhanced public open space.

“RDACC has been working with all regional stakeholders to develop collaborative strategies and initiatives to address identified population growth, infrastructure, job creation and economic development challenges that our region will face over the next 20 years,” he said.

“We are pleased to see the delivery of the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 and, as importantly, the clear identification of the NSW Government Departments that will be responsible for assisting the newly-formed Central Coast Council to deliver the identified strategies and initiatives contained within the document.

“We are also pleased that the Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy (REDES) has been identified as an essential

initiative within the Central Coast Regional Plan.

“Ongoing regional collaboration is essential to ensure that all levels of government, local business, Aboriginal and community leaders work together to create a desirable and successful region for people to live, work, visit and invest.

“Now is a significant period for the Central Coast community with many opportunities to seize, and a number of challenges to address.

“It is essential that the entire Central Coast works collaboratively to unite our region, to speak as one and to collectively craft our own regional destiny.

“For too long our region has been divided, we have listened to too many naysayers and we have lagged behind many other regions that have decided to become united in their determination to create better regional outcomes for their residents.

“If we are truly committed to building a better Central Coast, we can no longer allow a small percentage of our region to speak on behalf of our entire community.

“Delivering a desirable and sustainable Central Coast region will require substantial ongoing funding of projects by all levels of government.

“To compete in this very contestable funding pool, it is essential for our region to work as one to design deliverable projects, develop comprehensive business plans and funding submissions, and to ensure that these projects and submissions are proactively supported by all stakeholders within our region.

“We have power and influence as a united region and there has never been a more important time for the Central Coast to show this unity.

“RDACC encourages the entire Central Coast to get behind our new Council, to support new and innovative economic development initiatives and to proactively promote the Central Coast Region as the premier region in Australia”, said Mr Walker.

Media release, Nov 2, 2016 Elizabeth Westrap, Regional Development Australia Central Coast

Other Regional News - In brief Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263.

Given the arrival of new Central Coast Council, following is a summary of news articles published in the

most recent edition of each of our sister Central Coast publications.

The full articles and more, as well as all previously published editions, can be seen on line on our website

www.CentralCoastNews.net Copies of these other publications may be obtained from our offices in Gosford, by subscription, or from a myriad of locations in the areas covered by each publication.

e Frkeeone!

Ta

Edition 405

31 October 2016

Peninsula News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2256 & 2257.

Administrator to review Council defibrillator refusal

Proposal to increase Palm Beach ferry price

Wicks urges Council to reconsider defibrillator decision

Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds has called for a review of Council’s decision to refuse approval for a publicly accessible defibrillator to be installed at Pearl Beach along with rescue tubes and

Fares for the Palm Beach Ferry Service would increase under recommendations from the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal but Central Coast Ferries ticket prices would not change.

The Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, has urged Central Coast Council to reconsider its decision not to grant permission for Pearl Beach Progress Association to locate defibrillators on its beachfront and near the local

Crash leaves homes without power The NSW Department of Primary Industries has claimed it has no legal power to manage the impact of algal blooms on the fauna of Brisbane Water.

Department claims it cannot manage algal blooms The NSW Department of Primary Industries has claimed it has no legal power to manage the impact of algal blooms on the fauna of Brisbane Water.

Algae specialist suspects old Pelican rescuer claims vindication in EPA letter tip leachate and fertiliser Blue-green algae specialist Dr Guastaaf Hallegraeff has said leachate from the old Woy Woy tip and the use of fertiliser on nearby playing surfaces could both be contributing factors

Pelican rescuer Ms Wendy Gillespie said her campaign to get to the bottom of bird deaths at Blackwall had been vindicated by a letter from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Rotary seeks graffiti day volunteers

Council to hold ‘pop-up engagement stall’

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has encouraged local residents to become involved in Graffi ti Removal Day on Sunday, October 30.

Central Coast Council will have a “pop-up engagement stall” in Umina on Thursday, October 20.

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net They can also be seen on www.PeninsulaNews.info

E FRE

November 3, 2016

Your independent local newspaper

-

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 145

Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260

Regressive refugee law is creating an apartheid situation in Australia Father Rod Bower, the Arch Deacon of the Anglican Diocese of Gosford, has said the Commonwealth Government’s proposed life ban on asylum seekers and refugees is a regressive ...

Council sets extremely high bar for DAs

Fourteen year dispute over the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre could be coming to a head

Fifty objections will be the new minimum requirement for a development application to be automatically referred to a meeting of the Central Coast Council for determination.

Beth and Norman Hunter, the owners of the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, look set to take their fight to redevelop the theatre to the Land and Environment Court in February 2017.

O’Neill calls on Wicks to stop Politicians urge council to make Gosford Waterfront Alliance the use of park land for an a decision on performing arts Land and Environment Court ATO access road centre and get on with it action completed Gosford Waterfront Senator Deborah O’Neill has Local Federal and State The slammed plans to build an politicians, of all stripes, are Alliance (GWA) Land and access road for the Australian now saying, unequivocally, Environment Court action the Taxation Tax Offi ce through the middle that it is time for the Central against developer, Doma, of the park on Gosford’s Coast Council to deliver a Office regional performing arts commenced on November 1 Waterfront. and continued on ... centre for the ...

Prime Minister celebrates birthday at car museum The Gosford Classic Car Museum was the venue for Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Turnbull’s, 62nd birthday celebrations, on the evening of Monday, October 24.

Stronger Communities Fund successful applicants finally announced The names of the successful applicants for the fi rst round of funding under the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund have been announced by Central Coast Council, although ...

Brisbane Water Dve route safety investigation underway The Point Clare community has been invited to comment on potential safety improvements to Brisbane Water Dve from Manooka Rd near West Gosford to the Glenrock Pde ...

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.centralcoastnews.net Coast Community News focusses on news specifically related to post code areas 2250, 2251, 2260 and articles can also be read and shared on your mobile phone by going to www.coastcommunitynews.com.au.

Forum

P16 P1 16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Regional Plan ignores Traditional Custodians

Keep our hospital public

n regards to the recent signing of the Central Coast Regional Plan, as one of the original custodians of these lands, and with the current Native Title claim still being heard in the Federal Court, it is a bit pretentious in not recognising or acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the Central Coast within the plan.

I

The plan should include the Traditional Custodians or there would be ramifications in the future if Native Title is ruled in favour of the

Forum

Native Title claimants.

To judge or assume they have no case in the

Federal Court is very unwise.

Email, Nov 2, 2016 Kevin Duncan, Charmhaven

I

wanted to email and request your support in helping stop the part privatisation of Wyong Hospital that our community members are against.

I am part of a group on Facebook called “keep our hospital public”, which has 24,504 members, and I want to share the message I have sent to Mr Malcolm Turnbull, Mr Mike Baird, Ms Julie Bishop, Mr Scott Morrison, Ms Fiona Nash and Ms Jillian Skinner.

I also sent our local MP, Mr David Harris, a copy as he is supporting us.

The message I sent is below.

Please, please, please, listen to your people in regards to the part privatisation of Wyong Hospital.

The Central Coast is a fabulous community, its population has increased significantly over the decades, but it remains a close diverse community that takes pride in independence of local businesses, community groups, activities, schools and healthcare.

We support each other, which is unique in this day and age.

I work as a registered nurse at Wyong Hospital.

I know I will always have a job somewhere with my qualification, but I don’t want to move and be driven somewhere else for job satisfaction.

Forum Letters to the editor should be sent to:

Wyong Regional

Chronicle PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or editorial@wyongnews.org See Page 2 for contribution conditions

Wyong Hospital is much more than a hospital.

It’s the community caring for the community.

It’s like a large family looking out for each other.

Please look at alternative ways to finance redevelopment.

We would rather cope and leave our hospital as it is if we cannot have upgrades.

The only reason we needed upgrades is due to the growing population.

Yes there are good and bad things in hospitals, and yes, things are costly, but that is the same in every state in every country.

The fact is, that’s life.

Healthcare should never be for profit.

We are dealing with human beings not products.

This would be very sad, making money from the sick.

The reality is, people get sick, and we help them through the hardest time of their lives.

We do not get paid much, but we take pride and satisfaction in providing the best care we can, which comes from the heart not the bank.

Please listen to the people.

After all, it’s the people who put you in office because we trusted you.

You would be more respected now if you change this and show that you are listening.

Wyong hospital was built by the community.

It is community people that run the hospital, work there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for patients from the community.

This affects thousands.

Please look at the statistics and value the opinion of this large community, standing together, with everyone saying no to part privatisation.

Please listen.

Email, Nov 7, 2016 Carla Hilton, Berkeley Vale

If you can’t wait to get your copy read it online!

If you lent yours to someone that won’t give it back - read it online!

Missed an edi on or want to re-read something - read it online!

Simply go to www.centralcoastnews.net They’re all there and it’s FREE Want to share something you find really interes ng, see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P17 7

Wildlife poisoner still at large he NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is actively continuing its investigation into the poisoning of hundreds of birds on the Central Coast, and is appealing to the public to come forward with any information that may help catch the culprit.

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EPA Acting Director Hunter, Ms Karen Marler, said the EPA now has reports of over 250 birds, including magpies, peewees, butcher birds, currawongs and corellas, as well as two dogs, being poisoned.

“Our latest reports of bird deaths have been primarily magpies in the Woongarrah area in midOctober.

The two dogs were also impacted in Woongarrah when they ate meat baited with poison in the area.

“Testing indicates the birds and dogs have been poisoned with the same pesticide, fenamiphos.

This pesticide is not readily available to the public.

“Meat laced with the poison has been tossed onto the ground for animals to ingest.

“It is very distressing that anyone could be so malicious to harm native wildlife and also endanger pets in this way.

“The misuse of pesticides is an offence in NSW and heavy penalties apply, including fines up to $120,000.

“The EPA has received a number of leads and we thank those people who have come forward with information.

They have not yet been able to identify the person responsible.

“We are again appealing for people to come forward with any information which may assist.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from the owner of the dark coloured Ford Ranger ute seen in the vicinity of Highberry St, Woongarrah on September 24, to assist with our enquiries,” Ms Marler said.

Media release, Nov 2, 2016 Karen Marler, EPA

Gorokan man to face several charges following hit and run

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n 18 year old Gorokan man has been charged following a hit and run incident involving a Central Coast Police officer on October 31.

Around 12:30pm on October 31, a Highway Patrol officer became involved in a pursuit with a vehicle in Wyoming.

The vehicle entered Japonica Dr where the officer got out of his vehicle and was struck by the car, which then drove off.

The male senior constable suffered a head laceration and a knee injury.

He was taken to Gosford Hospital in a stable condition and was released later that day.

Investigations into the incident began immediately, with officers searching for a grey Mitsubishi Magna and appealing to the

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: http://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/ Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

public for information.

On November 3, officers attached to Brisbane Water LAC attended a home in Gorokan and arrested an 18 year old man.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with: police pursuit – not

stop- drive dangerously; use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention; assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm; drive motor vehicle while licence suspended; drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous; fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury; class A vehicle displaying misleading number plate; and damage property by fire less than $2,000 He appeared in court on November 3, where he was refused bail.

He will reappear at Wyong Local Court on December 19.

Media release, Nov 3, 2016 NSW Police Media

Every three minutes there are two reports of child abuse/neglect.* In 2008-2009, more than 930 new reports of child abuse per day. This means that there were two reports of abuse or neglect of a child for every three minutes of a day.

On The Beat

Police civilian employee charged NSW Police Force civilian employee has been charged following an investigation into alleged misconduct.

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On September 23, police commenced an investigation into a 27-year-old female civilian employee attached to a Specialist Command.

On October 13, the woman attended Wyong

Police Station where she was arrested and charged with eight counts of unauthorised access to restricted data and one count of intimidation.

She was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Wyong Local Court on Thursday, October 27.

The woman has been suspended from work.

Media release, Oct 17, 2016 NSW Police Media

Boy airlifted to Westmead Children’s Hospital 14 year old boy suffered chest and neck injuries in an off-road motorbike accident in Wyee on October 30.

A

CareFlight’s rapid response rescue helicopter was called to Wyee shortly before 12:30pm.

The helicopter was met by NSW Ambulance paramedics with the patient at the sportsground where it landed.

CareFlight’s specialist doctor and intensive care paramedic assessed the boy at the scene before he was transferred to the helicopter.

He was airlifted to

Westmead Children’s Hospital in a stable condition.

The boy was accompanied by his mother.

Website, Oct 30, 2016 Central Coast Incident Alerts

Boy charged with malicious damage at Westfield young person has been charged after allegedly committing numerous malicious damage offences at Westfield Tuggerah, before threatening a person with a toy pistol in the car park.

A

At about 11am on November 4, a 17 year old boy was at a store in a shopping centre in Tuggerah, when he became abusive towards staff.

He then allegedly damaged racking as well as two mannequins, causing significant damage to them.

As he left the shopping centre, the boy allegedly smashed a large glass panel on a sliding door.

He then became involved in an argument with an unknown person in the car park, pointing what appeared to be a pistol at them before driving from the scene.

At about 7:30pm, the boy attended Toukley Police Station, where he was arrested and conveyed to Wyong Police Station.

A cap gun was also seized from him.

He was charged with two counts of malicious damage and one count of affray.

He is expected to appear at Wyong Children’s Court on November 22.

Inquiries are continuing and further charges are likely.

Media release, Nov 5, 2016 NSW Police Media

ln times of tragedy, you can give

Our kids need our protection now!

To reach out to a young person in need, please call our donation hotline on 1800 06 22 88 or donate online at www.youthoffthestreets.com.au. *AIHW, 2008-2009.

Please donate now Youth Off The Streets is a registered charity helping the nation’s most disadvantaged youth to turn their lives around.

www.youthoffthestreets.com.au

salvos.org.au | 13 SALVOS

Health

P18 P1 18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Camp Breakaway’s recreational facilities restored

The refurbishment was funded by a grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and was officially opened by Foundation, Director Phil Neat and Breakaway Ambassador Grayden Moore

White Ribbon Day walk at The Entrance critical element of Camp Breakaway San Remo’s recreational facilities was reopened on October 25 following improvements.

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Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation granted $25,500 to Camp Breakaway to restore its combined tennis and basketball court to top condition, enabling attendees to get fit and socialise, improving their physical and social wellbeing.

The refurbishment of the courts has also included the addition of shade structures, barbecues and outdoor furniture.

Charitable Foundation Chairman, Mr Michael Slater, said exercise and physical activity was important for the wellbeing of children and adults living with a disability.

“Having the ability to use the improved facilities will support the wellbeing of people living with high medical needs and disabilities and their families who attend Camp Breakaway,” Mr

Your independent local newspaper

-

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 139

Documents obtained under Freedom of Information reveal damning evidence of neglect ocuments obtained by the Mountain Districts Association from the NSW Office of Water, show the landfill at Mangrove Mountain has flouted legal requirements necessary to protect natural water resources, since at least 2005.

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The association used the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 to access documents that tell a damning story of malfeasance by two landfill operators, the Gosford Council and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, in relation to their responsibility to keep the Central Coast’s water supply safe.

The documents show that officers from the NSW Office of Water, within the Department of Primary Industries (and its former equivalents), have been raising concerns about the operation of the landfill for at least 10 years (2005 to 2015).

Despite concerns raised by the Office of Water, Gosford Council, as consent authority, and the EPA as the licencing authority, continued to allow the landfill to operate.

The Mountain Districts Association has been requesting a meeting with the former Gosford Council, and the new Central Coast Council, since January 2016.

The new Central Coast Council has finally agreed to meet with the Mountain

Your independent local newspaper

September 8

T

he former Member for Gosford and Terrigal, Mr Christopher Hartcher, has been found by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to have acted with the intention of evading election funding laws by failing to properly disclose political donations worth “hundreds of thousands of dollars”; by accepting donations from property developers; and by breaching caps on political donations that applied after January 1, 2011.

Gosford City is facing a parking crisis with no plan in place

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“Recent works are not to an acceptable standard and likely to fail.”

Ph: 4325 7369

October 6, 2016

Issue 141

Chris Hartcher found by ICAC to have acted with the intention of evading election funding laws

indicates high potential for unsatisfactory.

According to the report: contamination of surface “It appears that no formal waters and groundwaters.”

E The officer who …review has been required FRE The ICAC report called then Election Funding NSW Liberal Party totalling the site to consider the potential completed for the DPP to be asked Authority of NSW, $4,000. groundwater impacts of this inspection recommended to consider prosecuting officers of that authority “They were received by immediate compliance development.

Mr Hartcher for an alleged were not involved in any Mr Hartcher for the benefit “The nature of the action for the extraction offence of larceny. wrongdoing. of the NSW Liberal Party activity, and the magnitude of groundwater, damage The ICAC’s Operation The Commission’s for the March 2011 state August 25, 2016 Your independent local newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369 to waterfront land and to and sensitivity of the Spicer investigation report noted that at the election campaign. location warrant an refuse an application for exposed prohibited relevant time, proceedings “In November 2011, assessment of the potential controlled activity approval. donations, fund for an offence under the some eight months after The “waterfront” referred impacts against the Aquifer channelling and non- election funding laws the election, Mr Hartcher Interference Policy ‘minimal to was described by the disclosures in the NSW had to be commenced arranged for the cheques impact considerations’, Office of Water as “forming Liberal Party’s 2011 state within three years from to be paid into the trust should the development part of the headwaters of election campaign and the time the offence was account of Hartcher Reid, proceed [under yet-to-be the Wyong River”. identified Mr Hartcher as a committed. a legal firm, and for that The landfill operator finalised new EPA licencing key playerGovernment in a considerable the Operation firm to draw a cheque Terra) responded conditions],” the document (Verde in this. “As osford City number of “Rail transactions inquiry for $4,000 in favour of by issupplying the Offi said. transport, asSpicer a form public facing a ce for campaigns in his seat not conclude until Mickey Tech, a business In terms of whether the of Water with information travel,didis the of commuter parking crisis, of Terrigal and for the September 2014, and the owned by the partner of existing landfill has had any that Gosford Council had responsibility of the State with uncertainty, seats of Government Wyong and The mattersis canvassed in the Mr Raymond Carter, an impact on groundwater, an granted a Section 96 and there confusion Entrance.some expectation that that amendment to itsand original August 2012 site inspection c o development n g e s tconsent i o n and The Commission didtakes not an active After the $4,000 was deposited into the by the Office of Water An Office of Water photo from 2012 showing poor government uncover any irregularities management of ground and surface water at the landfill surrounding thetocity’s an addendum a Landfill concluded: “Evidence interest in the problem. Mickey Tech account, it was allegedly in the seat“However, of Gosford, socially, Environmental Management major car parks.

Districts Association on but the facts uncovered likely to fail,” the document gathered onsite indicates withdrawn in cash by Mr Carter and given to at that time

by Mr Plan.the fate of the that the groundwater table With the Mountain said.

August 23 to discuss the support it isheld seen as a Local Christopher Holstein. matter,Mrand Hartcher, according to the ICAC report.

Verde 400 free car Terra parks was atop told Districts Association’s This work was subject to has been intercepted by landfill.

Government The theCommission’s they had no consent under Kibbleplex (formerly The EPA, although call for a full commission the Land and Environment excavation with seepages public expects Local report, Investigation report occurred mostly electorate officer working the Water Management Marketplace) unclear, Act it has agreed to an of inquiry by the NSW Court Consent of 2012 but, noted up to approximately Government to play a part into NSW Liberal Party from 2009 to 2011, a for Mr Hartcher.

2000 to undertake already proposed fed independent review of Government, the immediate according to the document, half the height of the pit. commuters in it as well. electoral funding for prosecution for relevant According to the ICAC, works. up with Gosford’s parking the landfill’s operations, closure of the landfill and full “To my knowledge, there the 2011 state election offences is now statute Mr Carter had been a situation are concerned continues to work with remediation of the site. were no plans or strategies campaign and other barred,” the statement member of the NSW about the city’s lack of the operator to apply new discussed between the matters, was made public said.

Liberal Party since 1972 dedicated free parking. licencing conditions which last council and the State on Tuesday, August 30.

In relation to the alleged and had held a variety The potential ofOffi thece of would allow the site to Government to address Accordingloss to the The ICAC made factual offence of larceny, the of offices, including free Water Kibbleplex parkingGosford is recommence taking waste. documents, the issues of commuter Documents from 2012 findings but could not ICAC report said: “The presidency of the Liberal not the end did of Gosford’s The EPA has informed to 2015 relate to future Council not express parking,” Ms Scott said. make findings of Corrupt Commission is of the Party Green Point Branch. parking woes, with the Mountain Districts activities proposed at the concerns to the Offi ce of “I hope the current Conduct in relation to opinion that consideration “There was a long commuters questioning Association that, during landfill if the EPA issues new Water about the landfill’s takes these council conduct that “only relied should be given to connection between Mr the safety useability the week from August 1 licencing conditions. activitiesand being potentially concerns and acts on on a breach of the Election obtaining the advice of Carter and Mr Hartcher, “Inspection of the river of the Baker of Stitscar park, to 5, the EPA and Office in breach development them before any more The most recent had been carried out without Funding, Expenditure and the DPP with respect to and it was quite apparent and consent outrightuntil dismissal of of Water met the landfill document from the Office of Controlled Activity Approval and the waterfront land August 2012. development is approved. the prosecution of Mr that Mr Carter felt a deep Disclosures Act 1981”. the freeThe commuter parking operator at the site to again Water was dated September being granted by the Office along the northern boundary years 2011 and 2012 “The city CBD and the The Commission was Hartcher for an offence sense of loyalty toward Mr indicates significant harm opposite Gosford Train of discuss water licencing and 2015, represented a period surrounding suburbs is a following an of Water. not able to make corrupt of larceny in relation to Hartcher.” the ICAC report caused by sedimentation Station, whichcorrespondence is nonapprovals. heightened small area. inspection of the landfill site conduct findings in cases his dealings with … three said. and uncontrolled runoff. existent after the 6am.

The GIPA documents by officers which confirmed between Office of Water, “The CBD has three of failure to comply with bank cheques payable “In the end, the “The wall of the basin ToGosford make matters outlining past failures to recent construction work Councilworse, and the traffic fic streets taking the traffi the requirements of the to the NSW Liberal Party Commission believes that appears likely to fail and deal with water licencing undertaken to reshape a with landfi thell operator. controversial The commuter car park opposite Gosford Train Station through it. election funding laws totalling $4,000,” it said.

Mr Carter’s evidence at the and approvals are extensive sediment dam wall and ATO building poised to “These streets are In January 2014 the Office cause additional major harm dwhere, more although those “They will be looking for parking for residents of endeavoured to add not the only development According to ICAC, in public inquiry was honest Continued Page 8 and detailed. begin construction on the between a construct a new spillway. of Water commented that to the river. park cramped in the city that has the spots on the street,” Ms those developments and floors onto the carrfailures could have March 2011, Mr Hartcher and reasonably accurate.

“Leechate seepage This article includes only waterfront, the political and the water.

“Recent works are not to proposals for groundwater others; cramped parking but said there were affected issues mountain potential to tip the parking Scott said. the exercise of received three bank “Mr Carter was also a key points in the documents, an acceptable standard and monitoring at the site were entering surface water promise of 600 jobs may “There is no apparent ng able functions Ms Scott also said that around developments in with the building being issue over the edge. official of the cheques payable to the very successful fundraiser, stormwater drains prove disastrous for ors and way to solve the problem, Ms Scott said the the problem is already Point Frederick (Lynn Ave) to support extra floors commuters when an army e as to and increased parking CBD and the immediate evident in areas like Point and other sites in North and that she was unsure of temporary workers and surrounding areas of Frederick and East Gosford, West Gosford; the lack of whether or not any further demand is just exacerbating Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosfordthe building’s permanent West Gosford, North where flat buildings have common sense in agreeing action surrounding Baker it. staff descend on the city’s “The fact that the DA Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 d after Gosford, East Gosford come online and street to allow developments of St car park occurred for the ATO was allowed Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 highly sought after parking and two and three bedroom the initial idea tanked. d.

Point Frederick, parking is still an issue. spaces.

However, Ms Scott ott said without suffificient parking “Although the former apartment buildings to be are definitely facing a E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net The ATO, which has could understand erstand is also going to exacerbate parking shortfall, and that Gosford Council discussed constructed with only one she Website: www.centralcoastnews.net already soured residents residential developments and intended to come car space per unit at best commuter concernss over the problem,” Ms Scott who believed the former approved, despite not up with a CBD parking (Ms Scott said there was an the safety of using Baker continued.

Gosford School site “I don’t know what ly after providing adequate parking strategy, I have checked expectation that people will St car park, especially was better suited to a the council can do about walk or take the bus to the hours. and there isn’t one. allocation, were to blame.

Performing Arts Precinct, Ms Scott also said this, but it certainly seems “There is nothing in station); the narrow streets “Parking issues are more was revealed to have a in some of these areas that aside from the future that the Federal and State than just availability of place. shortfall of onsite parking “What will happen when and the existing parking of Kibbleplex, no other Governments are failing in commuter parking. for future employees. took place their responsibilities in this “Many of the residential all the big developments problem; and, consideration discussion In June, the Joint the former matter. developments that have come online and what will for the huge impact when amongst Regional Planning Panel “I think, if the commuter egards been approved in the CBD happen to parking if they all the new developments are Gosford Council in regards found that the ATO’s to parking in the CBD car parking at Kibbleplex is completed. and immediate surrounds start at the same time? developer, Doma, would er own stopped without a solution “I had suggested and that despite her “Where will the parking are for two or three need to add 13 extra we should do a traffic questions about the future from the State and the bedroom units, but the be?” Ms Scott questioned. parking spaces for the According to Ms Scott, management study for the of parking in Gosford council, and the ATO and parking allocation has only public in Baker St. en no other developments are been one per unit, not one during discussions with the area with these concerns City, there has been Despite the JRPP’s actually built, car parking former Gosford Council, she in mind, but there appeared satisfactory response. spot per bedroom. findings, it is unclear The issue is further in the CBD, including “So if a three-bedroom brought up issues of traffic to be minimal interest in whether this will be enough by the commuter car parking, will unit becomes share and parking management my concerns,” Ms Scott complicated to accommodate the interrelation of parking as be a disastrous problem housing, one resident will multiple times, including: added. dramatic increase in activity On the concerns a social issue and a State that will take far too long acceptance of have a car park within the “The and traffic to and around to solve, if ever,” Ms Scott Baker St Government responsibility. number of large surrounding development but where a the site, and according to “There is an element of concluded. will the other two residents developments in the CBD car park, Ms Scott said former Gosford Councillor, without having adequate the former council had responsibility for the State park?

Ms Vicki Scott, the ATO is

2015

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2012

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with extensive connections on the Central Coast.”

After the $4,000 was deposited into the Mickey Tech account, it was allegedly withdrawn in cash by Mr Carter and given to Mr Hartcher, according to the ICAC report.

“These steps are inconsistent with an intention on the part of Mr Hartcher to apply the $4,000 for the benefit of the NSW Liberal Party,” the ICAC report alleged.

“Mr Hartcher gave evidence under a section 38 declaration and therefore his evidence is not admissible against him in criminal proceedings other than proceedings for an offence under the ICAC Act.” The ICAC report argued, however, that other evidence would be admissible, including the evidence of Mr Carter, Mr Sriwattanaporn, Sebastian Reid, Marie Neader, Annette Poole, associated bank records, and internal documents of Hartcher Reid.

In addition to the larceny allegation, the key factual findings in the ICAC report included the use of the business of Mr Timothy Koelma, who commenced work as an electorate officer for Mr Hartcher in 2009, called Eightbyfive, to receive and channel political donations for the benefit of the 2011 campaigns of the NSW Liberal Party, Mr Hartcher, and other Central Coast Liberal candidates.

The use of Eightbyfive, according to ICAC, was with the intent of evading the election funding laws.

“Mr Timothy Koelma directly benefited from

Media release, Oct 25, 2016 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation

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disability who attend Camp Breakaway with recreational disability groups on the Central Coast, improving their social and mental wellbeing.

“Camp Breakaway not only aims to help children and adults with disabilities, but also educate and integrate them with the broader the community, and the improved tennis and basketball court enables us to do just that,” Mr Hayes said.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has been a major supporter of Camp Breakaway, providing three previous grants worth over $120,000 in total, for important infrastructure and programs.

Slater said.

“By developing the facilities, Camp Breakaway can now provide the perfect hub for sports, activities and social engagements for over 500 individuals each year who are anticipated to use the courts.

“The Charitable Foundation has a long history supporting Camp Breakaway and we are excited to be collaborating with them again,” Mr Slater said.

Camp Breakaway General Manager, Mr Terry Hayes, said the renovated facilities would also be utilised by other local community groups.

“We hope that the new courts will become a social hub that community groups can utilise for health and social activities,” Mr Hayes said.

“It is also anticipated that the new facilities will link people with a

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Mr Christopher Hartcher

the donations through Eightbyfive, as he was able to draw from those funds to give himself a salary, thereby, enabling him to work for Mr Hartcher

Eightbyfive and took an active part in using it to channel donations for the 2011 campaign from Australian Water Holdings From m iconic onic site to construction construc con ruction site ssite,, the ATO AT TO la lan land nd on Gosford’s Waterfront Pty Ltd ($183,342.50

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laims aims ms and counter count claims claim c ims s iin n tthe he Land L La Lan nd d and Environment Court, C the defer a ruling RPP’s RPP decision decisio o defe ru uling ng g on on the NSW Finance building, betweenJRPP’s April 2009 and to perception is and Gazcorp the growing grow p perce percept cepti pttion tion n that th hat att the tth he Central Coast Council C May 2011), Pty Ltd ($121,000G between Gosford, left the like neglecting eglecting glecting sford, have h t e city’s citty’s waterfront wa aterfront seeming more m May 2010 fiand eld than2011) an iconic a battlefi battle e April ico onic ic site. site and Patinack Farm Pty Doma, oma, the developer devel Ltd ($66,000 between July of the Australian Taxation Taxatio 2010 and March 2011) Office Of Offi fice (ATO) bu building di on o the corner ner of o MannPage St and Continued 10 Georgiana Ge eorgiana orgiana a Tce in G Gosford, Gosford Gosfor hass launched ed its o own L Land and Environment Court action to secure cure coverage for legal costs in n rresponse respo to the th Gosford Waterfront Alliance’s Alliance Al nce s application plication on to the Court to sto stop op the development. developmen

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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12 month community campaign has won its battle to stop the reclassification and potential sale Issue 142 of 25 community reserves and parks across the city of Gosford.

Mr Ian Reynolds, Administrator of the Central Coast Council abandoned the former Gosford Council’s Land Sale Strategy at the September 28 council meeting.

Ms Sue Chidgey, the founder of Save Central Coast Reserves, the umbrella group that coordinated the community’s campaign against the land sale strategy, said Mr Reynold’s decision had “brought immense relief to the communities whose neighbourhood sites were threatened.

“Save Central Coast Reserves, the Community Councillors, rs, as well as a Environment Network and large petition. tion.

Site preparation under way at the ATO site on the Gosford Waterfront eight additional community dition, rallies were “In addition, groups across the Gosford held, ass the community region have campaigned for pleaded for the protection over a year for the protection of their sites. tes. of their 25 local reserves, “Then in early 2016, with parks and green spaces,” the Council ncil Amalgamation, said. were cited as one reason The surprise resignation Ms of Chidgey Coast has clearly positioned munity again rose the community two asCouncillors for requesting a deferral, Ms Judy Jaeger, the recently “Only Gosford the region’s ent huge numbers up and sent againstbut the Land Sale may because if the ATO building appointed Group Leader voted of capital, the city of emailss and submissions Strategy it until was after first the does not go ahead, the plans Customer and Community have when to wait to the new Administrator announced, Ms Vicki Scottlocal for the NSW Finance building Relations, has compounded September 2017 ,” Ms Chidgey said. and CEO,” and Ms Hillary Morris. will need to be rejigged. fears that the new Council government election for a “Many of our communities thegoverning campaign Gosford’s business under Administration has a “Innew bodythat to pick k forward to joining now look followed, hundreds of to leaders have argued, with Wyong or Northern Central up the pieces that appear uncil in the ‘Adopt with Council community increasing volume, that Coast bias that has left have beenemails droppedand by the nitiative to enhance a Park’ initiative submissions were sent their community the mess on the Gosford committed and keen Gosford current administration. mmunity sites for to the See Mayor, and the well-being Waterfront and the ongoing investors hanging. insideCEO for separate l-being of their decay of the CBD, is being Ms Jaeger was the only articles on each of these compounded by what it remaining executive-level issues. considers to be the new manager from the former Various documents Central Coast Council’s failure Gosford Council on the new and interviews to make the reinvigoration of council’s leadership team.

Jackie Pearson, Journalist the regional capital one of its The NSW Government’s priorities. regional plan for the Central

Gosford’s Gos Go G osf sffford battlefield

The use of Eightbyfive, according to ICAC, was with the intent of evading the election funding laws. on the 2011 NSW state election campaign.

“Mr Koelma subsequently obtained full-time employment in Mr Hartcher’s ministerial office after the 2011 election.”

According to the ICAC report, Mr Hartcher was involved in the establishment of

Your independent local newspaper

Issue 143

Meanwhile, Meanw Mean hile, the e ATO AT ATO O site cleared, has al alre already eadyy been b cle c eared, e mound with th a large larg arge rge ge moun mou ound nd d of historic covere c covered overred d fill, expos exposed posed hi his isstoric building build b ing remnants remnants and a d tree stumps stum mps greeting greeting all tthose who w ho approach appro h the th city tyy from Bridge.

Brian Brian n McGowan McG wan Bridge Brid dge. e e.

Government’s The NSW W Governm ov m ment’s proposed second seco ond prop posed p development former developm develop d velopment pment on tthe th he fo ormer Gosford Gosford Gosfo os Public P ic c Sch S School cho ool land,

from the NSW to house staff fro Department of Finance, snag with the has also hit a sn this case the developer, in thi Crown itself, in the form of the Government, asking, at NSW Governmen the September 15 briefing, for the JRPP tto defer its development. decision on the de about the Concerns a impact of the Land and Court action Environment Co

A consultant was appointed in early 2016 to review the potential reclassification of community land, and to undertake the community consultation process on Council’s behalf, including public meetings to gauge the views of the community.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the former Council had started the process with the best to help fund its n r e s intention olved infrastructure backlog, but Native Title in the end, the numbers and Land didn’t Title stack up. laims could“After seeweighing it all rown Landuponin the the context of the merged Council, I believe osford Waterfront can find more rozen for Council years, efficiencies and savings making it impossible our now consolidated o build a in Regional without the need to The siteserforming being budgetArts considered for sell community land as a entre (RPAC) on the reclassification were located strategy,” Mr Reynolds said.

SW Government’s “This will be welcome in: Isis St, Wyoming; Perratt news the many residents intothe Cl, Eagle Cl referred and Wintersite who approached me directly Cl, Lisarow; oreseeable George St, future. concerns about the According the Central Wells and Coburg St, East to with loss of open space a Native Gosford; Oceanoast ViewCouncil, Dve, potential their Title neighbourhood and tle ClaimRd, and ainLand Dover and Lakeview theLand hundreds who put in aim overRd, Crown on Wamberal; Yarram submissions. e Gosford are Bensville; Bluewave Cres,Waterfront “There is genuine benefit factor being considered Forresters Beach; Riviera for Council Ave, Terrigal; yJames Sea Council the new in its to listen to the community.

Dve, Green Point; Hely to St,determine the tempts

The site for the proposed ATO building with exposed tree stumps

Ph: 4325 7369

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ifty objections will be the new minimum requirement for a development application to be automatically referred to a meeting of the Central Coast Council for determination.

Ph: 4325 7369

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community and for the urban environment environment.

“I wish to ex extend my sincere thanks to every community mem member or group who suppo supported the campaign to ach achieve this wonderful outcome outcome.”

Ms Jane Smith of Community Environment Network said: “An overwhelming groundswell of community support has saved these precious sites from sell-off and development.”

"An overw overwhelming groundswell of co community support has sav saved these precious sites from sell-off and d development.”

West Gosford; est Jerribin St,for the RPAC. location Wyoming; Kateena Ave, for Terrigal, The Member Tascott; Alan St, Delaware r Adam Crouch, recently Rd, Niagara Park; Ilumba onfirmed that the NSW Ave, Davistown;overnment’s and Warren $12 million nding commitment to the PAC was conditional on e facility being located Gosford City Park (also Office: 120c Erina Street, nGosford nown as Poppy Park).

Phone: 4325 7369 The park is located on Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 e corner of Dane Dve E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net nd Vaughan Ave, Gosford, Website: www.centralcoastnews.net rectly across Vaughan Ave om the former Gosford ublic School site.

Mr Crouch said the NSW overnment was not willing change its mind about e location of the RPAC. He said the new Central oast Council now had sponsibility for advancing e project.

If the Central Coast ouncil decided on another te for the Centre, it ould be reliant on $10 illion promised in Federal overnment funding and s own funds to deliver e project which has been ought by the community r decades.

It is understood that osford City Park is Crown and that is managed by entral Coast Council.

Issue 145

high bar for DAs

Native Title claims cast ast tre doubt over arts centre The sign at the front of Christ Church Gosford

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ather Rod Bower, the Arch Deacon of the Anglican Diocese of Gosford, has said the Commonwealth Government’s proposed life ban on asylum seekers and refugees is a regressive law that is creating an apartheid situation that must be condemned by every decent Australian.

“The Government’s retrospective legislation on refugees is nothing more than creating a sub-class of human beings that no other respectable nation would be willing to sanction,” Father Bower said.

“Australia has a weak and frightened Prime Minister promoting legislation on refugees that portrays us a weak and frightened nation,” he said.

“We are better than that and we deserve better than this.

“We must not let One Nation set the agenda on refugees, or anything else

Continued P3

Artwork from the National Native Title Tribunal

Ms Lynne Hamilton, Planning and Development Manager for the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, said the organisation lodged a Land Claim under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act with NSW Crown Land in 2014 over vacant Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront.

Ms Hamilton said the claim did not cover all Crown Land on the waterfront and Coast Community News has asked Crown Land NSW to confirm that the claim does cover Gosford City Park.

Ms Hamilton said such claims can take “a long, long time to resolve.

“We still have land claims unresolved from the 1990s,” she said.

According to the National Native Title Tribunal’s Register of Native Title Claims, the Awabakal and Guringai People have made a Native Title claim for the

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Exposed foundations on the Doma ATO site on the Gosford Waterfront

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Regressive refugee law is Council sets creating an apartheid extremely situation in Australia

Ave, Avoca Beach.

In late 2015, the former Gosford Council resolved to reclassify the identified parcels of public land from “community” to

October 20,“operational”.

2016

Your independent local newspaper

November 3, 2016

Community campaign results in land sale strategy being abandoned egy bei

right to hunt, gather and fish on lands spanning from Wahroonga in Sydney’s North to Maitland.

The claim was lodged in 2013 and appears to apply to Crown Land on the Gosford Waterfront including Gosford City Park.

“It also takes a very long time for a Native Title claim to be resolved,” Ms Hamilton from Darkinjung LALC said.

“And the Federal Court is taking its time resolving this one, but there is nothing stopping the Central Coast Council from saying it has been affected by the matter,” she said.

Meanwhile, according to Ms Hamilton, the Awabakal and Guringai People Native Title claim means the subject land is frozen until the matter is resolved.

This casts a cloud over whether the Central Coast Community will ever receive the promised NSW

Government funding for the RPAC. If the Native Title and the Land Title claims are successful, future use of any Crown Land subject to those claims will need to be negotiated with the Native Title holders.

Coast Community News asked Central Coast Council for an update on its progress with the development of the Centre.

A written statement from the Council said: “There has long been a proposal to put a Regional Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on the Gosford Waterfront on the Gosford City Park site.

“Council is evaluating this option but notes there is a Native Title claim over the land as well as a Land Title claim which needs to be considered.”

This is the first time that the Central Coast Council or the former Gosford Council have referred to the Native

for that matter.

“We must not allow them to drag the political landscape even further to the right.

“We must not allow the decent, compassionate soul of the Australian people to be destroyed.”

Fr Bower used facebook to send a message to Federal Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten.

“You owe no allegiance to Kevin Rudd’s decision not to allow asylum seekers who arrive by boat to settle in Australia,” Fr Rod said in his post to Mr Shorten.

“You, above all people,

The area subject to the Awabakal-Guringai Native Title claim currently being dealt with by the Federal Court

and Land Title claims as a factor in the location off the RPAC, at least in the past 18 months of coverage e by Coast Community News. s.

As previously reported orted in Coast Community News, ews, the former Gosford City Council had talked to a number of developerss to ding gauge interest in including the Regional Performing ming Arts Centre in their own development plans in locations other than Gosford City Park.

The owners of the Mariners Plaza development (on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St) and the Waterside Development (corner of Mann St and Georgiana Tce) both said they had submitted plans

to Council indicating how a smaller version of a Performing Arts Centre could have been included in their development designs.

At this stage, both the security of the NSW Government’s $12 million pledge and the location of the RPAC remain unresolved.

know that this decision was made in an attempt to salvage some of the electoral furniture.

“You now have the opportunity and the electoral space to formulate and prosecute a more humane and sustainable refugee policy.

“Please do not waste this chance.

“Oppose this cruel and evil legislation.

“This retrospective law will cause the deaths of innocent, broken and desperate people.”

Fr Bower’s four facebook posts on the proposed

legislation garnered over 12,000 likes, almost 4,000 shares and over 500 comments in three days.

One comment read: “As an atheist, I feel a tad uncomfortable commenting on your page, but I wish all churches showed your humanity and humour; what a kinder and safer place the world would be.”

Another said: “Father Rod, you are a Christian in the way I understood Christ to be, a champion of the desperate, vulnerable and marginalised; if there were more like you, my faith might still be intact”.

Facebook, Nov 2, 2016 Father Rod Bower, Anglican Diocese of Gosford Jackie Pearson, journalist

The new Council had attempted to set the bar at 100 submissions, but following public consultation, changed that requirement to 50 objections.

The Council had further amended the new Public Submissions Policy to require two or more councillors to request DAs be considered at a public meeting instead of one councillor, as was the practice of the former Gosford Council.

The word “submissions” was replaced with “objections” in the rewritten policy so that it will only be the number of submissions opposing a DA that will count towards the new minimum thresholds.

These two late changes have not been the subject of further public consultation although a precedent was set earlier this year for an amended draft policy to be given a second public consultation period.

In July, the Central Coast Council placed an amended Draft Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition for a further 42 days as a result of amendments made after the initial period of public consultation.

The Draft Code of Meeting Practice had initially been put on public

exhibition following the May 25 Council meeting.

Coast Community News asked Central Coast Council why it did not follow its own precedent and give the community an opportunity to comment on the latest amendments to its new Public Submissions Policy.

A statement issued by Council on October 27, in response to the questions said: “Council considered a draft of the Public Submissions Policy at its meeting of July 27.

“It was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days (but not advertised in this newspaper), and public submissions were received.

“The policy adopted

by Council on October 26 reduced the threshold for referral of DAs to Council to better align with the community submissions.

“As a result of feedback [the number] was reduced from 100 to 50, so no need for further consultation.”

It appears there is no minimum standard for Councils to follow when consulting the community about the setting of policies, so technically, Council does not have to do any consultation with the public on such matters.

Continued P12

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Media statement, Oct 17, 2016 Central Coast Council media Interview, Oct 18, 2016 Lynne Hamilton, Darkinjung LALC Website, Oct 18, 2016 Register of Native Title Claim Details, NC2013/002 Awabakal and Guringai People

Continued Page 8

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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ommunity members have been encouraged to participate in a White Ribbon Day walk at The Entrance on November 25, to say “no” to violence against women and children.

The Entrance walk takes place from 10:00am, departing from the Entrance Police Station, according to Chairperson of the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee, Ms Danielle Habib.

Ms Habib said the walk will be at an easy pace and suitable for all fitness levels.

“Members of the community are invited to get involved and show their support by wearing a white shirt,” she said.

“A gold coin donation will also help with future campaigns.

“Supporters can enjoy a free sausage sizzle, and guest speakers will address the crowds at the walk’s conclusion.”

“We want people to know that violence against women is unacceptable,” said Ms Habib.

“It is never the victim’s fault.

“Help is always available and, if you see something, you should definitely say something.

“People need to know that they can make a difference.

“Bringing an end to violence against women will take a whole community approach”, “Statistics shockingly show that one woman is killed each week as a result of domestic and family violence in Australia.

“One in three women over the age of 15 reports

having experienced physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives.

“Violence is also the major cause of homelessness for women and children, and costs the economy approximately $15.6 billion in Australia.

“White Ribbon is part of a global movement that works through a primary prevention approach, understanding that men are central to achieving the social change necessary to prevent violence against women.

“We encourage men to stand up, speak out and act to influence the actions of some men and demand change.

“Through education, awareness-raising, marketing campaigns, partnerships and preventative programs,

White Ribbon Day highlights the positive role men play in preventing violence against women and enabling them to be part of this social change.

“Violence against women is not a private issue.

“We are holding this walk to help break the silence, raise awareness of the issues, and to raise the funds required to support work in bringing violence against women to an end.

“Domestic and family violence is not limited to physical abuse.

“It can include sexual, verbal, emotional, spiritual or economic abuse,” she said.

Media release, Nov 3, 2016 Danielle Habib, Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee

2016

Friday 25 November

Sunday 27 November

At THE ENTRANCE 10.00am -1pm

At TERRIGAL 10.00am -1pm

Walk starts at The Entrance Police Station and to Memorial Park

Walk starts from Terrigal Surf Club up to the Skillion and back

Contact: Danielle Habib Ph: 0416851015 Email: dhabib@uni ng.org If you require informa on, advice or assistance, please call: The Na onal Helpline on 1800 737 732 In an emergency please call 000

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P19 9

Buddhist mediation sessions at Tuggerah and Lake Haven

Health

Bryce Scott nominated for 2016 Lifeline Brass Bloke Award

ouncil is helping to improve the community’s health and wellbeing by bringing free talks and Buddhist mediation sessions to the local Library.

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Central Coast Libraries regularly host meditation sessions facilitated by a local Khedruje Kadampa Buddhist teacher.

These sessions give the community an opportunity to experience mediation and learn about the Buddhist way of life firsthand.

Council’s Library Services Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards, said the Buddhist sessions have proven to be extremely popular with local residents and shows there is a strong need for this type of event in the region.

“Meditation has been proven to lessen worry, reduce stress, and improve optimism, and that is certainly what we want for our community,” said Ms Edwards.

“If you are looking for ways to de-stress,

improve your quality of life, and develop inner peace, meditation just might be what you need.

“The next two sessions will talk about overcoming stress and solving life’s problems in this modern world we live in,” Ms Edwards added.

“Meditation can be practiced by any member of the community, no matter what race, culture, gender or age, so come and join us to experience a new way of life, as everyone is welcome.“ The next Khedruje Kadampa sessions are on November 9 at Tuggerah Library and December 6 at Lake Haven Library.

Each session is free, but a gold coin donation to the Khedruje Kadampa centre is welcomed.

Media release, Nov 4, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

Mr Bryce Scott (right) with 2016 Brass Bloke Mr Jake Banks (centre) and Lifeline CEO Ms Gillian Summers (left)

ardi resident, Mr Bryce Scott, was the only nominee for the 2016 Lifeline Brass Bloke Awards to hail from the Wyong region.

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Mr Scott was nominated for his background in face to face counselling and heart for the underprivileged.

Mr Scott volunteers his time freely in many areas; he helps residents of the House With No Steps facilities, providing inspiration for the challenges of everyday life; and he also spent many years visiting Toukley Caravan Park, delivering food to these residents.

Over the past four

years, Mr Scott has volunteered at The Father’s Table in Wyong, setting up and serving visitors.

Despite not winning, Lifeline CEO, Ms Gillian Summers said it was important to recognise local men who have been through big challenges in their lives but continue to serve and give back to their communities.

The award ceremony took place on October 14 in Terrigal.

“It is important to

recognise these special men, the unsung heroes in our community, giving hope and inspiration to others.

“Blokes are not always good at talking about themselves or reaching out.

“Three out of four suicides in Australia are by men,” Ms Summers said.

Ms Summers said by attending, people supported Lifeline’s local lifesaving crisis support and suicide prevention

services.

Suicide rates are at a 10 year high in Australia.

More than 3,027 Australians died by suicide in 2015, double the national road toll.

Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast estimates it saves the lives of 5,000 local people each year through its crisis support and suicide prevention services, and relies on community support for more than 55 per cent of its funding.

Media release, Oct 4, 2016 Gillian Summers, Lifeline Central Coast

Education

P20 P2 20 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Berkeley Vale students excell in the Premier’s Spelling Bee Regional Final

Wadalba school makes top 10 for the wrong reason he Wadalba Community School at Wyong has a $2.35 million infrastructure backlog, earning it a spot in the NSW Opposition’s Top 10 Crumbling Schools Across NSW list.

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erkeley Vale Public School had four students compete in the Premier’s Spelling Bee Regional Final, held at Warnervale Public School on October 11.

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Students were competing against another forty five students in each section from eighteen schools in all.

In the Junior Section, Thomas Fitzgerald of 4/5T, did well early, finishing in the top twenty places.

Sophie Gentle of 3/4P made it through to Round 7 before being caught out by a difficult word, finishing in 11th place.

There were some challenging words given and Fitzgerald and Gentle were up against some

exceptionally competent spellers.

They can now look forward to next year to try to represent the school again.

In the Senior Section, both Shanice Duarte of 5/6R and Ella Donnelly of 6B, made it through successfully to reach Round 8.

Donnelly performed very well finishing 7th before being eliminated.

Duarte then battled away until there were only three contestants left.

After the next round, there was only one other student left, with Durate to spell off, to be the Regional Spelling Bee Champion.

After some challenging words, Durate finished runner up, which is a mighty effort for the second year in a row, as last year she finished third.

Newsletter, Oct 17, 2016 Narelle Armour, Berkeley Vale Public School

Samuel Larter to attend Senior State Final of the Premier’s Spelling Bee Wyong Public School student, Samuel Larter, has been invited to attend the Senior State Final of the Premier’s Spelling Bee in Ultimo

on November 8.

Larter will be accompanied by his family to the Final, which will be broadcast on ABC Radio.

Larter will be competing against the best in NSW. Nov 7, 2016 Todd Miladinovic, Wyong Public School

The Fletcher Gallery ART CLASSES + WORKSHOPS AT SPRINGFIELD PRIVATE TUITION FOR DETAILS CONTACT ZOE FLETCHER www.zoefletcher.com 4324 2801 or 0497 766 522 zoefletcher_1@hotmail.com

Documents obtained by the Labor Opposition have revealed that the school maintenance backlog has ballooned to more than $775 million; up from $732 million last financial year.

Wadalba Community School is now one of 147 in NSW to have an individual maintenance backlog in excess of $1 million.

Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, said: “Wadalba Community school is not getting its fair share”.

“The School is almost at capacity and its maintenance backlog is astounding,” Mr Harris said.

“Teachers and staff at the School do a fantastic job teaching our kids, we should be equipping them with more resources and support, not broken equipment and bigger classes,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, said the NSW Government had announced state-wide spending on school infrastructure of $330 million for the current financial year.

Mr MacDonald said he did not have figures for individual schools, but schools in the Wyong electorate would receive $3.2 million for infrastructure in the current financial year.

“That should go a significant way towards fixing the infrastructure backlog, and statewide we have definitely increased spending on school maintenance,” he said.

The state’s ten most dilapidated schools have a combined backlog bill of $24.7 million, up by more than $1 million since June 2015, according to the NSW Opposition.

Opposition leader, Mr Luke Foley, said: “Under

the Baird Government, schools are falling apart and our state’s children have been left to learn in schools where broken toilets, busted windows and worn carpet are considered perfectly acceptable.

“Mr Baird is the first person to big note the NSW economy but he won’t open the cheque book to start funding the repair of our state’s classrooms.”

“Children in NSW schools are being forced to learn in second rate environments all because Mike Baird has his spending priorities all wrong,” said Shadow Minister for Education, Mr Jihad Dib. “Principals should be able to focus on providing the best education possible,” Mr Dib said.

“They shouldn’t have to spend their time worrying about worn out classrooms.

“It’s appalling that instead of taking on the school maintenance backlog head on, the Baird Government has allowed it to get worse.”

Wyong Regional Chronicle attempted to contact the Wadalba Community School’s Principal, Mr Jason McGrath, for comment, but were referred to the NSW Department of Education’s Hunter and Central Coast Media Unit.

The Wadalba Community School’s P&C association has also been asked for comment.

Media release, Nov 4, 2016 Michael Gibb, office of Luke Foley Media statement, Nov 4, 2016 Zachery Harrison, office of David Harris Interview, Nov 4, 2016 Scot MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Jackie Pearson, journalist

Let your community know about: • Weddings • Engagements • Special Birthdays • Special Anniversaries • New Born Babies • Special Achievements

Send us a photo and information Details on page 2 - 4325 7369

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P21 1

Education

Shadow Minister for Education visits Noraville school

Raising Resilient Kids workshop at Wyong yong Public School will present a free workshop for parents of children 7-14 years old, tackling child mental health.

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The Raising Resilient Kids workshop aims to help parents prepare their children for the difficulties life can throw at them.

The workshop with

feature talks from sector and industry experts, explain coping mechanisms, and outline ways to support strong and resilient children.

The workshop will be

held in the Wyong School Community Centre on November 8.

Website, Nov 7, 2016 Wyong Public School

University students visit college team of female engineering and IT students from the University of Technology, Sydney, (UTS) visited Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College on Thursday, September 15.

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The UTS representatives engaged with some Stage Four girls at the Tuggerah Lakes Secondary School who were considering engineering and IT careers.

The university students talked about their studies and the opportunities that

have come their way as a result.

One of the speakers came from the Central Coast and she mentioned that she received a scholarship with virtually no IT knowledge, just a load of enthusiasm.

The girls then worked in teams to build a model

solution to an actual engineering problem, complete with budgeting, management, material, load and floating elements.

Newsletter, Sep 22, 2016 Shane Player, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

Former students win University Shield raduates from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College who were integral members of the school’s open football team, have continued their winning ways.

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Former students recently took out the University Shield.

Graduates in the winning team included Bailey Scott, Lewis

Sheens, Matt French, Sam McCelland, Lachlan Mohan, Jake Slee, Peter Lee, Andrew Peterson, Chase Partridge, Zane Griffiths, Blake Taaffe,

Harry Bennett.

Newsletter, Sep 22, 2016 Shane Player, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

For FITNESS, FUN and FRIENDSHIP GOSFORD SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS holds a class every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm at the Church of Christ Hall, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming

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Federal Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Ms Tanya Plibersek with Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, at St Mary's in Noraville

eputy Leader of the Federal Opposition and Shadow Minister for Education, Ms Tanya Plibersek, paid a visit to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Noraville, one of many Central Coast schools benefitting from Gonski needs-based school funding.

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“The needs-based funding model that was introduced by the former Labor Government is making a positive difference in schools like this one, right around the country,” Ms Plibersek said.

“But if the Government has its way, schools across Australia will be robbed of around $30 billion over the decade.”

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a public school, a Catholic school, or an independent school, every school, and every student will be worse off.”

Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, said she welcomed the Shadow Minister’s interest in local schools.

“I met with Year 6 students from St Mary’s recently when they were in Canberra, so I’m really pleased to be able to introduce Ms Plibersek to them while they are learning about Parliament,’ Ms McBride said.

“Tanya is one the most senior Shadow Ministers in the Parliament; she has a keen interest in the Central Coast and is a regular visitor,” she said.

“Tanya understands

that regional areas like ours have different needs, and when it comes to education, that is evident.

“The Government is refusing to match Labor’s commitment to fully fund the Gonski needsbased funding model, which means more than $79 million dollars will not make its way to the classrooms of the Central Coast over the next two years alone.”

The Government’s care taker Senator for the Federal Seat of Dobell, Arthur Sinodinos said the Turnbull Government was delivering record levels of funding for schools across the Central Coast.

“There’s also no reason schools won’t be able to continue to support teachers, along with any new or existing initiatives, such as specialist teachers

or targeted intervention programs,” Sen Sinodinos said.

“The Government has shown the need to focus on evidence-based measures that will get results for our students.

“NAPLAN results and our international rankings show that, despite significant funding growth, we are not getting sufficient improvements in student outcomes.

“Labor’s model would see a disadvantaged student at a school on the Central Coast receive up to $1,000 less than what the same student would receive in an identical school in other states and territories,” he said.

Media release, Nov 3, 2016 Heather Robinson, office of Emma McBride Media statement, Nov 4, 2016 Arthur Sinodinos

DYSLEXIA OR LEARNING DIFFICULTIES? Some children experience reading and learning difficulties as a result of visual perception problems caused by Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity Irlen Syndrome can cause Dyslexia and difficulties with: • Spelling • Writing • Comprehension• Concentration • Fatigue • Eye Strain

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Appointments available in Wyong When: 9 December 2016 - Where: Nexus Smart Hub Business Centre - 4 Amy Close, North Wyong 2259

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Out&About

P22 P2 22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

State Firefighting Championships held at Norah Head familiar face at the NSW Fire and Rescue’s State Firefighting Championships, held at Norah Head from October 27-29, was Wyong firefighter Mr Matt Perry.

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Mr Perry is one of the local stars of the “This is the Life” social media campaign which tells the story of what’s great about living on the Central Coast.

“I agreed to be in the ‘This is the Life’ campaign because I think it is really important that we tell people about the wonderful things that are here on the Central Coast,” Mr Perry said.

A proud Coastie who grew up in Mangrove Mountain, then spent 10 years in Sydney, and now lives in Wyong, Mr Perry said the Central Coast gives him everything he needs to live a happy and balanced life.

“I love the sense

of connection to the community, the outdoors, the people, and the lifestyle on the Central Coast,” Mr Perry said.

“You’re close to lots of great spots for camping, four-wheel drive and fishing, I particularly like fishing near The Entrance.”

With a wish to give back to the community and a long held dream to become a firefighter, Mr Perry jumped at the chance when a part-time position as a retained firefighter became available at Wyong Fire Station shortly after he returned to the Coast.

The State Firefighting Championships were held at the Norah Head Sports

Ground from October 27 to 29, where the Wyong Fire Brigade battled it out against firefighters from across the state.

Thirty teams competed in the Championship, which aims to showcase the skills and expertise a modern firefighter uses every day, be it attacking a fire or responding to a major emergency.

Those who attended the event had the rare opportunity to see firefighters in action firsthand and picked up vital fire safety tips to help prepare and prevent fires and emergencies before they happen.

Media release, Oct 26, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

Matt Perry at Wyong Fire Station knows this is the life

FIRST SATURDAY OF OF THE THE MONTH

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BLUESANGELS This month’s special This month’s special guest artist

Johnny Devilseed and Oldman Rubes December 3 7 till 11pm The Greens The Entrance - Warrigal St, The Entrance NSW 2261 - 02 4332 5955 www.thegreenstheentrance.com.au FB - www.facebook.com/thegreenstheentrance

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P23 3

Out&About

Storytelling with words, sound and vision y o n g ’ s inaugural

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‘Storytelling with words, sound and vision’ event will kick off on November 12, at the Long Jetty foreshore.

“Storytelling is part of every culture.

“It connects people over time and in a moment.

“It gives identity, teaches lessons and inspires,” Ms Carina Bekkers of The Fair Trade Way said.

Central Coast litterateurs, artists, sculptors, writers and musicians will be linking lake, land and locals through an exciting and engaging line-up of storytelling activities.

Indigenous artist and musician, Kevin ‘Gavi’ Duncan, will set up in a hut on the lagoon bank telling Dreamtime stories of the coastal Darkinjung

Fair Trade Way's Rosalie Paino (left) Indigenous artist Kevin 'Gavi' Duncan and Fair Trade Way's Carina Bekkers (right)

kinfolk and mimicking the sounds of the surrounding mountains, rivers and creeks on his didgeridoo.

In the “Word Pod”,

Lindy Mitchell, also known as the Lady of the Forest, tells stories like Green, Green, Green, World Folk tales with environmental wisdom; Sun day N 13 Etta ovemb th lon er Fo g Be 9.3 resho ach 0am re - 4p m

Croak, Croak, Croak, a collection of Frog stories for the whole family; Tell, Tell, Tell, storytelling games; and, will host five minute story or poem

open mic sessions.

Amongst the dioramas and display of unique war artefacts, Ms and Mr Nerida and Andrew Church, from the Central

Coast Interactive War Exhibit, showcase a fully restored 1943 military Willys jeep which saw active service in Darwin.

Installation “The Last Post” will be a centre piece at the lakeside.

In the “Sound Pod”, Ms Judith HulsonCalvert, from Musicrazy, will present music with story activities for all ages, using acoustic instruments.

These group activities are aimed at cross-age participation.

The event offers puppeteering, aroundthe-table open storytelling, spaces to reflect and a Fair Trade market The free event was made possible through a Central Coast Council grant.

Email, Oct 17, 2016 Rosalie Paino, Fair Trade Way

DON’T MISS OUT! You can join in with Local artists See you at the Long Jetty Foreshore end of Thompson Street

BRISBANE WATER the w orl d is y our oyster.....

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY ETTALONG DIGGERS

Plenty to see & do for the whole family!

· How many oysters can you eat in 30 seconds Hosted by 2GO* · Sensational Seafood, Hunter Valley wine tasting · Ettalong Diggers Beer Bar · Unique Art & Craft Stalls · Cooking Stage Sponsored by Brisbane Waters Private Hospital Compered by Chef Daniel · Kids Zone – Amusement Rides & Horse Rides *email to register rachele@impactexhibitions.com.au

Check out www.oysterfestival.com.au or for more info phone 0423 480 389 facebook.com/brisbanewateroysterfestival

Local artists will use colourful recycled fabric, elastic, plastic, paper, driftwood, bark, pliable everyday objects and other materials woven on to frames. Challenge your ideas about recycling through this creative activity.

The weaving will continue throughout the day as people come and go.

Seating will be provided people of all ages can join in.

All materials are supplied.

Proudly sponsored by the Central Coast Council for the Wyong Lakes Festival 2016

Out&About

P24 P2 24 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Mackenzie Easson and Chase McGarvey win short story competition wo winners of Central Coast Council’s annual short story competition come from the Wyong area.

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Mackenzie Easson of Berkeley Vale won the children’s (ages nine to 12 years) category for “Storms, Shadows and Sacrifices”.

Chase McGarvey of Hamlyn Terrace won the junior category for “Silent Voice”.

This is the fifth consecutive year that the competition has been held, but the first time the competition has been held across the whole Central Coast region.

Entries were invited from four categories, and the theme was open, with a 1500 word limit.

The competition aims to boost the profile of creative writing on the

Coast, while providing a platform for hopeful authors to be discovered and celebrated.

Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said she was delighted with the response from the community.

“We received a record number of 224 entries.

“We feel very strongly about being able to engage with our community, not only to inspire and celebrate local writers, but also to encourage further education and learning.

“The standard of entries this year was exceptional, displaying

so much imagination and promise as published writers,” Ms Edwards said.

The winner of each division received an iPad air, with second prize winners receiving an iPad mini, and commended entries received a book prize.

Council encourages residents to read stories by locals, and an anthology of the entries is on Council’s website.

Copies of the anthology are available to borrow or purchase from Council library branches across the Coast.

Media release, Oct 31, 2016 Central Coast Council Media

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Two ghost related events at Tuggerah Library uggerah Library is presenting two free events about local ghosts in November.

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Local filmmaker, Mr Chris Halling, will reveal details of the Coast’s most famous ghost at Jenny Dixon Beach and how hundreds of credible sightings of her over the past 40 years motivated him to make a thriller about her.

His talk will take place at the library on Saturday, November 12 at 11:00am.

Mr Halling said he has been fascinated with the Jenny Dixon Beach story for years, and did extensive research, with the help of a paranormal researcher, on the many hundreds of sightings, including by local police, of the ghost of a young girl wearing a white dress.

“It is widely believed the ghost is that of a young school girl who was abducted by a group of young men as she walked home along the lonely stretch of Wilfred Barrett Dve, between The Entrance and Norah Head, in the 1970s.

“The young woman was raped, bashed, and left for dead at a local reserve at Jenny Dixon Beach.

“She later died from her injuries.

“No one was ever charged with the young woman’s murder, but the men who were believed to have been involved claimed to be haunted by her ghost, and have since turned up dead, one by one.

“Local Police have received countless reports about a hitch hiking ghost along that stretch of road and written police reports of the sightings run into the hundreds.

“Even a doctor who had no knowledge of the area, or of the legend, reported seeing the ghost of the murdered girl while he was driving along Wilfred Barrett Dve.” On Thursday, November 10, at 2:00pm, Ms Renata Daniel returns to Tuggerah Library by popular demand to present a talk called ‘Ghosts From Our Past: Urban Legends & Living History’.

An historian, ghost hunter, clairvoyant and owner and tour guide of the multi-award winning Newcastle Heritage and Ghost Tours, Ms Daniel will tell stories about Newcastle’s dark and haunted past, and explain some of the most famous

ghost stories from the Newcastle and Hunter Regions.

Ms Daniel has been involved in leading paranormal tours since 2008, and has conducted basic psychic development classes.

Included in her session will be a discussion of her book, ‘Newcastle Ghost Stories’.

Tuggerah Library Branch Manager, Ms Susan Davy, said the question of whether ghosts exist has fascinated human beings for hundreds of years.

“Some of the finest minds in history have been fascinated with the question of whether ghosts really do exist, and it remains a subject of great curiosity today,” Ms Davy said.

“Urban legends and ghost stories are a way of remembering our past and giving it meaning.

“They are mysterious as they involve paranormal activity and raise the question of the afterlife.”

Media release, Nov 3, 2016 Central Coast Council media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P25 5

Out&About

Upgrades to play spaces underway

Participants welcome at the Long Jetty Big Weave oastal artists, in collaboration with the Community Environment Network, and as part of the Tuggerah Lakes Festival, will be creating an installation to reflect aspects of the Long Jetty Foreshore to promote awareness of the Coast’s rapidly disappearing landscape.

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The installation, entitled the Big Weave, aims to highlight the Wyong community’s need to recognise the value of recycling and environmental stability.

Guided by four local artists on the foreshore at Long Jetty, people attending the Long Jetty Street Festival, and members of Central Coast art and community organisations, can contribute to a weaving frame, constructed from recycled wood, metal and fabric.

On November 20, participants can have a go at weaving from 9am to 4pm.

Set up will be on the

foreshore, at the end of Thompson St, and all materials are supplied.

The idea behind creating a Big Weave is to bring people of all ages, families, the young and the young at heart, together in a free, fun activity, to demonstrate how you can creatively re-use everyday objects.

The materials used will include recycled bamboo, metal, plastic, fabric, twine, paper, driftwood, elastic, and lots of things we use and then often throw away.

Email, Oct 26, 2016 Carolyn Griffiths, Big Weave Coordinator

Mulloway Road play space

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pgrades to play spaces in Kanwal, The Entrance, Chain Valley Bay North, Tuggerawong and Gwandalan are expected to be completed by Christmas 2016, and others are in the pipeline.

Central Coast Council is investing more than $2 million in playground and play space upgrades in the 2016-17 financial year.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said upgrading playgrounds and play spaces was an investment in the quality of life of the local community.

“Playgrounds and play spaces are an essential element in strengthening social networks,” Mr Reynolds said.

“They offer active recreational assets, encourage community connectedness, and enrich the lives of the children and their families who use them,” he said.

“Council is creating

a range of different playgrounds and play spaces to suit our community’s needs.

“We are upgrading existing facilities, or converting them to fitness stations or natural play spaces.”

Dean Ave, Kanwal, is one location that’s play space upgrade is expected to be completed by late December.

Other play spaces current undergoing upgrades are located in Mulloway Rd Reserve at Chain Valley Bay North, Tuesday St Reserve at Tuggerawong, and the Gwandalan Lioness Park.

“The much-loved play space at The Entrance waterfront is also nearing completion,” Mr

Reynolds said.

“The new play area will be larger, more diverse and colourful, as well as interactive to cater for children of all ages.

“This $550,000 investment will enhance the area’s natural beauty and create a more functional and userfriendly recreational facility.”

Mr. Reynolds said community consultation plays a crucial role in upgrading council’s popular play areas. “ C o m m u n i t y consultation is a key element in our playground and play space strategies, and council works closely with local residents to determine the most appropriate recreational

spaces for each location,” said Mr. Reynolds.

“Consultation is also underway for an upgrade to the Kurraba Oval district play space at Berkeley Vale.

“Council is investing $260,000 to build a larger play space to complement the sporting precinct, local pre-school and primary school.”

Council has also been successful in securing a grant from the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF) for $136,307.

This funding will help upgrade play spaces at Avery St, Killarney Vale; Woodward and Owen Aves, Wyong; as well as at Lake Haven Recreation Centre.

Media release, Nov 3, 2016 Central Coast Council media

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Not for Profit Organisations Arts & Culture Central Coast Potters Society Classes, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and social events. Annual exhibitions in May and December.

Open Day in Sept 4324 5343 info@ccpotters.org

Wyong Drama Group A friendly group, presenting 3 major productions a year.

Monthly meetings 1st Tues. 7.30pm Grove Community Centre 1300 665 600 wyongdramagroup@gmail.com y g g p@g

Animal Care Central Coast Cat Care $20 Desexing Special Cats only No Pedigrees 4388 6448 4325 3163

Community Groups ARPRA ARPRA is the peak body representing residents living in Residential Land Lease Communities in NSW. We are a non-profit org providing advice and advocacy and training 4358 8246 arpranorthlakes@outlook.com.au

Bateau Bay Men’s Shed Environment for mature aged men to repair items, share and learn skills and socialise 9am to 1.30pm Tue to Thur 1 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay 0435 807 633 bateaubayshed@gmail.com

Bateau Bay Neighbourhood Centre Financial Counselling, Tool Library, Computer Hub and Computer Lessons, Private Art Therapy Sessions, Homework Help, Self Esteem Group, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group, EAPA-Energy Accounts Payment Assistance, Early Links Outreach Worker, Tax Help, Holiday activities for kids and young people, Community Garden, Events, Referral Services, Op Shop and Food Store.

Community BBQ on first Thurs 4332 7450 http://bbnc.org.au

Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre Indoor bowls, mahjong,

walking for pleasure, slimmers support, hand and foot Bolivia cards, Toy library and community garden 4388 5801 manager@bvnc.org.au www.bvnc.org.au

Central Coast Community Legal Centre Not for profit org in Wyong providing free legal advice.

Intake times for legal advice Monday to Friday 9am-5pm 4353 4988 centralcoast@clc.net.au

Central Coast 50+ Singles Social Group Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & Socialising each w/e.

Monthly programme for all areas of the coast 4396 3640 0437 699 366 50pssg@gmail.com

Central Coast Social Group Social contact, entertainment events, new friendships, for 30’s-60’s Live music, house parties, dinners, BBQs, picnics, trips away etc.

Monthly Meet & Chat 0422 243 101 email cco30s@live.com.au

Gambling Solutions Gambling help counsellors providing free confidential professional service to gamblers, family and friends Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford and The Entrance 4344 7992

Lake Munmorah Senior Citizens Club Computer Classes, dancing, exercise, pilates, yoga, craft, carpet bowls and Tai Chi. 4358 8390 Long Jetty Senior Citizens Club Computer classes, line dancing, tai chi and zumba gold - M-F, 9am to 3pm for full list of activities 4332 5522 Long Jetty Over 50s Club Indoor bowls, computers, exercises, yoga, linedancing, tai chi and more 9am to 3pm 4332 5522 Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation Meeting place and referral hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs through consultative services and community programs Mon-Fri 9am 4pm 4342 7515

P20 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

admin@mingaletta.com.au

The NSW Justices Association Inc Seeking volunteers for 6 community JP Desks in Wyong Shire Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388 benefits@nswja.org.au

Volunteering Central Coast Refer potential volunteers to community organisations and provide support to volunteers and community organisations.

Training for volunteers and managers of volunteers Information Sessions held regularly across the Coast 4329 7122 recruit@volcc.org.au

Wrap with Love Knitting blankets for cold humanity.

Donations of 8ply yarn gratefully received Long Jetty: 4333 4353 Toukley 4399 3351

Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Meet last Fri Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au

Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Wyong) Meet last Mon Toukley RSL Club, Holmes Ave Toukley 10.00am to 12 noon 4356 9300 www.pcfa.org.au

GROW Support Groups Small friendly groups formed to learn how to overcome anxiety, depression and loneliness and to improve mental health and well-being.

Anonymous, free and open to all. Weekly meetings at Bateau Bay and Wyong 1800 558 268 www.grow.org.au

Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Supporting disadvantaged vulnerable and isolated members of our community offering a range of community services, events, projects, workshops, arts programs and an open community garden.

4353 1750 Wyong Toastmasters Club Vibrant, progressive group.

Conquer your fears of public speaking in a supportive learn-by-doing environment.

10.30am - 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday Wyong RSL Anzac Ave Wyong 4328 8297 j pp @ joppa@theorchards.com.au

Garden Clubs Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Club 3rd Sat 1 to 3.30pm Plants for Sale, Raffles, afternoon tea Charmhaven Community Centre 0401 544 052 4399 2420

Health Groups Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management Support and educational group providing practical experience and confidence Learn the benefits to hearing aids 4321 0275 www.centralcoast.betterhearing australia.org.au

Peaceful conflict resolution Community participation We meet monthly every 3rd Thu - Details and info: centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

rotarytheentrance@gmail.com

NSW Labor Party The Entrance Day Branch Monthly meetings to discuss and debate policy as well as campaign for local labor candidates and Members of Parliament.

2nd Mon 2pm The Entrance Leagues Club 4332 2907 Politics in the Pub Central Coast Discussion of important political, social, economic, educational and philosophy issues in a non partisan manner. The Grange Hotel 4th Thur (ex Dec) Warnervale Branch - NSW Labor Party To support and promote NSW Labor within the Warnervale area.

1st Tue 7pm Hamlyn Terrace Community Centre 0419 128 497

Probus Clubs Bateau Bay Ladies Probus Club Warm welcome, friendship and interesting speakers.

4th Mon, RSL Hall, Killarney Vale 4332 6625

www.brightsky.com.au g y

Music Soundwaves Men’s acapella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Central Coast Leagues Club John 0413 276 698 jbthomson51@gmail.com

Tuggerah Lakes Showband Play brass instruments, meet every Tues & Thurs.

Play at community events Park Road The Entrance (north end) 0407 406 669

Political Groups Australian Labor Party Ourimbah/ Narara Branch Discussion/action community issues 3 levels of Government Niagara Park Primary School 7.30pm 1st Mon 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

Central Coast Greens The Central Coast Greens For a fairer, more transparent and accountable government based on democratic principles Local, state-wide, national and international issues and campaigns - Council and parliamentary representation Developing a new economy Protecting our environment

Torchbearers for Legacy Toukley Raising funds for Brisbane Waters Legacy. Harry Moore Golf Day, Garage markets and street stalls.

2nd Mon 9.30am Norah Head Legacy 0414 701 489

4362 2246 cclapidary@optusnet.com.au

Central Coast Soaring Club Inc Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members.

14 Y/O and up for Training Thur, Sat, Sun (weather permitting) Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Mountain 0412 164 082 0414 635 047 www.ccsoaring.com.au

hartas@bigpond.net.au

warnervale.labor@gmail.com @g

ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products delivered to your door. Wound care and respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support available 1300 886 601

and international Rotary Activities.

Meetings 6.30 pm Tues Mingara Recreation Club 4367 6540

Toowoon Bay Probus Club Morning tea, guest speakers talking on topics relevant to Seniors, as well as regular exciting social events. 4th Thur 10am.

Anglican Church Hall, Cnr Brooke Ave & Eastern Rd., Bateau Bay 4334 3979 Tuggerah Combined Probus Club Inc Meet new friends and enjoy social events.

2nd Thur., 10:30am, guest speakers.

Social outings 3rd Thur.

Woodbury Park Community Hall, Mardi 4351 0450

Service Groups Inner Wheel Club Wyong Women’s club with the common interest of giving back to the community while developing lasting friendships.

7.00 pm 3rd Wed Wyong Uniting Church 4393 2755 iiw.au.wyong@gmail.com

The Rotary Club of the Entrance Inc. A small, friendly and effective club supporting many local organisations,

Northern Settlement Services - Volunteers

Friendly visits to the elderly in nursing homes.

People with a second language encouraged to apply. Training & support provided 4334 3877 cvscc@nsservices.com.au

Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Volunteers wanted, challenging conditions, interrupted meals, early starts, breathtaking Tuggerah Lakes views.

Rewards: - Saving distressed boaters or maybe saving a life 0488 442 051 uc.tuggerahlakes@ marinerescuensw.com.au

Special Interest Biz Plus Networking Association Grow your business and in the process build worthwhile relationships.

Biz Networking breakfasts Every Thur 7:15- 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson network@bizplus.com.au

Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants as well as residents in residential parks 4353 5515 cctaas@hotmail.com

National Parks Association Central Coast Twice weekly bush walks, varying distances and grades of difficulty.

Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, flora, history. Keep fit and make friends 4389 4423 & 4332 7378 Central Coast Lapidary Club Minerals & Gems

Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Fieldtrips & fossicking Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 8.30am-2.30pm Thurs 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah

Bridge Club Social bridge Tues, 9.45am-1pm The Greens The Entrance (with or without a partner) Len 4332 6989 David 4392 0606 Tuggerah Lakes U3A Long Jetty - Discussions, play reading, cryptic crosswords, talks, readers group, Mahjong Toukley - Creative writing, French conversation Berkeley Vale - Music Appreciation Chittaway Bay - Movies 4390 2451 www.tugglakesu3a.info

Mingara Indoor Bowls Club Daily competition (singles, pairs & triples) Winner’s Prize Strongly social. Sun 9.30am- Noon.

Mon 6.30–9pm.

Wed 9.30am-2pm Ray 4389 2567 Mingara Club 4349 7799 raymurphy1935@hotmail.com ay u p y 935@ ot a com

Sport KI-DO Mingara Judo Academy Junior boys and girls Mon and Wed Two classes 6-8.30pm from 7yrs Kangy Angy 0413 237 010 www.kidomingarajudo.com.au do ga ajudo co au

Womens Groups BPW Central Coast

Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, well-being and friendship.

Monthly dinner meetings, two course meal and speaker.

Community transport avail.

Chris Levis 0438 989 199 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast

Northern Women’s Health Centre Family law advice, counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues.

All services are provided by women for women 4351 1152 www.cccwhc.com.au

If you would like your Community Organisa on listed here, see www.duckscrossing.org or www.centralcoastnewspapers.com for the forms or contact Central Coast Newspapers on - 4325 7369 Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free.

However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date.

Australia Post is about to increase their postage rates by over 42% and we can no longer continue to absorb these increases.

Subscription rates have therefore needed to be increased from $50 to $75 for 25 editions.

Sport

Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P19 9

Mariners’ Executive Vice Chairman completes his contracted role

Liam Rose extends Mariners contract

he Central Coast Mariners have announced the contract extension of Liam Rose, who has put pen to paper on an agreement that will he Central Coast Mariners’ Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Peter see him remain at the club until at least the end of the Hyundai Storrie, will complete his contracted role with the club midA-League 2017/18 season.

November.

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The young midfielder, that Mr Okon made the who was originally decision an easy one.

“I’ve had Paul Okon contracted until the end of this season, for a few years now with has now signed a one- the Young Socceroos, so I season extension, and is knew what we were going confident that he will play to get when he came in, his best football under and I think he will bring Head Coach, Mr Paul the best out in me, and I will improve my game a Okon.

Rose returned from the lot under him,” Rose said.

“Paolo brings the best Young Socceroos’ World Cup Qualifiers in Bahrain out in young players, you in late October, and can see that in the players immediately firmed up he has moved on from the his future with the Yellow Young Socceroos to the Socceroos. and Navy.

“Since he’s arrived, the Last season, Rose’s breakout campaign lift has been massive, you saw him voted by his could see even after the teammates as the 2016 first session how hard he drives us, training is more Mariners Medallist.

Rose made his first competitive and that’s appearance of the what we need,” Rose said.

Hyundai A-League Media release, With the Young 2016/17 season off Nov 2, 2016 Socceroos’ commitments the bench in the match Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners against the Western now drawn to an end, Rose said that his focus Sydney Wanderers.

At just 19 years of is firmly on the Central age, Rose already has Coast Mariners in the 38 Hyundai A-League Hyundai A-League.

“I want to help the appearances to his name, and is looking forward club get back to where it to developing his game should be, this is a great family club,” Rose said. under Paul Okon.

For events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 226 2263 63 “The staff and the “It’s an exciting time players are all so for me,” Rose said. preforming at The Art stall at Lake Munmorah Thursday, Nov 10 welcoming and everyone “It’s been a long time from 5:00pm to 7pm Guide Dogs House till Nov 26 is so involved, I love it. coming, and I’m happy Ben Woodham, Guide Dogs fundraising stalls at Lake “I want to work my that it’s all sorted, so I can Bowling fundraising stalls at Haven shopping centre Gwandalan way into the starting now focus on my football, Wyoming shopping from 9:00am to 2:30pm Club, 7:00pm team this season, but and on my future with the centre from 9:00am to we have a great team, Central Coast Mariners.

2:30pm Saturday, Nov 19 Saturday, Nov 12 “The club is heading and competition in the Gwandalan Lioness Wyong Lakes Festival in the right direction midfield, which makes Sale, Friday, Nov 25 at McKenzie’s Reserve Clothing with its coaching staff everyone work harder White Ribbon Day Budgewoi, Canton beahc Gwandalan Community and players, so I am and brings out the best in foreshore, Colongra Bay Hall, Koowong Rd, Walk at The Entrance, really looking forward to us all. departs The Entrance reserve and Long Jetty 8:00am to 12:00pm “With Monty, Berry staying here,” Rose said.

Central Coast Annual Police Station, 10:00am, foreshore until Nov 20 Speaking after signing and Tavares in the same Fair, RFBI where a white T-shirt The Lakes Surf Life Stamp his contract extension position, we are all Saving Club Annual Car Masonic Centre, Stan at the Central Coast working hard, and all Wash, Lakes Surf Club Gregory Cr Lakehaven, Saturday, Nov 26 Mariners Centre of want to improve, and Car Park, 8:00am to 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Seed Pod Fibre Excellence, Rose said that’s only going to Crazy Whist Sculpture 12:30pm workshop The Ghost of Jenny Luncheon at Camp by local artist Lisa Dixon beach with Chris Breakaway, San Remo M c A r t h u r- E d w a r d s , Halling, screen writer from 10:30am Toukley and Districts and director, Tuggerah Art Society, Wallarah Library, 10:00am to Sunday, Nov 20 Rd, Gorokan, 10:00am 12:00pm Central Coast Country to 3:00pm Music inc featuring Council Country Music Club Sunday, Nov 27 Monday, Nov 14 committee fails, says Long Jetty Hospital Band, all walk ups Toukley Presbyterian association News N ews Toukley Church St Andrew’s Day Auxiliary meeting in welcome, the Auxiliary cottage, 8 Golf Club, 12:30pm to Concert cnr Hargraves Not 23 Memorial Avenue Hume Blvd, Killarney 4:30pm St & Victoria Ave from Vale, 9:30am 2:00pm

Mr Storrie was appointed by Mariners’ owner, Mr Mike Charlesworth, in December 2014, and has completed an overhaul of the club.

He had previously been the managing director of English Premier League Club, West Ham United.

The overhaul included the restructure of both the football and the administrative side of the business, and the establishment of the Central Coast Mariners Academy.

Mr Storrie was also responsible for the appointment of Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shaun Mielekamp, Financial Director, Ms Kathryn Duncan, and, most recently, the appointment of Head

Coach, Paulo Okon.

According to a statement from the club, Mr Storrie departs with the best wishes of the Central Coast Mariners.

He thanked the club’s members, supporters, players and staff for their commitment during a period that saw widespread changes.

“I would like to thank Mike Charlesworth for the opportunity to be involved with the Central Coast Mariners,” Storrie said.

“Thank you to all of the players, staff, volunteers and supporters of the Central Coast Mariners for welcoming me with open arms.

“I hope that I have passed on my experience in football to the staff, and I am confident that

strengthen the team,” Rose added.

Mr Okon said that the contract extension of Rose is a coup for the club and spoke about his big future.

“I am delighted that Liam Rose has decided to extend his future with the Central Coast Mariners,” Okon said.

“He’s a promising young talent that will develop into a top A-League player, and if he works hard, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have ambitions to become a Socceroo, and maybe one-day, play abroad.

“The club has a philosophy of giving opportunities to young players and he’s certainly one that has potential to do great things.

“I’ve been working with Liam for about three years now, so I know exactly where he’s at in terms of his development and what he can do.

“It certainly does help that we’ve had that experience together, because Liam also knows what I expect and I know what he can give.

“There’s competition for places in the squad, and young players need to be able to handle that and step up.

“Good young players will take their chances when they’re made available and continue to improve,” Mr Okon concluded.

the club will continue to grow from strength-tostrength.

“It is now time to step back and let the leadership of Paul Okon, Shaun Mielekamp and Kathryn Duncan take the club forward,” Mr Storrie said.

Mr Charlesworth said he thanked Storrie for his contribution to the club and the support he has shown in the past two years.

“I have all the confidence that the team and structure which Peter has put in place will see the club experience success both on and off field.”

The Wyong Diary

Media release, Oct 31, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners FC

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Chamber opposes e Bullion St carpark sale

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has come out opposing the proposed sale of Umina’s Bullion St carpark.

Thursday, Nov 24 Friday, Nov 18 Noises Off! will be

Council pop up community consultation

See the Peninsula News for events in post code areas 2256 & 2257 and the COAST Community News for events in post code areas 2250, 2260 and 2251 If you’ve got something happening in the Wyong Region over the next few weeks, let us know about it and we’ll list it here for you, for free. Contact details are on page 2.

It could be devastating to West St and the Umina Town Centre, according to Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

“There will be traffic chaos and businesses will suffer,” Mr Wales said.

The Central Coast Council has called for expressions of interest from parties wishing to acquire and develop the land, which is currently zoned B2 for Local Centre.

The former Gosford Council placed a covenant over the land before calling for expressions of interest, in an attempt to protect the 160 parking spaces.

Mr Wales said the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce intended to seek an urgent meeting with Central Coast Council chief Mr Rob Noble.

“We will request that the Council abandons the current expression of interest process and consults with Umina businesses and the community to come up with a positive covenant that works for the town and not just for the Council,” he said.

“My view is the current expression of interest, including the positive covenant, is totally inadequate,” Mr Wales said.

“Too many people have raised concerns directly with me as president of the Chamber, including business owners, and this current expression of interest fails to protect the interests of business owners and the future viability of West St,” he said.

“West St is successful because it has got the Bullion St carpark.”

The positive covenant, Mr Wales said, “has fatal flaws”.

Gosford Council’s application for the covenant to be placed over the land was made by its Manager of Property and Economic Development Mr Christopher Redman on April 8 under the delegated authority of the then chief Mr Paul Anderson.

“It is intended that the land be sold,” Gosford Council’s application for the positive covenant said.

“This order is made to ensure

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is concerned businesses with rear access to the Bullion St Carpark could suffer if the land is sold and developed

that sufficient public parking is provided on the land for the community of Umina. “…parking for 160 motor vehicles must be made available on the land at no charge to members of the public between 7am and 9pm seven days per week,” the covenant said.

However, the first flaw in the covenant, according to Mr Wales, was that it allowed for reduced public parking during construction.

“Where the owner undertakes construction for a development, the owner may reduce the parking available on the land to the members of the public to assist in the construction of the development where it obtains permission from council”.

“From the moment the developer gets a construction certificate until completion of the development, the car parking is lost to the town centre and that would be devastating to the main street of Umina,’ Mr Wales said.

“People will make a decision to go elsewhere to do their shopping and it would create the traffic chaos in Umina that Terrigal is faced with

today.

“I won’t stand by and see Umina lose 160 parking spaces,” Mr Wales said.

He said the covenant, in its current form, could see the carpark closed for up to two years and that would be a reasonably positive scenario.

“What if a developer acquired the land, commenced construction and then went broke?

“I don’t believe it is possible for the developer to substitute 160 car spaces in another location for the duration of a development.

“The land cannot be developed in the way council is proposing because it cannot guarantee the community would not lose its parking.”

Mr Wales said if the Central Coast Council wanted to continue with the proposed sale of the Bullion St land it would need to provide Umina Town Centre with a multi-storey car park elsewhere to guarantee the existing 160 free parking spaces and have capacity for future growth.

The second flaw in the current positive covenant, according to Mr Wales, was that it provided the

new land owner with the ability to charge for the parking if it obtains permission to do so from council.

“The owner may request permission to charge for public parking and council will not unreasonably withhold or refuse permission if a period of at least five years has elapsed since the date of the final occupation certificate for the most recent development of the land and the land has been developed in excess of 50 per cent of the maximum intensity allowable under the zoning for the land,” the covenant said.

The final flaw was that existing West St businesses that back on to the Bullion St carpark could lose their rear access if Bullion St was sold and the land developed.

“At the moment there is no formal roadway; the existing laneway forms part of the property that runs right up to the back of the businesses,” he said.

Mr Wales said several of those existing businesses had development consents that had to provide rear access to their buildings for commercial reasons and for fire egress.

Some businesses had their

member Mr Ian Bull wrote.

“We had hoped that the recently announced Local Representation Committee, comprised of excouncillors, would restore interaction with Council,” Mr Bull said.

“Unfortunately our hopes have been dashed as it appears our ‘representatives’ have been corralled and refused vital lines of communication such as the phones and email addresses that had been previously provided to them as councillors.

“They are not permitted to speak to the media either individually or as a group as, in accepting appointment to the committee, they were required to sign over

those rights to the all-powerful administrator.

“We have been advised by Council that contact with a few committee members is possible via their personal phones and email addresses that can be found at www.wyong.nsw.gov.au (About Council).

“Council also advise you can reach the committee by emailing ask@centralcoast. nsw.gov.au or via: www. haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au/.

“Regrettably these interpose a level of bureaucracy between you and your ‘representatives’,’ Mr Bull said.

Town crier wins national championships

Gosford City Town Crier Mr Stephen Clarke of Umina has just returned from the 25th National Town Crier Championships with three first place wins.

Edition 398

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Edition 405

The Pearl Beach Progress community on installation details.

“Council’s initial view was Association will be able to locate a defibrillator on centred around risk management the beachfront, following and I think the meeting on Friday has satisfied staff that those issues negotiations with the Central can be managed.

Coast Council.

Association president Mr Ross The association’s initial Christie said the meeting with application had been rejected by Council representatives had been the council. positive.

The agreement came after an “We had a meeting on Friday open letter from the association 17 Octobermorning 2016 and we got a letter of was published in the last edition of approval on Friday afternoon for a Peninsula News, defibrillator on the beachfront,” Mr The defibrillator will be located Christie said. adjacent to the amenities block.

“Everybody is fine and happy Council administrator Mr Ian and negotiations are continuing Reynolds said Council staff and about the location of other safety community representatives held a equipment,” he said. meeting on the morning of Friday, “Unfortunately we needed a did not take cognisance October 21,decision at the waterfront. public campaign to move things of the current state oftodefi defibrillato brillato “I had signalled my intention along a bit,” Mr Christie said in review the technology. decision and staff met relation to the Central Coast “They are cally designed with representatives of specifi Progress public access to be Council’s used by initial refusal.

Associationforon Friday at and Pearl Interview, Oct 24, 2016 Beach,” Mruntrained Reynoldspeople,” said. he said.Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council “The embedded system avoids “We have agreed on a suitable Interview, Oct 24, 2016 and danger he to operators Ross Christie, Pearl Beach location formisuse the defi brillator,” and defibrillators are being rolled Progress Association said. out in public reserves around Reporter: Jackie Pearson “Staff will liaise further with the Australia.”

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“Ste “Stealing t ing ng g fish and black marketing, marketin ma marketing, ng a ass well as damage to fish habitat ha bitats itats tss a rre serious problems habitats are thatt can impa tha th im mpact act on the sustainability impact of our o our fissh h stoc sstocks st tockkks across NSW. “We We enc en nco ncou ourage anyone who encourage s es illegal sees see ega gall fifish sh sshing hing activity to report iit to the their n near ne ea est Fisheries office, eare nearest phone p ne our ho otline or make an hotline online o nline ne e rep rreport,” repor ort,” rtt,” said s Mr Andrews.

Commer Co ommerc mercia rcia cial fishers in the Commercial region rre egion were ere re rem rreminded minded to adhere to th fishing the s g rreg gu ulations for Eastern regulations Rock Rock ckk Lo L Lobster Lobste ers rs and estuary fish Lobsters species. spe ecies ies.

Media Me a release, 19 Jul 2016 el Hamling, Hamli Hamlin ling, NSW Department Mel of Primary Industries o

Interview, 30 Aug 2016 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reporter: Jackie Pearson Seized Eastern Rock Lobsters

The Bullion St car park

The former Gosford Council’s “highly contentious” Land Sale Strategy was abandoned

by Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, at an ordinary council meeting on September 28.

The “affection” expressed by the community towards their reserves also resulted in Mr Reynolds calling for Central Coast Council staff to explore establishing an Adopt a Park Scheme.

Mr Reynolds said the newlymerged Central Coast Council could find more efficiencies and savings in its consolidated budget than the former Gosford Council had access to.

to implement some or all of the strategy but fell short of ommending that the new recommending ncil either adopt or abandon Council

the proposed reclassification of six sitess on the Peninsula.

However, after listening to three e speakers on the issue, Mr Reynolds nolds said: “In no uncertain terms ms the community has made its views ws clear to me and Council.

“I know a lot of people are interested rested in this report and issue because ause they have been raising it with me on a regular basis since I arrived ved here in May,” he said.

Council had listened to the community munity and taken decisive action on by not implementing the proposed posed strategy, Mr Reynolds said..

He said the community had not only shown a desire to save theirr reserves but had expressed affection ction for them.

“I see some merit in Council

For sale: Bullion St car park

Th Bullion St car park in The Umina is for sale.

U

Expressions of interest have be called for the 0.53 hectares been of land between Bullion St and Al Alfred St. Described by Wilsons Estate Ag Agency at Woy Woy as: “A la landmark opportunity in the Umina C CBD”, the land is zoned B2 for “m “mixed use” which means it can be de developed for a mix of commercial an residential purposes under the and 20 2014 Gosford Local Environment Pl Plan.

Wilsons selling agent Mr Jim M Martin said the council had the co community’s interests at heart by pu putting a “positive covenant” on th land to ensure that any new the de development included 160 public ca spaces. car Mr Martin said the impetus be behind council’s decision to sell the la for development was coming land fro from the NSW Government’s vis vision for the Central Coast over th next 20 years. the “The NSW Department of Pl Planning released a document ab about the rapid increase in po population that is going to occur between Sydney and Newcastle over the next 20 years,” Mr Martin said.

“It will be one of the most popular residential corridors in Australia where people will want to live and that will increase the

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25 July 2016

Five Peninsula community parks and reserves have been saved as a result of a concerted community campaign to stop their reclassification and sale by Council.

region’s population by 80,000 in two decades,” he said.

According to Mr Martin, 40 per cent of those new residents will want to live on the Peninsula, in the area between Umina and Woy Woy. That is one of the reasons why the Gosford Local Environment Plan of 2014 reviewed all zoning, including in town centres and CBDs, to allow mixed use.

In the town centres of Umina, Ettalong and Woy Woy, this could result in in-fill developments that included a ground floor of commercial and retail premises with up to five storeys of residential accommodation above, he said.

According to Mr Martin, the Bullion St car park is one of the only consolidated pieces of land in the Umina CBD that could accommodate a larger mixed-use development.

“When you look around the Umina CBD, just about all of the allotments are the regular 560 square metre blocks so you can’t get the height to build anything lofty around that area,” he said.

Even though the Bullion St land includes 10 individual titles, Mr Martin said the council’s intention was to sell it as one parcel to accommodate a development with the potential to “revitalise the Umina CBD”.

“Essentially the developer has

the option of doing the whole of the car parking underground and then building three handsome towers on the site,” he said.

“Or they may decide to put parking in one area and then build two mixed use towers towards the West St end of the ISSUE land.”

THIS contains ns The closing date for expressions of interest is September 16, to give prospective purchasers the opportunity to view the land, work out affordability and work with planning consultants and council representatives to put a proposal forward.

Mr Martin said he was very optimistic about the current attitude of the new Central Coast Council.

“They are displaying a very futuristic attitude that is a 100 degree turn around on what we had five or 10 years ago.

“They are starting to speak the right language.

“The way the council is approaching the future is that we have got to move forward to mobilise all centres on the Peninsula.

“We can’t be dogmatic and the council is wanting to see nice developments for the area,” he said.

formal rresolution was greeted with applaus applause from the public gallery at Wyong’s Council Chamber.

Wyong’ The sixth block listed for potential sale on the Peninsula, at potentia Memorial Ave Blackwall, was 23 Mem already classified as operational land.

After the meeting, a media statement from Council provided stateme following clarification the on the potential sale of that “Irrespective of the land site: “I classificcation of any site, Council carries out a rigorous due diligence process before finalising decisions whether any parcel will be sold on whe retained”. or retain According to the statement, Acco process involves a review, that pr marketing and then the subsequent marketi and that will be the process sale an applied to the Blackwall land.

The other five Peninsula locations were classified as location community land and most commu

Reynold’s decision had “brought immense relief to the communities whose neighbourhood sites were threatened.

“Save Central Coast Reserves, the Community Environment Network and eight additional community groups across the Gosford region have campaigned for over a year for the protection of their 25 local reserves, parks and green spaces,” Ms Chidgey said.

“Only two councillors voted against the Land Sale Strategy, Ms Vicki Scott and Ms Hillary Morris.

“In the campaign that followed hundreds of community emails and submissions were sent to the Mayor, CEO and Councillors as well as a large petition.

“In addition, rallies were held as the community pleaded for the protection of their sites.

“Then in early 2016, with the Council Amalgamation, the community again rose up and sent huge numbers of emails and submissions to the new Administrator and CEO,” Ms Chidgey said.

“Many of our communities now look forward to joining with Council in the ‘Adopt a Park’ initiative to the well-being of their community and for the urban environment.

“I wish to extend my sincere thanks to every community member or group who supported the campaign to achieve this wonderful outcome.”

Website, 14 Jul 2016 Realcommercial.com.au Interview, 19 Jul 2016 Jim martin, Wilsons Real Estate Woy Woy Reporter: Jackie Pearson

THIS ISSUE contains 69 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

Administrator to review w Council defibrillator refusal sal

Ms Jane Smith of Community Environment Network said: “An overwhelming groundswell of community saved Central support Coast has Council these precious sites from sell-off administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and development.” has called for a review of Mr Noble’s status to report Council’s decision refuse provided a clear explanation approval for a publiclyof the process involved in the accessible defibrillator to reclassification of community land. be installed at Pearl Beach “Public land that is classifi ed with may rescue tubes ed and asalong community be reclassifi asresuscitation operational by diagrams. way of a Local The PearlPlan Beach Environmental made Progress under theAssociation Environmentalannounced Planning and a campaign Act to 1979,” raise thefunds Assessment status to purchase report said. a defibrillator for the beach in December According to the 2015. report, the was mandatory to have a EP&AThe Act goal prescribed defibrillator rescue and steps in the and making of tubes a Local resuscitation Plan. diagrams on the Environmental beachfront at the rock pool.

The first ofand those steps was the The response to theproposal campaign submission of a planning was so positive that the association to the NSW Minister for Planning. was able to to purchase four According Mr Noble’s status defibrillators. report, the former Gosford Council TheeverPearl Beach Safety did not take that first step in Advisory Group, a working group executing its Land Sale Strategy. of Pearl Beach residents with “The LG Act and the EP&A Act professional backgrounds in health prescribe a number of mandatory and safety, was formed. steps that must be taken to effect The Progress Association also re-classification of public land from received support from the Member community to operational by way for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, of an LEP,” the status report said. who organised a grant of $8250 “The former Gosford Council under the Stronger Communities didProgram not initiate any of those steps. for a cabinet to house the “The [Central Coast] Council defi brillator. has not initiated any of those Upon application, the steps.

Council declined to allow the devices to Continued Page 10to the public at be made available the Pearl Beach beachfront or rock pool.

Central Coast Council on Wednesday, October 12, said that Mr Reynolds had received a letter from the association and had already asked Council staff to review the decision.

That review is currently underway, according to the statement.

“Council staff are more than happy to meet with the association to find the best possible solution for the community.”

The statement said Council’s reasons for declining to approve the defibrillator had been outlined in previous correspondence to the progress association.

Those reasons included “concerns about damage, vandalism, and equipment being used by untrained people.

“The reserve they are talking about putting the equipment in received damage from storms previously and is exposed to impacts of environment,” the statement said.

A statement from 53 a articles rtiicle es - R Read ea d m more or news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

Office: Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: E-mail: Website:

31 October 2016

Defibrillator permitted at Pearl Beach

Council cil drops land sale plans

Phone Pho 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

of Champions.

The Best Cry prize was judged on vocal and word content only.

This is the third time Mr Clarke has attained the top prize o Champion of Champions and this year he competed against criers from Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Clarke has been the officia Gosford and Central Coast Town Crier since 1990.

“The lines of communication that the residents of the Central The championships were held Coast have always enjoyed in Redland Queensland and Mr through their representatives, the Clarke represented the Central councillors, have been closed in Coast Council. all but name only and will remain Mr Clarke won first prize for the Email, 6 Sep 2016 own that become thatparking way until thecould elections, a long Best Dressed Crier, first prize for Stephen Clarke, Umina Newsletter, 7 Sep 2016 12 monthsif the away,” association inaccessible carpark was Ian Bull, WTKCA the Best Cry and first for Champion sold and developed right to its boundary with the existing West St buildings.

Business owners in the area were not notified by council prior to the Expressions of Interest being called.

Because the land is classified CoasttheCouncil has was to be sold as surplus to that was recently placed on the erroneous lot identification had affected land on its website. asCentral “operational”, council did market by Central Coast Council caused Mr Kerr to be criticised for The exact ownership of some error that has requirements. notmade have toan consult the community The error resulted in a page as part of the former Gosford being part of the Central Coast of the community allotments before it decided it. resulted in to a sell development three article in the last issue of Council’s land sale strategy.

Council’s land sale strategy when, involved in the land sale strategy The diversion delivery proposal beingof confused Peninsula News claiming “First According to Mr Wales, in fact, he had nothing to do with is still a subject of debate and vehicles to West from with land that St was parttheof proposal submitted for Council whose Wales and Associates that strategy and was intending to disagreement between some “informal” laneway at the boundary the Council’s “land sale consultancy prepared the develop land that had been in his community groups and council. of strategy”, the Bullion St land would be ato land sale site”. compliance pliance ance within the “es “estuary “est uary according Central Coast Council was Mr Wales said the development Statement of Environmental possession for some time. traffific nightmare for Umina Town general fishery” s off Patonga.

Patong planning consultant Mr application lodged by Mr Bruce Effects that accompanied Mr Ms Sue Chidgey from Save expected to consider commercial a report from Centre, according to the Chamber.

“The 36-year-old commercia com comme l Matthew staff landin sale Kerr did not relate to land Kerr’s application, Gosford Council Central Coast Reserves has been fisherman “It would Wales. be like telling Umina h about wasthe ffound possessio pos strategy sion sio n possession He said a proposal by Mr Bruce previously owned by the Central had recorded part of Mr Kerr’s land lobbying since September last year at its September 14 meeting bu shoppers the council was going to of 44 live Eastern R Rock ock Lobsters L Kerr of Woy Woy was listed by Coast Council, as reported in the and the operational land as located for the Council to provide more the issue was deferred to the put paid parking metres in; there and nd d 12 2 prohibited size mulloway, mullo mulloway ” mulloway,” council as at 23 Memorial Ave, article. at 23 Memorial Avenue. information about the land sale M September 28 meeting, which wi Mr Andrews Andrews ssaid. will be a worse revolt than the Blackwall, where in fact it was He said Mr Kerr had owned The council subsequently strategy, including identification of be“He held at admitted the Wyong chamber. also to oversetting overse ing Ettalong boarding house proposal,” located at 19, 21 and 21A Memorial the subject lands for some confirmed that Mr Kerr’s land had the exact lots listed for potential Peninsula hiss The meshing nets, sNews which wh whicis awaiting is i a Mr Wales said.

Ave. considerable number of years. been incorrectly addressed and reclassification and sale. answers council separate eparate e from offence as about E Estuarthe Estuary The Gosford Council did hold Land at 23 Memorial Ave had The lands to the east of the site, was, in fact, located at 19, 21 and It was months before the former General identifi of theare allotments. nerallcation Fishers prohibited prohib ted discussions with the Peninsula Email, 13 Sep 2016 been listed by council as council- which do not form part of Mr Kerr’s 21A Memorial Avenue.

Gosford Council would even from rom retaining Eastern E Rockk Chamber in 2014 about the future Matthew Wales, Wales owned “operational land” which application were operational land Mr Wales said the Council’s agree to identifying the located of Lobster obster er caught ht in meshing meshi nets,” nets of the Umina Town Centre. and Associates he said. aid. d “We did say that the Bullion “This is fisherman has breached breached breac ched d St Carpark was important to the THIS ISSUE contains 61 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info five regulations ulations of th the Act, Act, inc includ luding lu g including town centre and held prospects for possessing ssing illegally taken tak fish s and nd future development for community benefit but at no time did we agree Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford to its wholesale sale,” Mr Wales Phone: 4325 7369 said.

Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 “Umina is unique and successful E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net because of Bullion St. Website: www.centralcoastnews.net “There is no other town centre in the former Gosford local government area that has a grid system to give traffic traffific access to and from the town centre, the offers kerbside parking and the parking in Bullion St with its direct links to businesses.

“Then we have excellent public transport in the form of buses so if you play around with that mix of unique circumstances you could ruin the town centre.

“Every other town centre that is suffering retail problems has a shortage of parking.

“We did not spend a decade encouraging businesses to come to Umina to see it ruined,’ Mr Wales said.

THIS ISSUE contains 71 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

Ta

4 October 2016

From left: Mr Stephen Clarke, Gosford City Town Crier with Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds

eee!

Frke on o ke

The Central Coast Council’s Local Representation Committee has failed to 5 September 2016 achieve its aim of “ensuring all communities within the new LGA have a voice”, according an article in the newsletter of the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association.

Edition 401

e Frkeeone!

Ta

19 September 2016

From left: Mr David Kenny from the Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group holds a rescue tube and Mr Ross Christie,, President of the Pearl Beach Progress Association, holds a defibrillator Photo: Patrick Everett verett

However, Pearl Beach resident Mr Dave Kennedy, a Safety Advisory Group member and professional firefighter for Fire Rescue NSW, said the concerns were unwarranted.

He said: “I have undertaken over 100 rescues in the past 14 years as a professional council lifeguard.

“As an example, saving a fiveyear-old girl was made possible with a rescue tube, and we need equipment on our beach to save lives.”

Since moving to Pearl Beach about a year ago, Mr Kennedy, who is a qualified CPR trainer, offered to train community members as a way of supporting the association’s beach safety initiatives.

Mr Kennedy said he had no concerns about the defibrillators being used by untrained individuals.

“It is quite the opposite. They are designed for use by members of the public,” he said.

According to Mr Kennedy, Mosman Council had four defibrillators located at Balmoral Beach.

“They are public access devices that have been used twice and both people were bought back to

life as a result.”

The positive result was achieved because members of the public were able to use the defibrillators on the cardiac arrest victims within the first five minutes of the attack.

They still dialled 000 but did not have to wait the 10 or more minutes for the paramedics to arrive.

“It is common knowledge that a person’s survival chances are reduced by 10 per cent for every minute lost before resuscitation begins,” Mr Kennedy said.

“If we can get that defibrillator on them during the first five minutes their chances of survival shoot through the roof,” he said.

The Pearl Beach Progress Association has organised for their defibrillators to be monitored by an alarm company, in an attempt to appease Council’s concerns.

Anyone needing to use the device will have to call the alarm company first to receive a security code.

“The user will need to call 000 then press the button on the device and basically they will get someone talking to them who gives them the code.

“You will start seeing defibrillators in train stations, shopping centres and other public

places.

“That is already happening ng in Europe,” he said.

In an open letter to Mr Reynolds, olds, Pearl Beach Progress Association ation president Mr Ross Christie said d the Council had placed impediments ments in the way of improving safety ety at Pearl Beach.

“I note that the Central Coast Council has: failed to respond pond to the report of the Coronerr on the drowning of Chayce Kelly; refused permission for the Pearl Beach Progress Association, at its expense, to establish a defibrillator llator unit on the foreshore; failed d to reply to a June 20 letter appealing aling against the decision of Councilil not to allow the Pearl beach Progress gress Association, again at its expense, ense, to place rescue tubes and resuscitation charts on the beach each and near the rockpool; and not responded to repeated requests uests to meet with you to discuss this matter,” Mr Christie said.

“I trust that my file which evidences unreasonable nable each impediments to improving beach safety at Pearl Beach never has roner to be tendered to the Coroner as evidence at some time in the future,” he said.

Mr Christie said Council’s

Mr Christie said the drowning of five-year-old Chayce Kelly a Pearl Beach in 2014 had “triggered a whole lot of beach safety issues including rescue tubes and ange rings or life buoys as they used to be called.

“I have offered to meet with council and bring a new-generation defibrillator with me so they could see it has been designed for public access,” he said.

“We have already had training for about 50-60 people in the village but you turn it on and a TV screen comes on and tells you what to do.”

There is already a defibrillato located at the Pearl Beach shop but public access is limited to the shop’s opening hours.

“I think they’ve got some misplaced concept of liability but there is no case law abou anybody ever getting into trouble by attempting to save a life.”

Mr Christie said the progress From left, Jayden Gordon holidaying at Pearl Beach is association wanted the equipmen taught about a rescue tube by Mr Dave Kennedy in place before the beginning of the Photo Patrick Everett 2016-17 beach season.

“It is a very popular spot and very heavily populated.

“I would have thought that on a sunny day 400 to 500 people would be on Pearl Beach.”

Mr Christie said former Gosford councillor Mr Bob Ward had agreed to make representations to Mr Reynolds.

“There is no doubt we are on the right side of history.

“It is just a question of people waking up to themselves.

“We raised $26,000, and would say $15,000 came from medicos and doctors who were very supportive of the appeal.”

The Rawson Rd Level Crossing at Woy Woy

Government abandons level crossing project The State Government has abandoned the Rawson Rd level crossing replacement project.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Mr Duncan Gay, announced the decision in answer a question from Mr Walt Secord in the Legislative Council on October 20.

According to Mr Gay, the overpass project would now cost the NSW Government a total of between $80 million and $115 million.

The NSW Government originally promised $30 million towards the replacement of the crossing in 2011 as a major component of Mr Chris Holstein’s campaign to be elected as the Liberal Member for Gosford.

Since then, the cost of replacing the level crossing has been revised upward on several occasions.

The level crossing replacement project has been at a standstill since the completion of the pedestrian underpass in 2015.

At the opening of the new pedestrian underpass, I committed

an extra $7 million towards the council’s proposed upgrade of the level crossing,” said Mr Gay. “This increased the overall commitment of the New South Wales Government at this location to $52 million because a total of $45 million had been committed towards a pedestrian and road solution at the level crossing.

“Unsurprisingly, the cost estimate to achieve a solution at the level crossing increased from $52 million, which increased from the original $30 million, to be between $80 million and $115 million.

“Following the cost estimate increase, I wrote to the council and advised that no further funding would be available for the proposal, which the council admitted it could not possibly afford itself.

“Taxpayers should not be forced to foot an even larger bill.”

Mr Gay said the Government had no responsibility for the roads involved.

“Woy Woy Rd and Rawson Rd are regional roads under the care and control of the Central Coast

Council, previously the Gosford Council.

“In other words, they are not state owned or managed roads,” he said.

“Since 2011, the New South Wales Government has committed more than $36 million in grant funding to Gosford City Council for the upgrade and repair of council owned and managed roads.

“This is equal to a 27 per cent increase in the grant funding compared to what Labor spent in its last term of Government.

“The New South Wales Government also spent $178 million upgrading the West Gosford interchange to address traffic demand on the Central Coast Highway and Brisbane Water Drive.

“The latter is the key State road connection to the northern end of Woy Woy and this upgrade was open to traffic in 2015,” Mr Gay said.

Hansard, 20 Oct 2016 Duncan Gay, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Reporter: Jackie Pearson More on level crossing - Page 13

THIS ISSUE contains 52 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Email, 11 Oct 2016 201 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association Interview, 12 Oct 2016 Ross Christie, Pearl Beach Progress Association Interview, 12 Oct 2016 David Kennedy, Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group Media statement, 12 Oct 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Counc Reporter: Jackie Pearson

THIS ISSUE contains 58 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

A frfree ee nnewspaper e sp spap aper er with itithh in iin-depth Peninsula Community news!

Classifieds

P28 P2 28 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P29 9

Sport

Sevens tournament saw history created

Victorious Australian Men’s 7s team

Pearls were a hit with young 7s players at the tournament

Dee Why Lions Under 7 Pinks and Morthlakes Junior Girls lead out their heroes as part of the opening ceremony

Under 17s players in action at the Central Coast 7s

he 2016 UON Central Coast Sevens tournament was called the 6 named the Cobie-Jane “best invitation tournament in the world” by former Fiji 7s Morgan most valuable player.

Olympic Gold Medal winning coach, Ben Ryan.

T

“Gold outnumbered green four gold medallists to three, but it was 18-year-old Emma Sykes who was the difference for Aussie Green,” he said.

“The Australian Men’s team defeated Fiji’s Uluinakau by 24 to 21 in an end-to-end battle that hung in the balance right to the final whistle, when the Fijians made a last gasp attempt to secure victory.”

Mr Morgan said the inaugural under 17s youth tournament had also been

According to the Central Coast 7s tournament manager, Mr Craig Morgan, the 2016 tournament was “an epic three days of intense sevens action, which saw history created as the Australian Pearls and the Australian Men’s 7s teams claimed back-toback titles for the first time in the tournament’s history.

“The Aussie Pearls Green side defeated the Aussie Pearls Gold side by 40 to 19,” Mr Morgan said.

The Shame File

Ducks Crossing Publications has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track.

However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so. From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them.

- trading as A1 cleaning services

• Golden Scissors Hairdressing, Wyong • Bakefresh, Wyong

• Rattananporn Massage, Wyong

• Frazer Park Pty Ltd Rucker, formerly trading as The • Darren Big Prawn at Crangan Killarney Vale Bay •

• Tony Fitzpatrick trading as Futuretek Roofing • David Hill, Long Jetty • Jessica Davis of Erina

Thomas James Clinton, Trading as TMA Products & AthroBalm & Effective Business Solutions of Ettalong

a resounding success.

“The tournament, featuring eight girls’ and eight boys’ teams, has proven extremely popular, with interest already being received for 2017.

“The New Zealand Wasps ran out winners in the girls’ division, defeating the Liverpool Cougars by 53 to 7, with the Wasps number

“In the boys’ tournament, the ACT Brumbies were too strong, claiming victory over NSW 7s by 22 to 12 in the boys’ final, with Stuart Stellar named the Jesse Parahi most valuable player,” Mr Morgan said.

Email, Nov 4, 2016 Craig Morgan, Central Coast 7s

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Sport

P30 P3 30 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016

Mariners back to their winning ways

Faty in action against the Western Sydney Wanderers

Izzo in full flight against the Western Sydney Wanderers

stunning second half comeback, and a Connor Pain howitzer, has inspired Central Coast Mariners to their first win of the season, and their first win in the A-League in 281 days, beating Adelaide United 2-1 on November 6.

A

A Sergi Guardiola penalty had the Reds 1-0 up at the break at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide, before the Mariners launched their fightback.

First Roy O’Donovan levelled things up two minutes into the second half, before Pain produced an absolute screamer just

before the hour mark, to complete the turnaround.

Despite their best efforts and the return of playmaker Marcelo Carrusca for the last 30 minutes, Adelaide couldn’t find an equaliser as they slumped to a fourth straight defeat in the Hyundai A-League.

T ide Char T FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

Time - Height(m) Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

0426 1.34 0321 1.27 1002 0.73 0850 0.77 TUE 1514 1.51 WED 1621 1.53 THU 2300 0.44 2205 0.50 0615 1.58 0039 0.30 1214 0.53 0703 1.72 FRI 1823 1.62 SAT 1311 0.41 SUN 1917 1.66 0211 0.24 0258 0.26 0838 1.96 0927 2.03 MON 1500 0.21 TUE 1555 0.16 WED 2105 1.65 2200 1.61 0437 0.39 0530 0.48 1108 2.02 1159 1.94 THU 1745 0.19 FRI 1842 0.26 SAT 2354 1.47 0153 1.36 0258 1.34 0725 0.67 0830 0.73 SUN 1346 1.70 MON 1445 1.58 TUE 2039 0.42 2136 0.48

8

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11

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18

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0524 1.45 1112 0.65 1725 1.57 2351 0.37 0125 0.26 0750 1.85 1406 0.30 2011 1.67 0346 0.31 1017 2.05 1649 0.16 2257 1.54 0052 1.41 0626 0.58 1251 1.83 1940 0.34 0402 1.36 0939 0.76 1549 1.49 2230 0.51

With their win over Adelaide, the Mariners seem to have finally found their feet after a disastrous run in the 2015/2016 season.

Fresh talent and an experienced new coach seem to have married together to bring the Mariners back into the 2017 season ready to fire, going from strength to strength with their performances so far this year.

The win comes off the back of the Club’s draw with the Western Sydney Wanderers which also showcased the Mariners penchant for a comeback, with Adam Berry finding the net for the equaliser the Mariners needed on his A-League debut.

The Mariners’ next bout will be against Wellington Phoenix at GIO Stadium on November 12.

The Mariners celebrate

Website, Nov 7, 2016 Central Coast Mariners FC Dilon Luke, Journalist Coach Paulo Okon embraces Storm Roux after the win in Adelaide

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - November 8, 2016 - P31 1

Bennett, Pratt and Buswell selected in Mariners’ National Youth League squad he Central Coast Mariners’ National Youth League squad for of two players from the 2016 includes local up-and-comers Jordan Bennett from Tumbi North Shore Mariners Umbi, Sean Pratt from Gorokan, and Cooper Buswell from Academy.

“Having local talent Wyong.

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The squad will be led by Head Coach, Ben Cahn, who is also A-League Assistant to Paulo Okon.

“If you look through the best football clubs in history, they’ve always had a core of local players, and that’s no different in the youth league, and it’s great that we’ve got a good number of Central Coast boys who will be competing with boys from around the country,” Cahn said.

National Youth League Players have signed 12-month Youth Development Agreements that will see them play through the NYL season, followed by the Mariners’ Academy’s FNSW NPL 2 season.

Ten clubs have been divided into two Youth League conferences, and the Mariners are in Conference B, against the FFA Centre of Excellence in Canberra, Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC. The teams within each conference will play each other twice over 10 rounds, four at home and four away, making a total of eight matches and two byes per team.

Cahn said the Mariners’ youth side has 20 contracted players and four non-contracted.

The Central Coast

Mariners kicked off their National Youth League campaign in Canberra the day after the club’s A-League match in the nation’s capital on Sunday, November 13 against the FFA Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Cahn is confident with the group of players that he has selected heading into the season, and spoke highly of Football Federation Australia’s decision to implement 12 month contracts.

“Throughout the trial process, we have been able to look at players based in NSW, as well as players who travelled from interstate,” Cahn said.

“We had a broad range of players to look at, and now that the squad is finalized, I’m very happy and have a good feeling about the quality and depth of the squad.

“To have players contracted for 12 months is a really good decision by the FFA. “It means that if players miss a chance through injury or whatever reason during that eight-week competition, they can still get their opportunity through the academy.”

Cahn said that the 2016 FNSW PS4 NPL2 season provided the perfect platform to be

able to assess players, with a longer term view of recruitment for the NYL season, and that the number one goal of the NYL season was to prepare players for A-League football.

“There are players from our academy that are in the NYL squad, and towards the end of last season, we brought players in to trial with a view to potentially bring them into the NYL squad,” Cahn said.

“Ultimately, the biggest priority is to develop players to a level that they are able to help the first team when called upon, or are good enough to go on and earn a contract in the coming years.

“The big thing is making sure that we have a stream of players ready to play A-League football, but we also want them to learn how to become winners.

“When you look at the likes of Ryan Peterson’s and Trent Buhagiar’s inclusion in the first team this season, it sends a strong message that the Mariners are eager to give good young players a chance,” Cahn said.

Cahn also spoke about the importance of local talent with the inclusion of six Central Coast juniors in his squad, as well as the introduction

is massively important,” Cahn said.

“It’s always good to have local players in the first team as well, because local players understand the environment and what it means to the fans and other young players coming through.”

Cahn grew up in London and played his junior football with Fulham and Crystal Palace, but moved to Australia at the age of 20 to pursue opportunities as a football coach.

He gained his first senior training job at the age of 25 with the Noosa Lions in Queensland, worked with Football Queensland in state teams, and worked with Sunshine Coast FC as their academy director in the Queensland Premier League.

In January, he accepted a position with the Central Coast Mariners’ Academy, and now holds the multiple roles of Assistant Coach to Paulo Okon, National Youth League and National Premier League Head Coach, and the club Academy’s Head of Performance.

He said working with Paulo Okon was: “A fantastic learning opportunity.

“He has made an amazing impact in the short time he has been

there in the intensity of the training, the detail of the analysis and the quality of the information,” Cahn said.

“I have worked with a lot of high level coaches in my years in football and Paul Okon is up there with the best high level coaches,” he said.

Cahn did not want to comment on the sides the Mariners’ youth team would be up against in Conference B. “Right now the focus is purely on ourselves and our players,” he said.

“We are desperate to

win games and create a winning team and a winning club, and given that we are the lowest resourced club in terms of football resources in the league, our staff are working extremely hard to come up with new ways and better ways to do things,” he said.

Media release, Oct 27, 2016 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners Interview, Oct 31, 2016 Ben Cahn, Central Coast Mariners Jackie Pearson, journalist

Warnervale Boys Touch team are third best in NSW

W

arnervale Public School Boys Touch team made it to the semi-finals in the NSW State Knockout Competition.

To get there, Warnervale needed to defeat every Central Coast team that they were drawn against.

The boys won their first game against Hastings 7-6, which placed them in the top four of the state.

Warnervale was eliminated in the semifinal match, but placed equal third in the 2016 state competition.

Newsletter, Oct 28, 2016 Nish Green, Warnervale Public School

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