Issue 079 of COAST Community News by Ducks Crossing Publications

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March 26, 2014

Your independent local newspaper

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Issue 79

Gosford Waterfront Development Control Plan approved

he Gosford Waterfront Development Control Plan (DCP) 2014 came into force on Friday, March 21, following approval by the director-general of Planning and Infrastructure.

The DCP builds upon the Gosford Waterfront’s new land use framework and provides detailed controls against which to assess future development applications. It is based, where possible, on Gosford Council’s existing controls and particularly those already approved under the 2013 DCP. It outlines the more detailed planning provisions for the built form such as pedestrian amenity, access and environmental management for future development in the Gosford Waterfront and establishes controls for building setbacks and building separations to ensure high amenity. Key features of the

DCP include enhanced pedestrian connectivity and high quality public domain. According to the DCP, the vision for the Gosford Waterfront is to promote sustainable growth in a manner which will provide a catalyst for the wider revitalisation of the city centre. “The Gosford Waterfront will be a vibrant and active mixed use precinct that will connect the Gosford City Centre to the Brisbane Water foreshore,” states the Plan. “The range of available public amenities and services will attract people of all ages to live in the Gosford Waterfront and Gosford City Centre. “The foreshore edge will be activated and celebrated

with upgraded open space and key public spaces, pedestrian walkways and cycle ways.” The DCP lists a number of envisaged outcomes for the waterfront which are to be considered in the preparation and assessment of development applications including: an attraction for visitors, residents and workers of the Gosford Waterfront to enjoy the natural beauty of the Brisbane Water; high quality architecturally designed buildings providing a clear distinction between public and private domains; high density residential components with high amenity and water views, proximity to employment, services and recreational facilities; a new restaurant

zone based along the existing breakwater; high quality landscape features and embellishments attracting visitors and improving the recreational opportunities for residents and workers of the Gosford Waterfront and surrounds; a network of roads, plazas, public spaces, links and waterside pathways; development sympathetic to any significant tree standings and ecologically sensitive environments; potential for new improved boating facilities for a variety boating of activities including public and private moorings; and recognition of the heritage values of the site, while ensuring that future development has due regard to the significance of the item. The DCP has outlined a number of controls in order to achieve the intended objectives.

These controls include, but are not limited to: the provision of cultural and recreation facilities in accessible locations; the provision of a major pedestrian crossing across the Central Coast Highway in a central welldesigned location in the vicinity of Baker St and public plaza; compliance of street building alignment and street setbacks; consistent street or public domain frontage heights; a maximum floor plate size for commercial buildings of 2,200m2 and a maximum floor plate depth (excluding balconies) for residential buildings of 20m; minimum floor to ceiling heights of 3.3 metres for commercial office, 3.5 metres for active public uses, such as retail and restaurants, and 2.7 metres for residential; any new public spaces to be designed so that at least

50% of the open space provided has a minimum of three hours of sunlight between 9am and 3pm on June 21 (Winter Solstice); the maximisation of glazing for retail uses, but break glazing into sections to avoid large expanses of glass; the maintenance of public access to all outdoor areas at all times; the provision of new pedestrian and cycle links between Baker St, Gosford City Highway, Dane Dr and Georgiana Tce; and the maintenance of continuous pedestrian connections around the foreshore. The Gosford Waterfront DCP can be found at http:// majorprojects.planning.nsw. gov.au. Gosford Waterfront DCP 2014, 21 Mar 2014

Directory

Page 2 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

Chance to Win!

Gosford LGA emergency services directory

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 G-line - Gambling Helpline 1800 633 635 Credit Helpline 1800 808 488 Child Support Agency 13 12 72 Australian Injury Helpline 1800 223 363 Veteran Affairs Net work 1300 551 918 Mens Domestic Violence 1800 000 599 Sexual Assault Resource 1800 199 888 Gay and Lesbian Counselling 1800 184 527 Gay and Lesbian Support 1800 249 377 Youth Sexuality Network 4320 2856 Vietnam Veterans 1800 043 503 Victims Support Services 1800 633 063 Translation and Interpreting Service 13 14 50

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations Aboriginal Legal Service 8842 8000 Community Options 4351 3388 Bungree Aboriginal Association 4397 7700 Mingaletta 4342 7515 Aboriginal Home Care 4352 1153 Drug & Alcohol rehab 4388 6360 Respite Care Options 4351 3388 Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health 4351 1040 Darkinjung Local Land Council 4351 2930

Accommodation Dept. of Housing Gosford 4323 5211 Cassie4Youth 4322 3197 Coast Shelter 4324 7239 Pacific Link Com Housing 4324 7617 Rumbalara Youth Refuge 4325 7555 Samaritans Youth Services 4351 1922 Youth Angle • Woy Woy 4341 8830 Youth Accom Hotline 1800 424 830 Temporary Accommodation 1800 152 152

Family and Relationships

Health Gosford Hospital 4320 2111 Cancer Hotline 131 120 Mental Health info Service 1300 794 991 Sexual Health @ Gosford Hospital 4320 2114 Beyond Blue (Depression) 1300 22 4636

Wildlife Arc 4325 0666 Wires 1300 094 737

Counselling Mensline - talk with a bloke 1300 789 978 Lifecare Family Services 1300 130 225 CatholicCare: 4356 2600 Relationship Australia: 1300 364 277 Interrelate: 1800 449 118

Problems, Habits & Addiction G-Line Telephone Counsel 1800 633 635 Gamblers Anonymous 9726 6625 Alcoholics Anonymous 4323 3890 Narcotics Anonymous 4325 0524 Quitline 131 848

Emergency Police Assistance Line 131 444 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Woy Woy Police Station 4323 5599 Energy Australia 13 13 88 Gas Emergency 131 909 Gosford City Council 4325 8222 Marine Rescue - Central Coast 4325 7929 SES - Storm and Flood Emergency 132 500

Welfare Services

Crisis Services and Helplines Lifeline - 24 hr. 13 11 14 Suicide Helpline 1800 191 919 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Parents Helpline 13 20 55 Indigenous Call Centre 136 380 Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321

Donnison St. Restaurant 4325 3510 Gosford Family Support 4340 1585 Horizons Family Services 4334 3377 Meals on Wheels Gosford 4363 7111 Woy Woy 4341 6699 Department of Community Services Gosford - 4336 2400 The Salvation Army 4325 5733 Samaritans Emergency Relief 4393 2450 St Vincent De Paul Society HELPLINE 4323 6081

ons directory inside also, see the Not for Proﬁt organisations Community Access Edition 339

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

The pass permits entry for two adults and two children and is valid until March 3, 2015. Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo has recently welcomed the arrival of three cheetah clubs, a zebra foal, a Przewalski horse foal and two addax calves so now is the perfect time to visit. To win the family pass to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to Coast Community News Taronga Zoo Dubbo competition PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250 by the close of business Monday, April 7. The winner of last edition's Coast Community News Annual Charity Ball competition was Stefania Warne of Erina. The winner of the Coast Community News Segway competition was Wendy Bridges of Kincumber.

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Parents Helpline 132 055 Gosford Family Support Service 4340 1099 Horizons (For men with children) 4333 5111 Interrelate - Family Relationships 1300 736 966 Uniting Care Burnside Gosford 1800 067 967

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Your independent local newspaper, published fortnightly on a Tuesday and focusing on issues specifically affecting post code areas; 2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming and 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Foresters Beach, North Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

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Ph: 4325 7369 Email: editorial@duckscrossing.org Next Edition: Coast Community News 080 Deadline: April 4 Publication date: April 9 Contributions welcomed Letters to the editor and other contributions are welcomed and should be addressed to: COAST Community News PO Box 1056, Gosford NSW 2250. Contributions should be in Word format sent via email to: mail@gosfordnews.org, on disks or by handwritten letter if these facilities are not available to you. Contributions must Include the date, your name, a ddress and phone numbers. Name and Suburb will be published. Anonymous contributions will not be included. Submissions may be published in edited form. ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post A Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by New Age Printing

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March 26, 2014

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March 21 21, 2014

Gosford Waterfront Development Control Plan approved

Issue 42

and

Ourimbah protest rally well attended ver 200 people attended a rally in Our Ourimbah on Sunday, March 9, to prot protest against the proposed four storey, 101 unit affordable boarding house development in Glen Rd. developmen

O Residents opposed to the proposed boarding house

Chamber says boarding house is inappropriate at Ettalong The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales has described the proposed boarding house at Ferry Rd, Ettalong, as inappropriate, following further submissions by the applicant. “We are aware of comments by the applicant that they do not intend for the proposed boarding house to be used as a refuge or halfway house for welfare recipients,” said Mr Wales. “However, this would not preclude the development from being used for this purpose in the future or any subsequent owner utilising the boarding house for social housing. “It remains our position that boarding house accommodation should be located close to support services, social service infrastructure and major public transport nodes. “The applicant has also stated that the proposal will provide

housing for aged and single person households together with students and commuters. “The fact remains that boarding houses are speciﬁcally for lodgers on a short-term basis. “Under the new Gosford LEP 2014, this precludes backpackers’ accommodation, group homes, hotel or motel accommodation, seniors housing or serviced apartments. “These uses are quite different. “Therefore, if the boarding house cannot be used for backpackers, cannot be used as a group home, cannot be used for motel accommodation, cannot be used to house seniors and cannot be used as residential serviced apartments, then the community has genuine reason to ask exactly what the development will be used for. “It is difﬁcult to envisage how the proposal can possibly accommodate seniors or single person households for any extended period of time especially

when the rooms are relatively small being less than 25m2 in area. “It is also difficult to envisage what commuters might use the premises when any commuter from the area would already reside locally and even more difficult to envisage what students might reside in the boarding house when the nearest university is nearly an hour away at Ourimbah. “The applicant has also stated that the impact of the boarding house development will be no different to that of a residential flat building. “It is the Chamber’s view that the impacts are completely different. “Any residential development on the site would much be less intense and require less parking. “Nor could it possibly produce a 60 person population yield on the site. “By their nature, and coupled with bonus provisions for density under the SEPP (Affordable Rental Housing), boarding houses are intense developments that

generally have higher impacts than standard residential developments. “The applicant has also maintained that the development and proposed cafe is in keeping with council’s plans for the waterfront promenade. “The Chamber is not aware of any plans contained in the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Masterplan that includes cafes on the reserve front in this portion of the foreshore upgrade. “The foreshore reserve between Picnic Pde and Ferry Rd has traditionally been used for passive recreation with more active uses adjacent to the Ettalong Beach retail frontage. “The proposal would be incongruous with the passive uses traditionally attributed to this area. “The applicant has also stated that the development will be privately owned and operated and will not receive any government funding or subsidies. “That may be the case at the time of assessment, however,

should approval be granted the applicant is perfectly entitled to apply for a range of government subsidies including the Boarding House Financial Assistance Program together with government subsidised referrals from the Department of Housing or other departments. “This does not preclude subsequent owners of the boarding house to apply for subsidies or take on department referrals as part of any future business plan of operation”. “The Chamber is well aware of how business circumstances can change and whilst assurances can be made in the short term, this is no guarantee that the boarding house may operate in a completely different format in the future,” said Mr Wales. Media release, 6 Mar 2014 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

he Gosford Waterfront Development Control Plan (DCP) 2014 came into force on Friday, March 21, following approval by the director-general of Planning and Infrastructure.

50% of the open n space provided has a minimum of three hours of sunlight between 9am and 3pm on June 21 (Winter Solstice); the maximisation off glazing zing ng g for retail uses, but break ut br rea eaak eak glazing into sections ion on ns to avoid large expanses nsses of o glass; the maintenance ntena naan an nce ce of public access to aallll outdoor areas at all times; the provision of new pedestrian and cycle cle links between Baker St, Gosford City Highway, Danee Dr and Georgiana Tce; and the maintenance of continuous ntinuous nections pedestrian connections e. around the foreshore. aterfront The Gosford Waterfront DCP can be found at http:// ing.nsw. majorprojects.planning.nsw. gov.au. ront DCP Gosford Waterfront 2014, 21 Mar 2014

The rally ra was addressed by Member for The Entranc Entrance Mr Chris Wyong mayor Spence, Wy Cr Doug Eat Eaton, Senator O’Neill, Deborah for Dobell Member fo Ms Karen McNamara, representativ representative of the developer Ms Katie Gregory and Resident’s Group chairman Action Grou A McGill. Mrr G M Greg McG Spence, Ms Mr Mr Spe McNamara McNama McNa maara and Ms mar O’Neill spoke of the O ’Neill Neill sp spo o need for orr appropriate development in developm opm ppment pm m Ourimbah to Ourim urimb ur rriiimbah mbb m t maintain the th hhee present aamenity for r residents. Mayor Cr Eaton outlined the planning involved with process invo while this development develop Ms Gregory conﬁrmed the ddevelopment application had been the developer returned to th to address the 165 objections residents’ with Wyong lodged wit Council. McGill said the Mr McGi about saving rally was ab Ourimbah.

“If this four storey boarding house development proceeds, Ourimbah is lost forever,” he said. “In the 150 year plus history of Ourimbah, this represents the largest single threat to our community lifestyle. “Ourimbah is the oldest town on the Central Coast with the post ofﬁce, railway station, public school and World War I monument all heritage listed. “Ourimbah is a country village servicing the surrounding semirural community and should remain that way to maintain the lifestyle which has attracted us to live here in the ﬁrst place. “Surely, the views of the 4,000 residents of Ourimbah must take precedence over one entrepreneurial developer. “Ourimbah will be left with the legacy and eyesore for the next 60

Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton speaking at the rally

plus years. “This will also set a precedent for more high rise development to follow. “If this development goes ahead, Ourimbah village will be gone forever,” said Mr McGill. A key provision in the Planning Instrument for Affordable Housing is the “Local Character Test” which takes into account such items

as physical impact, noise, overshadowing, overlooking, parking, trafﬁc congestion, surrounding streetscape, and the visual catchment of the building, including colour, style and size. “Objections about these issues will form the basis of the residents’ presentation to the Hunter/Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel,” said Mr McGill.

A spokesperson for the residents’ action group Mr Allan Benson said: “This successful rally demonstrates the community concern for the proposed development.” “These are only the ﬁrst steps of what we think, will be a long and drawn out campaign. “We want to assure the community we will be continuing the ﬁght on their behalf.

“We want to thank the residents of Ourimbah for their support and we will be keeping everybody informed of progress in the battle to save Ourimbah from inappropriate development.” Media release, 17 Mar 2014 Allan Benson, Stop Glen Rd Development Resident’s Action Group.

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Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 3

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There is still a place for compassion and kindness in our politics

Photos: ValsPix

rganisers of Gosford’s March in March have expressed their gratitude to the people who showed up to the event on Saturday, March 15.

Organisers of Gosford’s March in March have expressed their gratitude to the people who showed up to the event on Saturday, March 15. “We had over a thousand people in attendance,” said co-organiser Kym Presdee. “It far exceeded our expectations, and it is great to see that so many people support decency and compassion from our government.” Extending from the Gosford Waterfront and back over the Brian McGowan Bridge, the procession of marchers

was greeted positively by passing traffic. The March in March nationally saw around 100,000 people demonstrate in 28 locations, calling on the Federal Government for transparency, accountability and decency. Speaking at the end of the Gosford March, Father Rod Bower implored people at the event to spread the message of the March in March. “It is not our mission to change the mind of the government in the first instance, but to change

the minds of the Australian people by promoting an ethic of compassion,” explained Fr Rod. “We need to build our future on an ethic that is able to recognise the suffering of others and realise the truth that when one human being is diminished, all humanity is diminished, and when the innate dignity of one human being is recognised, all humanity is dignified. “Today we may take the shoes off our feet and we may know that we stand on sacred ground, and that we who have the privilege of a voice, and the freedom to

use it, hold in our hands the fragile and sacred hearts of the poor, the helpless and the voiceless. “We must first, in every way possible, seek to inform the people with the truth that is now being denied us by our government. “The truth about Manus, Nauru and Christmas Islands, the truth about our treatment of asylum seekers, the truth that seeking asylum is not illegal, the truth about the Trans Pacific partnership, the truth about Coal Seam Gas, dumping on the Great Barrier Reef, climate change, Medicare and education. “We must come to know that a great nation, if it is

to survive, must build its foundation on the dignity of all humanity and the integrity of the natural world. “We will change the minds of the Australian people, not by attacking politicians, but by having better ideas, ideas that come not from short-term political expediency, but from the deep desire for a peaceful, sustainable society built on freedoms, not maintained by the exercise of power, but by respect for human dignity. “When the integrity of those ideas is self-evident, the hearts and minds of the people will follow,” said Fr Rod. Also speaking at the event

was Jo-Anne Wickham of the Refugee Action Network in Newcastle, mother Angela Parfitt and disability advocate Daniel Turner. The crowd also enjoyed a musical performance by environmental activist Jake Cassar. “It’s a great turnout for an event like this in Gosford,” said co-organiser Pat Norman. “Ultimately the point of the March in March is to send the message around the country: there is still a place for compassion and kindness in our politics, and that’s a wonderful thing.” Media release, 17 Mar 2014 Pat Norman, March in March

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Page 4 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

Dumping at Mangrove Mountain should cease immediately he Community Environment Network (CEN) has obtained advice from a Consultant Planner on the dumping at Mangrove Mountain.

The dumping was originally approved to allow filling and levelling of some difficult terrain to improve the golf course. According to CEN chairman Mr John Asquith, in the original 1998 approval, 240,000 cubic metres were to be allowed over five years. Instead, over one million cubic metres have been dumped over 12 years. The planner advised that landfill was a prohibited use under the local planning instrument at that time and that it was only allowed because it was an ancillary use to the main purpose of the zoning which was as a golf course. The ancillary use was allowed at that time to improve the golf course. “The aerial photo of

Murdoch in May he Central Coast Express Advocate is one of 24 Murdoch owned local newspapers in NSW to be boycotted as part of a social media protest, Murdoch in May.

Murdoch in May aims to boycott all Murdoch media for the month of May in an online call to peaceful assembly, protest and action against Murdoch owned media. The protest is advertised on Facebook and claims it is “mainly because we don’t accept one or two unelected human beings dictating our lives, in our homes and on our land as valid in our current democracy”. “This is a complete citizens’ movement, no political party or person is sponsoring this, nor any Union, although they are welcome to like it as is any

The aerial photo of 2012 appears to show that landfilling has occurred over approximately 40% of the site area

2012 appears to show that landfilling has occurred over approximately 40% of the site area. “In addition, the income from the landfill far exceeds the income from operating the golf course. “As a landfill was prohibited under the zoning,

the question that needs to be answered is: By what measure is the landfill still ancillary to the golf course? “Assuming that further dumping was allowed to continue and dumping of 1 million cubic metres covers 40% of the site now, then a simple calculation reveals

Timecon Remedia on Specialists Compliance Audits Environmental Management Industrial and Commercial Site Clearance Cer ﬁca on

that continued dumping could result in a total of 2.5 million cubic metres being dumped to complete the site. “This level of dumping needs an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a new Development Application. “If dumping is to continue then a new EIS and Development Consent is needed to be placed on Public Exhibition first to give local people a say. “It is their neighbourhood and their property values that are being affected by trucks, noise, odour and possible water pollution. “It is time for the locals to be heard and have a say. “No continued dumping should be allowed unless the proposal is placed on Public Exhibition and comments sought,” said Mr Asquith. Media release, 24 Mar 2014 John Asquith, CEN

other citizen of Australia or the world. “This is non-partisan and communal; no organizers/bosses, national administrators or anyone ‘in charge’. “This is your movement. “Let’s spend some time researching just how much Murdoch is in our lives and ask him to leave by doing what we can with peaceful power - turn it off, recycle it, don’t buy it, cancel it, suspend it, ask not to see it - ask others to do the same.” Website, 24 Mar 2014 Murdoch in May Facebook page

Council to lobby for high speed rail project ollowing its lobbying of the previous government, due to a change of government in September, Gosford Council has again resolved to write to current local State and Federal members seeking support for a high speed rail project.

Council will request the expedition of the SydneyNewcastle link as the first stage in the project, given the level of congestion in the significant rail and road links along this corridor. A report will also be prepared by council into the feasibility of updating the existing Sydney-Newcastle railway. Cr Bob Ward said the high speed rail would bring “a huge benefit to Central Coast rail travellers”. He said commuters spent

more time than necessary travelling, reducing the amount of time they could spend with their families and enjoy the beautiful Central Coast. Cr Vicki Scott agreed and said: “I think it would be wonderful if we had a very fast train”. However, she said she was “sceptical as to when we will get it”. Gosford Council agenda NM.5, 11 Mar 2014 Kaitlin Watts, 11 Mar 2014

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Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 5

Friends of the garden concerned about the Garden’s future

Coastal Hazard Notations on Section 149 planning certiﬁcates submission endorsed osford Council has endorsed an interim submission on Coastal Hazard Notations on Section 149 planning certificates that was submitted to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

The Department of Planning and Infrastructure released a draft planning circular earlier this year for comment by interested parties on coastal hazard notations. The purpose of this draft circular was to provide councils with guidance on 149 planning certificate notations relating to coastal hazards. The NSW Government identified a need to improve the way councils disclose coastal hazard information in planning certificates. References to coastal hazards in the circular include coastal erosion, tidal inundation and coastal flooding. The report to council by the director environment and planning stated that: “Due to the short time frame for comment on the circular, the matter was unable to be reported to council to seek consideration on the matter before the closing date for submissions.” “As such, an interim

submission was prepared by council’s professional staff and submitted to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.” The report stated that “with the release of sea level rise planning benchmarks by the State Government, council in December 2009, resolved to adopt a sea level rise planning level which was consistent with the NSW State Government’s Sea Level Rise Policy Statement, at the time”. “The adoption of the planning level had the possibility of affecting the future use and potential of certain land in the vicinity of the coast and estuaries. “The s.149(5) encoding was then applied in April 2010, however, council received an extensive amount of community concern and controversy surrounding the application of the message.” Gosford Council resolved, on July 3, 2012, to remove the s.149(5) planning certificate messages that

relates to sea level rise until such time as the NSW State Government legislate - regulate that all local government councils in NSW give a clear direction to all property owners who are affected by this event. In addition, the council resolved to write to local members seeking their support in the State Government providing a clear direction on a consistent approach across the state regarding sea level. “The advice outlined in the planning circular is an important step to moving towards the clarification of encoding, however, it is suggested that further enhancement of the planning circular and consultation is required to develop a more beneficial outcome for councils and the public that is easy to implement,” stated the report. Gosford Council agenda ENV.14, 11 Mar 2014

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incumber Friends of the Garden representative Ms Audrey Hadley has spoken out on behalf of the group and said she was concerned that part of Mt Penang Parklands would be sold off to pay for the upkeep of Mt Penang Gardens.

Ms Hadley said Kincumber Friends of the Garden visited Mount Penang Gardens on one of their monthly outings and fell in love with the place. But she said the group could see the gardens were not being loved. “There were no plants for sale, no admission fee, nor donation box, nor suggestion box and the cafe staff were unable to provide any information,” said Ms Hadley. Ms Hadley said she believed the Parklands’ stakeholders should invest in an events manager who could organise innovative events to raise money for the management of the gardens. “These could include

open air movies, theatre, classical music, jazz concerts, art events, sculpture classes, craft markets etc.” Ms Hadley said she discussed these ideas, and many more, with a number of local politicians but said “the answer was the same; it’s all too hard, and the easiest option to pay for the upkeep of these spectacular world class gardens is to sell off some of the parklands”. “Maybe we in Gosford should relieve the NSW Government of their responsibility to care for these Parklands and take it over ourselves? “The big question is where will the money go when these plots of land are sold off?

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“How will Gosford benefit from the loss of this wonderful local amenity and its future potential to raise revenue and create jobs from well organised festivals and an allied business park as originally conceived? “Kincumber Friends of the Garden believe that someone with vision, energy and knowledge could turn the fate of this wonderful 154 hectare Parklands into that iconic landmark originally intended for the pride of us all, attracting visitors and providing a delightful space for locals,” said Ms Hadley.

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Page 6 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

90 degree angle parking in Lindsey St, North Gosford deferred request for 90 degree angle parking in Lindsey St, North Gosford, has been deferred by Gosford Council’s Local Traffic Committee for further consultation with local businesses.

Gosford Council received a request from Central Coast Motor Group to review parking conditions on Lindsey St. The southern side of the street is currently being used as an area for perpendicular parking for vehicles. Central Coast Motor Group requested that the Traffic Committee consider the formalisation of these existing parking arrangements with the appropriate signage and line marking. A site inspection revealed vehicles parked off-street at 90 degrees front/rear to the kerb across the footpath along the southern side of Lindsey St, between the head of the cul-de-sac on the western end and its

intersection with Mann St. The footpath at this location is five metres wide with roll-top kerb which facilitates the parking of vehicles in this manner. The width of the carriageway was measured to be approximately 11 metres and allows adequate space for entry and exit into the parking area as stated in the Australian Standards (AS2890.1-2004 - Off-Street Car Parking). The Traffic Committee report of February 3, stated that an on-site consultation with staff from the Road Safety and Traffic unit and representatives from the Central Coast Motor Group reinforced the need for the formalisation of 90 degree angle parking as the

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demand for parking in the area is high. “The parking of vehicles in this manner on the southern side of Lindsey St has operated informally for about 15 years and no problems have been encountered with this arrangement to date. “There is currently a concrete traffic island placed in Lindsey St at its intersection with Mann St to regulate traffic to ‘left-in’ – ‘left-out’ off Lindsey St. “It was confirmed that when cars parked on either side of the street close to the intersection, these turning manoeuvres were compromised. “In order to improve the traffic flow at the intersection of Lindsey St and Mann St, it would be appropriate to install a 15m No Stopping restriction on the southern side of Lindsey St, starting immediately west of its intersection with Mann St. “In order to formalise the existing parking arrangements, it recommended that signs be installed to provide 90 degree angle parking for 15 metres along the southern side of Lindsey Street starting from a point 15 metres west of Mann St, followed by a 12 metre section of No Stopping across the Central Coast Motor Group workshop driveway, followed by a further section of 90 degree parking 20 metres long.” The Committee discussed the appropriateness of parking on the footway area and agreed that further discussions were required. Gosford Council agenda TR.14.06, 11 Mar 2014

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4341 2293

osford Business Improvement District (GBID) manager Mr Paul Brasch has tendered his resignation as manager and will finish up on Saturday, April 12.

“This was a very tough decision, as I am sure you will agree, but it is time to move on,” said Mr Brasch. “I do have an exciting opportunity to re-join the hospitality industry so you will still see me around. “It has been a privilege to work with so many wonderful and passionate

• • • • • •

people in Gosford during my time with GBID. “This has made my role extremely satisfying beyond my initial imagination when coming into the role three years and three months ago. “Gosford has its challenges but also many opportunities ahead. “It is indeed an exciting

time of growth and change in Gosford. “My last day at GBID will be Saturday, April 12, the date of the next Gosford City Markets with a Mad Hatters Tea Party theme,” said Mr Brasch. Email, 18 Mar 2014 Paul Brasch, GBID

East Gosford Taxi Zone to revert to a one hour parking zone 26 metre Taxi Zone on the northern side of Althorp St, East Gosford, east of Victoria St, will be changed to 1P 8:30am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays.

In response to a request from Central Coast Taxis for an area where taxis could park while waiting for bookings, Gosford Council’s Local Traffic Committee, at its meeting in June last year, recommended that the 8:30am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays restriction be changed to Taxi Zone.

This taxi zone was subsequently installed. Since the installation of the taxi zone, council received numerous complaints that the zone was rarely used by taxis resulting in a loss of valuable on-street parking for shoppers. Council monitored the zone and agreed that it was underutilised by taxis.

Council’s road safety and traffic coordinator advised the Central Coast Taxis operations manager that, considering the underutilisation of the zone, the Traffic Committee would restore the previous restriction for street parking. Gosford Council agenda TR.14.02, 11 Mar 2014

Council still has $98,000,000 invested osford Council has received its investment report for January which states council has a well-diversified portfolio with nearly 90% of it spread among the top three credit rating categories.

The report states that it is expected that council could continue to achieve

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above benchmark returns with prudent investment selection for its short and long term holdings. As at January 31, council’s investment portfolio had a current market valuation of $92,427,647 or the hold to maturity value (face value) of $98,471,524. Compared to December, of the nine structured securities and FRN/subdebt investments held as at January 31, 100% showed an increase in market value. The net market value increase for the period was $220,220. The report states that council’s investment

portfolio return outperformed the bank bill index benchmark during the month (6.06% per annum versus 2.67% per annum). Council’s portfolio is expected to return above benchmark returns if there are no further credit events within its CDO portfolio as the CDO portfolio is currently valued at low levels.” Without marked-tomarket influences, council’s investment portfolio yielded 3.89% per annum during the month. Gosford Council Agenda COR.21, 11 Mar 2014

Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 7

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Page 8 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

Who has the right to claim Australia? obert Findley (Coast Community News, 12 Mar 2014) is determined that we must keep the nation in our hands.

Isn’t it lucky for Mr Findley that the Aborigines weren’t able to maintain this position against his forbears and keep the nation in their hands? Having stolen the country from the original owners, Mr Findley and his like want

their ill-gotten gains. My grandmother used to call this attitude “dog in the manger”. Email, 13 Mar 2014 Bruce Hyland, Daleys Point

to put up barriers so that nobody else can share in

Help keep Australia on top have recently observed that a survey was conducted on the nations that are the cleanest in the world and Australia is on top.

What a load of crap. Just take a look at our streets and the highway from Kariong to Gosford, it looks like a garbage tip. I wonder who is responsible for the highway clean up, state or councils?

back yard first, including all highways in NSW at least. Email, 26 Feb 2014 Robert Findley, Point Clare

Let’s make it number one by cleaning up our own

What’s so good about waterfront development? hy are lots of people celebrating that work on the Gosford Waterfront will be beginning in three years’ time?

Have I missed something? Celebrations for a changed road network for the CBD and waterfront? The long talked about by-pass road north of the Gosford CBD so fewer cars and trucks will need to use the CBD and/or Dane Dr? Those right angle bends in the CBD that are so traffic stopping for buses and long trucks? Have we, will we be celebrating these being finished in three years’ time,

Letters to the editor should be sent to: Coast Community News PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 or mail@gosfordnews.org See Page 2 for contribution conditions

that will be coming with the new developments along the water front, and soon after, in the CBD? Why are we encouraging more people to come to live in Gosford when we already have so many unemployed? After all, not everyone can do building work and what will they do when the building is finished, be unemployed again?” Letter, 22 Mar 14 Margaret Johnstone, West Gosford

ready for all the new cars

Cyclist charged with assaulting and robbing a motorist man has been charged after he allegedly assaulted and robbed a motorist at North Gosford on Tuesday, March 11.

Sack the Qantas board ust a little info on Qantas from what I have learned.

When the board sacked 2,000 workers, the executives gave themselves a 25% pay rise, including the CEO. It seems to me that the board should be sacked and restore the workers as they do the work and the others just sit on their backsides

then, we have had trouble with the planes and a number of them, according to the media, have placed passengers’ lives at risk. and do nothing. In the sacking of our workforce, it was contracted out to Singapore and, since

Email, 5 Mar 2014 Robert Findley, Point Clare

At about 12pm, a 38-yearold man was sitting in his car, which was stationary on Dwyer St, when a bicycle rider allegedly crashed into his vehicle. The 32-year-old cyclist allegedly approached the vehicle and threatened the driver before punching him through the open window. Police alleged he got into the vehicle and threatened the motorist with a bicycle lock before forcing him to drive to a shopping centre in Wyoming.

While at the shopping centre the victim was forced to withdraw cash and give it to the man before dropping him off at Gosford Railway Station. Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command and the Police Transport Command were called to the railway station where they located and arrested the 32-year-old cyclist. He was taken to Gosford

Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, take/ detain person with intent to obtain advantage and custody of an offensive implement in a public place. The man was refused bail to appear in Gosford Local Court on Wednesday, March 12. Media release, 12 Mar 2014 NSW Police Media

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Issue 40

Corruption watchdog on the case

Local members withdraw from NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party

erious allegations concerning the Liberal Party on the Central Coast suggest that NSW politics is yet to rid itself of the environment of political corruption that damaged the state under Labor, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Member for Wyong Mr Darren Webber

Member for The Entrance Mr Chris Spence

he Member for Terrigal Mr Chris Hartcher, the Member for Mr Hartcher favoured the The Entrance Mr Chris Spence and the Member for Wyong Mr interests of Australian Darren Webber have all voluntarily withdrawn from the NSW Water Holdings Pty Ltd. Spence and Webber Parliamentary Liberal Party until the Independent Commission Against both had their ofﬁces Corruption (ICAC) proceedings relating to them are determined.

The members are still members of Parliament and the Liberal Party, however, they have resigned from the Liberal Parliamentary Party meaning they will now sit on the cross benches with any independents present. The ICAC is investigating allegations of whether corrupt conduct occurred between April 2009 and April 2012, where certain members of parliament, including Mr Hartcher, Mr Webber and Mr Spence, and others are alleged to have corruptly solicited, received and concealed payments from

various sources in return for certain members of parliament agreeing to favour the interests of those responsible for the payments. ICAC is also investigating whether between December 2010 and November 2011, certain members of parliament, including Mr Hartcher, Mr Webber and Mr Spence, and others, solicited, received and failed to disclose political donations from companies, including prohibited donors, contrary to the Election Funding, Expenditure

and Disclosures Act 1981 and whether Eightbyﬁve, a business operated by Timothy Koelma, Mr Hartcher’s former senior advisor, and Australian Water Holdings Pty Ltd, through its CEO Mr Nicholas Di Girolamo, (currently a director on the board of the State Water Corporation) entered into an agreement whereby Australian Water Holdings Pty Ltd made regular payments to Eightbyﬁve, purportedly for the provision of media, public relations and other services and advice, in return for which

raided in September last year with investigators seizing computers and documents. As part of its investigation, the ICAC will hold a public inquiry starting on Monday, April 28, at Level 7, 133 Castlereagh St, Sydney. All three members have been contacted for comment but failed to respond by the time Wyong Regional Chronicle went to press. Media release, 19 Feb 2014 Alicia McCumstie, Liberal Party of Australia Kaitlin Watts, 19 Feb 2014 Website, 19 Feb 2014 Roy Waldon, Solicitor to the Commission, ICAC

“Operation Spicer suggests that the dark corners of NSW politics are not confined to the Labor party,” said Mr Kaye. “After just three years of Liberal National government, a former senior Minister and two newly-elected MPs are under the corruption watchdog’s spotlight. “The pious varnish has been knocked off the O’Farrell government. “As the state gears up for another election, the promises of clean government and an end to the rorts is to be put to the test before ICAC. “For the past three years, the Central Coast has been alive with rumours surrounding the Eightbyfive company and its involvement in political donations and Liberal party influence peddling. “Allegations of the role Australian Water Holdings has played in influencing both Labor and Coalition governments will at last be rigorously tested. “While no doubt many people in NSW will throw their hands up in despair at the prospect of another scandal-ridden government, there is some

reassurance in knowing that the independent watchdog is on the case. “The allegations give even greater weight to fears that there is something fundamentally wrong with the state’s political processes. “Promises of clean government delivered at elections appear to amount to very little in the face of the temptations of office. “While Mr Nicholas Di Girolamo sits at the centre of allegations in operations Credo and Spicer, he remains on the board of the State Water Corporation. “Treasurer Mike Baird who vigorously defended Mr Di Girolamo’s appointment last year has to respond to these very serious allegations and stand him down until ICAC has made its findings. “Mr Di Girolamo’s continued presence on the board of a state-owned corporation responsible for billions of dollars of water infrastructure will undermine public confidence until this matter is resolved,” Dr Kaye said. Media release, 18 Feb 2014 John Kaye, Greens NSW MP

the Wyong Shire

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Issue 41

he Greens NSW spokesperson on mining Mr Jeremy Buckingham has introduced legislation into the NSW Legislative Council to stop mining and exploration in the Central Coast drinking water catchment saying it will test Premier Barry O’Farrell’s credibility. and the current Member for Terrigal Mr Chris Hartcher, wrote a letter to residents of Yarramalong and Dooralong stating: “If necessary, special legislation will be introduced into the Parliament to protect the Wyong water catchment.” Mr Buckingham said: “This will be a test of whether Premier Barry O’Farrell is a man of his word, or whether he’ll say one thing to voters and do another thing in power.” “It goes to the heart of his credibility. “Barry O’Farrell is Premier of this state. “He made a commitment and he can’t now pretend he is powerless to do anything. “This bill provides an opportunity for action instead of excuses,” said Mr Buckingham. The bill was moved by contingency on Thursday, March 6. Media release, 4 Mar 2014 Max Phillips, Ofﬁce of Jeremy Buckingham

Issue 42

Ourimbah protest rally well attended

The Central Coast Drinking Water Catchments Protection (No ifs, no buts, a guarantee) Bill 2014 prohibits mining and exploration activities in the seven drinking water catchments of the Central Coast - the Mangrove Creek Dam, Mardi Dam, Ourimbah Creek, Wyong River, Porters Creek, Mangrove Creek Weir and Mooney Mooney Dam catchment areas. “This bill gives Premier Barry O’Farrell and members of his government the opportunity to fulﬁl their clear election commitment to the people of the Central Coast that mining and exploration would not occur there – “no ifs, no buts, a guarantee”. “Before the last election Barry O’Farrell made a clear promise to the people of the Central Coast,” said Mr Buckingham. Former Minister for the Central Coast, former Minister for Energy and Resources

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March 21, 2014

Central Coast Drinking Water Catchments Protection Bill introduced

ver 200 people attended a rally in Ourimbah on Sunday, March 9, to protest against the proposed four storey, 101 unit affordable boarding house development in Glen Rd.

Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein, Member for Wyong Mr Darren Webber, Premier Mr Barry O’Farrell, Australian Coal Alliance coordinator Mr Alan Hayes, Member for The Entrance Mr Chris Spence and Member for Terrigal Mr Chris Hartcher

Let the assessment commission decide

Unless the mining ormer Minister for the Central Coast and Energy and Recourses are safe, Mr Chris Hartcher has responded to inquiries made by Wyong proposals especially in respect Regional Chronicle.

“I am, and always have been, committed to the protection of the Central Coast water catchment. This protection is best

achieved by proper scientiﬁc analysis. The Government has established a completely independent process- the

Planning Assessment Commission- to evaluate all scientiﬁc evidence relating to mining proposals.

of water catchments, they will not be granted permission to proceed.” Media statement, 6 Mar 2014 Chris Harcther, Member for Terrigal MP

the Wyong Shire

The rally was addressed by Member for The Entrance Mr Chris Spence, Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton, Senator Deborah O’Neill, Member for Dobell Ms Karen McNamara, representative of the developer Ms Katie Gregory and Resident’s Action Group chairman Mr Greg McGill. Mr Spence, Ms McNamara and Ms O’Neill spoke of the need for appropriate development in Ourimbah to maintain the present amenity for residents. Mayor Cr Eaton outlined the planning process involved with this development while Ms Gregory conﬁrmed the development application had been returned to the developer to address the 165 residents’ objections lodged with Wyong Council. Mr McGill said the rally was about saving Ourimbah.

Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton speaking at the rally

the Wyong Shire

Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 9

Baby dies after balcony railing collapses baby has died, and his mother has been hospitalised, following a balcony fall in Niagara Park on Sunday, March 16.

Just after 1pm, emergency services were called to a home on Narani Ave, Niagara Park, following reports a woman and her baby had fallen from a second storey balcony. Ambulance paramedics rushed to the home to find the toddler had fallen approximately five metres to the ground in the arms of his mother in the accident. The 43-year-old woman and three-month-old boy

were both taken to Gosford Hospital, before the baby was airlifted by CareFlight to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The CareFlight medical team continued resuscitation as the little boy was flown to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead where he was later pronounced deceased.

The child’s mother remained at Gosford Hospital with injuries to her back and torso. Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command are investigating and will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner. Media release, 16 Mar 2014 NSW Police Media

Two separate child approaches on the one day olice are appealing for public assistance after two separate child approaches on the Central Coast on Monday, March 3.

At about 1:15pm, a 17-year-old girl was walking on Erina St, Gosford, when she was approached by a gold coloured BMW. Police have been told the male driver gestured to the girl to go over to him. The girl ignored the man, and he allegedly drove past her three more times. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 40 years of age, slim build, with short dark hair and a tattoo on his left arm. The man was wearing a black t-shirt. In another incident, at about 3:45pm, two boys,

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 aged 9, were playing in a car park on Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy. At this time a white car pulled up next to the boys and a man exited the car. He yelled for the boys

to go over to him but they ignored him and ran away. The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm to 180cm tall, grey hair, with a goatee. He was wearing a grey shirt and long pants. Officers from Brisbane Waters Local Area Command attended both incidents and have commenced an investigation. Media release, 4 Mar 2014 NSW Police Media

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On the Beat

Alleged drug dealer arrested in possession Green Point man will face court after being charged with alleged drug supply on Thursday, March 20.

At about 1:30pm, officers attached to Operation Saber – a high-visibility, proactive operation run by Brisbane Water Local Area Command – stopped a BMW that was seen driving erratically on the Central Coast Highway at Gosford. Upon approaching the car, police detected a strong smell of cannabis. Officers searched the BMW and located 50 grams of cannabis that had been packaged for sale, drug sale items and scales. As a result, police from Operation Saber applied for and were granted a warrant to search a unit on Gladys Manly Ave at Kincumber.

At 4pm, officers executed the search warrant and allegedly located 67 grams of cannabis, hydroponics equipment, and small amounts of amphetamine believed to be the drug ‘speed’. Police believe the total amount of cannabis located during these searches had a potential street value of $3,000. A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with possession

of a prohibited drug and supply of a prohibited drug. The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on Monday, May 5. Operation Saber is specifically designed to improve community safety. The operation focuses on bail compliance, warrant enforcement, high-risk offender targeting, alcoholrelated crime and antisocial behaviour, licensed premises compliance and street-level drug offences. Media release, 20 Mar 2014 NSW Police Media

Three teenagers charged after a pursuit

olice have charged three teenagers after a pursuit that ended at Calga on Friday, March 14.

About 8:30pm, police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were at a petrol station in Charmhaven when they saw a Kia Rio which had allegedly been stolen in Queensland. A pursuit was initiated when the car failed to stop. The Kia drove south along the Pacific Highway for around 10 kilometres, during which time the three occupants allegedly threw bottles, tools, and other objects at pursuing police cars. Officers successfully deployed road spikes on the Pacific Highway at Wyong and the Kia continued to drive on a deflated tyre, before entering the M1 motorway at Ourimbah. The Kia stopped at Calga and police arrested the three male occupants, aged 17, 18, and 19. They were taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously. All three, who are from Gympie in Queensland, were refused bail. The 18-year-old and 19-year-old appeared at Gosford Bail Court on Saturday, March 15. The 17-year-old

appeared at a Children’s Court the same day. Media release, 15 Mar 2014 NSW Police Media

Business

Page 10 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

Businesses speak out over broadband

Erina High School student Nick Patsianas gives evidence to the Senate NBN Select Committee on Tuesday

usinesses across the Coast have resoundingly told a Parliamentary Committee reviewing the National Broadband Network that only a fibre-to-the-premise model would deliver the cheap, fast, and reliable broadband service that local households and businesses need.

The message was delivered at a public hearing in Terrigal on Tuesday, March 11, and senator for NSW Ms Deborah O’Neill said the message was “loud and clear”. Local business owner Austen Atkinson, from Planet55 Studios, told the Select Committee on the NBN that he was planning to leave Australia because the Coalition had cancelled the fibre-to-the-premise rollout. “What we heard today was a business owner, employing over 50 young people on the Coast, saying he will ‘take (his) money and go somewhere else’ because the speeds and reliability he needs to run his business just aren’t possible under the Coalition plan,” said Senator O’Neill. “These are not in

the ether, these are real investments and real jobs right here on the Coast that are leaving because of the Coalition’s plan. “The last thing we need is for innovative businesses like BlinkMobile in Gosford or Webstuff.biz at Erina to stop growing, to shut up shop or leave the country, taking vital jobs with them,” Senator O’Neill said. Erina Chamber of Commerce joined groups like the Central Coast Community Union Alliance, Gosford Council and Hunter TAFE calling for a full fibreto-the-premise rollout. Local communications expert Paul Budde said that only fibre-to-the-premise could provide the reliability needed to build the platform for business growth and safe home health service delivery that Australia would

need moving forward. A local eHealth provider said a fibre to the home rollout was the only one that ensured the availability of medical-grade broadband. CHIK Services CEO Ms Sally Glass said eHealth services demanded reliability, something that the Coalition’s plans simply could not guarantee. “While speed is vital, in tele-health we also need reliability. “100-year-old copper just can’t provide the consistency that fibre can. “If it rains, copper can be affected causing network downtime, and making it impossible to provide vital health services,” Ms Glass said. Media release, 11 Mar 2014 Richard Mehrtens, office of Deborah O’Neill

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Asbestos waste in Somersby still being assessed he Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is currently finalising an assessment of a premises at Somersby following the discovery of suspected asbestos waste during a site inspection by EPA authorised officers.

The EPA launched the inspection on August 20 after receiving information that waste was arriving at the site from trucks originating in both Sydney and the Central Coast. Upon arrival the officers observed large quantities of waste in multiple stockpiles and deposited on land across the premises. The officers also observed that waste had been stockpiled beyond the lot boundary onto part of the adjacent property. Waste included various types of soil as well as what appeared to be building and demolition waste, potential acid sulfate soils and the suspected asbestos waste. After investigation, the officers determined that the premises were occupied

by Timecon Pty Ltd and sole director Mr Richard Clark held a Development Consent. The consent permitted the premises to receive waste comprised only of Virgin Excavated Natural material (VENM), with the exception of capping material comprised of Excavated Natural Material (ENM). The EPA found fragments of suspected asbestos across the site and determined that waste material present did not meet the definition of VENM and that land pollution incidents had occurred on the premises, resulting in degradation of land. The authorised officers conducted sampling for the purposes of waste classification and to confirm the presence of asbestos. On September 27, EPA laboratory results confirmed the presence of asbestos in samples taken from the premises in August. On October 14, Timecon was issued a Clean-Up Notice and directed to immediately cease receiving waste at the premises. The company was also

directed not to move, remove or alter any waste present on the premises. An EPA spokesperson told Coast Community News that Timecon was still finalising some of the cleanup notice requirements and that the EPA was working with the company to ensure that this happened as quickly as possible. The spokesperson said that any potential regulatory action would also be considered as part of the EPA’s ongoing investigation, but completion of the cleanup action was the priority. According to the spokesperson, small stockpiles of soil containing low levels of bonded asbestos cement would shortly be removed to landfill. The EPA understands that there is no processing on site and that there are no earthworks taking place on site and, as a result, no danger is posed to neighbours or the community. EPA Website, 18 Mar 2014 Email, 18 Mar 2014 NSW Environment Protection Authority

Students seek work experience

AFE NSW, Hunter Institute and Youth Connections are looking for work experience opportunities for Year 11 students studying Certificate 3 Aged Care, in and around the Central Coast area.

Youth Connections Ms Gabrielle Tawyer said: “We have youthful and skilled workers for accommodation services, refuges, not for profit organisations, adolescent and family support centres, community

housing associations, respite centres, young carers projects or any Central Coast community group that could use some assistance with day-to-day activities.” The students come from

all areas of the Central Coast and need to complete 28 hours of work placement as part of their studies. Media release, 28 Feb 2014 Gabrielle Tawyer, youthconnections.com.au

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Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 11

Ziggy Switkowski rebuffs claims from Central Coast businesses

Business

Wicks claims NBN will be delivered more quickly and will be cheaper

BN Co chairman Ziggy Switkowski has rebuffed claims from Central Coast businesses, community groups and individuals in testimony to the Senate Select Committee for the NBN in Sydney.

Dr Switkowski’s comments come after resounding calls from locals for a continued rollout of superfast fibre-to-thepremises broadband at a hearing on the Central Coast held on Tuesday, March 11. “I was shocked that Dr Switkowski was so dismissive of the evidence given by our locals,” said Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill. “Comments like those discourage people from having their say and getting involved in these processes.” During testimony on Friday, March 14, Dr Switkowski commented that locals “wouldn’t know about the reliability of fibre to the home”, referring to evidence given by businesses at a hearing in Terrigal. Local leaders in business, health and education had stated the unreliability and inadequate upload capacity of copper wiring, a key part of the Coalition’s broadband plan, in future growth potential. “While our small business owners and community groups don’t have a PhD in Nuclear Science like Dr Switkowski, they do know what they need to grow their businesses and continue to

employ local people,” said Senator O’Neill. “Just because their views and their needs conflict with the cheap and easy way that Dr Switkowski wants to rollout the NBN doesn’t mean that they deserve his derision.” Dr Switkowski also told the committee that: “It really doesn’t matter what technology is used to provide fast broadband to your home… The important issue is that it delivers the speeds people need today.” Senator O’Neill said it was comments like these that worry businesses, educators, health professionals, and households. “We need to be building a superfast broadband network that will serve our nation for decades, not that will just do for today, and then be outdated by the time it is finished in five years. “Businesses are our job creators and they know their needs. “They want to grow, not just get by,” Senator O’Neill said. Media release, 14 Mar 2014 Richard Mehrtens, office of Deborah O’Neill

Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks at the Erina Chamber of Commerce meeting

ember for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks has declared that no one would miss out on the NBN as claimed by Labor.

“In fact, we are speeding up the NBN, making it cheaper and more reliable,” said Ms Wicks. “The Coalition’s plan will actually deliver broadband four years sooner, at a lower cost for taxpayers and consumers. “The NBN Strategic Review found that under our

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17 March 2014

New ferry timetable starts The inaugural ferry trip of the new Ettalong to Wagstaffe timetable took place last month on Monday, January 6. Some residents travelled over on earlier ferries, while others took the 10:50am from Wagstaffe to have a coffee at Ettalong and return on the inaugural departure at 12:20pm. Others took advantage of the departure at 4:20pm having enjoyed the movies at Cinema Paradiso. The inaugural trip was celebrated with balloons, tinsel, and much hilarity with bystanders joining in the fun, according to Ms Peta Colebatch from the Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association. She said that the new service was the result of years of lobbying, starting in 2010. The two return trips per day have allowed residents to visit medical services, enjoy the pictures and wider shopping facilities at Ettalong and Umina, she said. Newsletter, 2 Feb 2014 Peta Colebatch, Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association

An artist’s impression of the proposed boarding house

Hundreds object to boarding house proposal Hundreds of submissions have been lodged against an application to build a $2.6 million boarding house and cafe at 302 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong. Residents celebrate the inaugural ferry trip of the new Ettalong to Wagstaffe timetable

Push for NBN rollout on Peninsula The Central Coast Broadband Alliance will seek to have the NBN rollout continued on the Peninsula. It will make an appeal to the Minister for Communications Mr Malcolm Turnbull, local members of parliament and NSW Senators. The appeal, which was supported by 260 local businesses, organisations and individuals, argued that a continued rollout would be cheaper to implement and offer an excellent cost-beneﬁt analysis for the nation. The Peninsula, together with Wagstaffe, Killcare, Tascott and other areas on the Central Coast,

were slated to have their NBN connections constructed this year and next. However, post-election the NBNCo’s new review had pushed the roll out to 2019. Woy Woy was previously next cab off the rank, with plans to begin construction later this year, immediately after Tascott. As it stands these areas are now ﬁve years away. The group stresses that they are maintaining a constructive and positive approach. “We claim to have well-reasoned case that shows that it would be cheaper and easier to maintain the

NBN rollout here on the Peninsula as there are many locals currently geared up and installing in and around Gosford and Berkley Vale,” said Central Coast Broadband Alliance’s Mr David Abrahams. “We know the Peninsula and surrounding areas have old, highly stressed telephone and broadband infrastructure and it should be prioritised for the NBN upgrade. “If the area is to attract more high paid jobs, infrastructure is absolutely essential in this day and age. “The NBN infrastructure will also support a high rate of telecommuting and reduce the

dependence on overloaded rail and road networks. “One area that the NBN is already assisting with is inhome care by using so called tele-health initiatives that allow medical specialists to consult and - or monitor people in their homes when they are ill, disabled or frail. “Trials in Queensland have shown a signiﬁcant increase in the quality of home care and a reduction in the cost of delivery to state and local government,” said Mr Abrahams. Mr Abrahams said the appeal group has approached Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks and is

hoping to convince her to go into bat for the Peninsula on this issue. “It is understood Ms Wicks is considering working with Erina Chamber to advance their roll out as previously published. “We think that the Peninsula is an equally important area for these telecommunications upgrades and the government’s new rollout plan of 2019 will be way too late for many. “No formal reply has yet been received by the Minister,” said Mr Abrahams. Media release, 13 Feb 2014 David Abrahams, Central Coast Broadband Alliance

THIS ISSUE contains 58 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

Many objections are based on rumours and fears that the boarding house would accommodate drug addicts, alcoholics and people released from prison. In answer to questions from Peninsula News, Gosford Council stated: “There is no evidence that the boarding house will be used as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre or similar operation as has been suggested. “At this stage, council does not have information relating to the likely occupants of the boarding house. “The DA has been lodged under Division 3 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009. “Under the SEPP, there are no requirements in relation the occupants of the boarding house, other than that each room will be occupied by no more than two occupants. “There is no requirement for affordable rental, or for the boarding house to be operated by a social housing provider.”

The development would include a cafe and outdoor seating area and the boarding house which would include a manager’s residence at first and second floor levels and a trafficable roof area. A Statement of Environmental Effects, prepared on behalf of the applicant Simon and Betty Elias - ADG Architects, stated that “careful consideration has been given to the design and layout of the proposed development to ensure that the amenity of the surrounding area will not be compromised and that the work provides a high standard of redevelopment, compatible with and sympathetic to the existing and likely future built and natural environment”. The ground floor would see a cafe on the corner of Ocean View and Ferry Rds, a reception and manager’s office and car parking for 14 vehicles including one disabled space. The first floor would have 14 boarding rooms with individual balconies, each with a kitchenette and bathroom facilities, a common area, terrace and manager’s unit. The second floor would have 15 boarding rooms with balconies, kitchenette, bathroom, common area and terraces. Each room would have a floor

area of approximately 16 metres square excluding the kitchen and bathroom areas. The roof would have a clothes-drying area and recreation area. It would require the demolition of a single storey building comprising three retail tenancies and a cafe and covered courtyard area with a garage and shed structures at the rear along with a clad house. The site is zoned 3(a) Business General under the Gosford Planning Scheme Ordinance, and according to the Statement of Environmental Effects, the development is consistent with the objectives of the zone “in that the development will retain and relocate the retail and cafe components respectively which will continue to provide for the shopping and service needs of the community at a regional district and/or neighbourhood level”. Under the provisions of the Gosford LEP, the site is zoned B2 with which, according to the Statement, the proposed development is consistent in that “it provides opportunity for a broad range of services and facilities to serve the local population”. The statement also claims that the design of the proposed development has had

appropriate regard to crime prevention. “There are limited opportunities for antisocial behaviour within the development and it is likely that the proposed development will present a low crime risk.” It also states that the development is not contrary to the public interest. “The proposed development is consistent with the relevant objectives of the zone and will not have any significant impacts on the environment. “Furthermore, the development is such that it will attract customers to the area, increasing the potential for increased clientele for the existing businesses.” Gosford Council has received hundreds of submissions against the proposal with many stating that the boarding house would provide accommodation for drug addicts, alcoholics and people released from prison who have no accommodation. A submission by Helen and Kelvin Gullivar of Killcare stated that the application was “completely out of context with the area which has developed a delightful village atmosphere over recent years”. A submission by Ettalong resident Catherina Anderson also objected strongly to the

“disturbing news”. Ms Anderson’s submission said she was “shocked that anyone with any brains would decide to build such a facility in Ettalong”. “The boarding house, as I read, will be housed for drug addicts, alcoholics and jail releases. “How am I meant to feel with this kind of element and my three daughters; can you assure their safety?” Killcare resident Mr Robyn Wilmot also lodged an objection and said that Ettalong had a “complete lack of services for these type of people”. “Ettalong itself is a sleepy, quiet retirement-holiday area with only, as far as medical support is concerned, two pharmacies and two local doctors. “The Central Coast itself struggles to meet the heath needs of the general population, with an acute shortage of doctors and other health professionals in most suburbs.” The DA is still being assessed and is on public exhibition for community comment until Monday 3 March. Website, 27 Feb 2014 Development application 44920/2013, Gosford Council

THIS ISSUE contains 37 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

Residents opposed to the proposed boarding house

THIS ISSUE contains 31 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info

plan, 43% of the fixed line footprint will be upgraded by 2016 compared to 22% under Labor. “I was talking with residents and businesses in Gosford and Erina yesterday (March 11), and they’re telling me they want high-speed broadband, but they also want it at an affordable price. “The Coalition is committed to delivering a service that will be around $43 a month cheaper for the average household on the Central Coast. “After six years of Labor, there were still 1.6 million premises in Australia who either have no fixed line broadband connection, or connections with speeds so low they can’t download a YouTube clip. “The Strategic Review found that these under-served areas can be upgraded on average two years sooner if they are prioritised. “The Coalition’s plan aims to deliver peak wholesale speeds of up to 50Mbps download to around 90% of premises in the fixedline footprint by 2019, with higher speeds planned for the future. “The upcoming trial in Umina will also help provide

the clearest indication yet about whether Telstra’s

copper network can be used to speed up broadband.” Media release, 12 Mar 2014 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks MP

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Health

Page 12 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

Gosford Hospital lead design team appointed

LGBTI elders’ wellbeing staff training program underway

ealth Minister Ms Jillian Skinner has welcomed the appointment of the lead design team to commence planning the Gosford Hospital redevelopment.

Health Infrastructure announced the team comprises: Jacobs (architect), Aurora (project manager) and MBM Surveyors (cost manager). The appointment follows December’s announcement by the NSW Government of $1 million to progress planning for the redevelopment. “We are committed to ensuring Gosford Hospital can fully meet the health needs of the growing Central Coast community, providing patients with quality care closer to home,” Ms Skinner said. The redevelopment of Gosford Hospital will prioritise a new emergency

department, ICU/HDU expansion, enhanced operating theatre capacity, maternity services and significant additional inpatient beds for medical, acute and sub-acute services. It will also include clinical and non-clinical support, services and car parking. Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein said the community and hardworking staff at Gosford Hospital would join him in welcoming the milestone announcement. “I am proud to be part of a government that is planning for the future needs of the rapidly growing Central Coast community.

“This hospital redevelopment will deliver state-of-the-art services, benefitting patients and staff alike,” Mr Holstein said. The Central Coast Local Health District Board will determine details of the development based on future clinical needs of Gosford Hospital. There will be wide consultation during the planning process. It is anticipated the first stage of planning will be finalised later this year. Media release, 18 Mar 2014 Liz Hannan, office of Jillian Skinner MP

Waterfront walk part of 180,000Km Walk for Cancer ames ‘Jimmy’ Harrington visited Gosford on Sunday, March 23, and undertook a walk along the waterfront as part of his Walk for Cancer.

Jimmy started his walk on May 19 last year with the aim of covering 180,000km from town to town. “The purpose of my walk is to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer,” said Jimmy. “I have set myself a goal to raise $300,000 and hope

to be able to stand at the finish line in May 2014 and hand over a large cheque to my chosen charity, Brainchild Foundation. “My walk has been inspired by a lovely young girl named Emily Crook. “I was privileged enough to meet Emily in 2010 while she was undergoing treatment for brain cancer. “Although Emily lost her battle in August 2011, her courage inspired me to do something to help other children with cancer. “Sitting back and

watching this happen to others was not an option for me and this is when I started to plan my walk,” said Jimmy. The Brainchild Foundation is a Queensland based charity that was established in 2010 with the aim of helping children who are affected by brain and spinal cord tumours, and their families. Media release, 19 Mar 2014 Noel Sadler, Skip Film Productions

Caligem Health welcomes Ms Erin Hyde Psychologist and Dr Maria Kahloon to the practice. Dr Kahloon is a graduate of Sydney University and specialises in; • General Practice Medicine • Womens Health • Implanon Insertion & Removal

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our local aged care service providers have announced that they will implement a specialised training program to help staff across each of the organisations provide culturally appropriate care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) older people in the community.

A strategic alliance between aged and disability service provider Coastlink, Meals on Wheels Central Coast, Community Transport and retirement and aged care provider Evergreen Life Care was formed last year to create opportunities for all four organisations to provide a broader and betterintegrated range of services for Central Coast residents. Evergreen Life Care received Commonwealth government funding last year to implement the LGBTI Elders’ Wellbeing Project which aims to deliver health and wellness capacity building programs to LGBTI older people. The training program was an initiative that derived from the project, with LGBTI elders identifying the need for LGBTI friendly aged care services. The Evergreen Life Care team were the first to undertake the LGBTI training in the week of Monday, March 10, with Coastlink, Meals on Wheels Central

Coast and Community Transport to commence training with their staff over the following weeks. The course covers a range of topics focusing on training staff to understand differences in sex, gender and sexuality, including physical characteristics, how a person forms their sense of being male or female and sexual and romantic attraction. It also aims to improve understanding of the sensitivities within particular sub-groups. The primary purpose of the training is to arm staff with the skills to provide appropriate care and deliver services that match the distinct and diverse needs of LGTBI older people. Evergreen Life Care CEO Mr Ted Coupe said: “As part of our alliance, this training is an important step forward for our organisations, providing a program to equip our staff with the skills required to understand the particular needs of the LGBTI community.

“The training will go a long way to assisting with increasing our staff’s understanding around the impact of myths and stereotypes that many of these older people have lived with their whole lives, including for many, the effects of lifelong prejudice and discrimination. “The launch of this training coincided with Seniors Week and ties in to this year’s theme of ‘Live Life!’. “We are excited to be playing an active role in improving health, independence and recognition of LGBTI older people in our region.” More than 100 Evergreen staff have already been trained under this program, with the training course to be rolled out over the next 18-months to hundreds more staff across the other three organisations. Media release, 20 Mar 2014 Katey Small, Brilliant Logic

Michael Harmey Podiatrist Home Visit Service Central Coast Veterans Affairs or EPC referrals accepted All aspects of Podiatry covered. Diabetic Foot Assessments Footwear and general foot advice

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Health

Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 13

Simulation Centre a boon for high quality clinical training ealth Minister Ms Jillian S k i n n e r officially opened a new centre in Gosford on Wednesday, March 12, which will enable clinical students to engage in state-ofthe-art training using simulated learning techniques.

Lucy Wicks with Jillian Skinner, Chris Holstein and medical students at Gosford Hospital

both Gosford Hospital ($1 million) and Wyong Hospital ($800,000). Ms Skinner said the simulation centre would increase the Central Coast Local Health District’s capacity to offer high quality clinical training for both hospitals. “Simulation training allows students and other clinical staff to gain experience, knowledge, skills and confidence in a safe and controlled

environment,” Ms Skinner said. “Students can undertake medical procedures on mannequins which are programmed to react in the same way a human patient would, with speech, breathing, blood pressure and pulses, among other features. “The realistic nature of the ‘patient’ and the use of real clinical equipment and situations make it easy for the staff to learn

and practice clinical tasks without the risks inherent in similar real-life situations.” Advanced audio-visual equipment will allow recording and playback of techniques to further enhance the learning experience. Ms Skinner said high population growth on the Central Coast was increasing demand on services at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals. “To meet this demand

it is vital the Local Health District is able to attract and retain highly skilled clinical staff,” Ms Skinner said. Mr Holstein said educating and training future hospital staff would become an increasingly important component in ensuring the Central Coast Local Health District remains a leader in providing high quality health care to the community. “This simulation centre is a wonderful development for our hospitals, as it

Media release, 12 Mar 2014 Liz Hannan, office of Jillian Skinner

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Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein and Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks joined Ms Skinner for the opening of the Central Coast Local Health District Simulation Centre, which has been established in a building on the Gosford Hospital campus and will serve both Gosford Hospital and Wyong Hospital. The NSW Government partnered with the Commonwealth to establish the centre. Health Workforce Australia provided over $1 million to the Local Health District under its Expanding Simulation Capacity Program to support simulation infrastructure, resources and training. It provided almost $300,000 in grant funding towards the operation of the centre. Ms Skinner said the opening of the simulation centre was more great news for the Central Coast following December’s announcement by the NSW Government of $1.8 million to progress planning for the redevelopment of

will allow interns and developing staff to perform surgical procedures in real life simulations,” Mr Holstein said. “Practice is vital in the learning process and this simulation centre provides a great way forward without any person being at risk.” Ms Wicks said techniques learned in the simulation centre would equip students and staff with skill and confidence. “By using mannequins to undertake medical procedures, student doctors and staff can learn and practice clinical tasks without the risks of similar real-life situations,” Ms Wicks said. “This is vital for young people starting out in their careers. “It is another way in which we are investing in the future of health on the Central Coast.” Central Coast Local Health District intends to use the simulation centre to build on existing collaborations with the University of Newcastle, through the Joint Medical Program but also other health programs which involve nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and podiatry students.

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Education

Page 14 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

O’Neill still hopes for University presence in Gosford

Henry Kendall HS take action against bullying

Principal Andrew Backhouse, Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks, school captain Tahmyna Rad and vice-captain Abbey Willcox

ember for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks visited Gosford’s Henry Kendall High School recently in support of the school’s involvement in the 2014 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence which was celebrated on Friday, March 21.

“There’s nothing more important than ensuring that young Australians get a great education,” said Ms Wicks. “Central to this is that when students are at school they feel safe and secure and can focus on their

studies. “The Day of Action is a great opportunity for schools to involve students and the community in activities and events that promote a safe and supportive school environment. “It is also an opportunity

to look at how the Coalition’s policies to increase autonomy in schools and encourage parents to become more engaged in their child’s education could lead to improved student behaviour,” Ms Wicks said. Henry Kendall High

School principal Mr Andrew Backhouse said the school, which educates 800 students from a range of backgrounds, is implementing a proactive plan and a holistic culture. “Our anti-bullying strategy takes a noacceptance line with bullying of any form,” Mr Backhouse said. “We’ve set up a student services hub, and involve teachers and parents. “But we believe it needs to be led by the student voice. “There are consequences for behaviours, and we try to get students to own those consequences. “Because of our plan, we have seen a drop in bullying incidents.” School captain Tahmyna Rad and vice-captain Abbey Willcox said when they heard of a problem within Year 7, they addressed the students face-to-face. “We noticed among the new students that they weren’t used to our community,” said Ms Rad. “So we introduced ourselves and talked about the issues they were having. “Our school community is like a family. “If we give younger students respect, they will give respect back to us. “It’s making a real difference,” Ms Rad said.

enator for NSW and former university lecturer, Deborah O’Neill, has again expressed her support for a greater tertiary education presence on the Central Coast, calling on the Federal Government to continue the work of the former Labor Government.

“I know all too well how underserviced the Central Coast is for higher education,” said Senator O’Neill. “Despite being a region of more than 300,000 people, with another 100,000 people moving to the Coast in the next 25 years, we only have 4,000 people studying locally. “While Newcastle, also with approximately 300,000 people, has more than 20,000 students. “Sadly, this means that right now we have one of the lowest tertiary education attendance rates of any region in the country. “We need to make it easier for locals to access learning on the Coast that connects them with their future,” Senator O’Neill said. The former Labor Government committed $23.5 million to establishing a University College in Gosford to build a base for future growth in the region. “It was a proud day to be able to sign a memorandum of understanding with the

University of Newcastle to establish a fully funded enabling programme right here in a purpose built university learning space in the heart of Gosford. “This investment would serve as the first footprint for a larger presence to grow in the coming years from the University, but would also bring a new heart to Gosford on the back of jobs coming from the NBN and the Labor funded Kibbleplex project. “This funding is now in limbo with the Commission of Audit making its cuts behind closed doors. “The project was fully funded and in the budget under Labor. “I hope the Coast isn’t back to square one when the budget is handed down in May, and that money is still committed to delivering for the Coast,” Senator O’Neill said. Media release, 21 Mar 2014 Richard Mehrtens, office of Deborah O’Neill

Media release, 17 Mar 2014 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks MP

No one pays for this service No one has ever paid to be transported by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. That’s because this community makes sure that patients are transported free. For more than 35 years, the wider communities of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Coast, New England and North West have provided this additional emergency service through voluntary contributions, sponsorships and donations. This unique relationship between the community and the Service is one of the most valued in Australia. Thank you for your support.

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Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 15

Education

400 attend Somersby school reunion

www.newcastle.edu.au

A class from 1960

Visitors came from Port Macquarie, Taree, Blue Mountains, Sydney, Adelaide and as far away as Canada. Appearances from the 1930s classes included Jim Smith, Joan Gay (Smith) and Keith Paul. Also present were brothers Reg and Bill Bennet along with three generations of families including the Pearces, Grants and Wards. Memorabilia was on display at the reunion

including period costumes and photographs featuring the school rugby league team and Colin Beesley driving Cec Robson’s tractor while Cec ploughed up the ground for the oval. Numerous short presentations were given by Mari Metzke (Hasto) on behalf of Keith Paul (1930s), Joan Williams a former teacher from the 1960s, Ashley Martin (1980s) and Mitchell York (2000s). Professional circus and well-known performer

Jack and his blue cattle dog Molly provided the entertainment. “A big thank you to Jack and Molly for providing their services free of charge in support of the day,” said organiser of the event Mr Denis Ward. “Many thanks to the organising committee for ensuring that the day was a success and Ken West and Keith Robson for the loan of all their records. “Thank you to the people who have come forward

with their photos. “Please keep them coming,” Mr Ward said. The P and C raised $800 on the day which will go towards an all-weather playground for the school while the Country Women’s Association raised money for their numerous community projects. A number of people have volunteered to keep researching and gathering information for the centenary in 2028. Newsletter, 7 Mar 2014 Denis Ward, Mangrove Mountain Community News

Good Guys donate oven to Chertsey PS yal and Kara, from Channel 9’s The Block television show, visited Chertsey Public School recently to witness the donation of a new oven to the school from the Good Guys.

Gosford mayor Cr Laurie McKinna nominated the school to receive a new oven which was donated by The Good Guys at Erina and Tuggerah. “The children in our special needs unit often have cooking lessons at school and our oven broke down late last year and these lessons have not been able to go ahead,” said Chertsey Public school principal Ms Toni Skinner. “Luckily we now have a brand new oven for everyone to use. “A special thank you to the Good Guys for this generous gift. “Kyal and Kara were That

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Somersby Public School reunion was held on Sunday, February 9, at Mangrove Mountain RSL Club.

Out & About

Page 16 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

Ecoburbia Festival in Narara

Mt Penang Parkland’s Event Park showcased

he Central Coast Regional Development Corporation (CCRDC) hosted an exclusive event on Friday, March 14, at Mt Penang to showcase the event precinct to event managers and planners.

VIP guests travelled from across NSW and included Australian MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin. The event aimed to promote the Central Coast’s event services and particularly Mt Penang Parklands’ Event Park as a venue for a range of outdoor functions, from festivals, motor shows, cinemas, corporate functions, markets, obstacle courses, carnivals, cycle tours, expos, music concerts to a grand gala under the stars. “We have much to offer on the Coast and this event provides us with an opportunity to remind event mangers and community leaders of the innovative event options available at Mt Penang Parkland’s Event

Park,” said CCRDC property and events manager Ms Naomi Neilson. “This unique space delivers an optimal event and festival environment, with huge open spaces, beautiful surroundings, ample free parking provisions, good public transport and close proximity to the M1, off the Gosford exit.” Mt Penang Parklands’ Event Park is designed specifically to host major outdoor events and festivals. Spread across five hectares of flat, open space, the Event Park can accommodate up to 25,000 people. Last year, permanent electricity was installed to 80% of this multipurpose site

he Narara Ecoburbia Festival will be held at Narara Valley High School on Saturday, April 26.

Supported by newly developing Narara Ecovillage, one of the festival’s main features is the Earth Shed, with the theme of ‘growing in small spaces’. Being led by Narara Ecovillage members Donna Carey and Linda Scott, who are both members of Central Coast Permaculture, the festival will feature examples of how to produce home grown fruit and vegetables. “We don’t need a quarter acre block to grow food,” said Ms Carey. “The smallest garden,

courtyard, balcony or even window box can be turned into an abundant Garden of Eden. “In fact, it’s possible to be quite creative and give new life to all kinds of containers for lots of things, such as tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and even a variety of herbs.” Ms Scott said she was also on the lookout for unusual containers to create unusual garden beds. “Sometimes people throw away useful items which could be upcycled and ideal for food growing.”

Ms Carey has been experimenting with alternative growing methods, especially after the long dry spell experienced recently. “Vertical gardens are becoming increasingly popular, they take up minimal space, are excellent water savers and at the same time very pleasing aesthetically.” Media release, 20 Mar 2014 Linda Scott, Narara Ecovillage

after CCRDC successfully gained a $45,000 grant from the NSW Government’s 2011/12 Regional Tourism Product Development Program. “We expect to attract a variety of new major events to the Central Coast, in addition to providing an enhanced service to existing event managers. “The increase in event activity at Mt Penang will reactivate the space, create casual jobs, increase tourist activity and boost the local economy,” said CCRDC acting general manager Mr Bob Hawes said. Media release, 14 Mar 2014 Stephanie Prouse, CCRDC

Where do you get it? Following is a list of all good outlets where you can get your free copy of Coast Community News Avoca Avoca Cinema Avoca Primary School Bottle Shop Bowling Club Sul Rondo Café Central Mangrove Memorial Golf Club Copacabana Chemist Copacabana Shops Kiosk East Gosford East Gosford Cafes East Gosford Hotel East Gosford Shopping Centre Gosford Regional Gallery St Edward College High School St Josephs Girls College High School Empire Bay Service Station Erina Bob Jane Central Coast Adventist School Central Coast Grammar School Dulux Erina Fair Library Erina Leagues Club Erina Mall Fitness 2000 Fountain Plaza IGA Supermarket McDonalds Organic Plus

Red Rooster Shell Service Station Singos Meats Tarragal Glen Village The Bungalows Woodport Inn Woodport Retirement village Forresters Beach Retirement village Green Point Bakery Broadlands Chemist Green Point Christian College Green Point Community Centre Green Point Village Pool Shop Medical Centre Mr Catering-Greenway cafe Shopping Centre Gosford Bite Me Take Away Caltex Service Centre Central Coast Leagues Club Central Coast Mariners’ Home Games Ducks Crossing Publications Duttons Tavern Gosford Bowls Club Gosford High School Gosford Hospital Gosford Hotel Gosford Library Gosford Police Headquarters

Gosford Senior Citizen Centre Gosford Showground Gosford TAFE Gosford Uniting Church Imperial Centre Lady Kendall Little Bottler Monti’s My Cafe Imperial Centre Public School RSL Retirement Village and Community Centre Tourism Information Centre West Gosford RSL

McDonalds Pizza Shell Service Station Subway South Kincumber Shops Swim Centre Take away Food Outlets Tyrepower Video Westpac

Kariong Kariong Neighbourhood Centre Kariong Supermarkets Kariong Tavern Langford Drive Service Station Mt Penang Tourist information Centre Shell Service Station

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Narara Narara Community Centre Narara Service Station Parsons Rd Narara Valley shops Narara Take Away Narara Home Central Service Station - Manns Rd/Merinee Rd Niagara Park Niagara Park Community Centre Niagara Park Primary School Niagara Park Supermarket Sara Lee Niagara Park Tavern Jenny Gee School Wear North Gosford Network Video North Gosford Private

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Point Clare Acorn Garden Centre Aubrey Downer Meat Discounter Liquor Shop Point Clare Community Hall Point Clare Real Estate Point Clare Shopping Centre Point Clare Thai Takeaway

Wamberal Country Club Village Emporium Cafe The Point Cafe The Green Room

West Gosford Bakery - Manns Rd Bazzas Pet Shack Beacon Lighting Blockbuster Saratoga/Yattalunga/ Chemist Davistown Drummond Golf Alloura Waters Village Golf Club Chemist Gosford Motor Inn Davistown RSL Gosford South Thai IGA Takeaway Saratoga Shopping Centre/ Hungry Jacks Cafe Husqvarna Yattalunga Shopping Centre KFC Lin Brothers Somersby McDonalds General Store Metro Service Station Spencer Michel’s Patisserie General Store Mobil Service Station Newsagent Springfield Red Rooster Springfield Shopping Settlers Tavern Centre Subway Supercheap auto Terrigal Spotlight Surf Club West Gosford Motel Hotel Henry Kendall Tavern Library Bowling Club Rugby Club

Zanziba Cafe Wollombi General Store Woy Woy Peninsula Leisure Centre Campbells Home Hardware Wyoming Adelene Village Aldi BP Service Station Brisbane Water Legacy Nursing Community Centre Fitness Centre Wyoming Henry Kendall Village J&B Noodle Bar KFC McDonalds Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School Recreational Car Accessories Ten Pin Bowling Westpac Bank-City gate Willows Hotel Woolworths Service Station Wyoming Caravan Park Wyoming Medical Centre Wyoming Public School Wyoming Shopping Village Wyoming Shops corner of Maidens Brush Rd and Warrawilla Wyoming Youth Centre

Call 4325 7369 if you would like to be added to this list.

Coast Community News - March 26, 2014 - Page 17

Harmony Day event held in Kibble Park Harmony Day event was held in Kibble Park on Sunday, March 23, to promote the message that “everyone belongs” and encourage cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

The event included presentations by young artists of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as community stalls offering a variety of traditional food and cultural displays. There were also free art workshops and activities for children throughout the day as well as information on health services, English language classes and courses available at the University of Newcastle. Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said he was proud

to support Harmony Day as a way to meet and learn more about people from diverse backgrounds. “The Harmony Day celebration is a great opportunity for us to enjoy performances, food, music and stories from huge a variety of cultures. “In 2011, a survey showed that about 5% of residents living in the Gosford City LGA speak a language other than English at home and 25,741 of our residents were born overseas.

“This illustrates why it is so important for us to acknowledge and celebrate our diversity. “Harmony Day provides us with a great opportunity to embrace the many things that are unique about our cultures while still sharing what we have in common. “It is also a day to reflect on where we’ve come from and what we hope to achieve in the future,” said mayor Cr McKinna. Media release, 14 Mar 2014 Gosford Council Media

Friends of the performing arts precinct Working to make a Concert Hall on the Central Coast a reality

WE NEED YOU TO REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT NOW! Register on the FOPAP Website www.fopap.org.au We will provide you with an optional regular newsletter, via email, of our progress

Out & About

Page 18 - March 26, 2014 - Coast Community News

Not for Profit Organisations Directory Community Groups ABC - “The Friends” Support group for Public Broadcaster. Aims. safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year + social afternoons Well-known guest speakers 4341 5170 www.fabcnsw.org.au

Central Coast Over 30s Social Group Inc We offer social contact, entertainment events & new friendships for people in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s & 60’s etc. Our events range from; Live Music, House Parties, Restaurant Nights, BBQ’s/Picnics, Trips Away & lots more. For a FREE calendar call Sharon on 0432 760 272 or email cco30s@live.com.au

Community Centre Meditation every Thursday 7-8pm 0467 558 672 Koolewong, Point Clare & Tascott Progress Association Aims to provide resources for communication. Special guests, community involvement, heritage, diversity, education, safety and small business opportunities. Point Clare Community Hall - 2nd Thurs Bi Monthly. 0411 266 325

Community Centres Gosford 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre Handicraft, Painting, Knitting, Tai Chi, Scrabble, Darts, Table Tennis, Indoor Bowls, Patchwork, Yoga, Fitness, Gentle Swimming, Line Dancing, Cards, Variety Social, Womens Group, Zumba, Crochet, Computers 4324 4749

Community Care Services Central Coast Gosford-Narara Memory lane - Doing things Neighbourhood Centre together Café School Holiday activities, For people with memory loss & playgroup, multicultural programs, their carers to enjoy a relaxing community activities coffee morning with others Rooms for Hire experiencing similar circumstances 4329 4477 10am to 11.30am admin@gnnc.com.au Caroline Bay Brasserie - East Gosford 2nd Wednesday Kariong Neighbourhood 4324 4244 Centre ‘A friendly, caring, Safe and Gosford Politics Connected Community’ in the Pub We provide information about Come and solve the problems of local services - Counselling, early the world over a friendly drink and childhood nurse, legal advice, a bite to eat. Guest speakers. computer classes, First Thurs 6pm Dutton’s Tavern room hire, equipment hire, 161 Mann St, Gosford advertising, playgroups, friendship 0438 363 108 groups, Health and fitness groups, I AM LOST parenting groups, cooking classes Deep Conversations & systematic and zumba. exercises for understanding my self 4340 1724 & my place in life. Gurdjieff Society - Ancient and Kincumber Neighbourhood modern knowledge. Centre 0425 296 783 • Personal development www.gurdjieff.org.au • Community Garden • Counselling Rotary Club of • Meditation Gosford North • Support and friendship A very active community minded Groups club with many • Music and Movement for projects focussed on assisting under 5 youth. If you are keen to support • Yoga our great projects, • Rooms for hire get involved with our fun club or 4363 1044 discuss joining, please contact Graham Black Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres 0410 509 071, Strait Islander Corporation grahamblack@iprimus.com.au The Mingaletta community centre provides its members Rotary Club of and other community groups a Kariong/Somersby meeting place and referal hub International service club for education, health, well-being improves lives of communities in and cultural programs through Australia and overseas. Fun-ﬁlled consultative services and activities, fellowship and friendship community programs. breakfasts. Phillip House, 21 Old Mon-Fri 9am 4pm Mount Penang Rd (opp Shell) - Fri 6 Sydney Ave Umina 7:15am 4340 4529 4342 7515 kersuebay@philliphouse.com.au

Seniors Computer Club Central Coast Inc. Beginners class PC or Mac Mon or Tues. Classes Mon to Fri for most programs – see website. 10am – 12md or 1pm - 3pm Kincumber & District Neighbourhood Centre. Mthly Meetings, Guest Speaker at Kincumber Hotel 1st Mon 4369 2530 U3A Central Coast Mature age people are invited to participate in a wide range of courses to broaden the mind and make new friends 0408 704 701 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au

Kadam Sharawa Institute Inc Tibetan Buddhist Group Offering Courses in Buddhist Philosophy from Beginning to Advanced Level. All welcome at Green Point

Matcham Garden Club Monthly Meetings and Garden Visits with speakers and discussions relating to rare and unusual plants. New comers welcome Every 2nd Thur 12noon to 2.30pm 4367 6292 Wamberal Garden Club Inc 10am 3rd Tue related outing following week Visitors Welcome Terrigal Rotary Hall 4384 5193 4385 2205

Health Groups Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s our business. Meet every Sat - Progress Hall Ronald Ave, Wyoming 8pm 4323 3890 Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Meet last Friday Month 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 Monday Month Toukley RSL Club Homes Ave Toukley 10.00am to 12 noon 4356 9300 www.pcfa.org.au Dying with Dignity NSW, Central Coast Working to give those suffering unrelievedly from terminal or incurable illness the legal right to request & receive medical help to die Quarterly Meetings 4369 8053 Gambling Solutions Gambling help counsellors provide free, confidential, professional service to gamblers, family and friends. Available Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford, The Entrance. 4344 7992

ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products delivered to your door, for all your continence, wound care and respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support available 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au

History Groups Brisbane Water Historical Society • Coach tours • School educational tours • Annual Street Stalls • Participation in History Heritage Week Celebration Margaret Pearce 4325 2270 Fellowship of First Fleeters Central Coast For anyone interested in early history or early family histories. Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. Wyong RSL Club 2nd Sat 10:30am 4323 1849

Music Soundwaves Men’s acapella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Central Coast Leagues Club John 0413 276 698 jbthomson51@gmail.com

Sydney Welsh Choir Cultural not for profit organisation performing at concerts and various venues to promotoe the Welsh culture with our singing, also performing for charity fund raising. 4369 3378

Political Party Central Coast Greens Branch of Greens NSW, active regarding ecological sustainability, social and economic justice, peace and non-violence, grassroots democracy and getting elected 3rd Thur centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

Probus Clubs All Probus clubs have interesting guest speakers, friendly atmosphere, make new friends, fellowship. intellectual stimulus, and social activities. Probus Club of Avoca 10.15am 3rd Mon Avoca Beach Bowling Club www.probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/avocabeach 4368 6157 4384 3741

GROW - Free Weekly 12 Step Mental Health Self Help Group Helping thousands to recover from mental health challenges for more Probus Club Nth Gosford than 55 years to find a GROW 4th Tues Central Coast Leagues group near you call 1800 558 268 Club 10am or visit 4329 0766 www.grow.net.au Public Speaking GROW Groups meet weekly all year round Develop confidence by improving your speaking skills. Meetings are Meals on Wheels entertaining and educational. admin@mingaletta.com.au Delivered meals and flexible food options for people with a Brisbane Waters Breakfast Wyoming functional disability Toastmasters Club Community Centre 4382 9401 8:30am-10:30am Programs and activities incl. 2nd and Last Sat each month Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba, Blokes - The Hive and Library Erina Breakfast’s, Community Markets, Overeaters Anonymous (OA) 12-step fellowship for those with Shopping Centre Out of School Hours Care, Play eating disorders. 0459 240 183 Group 4323 7483 No dues, fees, or weigh ins. Stone manager@wyomingcc.org.au Building. Anglican Church Blue Gum Flat Toastmasters Garden Clubs Mann St. Gosford, Mthly meetings 1st and 3rd Mon Thursday 2:15pm 7.15-9.30pm Australasian Native Orchid www.oa.org Ourimbah RSL Society 0412 756 446 4362 7227 Cultivation and conservation of Aust Native Orchids. 2nd Wed, Narara Community Centre, 2 Pandala Rd Narara - 8pm 4340 5157 Erina Heights Garden Club Meet at 10am 3rd Fri each Month Meetings and garden visits informal and friendly. New members welcome 4384 6750

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here, see www.duckscrossing.org/publications. html for the forms or contact COAST Community News on 4325 7369

Coastal Communicators Toastmasters Club Alternate Saturdays Avoca Beach Hotel - Avoca Drive 10.00am. 4341 6842

Twice weekly bush walks on the Central Coast and further afield, varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, floral, history. Keep fit and make friends. 4389 4423 & 4332 7378

jancummings@y7mail.com

jbthomson51@gmail.com

Gosford City Toastmasters 2nd & 4th Thurs, Gosford Bowling Club 7:30 to 9:30pm 4340 1929 emcloon@bigpond.net.au

Special Interest CCLC Bridge Club Duplicate Bridge-partner not required for most sessions. www.cclcbridgeclub.asn.au Central Coast Leagues Club 12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri Sat 1.30pm Wed 7.15pm Mon 4323 3456

Women’s Groups Brisbane Water Evening View Club Social activities, outings and functions monthly new members welcome Tours, Dinners, Lunches, Theatre/ Cinema, fashion parades Dinner meeting with guest speaker 4th Tues each month 4325 1688 0466 513 600

Central Coast Vietnam Veterans Association Yoga Ladies cclcbridgeclub@westnet.com.au Fully qualified with the international yoga teachers association Central Coast Art Society Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre Lectures, demonstrations and Friday 11am to 12.30pm discussion. Weekly paint-outs $6 per session Tuesdays 4349 5860 for locations 0419 126 100 Workshops - 4363 1820 9.30am - 12.30pm 1st and 3rd Wed Country Women’s Social Meetings 1.30pm 4th Wed Association (CWA) Gosford City Arts Centre. Quilting, patchwork, spinning, 4325 1420 knitting, crochet and more 9-2pm publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au Every Fri, Opposite Terrigal Bowling Club Central Coast Campus 4385 9503 Friends Inc 4384 3696 Post school learning, advocacy, dinners, discussions, speakers, Gosford RSL Ladies Indoor awards, newsletters and special Bowls projects Social indoor bowls Frid 4324 0023 10am - 2pm RSL Club sonhopk@bigpond.net.au 4344 5812 www.cccampusfriends.org 0412 773 441 Central Coast Handweavers, Gosford RSL Spinners and Textile Arts Sub-branch Guild Women’s Auxiliary Spinning and weaving, patchwork Raise money for the welfare of and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community veterans and their families. RSL Club West Gosford 4th Mon 2pm quiting bees - Day and Night 4323 7336 Groups 4325 4743 Inner Wheel Club www.centralcoasthsguild.org.au of Terrigal Central Coast Lapidary Club Share friendship, social activities as well as fundraising for local, Minerals & Gems national and international projects. Learn silverwork, Cabochons, 2nd Tues, 7pm Terrigal Rotary Hall, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Duffy Road Terrigal Fieldtrips & fossicking 4385 6276 Weekly Workshops Tues, Thurs, terigalinnerwheel@gmail.com & occasionally - Sat 9-2.30pm Thurs 7-10pm Kincumber View Club 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd For ladies looking for a place to Ourimbah make friends. Interesting speakers, 4362 2246 lunch, bus trips, movie days and home functions. 4th Tues Central Coast Davistown RSL Club 11am Potters Society 4390 2527 Dedicated to increasing the ceramics knowlede, experience and Soroptimist International skills of members and the general Brisbane Water public. Soroptimists speak for women Running classes, workshops, and girls of all nations through demonstrations, exhibitions and awareness advocacy and action social events - Annual exhibitions by supporting national and in May and December - Open Day international programs in Sept 2nd Thur 6:45pm - Breakers info@ccpotters.org Country Club, Dover Rd Wamberal 4324 5343 4367 6331 sibrisbanewater@siswp.org Friendship Force Central Coast Terrigal View Club A travel club with a difference! Luncheon meeting followed See a country from the by a guest speaker 1st Wed, inside and change the way Also outings and functions you see the world. mthly. Breakers Club Dover Rd Travel in small groups and stay Wamberal with friends in 370 clubs around 4365 1120 the world. We in turn host small groups WOWGIRLS Wave from other clubs. of Wisdom Inc Deidre 4388 9435 WOWGIRLS Wave of Wisdom www.friendshipforcecentralcoast.asn.au connects women and local businesses around a common Indoor Bowls theme of wellbeing. to share wisdom Mixed Social and explore lifes potential. Central Coast Leagues Club Come learn this friendy game for Regular Powwows, WOW Wisdom gatherings, WOW days and WOW all ages! courses check our website for 5 sessions weekly activities. 4363 2360 43686811 www.wowgirls.com.au

National Parks Association Central Coast

info@wowgirls.com.au

The Gosford Diary

For events in post code areas 2250, 2260 and 2251 If you’ve got something happening in Gosford LGA area 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.

Wednesday Mar 26 Mums The Word parenting night, Wamberal SLSC, 7:30pm Gosford Bush Poets, Gosford Hotel, 7pm

Thursday Mar 27

Friday Apr 4 Tuggerah Lakes Potters’ community stall, Gosford’s William St Mall Backsliders, Lizottes Kincumber, 7pm

Saturday Apr 5 Henry Kendall Cottage Quartoseptcentennial Gala Day, 10:30am-3pm, Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum, West Gosford Car boot sale, Kariong Community Baptist Church, 8am-1pm Mental As Anything, Lizottes Kincumber, 7pm The Wheezers, Henry Kendall Cottage Quartoseptcentennial Gala Day, Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical

NO JUNK PLEASE

Central Coast Art Society Paint Out, Gosford Arts Centre, 9:30am-12:30pm

EMAIL: nola@birdsong.com.au

Central Coast Blues Society annual meeting, Shelley Beach Golf Club, 7:30pm

Friday Apr 11

Sunday Apr 13

Wednesday Apr 2

TO BOOK STALLS (NO CARBOOTS)