Council remains opposed to Wallarah 2 coal mine

Council concerns about the effect of the mine on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas are central to its submission to the amended Wallarah 2 project.

Wallarah 2’s modified plans have recently been put on exhibition. The modifications seek to introduce a coal conveyor, realign the sewer connection and introduce a new rail loop and line on the site.

Council was given an extension to the deadline so its submission could be brought to a Council meeting and made public. Council will now add its voice to the over 700 submissions already lodged, the majority of which also oppose the coal mine.

Administrator Ian Reynolds said Council’s overall concerns about the impact on the water catchment had not changed and now had new concerns about the impact on the new rail loop on nearby residents.

“Council is concerned about the impact of this proposed rail loop on surrounding residents particularly in relation to noise and air quality which were not adequately addressed in this proposal.

“There has also been no proper assessment done on the effects on local flora and fauna, the visual impact and dust mitigation and the overall community impact.

“Our concerns relating to the effect on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas of the mine operation remain and are not addressed in this proposal at all.

“We maintain our strong opposition to the Wallarah 2 coal mine and have made this position clear in our submission.”

The former Wyong Shire and Gosford City Councils united in their opposition to the mine, due to the potential impacts on drinking water catchment areas, in March 2014.

Central Coast Town Crier wins National Championship

Central Coast Council’s own Town Crier of 26 years, Stephen Clarke was the star of the 2016 National Town Crier Championships held in Redland in Queensland on 2 September.

Stephen came away from the Championship with three awards - for Best Dressed Crier; Best Cry and Champion of Champions.

Stephen has been a dedicated Town Crier and has attended many Town Crier Championships all over the world including Central Otago in New Zealand as well as Ipswich, Moree Plains, Parkes, Toowoomba and Alice Springs.

As a prominent event in the Town Crier’s annual calendar, the former Gosford Council hosted the Town Crier Championships in 2001 in Gosford.

Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said he was thrilled the Central Coast spruiker could take out the highest title of his calling in Australia.  

“Stephen has been a tremendous asset to the former Gosford City Council and we are pleased to have him now officially crying for the Central Coast,” Mr Reynolds said.

“I have seen him in action myself and can see why he took out these prestigious awards.

“I congratulate Stephen on his win and thank him for his long and loyal service as Council’s Town Crier.”

As part of his role Stephen attends Council’s Citizenship Ceremonies at Gosford to formally commence each ceremony.

Rezoning will help drive revitalisation of the Wyong CBD

Council will commence a proposal to extend the mixed use zoning for part of the Wyong CBD to facilitate better development and help drive the revitalisation of the township.

Mixed use developments mean there is a residential component to the development as well as retail and commercial space.

Administrator Ian Reynolds said the site, for the proposed rezoning on Howarth Street, was ideally located near the train line and Baker Park and Council wanted to ensure the right development is encouraged in the area.

“We need to provide a mix of housing options for our growing community and we need to put it in areas that are close to transport links,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Rezoning and development of this side of the railway will complement the redevelopment of the western side of the Wyong CBD.

“There is also a Masterplan in place for the upgrade of Baker Park and we want to ensure any development that goes in there, complements the work we want to do to improve recreational opportunities in Wyong.”

The planning proposal will now be progressed to rezone a site on Howarth Street and nearby land and to increase the height limit for the area from 13 metres to 21 metres (6 storeys) which is consistent with the height set in the Baker Park Masterplan. This will take into account impacts on the public domain, overshadowing, overlooking and other relevant matters.

It is anticipated that the proposal will be placed on public exhibition in the coming months.

Council waives merchant fees

Council will waive all merchant service fees associated with credit card payments to bring in a uniform approach across the Central Coast.

A merchant fee is charged to recover the service fee charged by banks for the use of credit cards.  The former Wyong Shire Council charged this fee, whilst the former Gosford City Council did not.

Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds said to ensure a consistent service across the whole Coast, Council would now waive all merchant fees for credit cards.

“This will be welcome news for those who have written to Council in the past about this practice, who prefer to pay by credit card,” Mr Reynolds said.

“This means we will absorb the fee for the use of credit cards.  In doing so, I would like to remind people to use payment methods that do not incur costs for council including setting up direct debit payments.”

The merchant service fee is expected to be removed from operations completely from October 2016 onwards.

Report highlights transparency in development approval process

Nine development applications were approved in the April to June quarter by Council staff which sought a variation to Local Environment Plan (LEP) development standards.

Justification for each variation is outlined in a report that Council is required to send to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment every quarter.

Administrator Ian Reynolds said both the Gosford LEP and the Wyong LEP which Council staff are currently working under, allow for flexibility in planning controls as long as it achieves a better outcome for the area and the community.

“I know there is a lot of interest in the community about how development applications are processed in the new Council,” Mr Reynolds said.

“I want to assure residents that all development applications are thoroughly considered and processed under State Planning laws.

“Any variation to a development in terms of more height or a floor space ratio must be justified and reported to Council and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to ensure there is transparency in decision making at all times.”

Developments approved with a height variation included for new dwellings at Avoca Beach and Point Frederick which were deemed to have no adverse impacts on neighbouring properties.

A report regarding the submission threshold for determination of development applications, including when they come to Council for consideration will be on Council’s agenda shortly.