Rates newsletter January 2012
Mayors message
Let me start by saying I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year holiday period with their loved ones, and I wish everyone the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.
Last year was an exciting year for Wyong Shire Council, with some major projects completed and others well underway. This year promises to be just as big, but the challenges we face as a Council won’t be going away in a hurry.
We are a growing area and infrastructure issues and creating local jobs for local people remain our two biggest issues. Wyong Shire is in a unique position in that we are the only Council on the Central Coast with greenfield sites, and we want people to get in and develop them to create jobs.
Wyong Shire is no different to anywhere else in the world when it comes to a downturn in development. Over the past few years, we have seen companies such as the Bluetongue Brewery, Primo Smallgoods and even Government agencies such as Centrelink relocate or open up brand new premises in the Shire.
Given our high unemployment rates, there have been some fantastic outcomes and opportunities when it comes to job creation over the past few years and the challenge for us is to ensure that continues. Council wants to create more jobs for local people and keep them in the Shire and on the Central Coast.
In terms of infrastructure, we want to continue seeking funding for local roads such as the Pacific Highway through Wyong and The Entrance Road through Long Jetty. We want to keep the pressure on the State Government for the F3 to M2 motorway and we want to keep reminding them we need a fast train service to Sydney. It’s not easy to get Federal and State funding for projects, but we will need to seek as much as we can and we will continue to do so.
Bob Graham, Mayor
A summer of fun and safety
A trip to the beach this summer is safer and more enjoyable, thanks to Wyong Shire ratepayers.
As well as operating its beach lifeguard service, Council is carrying out special safety education programs; helping keep the beaches clear of litter; and continuing to support the Surf Life Saving movement.
Over summer, Lifeguards have been a reassuring presence each weekday on six of the most popular beaches in Wyong Shire: Toowoon Bay, Shelly Beach, North Entrance, Lakes Beach, The Entrance, and Soldiers Beach. These beaches are patrolled by lifeguards between 8.30am and 5pm.
Surf clubs
Two of the shire’s most popular surfing spots, Soldiers Beach and Shelly Beach, are sporting new surf clubhouses, as part of Council’s ongoing support of the Surf Life Saving movement.
Money for the clubhouses was provided by the Australian government and Council. At least $1 million was contributed by Council in each case.
The new clubhouses are a huge improvement over the facilities they replaced and the function areas built into each one will help the surf clubs generate income. These facilities can also be utilised by the general public. Please contact the relevant club for further details.
Council also contributed $48,000 towards the replacement of the roof on the Lakes Beach surf clubhouse. Additional funds came from the NSW Government.
Litter-free beach program
To make your summer swimming as memorable as possible, Council has also recommended that beachgoers embrace the ‘Take 3’ community litter reduction program.
‘Take 3’ encourages people to find and collect three pieces of rubbish from the sand each time they visit the beach. The litter can then be left in garbage bins which Council has placed alongside the beachfront.
Remember to swim between the flags.
Lifeguards spread the word
As well as keeping a watchful eye over swimmers and beach conditions, a Council lifeguard is available to visit child care centres, holiday parks and shopping centres to give water safety demonstrations and talks. Bookings can be made on 4350 5555.
This swimming season, the education spotlight has been on the dangers of mixing swimming and alcohol, tips for surviving a rip, the importance of staying between the flags, noting beach signs, rock fishing dangers and sun safety.
Drink coasters carrying the warning ‘Drink and sink’ were distributed at clubs and hotels in Wyong Shire’s beach areas. The initiative draws attention to the worrying role that alcohol plays in drownings, particularly for young men.
Council has these surf safety messages and more available on our Sun, surf and safety web page.
See the shopfront artists
Four local artists will be based at The Entrance this year as part of the Lakeside Art Creative Enterprise Shopfront.
This joint venture between Council and Lakeside Plaza shopping centre allows local artists to display their talents in the shopping centre windows as well as involving the community through workshops and mentoring.
The lucky artists are Amanda (painter), Catherine (sculptor), Kathleen (milliner)and Nadia (jewellery maker). Pop down to 3/96 The Entrance Road near Lakeside Plaza to visit the artists between 10am-4pm, Thursday-Sundays during summer.
2012@your.library
In 2012 your library service will be making changes to enhance your experience as a customer. It’s all about you and how we can better meet your library and council service needs.
As part of a year long campaign called 2012@your.library we will be implementing WiFi and introducing new technologies to allow you to manage your own loans, computer bookings and printing. We will launch Customer Contact self service kiosks, where you can do online Council transactions in three of our libraries.
All these changes will mean reduced waiting time for customers, a faster customised service experience across the board and more programs.
This year is the National Year of Reading and we will be engaging with you through several events such as “Get off the Page – One Read and One Region”, photographic competitions and creative writing workshops.
Library membership is free and with the ability to borrow up to 20 items at a time, there’s never been a better time to take advantage. We want our libraries to continue to focus on you as our customer and inspire a lifetime of learning for our Shire.
Take a look at our Libraries web page for more information.
Our lakes on the mend: works update
The plan to improve the Tuggerah Lakes (Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan) has been in full swing since the remaining $11.3 million funding (of the $20 million grant) was released by the Australian Government last June, under the Caring for Our Country initiative.
Over the past six months Council has undertaken extensive works, at a cost of around $800,000, to improve and protect stream and river banks that flow directly in to the lakes.
Works included planting 50,000 native trees and shrubs, building 1.4km fencing to protect the banks of Cedar Brush Creek (a tributary of Wyong River) from cattle, rehabilitating 1.8km of streambank along Ourimbah Creek, Cedar Brush Creek and Wyong River and building a saltmarsh on the Tuggerah Lake foreshore to help return it to its natural state.
Council also chipped in funds through the Holiday Parks revenue to upgrade the McKenzie Reserve playground and facilities on the foreshore of Lake Munmorah in Budgewoi.
It’s full steam ahead from now until June 2013 as Council works hard to implement the extensive list of actions funded under the Caring for Our Country grant.
Over the next six months Council will rehabilitate five highly eroded streambank sites and build two saltmarshes on the lake foreshore.
With the funding contributed by residents under the stormwater levy, Council will focus on improving the quality of water flowing in to the lakes. Works include building a wetland in Watanobbi, a pollution trap in Gorokan, a sediment pond and a number of grass line drains.
Project partners National Parks and Wildlife Service and Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority will also undertake extensive weeding in the National Parks bordering Tuggerah Lakes and work to protect three kilometres of streambanks, in conjunction with landholders.
Pictured is one of the EMP streambank projects. After a storm washed away three metres of streambank on Ourimbah Creek, Council acted quickly to avoid hundreds of tonnes of sand from falling in to the creek and flowing downstream to the Tuggerah Lakes. The streambank was stabilised with sandstone rock and native vegetation.
Major land release to be placed on exhibition.
A planning proposal and Masterplan that includes our next major residential urban land release will be placed on public exhibition early in 2012.
The area covers a 540 hectare site at Warnervale and Hamlyn Terrace known as Precinct 7A, which is bounded by Sparks Road to the north, North Wyong Industrial Estate to the south and Porters Creek Wetland to the south-west.
Besides a future High School for the Warnervale area, Precinct 7A also contains plans for a new neighbourhood retail centre adjacent to the existing Warnervale Railway Station; low and medium density and aged housing, with approximately 2,400 new dwellings to accommodate an estimated 6,000 residents; a new industrial business park and mixed use development.
Along with the proposed developments, extensive areas of floodplain and vegetation will be protected.
The new urban area has been designed to create a unique sense of place for the local community including residents, workers and students. The site is virtually surrounded by open space and natural areas which will frame the character of the urban land release area. Once rezoned, the area will assist Council in meeting State Government population and employment targets for the Central Coast Region.
Council has been working on the project since the end of 2008 and has actively conducted planning investigations over the past three years. The project is expected to placed on public exhibition early in 2012.
Land classification: the facts
There’s been some conjecture in the community regarding a review of Council land classifications. Here are some facts to help you understand what’s happening.
Q. Why is Council land classified?
A. In 1993 the State Government introduced a requirement for Councils to classify their landholdings into two categories - Operational Land or Community Land. At the time, Councils had 12 months to complete the classifications or any outstanding lands would automatically be classified as Community Land.
Q. What is Community and Operational Land?
A. Operational Land is any land required for Council to undertake its functions e.g. roads, drainage, parks, residential, industrial, community buildings and so on.
Community Land includes land intended for public use, natural wetlands, ridge top land, natural urban bushland, wildlife corridors and the like.
Q. How is land classified or re-classified?
A. Operational Land can be reclassified to Community Land by Council resolution anytime.
Community Land can only be changed to Operational Land by a rezoning application or through a review of a Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
Q. Why is Council undertaking the review of Council’s Land Classification?
A. The LEP process is a once in 20 year opportunity to modernise classifications for Council’s future operations on behalf of the community. Council initially classified land in 1993 and has not reviewed the classifications since. Classifications made then are not well suited to the community’s needs and expectations of Council in 2012 and going forward.
Q. How will I know which land is being considered for re-classification and how can I make a submission?
A. Full details of all proposed changes in classification will be available for public comment and submissions will be called for from anyone interested during 2012. Details of how to make a submission will be widely advertised, on our website and through a “hotline” set–up to manage enquiries. There will also be a series of public briefings. Full details of all land parcels will be available. Residents can make submissions to Council during the exhibition period and Council will hold a public hearing after the exhibition.
Q. Does reclassification of Community Land mean Council will sell any land in question?
A. No. Council must undertake a separate, specific open process for the sale or development of land and it is only the elected Councillors who determine whether Council land is sold or developed.
Details: Council’s Economic Property and Development Department on (02) 4350 5555.
Water restrictions eased
With water restrictions being eased to Level 2, this means you can now water your garden with a trigger nozzle hose or a drip irrigation system for an hour a day between 6am-9am and 4pm-7pm three times a week. Odd number homes can water on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and even number homes on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
External building surfaces and outdoor furniture can now be washed with a trigger nozzle hose or pressure cleaner, however, hosing of paths and driveways is still not permitted. Watering cans can be used at any time on any day. Fixed hoses, sprinklers and micro spray systems are still not allowed.
Although restrictions have been eased, we still need your support to use water responsibly during the warmer months and to continue Living Water Smart.
Thanks to your ongoing efforts to conserve water, and a rise in dam levels, our water storage has reached more than 40% for the first time in almost a decade!
Visit www.gwcwater.nsw.gov.au for additional information on water restrictions.
New sporting complex
A $7.85 million sporting complex at Hamlyn Terrace will be ready for the 2012 winter season.
The project includes a community centre, three netball/basketball courts, play equipment and barbeques, a shared pathway around the entire site, an amenities block, three 150,000 litre water tanks and an oval that has a cricket pitch and nets and can accommodate an AFL field or two soccer fields.
The water in the tanks will be used to flush toilets and maintain the field - with the irrigation water being recollected and saved back into the storage tanks.
Coastal Management Plan
Council adopted the Wyong Shire Coastal Zone Management Plan in December. The plan focuses on coastal risks and applies to all sections of the Shire’s coastline projected to be affected by coastal hazards from now until 2100.
It examines how Council and the community will manage the future of the Shire’s 35km coastline, in partnership with the State and Federal Government where relevant.
Council agreed to lobby both Governments to initiate a property assurance or compensatory scheme to enable a ‘managed retreat’ strategy where affected landowners are financially supported.
Council also agreed to review the plan in 12 months time to take into account updated data on issues including Sea Level Rise, and policy guidelines.
School Environment Awards
Twenty-one primary schools across Wyong Shire have shown they have what it takes to ‘wipe out waste’ in their school as part of the 2011 Primary School Environmental Program Awards. This year’s theme taught the students waste is not just rubbish, but can also be wastage of energy and water.
Brooke Avenue Primary and Wyong Grove Primary were the major winners in the large and small school categories.
Community hall receives a makeover
A number of our community halls have received a makeover thanks to a grant from the Australian Government. As part of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, we received more than $600,000 to upgrade eight halls.
These halls were:
- Buff Point Community Hall
- Gravity Youth Centre
- San Remo Neighbourhood Centre
- Cynthia Street Neighbourhood Centre/Occasional Care
- Summerland Point Community Hall
- Toukley Arts and District Art Society
- Wyong District Youth and Community Hall; and
- Tuggerah Hall.
All of the halls received a coat of paint to give them a fresh look. Some of the other works included upgraded disabled access, improved kitchens and bathrooms and new rooves for a few of the halls.
Be part of the resident epanel
Council is improving the way that we listen to our community by introducing the eResident Panel. This panel gives residents the opportunity to have a say on a whole range of local issues by answering email and web based surveys around six to eight times a year.
Developed to compliment Council’s Engagement Framework and the Inform, Connect and Engage strategy, the eResident Panel is looking for members who are residents of Wyong Shire, over 18 years of age and not employed by or an elected Councillor of Wyong Shire Council.
This is a fantastic opportunity to have YOUR say on the issues affecting the area where YOU live. To add your name to the database fill in the Get Involved registration form.
This is just one of the methods that Council will use as it continues to engage the community in the future planning of our local area and services so that we are able to have a better understanding of our community’s expectations and satisfaction.
Water ways not forgotten
Wyong Shire’s many inland waterways are also a summer magnet – and Council regularly improves facilities for the public.
For example, the Sunshine Reserve boat ramp at Chittaway Point is set to operate more safely and efficiently after Council decided to extend and strengthen the facility. It was decided to build specially designed concrete extension planks and link them with stainless steel bolts.
Submissions have also been made to Maritime NSW for grants to help pay for improvements to boat ramps at Norah Head and Vales Point.
What’s on
Learn how to be more sustainable
Starts March 2012 - Proving popular in 2011, Council will again be running workshops on recycling, organics and sustainability. These workshops cover a range of topics from chook keeping, living with less chemicals, composting, worm farming and no-dig gardening. Get a hands on experience with the experts in the field. Bookings are essential. To express your interest, contact (02) 4350 5530.
Get that sports grant
Monday 5 March 5-7.30pm - A workshop will be held full of practical tips and clear guidelines, on how to work with funding bodies to get a grant to support an increase in participation for your sports clubs, associations, groups or event holders. RSVP: Monday 13 February, (02) 4350 5572.
International Women’s Day
Thursday 8 March 7-9am - Women from all ages and backgrounds are invited to share breakfast at Council where they will hear the stories of three local women: a young woman who is a lawyer and family carer; the business woman of the year; and a local woman who is making a difference internationally. Details: (02) 4350 5524.
Who’s who in sport on the Coast
Monday 19 March 5-7.30pm - Find out which organisations can support your club, event or sports program and how you can improve your communication between all groups - in particular Council departments - in order to increase sports participation in the Shire. RSVP: Monday 13 February, (02) 4350 5572.
You’re never too old
Monday 19 March 10am-1pm - Seniors Week will be kicked off in the Shire with an interactive concert. Local seniors are invited to join in a fun morning of performance and interaction where they can enjoy music, drumming, dancing and performance poetry. Details: (02) 4350 5524.
Your Councillors
Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers at Hely Street Wyong at 5pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Parking available off Margaret Street. Interested residents are welcome to attend.
FInd out who your Councillors are and their contact details.