Bateau Bay residents have a new battle on their hands after Central Coast Council revealed plans to demolish a toilet block on Blue Lagoon Reserve.
Resident group Save Our Stairs was successful in persuading Council to apply for a grant to rebuild the stairs to the reserve which it had demolished – without public consultation – after deeming them unsafe.
After a huge outcry from the local community, the Council applied for a State Government grant worth $245,000 to go towards replacing the demolished stairs with new stainless-steel stairs, due to be finished by end of next year.
Residents say they were stunned to now discover Council’s plan to demolish the public toilet block on the reserve – located between Blue Lagoon Resort and Shelly Beach at Bateau Bay – finding the block listed on the Council’s draft Public Toilet Strategy.
Ironically, one of the reasons the Council listed the toilet block for demolition was due to its “poor access”.
Bateau Bay resident Judy Townsend who led the charge to save the stairs is now pleading with the Council to reconsider the proposal to demolish the toilet block.
Residents had until November 7 to have their say on whether they want the toilet block to stay.
Townsend said local tradies had even offered to renovate the facility as a community project.
“Gorgeous new stairs will be in place to access the reserve in June 2025, and we can start planning family reunions, playgroup and picnics on our reserve once again, but only if we don’t let Central Coast Council demolish the toilet block,” she said.
Under the proposal, the Council says the toilet block is reaching its economic end of life with poor access and there were other existing facilities in close proximity to Shelly Beach.
The reserve adjoins the popular Blue Lagoon Resort and Townsend said management revealed the toilet block had been a target for vandals and management had replaced the ceramic bowls with stainless steel ones at their expense.
Townsend said the stairs would allow proper and open access to the reserve which would help deter vandals.
Vandalism only occurs now as it is a hidden and almost inaccessible location. When the wonderful new access stairs are built there will be a constant flow of people through, and on our reserve. In the night like other facilities they will be locked for safety of all .
A big thank you to Judy and the group involved in getting the stairs approved. Hopefully Council will see sense in keepingthe toilet block here as well. Bureaucracy had to get better on the Coast.
I travel on the new trains daily from Woy Woy to Central and vice versa. I love the new trains apart from (the fact) they are absolutely freezing. I bought…
Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club in Springwood St, Ettalong Beach, and Everglades Country Club in Dunban Rd, Woy Woy, have both submitted revised plans to Central Coast Council for significant improvements…
Humpty Dumpty Foundation has sprung into action to help Central Coast Local Health District provide seven breast pumps for its midwifery and Aboriginal health services. The Pumped For Life Mother’s…
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Current flood notices are in place for areas of the Central Coast, including Tuggerah Lake. Read more and follow our Facebook page
Performing Arts Centre of the Year in 2022
The visual arts culture of the Central Coast
Central Coast Council is excited to announce the renewal of 13 local playspaces across the region as part of the Central Coast Playspace Strategy
Construction of the playspaces will take place between January and June 2025
Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services
Melanie Smith said the renewals will focus on creating inclusive and engaging play experiences in local neighbourhoods across the Central Coast
“The renewed playspaces will offer a range of equipment
nature play or fitness equipment,” Ms Smith said
“This will provide valuable recreation facilities for the local and wider community
promoting healthy living and active lifestyles while ensuring inclusive and engaging play experiences for children of varying ages and abilities.”
Recognising the crucial role of playspaces in fostering children's physical
Council remains committed to its 2020-2025 Playspace Strategy
This strategy outlines a 20-year renewal program for sustainable playspace management
replacements and upgrades are carried out to maintain the safety and accessibility of all 270 Council playspaces
The 13 local playspaces scheduled for renewal in the 2024-2025 financial year are:
In addition to renewing 13 local playspaces
Council will also be constructing three district-level playspaces this financial year:
Lawrie McKinna said these renewals will have a positive impact on the community
as well as visitors to the region will benefit from these renewed playspaces,” Mayor McKinna said
“These vital community assets contribute significantly to the physical
emotional and cognitive development of children
Council is providing a safe setting for children to play
while fostering stronger community connections between families and the wider community.”
This project is made possible by $1.29 million funding secured through Council's capital works budget
NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program funds will contribute $50,000 to the total cost for renewing the Murrumbooee Park playspace
For more information about the designs for each playspace and to receive regular updates, visit New and renewed playspaces 2024-25 and follow @centralcoastcouncil on social media.
The Hunter Central Coast AFL season is underway and officials are expecting the men’s first grade competition to be hotly contested
The Killarney Vale Bombers have recorded consecutive losses
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on The Entrance Rd to carry out investigation work between Nepean St and Cresthaven Av at Bateau Bay
One southbound lane will be closed for road investigation work
to help with planning for future road maintenance
work will be carried out from 7.30pm Wednesday
and is expected to take one night to complete
Traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be place for the safety of workers and motorists
I travel on the new trains daily from Woy Woy to Central and vice versa
I love the new trains apart from (the fact) they are absolutely freezing
Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club in Springwood St
have both submitted revised plans to Central Coast Council for significant improvements…
Humpty Dumpty Foundation has sprung into action to help Central Coast Local Health District provide seven breast pumps for its midwifery and Aboriginal health services
We've hit the ground running for 2025 with our road crews out-and-about maintaining and improving Central Coast roads.
Other works including maintenance are continuing with crews undertaking:
To see what capital work road works Council is undertaking this financial year near you, view our interactive online map.
To report or enquire about specific road maintenance or safety concerns:
You’ve told us that roads matter and we’re listening
Our road crews have filled over 28,927 potholes this financial year
that’s an extra 7,224 than this time last year
Our crews are on the roads every week to inspect
record defects and undertake basic pothole filing (as the first level of maintenance to keep the roads open and safe)
We’ve increased our spend on road renewal to focus on delivering longer term solutions our region’s 2,200km road network
Council is scheduled to deliver approximately 60 km of road renewals
and we are investing $27M into the road renewal program (including grant funding from the Australian Government)
This week we are undertaking pothole repairs in Bateau Bay
Rocky Point and Wyoming and road renewal works in Bateau Bay (Hillcrest Ave and Promenade Ave)
Lemon Tree (Dooralong Rd) and Tumbi Umbi (Palm Valley Rd)
and long-term strategies to manage and prevent potholes across the Central Coast’s road network
Basic pothole filing is the first level of maintenance to keep the road safe for the public
Where potholes consistently reoccur or the road deteriorates further
a more substantial and longer lasting heavy patch repair is considered - based on what has been done to date
the risk profile and what renewal work is planned for that section of the road
renewal works are undertaken which include rehabilitation and resurfacing of the pavement
Please report potholes, specific road maintenance or safety concerns to Council through our online Customer Service Centre
Image: Road rehabilitation works underway at Palm Valley Road
Council is continuing to improve accessibility for public transport users through our Bus Stop Improvement Program
We are improving access at 43 bus stops this financial year
Works at each site will include the installation of a new concrete boarding pad
or a link to an existing footpath or installation of a pedestrian ramp
seating or a bus shelter is also provided if warranted and as budget permits
Everyone deserves to be able to participate in day-to-day community life
Ensuring accessible bus stops are provided for people living with a disability is essential to make the Coast more accessible
These bus stop accessibility improvements are part of Council’s continuous program to ensure that each stop meets Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements placed by Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002
and a delivery of actions from Council’s Access and Inclusion Action Plan.
How does Council decide which locations will have works to improve accessibility?
Council considers a number of factors when determining which bus stop locations will be next to receive works to improve accessibility
Such considerations include: the number of people using the bus stop
Why doesn’t every bus stop have shelter and seating / how do you choose which ones?
This project is focused on improving accessibility of bus stop locations so all residents and visitors in these localities can access public transport and travel throughout the region
Photo: Chittaway Bay accessible bus stop
A fatal motorcycle accident in Bateau Bay and several international boating incidents, including a speedboat crash and a whale collision, highlight the urgent need for increased safety awareness on roads and waterways.
A devastating motorcycle accident on The Entrance Rd at Bateau Bay, New South Wales, claimed the life of a 23-year-old man. The collision with a hatchback occurred around 6:20 pm, leaving the motorcyclist dead at the scene. The 86-year-old female driver underwent mandatory blood alcohol testing as police investigate. This tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers on our roads, underscoring the need for increased safety awareness.
Unfortunately, the Bateau Bay incident isn't an isolated case. Several other recent boating accidents underscore the significant risks involved in water activities, both recreational and competitive:
These incidents, from road accidents to high-speed boating and marine collisions, underscore the importance of safety awareness and preventative measures. Whether on the road or water, responsible behavior, adherence to regulations, and ongoing safety improvements are crucial to minimizing the risk of future tragedies. Further investigation into each incident will hopefully help inform and improve safety protocols for the future.
The provided text only states it was a motorcycle accident. Specific details regarding the cause are not given.
The summary mentions a speedboat crash and a whale collision, highlighting the diverse risks on waterways.
The recent fatal accidents in Bateau Bay and internationally emphasize the need for better safety practices to prevent future tragedies on both roads and waterways.
Practicing safe speeds, maintaining proper boat maintenance, being aware of your surroundings, and following navigation rules are crucial for boating safety.
Your local government websites and national maritime agencies are excellent resources for comprehensive safety guidelines and regulations.
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Bateau Bay residents can now get their hands on online purchases day and night, using Australia Post Parcel Lockers now available at Bay Village Licensed Post Office (LPO).
Bay Village LPO is officially home to a bank of shiny new red parcel lockers for local residents’ convenience.
When shopping online, residents can choose to have their packages delivered to a parcel locker instead of their home or workplace at no added cost.
Residents can collect their parcels from the secure 24/7 parcel lockers at a time convenient to them.
Customers can also return Items via a locker by following the merchant Instructions with pre-paid packages.
By downloading the Australia Post App, creating a MyPost account, and registering a preferred Parcel Locker location, customers can receive their deliveries when and where it suits them.
The app offers the added convenience of real-time tracking and viewing estimated delivery dates all in one spot.
Customers can register to access Parcel Lockers at Bay Village LPO from October onward.
With more than 750 Australia Post Parcel Locker locations across the country, customers have the option to register at multiple locations, making it easy to receive online orders in their local area or away from home.
To find out more visit: https://auspost.com.au/receiving/collection-points/use-a-247-parcel-locker
Police are appealing to the public for assistance with information following a brawl at a Bateau Bay shopping centre.
Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District were called to the shopping centre in Bay Village Rd at about 7pm on Thursday, July 11, following reports of a group of young people brawling in a food court.
However, when they arrived the group had already dispersed.
No injuries were reported but police seized a hammer believed to have been used in the brawl.
The hammer will undergo forensic examination as part of the police investigation into the incident.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMissing several experienced players and giving a host of players their debut games
the Saints led at half-time before the Blues three big men in attack clicked in the third quarter
The Blues turned a four-point deficit into a 13-point lead with a four-goals to one term and eventually ran out 9.9-63 to 8.9-45 winners
The form of Xavier Russell in his first game back
He along with Zack Stewart were the Saints best
and his running and willingness to work hard will be a huge asset going forward
the younger brothers of Saints young guns Zack Stewart
while Inglis has made the move back to Australian rules after playing NPL soccer
Tom Coleman and Alex Gallagher also had their first games for the club and were impressive
Saturday was the Saints' first game together this season
and when they were able to stick to the game plan they showed they will be a real threat this season
"The boys are all on board and know the game plan will work
we've just got to connect a bit better and implement it a bit better," Saints coach Hoffman said
Hoffman said given the number of players who were playing their first senior game with the club and having no real match practice he was particularly pleased with the performance
"It's very exciting having so many new players
We've got depth for the first time this year
which we haven't had for many years," he said
Hoffman said he was really pleased with Xavier Stewart's debut and it was exciting to have him and his brother Zack in the same team
"He is very good with the ball and his decision making under pressure is second to none," he said
"If he keeps on developing like that he will be a very good senior player for many years to come."
Xavier Russell takes a shot on goal for Maitland
Picture by Michael HartshornFull forward Rhylan Hoffman had some good moments but was regularly outnumbered as the Blues pushed their midfield back into the Saints forward line
"He contested well and had second and third efforts which was great to see," Hoffman said
our forwards had been drawn up the ground and were not there to crumb and take advantage of Rhylan's work to bring the ball to the ground
"Bateau Bay played very well and won those important duels and worked harder overall to outnumber us in our forward line."
The Entrance Bateau Bay led all day to run out 9.12-66 to 5.7-37 winners
Colin Carroll led the scoring for the Saints with two goals and was among the team's best with Blake Hamer
An inaccurate Maitland Saints enjoyed a 19-point with against The Entrance Bateau Bay in the Black Diamond Plate Women's game
The Saints kicked 3.14-32 to the Blues 1.7-13
finding their accuracy in the final term with two goals to six behinds
Colleen Fernando and Keeley Cobcroft scored Maitland's goals
The Maitland Saints are away to Lake Mcquarie Dockers in round two in men's and women's Black Diamond Plate
The senior men have the bye in Black Diamond Cup
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residents across large swathes of the Central Coast were told on Tuesday night to boil their drinking water due to potential contamination
it raises a critical question: why are we still dealing with these issues
The ongoing water monitoring program conducted by Central Coast Council and the EPA has
identified toxic PFAS in untreated water from the Ourimbah Creek catchment
While authorities assure us that our drinking water meets Australian guidelines
the presence of contaminants in our catchments underscores the fragility of our water security
Council said the Boil Water Alert issued on Tuesday was precautionary
coli in the Terrigal Reservoir Supply System
Testing on Wednesday cleared the system of contamination
While such alerts are necessary for public safety
they also highlight the systemic challenges facing water management on the Coast
The complexity and scale of water quality monitoring
contamination response and infrastructure maintenance demand dedicated oversight and expertise
This brings us to the elephant in the room: the role of water management in the financial collapse of the last Central Coast Council
funding shortfalls and bureaucratic entanglements contributed to a fiscal crisis that saw the Council placed under administration
At the heart of this chaos was an overburdened system struggling to deliver essential services
independently run Central Coast Water Authority
not under the auspices of Council as at present
separate from the Council’s broader responsibilities
would have a clear mission: to secure our water supply and safeguard water quality
Such a body would ensure long term investment in infrastructure
and a sharper focus on the health and well-being of our communities
Water security is too vital to be lost in the mix of local and state government politics
safe drinking water for every Central Coast resident
With all the hysteria surrounding contaminated water of late,it was great to see local authorities swift to identify and subsequently inform the public and residents of affected areas.With rapid population growth and general environmental toxicity that will accompany it
water purity has become a pressing issue as it is so vital for health and very much life itself.Stringent monitoring is the way to overcome potential issues before wider problems arise through any complacency
Despite being under administration for all those years the existing management structure is largely unchanged and needs a complete review
we can’t blame the councillors for this- it was a breakdown of process and this ailment stretches right across council
In the early 70’s ever since then the EPA had you believing that they cared about the environment and human health how wrong was I to believe what they said
4 years ago Penny Sharpe since she became director how wrong we all were about her xxxx
After reading the article I’m not at all informed as to how an independent water authority would avoid such situations arising
Just sounds like an opportunity to bash the council for the sake of a news article
My Central Coast house is not my main residence so I use very little water but I still get slugged $260 odd dollars every quarter
Apparently that’s okay because that’s how much it costs to provide me with those services whether I use $30 worth of water or $300
Two men have been charged following an alleged brawl at a shopping centre at Bateau Bay this month
Police were called to the shopping centre on Bay Village Rd at about 7pm on Thursday
July 11 July following reports a group of young people were allegedly brawling in a food court
Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended and found the group had left the scene
Police located and seized a hammer for forensic examination
two men aged 18 and 20 were arrested at Wyong Police Station on Monday
The 20-year-old was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court
Sharon Hammond and her husband Denis started volunteering with Save the Children’s Bateau Bay op-shop after the COVID 19 lockdowns
The retired Bateau Bay couple had decided they would love to be volunteers
especially with the Save the Children charity which Sharon had known about thanks to her 40 years as a teacher
“We had started going back to the shops after the lockdown and we saw the sign at the front desk saying volunteers were needed,” Sharon said
they thought it would be a great opportunity for them to volunteer their time
meet people and give them a new purpose in life
Sharon said she enjoyed learning new skills and being trained in things like visual merchandising.The Save Our Children Op Shop
located opposite the Bateau Bay Ambulance station
is enormous and the couple spend a good deal of their time there
you could find anything in here in some form or another,” Sharon said
While Sharon spends her days ensuring the display of ornaments and crockery are not only colour-coded but visually appealing
Denis does the tagging and testing of any electrical items
“We can’t sell any electrical item unless they have been tagged as safe,” Sharon said
“This is a very good charity to be involved with
“Coming here every day gives me purpose and a chance to connect
“We’re all volunteers here and it gives us a group where we can talk about things which we might find embarrassing to talk about in other places
and it’s a place to have a really good laugh
National Volunteer week is May 20 to 26 and Save the Children Australia op-shop Area Manager Courtney Harley-Wright could not praise Sharon and Denis more
“Both Denis and Sharon always go above and beyond for any one they encounter,” she said
“I often see Sharon on the shop floor with our customers having a great conversation
even trying to get them to volunteer with us.”
Save the Children Australia Director of Retail Andrena Nowlan said the support of volunteers was vital to enabling the organisation’s lifesaving programs
including the wonderful volunteers in our op shops
it would be much harder to carry out our work that protects and supports children across Australia and around the world,” she said
I would like to recognise the significant contribution that volunteers play in our organisation
and their dedication to helping us stand up for children who need it most.”
Save the Children has operated in Australian for more than 100 years and is one of the country’s leading child rights charities
Save the Children directly reaches millions of children whose rights are threatened across more than 100 countries every year
I had a strong suspicion that you were good people
So good to hear about everything you are doing at the Save the Children shop
Sharon and Denis you are awesome volunteers
so many stories of the kind and generous people who volunteer in all different organizations
This is definitely the week to celebrate everybody
We at FIRST Australia.org are run 99% by volunteers
and National Volunteer Week is a wonderful time to acknowledge them and the contribution they make to our students
programs and everyone involved in all our events
We greatly admire and appreciate all our volunteers
FIRST Australia have joined the coalition of support for the strategy of volunteering with Volunteering Australia
a strategy to help change the face of volunteering countrywide
It’s a brilliant way to give back to your community
feel a sense if achievment and thrive off the goodwill
There’s no better time to volunteer than now
the world needs more people like Sharon and Denis
to touch lives and make a positive difference to the community at large
Judging by the number of print ads in our local papers of late
the Liberals seem to be outspending Labor three to one in the campaign to win the seat…
A man accused of sneaking into a nursing home and raping an elderly women has been charged with her murder
Brett Anthony Crawford, 34, allegedly broke into an aged-care facility in Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast shortly after midnight on November 15
2023 and attacked the 90-year-old woman in her room
She suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital after raising the alarm with staff
Arrested five days after the alleged attack
Crawford was initially charged with aggravated breaking and entering to commit a serious indictable offence
inflicting actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse and two counts of aggravated sexual assault
He remains in custody and on Friday his charges were upgraded to include murder and manslaughter
Police allege he also stole some of the woman's property before leaving the aged-care home
Sex Crimes Squad commander Jayne Doherty previously said the elderly woman had been left traumatised after the attack and suffered arm
Officers believed the woman's cries for help had been muffled by bedding and that she had been pinned to the bed during the sexual assault
Nationals MP Bronnie Taylor revealed under parliamentary privilege
that Crawford was recently released after serving 10 years in jail for a similar crime
had been told to leave a house party before later breaking in and raping a woman at knifepoint
He stabbed the woman in the face after raping her
Crawford is due to return to court on February 21
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
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The romantic, flowing pieces from La Bohème make for the perfect coastal wardrobe
This luxe store is located in an inconspicuous spot on the Scenic Highway between Terrigal and Avoca
Pieces from La Bohème make for the perfect coastal wardrobe
La Boheme’s collection is all about relaxed styles
pastel colours and exotic prints from premium brands including La Bohème Girls
It’s also the only store on the Coast where you can buy pieces from Spell & The Gypsy Collective and luxe activewear brand PE Nation
so you can keep active while looking stylish
For more than 10 years, Montaze has been one of the Coast’s most iconic fashion stores and over the years it has evolved into a beautiful cavern of homewares
There is a focus on premium Australian labels such as Camilla and Auguste the Label
as well as candles by Glasshouse Fragrances
coastal-inspired homewares by Amalfi and handcrafted jewellery by Krystle Knight and Temple of the Sun
Montaze is one of the Coast’s most iconic fashion stores
Add serious design cred to your home with a unique piece from Drift Home and Living sourced from around the world
Drift Home and Living sources from around the world
Cool and casual with a hint of fun… if this describes your style then be sure to stop by Bull & China
a women’s fashion boutique located at Erina Heights
Here you’ll find affordable everyday staples from labels such as Elm Lifestyle
There are also fashionable travel kicks from Rollie Nation Shoes and Australian-owned Human Premium Shoes
and a selection of gorgeous accessories to peruse while you’re there
Located at Bateau Bay Road shops, Blackbird is somewhat of a hidden gem that you should definitely seek out if in the area
Browsing the Australian and locally made products
you will find everything from leather clutches to vintage-style jewellery
vibrant print dresses to classic Levi jeans
natural rattan light pendants and lush indoor plants
You can even purchase local Bateau Bay honey here
Great fashion finds await you at Blackbird Bateau Bay
This is the bricks-and-mortar store of the magazine The Flowerseekers
growers and everyday people who simply love beautiful blooms
Owner Sonya Gardiner wanted a space to physically showcase the concept behind the magazine
but also to host workshops such as floral arrangement
The Flowerseekers showcase the concept behind the magazine
Cool, classic and chic – that’s what you can expect from Antigua Collective at Terrigal
a premium women’s fashion store that opened early 2019 across from the beach
This beautiful boho-luxe store offers customers a personalised
Here you’ll find pieces of a mostly neutral palette
with easy-wear cuts and great quality fabrics from labels such as Apéro
as well as its very own Antigua Collective
Antigua collective showcases beautiful boho-luxe wares
Housed in a quirky A-frame building on the main strip of Long Jetty, Shadow Bang is a gorgeously curated fashion and herbal goods dispensary store
you’ll find an array of wellness products such as essential oils and organic tea
handmade leather shoes and artisan-designed jewellery
many of which make their small-batch products with an ethical focus
so you can feel good about your purchase in more ways than one
Shadow Bang is a gorgeously curated fashion and herbal goods dispensary store
Homegrown label Bohemian Traders has become a favourite with Central Coast fashionistas
Specialising in relaxed and effortless fashion
the store is known for its ‘classic European cuts designed for the modern bohemian’
and a range of denim designed to flatter women of all shapes and sizes
There’s also a mens’ and kids’ collection
Elevate your everyday outfit with this bright-hued fashion collection
If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone special, Piccolo Pear is a delightful emporium of flowers
classic collectables and one-off vintage finds
quality wares found in this whimsical store is a joy to browse
and the lingering scent of fresh flowers adds to the beauty of it all
Shop for holiday gifts at the Piccolo Pear
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach
bushwalking or boating with her young family
She loves reliving travel memories through writing
whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
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The Central Coast is a sprawling region comprising of pristine beaches
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Fire and Rescue NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
Bowls NSW has announced the NSW teams to contest the NSW State Division 4 Women’s Pennant Finals at Bateau Bay Bowling Club.
The teams coming to challenge the Bateau Bay Central Coast Champions are: Ballina, Westport, Gunnedah, Cabramatta, Portland, Hamilton North, Bowral, Mollymook Beach, Merimbula, Lake Cargelligo, West Dubbo. South Coogee, Belrose, and Toongabbie.
Bateau Bay Club has provided welcome packs for each of the visiting clubs to assist in finding accommodation, travel arrangements, meals and of course the highlights of our wonderful Central Coast.
The Bateau Bay women have been busy training and practising for the games ahead as they prepare to take on the visitors.
Games begin on Tuesday morning, May 21 when Bateau Bay will face Ballina, Westport and Gunnedah in the preliminary rounds of section one.
Only the teams placed first and second will progress to the quarter finals on Wednesday afternoon which will be followed by the semi-final and final on Thursday, May 23.
Members of the public are very welcome to watch the games at Bateau Bay Bowling Club.
Judging by the number of print ads in our local papers of late, the Liberals seem to be outspending Labor three to one in the campaign to win the seat…
Bateau Bay residents say they are fed up with the stench coming from the “substandard” Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant
said in recent weeks the suburb “absolutely stunk” of raw sewage
“The sewerage plant is completely outdated due to a combination of poor management and lack of funding,” she said
She said the current state of the plant was a health issue and “unacceptable”
“We all pay rates to Central Coast Council to provide basic services
which a sewerage plant is,” she said
located in a large residential area and near a major shopping centre
After reporting the stench again in late February
Attwater said she was informed by the Council there had been an in issue with the chemical treating process which was causing the smell
A recent Council report stated work was underway to address the odour at the plant with the first stage completed in December and the next stage ready to start early this year
Completion date for the odour control systems was anticipated in mid-2024
“What I can’t believe is how did we get to this in the first place?” Attwater said
Why do I need to keep ringing the Council to tell them the plant stinks
Attwater said Council needed to plan for the future
“We need to know the long-term plan and whether this facility will meet the needs of the community going forward – I don’t think it will,” she said
“Are we investing in the future with this plant
“The Council has an obligation towards the health of the community
A Council spokesperson said Central Coast Council Water and Sewer was allocating $35M towards the upgrades of the Bateau Bay Sewage Treatment Plant to not only future-proof the asset but help address the presence of odour
“The program of works will optimise the capacity of the treatment plant and address ageing assets,” the spokesperson said
“The works have considered the likely population growth over the project’s planning horizon (10-15 years) and would integrate with any future major upgrades to the plant
“The works have commenced with design work now completed
“Construction work has commenced with good progress seen to date.”
Council is currently working towards resolving the chemical dosing issues being experienced within the sewerage network
which has been exacerbating the odour-related issues
The spokesperson said the project remained on track for commissioning
with an estimated construction completion timeframe of September 2024
Sewage treatment plants sometimes smell like sewage
The council is a disaster and completely incompetent
I’ve complained about the sewer and traffic management many times but get nothing but pass the buck replies
This is a huge problem for us residents to have to endure this awful sewerage smell every day
We want action now for this health problem
We pay huge amount of rates etc what for we have no duty of care from the council
Some residents are incensed that Central Coast Council has closed Yakalla St at Bateau Bay until July as it prepares for repairs to a road bridge over a flood drain
A spokesperson said many residents deemed the work unnecessary and all that was needed was a footpath on either side of the bridge
“Council has spent six months playing with their Tonka trucks and diggers in preparation and now have closed Yakalla St until July – five months to (fix this) bridge,” he said
“This means Yakalla St will be closed over Easter and two lots of school holidays – happy times for not only the locals but also tourists.”
The spokesperson said traffic chaos would ensue
He said that at 3.30pm on March 7 the traffic coming from Long Jetty was backed up from Swaddling St to the Shelly Beach roundabout
“This was due to all the Bay Village customers who would normally use Yakalla St having to go to the Shelly Beach roundabout,” he said
“Let’s hope with the upcoming Council election we have someone in charge who has the best interests of ratepayers
A Council spokesperson said Yakalla St had been closed earlier than anticipated to allow for emergency works following geotech advice obtained during pre-planning of future works
which will involve replacement of drainage culverts
“A detour will be in place along Central Coast Hwy
through Shelly Beach Rd and Grandview St,” they said
“Pedestrian access through Yakalla St will remain available
“Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care
follow signage and allow extra travel time
“Council apologises for any inconvenience and will keep the public informed of any changes via (its) Facebook page.”
To stay up to date with the project’s progress
visit Council’s Capital Works Map at https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/about-council/capital-works-program
Who is this mystery “Spokesperson”
How did they determine these works aren’t necessary
probably just another case of “I reckon…”
I suggest this writer stops spending their days watching “Council… playing with their Tonka trucks and diggers” and goes out and enjoys themselves
Needed is traffic slowing outside houses 126-132 Swadling st
If EDSACC sports grounds allowed access from the south (instead of one way traffic) students
tennis players etc would not need to queue to access the car park from Yakalla Street to hitch would assist the flow of traffic in the morning peak hour
Credit: Steve Markham/AAPImageA teenager has been charged over a stabbing outside a NSW shopping centre
a week after two brutal stabbing attacks in the State shocked the world
was waiting at a bus stop outside the Bateau Bay shopping centre when three males approached him about 2.30pm on Monday
The group became involved in a verbal altercation before the man was allegedly assaulted and stabbed in the back
Get the first look at the digital newspaper
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Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The three males fled the scene before emergency services arrived
The 20-year-old was taken to hospital in a stable condition
The 15-year-old boy was arrested at Toukley Police Station about 4.30pm on Monday
It comes little more than a week after the Bondi Junction massacre and the Wakeley church stabbing that saw an Assyrian bishop attacked in front of parishioners during a live-streamed sermon
Six shoppers were killed in the Bondi Junction shopping centre rampage carried out by Joel Cauchi
including bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel were seriously injured in the Wakeley attack
allegedly carried out by a 16-year-old boy
an 18-year-old man was fatally stabbed near a primary school
leading to murder charges being laid against a trio of boys — the youngest of whom was 15
The 29-year-old paramedic died outside a McDonald’s restaurant while he and a workmate took a break.
NSW Police have suggested in a submission to a Sentencing Council review the government should make it an indictable offence for any parent to allow their child to illegally possess a knife.
Parents who allow children to carry knives face a maximum penalty of $550.
Latest EditionEdition Edition 5 May 20255 May 2025All-powerful Anthony Albanese says give me some R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Bateau Bay and Kariong Libraries are next in line to offer extended hours access as part of the Library@yourtime program
The extended library service follows the success of this initiative providing additional access at Toukley Library over the past year.
The innovative program uses technology to monitor self-access
Central Coast Council Libraries and Education Unit Manager
Beth Burgess said Library@yourtime at Toukley Library has been embraced enthusiastically by library members.
“Library@yourtime lets inducted library members have access to the library outside regular staffed hours and compliments our services during staffed hours
where library members can receive help and guidance as required.
our extensive range of free online resources and services
music streaming and more are also available 24/7 via Council’s website,” Ms Burgess said.
and meet the terms and conditions of the program
including completing a building and safety induction course
Access is via a swipe card and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an inducted adult.
in the new locations at Bateau Bay and Kariong will be available from mid-June
Patrons interested in this access are encouraged to contact Kariong or Bateau Bay branches for session dates and times
Rik Hart said this is a great example of how Council is creating better services to meet the changing needs and expectations of the community.
“Our libraries are continually reviewing their services and facilities to meet the changing needs of library users
borrow items and enjoy their library experience
library members can enjoy services at times that suit their lifestyles
whether that be commuters on their way to or from work
or students and families wishing to utilise the space and library services on weekends," Mr Hart said
These new services have been made possible through funding from a State Library of New South Wales Local Priority Grant
Library@Yourtime will be available from 1 July extending the normal operational times so that inducted members can access the libraries between 7am and 7pm
Contact Kariong Library 4325 8155 to become a Library@YourTime member.
Contact Bateau Bay Library 4350 1580 to become a Library@YourTime member.
To access online library services, become a library member or sign up to the library e-news, visit https://libraries.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/
The Central Coast Library Service app is also available to download for free from Apple iTunes or Google Play
The case of the disappearing stairs leading to a popular Bateau Bay reserve has infuriated residents who are demanding Central Coast Council reinstate the stairs it took away
located between Blue Lagoon Caravan Park and Shelly Beach
was accessed via a staircase from Bateau Bay Rd
members of the local Landcare group which had been working for years on clearing noxious weed to form a community path from Blue Lagoon to Shelly Beach were stunned to find the stairs to the reserve were missing
Coordinator of the Save Our Stairs Group Judy Townsend said the reserve was extremely popular and used for birthday parties
family reunions and end of year sports days
despite boasting well-maintained toilets and barbecues
without stairs the community cannot access the reserve unless people walk through the caravan park
Townsend said the stairs were built in 1979 as a gift to the community from the caravan park in an agreement with Crown Land
She believes following the recent discovery that the agreement was now invalid
and that Council was responsible for the maintenance of the stairs
“We wonder at the haste of the decision once Crown Land informed Council that the previous agreement with the caravan park was invalid,” Townsend said
She said Council also showed no local knowledge of the area in classifying the stairs as “beach access” which would require highly engineered stairs
“These stairs clearly are not affected by tide
beach erosion – they are on grass and about 150m from the beach,” she said
“There is a set of stairs on the eastern side of the reserve that fits that description
“We think it is readily achievable to rebuild a set of stairs that will easily last 40 years as the recently removed stairs have done.”
She said the group was hoping funding for the stairs would be included in the 2024/25 Open Spaces budget
Residents were also offended by the lack of community consultation and were told that Council provided notification of the demolition works on its social media page
“It’s certainly an inadequate response and quite condescending at best,” Townsend said
She said residents were also mystified by the Council’s statement that there were other beach access points
“Our concern is the complete lack of easy access to our reserve,” she said
“Why was there no mention of any attempt by the Council to repair the stairs while a plan of replacement was put in place?”
Member for The Entrance David Mehan described the Council’s decision as “sneaky” and “a huge disappointment”
“My community has put in a huge effort to repair and rejuvenate the area around Shelly Beach and Bateau Bay,” he said.
“Council’s decision not to consult the community before the steps were removed is very disrespectful
“Nobody believes Council’s claim that the steps were unsafe; they needed maintenance
“I’ll now work with my community to improve access to the reserve and ensure it is properly maintained.”
A Central Coast Council spokesperson confirmed the stairs were removed in early September
She said an inspection revealed the timber stairs were unsafe and beyond repair due to vandalism and had been set on fire on two occasions
no other options were available other than removal of the stairs
as they were no longer functional or safe,” she said
“Council had provided notification of the demolition works on Council’s social media channels and liaised with the neighbouring tourist park and noted the other beach access locations to the north and the south of the stairs
“In response to local community concerns about future public access, Council staff will consider the merits of building a new stairway at this location in the future
“This project is not currently listed in Council’s 3-year Delivery Program and so there is currently no funding budgeted to commence design and construction of new stairs
“Council will however investigate if any government grant funding might be available for this proposed project.”
Central Coast Council are preventing the public who own the Reserve from accessing it
Will people now use a dangerous steep track subject to erosion where the stairs were
The council are public servants employed by the people in control of this Crown Land Reserve which is owned by the people
what about the stairs to soldiers and Jenny Dixon beach,it has been years waiting
Council need to get their act together and serve the local community as they are supposed to do
Find out where all our money disappeared to and install some stairs like the ones at North Shelley
Jezz i think other things need to be fixed before the stairs
Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to keep them happy and healthy
If you would like to give your dog some lead free time
visit one of Council’s allocated off-leash dog exercise areas
Your dog is allowed on dedicated off-leash beaches
however must still be under your control and come back to you when called
This is important so everyone can enjoy our beaches
off-leash exercise areas for dogs across the Central Coast
Small dogs and puppies (10kg and under) can socialise in a separate off-leash areas
away from bigger dogs at Tuggerah Dog Park and Helen Reserve
Council is making it easier for residents and visitors to recognise areas across the Central Coast that are dog friendly
visible in certain locations across the region
Always check the signs at each location to ensure you are in a designated off-leash area
Kyal and Kara offer a peek inside their ‘Australian coastal meets Mediterranean villa’ style home on the Central Coast
Celebrity renovators Kyal and Kara Demmrich have done it again
creating yet another dream property on the NSW Central Coast
The former Block contestants have built their forever home in Bateau Bay
across the road from a quiet beach where they plan to spend plenty of time with their kids Ziya and Vada
Kyal and Kara with their daughter at their Bateau Bay home
Kyal and Kara collaborated with Loughlin furniture throughout the build
The dream team gave the Express Advocate an exclusive walk through of the ‘Australian coastal meets Mediterranean villa’ property
which was originally an old mouldy asbestos shack before they did a knockdown rebuild
Now it presents as a quintessential beach house made from white weatherboard with lots of timber and greenery
The view from the backyard looking onto the unique helical curved staircase
Revealing the home throughout April and May on their online journal
Kyal and Kara said that their number one wish was for the kitchen
living and dining area to open out to the backyard so they could send the kids outside to play independently while watching from the kitchen
They nailed the brief – the downstairs living space is indeed the heart of the home
all opening out towards the backyard and pool
Downstairs showcases a number of unique features including a helical curved staircase
striking sandstone feature wall in the lounge area
a real freestanding fireplace and a void over the entryway and living area to capitalise on the northern light
The upstairs loft is a perfect hiding space for the kiddies
The kitchen is warm and inviting with Velux skylights
‘Liquid Shell’ island benchtop and an enormous double Ilve freestanding oven
The stunning main retreat upstairs includes raked ceilings
highlight windows and a curved wall that leads from the entrance of the bedroom around to the walk-in wardrobe
A nautical-inspired kids bedroom with adorable bed lights is a dream painted in Taubmans Endure ‘Weathered Stone’
minimalistic look with timeless Marfil slab tiles
an Angourie Oak Vanity and Alura Arch Mirrors – all part of a collaboration with Loughlin Furniture
Other highlights include a separate self-contained guesthouse
large rumpus area with upstairs loft mezzanine
laundry and mud room and of course the ‘villa’ style pool area with signature palm tree
Kyal said that he couldn’t wait for summer at home with the kids
which is actually a feature that most people want
Noone really likes going up the deep end,” he said
The couple are now taking a well earned break from renovating and said that they were not sure when and where their next project will take place
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A Bateau Bay family has made a lucky escape after their home went up in flames overnight
The family dog and a working smoke alarm alerting them to the danger
a seal doing what we’ve all been dreaming about
The seal caught the attention of locals who were doing the right thing on their COVID safe walks
A boarded-up and neglected townhouse duplex at Bateau Bay is one of 58 vacant public housing properties across the Central Coast
The two townhouses at 5 and 6 Faye Cl have been vacant since September 2012 due to termite damage
but the property grounds have not been maintained
windows are smashed and the interior has been trashed
the State Government has sold several properties in the Bateau Bay estate and neglected the maintenance of many more
He said there were now 130 fewer government owned homes on the Central Coast than in 2011
“This does not help those who urgently need a roof over their head for themselves and their family
“The proper solution is adequate supply of public housing and we really haven’t seen the investment that we need
“I know there’s people in this electorate who sometimes say there’s too much social housing
but the reality is there’s less now than there was 10 years ago
you have the negative consequence of people being put into hotels instead of being put into a permanent home
“The government has sold a lot of properties here but they really haven’t invested back into the public housing for the Bateau Bay estate
they’ve really just given it over to the private sector and the rents are just not affordable,” he said
“Debbie is just one local that I hear from that needs urgent help to be housed as soon as possible,” he said
and is temporarily living in a two-bedroom granny flat
but she has to move out at the end of November
“Her circumstances meet the definition of homeless as determined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics,” Mehan said
know they had to leave where they are at the end of the month but they have nowhere to go
“It’s really really hard and unsettling for them and I’ve got a couple of children with autism so that makes it harder because they don’t have the space they need to decompress or for the therapy equipment they need
“I’ve got a lot of sick children and my daughter has been in an out of hospital
my eldest needs surgery next month and my other daughter spent a month in hospital in Sydney this year
and not knowing anything about where we might be living just makes it all that much harder to manage and I’m managing it on my own
“We just don’t have any security,” Debbie said
Mehan said that he was concerned that properties such as Faye Cl remained dormant
neglected and useless while people such as Debbie and her family desperately needed this housing
“There’s a lot of families who have just gotten used to living in a hotel and then there’s other low income families or pensioners who’ve rented cheaply in the private sector for a while
but when the owners reclaim the property for whatever reason
they then find themselves on the public housing list,” he said
Mehan estimates that there are about 2,600 on the waiting list for public housing and about 200 of those are prioritised
“The bottom line is that there’s just not enough public housing,” he said
A spokesperson for the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) said the Bateau Bay property had been vacant since 2012 because of extensive damage and following repairs and subdivision
the townhouses would undergo the final approval process to sell
A statement from LAHC said that it was committed to working with their maintenance contractors to ensure that all social housing properties were kept clean
were not added to the regular lawn mowing schedule but arrangements have now been made for the lawns to be added to the mowing schedule and maintained until the properties are sold
there are 58 vacant social housing properties across the Central Coast
representing 1.2 percent of the 4,760 social housing properties
38 are undergoing restoration and another 20 have had maintenance work completed and are now in the process of being allocated to people in need on the NSW Housing Register
LAHC says it spent $3.7M to restore 302 vacant social housing properties in the electorates of Wyong
which equates to about $12,250 per vacant property
the total number of social housing properties in The Entrance electorate was 1,394 and 22 were vacant
in Wyong electorate there are 1,075 with 17 vacant
LAHC social housing that is no longer fit-for-purpose is sold and/or recycled to build new housing or undertake capital upgrades
The Bateau Bay Hotel is a popular watering hole
THE Laundy family have sold one of the Central Coast’s most popular hotels for close to $13 million
Capitalising on buyer demand for coastal hotel investment opportunities
the Laundys have offloaded off-market The Bateau Bay Hotel
CBRE negotiated the sale on behalf of Arthur Laundy and his family
and the purchaser is a local north coast hotel group that owns multiple hotel assets in the area
but given we have a few projects on the go at present thought it was the right time to sell
We wish the owners the best of luck with their acquisition,” Mr Laundy said
Mr Laundy and his family remain firmly invested in the region — with assets such as the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Terrigal
Settlers Tavern at Gosford and Long Jetty Hotel
CBRE Hotels manager Ben McDonald said the hotel’s popularity and size — set on 27,000sqm — were key drivers of interest
“With forecasts for short term population increases
discretionary spending ratios and future economic outlook in certain coastal areas as positive as that of metropolitan Sydney
we’re seeing no shortage of astute money seeking to invest in these markets,” Mr McDonald said
CBRE Hotels national director Daniel Dragicevich
said the NSW coastal pub market was strong at the market
following the recent sales of the Swansea Hotel in Lake Macquarie and the Country Club in Shoal Bay
both in quantum of dollars and initial yield
adds weight to the flow of transactional activity in coastal pub markets at levels traditionally reserved for metropolitan assets,” Mr Dragicevich said
“It makes sense that if the Sydney market is closing in on eight per cent capitalisation rates
that hotels within two hours of the CBD in markets such as the Central Coast are selling at rates of 10 per cent or sharper.”
CBRE Hotels is currently offering the Premier Hotel in Broadmeadow (Newcastle) for sale and expect significant market interest throughout the campaign off the back of continued demand for coastal pub assets
🚘 WEEKLY ROAD WORKS UPDATE Various road treatments that cover the life cycle of the road are underway this week including:
🚧 Heavy patch works at Bateau Bay (Parkview Pl)
🚧 Road shoulder and median maintenance works at Central Mangrove (Peats Ridge Rd Interchange)
🚧 Road pavement upgrade works at Empire Bay (Rickard Rd)
🚧 Road grading works at Somersby (Wirrinda Rd & Ghilkes Rd)
🚧 Road resurfacing at Jilliby (Little Jilliby Rd)
Council maintains over 155 kilometres of unsealed roads
Unsealed roads typically carry low traffic volumes and service rural areas
Council road maintenance teams routinely grade unsealed roads by reshaping the roads surface using a grader to reduce corrugations and potholes
The sealing of unsealed roads is prioritised within Councils Capital Works Program
To see what road projects are planned for this financial year, view our interactive capital works map, or refer to Council’s annual operational plan
📷 PHOTO: Road pavement upgrade works at Rickard Rd
Uniting Nareen Gardens has bowed to community pressure and reformulated its plans for a multi-storey retirement and independent living development in Bateau Bay
Described as a “small win” by the community
the residents have welcomed the proposed changes
Local resident Erin Brenger said this latest move is a step in the right direction but there is still plenty more work to be done
“Uniting have heard some of our concerns and made changes but unfortunately have failed to address a number of our issues,” she said
Uniting came back to the table on 17 February with a set of new plans designed to appease residents
One major reversal is the scrapping of an entire block (building four)
rendering it a five instead of six block development for retirees and seniors
It has also revised the height of buildings two and five by removing the top level and limiting them to three storeys
developers have shifted the buildings out to 13.6 metres from the eastern boundary from what was originally six metres
The courtyards for these buildings will sit at nine metres from the boundary
Uniting has also promised to keep most of the existing trees on the boundary
while promising to plant 249 new mainly endemic trees
including Eucalyptus Robusta (Swift Parrot)
Other changes include a decrease in the size of building six by 170m2; a reduction in dwellings with potential to overlook eastern neighbours from 38 to 15 and a proposal to increase fence height from 1.8m to 2.1m on the eastern boundary
which were presented after a round of community consultation in January
also include increased landscaping and different facades and renders to create a coastal look
Community opposition to the development has gained momentum with each passing month since the original development application (DA 882/2021) was lodged in October 2021
One ongoing concern that residents have raised is that they believe building work could take up to six years
“Six years of building will completely take over our lives
“We will be unable to enjoy our homes and any privacy we once had will be gone,” said Brenger
another factor that agitates residents is the inclusion of Altona Avenue (a narrow 7.5m wide street) as an exit point with increased traffic
and the impact this will have on roads and those living on nearby streets
Resident Scott McIntosh said that Altona Avenue cannot cope with the proposed increased volume of traffic
not an additional 150 apartments with support staff
“Garbage Trucks currently have to reverse up the road to turn around,” he said
Other residents Jo and Neil Brown are also worried about the effect on roads in the area
“The Bias Avenue road surface is currently breaking up
“It is not built to withstand heavy truck loads of demolition and construction materials
“Nor is it built for seven years plus of heavy and increased traffic,” they said
Uniting has said it will continue to look into traffic issues
Some of those who have attended meetings with Uniting point to their worry that a development of this size will set a dangerous precedent for the area
“The development is still one-and-a-half times the current size and sets a dangerous precedent for commercial organisations to grow at the expense of small communities,” said Lauren Smith
One proposal is that the development is shifted to Yakalla Street – a bigger road where there is a Uniting church and hostel
“This needs to be a serious option as it is a much more suitable site,” said Jo and Neil Brown
Uniting Director of Property and Housing Simon Furness said the aged care provider has revised its plans on the back of such significant community feedback
“Uniting values the wellbeing of all our residents and community and that is why we are working towards a redevelopment plan for Uniting Nareen Gardens that will benefit the broader community
“Community consultation is an important part of any redevelopment project and we welcome community members to have their say,” he said
The community has been invited to a further consultation run by the Regional Planning Panel on March 1
Plans to to upgrade the intersection of Central Coast Hwy and Tumbi Rd are powering ahead
with Expressions of Interest now being sought from contractors
The Federal and NSW governments are investing $65.5M to upgrade the notorious bottleneck as part of plans to improve traffic flow and safety on the highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay
The Australian Government has committed $52.4M towards the project
Key features of the upgrade include replacement of the existing intersection roundabout with traffic lights and widening the highway north of the intersection to two lanes in each direction to the project boundary near Forresters Beach Garden Centre
Transport for NSW has carried out extensive community consultation
with the Review of Environmental Factors on display for feedback in October 2021 and the subsequent submissions report
addressing matters raised by the community
early works to prepare for the intersection upgrade were carried out
demolition of Department of Transport-owned property
Timing on the next stage of construction is yet to be confirmed but is expected in early 2025
The project will take about two years to complete
Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said the Central Coast was a busy and growing region
and locals deserved a strong road network that they could rely on
this upgrade will improve safety and ease congestion for locals and visitors,” she said
Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the bottleneck was notorious
improve road safety and make travelling around the Central Coast much easier for all motorists,” he said
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the highway provided an important connection between the M1 at Kariong and the Pacific Hwy at Doyalson through Gosford
“This is a great step forward in progressing the Tumbi Rd intersection upgrade which will help ensure local communities enjoy improved reliability and connectivity on this important route,” he said
Residents from Bateau Bay to The Entrance are banding together in a massive clean-up effort following a devastating storm cell which ravaged the area on Saturday afternoon
Long Jetty took the brunt of the violent tempest
dismantled power lines and ripped roofs off numerous buildings
The State Emergency Service at Wyong reported receiving an overwhelming 150 calls for assistance as the storm unleashed its fury
SES Wyong Unit Commander Matt le Clercq described the storm’s impact as severe and unexpected
“We’ve seen some significant damage – a whole roof from a factory was blown off and went two doors down the street before it hit a house,” he said
with 10 persons displaced due to the storms; however
all are being supported with one resident requiring emergency accommodation.”
the roof of another building went flying through the air to land wrapped around a power pole and trees and roof shearing impacted two units at an aged care home at Long Jetty
whose terrifying experience epitomises the storm’s sudden and fierce nature
In what he termed the “scariest moment of my life,” Malliaros recounted how a roof from a nearby mechanic’s shop was hurled onto his house
The storm’s intensity didn’t end with strong winds and rain
expressed gratitude for having insurance but acknowledged the daunting reality of temporary homelessness
said that when the storm initially hit for about 10 minutes the rain and wind was torrential and blew open some of the doors at the Bateau Bay Shopping Centre
“Very quickly there was flooding in the carpark – that was at 3.40pm but the rain and lightning continued all night in that area until at least 11pm with the lightning and thunder being almost continuous,” he said
estimated that about 7,000 customers across Long Jetty
The Entrance and Bateau Bay were left without power due to the storm with high winds blowing the roofs off buildings and fallen trees bringing down power lines
Efforts to restore electricity to roughly 800 homes occurred over the weekend and into Monday
but the removal of debris and repair of the damaged power infrastructure could take weeks
Traffic lights in the area were also blacked out and multiple roads were closed while Ausgrid workers removed debris or repaired damaged power lines
The path of destruction was intense and indiscriminate
and the severity of the damage varied – however
people in surrounding nearby suburbs reported nothing more than a little bit of thunder
a slight temperature drop or in some areas nothing at all
Emergency services including the Central Coast VRA Rescue Squad and Ausgrid crews worked tirelessly to ensure safety and initiate repairs
Their efforts were bolstered by more than a dozen SES teams from surrounding areas
coming together in a remarkable display of community resilience and support
Central Coast Council is continuing to support the SES as the lead emergency response agency with Council work crews continuing to assist with traffic management
tree assessments and debris and waste removal from public lands
“Council has also been in contact with relevant support services to assist in housing accommodation for some affected residents and has reached out to our disaster support networks to determine what other support services may be required,” a spokesperson said
Further details are being circulated via Council’s social media networks
Affected people should monitor relevant social media such as the Bureau of Meteorology
SES and Council for an relevant updates or warnings and contact the SES on 132 500 for assistance with storm impacts/storm damage
Contact Council on 02 4306 7900 to report any issues affecting Council infrastructure or assets
What a time for it too hit most of us lost power for 16 hours and anything I had for my kids ready for Xmas as in food is gone