Council Watch
Watching Central Coast Council on behalf of fair-minded and reasonable people
February 4, 2025 by Merilyn Vale
Erina Heights and Kincumber were advised on Tuesday evening to boil water prior to consumption
Central Coast Council issued the original alert after 6pm on Tuesday
Council said water testing has revealed that the water supply for those areas has potentially been compromised
Council said the Boil Water Alert was a precautionary measure
“Recent samples have detected the presence of E
coli bacteria in the drinking water supply for the Terrigal Reservoir Supply System (Terrigal
Erina Heights and Kincumber),” Council said
“Further testing to validate the result is underway and as soon as more information is known
“We anticipate an update by 3.30pm Wed 5 Feb,” Council said
whilst further investigations are being undertaken
the Boil Water Alert has been issued”
“NSW Health has been alerted and we will continue to update the community on the situation,” council said
# Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil
(That means let it boil for a bit so its really boiling.)
Council said kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this
# Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated
# Immune compromised people should be especially vigilant
# Council said tap water is safe for bathing but there is a potential risk if water is swallowed during washing and bathing
“Parents and carers could consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative,” Council said
“It is important the community acts on the advice to keep boiling their water
“We will continue to update the community on the situation,” Council said
Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: Water and Sewer, water quality
What sort of country are we living in that can’t provide clean and safe drinking water
what water quality indicators were used and what levels were found
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This page is run by journalist Merilyn Vale and is not associated with Council
Copyright © 2025 · Merilyn Vale
Thousands gather for sunset tribute to 19-year-old university student in Terrigal
calling for action to address men’s violence against women
Sunset was one of Audrey Griffin’s favourite times of day. On Thursday evening thousands of Central Coast residents wearing white gathered at Terrigal beach to honour the 19-year-old university student and talented sportswoman who was murdered on her way home from a night out in Gosford on 23 March
I ask you to turn around and watch it together,” said her mother
Friends and relatives scattered frangipanis on the beach and called on the community to honour Griffin by demanding government action to address the national crisis of violence against women
“This kind of event is something where the community want to show the family they care about their loss,” said Sharon Walsh
the chair of the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee
View image in fullscreenGriffin on a visit to Tokyo
Photograph: Darci Tabone“And it’s also a way of saying to those who have the capacity to fund change that we want change
“The bulk of violence against women obviously occurs in the home … however the tragic circumstances of this young woman remind us that women of many ages can’t really feel safe anywhere.”
Walsh said voters this federal election would have to “go rummaging” to find anything political parties had to say about domestic violence and women’s safety
But before this week the issue had barely rated a mention in the campaign
Griffin is the 22nd woman killed due to violence this year
Hours after Thursday’s vigil, it was reported that the man charged with her murder, 53-year-old Adrian Torrens, had been found dead in a cell at Sydney’s Silverwater correctional complex
Police were not treating the death as suspicious
Griffin’s murder was initially treated as nothing beyond a tragic accident
The keen athlete had been on a night out with friends at Hotel Gosford before disappearing on her way home. New South Wales police said she was last seen on The Entrance Road in Erina at 3am on Sunday 23 March
Her body was found partially submerged in Erina Creek
just steps away from one of the coast’s busiest roads
Forensic and postmortem examinations did not point to suspicious circumstances
Iron Man competitor and beach lover was referred to the coroner
almost four weeks after the body’s discovery
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On Thursday last week police released a grainy CCTV image from outside the Elanora hotel in East Gosford. A man, described as having a dark complexion, medium build, wearing a red singlet and carrying a black backpack, was wanted to help with the coronial matter.
“We are not implicating that this man was somehow involved in the incident,” Det Acting Insp Samantha Richards said in the appeal.
“other sources” had come forward with enough information to elevate the case to a homicide investigation and
police made a startling breakthrough: 53-year-old Torrens was arrested in Surry Hills
and charged with Griffin’s murder as well as 11 unrelated domestic violence matters
Police allege Torrens had a “physical altercation” with Griffin
did not appear at a hearing in Downing Centre local court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody to appear on 20 June
Beyond that, little has been made public. The Daily Telegraph reported that police evidence included time- and location-stamped Snapchat videos Griffin had shared with a friend
the account of a nearby resident who had heard a woman screaming “for up to a minute” about 3am but dismissed the sound as that of a fox
and a 2.43am ping from Torrens’ phone near to where the body was found
View image in fullscreenThe view across the creek from the memorialIt was further reported that Torrens’ DNA was linked to that taken from one of the victim’s fingers and that police documents stated she had scratches to her upper arms and a mark to the left side of her face
The news reverberated around the sprawling Central Coast community but it did not come entirely as a surprise to some
who had always questioned how Griffin – who was reportedly weeks away from joining the navy – really died
“my gut and my head was telling me something different”
Social media posts reflect the same sentiment
“I can’t believe it wasn’t treated as suspicious from the start,” one Facebook user wrote
Another asked how the police wrote “it off as misadventure so quickly”
On Tuesday Supt Darryl Jobson said despite “no suspicious circumstances arising from the forensics and the postmortem” police had always had concerns about the “unsettling” case
View image in fullscreenA favourite recipe pinned to a tree behind the memorial. Photograph: The Guardian“This is a matter that has not sat well with us from the very start,” he told reporters. “These are the types of cases where police want answers because families want answers.”
One friend of Griffin’s, who asked for her name to be withheld, said the Central Coast had been alight with rumours about her friend’s last moments, including conflicting reports about when and by whom her body was found and how she had been dressed.
Read more“We want to know the truth of what actually happened
because no one seems to be talking,” the friend said
“The police really need to make a statement about it
They can at least clear up a lot of the rumours and help protect a young girl who lost her life at the hands of a man.”
Behind the calls for more information was fear
‘Are we safe as a community?’ Because we don’t feel safe up here any more.”
An online fundraiser coorganised by Kirby has so far raised $30,000 towards family travel and a funeral for the teenager who brought “endless laughter and joy to everyone” and was “the kindest soul to walk this earth”
The Terrigal Trojans have defeated rivals Avoca Beach by 30 points in round three of the Central Coast Rugby Union competition.
Officials are describing it as a “dominant display”, adding to their undefeated streak.
The pledging war between the major parties continued this week, with the Liberal Party promising $112.5M for a major upgrade of Terrigal Dr if elected and Labor announcing there will be $115M in next week’s Federal budget for the project.
An upgrade of the major roadway would see improved safety, reduced congestion and enhanced transport efficiency.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Bridget McKenzie were on the Central Coast on Friday, March 14, to make the announcement alongside Liberal candidate for Robertson Lucy Wicks.
Dutton said the upgrade would be a game-changer for residents, commuters and businesses who have faced years of frustration due to delays and inaction under the Labor Government.
“The Coalition will get on with the job of fixing Terrigal Dr to duplicate sections of the single-lane road and deliver critical intersection upgrades to ensure it is safer for all road users, while also supporting local businesses and economic growth,” he said.
“We want to make sure the Central Coast has the quality roads and infrastructure that it needs to get ahead.”
McKenzie said the Government had cancelled, cut and delayed more than $30B worth of infrastructure projects over the past three years, including putting a two-year freeze in their first budget on delivering local road projects funded by the former Coalition Government.
Wicks said the investment was a direct response to concerns raised by the Robertson community.
“I’ve spoken with countless local residents who are fed up with congestion and dangerous road conditions,” she said.
The Coalition also pledged to deliver the stalled Central Coast Road Package, including the Ocean Beach Rd and Rawson Rd intersection upgrade at Woy Woy and work on Shelly Beach Rd at Empire Bay.
But Labor Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said in her nine years as the region’s MP, Wicks had secured no funding for major road upgrades.
“It’s taken a Federal Labor Government for the Central Coast to finally get the funding it deserves,” he said.
Reid said the $130M upgrade to Avoca Drive through Kincumber was nearing the start of construction.
“There are now a number of local roads that have been upgraded thanks to our $40M Central Coast Local Roads Package,” he said.
“And the Ocean Beach Rd and Rawson Rd intersection upgrade in Woy Woy is progressing.”
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…
it’s no surprise that Terrigal is just as popular with Central Coast locals as it is with tourists
But, thanks to a recent development at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
your next trip is set to get a luxurious upgrade
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific launched its signature Pacific Club experience
enabling guests to select from a range of premium ocean-view suites with deluxe benefits including valet parking
and private local transfers to see everything the area has to offer
it felt like the perfect time to put this to the test
After starting off our stay by taking advantage of the included valet parking
we walked into Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific and immediately felt a wave of indulgence
and has well and truly made its mark on the foreshore
we made ourselves at home in the new Pacific Suite
It also has a beautiful bathroom with a freestanding bath
and a private wraparound balcony providing views of both the pool and the ocean
guests are offered priority dining reservations
including at the fabulous restaurants inside and connected to the hotel itself
If you’re looking to replicate this feeling of extravagance
make a booking at the new Meribella restaurant and bar
led by Michelin-star Head Chef Joshua Mason
The restaurant itself is gorgeous and bathed in sunlight
we were treated to their five-course tasting menu with matching wines
Each meal and pairing were just as delicious as the last – especially the heirloom beetroot
Meribella is also home to your daily cocktail hour
if you’re keen for a drink or two before dinner
head downstairs to Terrigal Beach House for a hearty seafood platter
if you don’t want to leave the room at all
with a full menu available to be delivered straight to your door
location is also key to your stay at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
with a host of things to do and see just a short walk or drive away
I highly recommend going for a walk along the shoreline
discovering a host of boutique stores and cafés
or perhaps even paying a visit to the iconic Skillion for incredible views of the coastline
take a short drive or organise a transfer to Firescreek Botanical Winery in Holgate for a chocolate and wine tasting
this one comes with exquisite hand-made chocolates from Luka Chocolates
and features wines that are true to their notes
If you’re looking for a luxurious weekend getaway where you won’t have to lift a finger
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific makes for a perfect home base
Visit https://terrigalpacific.crowneplaza.com to book
The writer stayed as a guest of Crowne Plaza
Cassidy Pearce is a news and entertainment journalist with The Western Weekender
A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney
she has previously worked with Good Morning Macarthur and joined the Weekender in 2022
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Central Coast Council is upgrading lighting at the Wilson Road multi-storey car park in Terrigal from Monday 3 February 2025
with an anticipated completion date of May 2025
This project aims to ensure the car park lighting meets Australian standards for pedestrian and motorist safety
Council is committed to enhancing public safety within the car park and surrounding areas by replacing these lights
The works will take place between 7am and 4pm
While some areas within and around the car park may experience temporary closures during this period
the project has been carefully planned to minimise disruption
There will be no impact to parking over weekends
and minimal impact midweek by working on small sections at a time.
To balance safety with the impact on neighbouring residents
Council has opted for energy-efficient LED lighting
This provides more direct light and reduces light spill into surrounding areas
the upgraded lighting will not only improve safety within the car park but also contribute to a safer and more welcoming community
the immediate road area outside the residents' parking garage will be partially closed on 30 April 2025 from 7am to 4pm
This portion of the project involves replacing the existing light posts and upgrading the LED lighting over the pedestrian crossing and footpath at the entrance to the car park
Access and egress to the residents' parking garage will be maintained throughout the day under a specially designed and approved Traffic Management Plan
The plan will include designated detours and on-site staff to ensure minimal impact on residents and to maintain access for emergency services
If the car park lighting returns to full functioning order
Council has considered how new lighting will impact nearby residents and made the decision to use LED lights
which means that the light is focused on the intended area and not wasted
This will ensure the car park is safe while also reducing unnecessary light pollution in surrounding areas
Council will investigate the possibility of dimming the lights when inactive
What impact will the upgrade works have on the community
Some areas within and around the car park will be temporarily closed during this period
but the project has been carefully planned to minimise disruption over the busy summer months
Who can I call if I see antisocial behaviour
Council is not the appropriate regulatory authority to manage anti-social behaviour and is therefore unable to help with this matter. Anti-social behaviour should be referred to the appropriate authority, which is NSW Police. More details are available at https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention
What is Council doing about anti-social behaviour or illegal activity at Wilson Road Carpark Terrigal
Council takes reports of anti-social behaviour in the car park seriously and has implemented measures to address the issue
These include automated rooftop closures after hours
a full CCTV system linked to Gosford Police Station and multiple daily security patrols during high-risk times
While security does not provide round-the-clock coverage
illegal conduct must be reported directly to the police
Council also collaborates with police for high-visibility patrols and files reports for incidents captured on CCTV
law enforcement remains the responsibility of the police.
A former police officer has spoken out after his Central Coast home was targeted on New Year’s Day by three men
The Terrigal resident now calling for the local police station to open 24 hours
A new modern retail and residential development will grace the prominent entry corner of Kurrawyba Ave and Wilson Rd
which has traditionally been considered the main Barnhill Rd entry to the Terrigal village
The development application is currently being considered by Central Coast Council to demolish the old-fashioned building and build four storeys with five commercial premises at ground level and 10 residential units above
The entire rooftop area will be communal open space with uninterrupted views towards the ocean and beach
Basement parking will accommodate 19 car spaces with access only from Wilson Rd
There will be lift access from the basement to all floors with the residential component being a mix of one
The developer is asking Council to approve a variation in the maximum building height of 20.8m stipulated in the development control plan
The proposal has a total 16m building height but parts of it
stair access to the rooftop communal area and terrace parapet exceed the planning control
The development application says that the variation approval is being sought on the basis that the encroachments are functional requirements of the building which cannot be reasonably accommodated within the prescribed building envelope
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…
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
More than 100 young people gathered at Banjo’s Skate Park in Terrigal today
The event is a first for the Central Coast
and is designed to encourage locals under the age of 18 to get involved in the local community
Terrigal Beach has finally achieved a Good rating in the 2023/2024 State of the Beaches report
The recently released report rated all Central Coast beaches as Good or Very Good – an improvement on the 2022/2023 report
The annual report gives a grading for each designated swim site from Very Good to Poor and is an indicator of suitability for swimming
It is linked to the statewide Beachwatch Program
which monitors beaches and other swimming sites to ensure that they are safe for recreational swimming
Water quality can sometimes be affected by microbes and other pollution
especially after periods of heavy rainfall
Pollution from stormwater and sewage overflows can cause higher levels of bacterial contamination that makes water quality unsuitable for swimming
along with other variables such as rainfall
is used in predictive models to forecast beach water quality on a daily basis
This enables the community to be able to make an informed decision on whether to swim on any given day
Central Coast Council monitors 32 recreational sites across the coast – 15 ocean beaches
Council Director Environment and Planning Jamie Loader said the 2023/2024 ratings for the Coast’s beaches was pleasing
“It is really a great result that Terrigal Beach has improved to Good after three years of a Poor rating,” he said
“Council has done a significant amount of work in the Terrigal Catchment since 2019 including the relining and upgrading of over 32km of sewer pipes and smoke and dye testing to identify illegal connections
Soldiers Beach and North Entrance have all been graded Very Good – an improvement for Lakes and Soldiers beaches from the previous year’s Good rating.”
Broken Bay beaches were all graded as Good
but the report noted that the water quality at these beaches was often impacted by Hawksbury River floodwater bringing with it contaminants and flood debris
most estuary and lagoon sites were graded as Poor
the exception being Woy Woy Baths which this year improved to a Good grading
Loader said that while the estuary and lagoon site gradings were largely Poor
most did show an improvement in the actual microbial assessment with some close to the Good rating
“These results are indicative of the nature of estuary waterways which flush very slowly and are more susceptible to impacts of stormwater networks,” he said
“Council is undertaking ongoing studies to determine the causes of these poorer results and remedial work when infrastructure failure is detected.”
which has been graded poorly for a number of years
“Given that it has been another relatively wet year
this improving trend is extremely positive,” Loader said
“Council is continuing to undertake investigations to understand the contributors to the poor results in this area.”
Loader said a contributing issue with many sites is the ‘dog poo’ factor
which has been detected through microbial source tracking
“Recent DNA studies on microbial sources identified human
canine and avian sources to microbial contamination highlighting that both Council and the community have a role in improving our estuarine water quality,” he said
Actions for the community include picking up after dogs
reducing sewer network blockages by only putting the three Ps – poo
(toilet) paper and pee – down the toilet and keeping litter and other pollutants out of stormwater drains
Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the report was a timely reminder that all swimming sites could be affected by stormwater pollution
“The numerous beautiful beaches of the Central Coast are at the heart of what makes this region special
and it is vital that we take care of these precious waterways,” he said
“While our State of the Beaches report card for 2023/2024 saw significant improvement
we will continue to roll out a number of measures designed to further improve water quality across the Coast.”
To view the State of the Beaches report and check Beachwatch daily forecast for reliable information on water quality visit www.beachwatch.nsw.gov.au
Avoid swimming at ocean beaches for 24 hours and at estuary sites for 72 hours following heavy rain
Tammy Jackett from Wiseberry Peninsula Real Estate has been announced as the 2025 Terrigal Local Woman of the Year at an afternoon tea celebration hosted by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch
The Local Women of the Year Awards serve as an event to recognise and celebrate progressive thinkers
social advocates and innovative role models in the community
Jackett was nominated by Crouch for the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community through her Christmas and Winter appeals for Mary Mac’s and long-term support of the McGrath Foundation
“Every year I host my annual Women of the Year afternoon tea event to celebrate truly inspiring women from the Terrigal electorate,” Crouch said
it was a real challenge to choose just one woman as our Local Woman of the Year
as all the nominees have made outstanding contributions to our community
I am delighted to be able to announce the amazing Tammy Jackett as this year’s Terrigal Local Woman of the Year
“Tammy and all of our nominees are exceptional role models in our community
dedicating their efforts to make the Central Coast a better place for everyone.”
Eight women from various community organisations and clubs were nominated this year
including: Jan Steele from the Empire Bay Progress Association; Judith Wallace from Central Coast Kids Day Out and Chertseydale Cottage; Jackie Sproll from the North Avoca Surf Lifesaving Club; Hayley Langwith from The Joy Project Choir; Mandy Eyles from the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club; Cheryl Wallace from the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club; and Sharon Tull from the North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club
Jackett will join Crouch at the 2025 NSW Women of the Year awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on March 6
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
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal have safely returned two boaters to shore after their open runabout suffered engine failure
leaving them stranded three nautical miles off the Entrance near Tuggerah Reef today
The men on board the disabled vessel contacted radio operators at Marine Rescue Central Coast just before 10:30am
Volunteers at Marine Rescue Terrigal were tasked for the mission and deployed on board Terrigal 30 for the eight nautical mile (15km) trip up the coast
Marine Rescue Terrigal Deputy Unit Commander Paul Barrie said conditions were favourable offshore
“The disabled vessel was located anchored approximately 200 metres off Tuggerah Reef which was breaking when Terrigal 30 arrived
“It was wonderful that both men were wearing lifejackets
“A tow line was secured to the disabled before the eight nautical mile tow back to Terrigal Haven where the men were safely returned to land
“We encourage boaters to always wear a lifejacket and to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF channel 16 so our dedicated volunteers can keep watch for their safe return,” Deputy Unit Commander Barrie said
One of the largest real-time multi-agency search and rescue exercises (SAREX) to ever be held on the NSW coast has been labelled a success by Marine Rescue NSW
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Newcastle navigated darkness and a fast-flowing run-out tide overnight to rescue a stranded sailor four nautical miles (7.4 km) south of Nobbys Head
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Detectives are appealing for information following an assault at Terrigal last month
Emergency services were called to Terrigal Esplanade at about 2.05am on Saturday
January 25 following reports of an assault
police were told a 61-year-old man had been assaulted by another man who was believed to have been with a group
He was taken to Gosford Hospital for the treatment of facial injuries
Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District commenced inquiries into the incident
detectives have released CCTV images of a group of men they believe might be able to assist
is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
The battle for better roads is heating up on the Central Coast….with road and infrastructure upgrades shaping up as major election issues
Both the Labor and Liberal parties have committed more than $100 million towards one of the regions busiest roads
A multi-agency investigation is underway on the Central Coast
after a suspicious blaze tore through a popular nightclub at Terrigal
Fire crews from across the region were called in to tackle the flames
which at one stage threatened neighbouring businesses
Police are seeking information and dashcam footage following an alleged assault in Terrigal on February 22
Officers say a 24-year-old man was walking on Maralinga Road at around 9:30pm
when he was approached by a group of males
It’s alleged the group then assaulted the man – leaving him with serious facial injuries – before stealing his watch and shoes
Investigations into the incident are ongoing
The Terrigal-Wamberal Sharks are gearing up for the 2025 Central Coast Rugby League season
with a mix of new and familiar faces in the first grade men’s line-up
A new head coach is onboard in Aaron Groom – who’s eager to shake things up
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal have retrieved six paddlers from waters off Spoon Bay on the state’s Central Coast after their outrigger began filling with water and capsized this morning
Marine Rescue Terrigal Deputy Unit Commander Darren Wright said volunteers at the unit were notified just before 8am this morning when a member of the Taragal Outrigger Club informed Marine Rescue NSW volunteers of concerns about an overdue outrigger crew
“We were told their location could possibly be north of Terrigal Haven
“Marine Rescue NSW vessel Terrigal 30 was immediately tasked and deployed for the search and rescue mission in lumpy and windy conditions,” he said
The rapid response by Marine Rescue Terrigal led to the paddlers being located within 10 minutes of Terrigal 30 departing base
“The paddlers who were all wearing lifejackets were approximately 300 metres off Spoon Bay and when we arrived their outrigger was filled with water
soon after it capsized,” Deputy Unit Commander Wright said
“The Terrigal 30 crew retrieved all six paddlers and took them on the board the Marine Rescue NSW vessel for assessment
“We provided them with space blankets and three of the paddlers were showing signs of hypothermia
“We called NSW Ambulance to meet us at Terrigal Haven
“The six paddlers were safely returned to shore and assessed by paramedics,” Deputy Unit Commander Wright said
A new hand railing has been installed at Terrigal Haven to help people who require additional assistance to access the area
Central Coast Councillor Jared Wright has been working with Council staff and the community over the past few months to provide greater access to local beaches for those with added mobility requirements
He said locals had expressed their concerns to him about Terrigal Haven and that it was difficult to access for those using a walking aid or wheelchair
“Part of why we live where we do is because we have access to such beautiful beaches and waterways and I believe it is important that everyone can enjoy them,” he said
“This project is a great example of how members of the community can work with Councillors to achieve outcomes that really make a difference in people’s lives.”
Wright said he had already received positive feedback from local residents about the new hand railing which connected the carpark at Terrigal Haven to the boat ramp near the Terrigal boardwalk and to the beach
I have had people within the community reach out who were excited about the increased accessibility
as previously they didn’t feel confident entering the water down at Terrigal Haven
“This is a positive outcome and I look forward to seeing many local residents using it in the future
“I will continue working with Council staff and the broader community to see what more we can do to provide greater accessibility at other local beaches and along our waterways,” Wright said
Officers from the Mounted Police and Regional Youth Support Service (RYSS) attended Terrigal on Sunday
as part of a high-visibility presence around the area
The purpose of the visit was to engage with the community in public places in response to a perception of a rise in youth crime in the area
Acting Inspector Nick Baker from Brisbane Water Police District said police conducted proactive patrols and operations in the Terrigal area
with local officers working closely with community leaders
“We want everyone in our community to feel safe
and our officers are doing everything they can to catch those responsible
but we need everyone to play their part by securing homes and vehicles,” Baker said
“While the NSW Police Force will continue to work to empower youth to make the right decisions
societal effort to instil a sense of belonging and purpose to enable at-risk young individuals to reach their full potential
“This could mean encouraging kids into activities such as work
police continued to see property theft that is largely opportunistic and could often be prevented by residents putting personal safety routines into practice
“We need residents to report any suspicious activity to local police or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444
call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” he said
It took more than 40 firefighters and 10 fire trucks to extinguish a major blaze at Terrigal in the early hours of Thursday
Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to a building in Kurrawyba Avenue just after 4.30am
They found the two-storey building well alight and an adjacent property under threat
Firefighters attacked the blaze on all sides before containing and extinguishing the fire in approximately one hour
Crews spent a further few hours mopping up
ensuring all hot spots were extinguished and ventilating the building
There were no evacuations and no reported injuries
Investigations are now underway as to the cause of the fire
The 2023-2024 State of the Beaches Report has rated 100% of Central Coast beaches as Good or Very Good – a improvement on the 2022-2023 Report
Significantly Terrigal Beach has improved to Good after three years of a Poor rating
which is a great result.The annual report gives a grading for each designated swim site from Very Good to Poor and is an indicator of suitability for swimming
The report is linked to the Beachwatch Program
a NSW wide program aimed at monitoring beaches and other swimming sites to ensure that they are safe for recreational swimming and when they are not
it provides a vehicle for warning the community of this. Water quality can sometimes be affected by microbes and other pollution
Pollution from stormwater and sewage overflows can cause higher levels of bacterial contamination that makes water quality unsuitable for swimming.Beachwatch data
This enables the community to be able to make an informed decision on whether to swim on any given day.Central Coast Council monitors 32 recreational sites across the coast - 15 Ocean Beaches
four coastal lagoons and 10 estuary sites.The 2023-2024 ratings for the Coast’s beaches is very pleasing – in particular for Terrigal Beach
which has improved its rating to Good after three years of a Poor rating.Council has done a significant amount of work in the Terrigal Catchment since 2019 including the relining and upgrading of over 32 km of sewer pipes and smoke and dye testing to identify illegal connections.Lakes Beach
Soldiers Beach and North Entrance have all been graded Very Good - an improvement for Lakes and Soldiers beaches
from the previous year’s Good rating.Broken Bay beaches have all been graded as Good
however the report noted that the water quality at these beaches was often impacted by Hawksbury River flood water bringing with it contaminants and flood debris. Like previous years
most estuary and lagoon sites were graded as poor
While the estuary and lagoon site gradings were largely poor
The results are indicative of the nature of estuary waterways which flush very slowly and are more susceptible to impacts of stormwater networks
Council is undertaking ongoing studies to determine the causes of these poorer results and remedial work when infrastructure failure is detected.Canton Beach Baths which has been graded poorly for a number of years
It is noted that given it has been another relatively wet year
the improved trend is extremely positive.
Central Coast resident Alison Heathcote has spent her mornings clearing Terrigal of cigarette butts and litter – amassing hundreds of kilometres and kilograms of rubbish
She’s become a familiar face across the community
and is encouraging others to do their bit for the environment
Motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions from this week on multiple intersections on Terrigal Dr between The Entrance Rd and Ocean View Dr at Terrigal
and will include removing and renewing existing line marking at intersections and traffic lights
Work will be carried out at various locations from 6pm to 5am Sunday to Thursday and is expected to be completed over four weeks
including a single lane closure and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists while the maintenance work is carried out
There will be no impacts to freight or Over Size Over Mass vehicles
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions
and follow the directions of signs and traffic control
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app
Car king turned developer Tony Denny is enjoying a massive payday courtesy of some very savvy moves
Developer Tony Denny has secured $8.5m for his penthouse in his Elysium
The Central Coast penthouse was snapped up well ahead of its scheduled October 12 auction through Mat Steinwede and Jordan Bulmer of McGrath – Terrigal
Their published official guidance had been $8m
RELATED: Inside Albo’s new $4.3 million beach mansion
This penthouse has sold for a Terrigal apartment record of $8.5m
It comes with a private lift from its six-car garaging
MORE: Donald Trump’s ‘starter mansion’ sold for $47m
“Set against Terrigal’s sweeping coastline
the Aria Penthouse presents a rare opportunity to own a residence defined by exceptional design and quality,” the listing for that home read
this home is adorned with expansive windows
and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces that frame breathtaking Pacific Ocean views
creating a sanctuary of openness and tranquillity.”
MORE: Fashion guru pounces on $24m sub-penthouse
This Aria penthouse sold for the previous record of $7.8m
Terrigal’s record had hit $6m earlier this year at 20 Terrigal Esplanade and
With a $790m empire, the used car dealer turned developer Denny sits in 185th place on the most recent publication of The List – Australia’s Richest 250
compiled by journalist John Stensholt at The Australian
He made his fortune with his Prague-based AAA Auto group of car dealerships around Eastern Europe
most of which was sold to Polish private equity group Arbis Capital Partners for about $320m in 2014
There has been talk that he might be looking to swap the Terrigal pad for a Bondi one
His off-market attempt to sell his Point Piper house for about $50m appears to have had overly ambitious hopes
MORE: Nat Bas celebrates $2.9m post-divorce windfall
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believed to be that of a boy missing in the water off North Avoca beach
emergency services commenced a large-scale search operation following reports a 15-year-old teenage boy was missing in the water
The search has involved officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District
along with the assistance from the Marine Area Command
Central Coast Council Lifeguards and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter
About 12pm today (Friday 27 December 2024)
emergency services were called to North Avoca beach
following reports a body had been located in the water
An operation is ongoing to recover the body
Under the direction of Marine Area Command
volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal aboard the vessel Terrigal 30 have been stood down for the day from the multi-agency search for a missing 15-year-old last seen in the water at North Avoca Beach yesterday afternoon.Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said conditions “were good to fair
as the easterly winds have picked up slightly above forecast since just before lunch.”
“The crew on Terrigal 30 began the search at 9:00 am after spending several hours searching yesterday afternoon and were stood down for the day at 2:45pm
“They conducted a parallel line search from North Avoca to The Skillion at Terrigal
“The commitment displayed by our volunteers both on the water and in radio operations yesterday and today has been exceptional
with our volunteers giving up their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to continue the search.“Our crews have returned to base and are awaiting further instructions from Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade said
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Terrigal will be back on water Christmas morning assisting the multi-agency search for a missing teenage boy off North Avoca Beach
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew on board Terrigal 30 spent two-and-a-half hours searching waters off North Avoca Beach this afternoon before being stood down for the day at 7pm
“Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteers will continue the search at 9am tomorrow morning (25 December) on board Terrigal 30
“Terrigal 30 will conduct search patterns in an area to be determined by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said
A volunteer crew from Marine Rescue Terrigal has been tasked to assist NSW Police Marine Area Command with a search for a missing 15-year-old boy off North Avoca Beach this afternoon (Tuesday 24 December)
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond said a volunteer crew was assembled and rescue vessel Terrigal 30 was deployed just after 4:30pm
“Terrigal 30 rendezvoused with a NSW Water Police vessel off The Skillion and is now conducting search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command
“Conditions offshore are choppy with 2.5 metre to 3 metre swell,” Inspector Raymond said
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article contains names of deceased persons
Audrey headed home in the early hours of March 23
She did everything women are told to do to keep us safe
police found Audrey's body partially submerged in Erina Creek on NSW's Central Coast
She was allegedly killed by a stranger as she walked home
Adrian Noel Torrens was charged with her murder after a four-week investigation
Torrens was found dead in a cell at Western Sydney's Silverwater Correctional Complex after reportedly taking his life
Kathleen Kirby with her daughter Audrey Griffin
Speaking to A Current Affair on Monday
Audrey's mother Kathleen Kirby recalled the harrowing moment her daughter's best friend discovered her body
When Kathleen woke on March 23 and checked Audrey's location to ensure her daughter made it home okay
she immediately knew something was terribly wrong
"I'd woken up and I looked at the phone and I saw the location
and straight away I was alarmed," she said
who rushed to Audrey's last known location along Erina Creek
"It's not right for a young girl to have to find her best friend in the water," Kathleen said
Audrey was a bright athlete with her whole life ahead of her
Audrey was out with friends on the night of March 22 and had left them at the Hotel Gosford about 2am on March 23
saying she was going to grab an Uber or taxi back to her dad's house
Kathleen believes her daughter started walking after failing to get a ride home and decided to take the long way along the water in hopes of finding a car
as she otherwise could've taken a shortcut through the heart of Gosford
According to The Daily Telegraph
police documents state Audrey's last known movements were near Punt Bridge in Erina
She had sent two Snapchat videos to a friend
who became concerned when Audrey didn't make it home or respond to messages
It was then Kathleen called Audrey's friends and they made the devastating discovery
police maintained her death wasn't suspicious
doubling down that Audrey had likely died by misadventure
she was strong," she told A Current Affair
Not one person has walked up to me and said she drowned… No one believed it."
Police would later admit the initial autopsy finding didn't sit right with them either
Superintendent Darryl Jobson said a post-mortem examination of Audrey's body didn't initially suggest suspicious circumstances
but "the seriousness of the matter" prompted police to keep digging
"For a 19-year-old woman to meet her death in a creek
it was very unsettling for us as investigators," he said
"These are the types of cases where police want answers
Kathleen is fighting for justice after losing her only child
Jobson said police received "significant information which transferred this investigation to a homicide investigation." It led them to arrest and charge Torrens with murder
According to the Daily Telegraph
Torrens allegedly confessed to Audrey's murder in a phone call in the weeks after her death
"I just f**king clicked and I have no reason for my actions," he reportedly said on the call
and now they're looking for me," he is reported to have said
Police say Torrens killed Audrey during a "physical altercation"
According to The Daily Telegraph, police say Audrey tried to fight Torrens off after he followed her and scratched him in the process, resulting in his DNA ending up under her fingernails.
They say Torrens struck Audrey and knocked her unconscious, causing her to drown, or held her underwater.
The 53-year-old's matter was briefly mentioned in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday when bail was formally refused. Then on Thursday, Torrens died in custody.
Audrey's alleged murder has shocked the community. Image: GoFundMe.
Audrey was a student and a talented triathlete. She was just weeks away from starting her career in the navy. She had her whole life ahead of her.
Her alleged murder has fuelled a wider conversation about violence against women. One question has cropped up again and again: why wasn't more done to prevent this?
Torrens had a horrific history of domestic violence offences. According to A Current Affair, he was imprisoned in 2020 for 20 months but received parole after just four. Last May, another apprehended domestic violence order was imposed against him.
Then in January, he was hit with a community corrections order, but managed to avoid jail.
This month, he was charged with Audrey's murder along with 11 unrelated domestic violence charges.
Hundreds gathered at a vigil for Audrey in Terrigal. Image: Supplied.
Kathleen is demanding action, calling on political leaders to make a change.
"Get on board, do something, make a change," she pleaded to Australian leaders on A Current Affair.
"She's not another person that just gets brushed under the carpet."
Audrey's community is ensuring that never happens.
On Thursday, Terrigal Beach transformed into a sea of white, as family, loved ones and strangers gathered to remember the 19-year-old.
A march led by What Were You Wearing, an Australian not-for-profit organisation fighting to end sexual violence, was held for the community on Sunday at Gosford Waterfront Park.
It was sparked by calls from young people in the community, group events coordinator Brianna Harvey told AAP.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by What Were You Wearing Australia (@whatwereyouwearing_)
Brianna grew up in the Central Coast region
"The community is so small that I feel like when something like this happens
you almost feel like it happens to you," she told AAP ahead of the march
She continued: "Showing up in solidarity with each other spurs hope into people
"That what they're doing matters and it will actually create some sort of change."
Acknowledgement was one of the first steps to achieving changes
Audrey was the 22nd Australian woman killed this year
according to Sherele Moody's Australian Femicide Watch
She had plans to move to Melbourne this year to join the navy and play football
That bright future has been taken from her
having only recently completed the Ironman 70.3 New Zealand just weeks before her death — an incredible feat comprising a 1.9km swim
She was a much-loved figure in the Central Coast community
as a member of Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club and the Terrigal Sharks Rugby League Club
and a former vice-captain of the Central Coast Sports College
The college paid tribute to the 19-year-old as "remarkable young woman whose vibrant spirit and laughter will never be forgotten
leaving behind a legacy of compassion and inspiration," it continued
Audrey recently completed the Ironman 70.3 New Zealand
Audrey also represented the Gosford Water Polo team
with her former teammates paying tribute to her during its ladies division three the grand final last month
"Audrey participated in a wide variety of sports and always bought a smile to those around her," the team said
"This tragedy has affected the many people who were fortunate enough to know Audrey."
loved ones remembered Audrey as a "radiant soul — full of light
"She touched the hearts of all who knew her
and her absence leaves an unfillable space in our lives," it read
A GoFundMe set up described her as "the light in many of our lives"
"There is no doubt she bought endless laughter and joy to everyone," it said
"She was the kindest soul to walk this earth and will always be in our hearts."
To support Audrey's family, visit the fundraiser here
We will keep this post updated as more information comes to light
This article was originally published on April 22
and has since been updated with new information
Reduce the pressure on Central Coast emergency departments – that’s the goal of two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics at Lake Haven and Umina Beach
A third facility has today been promised for Terrigal
It’s been three years since Terrigal United Football Club won their last Premiership in the Central Coast competition
But the first grade men are eager to break that dry spell in 2025
kick starting their pre-season training early
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the idyllic coastal town of Terrigal has clear waters
outstanding hospitality and a vibrant community – you’re invited to indulge
lavish living areas and six-person marble dining table
to the sweeping 180-degree glittering views and your own sun-drenched wraparound terrace with loungers
Indulgence is key to any memorable mini-break
so follow a refreshing dip in the hotel’s iconic outdoor pool with a revitalising treatment at the Endota Day Spa
Bring your workout wear to dust off any cobwebs at the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym and sauna facilities
For a blend of old-world charm with exceptional service in a prime ocean-view setting
the new Meribella bar and restaurant is an absolute must-try
Chef Joshua Mason’s tasting menu with matching wines is a culinary delight – the kind you’d expect to find in any of the world’s top hotels
Head downstairs to the Terrigal Beach House
There you can enjoy the signature cocktails and platters of dips
bread and olives in the comfort of a private cabana – just metres from the breaking waves
Follow the boardwalk to Terrigal Ocean Tours for a spot of whale watching
or take a short drive into the hinterland and treat yourself to a unique wine and artisan chocolate tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery
You’ll be transported by boat to a family-owned oyster farm where you can immerse yourself in the art of oyster farming
Learning to shuck your own oysters while enjoying prawns
oysters and champagne on the water – heaven
Owen Lynch is a design and lifestyle brand specialist with a Bachelor of Design from the University of Technology
Owen was also the expert lifestyle presenter on seasons 1 & 2 of Channel 9’s “Dream Homes Revealed” with Jennifer Hawkins
for your chance to WIN $25,000 cash or curated gift set
The Rich Lister and property developer has re-listed his luxury Terrigal penthouse – for almost double the guide price it had four years ago
It was Tony Denny’s most luxurious listing to date – so much so that when he first put it on the market
he couldn't bring himself to let it go
High-end features include a Gohera limestone-tiled kitchen with Miele appliances
The BRW Rich Lister and Central Real property developer listed the penthouse of his immensely popular Elysium complex in early 2020
the property had an auction bidding guide of $4.5 million to $4.9 million
with the price guide now almost doubling to $8 million
Developer and former car dealer Tony Denny is selling his Terrigal apartment
Mr Denny described the penthouse as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity
“It’s what you’d expect to see at Bondi or the Northern Beaches in a luxury penthouse but at a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay in Sydney,” he said
"It is nothing short of spectacular.”
The architecturally designed north-facing penthouse on Terrigal Drive was originally two
with the properties merged into one larger apartment that includes five bedrooms
The property's key selling factor is its privacy
Agent Mat Steinwede at McGrath Terrigal said it was "an exceptionally rare offering" for the Central Coast
“You just won’t find an apartment of this size or location
It has en suites in every room and a 200 square-metre terrace with sweeping water views from Terrigal Haven right around to Wamberal Beach and the lagoon
It's also in the midst of Terrigal but just far enough away to be peaceful."
The living area is framed by floor-to-ceiling glass leading to a huge wraparound balcony
while the master suite flows to a separate balcony and a sumptuous bathroom with ocean views from the bath
High-end features include a Gohera limestone-tiled kitchen with Miele appliances and butler's pantry
The sought-after Elysium complex has become "iconic" to the area thanks to its resort-style pool
there's a child's beach area and a huge outdoor spa
It's all set among beautiful gardens that are literally across the road from the beach."
which spread across six boutique buildings
were snapped up in less than two weeks in 2017
The complex also comes with a strict Airbnb ban
an ingredient that has proved popular with local downsizers keen to enjoy their own private sanctuary
The property may set the Terrigal apartment sales record: Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
the penthouse never became the Denny family's permanent home
with Mr Denny and his wife Helena opting instead to reside in Hardy's Bay
The property is set to smash the Terrigal apartment sales record set by another penthouse at 4/2 Barnhill Road
Mr Steinwede said the property has so far attracted "reasonable interest"
"We have motivated buyers and they're from all over
Andy Robinson has taken out the Twitcher’s Trophy at the Central Coast Group Birding NSW awards
The Twitcher’s Trophy goes to the birder who records the most species over the calendar year in the Central Coast Local /government Area.
The award was initiated more than 10 years ago to encourage more people to go birdwatching
Robinson recorded a massive 293 species in 2024 breaking his own record of 284 sent in 2023
Robinson worked hard to achieve this total but the point of difference this year was the boat trips from Terrigal.
These trips involved Robinson going to the continental shelf about 50km off Terrigal.
Robinson and a bunch of hardy souls managed to see a number of very rare seabirds with 54 species of seabird observed off Terrigal
The Alan Morris Trophy was won by Graham Nelson
The trophy is awarded to the person who enters the most surveys into Birdlife Australia’s data base.
The award is named in honour of Alan Morris who is one the founding members of the Central Coast Group and is patron of Birding NSW.
Morris has entered more than 20,000 surveys.
The award was created to encourage birders to record their sightings to enhance the database.
This database is a very important conservation tool.
Graham Nelson recorded 483 surveys out of a total for the Central Coast of nearly 3,000.
A man aged in his 70s has died at a beach on the Central Coast earlier today
emergency services were called to Terrigal Beach following reports a man had been pulled from the water unconscious
“Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District
NSW Ambulance and Surf Life Saving NSW responded
CPR was performed on the man – believed to be aged in his 70s – however he couldn’t be revived,” Police said
Information and Events for Seniors throughout Australia
Contact us: newsdesk@australianseniorsnews.com.au
Dozens of nurses and midwives from Gosford and Wyong hospitals rallied at Terrigal Haven today
the crowd called for improved staffing ratios and increased pay
Kelly Falconer from the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association says local hospitals were missing 48,000 hours of nursing care last year
And that the association is “calling on better pay and improved conditions”
David Harris told NBN News the state government has offered a 10 point 5 per cent pay rise over three years
After three years of ‘Poor’ ratings
Terrigal Beach has finally achieved a ‘Good’ rating in the 2023/2024 State of the Beaches report
Central Coast Council monitors 32 recreational sites across the coast – 15 ocean beaches
Jamie Loader said the 2023/2024 ratings for the Coast’s beaches was pleasing
Soldiers Beach and North Entrance have all been graded Very Good – an improvement for Lakes and Soldiers beaches from the previous year’s Good rating.”
Mr Loader said that while the estuary and lagoon site gradings were largely Poor
“Council is undertaking ongoing studies to determine the causes of these poorer results and remedial work when infrastructure failure is detected.”
Mr Loader said a contributing issue with many sites is the ‘dog poo’ factor
To view the State of the Beaches report and check Beachwatch daily forecast for reliable information on water quality visit www.beachwatch.nsw.gov.au
Information and Events for Local Councils throughout Australia
Contact us: newsdesk@insidelocalgovernment.com.au