THE CENTRAL COAST‘S MOST TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS Print Post Approved – PP100001854 Published monthly (except January) February 2025 1990 EST Aland buys Gosford site will build 560 units Mingara to develop Retirement Living Precinct at Tumbi Umbi Beerfarm gets go ahead to establish brewery at Glenworth Valley Chamber sets the agenda for 2025 – Break up HCCDC, new TAFE, Waterfront Page 4 – Edgar Adams’ Editorial Our focus for 2025 – Growing the local economy
PHONE 4365 4566 www.commercialhq.com.au Nicole Barr 0418 230044 e: nicole@commercialhq.com.au FOR LEASE SUITE 9 FOUNTAIN CORPORATE ERINA 94m2 $34,265 + Outgoings + GST This premium commercial space is tailored perfectly for a small surgery or medical clinic, ready to serve your healthcare practice needs with minimal setup. Located in a highly accessible, central area, this clinic is designed to provide a comfortable and professional environment for both patients and staff. Two dedicated staff parking spaces included. FOR LEASE SUITE 18 FOUNTAIN CORPORATE ERINA 118m2 $44,840 + OG + GST Situated within a 2 storey retail and executive office block, suite 18 is ready for your touch, with private and open areas available as well as a shared kitchenette. There are six rooms in total of varying sizes. Fountain Corporate sits alongside Fountain Plaza and Platinum Building - the precinct is home to over 150 businesses and national tenants. FOR LEASE SUITE 1.02 PLATINUM BUILDING ERINA 207m2 $79,000 + OG + GST This suite is ready to be transformed for the medical, consultation or retail industries with its main foyer position in the well-known Platinum building, and there is room enough for a mezzanine level if additional space is required. Situated in a prime location surrounded by popular shops this suite has been running as a café/restaurant/events with fully equipped kitchen. FOR LEASE SUITE 10 PARK PLAZA GOSFORD 441m2 $125,000 + OG + GST Elevate your work environment to new heights with this expansive office space boasting 280 degree views of Gosford cityscape and bushland. Just 5 mins to Gosford Station the suite includes 9 private offices, 2 separate entries, large kitchen/breakout area, 6 dedicated parking spaces and access to high speed broadband. FOR LEASE OFFICE 1 FOUNTAIN PLAZA ERINA 267m2 $112,140 + OUTS + GST Outstanding corner suite with modern fit out in place, ample natural light and views. Currently ANZ business banking, this level 1 suite is positioned in one of the most sought after office positions in Erina. Currently configured with formal secure entry, meeting room, fully equipped boardroom, open office workstations, breakout area, kitchen & private bathrooms. The suite overlooks the busy Central Coast Highway at the Karalta intersection. FOR LEASE SUITE 5-7 FOUNTAIN CORPORATE ERINA 629m2 Contact Agent This expansive commercial office space will be available for lease February 2025. Ideal for corporate offices, co-working space, health industry or expanding businesses, this property offers unmatched visibility & convenience. Lift access, recent major upgrades to air & lighting. Lease part or all of the space.
3 4 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Our focus for 2025 – Growing the local economy 5 ALAND buys Gosford site will build 560 unit 6 Construction to start on The Grand Gosford soon 6 Crucial Council does a deal with helicopter company 7 Beerfarm gets go ahead to establish brewery at Glenworth Valley 8 Chamber sets the agenda for 2025 – Break up HCCDC, new TAFE, Waterfront 8 Employee or Contractor – What the law says about sham contracts 9 Mingara to develop Seniors Living at Tumbi Umbi 10 Spunaloy celebrates 75 years of innovation and high-quality castings 11 Australia’s next Primer Minister meets Gosford Chamber members 12 Dyson Logistics Front-of-Shirt partner for Mariners AFC Champions League 12 Eastcoast Beverages takes to the skies 12 Anthony Scarcella joins Belle Property 12 Newcastle financial advisory firm opens at East Gosford 13 Council approves Draft DCP for Tuggerah Regional Centre 13 Mayoral Minutes – ‘Building a Strong Foundation for Future Growth’ forum 14 CCBR Year Book highlights Coast progress in 2024 16 Property news 16 Air-conditioning company relocates from Sydney buys at West Gosford 19 Funny Business CONTENTS Phone 02 4367 0733 Email info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Web www.ccbusinessreview.com.au CONTACT In this issue Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744 Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777 Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773 © Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors. Central Coast Business Review Readership 20,000+ DISTRIBUTION GUARANTEED VIA AUSTRALIA POST CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
4 Kyle MacGregor has a massive job in front of them, turning our economy around. Getting investment and new businesses has to be their focus. CCBR will be watching how this Committee performs. Meanwhile, there is no reason that Council at its first meeting for 2025 cannot approve the Warnervale Aviation Hub masterplan without playing politics and ensure that Nighthawks Helicopters Pty Ltd get their lease at the airport. Two other priorities for 2025 will be advancing the planning for development of the Gosford Waterfront precinct and working towards a new TAFE for Gosford. Finally, it now looks like there will be a Federal Election in April. The Albanese Government has turned out to be the most anti-business government since the 1970s. CCBR will be supporting the Liberal Candidates for Robertson, Lucy Wicks and for Dobell Brendan Small. We all need to get behind both of these candidates and change the government. Otherwise the trade unions will take control. AS WE GO to press Central Coast Council has started advertising for a Director of Environment and Development. It says, “The ideal candidate will oversee critical areas such as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, driving strategic planning for sustainable growth, managing urban development assessments, and leading environmental initiatives to protect natural assets.” Let’s hope that whoever CEO David Farmer appoints to this position will be a better performer than the previous Director he and Administrator Rik Hart appointed just a few years ago. This person led an activist team whose focus was in stopping all forms of development resulting in almost 40 development applications now before the Land and Environment Court. Whoever is appointed must be an advocate for economic growth with a focus on development and NOT the environment. Finding excuses and hiding behind regressive state and federal legislation to stop or frustrate development approvals in a timely manner is simply maladministration. With Median Household Income of just $1,507 per annum (2021 Census) the Central Coast is on the bottom of the ladder in NSW. While Council’s CEO might be on $500,000+ per year but he, and Council, need to get it into their collective heads that people in our region must be able to get work and well paid work at that. It is a criminal disgrace that the focus of this council is on the welfare of frogs and orchids rather than the people who pay their wages. There is no question that Local Government drives regional economies and prosperous regional economies promote economic growth. This year CCBR will be very focused on economic growth. Right now businesses are doing it tough for all sorts of reasons: energy costs are through the roof, employing people is a legal minefield, consumers are strapped for cash due to Federal Government policies and more. On the Central Coast this is further exacerbated by the shortage of jobs and certainly the small number of large companies who can offer career paths to young people leaving school. Of the 26,735 registered businesses on the Central Coast. Of these more than half are non-employing businesses (sub-contractors) and of the remaining businesses, less than 500 employ more than 20 people. This is a dreadful state of affairs and says everything about our moribund economy. At the same time there are numerous large businesses that want to locate to the region and they would except that Central Coast Council actively discourages them. The recently established Economic Development Committee that comprises Chair Mayor Lawrie McKinna, Deputy Chair Clr John McNamara plus Councillors John Mouland, Trent McWaide, Belinda Neal and EDITORIAL Edgar Adams discusses local issues We’ll handle it from here • Major supplier of architectural hardware to the residential and commercial market • Door locks, handles, security and more • Consultation service available • Working closely with direct clients, builders, architects and interior designers • Visit our showroom today! Avoca Beach Architectural Hardware & Locksmiths www.avocaarchitectural.com.au 4382 1286 0412 437 327 177 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach info@avocaarchitectural.com.au Edgar Adams Editor Our focus for 2025 – Growing the local economy CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
5 BUSINESS NEWS Aland buys Gosford site will build 560 units ALAND’s proposed 3-tower development on the Frogys site in Gosford Big enough to deliver yet small enough to care, our team of accredited, experienced senior lawyers are true experts in their fields of law. Professional, practical and passionate, we’ve been trusted by the Central Coast for generations. YOUR LEGAL LIFE PARTNERS AUBREYBROWN.COM.AU there are many potential buyers who missed out and will be looking at Amalfi by ALAND. I think buyers will jump at the chance to buy in the new development.” “While the total cost of Amalfi by ALAND is $600 million the project will provide several billion dollars of economic stimulus to Gosford and the Central Coast region, so the impact of this development is going to be quite considerable.” Mr Tadrosse said that construction will begin in early 2026 with expected completion in Quarter 3 2028. SYDNEY PROPERTY DEVELOPER and builder ALAND announced in mid-December that they had acquired the former Frogys roller skating site at 50-70 Mann Street, Gosford. At the same time they announced that they would develop the site with 560 apartments over 3 towers, a $600 million project. ALAND was the first property developer to take the risk of investing in Gosford with the Archibald, a $375 million327-unit and 130room voco® hotel that will be completed in the first half of 2025. The latest project, to be called Amalfi, will comprise 506 apartments and 9,530sq m of retail space. The 8,564sqm site with three street frontages was put on the market last year by former owner Mew Hong Kong Macau Australian Pty Ltd, which had already received DA approval for a similar project on the block in 2022. The existing DA approval is for 500 residential apartments, an 80-room hotel, a tavern, and a supermarket, cinema, restaurants and specialty stores. Aland’s three-tower project will feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom “sky homes” with a rooftop pool on one of the three towers. Expected pricing in AMALFI will be around $650,000 for onebedroom apartments to $1.5 million for the Sky Homes. Commenting on their acquisition ALAND CEO George Tadrosse said, “There is strong pent-up demand for this type of apartment development in Gosford. We sold 99% of the 323 apartments at Archibald by ALAND 10 months before completion, so we know According to JLL, which sold the Mann Street site this year, Gosford has experienced “tremendous” population growth, increasing 39 per cent since 2016, and is forecast to grow by 100,000 by 2041 While known as the Frogys site the much larger block was originally owned by the Central Coast Leagues Club and was sold to Sydney property developer Spurbest in 2001 with plans to build a twin-tower development of 16 storeys. Spurbest’s plans were frustrated by a backwards thinking Gosford Council at the time saying that 16 storeys were too high. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
6 LOCAL SERVICE - DELIVERED GLOBALLY www.dysonlogistics.com Phone: 02 4322 2246 Proudly supporting the Mariners in the AFC Champions League CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 SYDNEY DEVELOPER ACE Property Development Group in a Joint Venture with 4-star iCERT rated builder TQM Design & Construct will commence construction of The Grand residential development at 27-37 Mann Street, Gosford late in 2025. The site on the corner of Mann and Georgiana Streets and with rear lane access was formerly owned by Crighton Funeral Services and includes a heritage listed chapel built in the 1950s and hearse garage built around 1850. Both will be incorporated into the development to become a food and beverage offering. Demolition is well underway and excavation and shoring- is due to commence upon receipt of the Construction Certificate and an expected start in January. Construction should be completed by the end of 2026 The Grand will comprise 123 apartments with luxury finishes of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments in a 19 story tower, many with views of Brisbane Water. Features will include a infinity edge pool across the three storey residential lobby, with a glass panel looking through the pool into the lobby, creating a unique, one of a kind luxurious point of arrival. Prices will range in size from: One bedroom - $505,000 to $595,000 with sizes from 55-61 internal sqm and balconies from 8sqm – 31sqm Two bedroom - $695,000 to $960,000 with sizes from 78 to 90 internal sqm and balconies from 11 sqm -53 sqm Three bedroom - $820,000 to $1.6 milliom with sizes from 95sqm to 117 sqm internal with balconies ranging from 12sqm to 42sqm 4 bedroom - from $2.75million with 175 sqm plus 63 sqm balcony, Penthouses start from $1.75 million with 102 to181 sqm internal and 43 to113 sqm balcony/external Ace Property Group General Manager, Ary Bornoush said that construction will commence once the Construction Certificate is issued by Council. “We are still waiting for Council to accept the Heritage report (lodged with Council for approval on the 4th September 24) and building over stormwater drain lodged with Council on the 23rd July 2024 and both of which were simple statements confirming issues council raised hence one would assume these would take a few days to approve,” he said. BUSINESS NEWS Construction to start soon on The Grand Gosford The Grand Gosford to be developed by Ace Property Development Group in Mann Street, Gosford A recent Central Coast Council Watch Facebook post concerning a proposal by Nighthawk Helicopters Pty Ltd to lease 10,000sqm of land at Warnervale Airport has to raise concerns about some councillors who simply want to stir up trouble at the expense of getting a genuine aircraft business operating on the site. Nighthawk Helicopters have been negotiating with Council for almost two years to for a lease that would see them establish Helicopter Hub that would comprise a integrated maintenance, storage, training, charter, sales and service operation at Warnervale Airport. Council has been prevaricating on the proposal which finally went to the elected Council at its November 26th meeting that would give the CEO authority to negotiate a long term lease thereby securing this major employment and economic facility for the region. At that meeting Council approved the CEO negotiating the lease and its terms. Voting on the motion was: FOR: Crs McKinna, Mouland, Daniels, Eaton, Stanton, Wright, McNamara and McWaide AGAINST: Crs MacGregor, Castles, Crowley, Walsh, Neal, Smith and Lamont. Crucial Council does a deal Helicopter Hub at Warnervale CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
7 Areyoua Central Coast based Hospitality Business? We can help you protect your company. CONTACTUS centralcoast@oraclegroup.com.au Fountain Plaza, Erina NSW 2250 02 4322 7856 Oracle Group (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 75 131 025 600 AFSL 363610 BUSINESS NEWS Beerfarm gets go ahead to establish brewery at Glenworth Valley ed to employ upwards of 40-50 people, and will be a multiplier in drawing more tourism to the Glenworth Valley and Central Coast. Beerfarm aims to replicate the success of its flagship Metricup venue in Margaret River at its new Glenworth Valley site. Since opening in 2015, the Metricup location has established itself as a leading brewery and hospitality destination in Western Australia’s South West, evolving into a cultural hub for live music, film screenings, dining experiences, charity events, and a gathering place for the local community. The vision for Glenworth Valley is to create a similar dynamic space, bringing together great beer, food, and cultural events to foster connection and community. “Beerfarm is excited to expand into INDEPENDENT CRAFT BREWERY, Beerfarm, has announced it will start the build of a brewery and taphouse in Glenworth Valley in early 2025. The announcement follows Central Coast Council approving their Development Application approval in early December. With the aim of becoming a hub for both locals and tourists, the site will initially operate as a production brewery before a full restaurant and taphouse venue is built. Committed to integrating with the local community, the brewery will partner with regional suppliers, support local fundraising initiatives, and host grassroots events designed to inspire connection and creativity. The build will be spread over two stages: Stage 1 – will see the construction of Beerfarm’s brewery in early 2025, with beer brewing expected to be underway by mid-year. Stage 2 - will focus on the venue, which will start in the latter half of 2025, aiming for doors to be open to the public around mid-2026. With a proposed production capacity of up to 2 million litres annually, the brewery will supply Beerfarm beers throughout the East Coast and will increase Beerfarm’s overall national product volume by 30 per cent. The new Glenworth Valley facility will also feature a taproom offering a full beer range and a restaurant focused on local produce. The venue will include spaces for live music, private events and large-scale cultural events. Once fully complete Beerfarm is expectGlenworth Valley, aiming to contribute positively to the local social and business community,” said Beerfarm, co-founder and director, Ian Atkins. “The project’s design, construction, and operations will create opportunities for local suppliers and workers, fostering collaboration and economic growth. Our goal is to support Glenworth Valley’s development as a premier destination for day-trippers from the Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, and beyond, further cementing its reputation as an exciting location for visitors.” “This new Beerfarm site on the east coast represents our dedication to growth while staying true to our roots. We look forward to becoming a part of this wonderful community and sharing our passion for great beer and good times with everyone here.” Aerial view of Beerfarm’s operation in Metricup Western Australia CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
8 IN ITS LATEST newsletter to members the Gosford Erina Business Chamber says that in 2025 it will focus on de-amalgamating the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation and continue to advocate for a new Gosford TAFE as well as promote development of the Gosford Waterfront. They say that following widespread concerns about the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation’s (HCCDC) handling of the Gosford waterfront, calls for a localised, community-focused Development Authority are growing louder. The proposed Central Coast Development Corporation (CCDC) has sparked interest across the region, with business leaders, residents and local organisations rallying behind the idea. The criticisms of HCCDC’s management have resonated with many, particularly regarding the lack of progress, uninspired proposals, and the failure to reflect community aspirations. The Gosford waterfront, envisioned as a vibrant precinct that could marry natural beauty with cultural and economic vibrancy, has instead languished under inadequate stewardship. This dissatisfaction has fuelled discussions about the need for an entity that truly understands the Central Coast’s identity and priorities. Local leaders are taking the issue seriously. Several prominent voices in the Central Coast business and civic communities have begun advocating for the CCDC as a solution to the HCCDC’s perceived shortcomings. The idea has gained traction in Council discussions, advocacy groups and on social media platforms, with residents expressing frustration over stalled progress and a lack of consultation. Gosford Waterfront The Gosford waterfront represents an opportunity to set a new standard for development in the region—one that prioritises public spaces, cultural hubs and environmentally sustainable projects while driving economic growth. Achieving this vision requires leadership that is not only ambitious, but also deeply connected to the community it serves. This will be a key focus for the GEBC Board and its members for 2025. The Case for a New TAFE Campus Central Coast is poised for a transformative opportunity with the development of an integrated education precinct in Gosford and at its heart lies the potential for a new, state-of-the-art TAFE campus. A completely new TAFE campus would not only meet the growing demand for vocational education but also serve as a catalyst for economic, cultural, and social revitalisation in the region. By constructing a new TAFE campus, the government can provide Gosford with: • Expanded Capacity: Larger, state-ofthe-art facilities to cater to an increasing number of students. • Modern Technology: Training centres equipped with the latest tools and technologies, essential for preparing students for high-demand fields. • Integrated Services: A campus designed to complement the broader education precinct including affordable housing, commercial spaces and cultural hubs such as the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. BUSINESS NEWS Chamber sets the agenda for 2025 – Break up HCCDC, new TAFE, Waterfront WHAT ARE THE new changes, what has happened since the new changes and how can your business protect itself against sham contracting claims? Employment relationships can be complex, and understanding how to manage them is often key. Most would think that the law was clear on who is considered an employee, and who is a contractor? In this case, you would be wrong. This makes it challenging to manage an employment relationship you didn’t even know existed and raises questions about how you can best protect your workplace against claims of sham contracting. What is sham contracting? The two most usual ways for businesses to engage an individual’s services are either: 1. As an employer / employee relationship; or 2. As a principal / contractor relationship (most commonly engaging as sole traders, rather than via companies). Sham contracting occurs when workers who should be regarded as employees are knowingly or recklessly misclassified as independent contractors. Approaches to sham contracting have changed several times and changed again in 2024 following the Government’s Closing Loopholes Act updates. Sham contracts and the Fair Work Act Under the changes to the Fair Work Act (the Act). The changes expose employers to a damages and a civil penalty if an employer misleads: - a current employee whom the employer wants to convert to work as a contractor or - anyone being offered work as a contractor Why does sham contracting occur? Often employers are motivated to convert current employees to be contractors or simply engage third parties to be contractors to avoid what employers see as the overheads of employing people, awards, personal (sick) leave, annual leave and unfair dismissal. A properly engaged contractor arrangement does not involve (what employers often see as) those burdens. These arrangements have led to an ongoing concern that the enhanced entitlements available to employees deter some employers Employee or Contractor? - What the law says about Sham Contracts CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
9 MINGARA LEISURE GROUP and Pariter Pty Ltd have revealed they are planning to develop a large-scale retirement living precinct adjacent to Mingara at Tumbi Umbi at an estimated cost of $172 million. The proposal, part of a larger precinct development at the club, comprises of 219 independent living units (ILUs) and 39 highcare suites for the site at Mingara Drive. Designed by Sydney architects Marchese Partners, plans show 13 villa-style buildings with four ILUs in each, and five blocks of 5 to 6 storeys for ILUs and high-care suites. The plans for the 31,740sqm portion of the property are now on exhibition with NSW Major Projects. The Urbis planning report filed with the application said the precinct was “wellplaced to deliver a lifestyle retirement village and care facility to support the current and future needs of Central Coast residents”. “The vision of the broader precinct is to provide a focus on early childhood learning and development, health, wellness and tourism,” the planning report said. “This coupled with the proposed seniors housing development enables Mingara’s vision to make a significant contribution to the quality of community life ... supported by nearby medical and health services, transport, shops, leisure facilities and beaches.” In May 2023 Mingara and long-term community infrastructure investor, Pariter announced they would co-develop a new retirement living precinct adjacent to the Club. The development to be designed for BUSINESS NEWS the community-minded, active retiree and will integrate with the club to offer a unique experience for Club members and residents alike. CEO, Mingara Leisure Group, Paul Barnett commented “we are excited by the proposed development which will assist with the current shortage of housing. NSW Premier Minns has announced that housing is the highest priority for his Government and we are proud to be able to assist the Central Coast community”. Mingara Leisure Group has also proposed a 112 place early learning centre, which will be built adjacent to the club. This development application remains under assessment with Central Coast Council. NEW PATIENTS Comprehensive checkup & clean Includes up to 5 x-rays No Gap (with health insurance) or $290 OFFERS (all patients) Free orthodontic consultation Free dental implant consultation Free cosmetic makeover consultation FINANCE We bulk bill the Medicare CDBS Zip Pay & Zip Money payment plans We partner with SuperCare General Dentistry | Emergency Care | Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics & Invisalign | Sleep Dentistry IV Sedation | Oral Surgery Wisdom Teeth Removal | Dental Implants | 3D CT Scanning 02 4323 1933 | www.vcdental.com.au Suite 10, 36-40 Victoria Street, East Gosford NSW 2250 OPEN 7 DAYS 40 YEARS LOCAL T: 4382 8600 Call us to book your function Mingara to develop Retirement Living Precinct at Tumbi Umbi Architect’s render of proposed Seniors Village (foregrouind) CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
10 They are Australia’s leading supplier of high integrity, porosity free spun castings ranging from small parts up to two metres in diameter and 1,600kgs in weight. Their products include bearings, bushes, flat sections, gears, thrust plates and washers. Spunaloy employs eight people and two apprentices in their Ourimbah factory. Spunaloy celebrates 75 years of innovation and high-quality castings OURIMBAH FAMILY OWNED business Spunaloy celebrated its 75th year manufacturing high-quality precision castings in December. Spunaloy is a story of pioneering, commitment to excellence and innovation serving industry across Australia as well as overseas. These industries including gear manufacturers, general engineering, mining, shipping and sugar refining and many others. Spunaloy was Founded by Ray Davy when he moved his family from Western Sydney to Ourimbah, buying 25 acres in in 1949. He was a highly skilled hands-on engineer who dedicated himself to perfecting the centrifugal casting process paving the way for a successful foundry business that continues today. When he retired in 1982 his son Warren who had been working with him in the business purchased the business and continued operating it until his retirement in 2007 when long time employee Darryl Neil and his wife Francis Neil acquired the business. Under Mr Neil’s leadership Spunaloy grew into a trusted name ion the industry as he continued and nurtured the culture of quality, integrity and innovation that Ray Davy instilled in the business. In 2008, fresh out of high school Darryl Neil’s son Joseph joined the Spunaloy team and completed his apprenticeship and continued with the business buying it from his father in 2023 on his retirement. This seamless transition secured the company’s future and ensured its legacy would continue under his leadership with his wife Farlie. Spunaloy’s success supplying spun castings made from bronze, aluminium bronze, phosphor bronze, leaded bronze and gunmetal has been due to their specialising in custom work where most jobs are one-off or two-off orders and is the only company in Australia and New Zealand with that capacity and expertise. MANUFACTURING NEWS Spunaloy owners Farlie and Joseph Neil Spunaloy employee machining a cast alloy bush CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
11 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 3H 180x100 Mar23 Newest Finalest Final For s 4.pdf 1 21/8/2023 11:18 am THE LEADER OF the Opposition, The Hon. Peter Dutton attended a special meeting of members of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber on Monday 20th January at Gosford RSL Club meeting with individual businesspeople. It wasn’t a flying visit, he stayed for two hours and got to speaking with most of the 150 business people who attended. In welcoming Mr Dutton GEBC President Peter Lawley said that “As the Capital of the Central Coast, Gosford is undergoing a transformation, with close to $2billion of private sector investment with residential apartment development.” “With almost 3,000 new residents projected over the next 2-5 years, major roads and transport upgrades are required. Support from all levels of Government is sought to address these infrastructure upgrades, along with development of lifestyle facilities, such as the Gosford Waterfront. GEBC seeks the establishment of a Central Coast Development corporation to assist in the short and long term progression of these and other projects, and the opportunity today for the Mr Dutton to hear first-hand this is greatly appreciated,” he said. Acknowledging issues that relate to the housing crisis in particular the Central Coast, Mr Dutton said, “there needs to be a path forward for the Central Coast as the region grapples with lengthy development applications.” He said that the Coalition has announced a $5 billion plan to work with councils and developers to get through the logjam of endless delays. Mr Dutton said, “Small business on the Central Coast are vital to both the local and national economy and the Coalition is proud to support them.” However, he said that with rising costs as the result of the Albanese Government’s focus on renewable energy at the cost of baseload power from coal and gas has caused energy costs to skyrocket compared to three years ago. This has had a flow-on effect of increasing the cost of doing business from rising input costs such as production costs such as insurance, interest rates and wages. Businesses simply cannot pass these costs on because consumers are finding it hard to cope with the rising cost of living. He took aim at the Government’s industrial relations policy and said a key promise of the Opposition is to revert to a simpler Australia’s next Prime Minister meets Gosford Chamber members definition of a casual worker. He said that this will reduce complexity for employers while ensuring they can hire workers more flexibly without additional bureaucratic burdens. “And we will curtail union militancy in workplaces.” “Businesses are failing at a faster rate than ever before,” he said and highlighted the plight of businesses in the hospitality industry that have been hardest hit. He reiterated his announcement of a few days earlier that the Coalition would give small business a tax deduction if they take staff or customers out for a meal or entertainment. A tax deduction of up to $20,000 would be made available to businesses with turnover below $10 million. “It is a win-win … It will help retention and provide a reward to employees,” Mr Dutton said. BUSINESS NEWS (l to r) Liberal Candidate for Dobell Brendan Small, Leader of the Opposition The Hon. Peter Dutton, Gosford Erina Business Chamber Directors Nic Coffill, Greg Brownlow, Peggoty Koszek, Peter Lawley (President, former Director Edgar Adams and Liberal Candidate for Robertson Lucy Wicks CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
12 BUSINESS BRIEFS Having cemented themselves into the consumer fruit juice market in Australia Kulnura family-owned business, Eastcoast Beverages is now moving into supplying the international airlines. Eastcoast is now supplying eighteen international airlines departing Sydney and Melbourne each day with their 100% premium Australian grown orange juice to their business class passengers. Carriers include Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Etihad and Delta are serving Eastcoast orange juice and South American carrier Latam Airlines is now serving Lentini West Gosford based customs agent and freight forwarding company, has been announced Front of Shirt partner for the Central Coast Mariners AFC Champions League. The family-owned company has been a dedicated Mariners supporter since 2018 after relocating to the Central Coast from Mascot a year earlier. Kane Dyson, CEO and Founder of Dyson Logistics said, “Over the years, our relationship has deepened due to the connection between philosophies and community values, and we’ve been proud to see the Mariners’ continued success. We jumped at the chance to be front-of-jersey sponsor for the remaining ACLE matches, it is an honor, and we’ll be cheering loudly as ‘our Boys’ do it for the Coast,” he said. Central Coast Mariners CEO Alyssar Narey highlighted the significance of the partnership, “As the Community Club, we are committed to supporting and showcasing local businesses on the biggest stages. Dyson Logistics’ dedication to our team and the Central Coast region embodies the spirit of this community. We are thrilled to have them as our Front of Shirt partner for this ACLE campaign and look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership.” Sparkling Water straight from springs on their orchard at Kulnura. “This opportunity is a huge step for Eastcoast Beverages,” says Business Development Manager Anthony Zibara. “It’s an honour to have our products featured on some of the world’s leading airlines. It reflects the trust they have in our quality and showcases the best of what the Central Coast has to offer on a global stage.” These partnerships mark a significant milestone for Eastcoast, showcasing the global appeal of its high-quality, locally sourced products. Dyson Logistics Front of Shirt partner for Mariners AFC Champions League Kane and Andrea Dyson with Mariners Sasha Kuzevski and Ryan Edmondson (centre) Anthony Scarcella joins Belle Property Megan and Anthony Scarcella Belle Property’s Commercial division, an arm of Australia’s leading lifestyle real estate provider, has announced the opening of Belle Property Central Coast led by local real estate agent and auctioneer Anthony Scarcella. Mr Scarcella was formerly sales and leasing agent with Knight Frank Central Coast and before that LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast for ten years and before that with LJ Hooker Maroubra for five years. Mr Scarcella’s wife Megan will be Office Manager and together they will service the entire Central Coast, complementing the existing residential offerings of Belle Property Central Coast and Belle Property Point Claire, led by leading principal Cathy Baker. Newcastle financial advisory firm opens branch at East Gosford Kurt Purkiss Lambourne Partners opened an office in East Gosford expanding their integrated wealth management, accounting, and business advisory services to the Central Coast. The office represents a major step forward for the firm, offering Central Coast businesses a holistic approach to financial planning and business management. Kurt Purkiss, Lambourne Partners Head of Wealth said, “the East Gosford office will offer a full range of services, including tax and accounting support, business advisory, wealth management, and financial planning. “By expanding into East Gosford, we’re not only providing more convenient access to our services but also deepening our connection with the local community,” Purkiss added. “We’re committed to supporting the Central Coast’s economic growth by providing the expert advice businesses and residents need to succeed.” Eastcoast Beverages takes to the skies CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
13 AT ITS 10TH December meeting Central Coast Council unanimously agreed to approve the Draft Development Control Plan for the Tuggerah Regional Centre which will enable owner Scentre Group to move forward with development of their Gateway Site adjacent to the M1 Motorway. The land with a frontage to Wyong Road and Tonkiss Street comprises an area of 42-hectares and is known as the Tuggerah Gateway site. The Gateway site is part of the Tuggerah Town Centre Strategic Centre Master Plan, a $2.8 billion project proposed by Westfield Tuggerah owners Scentre Group some six years ago. The long term vision for Tuggerah was announced at the time by NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts who said that the 35-year redevelopment of Westfield Tuggerah and the adjoining land would transform Tuggerah Town Centre into a stunning, ultra-modern lifestyle hub”. Subsequently, Mr Roberts was replaced by Rob Stokes and it appeared to have floundered until Scentre Group approached Council under Administration with a proposal to develop the Gateway Site as a first step. The Planning Proposal was submitted to Council in September 2021 to rezone the 42-hectare site for a range of low, medium, and high-density housing options of approximately 2100-2200 dwellings. The housing is to be supported by a range of commercial, retail, community, recreation. In October 2024 the Secretary of the CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL NEWS Council approves Draft DCP for Tuggerah Regional Centre Subsequently, Council received a Recission Motion by Councillor Castles for the December meeting that negotiations to halted until after adoption of the airport masterplan in the New Year. Simply put, anything to delay negotiations in the hope that Nighthawk’s proposal would go away. After much unnecessary and time wasting debate approval for the CEO to negotiate with Nighthawk was carried. Voting on the motion was: FOR: Crs McKinna, Mouland, Daniels, Eaton, Stanton, Wright, McNamara and McWaide AGAINST: Crs MacGregor, Castles, Crowley, Walsh, Neal, Smith and Lamont. Not satisfied that they lost the motion, Clr Lamont’s partner, Mark Lamont has accused Council of anti-competitive behaviour for its decision to begin exclusive negotiations with only one provider for a heliport lease at Warnervale airport and wants the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) to investigate Council’s actions. Mr Lamont is reported to have said, “I referred the Council heliport lease process to the ACCC on the grounds that Council’s process is anti-competitive and not likely to deliver commercial terms in the public interest,” Mr Lamont said. “It is not a complaint against the development, or the airport, or heliport. “It is not anti-airport, it is pro-competition, demanding a better deal, better aviation for the Coast,” he said. Mr Lamont said the absence of competitive processes could limit opportunities for other businesses and may not deliver the best economic or operational outcomes for the public. Nighthawk has identified the Central Coast as a pivotal location in the East Australian aviation market. Council has noted, and CCBR is aware, that Nighthawks Aviation is being wooed by another major regional airport in Victoria. While Council is yet to consider adoption of the airport masterplan council staff say that this would not impinge on any future investment or operations of the airport. It has to be emphasised that in the first months of the newly elected Council in 2016, with Councillor Jane Smith as Mayor, Council cancelled a multi-million dollar project that would have seen an aircraft manufacturing company, Amphibian Aviation Industries, established at Warnervale with major economic benefits. Pulling out of this contract cost Council millions of dollars. AAI is now fully operational out of Darwin Airport. At its 10th December meeting Central Coast Council approved a Mayoral Minute by Mayor Lawrie McKinna to hold a ‘Building a Strong Foundation for Future Growth’ Forum in March 2025. In moving the motion he said, I recently attended the UDIA Central Coast industry luncheon. The event provided an opportunity to engage with leaders from the regional business community including the development sector, industry consultants and NSW government officials. Growth on the Central Coast was a strong theme, and the need to better plan for this was discussed. The current planning system, and the time taken to get projects through this system, was raised as a challenge. We understand that our population is growing, and community expectations are changing. As a new Council, we now have an opportunity to show leadership as we engage with the development sector, form partnerships with NSW Government and build a positive foundation for the future. To enable this, I’m proposing that Council facilitates a forum with the theme of ‘Building a Strong Foundation for Future Growth’. The purpose of this forum is to identify barriers to development, discuss the burning issues around growth, and explore how some of these can be resolved. This forum will be the start of a journey. A journey that will lay down the tracks for our train to leave the station, and ensure we are all heading in the same direction as we grow. After extensive time consuming debate the Motion was approved with councillors voting: FOR Clrs McKinna, Eaton, McWaide, Stanton, Wright, Daniels and Mouland, Lamont AGAINST Clrs MacGregor, Castles, Crowley and Walsh ABSTAINED Clrs Smith and Neal Mayoral Minute – ‘Building a Strong Foundation for Future Growth’ Forum Crucial Council does a deal Helicopter Hub at Warnervale Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Ms Kiersten Fishburn advised council that the subject land had been declared State Significant thereby taking it out of Council’s hands. Draft DCP for Tuggerah Regional Centre CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
14 NEWS CCBR’S 2024 YEAR Book – The Year in Review with all the big stories of past year incorporating Central Coast Business Directory is now available. In his Editorial Editor Edgar Adams refers to 2024 as The Beginning of the Future for the Coast and for very good reason. In October 2024 the people of the Central Coast elected a new Council after eight lost years, the first under an elected council that sent the organisation broke and four years in Administration. The new council being led by Mayor Lawrie McKinna and Deputy Mayor Doug Eaton OAM comprises eight progressive councillors out of fifteen, giving it the opportunity to get the region’s economy back on a growth path after eight disastrous years in the wilderness. Much of the good news is around investment in Gosford where major Sydney developers ALAND, Urban Property Group and Alceon progressed their projects that when completed during 2025 will see the population of the City increase by 2,000 people. These projects plus others that are also under construction and will commence in 2025 will see almost two billion dollars being invested in Gosford over the next few years. It highlights the change in thinking of the big Sydney developers who now have the confidence to invest in Gosford. Additionally, the Year Book reports on the University of Newcastle’s new Gosford Campus and the new Gosford Regional Library, both of which will open in 2025. At the same time there are a number of smaller residential developments in various stages of construction around the CBD in West Gosford and East Gosford all adding to the critical mass that will create a new vibrant Gosford. Consider the opportunities that these developments will create for those prepared to open their eyes and their minds: 2024 also saw Gosford RSL Club complete their new $32 million Clubhouse building and Mingara Club open an 86-room 4-star hotel on their site at Tumbi Umbi. One of the priorities of the new council will be to approve the Central Coast Airport Masterplan and create an Aviation Hub. It is expected that in early 2025 Council will approve a lease to Nighthawks Aviation Pty Ltd, a company specialising in advanced helicopter training, maintenance and support. Other news that CCBR reported on during 2024 was: • Chamberlain Group moving to a new purpose-built manufacturing facility in Somersby, • John Singleton’s plans to build a motel on Elanora Hotel site at East Gosford and luxury hotel at Mount White, • $17.4M for Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub • People in the news • Review of the commercial property market • And much more Central Coast Business Directory – Also incorporated in this Year Book is the Central Coast Business Directory. This segment provides: • Up to date demographic and economic data including the number and details of businesses in the region, • Overview of Business Centres, Retail Precincts and Industrial Areas • Contacts – Business Organisations, • Who’s who in Council, State and Federal Members of Parliament and the suburbs comprising their electorates, • Extensive list of Central Coast Manufacturers and what they make. CCBR Year Book highlights Coast progress in 2024 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
15 from engaging in ‘sham contracting’. However, we also see situations where contractor agreements have been entered into in good faith, only to be found to be employment relationships at a later date. Where this happens, businesses can be exposed to costly claims. What are the changes from the Closing Loopholes Act? The changes from the Closing Loopholes Act essentially which took effect on 26 August 2024 work to re-establish the test back to one that also considers the substance and practical reality of the employment or contractor relationship, not just the terms of the contractor or employment agreement. This means that the Courts will need to consider both the written contract, and also what happens in your workplace. Who is exempt from the changes? Contractors earning over the ‘contractor high income threshold’ (currently is yet to be determined) will be able to opt out of the new definition of an employee through a notification scheme (telling the Government that you’re opting out). This will mean that, for those contractors, only the written contract will be considered when determining the employment relationship – not how the relationship looks to the disinterested observer (e.g. the Courts) to be operating at some time in the future. While yet to be determined, the ‘contractor high income threshold’ is likely to focus on ‘guaranteed’ income rather than potential income. There will be some transition provisions where contractors can choose to have the previous ‘written terms only’ test apply to them. How can businesses defend themselves against claims of sham contracting? The Closing Loopholes Act also narrows the defences available for responding to claims of sham contracting. Businesses (other than small businesses) will soon need to prove that they reasonably believed that an agreement was a contract for services, and not an employment type relationship. Whether or not this can be established will depend on the relevant circumstances surrounding the claim. This will need to be tested in court to establish what is and isn’t reasonable. However, some markers as to what the courts will see as an indicator of a contracting arrangement include: • If the ‘contractor’ has their own employees or subcontracts working for them; • If the ‘contractor’ is a company (ie. ‘Pty Ltd’ rather than merely a business name); • Has its own substantially visible (in the marketplace) presence as a business, i.e. • commercial office, active website, advertising/marketing campaign, own insurances and accreditation; and • Provides substantial equipment or machinery such that the labour component represents only a part of the value provided to the business. This list is not exhaustive. Further to this, the threshold for what will constitute a serious contravention has also changed, from one that is done knowingly and systematically, to one that is done either knowingly or recklessly. An accidental, inadvertent misclassification of an employment relationship, or a case of a genuine mistake, will not meet this threshold, protecting businesses caught up in these changes. What are the new (increased) penalties? The amendments also signify that new civil penalties for underpayments will apply in instances of sham contracting. This means fines. Companies who are not small businesses face maximum penalties of: - $469,500 (1,500 penalty units) - this is five times the current maximum; or - three times the amount of the underpayment, if the applicant seeks this kind of penalty. The maximum penalties for most provisions will not change for individuals and small business employers. New protections for small businesses There is still good news for businesses grappling with all these changes. In the case of small businesses, evidence of compliance with a ‘Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code’ will mean that a small business will not be prosecuted if they underpay their employees. Details of the Code are yet to be released. Final comments Importantly, this approach is limited to questions as to whether the worker is an employee for the purposes of the Fair work Act. Legislation governing workers compensation, payroll tax, and superannuation have extensions defined in their legalisation that imposes cost/obligations on the business pertaining to some categories of workers, even where the worker is not an employee. If you have any questions about the changes, and how you best protect your business against claims of sham contracting, please do not hesitate to contact Warwick Ryan, Partner in Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety. Employee or Contractor? - What the law says about Sham Contracts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 BUSINESS TIPS Our job is to push the boundaries and challenge your thinking in order to achieve the best results together. Ready to take your business to the next level? Strategy Media Buying Digital Marketing Websites Content & Design LEVEL UP YOUR BRAND + + + + www.oddfishmedia.com.au CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW FEBRUARY 2025
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