THE CENTRAL COAST‘S MOST TRUSTED NEWS SOURCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS Print Post Approved – PP100001854 Published monthly (except January) July 2024 1990 EST Visionary masterplanned development for Kanwal Minns Government gives Coast the flick in State Budget Page 4 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Eight lost years Gosford TAFE redevelopment ignored in Budget Archibald on track for early 2025 completion
PHONE 4365 4566 www.commercialhq.com.au Nicole Barr 0418 230044 e: nicole@commercialhq.com.au FOR SALE SUITE 4.40 ELEMENT BUILDING ERINA 16m2 $210,000 + GST Rarely offered boutique office suite situated in the Element Building. The suite is well positioned, close the waiting area of Level 4 and also benefits from some natural light from the skylight above. Currently leased for $18k p/annum gross the suite is suitable as a consulting room or two person small business. Offered as vacant possession or with the current lease in place. FOR LEASE SUITE 17 & 18 FOUNTAIN CORPORATE ERINA 208m2 $76,785 + OG + GST Situated within a 2 storey retail & executive office block. The fit out consists of a dedicated reception and waiting area, storage room, 9 treatment rooms, kitchenette/staff room, lift access, 4 car spaces. Available Now FOR LEASE UNIT 2 255 THE ENTRANCE RD ERINA 110m2 $35,000 + OUTS + GST Situated along The Entrance Road with good exposure is this neat and tidy space which would suit a consultancy style business, retail or service industry. Currently fitted for a hair/beauty salon the ground floor is 66m2, has a W.C, kitchenette, water & drainage points for two shampoo lounges (currently installed), reception counter and mirrors. 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 much more. 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 4.37 ELEMEMT ERINA 23m2 $21,000 + OG + GST Fantastic rectangular office suite located in a prime position overlooking the stair well. Included is a recently installed sheer privacy curtain, high-quality carpet, LED panel lighting, dimmable pendant lights and TV mount. With access to common meeting rooms, breakout area and reception/waiting area.
3 4 Edgar Adams’ Editorial Eight lost years 5 Minns Government gives Coast the flick in State Budget 6 Gosford TAFE redevelopment ignored in Budget 7 Steinbok to expand 8 Worthington BMW appointed first BMW Classic partner 8 Harvest Festival attracts over 50,000 9 Vacancies galore in Gosford as owners chase Pitt Street rents 9 Agents missing the point when promoting Gosford commercial properties 10 Archibald on track for early 2025 completion 10 CKDS projects in Government Architect’s ‘Good design housing map’ 11 Visionary masterplanned development for Kanwal 11 Business NSW Central Coast hosts Treasurer for Budget review 12 Emergency physician sets up emergency and urgent care clinic at Tuggerah 12 Social wellness hub at Erina 13 Agency HQ expands Commercial Division with Tony Myers of Oliver Myers Properties 13 University of Newcastle welcomes new Director of Infrastructure and Facilities 14 Council gives up on employment generating Development Applications 14 Major remediation works for Gosford City Car Park 15 HCCDC to lead Gosford waterfront project 16 Health and Safety Update – Its not all bad news for officers 17 Signs that your business is up for a tax audit 18 Why affordable, social and public housing must be redefined as economic infrastructure 20 Property news 20 Doctor buys Wyoming property for medical centre 20 Emergency day hospital for Gosford CBD 21 Guzman y Gomez leases in Umina Beach 23 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 Listen to Edgar Adams on Coast FM each Monday 9:45am Also follow us on Linkedin CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
4 Meanwhile, a surreptitious policy of opposing Development Approvals arose. In particular DAs on industrial zoned land across the Coast was refused on the basis that there was no infrastructure to support the development or so called endangered species were being threatened. And while this was going on Council’s finances were going down the tube. Councillor Smith and anti-airport activist Louise Greenaway, along with all of the Labor Party’s councillors Doug Vincent, Jeff Sundstrom, Richard Mehrtens, Lisa Matthews and Kyle MacGregor all contributed to Central Coast Council’s insolvency. Finally the Minister for Local Government suspended the council and appointed a second Interim Administrator, Dick Persson who sacked Gary Murphy and appointed Rik Hart as Acting CEO. In his final report Mr Persson said he had never witnessed such a financial calamity and with his report to the Minister done rode off leaving Rik Hart as Administrator and appointing a new CEO David Farmer who had to clean up the mess. Over this period all major property developers have given up investing in the region. AS THE CLOCK ticks down to the September 14 Local Government Elections that will see the end of eight years of chaotic management of Central Coast Council, ratepayers wait anxiously to hear who, and how many, people with the capacity to govern the second largest council in NSW, will stand for election. The first Central Coast Council was an outright disaster with all but two Councillors totally taken up with their own self-serving agendas and quite happy to see the organisation become financially crippled in doing so. But step back to the start and the appointment of an Administrator charged with bringing two disparate organisations together. On all accounts this Administrator failed to achieve any semblance of organisational cohesion in the unrealistic timeframe he was given. To say that the employees of Gosford and Wyong Councils had an innate dislike for each other would be an understatement. Any thought that they would co-operate for the good of the region was a fantasy from the start. In the end the first Administrator left the problem to an elected council and drove off into the sunset. And so the first Council was confronted with a catastrophic situation virtually running two separate organisations and at that point no CEO! It didn’t help that the State Government set the council up to fail by creating five Wards with fifteen councillors, most with personal agendas that would never align with the economic and social needs of the region. None had any organisational management understanding whatsoever. Most were economically illiterate. Enter, Council’s first Mayor Councillor Jan Smith, former CEO of the Community Environment Network for some twenty years. As Mayor Ms Smith’s first job was to find a CEO. She found Gary Murphy, CEO at Lismore Council one of the smallest in the state and with the acquiescence of her fellow councillors, appointed him to run the second largest council in NSW – and one where the staff were running the show. Ms Smith then embarked on one of her major goals, to get the Porters Creek Wetlands covering 700 hectares from Wyong to Warnervale permanently and internationally protected. She succeeded. And while this was underway with help from Green and Labor councillors, cancelled a contract with Amphibian Aerospace Industries who had received a lease at the airport on land to build a aircraft manufacturing facility. AAI are now manufacturing aircraft in Darwin. These Councillors cost the Central Coast an aviation industry and Council had to pay millions of dollars in compensation. She worked to destroy Warnervale Airport by banning tree lopping making it dangerous for aircraft to use. In the end the Porters Creek Wetlands’ boundary surrounds the airport and can no longer be expanded. 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 Eight lost years CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
5 BUSINESS NEWS 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 VIVACITY PROPERTY, ONE of Australia’s leading developers of retirement living communities is proposing to develop a master planned boutique retirement living communities on the Oasis Caravan Park site at 207-209 Wallarah Road, Kanwal. Vivacity purchased the 5.09Ha caravan park which had been on the market for some time in early 2021 and have continued to operate it pending redevelopment. The property is located opposite the Kanwal shopping precinct and is adjacent to the Wyong Leagues Club. A planning proposal for the redevelopment was lodged with the Department of Planning in September 2023 and subsequently placed on exhibition from 27th May to 24th June 2024. The project was one of only five projects in NSW selected by the Department of Planning under the Rezoning Pathways Project, and it has been identified by the Minister for Planning as a State Significant Development, due to the provision of a significant proportion of affordable housing (15%), and contribution to much needed local housing supply. The proposal is for 675 apartments including 102 affordable housing units and a further 200 seniors independent living units. Significantly 32% or 1.7 hectares of the site has been set aside for open space compared with the state benchmark of 15%. Additionally 1,000sqm of commercial floor area to accommodate local businesses. As well an further $500,000 voluntary contribution to TFNSW for a business case to secure funding for the signalisation upgrade to the state intersection at Pacific Hwy/Wallarah Rd. This intersection is currently failing, and the project will ensure that this critical upgrade is provided, delivering a significant benefit to the wider locality. Vivacity points out that several million dollars in local contributions will be levied by Central Coast Council for local roads, parks and community facilities. The Oasis site is the largest remaining consolidated large site in the area and Visionary Masterplanned development for Kanwal is located near the Pacific Highway and Wallarah Road intersection – both major transit routes. The development represents a significant investment in the part of the region along with the provision of 675 homes. The site has no real constraints and has avoided impacts to the environment such as the removal of local bushland. The project will inject over $500M into the local economy contributing 630 new jobs per annum during construction, over a period of five years. Vivacity Property’s proposed retirement living community on the Oasis Caravan Park at Kanwal CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
6 LOCAL SERVICE - DELIVERED GLOBALLY www.dysonlogistics.com YOUR CENTRAL COAST FREIGHT FORWARDER Phone: 02 4322 2246 • Import and Export • Sea & Air freight • Customs & quarantine clearance • Warehousing, transport & distribution • Small parcel shipments • Product sourcing • Australian Trusted Trader benefits THE MINNS LABOR Government says it is taking critical steps to strengthen the skills sector with a record $2.5 billion budget investment in TAFE NSW. It says, “In respect of TAFE the Budget provides more pay for TAFE teachers and continues to address years of neglected infrastructure to ensure teachers and learners have access to modern facilities and teaching equipment.” This includes $190 million to undertake urgent repairs at campuses across the State. No mention is made in the Budget as to a media release in late May that international real estate and property management corporation, JLL will partner with TAFE Infrastructure NSW to deliver an extensive infrastructure program for the statewide TAFE NSW Campuses. JLL’s Project and Development Services division in NSW has been awarded a government contract to oversee a $104 million extensive programme of capital works at 138 TAFE campuses across the state. Asked by CCBR to comment as to whether the Gosford Campus was part of the programme, JLL has not responded. In early November 2021 Landcom announced that it would investigate building a new state-of-the-art TAFE campus in Gosford to replace the present ageing campus and redevelop the old site for affordable housing. The Liberal Government’s Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee along with Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, Landcom CEO John Brogden came to Gosford to make the announcement. The Minister said the entire project would cost in excess of $100 million. “This will be a sensational result for Gosford, but we have to get the planning right.” He said an expanded TAFE presence in the CBD would likely see an expansion of courses on offer to meet the future needs of the region. Mr Crouch commented that it was part of developing Gosford as a major educational precinct and said, “this proposal will also integrate TAFE NSW with the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music providing them with a permanent home and secure future. Landcom CEO, John Brogden, said the CBD “desperately needs” an upgrade and a revitalised TAFE campus and housing opportunities would be a huge boost. BUSINESS NEWS Gosford TAFE redevelopment ignored in Budget “We have found that CBD projects such as this require not just offices, but housing,” he said. “We estimate that up to 10 per cent of this mixed housing will be rental accommodation for students and CBD workers. “We hope purchasers will be buying residences off the plan within three years.” Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said it was ironic that such an opportunity had arisen “out of chaos”, with the new development sure to provide massive job opportunities and a link to the nearby waterfront. Subsequently, the Government closed down all conversation about the project and left Central Coast Council in the dark as to their intentions with the sale. With the election of the Minns Government in March 2023 it was expected that the project would be progressed. However, the new Government has gone quiet on the project. Gosford TAFE (circled) CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
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 Steinbok to expand 25KW storage device resulting in zero electricity costs. Additionally, they collect all rainwater for the cooling towers for the still. With a 1,000 litre copper still with 23 plates in three separate towers Steinbok last year manufactured 10% of their own alcohol needs. Last month Steinbok received a Complying Development Certificate for a 450sqm extension to the Somersby factory. With this facility they will open a distillery door, restaurant and educational space and install a second full production line for contract filling. STEINBOK, AUSTRALIA’S LEADING manufacturer of schnapps and liqueurs has announced a major expansion programme following development approval to build a new facility adjoining their factory at Somersby. A second generation business now run by Managing Director, Gavin Yates was originally established by Norm and Gill Yates making breakfast jam for Qantas and leading hotels in the early eighties. As the market changed Gavin moved the business to manufacturing cocktails under the Steinbok brand with the first product being Apple Schnapps. In they years since Steinbok has developed a full range of schnapps, liqueurs and cordials for the fast growing bar trade across Australia. They also sell into the consumer market through liquor stores with a full range of retail cocktail products. Steinbok is an inspirational success story. Based at Somersby since the Yates Family established the business over thirty years ago posting double digit growth for the past six years straight and 20% up again this year. The Steinbok brand is now recognised at a retail level but more so in the bar trade throughout Australia. They offer a complete range of cocktail-ready products for the bar trade. Developed by Mr Yates and his team these products enable faster service of quality cocktails to bar customers. Continuous improvement and innovation is a part of the Steinbok psyche In recent years they have installed 40kW of solar panel on the factory roof, plus a “We also have our next innovation line ready for the new space,” Mr Yates said. Steinbok has a reputation for being an educator on cocktail creation and bar economics, helping bar owners maximise their profit margins using their products. In this respect the new facility will include an education space to teach bartenders the trade. In recognition of the history behind the business and distillery at Somersby Mr Yates earlier this year named it the Norman Yates Distillery. Steinbok Director Nick Newnan with Founder Gavin Yates CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
8 WORTHINGTON BMW IS the first official dealer in Australia to become a BMW Classic partner at its dealership in New South Wales. Already proven successful in other countries, the BMW Group Classic offers owners of historic BMWs the opportunity to meticulously restore and maintain their highly treasured and valuable vehicles, ensuring they remain roadworthy and timeless. To ensure global standards are met, experts from the company’s BMW Group Classic department in Munich provided comprehensive technical training to the staff at Worthington BMW. This investment in training and specialised workshop equipment to undertake service and maintenance work underscores the dealership’s commitment to invest in offering excellence in every restoration project. Wolfgang Buechel, CEO of BMW Group Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “BMW’s heritage, dates back 108 years, is extremely important to our brand. The introduction of BMW Classic service has been successfully offered at our BMW Group Classic department in Munich for many years. “With a vibrant community of classic BMW enthusiasts in Australia, including 15 BMW Clubs nationwide that have over 5,000 members, this service will be a onestop shop for customers who want to restore or maintain their classic BMWs in top condition, ensuring that they continue to enjoy the brand’s Sheer Driving Pleasure. To mark the launch of BMW Classic at Worthington BMW, eight classic vehicles are on display in the showroom, allowing enthusiasts and customers to get up close and personal with these timeless classic vehicles. Worthington BMW joins 151 dealers worldwide in offering the BMW Group Classic program, providing customers access to specialised services for their classic BMWs. BMW Australia is committed to further expanding this unique service, working alongside our strong network of 48 dealers across the nation. BUSINESS NEWS Worthington BMW appointed first BMW Classic partner Harvest Festival attracts over 50,000 The 2024 Harvest Festival attracted more than 50,000 visitors over the June long weekend. Over two days, the festival provided more than 30 event hubs offering an authentic glimpse behind the farm gate and delivering a vibrant celebration of local produce, entertainment, and fun. Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said visitors were able to explore nine picturesque rural communities and their heritage villages, including Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Wyong Creek, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby, and Spencer. One citrus orchard at Peats Ridge contacted by CCBR said that they had over 1,200 people call in to pick-your-own oranges which was the best number for three years, while another at Mangrove Mountain recorded over 4,000 people At Kulnura Eastcoast Beverages introduced a new experience, Bambinos on the Farm which was a ticketed event capped at 1,000 and was sold out before the event. Eastcoast Marketing Manager, Emily Beatty, said that a new feature we had this year was attendees could ‘dine in the orchard.’“We offered charcuterie boards, as well as had multiple food options on the day, and set up tables in our orchard aisles using recycled pallets. It was a huge hit!” she said. The major sponsor for this year’s Festival was local farm machinery dealership Coast & Valley Tractors 4U (l to r) Brett Hocking, General Manager, Customer Support, BMW Group Australia, Brad Worthington, Dealer Principal, Worthington BMW and R: Wolfgang Buechel, CEO, BMW Group Australia CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
9 A RECENT CCBR survey has found that there are over fifteen retail and commercial vacancies in the Gosford CBD with most vacant for over five years. Past and prospective tenants, when contacted by CCBR said that owners and property managers were asking rentals way above the market. Built over seventy years ago when Gosford was a thriving regional country town, most of these properties are in poor condition and not good working environments. However owners refuse to carry out the necessary repairs to bring them up to a minimum standard but are still demanding Sydney rental rates. What most owners don’t seem to understand is that taking less than what they perceive as market rent at least gives them some income. One agent who has most of the vacant properties for lease or for sale is Daniel Mason from Chapman & Frazer Commercial Real Estate. “In my view, the situation is both simple and complex, at the same time. It’s simple in that an effective strategy would be for owners to work with any reasonable prospective tenants, offering very attractive rents and incentives in order to (a) get their vacancies filled, and (b) give adequate incentive and support for a business to ‘have a go’ and get established without a huge rental overhead or capital investment. On it’s face, that strategy seems like a “win-win”, however this is where the complexity arises.” “The above strategy may be a workable option for some landlords, but not all. For some landlords, their financial position may not allow them to offer certain incentives to prospective tenants, such as capital expenditure. The other issue is that the values for commercial properties are so often tied to the rents they generate, so if a landlord accepts a below market rent, then they are also likely impacting the theoretical sale value of the property,” Mr Mason said. It is obvious that a majority of property owners in Gosford are absentee landlords with no interest in the future of Gosford and don’t understand that in the long term this will negatively impact the value of their property. However Tony Myers from Oliver Myers Real Estate made an interesting point. “The remedy requires a collaborative approach to “sell” what Gosford has to offer, and that is, High Speed Broadband. Today we all use technology in one form or another, and Gosford can offer a solution and a huge opportunity to businesses who require this facility. More business occupying space in the city centre means more opportunity for other business here as well. It is not something we can do on our own as agents, and I suspect that there are property owners who want to get their properties leased, but no one has either had the time or taken the time to communicate and sell the long-term opportunities on offer. Collectively, if the Chamber of Commerce, Central Coast Council and one or two key commercial agents were to work together I believe a formula could be found to bring business and life back into Gosford,” he said. BUSINESS NEWS Vacancies galore in Gosford as property owners chase Pitt Street rents Agents missing the point when promoting Gosford commercial properties It is now ten years since Gosford and surrounding suburbs were connected to the National Broadband Network and yet few people, and least of all local real estate agents understand the value of this International standard communications infrastructure. One company that saw the value of Ultra-Fast broadband speeds is 4b Media who relocated to Gosford soon after it became available. This company employs 20 people. They use around 14 terabytes of data each month and could not operate on a global scale without it. It is time Gosford was promoted as a digital hub offering internet connection that supports advanced technologies such as VoIP, IoT devices, and cloud computing, that optimises a business operational efficiency and scalability. 4b Media headquarters Mann Street, Gosford CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
10 Archibald on track for early 2025 completion WORK CONTINUES AT a cracking pace on ALAND’s Archibald development in Gosford with completion date planned for Quarter 1 2025. In an update report provided to CCBR in late June by Senior Development Manager Eugen Bandas the structure is currently on Level 20 on the East Tower with Level 22 to be poured by the end of the month. Final height for West Tower is 27 levels and for East Tower is 28 levels. Topping out planned for late August. Fitout of the residential component has commenced with West Tower with screed and tile starting on Level 5. Glazing is currently at Level 10 on the West Tower and Level 12 on the East Tower. Services roughins are to Level 10 on West Tower and Lever 8 on East Tower. In respect to the Hotel and Food and Beverage components the structure is completed along with services rough-ins. Fitout will be commencing shortly subject to Voco’s approvals and final design materials. Design and Branding of Food and Beverage spaces are progressing with final designs imminent. Already a major feature of the Gosford skyline the Archibald with its two 28 level towers and skybar is set to define the City of Gosford for many years. Meanwhile ALAND Head of Sales, Scott Rudgley commenting on how sales of units are progressing said, “ We’ve now sold in excess of 90% of the project with limited stock available. We’ve started to see strong interest in the Signature Penthouse collection with some recent sales exceeding $3million. The interest we’re seeing in this premium market is being driven by local downsizer buyers both from coastal areas such as Macmasters Beach and Point Claire and lifestyle buyers looking to have a maintenance free offering from areas such as Matcham. BUSINESS NEWS Work progresses on the Archibald by ALAND project in Gosford. Photo taken 25th June CKDS projects in Government Architect’s ‘Good design for housing map’ Viciniti – Point Frederick. Designed by CKDS Architecture CKDS Architecture Director Caine King Research conducted last year by the University of NSW’s City Futures Research Centre on behalf of the NSW Government Architect found medium-rise apartment buildings with fewer than 20 apartments were the preferred building type among apartment buyers. Born from this report, the NSW Government Architect released their ‘Good design for Housing map’ earlier this month. The map is an interactive resource highlighting well- designed, low and mid-rise homes across the state in a bid to inspire future housing design in New South Wales. Preserving the character of existing neighbourhoods while offering further choice and variety in well-designed housing is key to the government’s scheme. Six projects by local architects CKDS Architecture across the Newcastle and Central Coast regions have been included on the map as examples of good design. On the Central Coast, two projects are displayed on the map, both being CKDS- designed. ‘Viciniti’ in Point Frederick comprises of 22 residences while ‘Rockpool’ in Terrigal comprises 20 residences. In Newcastle, CKDS sit amongst exceptionally talented peers; Bastian Architecture and Curious Practice; who are leading the way in excellent low-rise design in the region. The remaining four projects showcased in the Newcastle region are all CKDS- designed mid-rise projects; namely Eclipse Residences, Alma Residences, The Edge and Station Street project. CKDS Director Caine King said, “the ‘Good design for Housing map’ highlights CKDS Architecture’s ability to design and deliver quality mid-rise housing in their region while considering the neighbourhoods in which they live, work and play. This is a huge achievement for our firm and reassures us that we are moving in the right direction in designing the type of housing that is much needed in Newcastle and on the Central Coast.’ “With the NSW Government promising 30,000 new homes with $5.1 billion dedicated to public housing as part of their 2024 - 2025 budget, CKDS is well-placed to continue designing and delivering quality homes for the community,” Mr King said. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
11 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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 p: 4340 0984 e: info@ccwsomersby.com.au centralcoastwarehousing.com.au YOUR STORAGE SOLUTION AT SOMERSBY BUSINESS NEWS THE NSW BUDGET, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday 18th June has proved that the Minns Government is a government for Western Sydney just as previous Liberal governments over the past twelve years were a Western Sydney Government. The Government will continue to fund Stage 1 of the Wyong Hospital redevelopment with $200.6 million plus $6.4 million for the expansion of the Wyong Hospital’s Cancer Day Unit. Education will see: • Two new public preschools at: – Tuggerawong Public School – Umina Beach Public School. • $1.4 million for local upgrades at Central Mangrove Public School, Killarney Vale Public School and Umina Beach Public School. No mention of the desperate need for a high school at Warnervale. In 2015 now Member for Wyong and among other portfolios Minister for Central Coast declared that a Labor Government would build a new high school at Woongarrah at a cost of $40 million if they won the election that year. “Suburbs like Hamlyn Terrace, Woongarrah and Halloran are growing at a rate of knots, and a new high school is definitely needed,” Mr Harris said. Since then the population in this area has grown even more. Commenting the Government’s failure to acknowledge the need for a new high school President of the Central Coast Council of P&Cs, Sharryn Brownlee said, “It was very disappointing that the funding was not allocated in the budget for the high school when it was clearly identified several years ago as necessary, and the land purchased by the Department of Education. Our students deserve to have the same quality education and a safe nurturing environment as other students across the state. The Central Coast cannot be ignored in preference for Western Sydney. David Harris MP also said he would meet and find out from Education Minister Prue Car the timeline, but we have not heard anymore. A sprinkling of cash has been spread out across the region for roads A start will be made this year on upgrading the Pacific Highway though Wyong CBD with $216.3 million allocated for continued planning and early works. This project is being jointly funded by NSW and the Australian Government. $97.5 million has been allocated to continue the upgrade of Avoca Drive to improve traffic flow and deliver infrastrucMinns Government gives Coast the flick in State Budget Following presentation of his second Budget Treasurer The Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC was Guest Speaker at a Post-budget Breakfast hosted by Business NSW Central Coast at Mingara Club in late June that saw 130 business leaders in attendance. Business NSW Central Coast Regional Manager, Scott Goold started with an overview of exciting economic development projects across the Central Coast, noting significant private sector interest in housing and industrial land. Business NSW applauded the government's focus on housing while stressing the need for increased infrastructure funding, especially for public transport. Also in attendance was David Mehan MP Member for The Entrance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer who highlighted critical budget areas, including: • Housing Supply: Emphasis on affordable and social housing. • Healthcare: Strengthening Medicare, increasing urgent care centres on the Central Coast, and payroll tax reform for GP clinics. • Infrastructure: Continued funding for road upgrades and Wyong hospital. The Treasurer shared insights into the budget’s focus areas, emphasizing the severe housing shortage and Business NSW Central Coast hosts Treasurer for Budget review The Hon. Chris Minns MP CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
12 BUSINESS BRIEFS Senior Specialist Emergency Physicians, Dr Shashi Kalava and Dr Matthew Ingram have opened a specialist Emergency and Urgent Care clinic located on the Tuggerah Straight to service residents in the central areas of the region. The clinic occupies 385 sqm of prime space in the Tuggerah Straight Commercial Centre owned by the Henry Kendall Group To be known as EUC the service brings together a team of highly experienced specialist emergency physicians and nurses under one roof, delivering prompt and accurate diagnoses aided by a comprehensive suite of on-site services. It will be open 10 hours each day 365 days a year Dr Kalava told CCBR that the only two emergency care services on the Coast are at Gosford Hospital and Wyong Hospital at Kanwal, leaving a large area in the central part of the region with a high density population without the emergency and urgent care services. Attending the official opening of EUC in early June Henry Kendall Group CEO, Damien Wilde said, “The Henry Kendall group is thrilled to be able to provide the space to the team from EUC at the Tuggerah Straight Commercial Centre. It is fantastic to see much needed medical resources like the EUC servicing the northern growth corridor of the Central Coast”. 0415 601 591 yvette.zocher@bloomtools.com REVOLUTIONISE YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE Elevate with AI-Powered Websites – Where Innovation Meets Impeccable Design www.bloomtools.com Emergency physician sets up emergency and urgent care clinic at Tuggerah Emergency Urgent Care Founders Dr Matthew Ingram and Dr Shashi Kalava with Henry Kendall Group CEO Damien Wilde at the opening of the facility last month. Henry Kendall Group are owners of the Tuggerah Straight Commercial Centre Social wellness hub at Erina Jaime and Kate Beveridge Jaime and Kate Beveridge have acquired the former Platinum Mind Body Fitness health club in the Platinum Building at Erina and will reposition the facility as a social wellness hub. Mr Beveridge was formerly Centre Manager at the Mingara One Fitness and Aquatic Centre for the past seventeen years while Mrs Beveridge is a primary school teacher. The new business will be known as Good Well Studio and will be open 24/7 offering affordable membership. Mr Beveridge said that there is a big shift away from gyms to wellness centres overseas and in Australia.. The Good Well Studio will be a mixed movement studio offering pilates, yoga, dance, strength and functional programmes all under one roof. For more information visit their website. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
13 Agency HQ expands Commercial Division with Tony Myers of Oliver Myers Properties Tony Myers Agency HQ has announced the expansion of their commercial division with the addition of Tony Myers from Oliver Myers Properties. Mr Myers said that Agency HQ Commercial brings together some of the best minds, property specialists and sales negotiators in the industry focusing on the key elements of commercial property – sales, leasing & asset management. Tony Myers is a well known and experienced agent, with more than 35 years’ experience which includes property development, commercial sales & leasing and new home investment. He is a Partner Agent operating under the innovative services of Agency HQ. Mr Myers is a published author of the book, “Wealth Through Property Investment”, ready to provide better solutions to your, • commercial sales, leasing and property management. BUSINESS BRIEFS 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 Argyle Estates Buying or selling a quality business, contact the experts on the Central Coast 024332 6555 EST. OVER 40YEARS Business Brokers Argyle Estates argyle@argyleestates.com.au Graham McMullen – Licensee F.A.I.B.B. 0419326555 • real estate investment requirements. • New homes “off-the-plan” in high growth locations with strong rental returns. He said Agency HQ has Commercial expertise at their finger tips. Bringing unparalleled technology, skill and a real passion for results, whether it is a property to list, sell or buy a commercial asset They have a group of commercial real estate sales negotiators who focus on two key elements - quality and results. Their property management division, Rental HQ offers top of the class real estate outsourcing solutions for property management. Their model is a contrast from companies who simply offer Virtual Assistants. My Myers said, what makes Rental HQ unique is that they are an Australian based company with qualified staff who are trained in all aspects of property management, and who offer a unique mix of trained offshore staff who are closely supervised by our local Sydney and Brisbane based team. Mr. Myers said he chose to rebrand to the national group after witnessing the success of Agency HQ Commercial in Queensland. Contact details. tony@olivermyers.com.au University of Newcastle welcomes new Director of Infrastructure and Facilities University of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure and Facilities Services Kevin McCarthy The University of Newcastle has announced the appointment of Kevin McCarthy as their new Director of Infrastructure and Facilities Services. Mr McCarthy, formerly the Executive Director of Facilities at Victoria University, will oversee the planning, development, and operation of the University of Newcastle’s physical infrastructure, estate, and campus services. His appointment is a strategic move for the university, aligning with its objectives to create contemporary spaces and enhance the experience for students, staff, and visitors. He will be integral to delivering the university’s physical infrastructure projects and major projects portfolio. Mr McCarthy joins UON as they progressing their proposed City Campus Student Accommodation building in Honeysuckle and our new Central Coast Campus in Gosford”. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
14 CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL NEWS AMONG THE MANY items in Central Coast Council’s Quarter 3 Performance Report one that stands out is that Council’s Development Application performance is slipping further behind. • DA assessments that should be signed off within 40 days have slipped to 13.7% (Target >30%), • Mean assessments and now running at 144 days (target <80 days), • Median DA assessment times are now 65 days (target <40 days), • The number of DA’s under assessment at the end of March 2024 was 836 (target <750) Additionally, Council has dropped Development Application timeframe targets for DA’s for Employment Generating Developments. The excuse being that with the closure of the Greater Cities Commission this important information is no longer necessary. When the Strategic Plan was implemented Item DP_396 said ‘Improve assessment timeframes for Development Applications for Employment Generating Development’. The Target was ‘Reduce timeframe for assessing commercial, industrial and tourism related development applications by 25% by 30 June 2024’. One Central Coast company with significant industrial land holdings in the region and elsewhere having been frustrated with Council trying to get simple modifications to approved projects has decided to invest in other regions where councils are more receptive. In another instance plans by Woolworths to expand their Distribution Centre at Warnervale have been stymied by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Tanya Plibersek after a so called ‘field of critically endangered orchids’ was found growing in a lawn planted on the site by the company. They mysteriously found an orchid, the Warnervale Orchid, growing in a garden that Woolworths maintains on its site and were obviously not present when Woolworths built the Centre in 2005 Woolworths signalled to the Department of Planning in December 2021 that it had plans to invest $68 million in expanding its Warnervale warehouse and distribution centre. The State Significant Development was for alterations and additions adding an extra 27,767 sqm of warehouse storage and upgrading outdated technology and increasing capacity to handle more product lines and provide faster deliveries. In another instance of Council’s intransigence local billionaire property developer and financier, Tony Denny has written to Central Coast Council giving them until April 5th to respond to a Development Application on land within the East Wadalba land release area. The land, comprising 6.7 Ha at 60 -70 Jensen Road, Wadalba is subject to a Development Application for a 84 lot subdiCONTINUED ON PAGE 17 vision lodged in early 2022. Mr Denny is acting as Mortgagee-in- Possession in respect of the land and is working with the five owners who were unable to discharge their loan obligation due to Council’s intransigence. Should Council not respond positively by the 5th April he will invoke a common law principle known as a Mandamus order that compels them to perform their mandatory duties correctly. In recent years Central Coast Council has resorted to the practice of not responding to DAs and in this way are able to fudge the numbers in respect to approval times. In the end Council has two options: approve the development application or refuse it at which time Mr Denny will take them to the Land and Environment Court. Council gives up on Employment Generating Development Applications Major remediation works for Gosford City Car Park Central Coast Council will commence a significant programme of remediation works at Gosford City Car Park from mid July. The multi-level facility has 650 car spaces providing permanent and casual parking for city centre workers, residents and visitors to Gosford. CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
15 CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL NEWS FOLLOWING THE NSW Government appointing the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation to progress its $8.5 million election commitment to fund a business case for the revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront Central Coast Council has moved to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with HCCDC to collaborate on the development of the business case for the project. The effect is that Council will hand over control of the waterfront revitalisation to the HCCDC who will take responsibility for the delivery of the project. Council announced their plan to redevelop the waterfront in 2022 and says that they have spent $1,054,876 to get to this stage and, obviously, are seeking reimbursement. As part of the arrangement Council’s CEO David Farmer has been nominated to represent Council’s interests on the proposed Gosford waterfront revitalisation executive steering committee. The project has been sitting around since Council, at its 27th September 2022 meeting adopted the Gosford Waterfront Concept and set out to develop a draft Waterfront Masterplan. Subsequently, Council sought community feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan and seek government funding to progress the business case for the project as well as government investment. Council said it had been working behind the scenes since April 2021 when the decision was taken to develop a Waterfront Renewal Framework and identify the opportunities identified in previous proposals and reports. At the time Council said the time is right for a collective vision to make Gosford an iconic waterfront city. “Gosford’s waterfront is not only a major opportunity for the city’s renewal but, even better, an undisputed opportunity for Gosford City to join the great waterfronts of the world”, Council says. The area under review extends from Gosford Sailing Club around to railway bridge over the entrance to Narara Creek. It will comprise: • A residential and commercial component, • Boutique hotel, • Ferry terminal, • Marina berths, • Dry boat storages, • Multi level car park, • Redevelopment of the Olympic Pool, and • Other community facilities It will be linked by a pedestrian bridge over the main road as well as an underbridge pedestrian walkway. Council says it has not reinvented the wheel but added to the multitude of state government strategic documents that have identified the waterfront as being a regional attractor over the years. These documents include: • The NSW Government Architect’s Gosford Urban Design Framework (2018), • Council’s Interim Local Strategic Planning Statement (2020), • Council’s Economic Development Strategy (2020), • Somersby to Erina Growth Corridor (Southern Growth Corridor) (2019, • The Gosford City SEPP and associated Development Control Plan, and • Gosford Council’s Our City Our Destiny Gosford City Masterplan (2010) By taking on board the Our City Our Destiny masterplan Council has in particular taken advantage of the extensive work carried out by the Gosford Council’s Gosford Challenge project over two years which resulted in the Out City Our Destiny Masterplan. HCCDC to lead Gosford Waterfront project Gosford Waterfront Concept Plan Gosford Waterfront Masterplan – aerial layout of proposed projects CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
16 BUSINESS TIPS Health and Safety Update: It’s Not All Bad News For Officers IN THE WORK health and safety space there often ‘officers’ (directors, senior executives and the like) can feel uncertain as to the extent of their obligations, in order to avoid a personal conviction. The liability for officers has only increased in recent times, particularly with the pending introduction of an industrial manslaughter offence into the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) (WHSA). However, a recent unsuccessful SafeWork NSW prosecution against a managing director (Mr Doble) of a medium sized enterprise has shone light on steps an officer can take to meet their ‘due diligence’ obligations under the WHSA and avoid personal liability. This is particularly important because organisations and individuals cannot take out insurance or be indemnified for penalties under the WHSA. In short, the recent case highlighted the following steps Mr Doble took to meet his due diligence obligations: • Mr Doble engaged a Compliance Manager as a resource to ensure that the organisation carried out its duties under ture for active and public transport access through Kincumber. Again this project is jointly funded by (NSW and the Australian Government). Commenced in the dying days of the previous Liberal Government in February 2023 and halted with the election of the new government, $38.9 million had been allocated to continue the Tumbi Road and Central Coast Highway intersection upgrade. Plans for the much talked about Gosford Bypass a three-kilometre stretch of Manns Road from West Gosford to Narara remain just that with $39.8 million over four years to continue planning and design under the Regional Roads Fund. No mention was made as to when the much heralded new Intercity Trains service would come into service replacing the present out-of-date aging fleet. This project has been a running sore since the previous Liberal Government ordered the replacement trains to be built in South Korea and on arrival in Australia were declared black by the state’s rail union with the new government bowing to their demands to make ‘safety’ modifications. These trains have been in storage since 2019 and the Intercity Train Maintenance Facility at Kangy Angy which will employ over 200 people remains idle. the need for government intervention to stabilize energy supply. Key takeaways from the Breakfast included: • GST Reallocation: The impact of losing billions in GST reallocation to other states. • Development Initiatives: Government acting as guarantor for development loans and pre-purchasing homes in highdensity builds. • Insurance Costs: Pressure on businesses and the need to remove the emergency services levy. • Planning Reform: Accelerating housing, childcare, and infrastructure projects. • Energy Costs: The dual impact on business operating costs and earnings due to discretionary spending drops the WHSA. Importantly, Mr Doble had no reason to believe that the Compliance Manager was incompetent in performing their duties. • The topic of health and safety was listed on the agenda for every management meeting and there was follow up at subsequent management meetings to check that steps had been taken to address any issues. • The Compliance Manager kept Mr Doble informed about matters of work health and safety at those meetings and contacted him from time to time to inform him about safety matters and to receive instructions from Mr Doble about those matters. • Mr Doble visited the various work sites from time to time. If he observed a problem at the work site he would ring the Compliance Manager and get them to fix it straight away. • The Court recognised that “Mr Doble took an active interest in ensuring that work health and safety and compliance were attended to.” • If there was a work health and safety matter which required attention, there was no budgetary constraint in fixing a safety problem and there was never any pushback by Mr Doble in relation to expending money on health and safety. It is important to note that an officer’s obligations under the WHSA are different to that of the organisation (or PCBU). The officer must exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU complies with its duties under the WHSA. This involves the officer taking various reasonable steps, which are By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers largely information and process driven, such as keeping up to date knowledge on work health and safety matters, understanding the nature of the operations and the associated hazards and risks and ensuring that the PCBU has available for use, and uses, appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety from work carried out as part of the PCBU. The first questions you might ask yourself as a director or senior manager when considering your obligations under the WHSA as an officer are – How much time, if any, is dedicated to your organisations’ health and safety compliance at Board and management meetings? Is anyone required to report to the Board on health and safety compliance? How competent is that person in their role? What follow up does the Board have in place to make sure health and safety directions are being complied with? What resources are available to meet the PCBU’s obligations regarding WH&S? What budgetary constraints does the organisation have that has or may prevent it from meeting its health and safety obligations? How can these be addressed to ensure satisfaction of these obligations? Hicksons specialist Workplace Relations lawyers have extensive experience in assisting individuals, employers and businesses with managing workplace health and safety issues and proactively identifying issues and solutions. Please contact Hicksons’ Partner, Warwick Ryan, at warwick.ryan@hicksons.com. au should you need any assistance or guidance. Business NSW Central Coast hosts Treasurer for Budget review CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Minns Government gives Coast the flick in State Budget CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JULY 2024
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