Re-elected mayor outlines Peninsula projects

Cr Chris Holstein has been re-elected to serve another term as Gosford mayor and has taken the opportunity to outline a number of projects for the Peninsula over the coming year.

"The security of our water supply remains an important issue on the Peninsula and council will continue to work to secure an alternate water supply for the region to ensure the long term provision of a quality water supply for all residents.

"Over the next 12 months, council will complete its $700,000 program to replace one third of all unlined hydrants on the Peninsula and construct infrastructure required to aggressively flush the trunk main in Ocean Beach Rd and surrounding reticulation system.

"We will also carry out improvements to Mt Ettalong and Woy Woy Bay Reservoirs to enhance protection against contamination and conduct improvements to the operation of Mt Ettalong and Patonga Reservoirs to reduce detention time and improve water quality.

"We will continue with our ongoing mains flushing program and other works being carried out further upstream that will impact on the Peninsula's water supply include process improvements at the Somersby Water Filtration Plant and improvements to the operation of trunk mains between Somersby and Koolewong, which are the carrier mains delivering water to the Peninsula.

"In addition, council will carry out a Sewage Pumping Station upgrade to ensure continuity of sewerage services at Ettalong and continue the operation of a tertiary filtration plant at the Woy Woy treatment works that will potentially supply over 46 million litres of recycled water annually to tankers for dust suppression, irrigation/landscaping works and on site uses."

Cr Holstein said the City Wide Local Environment Plan is expected to be on public exhibition within the next 12 months and would be a great opportunity for local ratepayers to "have their voices heard about the future of the region".

"There will be significant population growth on the Peninsula and across the Central Coast in the next few years and it is of essential importance that we have the correct infrastructure to support this growth," Cr Holstein said.

"In addition to the LEP, council will continue the progression of the Development Control Plan for the Peninsula and undertake a Transport Management and Accessibility Plan in connection with the Umina Development Control Plan.

"The world class Peninsula Recreation Precinct will be completed within the next 12 months, featuring one of the biggest playgrounds in Australia - a great asset for families, children and a place where nan and pop can take the grandkids.

"Council has received $10,000 from CDSE funding to run the Youth Engagement Strategy program.

"The Youth Engagement Strategy will continue to look at options for young people in the area while liaising with NSW Police and the Peninsula community on the redevelopment of the Peninsula Recreation Precinct and general use of the area among young people.

"The precinct and its increased security features will be a visual and active deterrent to assist in curbing the anti-social behaviour that has occurred on the Peninsula during recent times."

According to Cr Holstein, a number of major road upgrading projects, identified in council's four year Capital Works Program, will be completed on the Peninsula over the next few years.

"These upgrades include; Mount Ettalong Rd, Springwood St, Gallipoli Ave, Fassifern St-Picnic Pde intersection upgrade including kerb and gutter to Maitland Bay Dr and full length upgrading of Flounder Rd at Ettalong," Cr Holstein said.

"Council will continue to lobby for Woy Woy Rd to become a state road to attract additional funding for its upkeep and maintenance.

"We will also continue to support the development of the Ettalong Business Improvement District.

"On the environmental front, council will undertake a review of the Broken Bay Coastal Management Plan and progress the Woy Woy Flood Risk Management Plan and Brisbane Water Flood Risk Management Plan.

"From a cultural perspective, an Aboriginal Surf Carnival will be held on the Peninsula: consisting of surf schools in December, January and February next year, with a competition planned for March.

"We will continue to run council's literacy programs at the Woy Woy Library as part of our early childhood literacy programs and the Uminafied festival is currently being planned for Youth Week 2010, based at the skate park at Umina Beach.

"As is evident, there are a range of social, environmental and infrastructure projects planned for the Peninsula in the coming 12 months.

"I look forward to moving ahead with council's busy agenda and continuing to work with the other councillors to serve the residents on the Peninsula and the broader Gosford City community."

The upcoming mayoral term will be Cr Holstein's sixth term as mayor in the past 18 years.

Cr Holstein said he was honoured for the opportunity to serve the community for another 12 months as mayor and said there were many challenging times ahead for the Gosford Local Government Area.

"There will be many challenges in the year ahead. But with these challenges come opportunities," Cr Holstein said.

"The coming year will see the progression of key initiatives including the Gosford Challenge - the effects of which will positively impact across the Central Coast.

"The impact of this will be felt on the Peninsula with the creation of jobs for our young people and an increase in overall employment opportunities within the Gosford LGA.

"Other key items on the agenda include the Central Coast Water Corporation, Mardi Mangrove Link and City Wide Local Environment Plan.

Press release, 1 Oct 2009 Cr Chris Holstein, Gosford mayor