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Collapse Issue 479 - 30 Sep 2019Issue 479 - 30 Sep 2019
Collapse  NEWS NEWS
Teenager charged with Umina Mall arson
Handmade rug donated to charity show
Peninsula has greater social disadvantage
Gym plans lack environmental detail, says submission
Dance group entertains aged care residents
Council removes conditions on cafe
Killcare resident becomes accredited speaker
Pizza store proposal meets with opposition
Matthews voted mayor, Smith deputy
New mayor denies 'party lines' operate at council
Mary Mac's receives $15,000
New two-storey residence to be built
Construction certificate for dual occupancy
Work to start on aroma therapy salon
Mother asks for help to find missing bangle
Tesch calls for State funding for bike path strategy
Non-parole period increased for arsonists
Claim refund
Rotary club hears from Red Cross
Tourism network hears tips for making videos
Progress association to hold Jazz in the Arboretum
Red Carpet Day held at Ettalong
New roof for Umina CWA hall
Rotarians splashed the cash in Canowindra
Warehouse application approved
Collapse  HEALTH HEALTH
Open day has family activities
Suicide prevention attracts 100 walkers
Doctor praised for services to medicine
Collapse  ARTS ARTS
Jocelyn Maughan wins Gosford Art Prize
Ettalong painter wins Grandma Moses packers' award
Ukelele group raises money for Rotary club
Free screening of horror film
British singer calls in as she cycles to Hobart
Collapse  EDUCATION EDUCATION
College students take barista course at Umina cafe
Packages for children in Gosford Hospital
Parents reminded of code of conduct
Parents offered anxiety program for their children
Connect Four set to be used in outdoor play
College holds graduation ceremony for Year 12
Dance students attend masterclass
Ettalong finishes 16th in State debating
Nick wins all nine tennis singles games
Student art exhibition
Students raise $1200 in 40-Hour Famine
Students cater for multicultural food festival
Netball team takes sixth place
Kindergarten attends Possum Magic performance
School to get new electronic sign
Students learn swimming and water safety
Collapse  SPORT SPORT
Wolves win one of three baseball premiership games
Bailey Meti selected for State under-18s bowls team
Softball players still wanted
Southern Spirit to field eight teams
Netball association offers range of programs
Davara selected for development
Everglades holds bowling club members' day
Ettalong pair named champion of champions
Charity bowls raises $555

Teenager charged with Umina Mall arson

A teenager faced Woy Woy Children's Court last Wednesday, September 25, charged over the alleged multimillion-dollar arson of Umina Mall complex earlier this year.

The boy was refused bail and remains in custody.

He next appears before the Children's Court at Woy Woy on November 1 for a committal hearing.

Police and emergency services were called to Ocean Beach Rd, Umina Beach, just after 2am on Sunday, January 13, following reports the barber shop was on fire.

The fire quickly spread to neighbouring stores and into the roof cavity, and despite the efforts of Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters, the complex was destroyed.

Police say the damage is estimated to be several million dollars.

A police spokesman said Initial inquiries suggested the fire was deliberately lit using an accelerant following a break-in at the barber shop.

Following extensive investigations by Brisbane Water detectives, a 17-year-old boy was arrested at Woy Woy Police Station on Tuesday afternoon, September 24.

He was charged with damaging property by fire and refused bail and appeared at Woy Woy children's court.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire continue.

Police are keen to talk to anyone with any information.

Meanwhile, a confidential report to Central Coast Council, requested by the councillors is overdue.

Cr Richard Mehrtens asked for the report to address the status of the proposed sale of land around the site to shopping centre owner Mr Arthur Laundy of Laundy Hotels.

Cr Mehrtens said that despite requesting a reply to his notice of motion no later than the last meeting of September, that deadline had now passed and the report from staff was overdue.

"I have asked staff for a progress update on the sale, and I hope that delays in receiving the report are a sign that negotiations are taking place to get this issue resolved once and for all," Cr Mehrtens said.

"I am told that there is only one thing holding up the redevelopment of Umina Mall, and that is Council's willingness to sell the required lots.

"It's been long enough. it's time to get it done."

He said Council staff had recently inspected the Umina Mall site after receiving information from the public concerned the site was contaminated with asbestos.

Cr Mehrtens said he had been advised by staff that asbestos had not been identified on the exterior of the building at Umina Mall and enforcement action had commenced to ensure the site was secure and dumped rubbish was removed.

Council also inspected another site nearby, the former service station.

Council staff told Cr Mehrtens the former service station was security fenced and the owner was progressing to have the site remediated in accordance with NSW Contamination guidelines.





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