From outrigger to clean-up barge

Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club joined Clean4Shore at Patonga for a clean-up of the foreshores in the area.

Larger items collected included a golf bag, a milk crate, marine plywood, oyster baskets, a car tyre, pallets, a child's car seat and treated pine.

"Small pieces of polystyrene dominated the five bags of small litter collected on a windy morning," said Clean4Shore co-ordinator Mr Graham "Jono" Johnston.

"It was pleasing that larger flood and storm debris was not present along the rocky foreshores towards Patonga Headland and across the river at Flint and Steel, Hallots, Hungry and Little Pittwater beaches.

"Broken Bay Sport and Rec Centre had more small pieces of polystyrene among the old flood timber debris plus a large piece of plastic rainwater tank."

Mr Johnston said the wind and swell made getting in and out of the barge challenging for the volunteers.

"Yet as experienced ocean paddlers, they thrived on the challenge."

Canoe club member Ms Sandi Jeney said: "It is such an awesome experience.

"It makes one feel so good to be doing something so necessary to keep our waterways beautiful."

A load of 180 kilograms of rubbish was dropped off at Woy Woy Tip.

SOURCE:

Social media, 16 Feb 2025

Graham Johnston, Clean4shore

Leisure centre financial performance may be reviewed

The Peninsula Leisure Centre will be reviewed for operational efficiency if a motion by Cr Jared Wright is adopted at the council meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25.

He will ask that a councillor briefing session be held within three months to "analyse all of Council's income generating assets including Lake Haven Cinema, Peninsula Leisure Centre, Gosford Swimming Pool and Central Coast Stadium".

The briefing session would cover financial performance over 10 years, a cost analysis and viability assessment, community and strategic benefits, relationships with external stakeholders to help run the asset, and any recent undertakings to improve asset performance and draw in additional revenue.

"Ratepayers deserve transparency regarding the use of their funds and assurance that the Council operates effectively with a solid financial foundation," said Cr Wright.

"A comprehensive review of income generating assets will highlight opportunities for revenue growth and evaluate the feasibility and practicality of retaining these assets and enable well informed decision making going forward.

"Each of these assets presents various opportunities and challenges from a cost-benefit perspective.

"As the Council transitions out of administration, it is crucial to continue evaluating these assets' operational efficiency to secure a robust financial future.

"It remains in the Council's interest to further enhance its financial position to support infrastructure growth, key projects, and ongoing operations."

In a response provided in the meeting agenda, chief executive Mr David Farmer suggested that two briefings sessions be scheduled.

"It is suggested that the first session provide a high-level overview of the financial performance of these assets over a period, the main drivers of this performance, and the investment in these assets over the same period.

"In this session the various management models, partnerships and any relevant governance aspects will also be covered.

"The Council may wish to identify specific details it wants to obtain, including the high-level aspects of viability, including any scenarios that Council may wish to explore.

"The second session would be focused on delving deeper into the drivers of performance, community and strategic benefits, and the outcome of the scenarios identified during the first session."

SOURCE:

Central Coast Council agenda 3.3, 25 Feb 2025