Central Coast News

Local firefighters have received a safety boost with Saratoga Fire and Rescue getting a brand new tanker. The truck features four-wheel drive capability, to help with navigating rough terrain. It can also carry 3,500 litres of water for an emergency. Its cabin protection features, including a water spray system, are a huge advantage for the crew. It means all Fire and Rescue crews on the coast are now up to date, and will be able to seek shelter inside their tankers, while saving lives and protecting property.   Audio in parts.

Today marked the start of the case against the Wallarah 2 Coal Mine approval in the Land and Environment Court. The Australian Coal Alliance launched the legal proceedings, alleging if mining goes ahead the Central Coast’s drinking water could be put at risk.  

A man has died in hospital after allegedly being assaulted outside a Gosford shopping centre last week. The 57-year-old was taken to Sydney’s Royal North Shore on Tuesday night in a critical condition, but later passed away. Police allege the victim was knocked unconscious during an altercation with a 20-year-old man outside the Erina Street centre. He remains in custody on assault charges and is due to appear in Gosford Local Court next week. Police say the charges are under review. (VISION ONLY)

And on the Central Coast, thousands have gathered to pay their respects to those who served, and those who fell in World War One, 100 years on.  

To other news now and for seafood lovers, it was all you could eat at the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival today. The event returned to the coast for its 18th year, but this time, at a new site – Ettalong Markets. A crowd of 30,000 people came by to enjoy fine wine, craft beer and food from around the globe….as well as some live music.

Ex-military personnel were honoured at Gosford’s Entertainment Grounds today for the Australian Spirit Family Fun Day. Military displays and a parade complemented stalls in support of former defence workers. The event was also used to launch an initiative to get Central Coast businesses thinking about opportunities for veterans in their chosen civilian careers. Funds raised today go to Integra Service Dogs, helping Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder recovery.

Avoca Beach firefighters were tasked with an out of the ordinary job, rescuing a magpie tangled in fishing wire and dangling from a power line. An RFS crew assessed it was safe to cut ‘Spot’ free, with a device fashioned from long poles, duck tape and a sharp knife. It took about 20 minutes to disentangle the bird to the ground, before he was set free to return to his partner and young chick.

The fighting spirit of two Central Coast residents has seen them recognised in Australia’s most prestigious social justice awards. Outspoken Anglican Priest, Rod Bower is among those in the running for a Human Rights Medal next month.

Concerns are held for a Central Coast man who was last seen over a week ago. 33-year-old, Jaan McKnight failed to return to his home in Gunderman about 10km south-east of Wisemans Ferry, on Monday 29 October. Police say his vehicle was last seen in Mount Kuring-Gai last Friday, November 2. He is described as Caucasian in appearance, about 185cm tall, with thin build and short brown hair, and may be travelling to Victoria in a 2002 model Silver Holden Commodore sedan. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The Shadow Transport Minister was on the Central Coast today, attempting to carry on business as usual with a long-awaited announcement regarding lifts at Tuggerah train station. The last minute trip north an attempt by the Opposition to bring focus back to policy.