5 @ 5 Central Coast News – August 23, 2019
5 @ 5 August 23 Central Coast Video News 5 Published at 2019, August 23 Show More
Lead Story – Air Pollution at Wyee
A report by Nature Conservation Council released this week claims that Sulfur- dioxide levels in the air at Wyee have exceeded levels recommended by the World Health Organization. The report says levels of SO2 (sulfur dioxide) in the suburb, which is about 1 km from Vales Point power station, have climbed sharply over the past 3 years, exceeding WHO guidelines 6 times in 2018. The Council say high SO2 levels pose serious health risks and are associated with low birth-weight in newborns, respiratory disease and premature deaths.
Steve Gurney, Spokesperson Delta Energy.
The owner of Vales Point Station, Delta Energy, said the report is misleading. Central Coast news met with Delta spokesperson, Steve Guerney. The National Environment Protection Council is currently undertaking a review of Air Quality Measures which includes national standards for sulfur dioxide. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
Blue Haven School is Australian School of the Year
The Blue Haven Public School community is celebrating a momentous double win at the Australian Education Awards held over the weekend.
Paul McDermott, Principal of Blue Haven Public School
The school was named Primary School of the Year, with Principal, Paul McDermott, also taking out Principal of the Year. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
Gosford RSL threatened by local man
An East Gosford man fronted Gosford Court on Wednesday charged with allegedly threatening to burn down Gosford RSL Club. Police allege the 66-year-old arrived at the Club with a flammable liquid on Tuesday evening and threatened to set it alight after being expelled from the venue for being intoxicated earlier that night.
Russel Cooper, CEO Gosford RSL
We spoke with RSL CEO Russell Cooper. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
Council implements Coast Wide Tree removal policy
Council has voted to tighten requirements for tree removal on the Central Coast. Going forward, applications to remove trees or limbs will require a report from an AQ5-level certifier. The vote has met with mixed reactions.
Sue Chidgey, local environmental advocate.
In related news, the Council has also released its draft Greener Spaces Strategy for public comment. The report says that the suburbs on the Peninsula have seen the greatest losses of tree cover, declining by 173 hectares in the 10 years to 2014.
Melissa Chandler, spokesperson Grow Urban Shade Trees GUST
It says the Peninsula now has less than 10 per cent of it original tree canopy cover. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
Therapy Dog Program at Gosford Courthouse a Winner
A therapy dog program that eases stress for Gosford Court users will be extended for a further 12 months. Attorney General, Mark Speakman, said the Canine Court Companion Program has received overwhelming support from court users. 
He said the NSW Government would continue to fund Guide Dogs NSW to keep the service operating at Gosford until at least July, 2020. The dogs are present in foyers, waiting rooms, safe rooms and witness rooms offering support and easing stress to court users. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
New mid-week Farmers Market at Avoca becoming popular
A new weekly farmers market has started up in Avoca Beach. Now in its third month, the markets are attracting larger numbers of locals and farmers alike.
Ellen Rubbo, founder Avoca Farmers Market
The markets are the initiative of passionate local Ellen Rubbo, who says the markets aim to lower food mileage, support local farmers and bring awareness to seasonal eating and where our food is grown. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
Sport
Surfing legend wins new title
In sport this week, we spoke to Budgewoi surfing legend Sandra English. Sandra runs the Central Coast Surf School and is a pioneer of women’s surfing on the Central Coast and across Australia.
Sandra English, Champion surfer and educator.
Last Wednesday, Sandra won her 14th Australian surfing title at the Australian Surf Championships. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
Local Rugby Semi-finals preview
This weekend promises another exciting rugby clash in the Saturdays knock-out Minor Semi-final between Gosford and The Lakes at Woy Woy Oval. Gosford have beaten The Lakes twice during the season but have been impacted by injuries in recent weeks. Both teams know their season is on the line – the winner will go play the loser of major semi-finalists Terrigal and Ourimbah in 2 weeks time. [Link: Jump straight to this story in on our YouTube Channel]
Presented by Georgia Lienemann.
Camera & video production, Alex Herget
Interviewers, David Abrahams & Ross Barry
Editorial production Ross Barry
Produced by Community News Partners for Central Coast Newspapers, Copyright August 23, 2019.