THURSDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2025
YOUR WEEKLY INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER
ISSUE #516
+ DAILY IN DIGITAL CoastCommunityNews.com.au
SEE PAGE 16
Fight to save iconic amusement park
News
P10 Protected Blue Groper killed at Terrigal Haven
Out&About
P4
Cr Rachel Stanton with ferris wheel owner Brenton Pavier and Johanna Haas
P15
Residents in shock after Koolewong fire claims 16 homes The community is still reeling after a devastating bushfire destroyed 16 homes and damaged a further nine at Koolewong on Saturday, December 6.
Crews from Avoca Beach Rural Fire Brigade were among those battling the blaze Photo: Captain, Avoca Beach Rural Fire Brigade
Specialist fire investigators continue to look into the blaze as fire crews remain on the ground making the area safe and ensuring remaining trees are structurally sound. News of the fire first broke at around 1pm on Saturday at which time four homes had been lost, with reports of more homes destroyed surfacing during the afternoon and early evening and the fire jumping Woy Woy Bay due to a northerly wind and putting homes
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at Phegans Bay and nearby suburbs at risk. A downpour of rain at around 7.30pm, along with a reduction in wind, gave a blessed reprieve to firefighters and residents but concerns remained that more fires would flare up with 103 hectares burnt at that stage. A spokesperson for the Rural Fire Service said there were around 250 firefighters on the scene at the height of the blaze, along with multiple aircraft, and although the fire was declared contained on Tuesday afternoon, crews would remain on site in coming days. Continued page 8
Sport
P31 Powerhouse Jai retains world title PUZZLES PAGE 18