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Decision pending on Umina streetscape consultant
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is awaiting the decision of Gosford City Council in relation to the appointment of the consultant for the Umina Beach CBD Streetscape Masterplan.
It is the Chamber's understanding that quotations have now been received by Gosford Council for the preparation of the streetscape masterplan for the Umina Beach CBD.
We are expecting a decision by Council in the next few weeks which will enable the re-assessment of the street upgrade requirements to begin.
The Chamber has been advised that the consultancy is in two parts, with the first part being the preparation of the draft masterplan by the successful consultant.
The draft masterplan will be prepared through a combination of public consultations and assessment of existing information.
We were pleased to note that the Council had included a requirement for the traffic and pedestrian flows to be assessed in the review.
The plan will be extensively advertised after which it will be put before Council for adoption.
The second part of the consultancy will consist of a detailed design of the adopted plan so that the works can be implemented under Council’s Financial Strategy.
The Chamber will be liaising actively with Council and the consultant to ensure that the review process is completed as quickly as possible.
Now that the decision on the planning consultant is imminent, it is imperative that the review be completed in a thorough manner and that all community views are considered.
The Chamber of Commerce is continuing to push for the preparation of a Development Control Plan (DCP) for Umina Beach to deal with the long term planning issues for the CBD.
While the Chamber had advocated for the DCP to be included in the Streetscape Masterplan consultancy, the Council has decided to pursue this issue separately.
From the point of view of the landowners and business people in Umina Beach, the review of the planning controls is a logical flow-on from the streetscape review to ensure that the long term planning needs of the town centre are addressed.
Compact city
The Chamber has raised concerns over the "Shaping the Central Coast" discussion document prepared by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, which is currently on exhibition.
Of particular concern to the Chamber is the "Compact City" status of the Peninsula area.
The document is an important advance by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP) in ensuring that the community has a say in the development and growth of the Central Coast and, in particular, the Peninsula area.
In the Chamber's view, the thrust of the planning policy is in tune with the business community goals.
As a matter of principle, the Chamber has for some time advocated for environmentally-sustainable development, the ability for people to work close to home, good transport connections and a strong sense of community.
These and other issues are highlighted in the DUAP document which is currently out in the public arena for discussion.
However, like all broad-based documents, the devil will be in the detail.
The Chamber has some major concerns in relation to the emphasis by the Department on 'compact cities' to accommodate the population growth predicted for the Central Coast.
This issue is only described in the discussion document in broad terms.
The document notes that the Peninsula area is identified to become a "compact city" and is the single largest area to be so designated in the Central Coast region.
Whilst the Chamber has supported the notion of medium density development, such development comes at a price and can only be sustained if suitable services and infrastructure is provided.
It is important to ensure that the quality and standard of development on the Peninsula is continually improved and that services are provided to meet community needs.
The DUAP document is an ideal opportunity for the local community to get involved in the planning process at both a regional and local level.
Whilst the DUAP document identifies the Peninsula as having capacity for additional growth, the last thing that the business community wants is growth without corresponding infrastructure.
The Peninsula must not be made the sacrificial lamb for the rest of the Central Coast just to meet population growth targets by the State Government.
Great way to meet
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce exists for the benefit of member businesses on the Peninsula and is a great way for business people to meet, network, exchange ideas and contribute to the ever-changing shape of our local business community.
The Chamber represents retailers, professionals, trades and commercial owners, and home-based businesses alike, and is your voice at Local, State and Federal Government level.
New members
The Chamber welcomes all those new members who have joined the organisation over the last few months.
The input of new members is important to ensure that new ideas are brought into the Chamber structure and enacted.
For businesses wanting to become members of the Chamber, you can obtain information from the secretary by telephoning 4344 4930 during normal business hours.
What's on
Every third Thursday of the month, the Chamber will be holding a Business Networking Meeting at the Ettalong Beach Memorial Club from 6pm.
This is an opportunity to network with other business people and exchange ideas and information. It is also your opportunity to raise Chamber matters for discussion.
Light refreshments will be available and we will be asking special guests to briefly talk about their businesses.
Contact point
For those who require further information regarding the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and its activities, the following people can be contacted:-
President: Matthew Wales 4343 1141
Secretary: Mark Snell 4344 4930
Treasurer: Derek Britton 4343 1599
Mainstreet coordinator: Debra Wales 4342 7510
You can also visit the Chamber’s Web Page at www.peninsulachamber.asn.au or send an email to chamber@openwindows.com
Matthew Wales