Peninsula Chamber of Commerce newsletter

As our community develops and our towns progress, there is the inevitable clash between those who remember the "good old days" and those who want the community to move forward.
There are good and bad arguments for both.
The Chamber respects those in our community who moved to the area many years ago for a variety of reasons including the peaceful lifestyle and the "lack" of development and services.
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
However, there is now a young and enthusiastic generation out there who have young families with hopes and aspirations for the future.
Change is upon us which is evidenced over the last five to 10 years with the pace of development in our region.
There has been much editorial in recent months over development, progress and change with some sections of the community resisting the exciting projects that are pending.
Their fears should be respected and it is appropriate to ensure that new developments are assessed carefully and in an informed manner.
But lets not be afraid of change. It brings enormous benefits.
It should be remembered that change is inevitable in order to bring improved services to our business and residential communities.
Many will remember the uproar over the water and sewer reticulation in the 1970’s. What would we do without these services now?
Well-considered and environmentally-sustainable development can bring huge benefits to the community and the Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with Gosford City Council and the community to ensure that this occurs in a balanced way.
F3 FREEWAY
The Chamber has backed the Federal Member for Robertson, Jim Lloyd’s formation of a bi-partisan F3 Freeway Working Group designed to help devise answers to the growing congestion of the road link to Sydney.
The working group is a vital part of the freeway issue and has been established initially through the Area Consultative Committee with Chamber representation.
Thousands of commuters leave the Peninsula every day and it is intended that the working group will put forward ideas to solve the short and long term problems of the freeway.
Suggestions for short term improvements such as improved traffic management systems, car pooling (with interchange parking), truck restrictions during peak hours, increased bus links and camera monitoring will be put forward by the Chamber.
INTERSECTION
The Chamber was pleased to receive confirmation from the State Government through Marie Andrew’s office last week that $100,000 will be made available to Gosford City Council in July 1999 for the upgrading of the Maitland Bay Drive and Picnic Parade intersection.
It has also been confirmed by Jim Lloyd's office that the Federal Government will also be contributing funds towards the works.
This should substantially alleviate Council’s concerns as to how the works will be funded with $300,000 being required for the construction work.
Council has responded to the Chamber’s earlier inquiries and has advised that the construction will involve a "seagull" intersection rather than a roundabout although at the time of writing were unaware of any State Government commitment to funds.
Upgrading
Gosford City Council is now well advanced with the street upgrading works in Ettalong Beach with the continuation of the revitalisation of the business centre.
The new car park behind the Commonwealth Bank is now complete and will provide a major boost to the parking problems in the town centre.
The footpath repaving works are continuing with the area adjacent to the Ettalong Hotel now finished.
FERRY UPDATE
The Chamber is advised that the supplementary reports required by Council are due to be lodged within the next two weeks for Council’s consideration.
It is also understood that Fast Ships Pty Limited, the ferry operator, has now selected the ship builder to construct the new Ettalong-Sydney fast ferry with a formal announcement due shortly.
The Chamber views this project as being vital in providing an alternative means of high speed transport between Sydney and the Central Coast.
The fast ferry is part of the infrastructure links that will be needed to reduce the pressure on both the rail and road system as well as providing new employment opportunities for our youth and investment opportunities for the business community.
Managed change and sensible debate as to the future of our area is important to all of us.
Equally, ensuring that we have the right information on which to make decisions is paramount.
Congratulations to Peninsula Community Access News in providing that forum.

Matthew Wales, President