The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and its members are proud to take part in the publication as it will provide a community-based forum for Peninsula specific issues.

The following update is provided by the Chamber:

The supplementary reports being prepared by the Ettalong Beach fast ferry proponent Fast Ships Pty Limited, are being finalised as a result of the consultative approach with the community through the Ettalong Beach to Sydney Fast Ferry Sunset Committee.

This Council committee consists of community representatives together with Council and Fast Ships with the aim to identify and address the communities concerns.

It is chaired by Councillor Lynne Bockholt and its meetings attended by Councillor Judith Penton.

The Chambers view is that the fast ferry project is vital so to attract investment and employment opportunities to the Peninsula into the next millennia.

This is a dynamic region and the fast ferry service will provide and exciting link into new investment opportunities.

The adoption of the Woy Woy DCP has been deferred for approximately 6 weeks by Gosford City Council for some amendments to the plan.

These amendments came about as a result of community imput during the recent public meetings.

I am pleased to note that many of the recommendations made by the Chamber have been taken on board by the Council’s consultants Keys Young for inclusion in the draft plan.

It is anticipated that the revised plan will be returned to Council in approximately six weeks after which the final plan will be re-exhibited.

The Chamber has been advised that the Ettalong Beach Resort is still awaiting final Stage 1 building approvals for the commencement of bulk excavation works on the basement level car park.

Therefore, the construction on the project will be delayed for approximately one month.

The Chamber has welcomed the announcement by the State Government during the election that an amount of $100,000 has been allocated to the upgrading of the Maitland Bay Drive and Picnic Parade Intersection at Ettalong Beach.

This intersection has been notorious over recent years for long delays and accidents and has been the source of much complaint by both local residents and the business community.

However, the Chamber is concerned that the $100,000 allocated by the State Government will not be sufficient to fully upgrade the intersection.

It is understood that the upgrade would involve a roundabout rather than a simple right turn storage lane and slip lane.

Consequently, the Chamber has written to both Gosford City Council and Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews to establish the nature of the work to be carried out, the projected cost and when the State Government funds will be made available.