Christmas holiday trading was successful
By all reports, the Christmas holiday trading period was a great success for businesses in all the Peninsula town centres.
Retailers are reporting increased trade figures which bode well for the balance of the financial year.
The year 2000 will be a big year for Peninsula business with the upgrades of the three town centres due for completion under Gosford City Council's Financial Strategy.
Woy Woy CBD
Council has advised that street upgrading works will commence at the beginning of February in the Woy Woy town centre once the peak retailing period tapers off.
It now appears that Council will be including the provision of underground power in the main street as part of the footpath upgrading.
The provision of underground power was one of the prime objectives of the Strategic Planning Workshop held in Woy Woy in early 1998 through the Peninsula Mainstreet program.
Placing overhead cables underground will greatly enhance the visual amenity of the main street.
Also included in the upgrading works will be the development of the Woy Woy Library forecourt area.
The forecourt construction will provide Woy Woy with a focal point that will assist in developing the character of the town centre.
Ettalong Beach CBD
The New Year has seen the commencement of the Picnic Parade landscaping and entry works with the construction of the raised garden beds and flag post areas.
These works will create an important landscape statement for visitors coming to Ettalong Beach to shop and eat at the new restaurants and cafes.
It is a credit to the Ettalong Beach CBO Building Committee and Gosford City Council that the upgrading works have been undertaken and completed well within schedule and on budget.
Fast Ferry
As reported in last month's issue, the fast ferry reports were presented to Gosford City Council on December 7.
The gallery at the Council's Chambers was packed with ferry supporters who witnessed the approval being issued by Gosford City Council and cheered loudly at the result.
The approval was granted with eight Councillors supporting the recommendation and one against.
This is an extremely important event.
By approving the fast ferry proposal, Council has invested in the future of the city with major transport that will provide investment opportunities for the community.
However, the approval was not without numerous conditions.
The fast ferry company will now need to ensure that the service meets those conditions and to undertake to complete the design process in accordance with the conditions laid down by Council.
Year 2000
The Chamber looks forward to this new year and wishes all a prosperous 12 months ahead.
There are many issues on which to focus with the Chamber's big gala event in July, the Year 2000 Peninsula Chamber Business Awards.
Matthew Wales, January 14