Chamber proposes economic vision

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has sought support from Gosford Council for an "Economic Development Vision for the Peninsula".

The chamber asked the council to contribute a quarter of the project's $100,000 cost.

Other funding will be sought from the State and Federal Governments, corporate sponsors and Peninsula businesses.

Council invited the chamber to make a formal presentation to the council.

The project aimed to provide direction for business activity and to increase employment on the Peninsula.

The chamber's proposal said the focus of its report would be the development of practical action plans to create local employment.

To shape the "vision", the project would undertake research, policy development and consultation.

The chamber hoped the outcome of the project would enable it to employ one or more people in both policy and job creation roles on a self-funding basis.

The project was intended to develop a framework that facilitates the aspirations of the community, business and government.

Council's general manager, Mr Peter Wilson, said: "A district-based approach to economic development is an innovative approach."

"The proposal is considered to have significant merit and, if successful, could form a template for similar initiatives in other parts of the city," he said.

However, Mr Wilson said the project, if it were to go ahead, would have limits imposed on it.

He said the project must be a sub-element of the Council's City Vision and not be in conflict with the wider plan.

Other economic development agencies such as the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation should be taken into account to avoid duplication.

Economic activity on the Peninsula should not be to the detriment of other parts of Gosford City.

Council should be part of the project team and Council would retain the right to endorse or reject the final outcomes of the project, he said.

Mr Wilson said the council should not be part of the project if it were to be scaled down due to a lack of funding.

Council decided that representatives from the Central Coast Regional Development Corporation, the Area Consultative Committee, the Premier's Department, Central Coast Economic Development Board and Central Coast Tourism should also be present at the formal presentation.

Chamber secretary, Mr Mark Snell said the project was partially the result of a talk given by mayor Cr Chris Holstein to the Chamber some months ago, where he asked the Chamber to work with the Council for the community's benefit.

"We believe this project is the single most important project that could be undertaken for the long-term benefit of the community," he said.

Carl Spears, August 16