Economic project cost to be shared

The Federal Government has agreed to join with the State Government, Gosford Council and Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in sharing the cost of planning an economic development strategy for the Peninsula.

The project will cost $110,000.

Announcing the $27,500 Federal contribution, Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd said: "This important area of the Central Coast has seen a rapid increase in medium density living and it is important that local business activity is stimulated to create urgently needed local jobs."

Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales welcomed the Federal Government's contribution.

"This funding has already been matched by the State Government and Gosford Council in conjunction with pledges from the local business community."

The funding under the Federal Government’s Regional Solutions Program will enable the Chamber to engage a consultant to prepare an economic strategy for the Peninsula business community, which will incorporate research, policy development and implementation plans.

"The aim is to improve existing local business activities, identify and create new business opportunities at a local level, attract new investment and create new jobs," said Mr Wales.

The economic strategy, known as "Peninsula Vision" will also concentrate on establishing a self-funding and sustainable economic model for the Peninsula Chamber to ensure that the new strategies can be carried forward into the future.

Mr Wales said that support of the project was a credit to the State and Federal Governments in partnership with Gosford City Council and the local business community.

"The Chamber welcomes the bipartisan approach that all agencies have taken," he said.

"This is an important economic strategy which has the potential for creation of local sustainable job creation over the next five to 10 years," said Mr Wales.

Mr Lloyd said: "This is an important grant, which will allow the Peninsula Chamber to employ a project officer who will provide positive ideas and direction, for the future economic development of the Peninsula.

"The project is designed to leave the Chamber and the Peninsula community with the tools to continue to take positive effective action into the future," he said.

Media releases, May 29, June 2