Funding announced for economic vision project
A $110,000 economic development project designed to create local jobs in sustainable businesses will be undertaken on the Peninsula over the next six months.
The State Government last week announced it would join the Federal Government, Gosford Council and local businesses in sharing the cost of the project.
An initiative of Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the project will create a local economic development strategy, to be known as "Peninsula Vision".
Announcing the Department of State and Regional Development grant, NSW Minister for Regional Development Mr Harry Woods said the funding would enable the Chamber to engage a consultant to prepare an economic strategy for the Peninsula business community which would incorporate research, policy development and implementation plans.
"The State Government is always looking for ways to work in partnership with communities to generate jobs and economic growth," he said.
"The Chamber welcomes the State Governments support for the economic strategy," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.
Mr Wales said the economic strategy would also establish a self-funding and sustainable economic model for the Peninsula Chamber to ensure that the new strategies could be carried forward into the future.
"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," he said.
Mr Wales said that support of the project was a credit to all levels of government as well as the local business community.
"By supporting this project, the State Government has affirmed its commitment to the Peninsula and future of the business community.
"This commitment is further enhanced by the State Government's decision to establish the new roads and transport office at the Clocktower building in Woy Woy.
"The Chamber welcomes the bipartisan approach that all agencies have taken. This is an important economic strategy that has the potential for creation of local sustainable job creation over the next five to 10 years."
Federal Member for Robertson, Mr Jim Lloyd, said the $27,500 Federal funding was provided under the Federal Governments Regional Solutions Program, which was designed to help regional and rural communities find local solutions to local challenges.
"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," he said.
He said the funding would allow the Peninsula Chamber to engage consultants, who would provide positive ideas and direction for the future economic development of the Peninsula area.
"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."
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