Businesses invited to rates levy night

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has begun delivering invitations to businesses on the Peninsula for a public information night to discuss a planned business levy.

The meeting is expected to outline the benefits to the local business community of the introduction of a council rates levy.

Cr Terri Latella initiated the move at the August 24 council meeting, stating a proposal with support from both local community and business associations should be brought to council.

The proposed business levy would result in a "place management" body for the Peninsula that would include a board of management, a primary funding stream including the business levy, a strategic plan and a business plan.

The structure of the proposed business levy would be similar to that in Gosford and would fund several main activities in the area that would include additional cleaning, security and capital works.

The levy would also fund asset maintenance and a part-time coordinator to handle marketing and business growth.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Mathew Wales has said the levy was extremely important for the Peninsula business community, because a levy would enable them to create jobs and foster business growth.

The public meeting will be held on Wednesday November 17 at Club Umina at 7pm.

The event has been organised by the Chamber and Gosford Council, and senior council staff will attend to explain the proposed rate structure

Lyle Stone, November 11