Policy is 'wonderful news'

The Ettalong Beach Business Group has hailed the approval of the Citywide Business Improvement District policy as "wonderful news".

Business group member Mr Ray Dearlove said: "Our proposal for funding under the BID program has been subjected to intense scrutiny and we are delighted that it has been approved."

Mr Dearlove said the injection of seed funding of $25,000 a year for three years from the BID would enable Ettalong Beach to continue to grow and prosper.

"The first step will be a community meeting, to which all business and residents of Ettalong Beach will be invited, at which a list of priorities will be established for the future direction of Ettalong Beach," Mr Dearlove said.

"As with all projects, this will require community effort and support and we are confident that the future of Ettalong Beach is both exciting and bright.

"The Ettalong Beach Business Group would like to thank Gosford Council for its support over the past years in getting our proposal approved."

According to Mr Dearlove, the group has been busy distributing more than 10,000 brochures that promote the village, launching a new website, dramatically improving the Ettalong

Beach foreshore, the Ferry Rd Wharf area, the planter boxes along Memorial

Ave, and the general tidiness of the town by holding monthly clean-ups.

"This effort is obviously paying off as evidenced by the recent opening of six new shops in the town and the quality development of the Normason's Corner building," Mr Dearlove said.

"In addition, the building of the two new viewing platforms along The Esplanade, which will start within a few weeks, will make a significant difference to the previously overgrown and un-maintained foreshore."

Press release, 8 Jul 2010 Ray Dearlove, Ettalong Beach Business Group