Chamber backs 'retail boom'

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the Chamber has backed the "retail boom currently driving development in the emerging Umina retail precinct", following the recent opening of a new supermarket in Trafalgar Ave and the approval of a new hardware store in West St.

"The local business community and consumers are starting to reap the benefits of the strengthening retail market in Umina Beach," said Mr Wales.

"With last year's Coles refurbishment, the new Woolworths Supermarket, the recent opening of the Aldi store and the approval by Council of the Bunnings Hardware outlet, consumers will be the winners with improved competition and choice.

"This has not happened by accident," he said.

Mr Wales said retailers had been attracted to the retail precinct as a result of the concerted efforts of the Chamber to point out the benefits of doing business on the Peninsula.

"The combined effect of these new business opportunities is the creation of over 200 jobs in the precinct and over $1 million per annum in wages.

"Should Council support the McDonalds application on Ocean Beach Rd, the net effect will be over 300 jobs and over $2 million in wages.

"This is money that will be pumped back into the local economy which will support retail business across the board.

"It is important to remember that new retail business and wider choice attracts more foot traffic, more customers and increases spending power in the shopping centre.

"It also creates opportunities for young people to gain casual and part time work that would not otherwise be available.

"The Chamber is also backing Gosford Council's Umina Village Structure Plan with specialist planning consultants due to be appointed later this month to undertake a series of public workshops.

"The structure plan will examine traffic, pedestrian, landscaping and civic space issues so as to ensure that the future development of the Umina Beach town centre is carefully planned.

"Whilst the Chamber is mindful of the impacts of big retailers on small business, it is supportive of new job opportunities, increased choice and improvements to the vibrancy of the main street.

"After nearly 12 years of hard work starting with the Peninsula Main Street Program and the Council's 1998 Financial Strategy, Umina Beach is now coming of age and becoming a retail centre to rival the best on the Coast", said Mr Wales.

Media Release, 16 Nov 2011 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce