Chamber welcomes Umina options
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the display of the Umina Village Masterplan options for public comment.
Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales said the consultation was "off to a good start" following the information sessions at Ocean Beach Surf Club on Wednesday, August 15.
"We realize its early days yet, but the options presented to land owners and business people at the briefing were a good start to the public consultation process which will now run for 28 days," said Mr Wales.
"On show were the proposed traffic options for the Umina retail centre and various proposals for the future civic space around the Bullion St car park.
"We need to remember that this is a long term plan for the next 20 years although the Chamber has been firm in its view that there must not be any reduction in the current car parking spaces in the town and West Street traffic flow needs to be maintained.
"Umina is very successful at the moment so we don't want big changes over a short period that will disrupt the successful balance between business and community.
"Council's consultants have taken the key Chamber issues on board which we were pleased to see reflected in the draft plans.
"The proposals for the civic space around the Bullion St car park will receive a lot of scrutiny.
"The Chamber will be looking to ensure that parking and accessibility to West St are not compromised by the possible future construction of a mix of civic-retail and multi-level car parking in Bullion St.
"While we appreciate that Council is planning for the future, the proposals need to be realistic and adaptable to the changing needs of the business community.
"We are encouraged by Council's proposals to improve key intersections so that customers can enter and exit the town more easily including the possibility of a new roundabout at Wellington St and Trafalgar Ave.
"The Chamber will be providing detailed comment during the exhibition period and encourages both businesses and residents to have their say.
"The more input provided the better so that Council fully understands the needs of the community," said Mr Wales.
Media Release, 15 Aug 2012
Matthew Wales, peninsula Chamber of Commerce