Chamber seeks election promises

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has listed its election priorities for potential candidates for the upcoming council elections with the focus on upgrading and reconstructing key roads on the Peninsula.

"It's a sad reality that there has been a lack of funding for the upgrading and reconstruction of key roads on the Peninsula with many in such a bad state of repair that it is putting the safety of motorists and pedestrians at risk," said Peninsula Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"With the upcoming local government elections due on the September 8, the Chamber will be approaching candidates with its list of priorities with the focus on road repairs-reconstruction and CBD improvements.

"The Chamber will be pushing for increased road funding for the Lone Pine Ave reconstruction, Springwood Ave reconstruction and Bourke Rd repairs.

"It will also seek commitments for improvements to the Rawson Rd roundabout and the intersections at Dunban Ave-Ocean Beach Rd and Lone Pine Ave-Ocean Beach Rd.

"These are key pieces of transport infrastructure that have been sadly neglected over successive years and yet need to be urgently addressed.

"Further funding for footpath upgrades in the Woy Woy town centre will be sought together with funding to implement the recommendations arising from the Umina Village Structure Plan," said Mr Wales.

Mr Wales said the Chamber would also push for more funding to continue the foreshore upgrading works from Ettalong Beach to Umina Beach including a masterplan for the section between the Ocean Beach and Umina Beach Surf Clubs," said Mr Wales.

"It still amazes people that we have such a magnificent beachfront which can hardly be seen from the road yet absolutely no decent pedestrian infrastructure to access this area.

"Here we are trying to attract visitors to the area yet no-one can take full advantage of one our best assets.

"The Chamber will also be seeking an undertaking from potential candidates for the continued support by Council for the highly successful and long running Brisbane Water Oyster Festival which is now in its 11th year.

"With Council now committed to a partnership arrangement with the Chamber for 2012 together with the Ettalong Beach Club, we are looking forward to securing the long term success of the Festival which attracts over 20,000 people to Ettalong Beach.

"We obviously wish all candidates success in the upcoming elections and look forward to the new Council working closely with the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the local business community," said Mr Wales.

Media Release, 30 Aug 2012

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce