Chamber welcomes Council decision

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Gosford Council's decision to approve a new fast food store in Ocean Beach Rd, Umina.

"The McDonalds development will also inject over $1 million in wages into the local community and $3 million in construction investment which is good news for retailers and businesses on the Peninsula," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"It is our view that the resulting jobs and wages boost to the local Umina Beach economy will strengthen the town's long term prospects.

"With one of the highest youth unemployment rates on the Central Coast, the Chamber welcomes Council's decision which will generate over 100 casual and part time jobs for young people.

"While there were varied opinions over the development, overall the Chamber sees substantial long term benefits from the project which is further evidence that major retailers see a bright future for the Umina Beach retail centre.

"McDonalds had to jump through a lot of hoops to satisfy the Council especially in relation to traffic management and parking.

"All of these issues were addressed and had the backing of the RMS (formerly the RTA).

"However, as part of Council's 8-1 decision, the trading hours for the new restaurant were trimmed back to 6: am to 12 midnight which is in line with its recent approval of the Lisarow store in August.

"It has always been the Chambers view that new business and investment is essential to the Peninsula retail centres especially when such investment generates foot traffic, competition and choice.

"With Bunnings due to open at the end of this year in the old Flemmings building coupled with recent major store investment by Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, the Umina Beach retail centre has become a major retail draw for shoppers who never used to come to West St.

"Many of these people are now coming from the Bouddi Peninsula, Empire Bay and Kincumber rather than travelling to Erina.

"This is good news for boutique retailers who will have access to more foot traffic and a wider more varied customer base.

"It's also good news for locals who will get more choice, competition and value for money at a time when we all want to shop locally if we can.

"Most important to the Chamber is the fact that McDonalds will generate over 100 new jobs for young people and more local wages will get spent in town," said Mr Wales.

Media release, 10 Oct 2012

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce