Supporting local business?

Debra Wales' column in the Express Advocate on October 19 appears innocuous until you read the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's motto "supporting local business".

There is no reference to local business other than Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings and McDonalds.

Back up information is missing from Debra's column.

There must be a follow-up report explaining how the chamber is "supporting local business" other than Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings and McDonalds.

Have I missed something in the detail?

The major businesses mentioned would have tens of millions of dollars in their advertising and promotions budgets.

Why do they require support from the chamber?

Is this a local phenomenon or standard business practice?

Is there a conflict of interest?

When the Bunnings DA was approved, specific conditions were imposed to direct truck movements to and from the site located in West St, Umina.

Additional traffic management conditions have been included in the McDonalds consent.

Traffic volume must increase.

There will be greater use of West St and Ocean Beach Rd; queuing is a sign of progress.

The main street program may not be ticking all the boxes.

It hasn't ticked many for me.

Letter, 24 Oct 2012

Norman Harris, Umina