Our plan has worked

It is nice to know that Mr Norman Harris is an avid reader of my column in the Express Advocate each month.

It's just a great pity he doesn't have an understanding of what I'm actually talking about (Peninsula News, October 29).

The point of the discussion was the success of a public meeting of over 100 local business people and residents laying out a plan for their future in our retail centres and that our goals, short and long term have been met.

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has been supporting local businesses for over 20 years with achievements we are very proud of.

Ettalong Beach wouldn't have a bank today if it wasn't for the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

In its 12th year the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival, organised by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, is a great success bringing thousands of people to the Peninsula.

We initiated and lobbied for CCTV cameras in our retail centres, raised over $300,000 for breast cancer research, co-ordinated a Mainstreet Program to revitalise our town centres, designed and achieved the upgrading of the Ettalong town centre beachfront with viewing decks, successfully lobbied for $2 million to continue the Ettalong Beach foreshore management plan and purchased Christmas banners, Australia Day banners and town centre Welcome Signs.

With 40 per cent youth unemployment and with little industry to provide employment opportunities, why wouldn't we welcome corporations to the Peninsula who employ local people?

It's not rocket science.

We were pro-active 10 years ago and our plan has worked.

Email, 9 Nov 2012

Debra Wales, Umina