Chamber says foreshore upgrade is important

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales has described the Ettalong foreshore upgrade as "an important piece of public infrastructure that will help activate the foreshore and draw visitors to the area".

Speaking following the official sod turning ceremony on Friday, May 24, he said: "These works are a culmination of nearly 18 years of lobbying by the Peninsula Chamber in order to have the foreshore upgraded so that the area can recover its iconic status as a tourist destination.

"This is important, and vital investment in the local community will demonstrate Council's commitment to boosting the fortunes of the Ettalong Beach town centre.

"For too many years the foreshore has been left to degrade with efforts by the Peninsula Chamber to turn the fortunes of the area around starting in 1995.

"It is important to note the ongoing commitments made by former Federal Member for Robertson Belinda Neal and current Federal Member Deborah O'Neill who both delivered millions of dollars to various stages of the project including the $2 million committed by the Federal Government for the current works.

"Gosford Council should also be congratulated for recognising the importance of the project and allocating nearly $3 million to ensure that the works are fully completed.

"The local business community took great comfort from the words of the new general manager Mr Paul Anderson when he re-affirmed Council's 'open for business' policy.

"This bodes well for our local retail precincts and especially the fortunes of the Ettalong Beach town centre," said Mr Wales.

Media Release, 25 May 2013

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce