Chamber calls for election commitments

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales is calling on federal election candidates to commit to key Peninsula projects leading up to the election.

"We hope that the announcement by the mayor of Gosford City Council, Lawrie McKinna that he is entering the race for the seat of Robertson as an independent will result in a greater level of commitment by the major parties," said Mr Wales.

"We know that mayor McKinna is passionate, as we are, about the Gosford region and has certainly been supportive of our local projects from day one.

"While the calibre of the federal candidates is very high, we are disappointed that our major projects for the Woy Woy Peninsula have failed to gain support by the major parties.

"The Chamber has made representations to both major parties on our Roads 2025 strategy, the Ettalong Ferry Wharf project and the Woy Woy Grandstand redevelopment.

"We are looking to all the candidates, including Lawrie McKinna, to commit to funding for these projects and ensure that they come to fruition as the mayor did when finding the last component of funding for the Ettalong Beach Foreshore.

"Our key project is the funding of our 10 worst roads and intersections which are vital for good business and a safer road environment," said Mr Wales.

Mr Wales said the Chamber was concerned that with a population of some 36,000 people, 85 per cent of the Peninsula roads are not kerbed and guttered, have little or no drainage and unsafe footpaths.

"We want all candidates to support the Chamber's Roads 2025 Program so as to kick start the rehabilitation of the local roads and give real assistance to Gosford City Council to undertake reconstruction works over a realistic time period," said Mr Wales.

"The Chamber has three priority intersections in urgent need of upgrading including the widening of the Rawson Rd intersection, Woy Woy; a new roundabout at Maitland Bay Dr and Picnic Pde and the signalization of the MacMasters Rd and Blackwall Rd intersection.

"We also want commitments for the funding of the Ferry Wharf and transport interchange at Bangalow St at Ettalong Beach which is fully approved and has been costed at just under $5 million.

"It is a 'ready to go' project that integrates with the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Masterplan works currently under construction.

"The ferry wharf and interchange would encourage major investment in the Woy Woy Peninsula and boost tourism and retail growth.

Media release, 20 Aug 2013

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce