Chamber backs Ettalong rezoning

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has backed the proposed rezoning of the old Ettalong Beach Club site to allow a development of up to seven storeys.

"The current approval for the old club site is for a basement level and ground level car park which is required under the original development consent for the recently completed resort project," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"In our view, it would be extremely unsatisfactory to simply have an open car park in the middle of town when it could be incorporated in a redevelopment of the airspace above.

"From a town planning perspective, the failure to use the airspace would be a gross under-utilization of such a valuable resource especially when the proposed development could provide valuable retail floor space and a range of residential accommodation," said Mr Wales.

"The proposal by the Ettalong Beach Club and Multiplex has the potential to elevate Ettalong Beach as highly desirable boutique tourist retail centre with a unique range of residential accommodation close to services and the Ettalong foreshore.

"The proposal of course requires council to amend the current planning instrument to permit the proposed uses. This is something that the Business Chamber supports especially if it generates improved business conditions for the town centre."

Mr Wales said that Ettalong Beach has gone through a tough period in recent years with the closure of its last bank and the upheaval over the Outrigger Resort development.

"Ettalong Beach deserves all the success it is currently experiencing with the opening of the new Ettalong Beach Club, the impending opening of the Outrigger Resort and the new Ettalong Beach Community Bendigo Bank.

"The proposed rezoning and redevelopment of the old club site will further enhance Ettalong's reputation as a positive place to do business."

Press release, January 12 Mathew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce