Levy forms part of Peninsula Vision

I refer to the letter by Mr Scott Wall of Umina (Peninsula News, December 13) in relation to the proposed Special Rate Levy for the Peninsula CBDs and his concerns regarding the public consultation process in relation to this matter.

It is important to note that the Special Rate Levy forms part of the Peninsula Vision project which has been undertaken by the Chamber of Commerce over the last three years, in consultation with Gosford Council, the NSW State Government and the Commonwealth who have all contributed substantial funds to the $100,000 budget.

The project was undertaken by the independent consulting firm APP, which conducted extensive community focus group meetings in close consultation with councillors, community leaders and the business community.

The Peninsula Vision document was extensively advertised and closely reviewed by the business community and government authorities and was adopted by all levels of Government during 2004.

One of the underpinning recommendations was the introduction of the Special Rate Levy, which would provide a funding source to implement the key projects needed to improve business, encourage new businesses, attract investment and create employment opportunities.

Prior to the adoption of the levy by Gosford Council, the proposal was extensively advertised in all sections of the media and submissions invited from the public.

Quite frankly, the Special Rate Levy has undergone one of the most rigorous assessment processes possible.

The meeting at the Umina Beach Bowling Club, to which Mr Wall refers, was one of many meetings and consultation processes undertaken by the Chamber of Commerce and Gosford Council.

Mr Wall has focused on some of the capital works projects identified in the Special Rate Levy budget and it is agreed that any works undertaken should not necessarily include works that Council would normally be responsible for within its own Capital Works Program.

However, there are two other highly important components to the levy.

Firstly, the budget includes a substantial increase in the street cleaning, maintenance and security arrangements for each of the Peninsula town centres.

Secondly, funds have been allocated to the employment of a Peninsula-based business development officer specifically responsible to the needs of the local business community.

This person will be resourced with funds to hold events and promotions in each of the town centres and assist businesses in improving the way they conduct their operations.

Most importantly, the Special Rate Levy is administered by the business community, not Gosford Council.

The budget is set in collaboration with the Council and is reviewed and audited each year.

But it is the business people of the Peninsula who set the direction.

For the first time on the Peninsula, the business community will be adequately resourced to look after their key asset - the town centres.

This model has worked very successfully in the Gosford CBD and is to be implemented in a modified version in the Terrigal CBD.

The concerns of Mr Wall are noted and it is agreed that expenditure of levy funds should be carefully and strategically targeted.

The Chamber would welcome further consultation with Mr Wall so as to redress any further concerns he may have.

But at the end of the day, the Chamber takes the view that we sometimes have to help ourselves instead of relying on others to do things that may otherwise take years to happen.

I will gladly pay the levy as I see this as an investment in the future of my own business.

Matthew Wales, Umina Beach Peninsula Chamber President