Power project nears completion

The final phase of the underground power project in the Umina Beach town centre is nearing completion.

The last of the overhead power lines and power poles were being removed, according to Peninsula Mainstreet coordinator, Mrs Debra Wales.

"We weren't prepared to give up," said Mrs Wales.

"The underground power project originally started as part of the 1998 Financial Strategy under the Wires Away program and the town has been very patient as the work has slowly progressed.

"But we knew that it would make a dramatic difference to the way the main street looked.

"People forget how visually unattractive the overhead power lines can be".

Mrs Wales said that although the progress had been painstaking, the Chamber of Commerce was elated that Energy Australia was close to finalizing the work.

"At a time when retailers are under enormous pressure competing for the consumer dollar, improving the way the main street looks is part of process of attracting customers back to traditional shopping centres."

Mrs Wales said that it was a credit to the local business community to have so much patience as the work progressed.

"Retailers went through a lot of inconvenience but the long term benefits of an improved streetscape will be worth the trouble.

"There is no doubt that customers will note the dramatic difference".

Press release, January 22 Debra Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce