Chamber back Tesrol plan

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has backed council's decision to defer the Tesrol development application so that the applicant can bring back revised plans for further consideration.

"The Chamber is anxious to see good quality commercial and residential development on this key site in Ettalong Beach" said Chamber President Mr Matthew Wales.

"Above all else, it is our view that any proposal for the old club car park site is designed to the highest possible standard and delivers sustainable outcomes for both the community and those who will live in the new complex.

"Ettalong Beach has experienced one of its best summers, in terms of business, on record and this is largely attributed to the Outrigger Resort and the new Ettalong Beach Club.

"The economic benefits of these key developments have been substantial.

"It has brought both locals and visitors alike back into the town centre which, in turn, has created jobs and improved business turnover.

"The success of this summer clearly demonstrates that good quality developments which target key business growth areas such as local tourism produce far reaching economic benefits.

"The Tesrol site will have similar outcomes if we give the applicant the ability to be innovative in the design process," said Mr Wales.

Mr Wales said that good quality, well-articulated, moderately-scaled buildings will enhance the Ettalong Beach town centre and set design standards for future redevelopment in the precinct.

"Clearly the State Government through the Metropolitan Strategy will be targeting local town centres for additional residential accommodation," Mr Wales said.

"We have to be mindful that this is what the State Government will be pushing.

"So as a community, we have to ensure that the design outcomes are sustainable and that the local infrastructure is upgraded to accommodate any population increase.

"The Tesrol development is part of that process and it is our view that it is far better to work collaboratively with the property owners so as to achieve the best possible outcomes."

Mr Wales said that the applicant had gone to a great deal of expense to prepare an economic assessment and strategic plan for the Ettalong Beach CBD which underpins the Tesrol proposal.

"It is our view that the council should make use of this support information to assist in the ongoing planning of the Ettalong Beach town centre," Mr Wales said.

"It is a valuable resource that should be embraced, not wasted."

Press release, February 21 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce