No-one wants McDonalds in Umina

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Matthew Wales stated that McDonalds would create over 300 jobs, yet Ron Mussali the owner of the proposed McDonalds stated that it would create 100 jobs.

That's quite a large discrepancy!

Matthew Wales also stated that local businesses are starting to reap the benefits of the recent opening of Aldi, Woolworths and the refurbishment of Coles.

Where does Matthew Wales get his information from?

Has he canvassed every business in Umina?

I think not.

I own a business in West St, Umina, and Matthew Wales has never set foot in my store.

If he did, he would know that the large businesses he speaks of have not brought more business to my store.

Matthew Wales speaks on behalf of himself and a small minority who pay to be a part of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

He has a vested interest in this McDonalds venture.

If you read articles on the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce website, Matthew Wales speaks of his concern about the decline in patronage in the Woy Woy business community to the retail boom currently emerging in Umina.

Yet Matthew Wales is happy to take more business away from Woy Woy.

If McDonalds at Umina was approved McDonalds would not get more customers, the customers would just be dispersed between two stores.

Matthew Wales or the Chamber wish to point out the benefits of doing business on the Peninsula yet if these large businesses are allowed to duplicate within the Peninsula it would have detrimental effects to one of those retail precincts.

What is next? Another KFC in Ettalong?

Matthew Wales also commented that after nearly 12 years of hard work starting with the Peninsula Main Street Program, Umina Beach is now coming of age.

Well the main street upgrade finished at Trafalgar Ave years ago yet there are businesses as far as Springwood Ave.

Are the businesses between Trafalgar and Springwood Aves not worthy of decent footpaths?

Surveying my local customers and tourists, no one wants McDonalds in Umina.

We love and are proud of our beach-side community,

Matthew Wales if you wish to live in a busy commercial town... move!

Online submission, 11 Dec 2011 Leisa Smith, Umina