Chamber backs council purchase of Woy Woy factory
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has backed a decision by Central Coast Council at its July meeting to buy factory units on the corner of Rawson and Ocean Beach Rds, Woy Woy.
The purchase will facilitate an upgrade of the intersection.
"This was a bold but prudent decision by the Council to acquire the old factories at 48 Ocean Beach Rd which were due to go to auction later this month," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.
"Securing this property is vital as a construction site for the planned intersection upgrade which is due to commence in 2025.
"Without this property, the Federally-funded intersection works would be extremely difficult and more costly to undertake through the lack of immediate storage and operational space," he said.
"This decision comes despite the fact that Central Coast Council has yet to receive the $32 million in Federal funds promised by the former Federal Member for Roberton Ms Lucy Wicks and subsequently supported by the current Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid.
"The Council has been forced to purchase the property from ratepayers' funds in the expectation and hope that the Federal funds materialise," said Mr Wales.
"The Chamber has been repeatedly re-assured by Dr Reid that the funds are 'in the budget' for 2025 but this decision to purchase still carries an element of risk."
Mr Wales said the Chamber remained concerned not only about whether the funds would be forthcoming but whether the $32 million would be sufficient to cover the expected cost of the major intersection works "considering that the budget estimates are already three years old".
"With the escalating cost of construction, the last thing we want to see is a shortfall in funding when works finally get underway.
"It would seem prudent that those costs be reviewed now bearing in mind the time delay in commencing works which would allow the Federal Government to make budget adjustments if required," said Mr Wales.
"We welcome the Council's decision which demonstrates its commitment to the project and the easing of traffic congestion at this crucial intersection on the long term".
SOURCE:
Media release, 25 Jul 2024
Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce