Chamber welcomes new mayor and deputy
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the election of Cr Laurie McKinna as the new mayor of Central Coast Council and the election of Cr Doug Eaton as deputy mayor.
"The Chamber congratulates Cr McKinna on his election in what appears to be the making of a very progressive Council", said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.
"It is extremely important that all councillors get behind and support the mayor and the new council to ensure that the city moves forward and continues down the path to financial stability".
"Nobody should be under any illusions that while the Council is in a better financial position than pre-administration, it still has a long way to go before the burden of higher rates relaxes", said Mr Wales.
"This new council, and indeed the new mayor, has a heavy burden to ensure that ratepayers are looked after and that basic services are maintained and infrastructure improved.
"High on the Peninsula Chamber's agenda is the upgrade of our local town centres and ensuring that council supports Woy Woy as a designated Transport Orientated Development node", said Mr Wales.
"It is imperative that council support the State Government's move to improve housing supply in and around our town centres including affordable housing options.
"Therefore, it is crucial for the new council to accelerate its Place Plan process and review the planning controls and management structures in the Woy Woy town centre and encourage redevelopment in both Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach," said Mr Wales.
"Also high on our list is the abysmal state of our local roads.
"It is not acceptable to simply reseal sub-standard roads.
"The Council needs to invest in kerb and gutter, street drainage and footpaths on our key roads such as Rabaul St.
"The Chamber will be seeking an early meeting with Mayor McKinna with the view to securing commitments to Peninsula-based projects that deliver outcomes that promote business activity."
SOURCE:
Media release, 8 Oct 2024
Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber President