Chamber bitter at Tesrol dumping

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has accused Gosford Council of "dumping" the Tesrol development.

Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales said: "The chamber is bitterly disappointed that council did not get behind the development and openly give its support to the department.

"Only Cr Jeff Strickson ultimately had an open mind and was prepared to give the development some support.

"The Tesrol development is pivotal to the future success of the Ettalong Beach commercial precinct.

"Unless you encourage high quality commercial/residential development in the town centre, the town will never properly flourish."

Mr Wales said council had the opportunity to give the Tesrol development support but instead listed a string of issues and objections to the Department of Planning including height, bulk and character.

"Council also wanted the application deferred until the Draft Gosford LEP is gazetted," Mr Wales said.

"That could be 12 months away and may be too late to help the ailing Ettalong economy.

"At a time when businesses are struggling, it is disappointing that council is not encouraging major property owners to reinvest and redevelop in the town centre.

"The Tesrol site has been vacant for over a decade and is symptomatic of the malaise that the town is going through.

"It is so important that we give small towns like Ettalong Beach the right tools to improve business conditions.

"Fundamental to this principle is ensuring that planning provisions give incentive to new development and business upgrades.

"Sometimes you need to be bold and decisive in order to make a difference."

Press release, 4 Jun 2010 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce