Many businesses want revitalisation

I refer to the letter from Ms Thomson (Peninsula News, 21 Jun 2010) regarding the Tesrol development and her recent sea change to Ettalong Beach.

I also refer to her criticism of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's support for the proposed development.

I'm sure that, as a newcomer to Ettalong Beach, Ms Thomson fully believes that she is "well served by the existing services and retail outlets".

That may be the case.

However, having spent my life on the Peninsula and having represented the Peninsula business community as chamber president for nearly a decade, I can assure Ms Thomson that there are many businesses that are doing it tough in Ettalong Beach and want to see the revitalisation of the town centre through new development and high quality design.

Towns need to rejuvenate otherwise they do stagnate.

Umina Beach is a classic example where new development is driving business growth, creating jobs and making business profitable.

It's all very well to move to a quaint little village for a sea change but it doesn't help struggling businesses that need the extra income, foot traffic and visitors coming to town.

Ms Thomson claims she speaks for most residents and perhaps she does.

But as chamber president, I speak for all our members who want good quality development, better business opportunities, more jobs and long-term capital investment.

Tesrol is an important ingredient to this process.

Email, 16 Jul 2010 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce