Development may not help businesses profit

Many businesses want revitalisation.

Chamber of Commerce president Matthew Wales is focused on supporting new developments in preference to promoting existing businesses.

There must be conflict.

The needed and locally supported Mitre 10 store at Umina has been replaced yet by another supermarket.

This is an example of "business growth creating jobs and making business profitable" to the detriment of good business mix.

Local need has been replaced by the monotone "growth" chant.

Fortunately, Ettalong Beach plays a different tune.

For the present, Ettalong Beach retains character both personal and architectural.

That is in danger of a change that conflicts with current values, a change encouraged by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

The Bendigo Bank established a branch at Ettalong to support the local community and not satisfy a perceived need from an influx of F3 tourists.

Business was attracted to the area by the participation of the community.

It is a community business.

Ettalong Beach, as it is, provides a relaxed, healthy ambience.

Shopkeepers are friendly, courteous and helpful which is appreciated by the customers who respond with continued patronage to the delight of the shopkeepers.

This is how businesses survive.

The fact that Australia's first Solar Pharmacy exists in Ettalong Beach is an indication that there are other significant issues that leaders are willing to embrace.

Changing the architectural character of Ettalong Beach will not necessarily mean growth and profit for all businesses.

To suggest that the Tesrol development, which has previously been presented to Gosford Council and rejected, will be the next good thing does not recognize the existing values and qualities of Ettalong Beach.

Every city, village, resort and holiday destination is competing for the tourist dollar.

Shopkeepers at Ettalong Beach have realised that the local dollar is more sustainable and more reliable than that provided by the F3 tourists.

Of course, there is still the vexing question of climate change and waterfront development that the president has overlooked.

The monotone "growth" chant is relentless.

Letter, 21 Jul 2010 Norman Harris, Umina