Village attributes not enough for Ettalong

Norman Harris should not let his idyllic image of quaint little villages cloud the reality of surviving in business (Peninsula News, 2 Aug 2010, Development may not help businesses profit).

Never at any stage has the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce suggested that Ettalong Beach should discard its "village" attributes.

It was the chamber that fought so hard in the late 1990s for Financial Strategy funding that paved the footpaths, planted the trees, created the pedestrian facilities and installed the street furniture.

It was the chamber that raised the initial funds that attracted the Federal Black Spot funding for the roundabout at Picnic Pde.

It was also the chamber that paid for the "Welcome to Ettalong Beach" signs and fought for eight years with Gosford Council for the foreshore upgrade and viewing platforms that we are only now enjoying today.

It was also the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce that started the Ettalong Beach Bendigo Bank when all the other banks deserted the town.

These are all the features that Mr Harris no doubt enjoys so much.

But he is mistaken if he thinks that these things alone will sustain existing and new businesses in Ettalong Beach.

Renewal and development are also key drivers of the retail growth.

You only have to witness the success of Umina Beach to see that development is a key factor.

To see the opposite effect, just take wander through the heart of Gosford.

The Tesrol development is just as important to Ettalong Beach as maintaining the village character.

You can do both but what business cannot do is survive without people walking the streets, spending their money and welcoming visitors to the town.

Norman Harris thinks that businesses survive by being friendly, courteous and helpful which is all well and good provided that you have people in the shop in the first place.

Email, 11 Aug 2010 Matthew Wales, Umina