Chamber pleased with transition to new council
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the appointment of the new Central Coast administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds and the new chief executive officer, Mr Rob Noble.
"The Chamber is particularly pleased with the smooth transition from the old Gosford and Wyong Council's to the new Central Coast Council and the appointment of the new administration team," said Chamber president, Mr Matthew Wales.
"The Chamber is advised that it is business as usual for the processing of development applications and planning proposals and rezoning applications which provides certainty to the building and development industry.
"Whilst the proclamation and new appointments came earlier than most expected, the Chamber is glad that the transition period is underway so that the meshing of the two councils can occur as quickly as possible leading up to the Local Government Elections in September 2017.
"The business community has already flagged with Mr Noble a number of priorities including more funding for local roads and drainage, the revitalisation of the Woy Woy town centre, review of local town centre planning controls, the Ettalong Wharf and the continuation of the foreshore upgrade through to Ocean Beach Surf Club and Umina Beach Surf Club.
"This is a highly critical period for the new council as it moves through this transition phase.
"We are pleased that the new CEO has opened the door for regular dialogue and the Peninsula Chamber will be actively campaigning for improved infrastructure and more services and maintenance.
"I think it's fair to say that most businesses are relieved that the merger is underway and that a firm timeline is now in place for the creation of the new Central Coast Council.
"We are also relieved to see that five new wards have been created and that more certainty will be in place for equal representation across the city.
"Both Mr Reynolds and Mr Noble come with a wealth of local government experience which we see as essential for the successful merger of the organisations.
Media release, 9 Jun 2016
Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce