Congratulations from Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to Peninsula News on its 400th edition.

This is quite a remarkable achievement for a local newspaper which has consistently been at the forefront of local news and opinion.

Over the 171/2 years that Peninsula News has been in publication, I have served as President of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and as head of that organisation, local business has always recognised the importance of the newspaper which often covered important stories that the mainstream press overlooked.

On many occasions, Peninsula News led with stories that other press outlets took up later so important were the events.

I can confidently say that the newspaper has consistently been an important vehicle for promoting the Chamber's business agenda as it does with other community organisations.

This is important especially when we are increasingly moving towards a regional based society as has been demonstrated with the recent merger of the Gosford and Wyong Councils.

The Chamber believes that locally-based views are still vitally important and this is the true value of Peninsula News as it is truly locally-based.

Over the life of the newspaper we have seen many changes in our local society which on the whole have been very positive for our community.

The emergence of the Peninsula as a lifestyle choice for younger people and families is probably to me one of the fundamental changes that has brought about a resurgence in our local retail centres.

This is especially so with the Umina town centre and its position as one of the best retail strips on the Central Coast.

The changing demographics have also improved opportunities and services and seen a remarkable increase in property values especially in recent years.

This period has also seen the Ettalong Beach Diggers/Mantra Hotel emerge from the shadow of the old Ettalong Memorial Club and upgrading of the Ettalong Beach Foreshore which has now become one of the most popular beachside destinations for families on the Coast.

However, with progress comes infrastructure problems highlighted by the continual battle over roads, drainage and footpaths.

The newspaper has been especially effective in the fight for local, State and Federal funding and I doubt that the success to date on key projects could have occurred without the assistance of Peninsula News in pushing the issues into the spotlight.

Not everyone likes change.

I do.

Change is a vital part of the renewal process which ensures that business prospers and grows.

Peninsula News has been at the forefront of those changes and always afforded the community the opportunity to express their views.

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce wishes the newspaper every success for the future and looks forward to working with the local media to push for a better deal for the Peninsula in the years to come.

This has never been so important as now with the formation of the new Central Coast Council and the upcoming Local Government Elections in September 2017.

Email, 18 Aug 2016

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce