Chamber backs Umina retail boom

“The local business community and consumers are starting to reap the benefits of the strengthening retail market in Umina Beach as more foot traffic is created by the new business push. This is particularly important in this tough retail climate,” said Chamber President, Matthew Wales.

“With last year’s Coles refurbishment, the new Woolworths supermarket, the recent opening of the Aldi Store and the approval by Council of the Bunnings hardware outlet, local businesses will benefit through extra trade and consumers will be the winners with improved competition and choice. This will help keep the Peninsula retail dollar on the Peninsula,” he said.

The combined effect of these new business opportunities is the creation of over two-hundred jobs in the precinct and over a million dollars per annum in wages. And, should Council support the recent McDonalds application on Ocean Beach Road, the total net effect will be over three hundred jobs and over two million dollars in wages. This is money that will be pumped back into the local economy which will support retail business across the board.

Mr Wales said that the Chamber is very conscious of the impact that businesses like Bunnings and McDonalds will have on some smaller retailers. However, these companies are entitled to enter the Umina retail precinct provided they meet the planning guidelines and requirements of the Council.

These new businesses (especially McDonalds) also create substantial opportunities for young people to gain casual and part-time work that would not otherwise be available. In an area with high youth unemployment, this is especially important.

The Chamber is also backing Gosford City Council’s Umina Village Structure Plan with specialist planning consultants due to be appointed later this month to undertake a series of public workshops.

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