September 2008 Cover Story

In his address Mr Ruffels outlined Business Central Coast's future and the changes as a result of Gosford and Wyong Council’s withdrawal of core funding. He said the changes were mainly cosmetic with the organisation now becoming the Central Coast Economic Development Board trading as Business Central Coast.

Business Central Coast wants to continue to work with other key agencies, in particular Central Coast Tourism, Central Coast Area Consultative Committee (to be known as Regional Development Australia from January 2009), Department of Premiers and Cabinet and the Central Coast Manufacturers’ Association, and was hopeful of developing stronger ties with the Chambers of Commerce and the UDIA.

Mr Ruffels said it was time the Central Coast presented a unified voice to all levels of government and that he hoped Business Central Coast would become an effective lobby group for the Coast. "We must take responsibility for our decisions and not accept mediocrity. We have outstanding and talented business people, award winning companies and it’s time we supported these people more. We need to promote our best and encourage more business to business activity and this must be lead in the first instance by our two Councils – two of the largest employers on the Central Coast," he said.

The State Government’s REDES (Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy) program and Central Coast Strategy are the cornerstones of Business Central Coast’s immediate future plans.

Business Central Coast is keen to maximize its sponsorship of the Central Coast Mariners on behalf of project partners, the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) and Gosford and Wyong Councils. Mr Ruffels said “The Mariners are the perfect vehicle for Business Central Coast and they offer us an opportunity to promote the brand “Central Coast” and increase awareness to the widest possible audience. 

DSRD Hunter/Central Coast Regional Manager, Tony Sansom, added “Partnerships are the key. We have witnessed in the past year how much can be achieved if we work together”. He also announced that the Central Coast branch of DSRD was relocating to Ourimbah and this will further enhance the already strong relationship that already exists between Business Central Coast and DSRD.

In a clear indication of the teamwork Business Central Coast is promoting, Editor and Publisher of Central Coast Business Review, Edgar Adams, was invited to launch his company’s highly respected 2008 Central Coast Investment Prospectus. Now in its 13th year, Mr Adams highlighted the value of the publication for government and business in attracting investment to the region.

"This publication is really a partnership between state and local government and business, with business funding around 75% of the cost of its production," he said. He paid tribute to those businesses that see the economic benefit of increased investment in new business in the region. However, he was critical of those businesses who depend on the economic growth of the region for their viability but refuse to contribute.

"We have companies like Woolworths, Coles and the major shopping centre owners, as well as the major banks, who are onyl here because of the region's growth and its economic value to them, but do nothing to encourage or support it," he said.

He concluded by saying that with the new management at Business Central Coast, supported by the State Government, a new era of co-operation among the region's leaders will have a very positive effect on the region.

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