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| The Year Ahead | ||
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Most members should now be aware of the Chambers strategic planning process initiated in December 2007 which outlined an agreed three-year direction. In 2008, a Strategic Performance Plan was then adopted by the Board which has provided the positive achievements we see to date.
Over the last 18 months important initiatives such as establishment of specialist committees dealing with retail, communications and industrial interests have been made. The Chamber’s organisational and financial reporting systems have also been refined to ensure accurate management in addition to upgrading its communication function ensuring more events, surveys and newsletters – all contributing to a more professional service to its members. At the last Chamber Board Meeting a decision was made to further move with the region’s changing environment by initiating the ‘2009 Annual Plan – Shaping the Year Ahead’. Based on the Strategic Planning process and subsequent planning workshop it has produced a set of actions for the Chamber over the next 12 months which aim to fulfill its vision as the premier representative of business interests within Port Macquarie. What is the Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber is a voluntary partnership of business and professional people working together to build a healthy local economy and help business develop and grow by creating opportunities that will benefit the community throughout the Port Macquarie Region. The Chamber’s members are businesses, organisations and individuals concerned with the socio-economic climate of our community. Chamber Objectives
The fundamental business of the Chamber lies in its membership as its voice is only as strong as its members. It listens to business when others might not and finds ways to assist members by embracing ideas and initiatives while considering the viewpoints of non-members. The Chamber wishes to thank all members who have participated in organised events and who have taken the time to provide substantial and valuable input into the Board’s decision-making processes. If not already, become a member and be part of real progress in the region’s growing business community. |
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| Reminder to Complimentary Members of 2008 | ||
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Those of you in receipt of a six-month complimentary membership to the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce distributed during the 2008 Business Awards should be aware it has now expired. You are now welcome to take up full membership. For further information please contact Kerry Robinson at info@portchamber.com.au | Hadyn Oriti at executive@portchamber.com.au or call (02) 6583 4412.
‘Our voice is only as strong as our membership’ |
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| Mid North Coast Regional Strategy - A Policy to Govern Growth | ||
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The Mid North Coast Regional Strategy has indicated the Port-Macquarie-Hastings area as a high growth region. In all, the Strategy covers 28,943 kilometres and a 532 kilometre stretch of NSW coastline. Its main aim is to appropriately and adequately locate land for residential and jobs growth while protecting the region's valuable natural assets and character.
It is expected that an additional 94,000 people will call the North Coast Region home by the year 2031. Settlement will be focussed on four major regional centres at Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree and Grafton and the six major towns-areas where the most efficient use can be made of existing and new infrastructure ie small businesses. In all, the Strategy is planning for 59,600 new homes and 48,500 new jobs in the Mid North Coast area over the same period. So what does this mean for businesses in our region? Over the last 20 years this Region has evolved from a solely coastal retirement/tourist destination to a diversified service-based economy. It is a highly valued place to live and is expected to remain a significant tourist destination and one that continues to attract those seeking Seachange. Over the past 25 years the Mid North Coast has experienced a 70 per cent population increase, the largest being in Port Macquarie-Hastings, Coffs Harbour and the Great Lakes area including Forster-Tuncurry. These areas have an attractive climate, an array of activities - all taken into consideration when developing the Strategy. The Strategy reflects current and future Council proposals so it will continually evolve to allow businesses to play a part in its broad planning framework. It is expected that Taree, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Grafton will take the majority of future commercial development as these centres have the greatest capacity for redevelopment. Port Macquarie in particular will require large-scale tourism facilities and industrial lands to support future growth. Councils will be required to prepare character statements for their localities under the Department of Planning's North Coast Urban Design guidelines (2009). This will ensure the desired character is based on ‘Neighbourhood Planning Principles’, which must identify:
You may download the Strategy here where you’ll also find an outline of local environmental plans for the provision of regional water, electricity and gas infrastructure. |
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| The Global Financial Crisis - Is it affecting this region? | ||
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Australia has entered this period in better shape than most, with overall sound financial institutions and more scope than most for macro-economic policies to respond as needed. However, with repeated messages of doom and gloom, businesses closing and job losses occurring nationally the effect on local communities can certainly be felt. Financial cycles such as this are not new so it is very important that businesses recognise substantial actions are being taken around the world to alleviate financial strains, and to restore growth over time.
An address by Malcolm Edey, Assistant Governor (Economic) RBA, to the Foundation for Aged Care Business Breakfast on 19 March outlined events surrounding the crisis. He answered questions such as its origins and the effects that it is having on communities. In his paper, entitled 'The Financial Crisis and its Effects', Mr Edey spoke of the various methods banks and other financial institutions are using in dealing with this global issue. According to Mr Edey, events are basically due to the combination of cheap credit and a general increase in the appetite for risk. At the core of the global financial crisis, is a crisis of credit markets, centred particularly in the United States, the UK and Europe, but with significant spill-over effects to the rest of the world. This type of financial cycle, while very severe in the current case, has occurred throughout history. For an easy read and explanation of the cause of the crisis, members can follow this link |
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| Disability Facility Upgrade | ||
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Kendall, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Long Flat, Lake Cathie and Beechwood are some of the areas to benefit from a $1.1 million upgrade to recreational facilities. Those with a disability will soon find barbeque areas, tables and paths modified for easier wheelchair access. The funding is part of the recently announced Government's $800M Community Infrastructure Programme package.
Kendall reserve will receive $65,000 to install amenities and replace current wood fired barbeques with electric equivalents. The North Haven Surf Club will improve its disability access with the installation of a lift and modification of its amenities. In addition, $55,000 will be used to improve access to the Lake Cathie Reserve - paths will be installed and picnic tables converted. General improvements will also be made to tennis courts, bike paths and shareways. A total of 13 projects are to be undertaken by Council and residents should expect to see evidence of activity almost immediately. It is hoped that these projects will generate construction activity and create local jobs. To find out more contact the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council - www.hastings.nsw.gov.au |
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| Funding Boost to Public Housing and Schools | ||
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Public housing and education in the region will also benefit from the Government's stimulus package. Independent for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott and Peter Besseling, Independent Member for Port Macquarie want locals to share in opportunities resulting from funding as part of the Government's $14.7M school infrastructure programme and its $6.4M social housing component .
The NSW Department of Education and Training is currently making arrangements for large-scale contractors to deliver projects in a number of regions throughout the state. Local tradespeople, builders, engineers and architects are being encouraged by Council to become involved. Tenders and contract details will be released shortly. Various forms of assistance and employer subsidies are also available to employers wishing to benefit from the various construction projects soon to be underway. Further details are available at:
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| Chamber Board | ||
| Robert Turner (President) | Kellon Beard | Rosalind Blandford | Peter Buckland | Bob Gillroy | Janette Hyde | Daniel Jordan | Peter Leicht | Bill Linney | Peter Newman | Anthony Wilson | Geoff Woodham | ||
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executive@portchamber.com.au
Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Suite 5, Level 1 Garrison Building Cnr Hay & Clarence Streets, Port Macquarie 2444 Ph: (02) 6583 4412 F: (02) 6583 2766 Email: executive@portchamber.com.au Web: www.portchamber.com.au DISCLAIMER: the views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. All contents are protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. |