Extra Levy For Improvements

Central Coast Herald

Thursday March 11, 2004

By JOANNE McCARTHY

TERRIGAL, North Avoca and Wamberal businesses will be asked to find more than $900,000 a year in extra rates to accelerate Terrigal improvement works.

Gosford City Council has approved a $4.35million plan to partially close Terrigal Esplanade for al fresco dining, remove power poles for underground power, landscape the beach promenade and pave footpaths.

The plan includes funds for night-time security and upgraded cleaning services.

Businesses will be asked to pay as much as $35,000 a year for a Terrigal rate levy, which will be considered by Tourism Minister Sandra Nori next month.

Terrigal Chamber of Commerce president Ian Medlicott said he was confident the plan would be approved by the minister and a majority of businesses.

``Without business participation we were looking at years before the work could be done," he said.

``We can't wait another five or 10 years. I don't believe Gosford Council should pave the streets of Terrigal with gold but if we don't do something now, Terrigal will continue to go backwards."

The rate levy will apply to all business-zoned land in Terrigal, North Avoca and Wamberal, to service stations, camp or caravan sites, registered clubs, hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts and all accommodation in the three suburbs rented or leased for three months or less.

A similar plan was successfully applied by Wyong Shire Council to upgrade The Entrance.

Mr Medlicott said the council's decision was encouraging after years of campaigning for upgrade works by Terrigal businesses.

``In the past few years we've seen a turnaround in that Terrigal is recognised for being the drawcard that it is, and the community understands that it needs to be improved to keep it as a drawcard," he said.

Construction of a multi-storey car park with 480 places, completion of the Star of the Sea development and the Rapedo development, the flow-on effect of a strategic plan that encourages new construction and the effect of the upgrade would benefit the Central Coast economy, Mr Medlicott said.

© 2004 Central Coast Herald

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