|
|
MACCAT READY FOR $80,000 TOURISM/RETAIL PROMOTION
Even though MACCAT (Merimbula Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism) have had trouble convincing the regional traffic committee that a Fun Run could be safely held and are currently working through the issues, plans for this year are still all go for MACCAT’s other exciting projects.
Along with the New Year’s Eve Free Concert and Fireworks which Project Coordinator Graeme Wykes says “is going to be bigger, better and more entertaining than 2007”, the 2008/09 Retail Promotion is set to be launched within the next few weeks. The campaign will involve winning a car, money to be won to spend with participating sponsors and lots of great prizes.
With over 60 business houses and 20 accommodation providers supporting this great initiative, Merimbula and Pambula are set to launch a major TV/Radio/Press campaign during November/December and January.
With nearly $20,000 worth of prizes and $60,000 worth of advertising promoting Merimbula and Pambula as the shopping and holiday Mecca of Tourism Australia’s newest must visit destination - Australia’s Coastal Wilderness, this promises to be the best promotion in years.
Graeme Wykes said – “The response from the business people of our area has been fantastic and to top it off Frank Holden of Channel Nine’s new hit crime series “The Strip” has agreed to be the face and voice of our upcoming campaign”.
With the promotion sub-committee Graeme Wykes (TV), Rob Colligan (Radio) and Grant Webster (Press) currently finalizing their media details and MACCAT President Don Smith working on the local promotional support material the campaign is almost ready for a formal release to our members.
As part of the campaign, a major Tourism marketing plan promoting the Retail Promotion, New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Concert and Sapphire Rock 09 into the Canberra market has been planned for TV and hopefully radio, during November and extending into December and January.
What MACCAT’s aim has been is that from many small contributions we can create a big pot of funds to maximize our impact and drive forward a multi-faceted high profile advertising campaign for our area. The sub-committee has put in a massive amount of work but it will be worth it!
MACCAT is still looking for further support from businesses, clubs or accommodation providers for our fantastic value for money sponsorship packages to generate an even bigger impact for Merimbula and Pambula.
If you want to know more – and you should – give Graeme Wykes a call on 0429 951 403 or Don Smith on 0414 211 044. They will be more than pleased to provide you with answers to your questions.
A date for the launch to be held at the Imlay Bowling Club will be finalized next week – so stay tuned to the Merimbula News Weekly for more details.
The Merimbula Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will be holding their successful Merimbula Mid-Town Markets on Saturday the 7th of June to support the 28th consecutive Merimbula Jazz Festival held every June long weekend.
The Merimbula Jazz Festival has become a traditional event in the tourism calendar of Merimbula and MACCAT has plans to support this wonderful event.
The Market will once more be held at the former Service Station on the corner of Market and Monaro Street, Merimbula.
Once more we extend our thanks to the Cocks Group and Mr Buff Car Detailing (Bernie Keating) for their continued co-operation in allowing Merimbula to be able to add a bit of pizzazz to the holiday events. The Market will run from 10.30am to 4.00pm. MACCAT hopes with the co-operation of the Jazz festival participants to have live “Jazz @ the Market”.
The Market co-ordinators will be Graeme Wykes 0429-951403 and Helen Limbach 64957576. Over 50 stall sites are available and the normal requirement that participants must have current public liability insurance is essential. Call now to book a stall and be Part of Merimbula’s fabulous 28th Annual Jazz Festival. MACCAT will again be supplying Jazz Festival Window Stickers to brighten up the CBD of Merimbula. Willson Signs are currently working on designs to add colour and fun to the atmosphere of the wonderful jazz music.
A representative of the Chamber will be coming around once the design and cost has been finalized to garner the depth of support for the initiative. The Chamber is also anxious to hear from other people who have idea’s that we may be able add to the Long Weekend Holiday event.
To become involved or just to give a suggestion – please ring Graeme Wykes on 0427 951403. If the community works together this could be Merimbula’s best Jazz Festival.
Bega Valley Shire Council elections will take place later this year and if you are interested in standing for Council take a look at this Dept of Local Government publication on becoming a Councillor.
File: So you want to be a Councillor
Management of tourism in the shire
March 17, 2008: An independent body will be established in the Bega Valley Shire to manage Sapphire Coast Tourism and the accommodation booking service.
Councillors resolved this week to endorse a proposal from the Bega Valley Shire Business Forum (the combined chambers of commerce) to register a new incorporated organisation to manage the tourism industry in the shire.
This follows a Council decision last year to phase out its involvement in tourism promotion and management.
It entered a number of management agreements for the operation of Sapphire Coast Tourism, the SCT booking service, four visitor information centres and the Cruise Eden program.
A six monthly report was presented to this week's Council meeting, and council staff recommended that the structure proposed by the Business Forum should commence immediately so that the new organisation would be operational from July 1 this year.
Council will call for expressions of interest from the community for appointment to a seven-member board of directors for the management body.
The board will comprise seven members - a chairperson who is independent of council or industry affiliation; a council representative; three community representatives without industry or council qualification; and two experienced industry representatives.
The Business Forum will be invited to review the expressions of interest and make recommendations to council regarding appointments.
Council staff will help draft a constitution and/or articles of association which will include clear corporate governance guidelines as to how the tourism management body should relate to the various elements of the community.
The new body will take on management of the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre.
Councillors resolved to provide $150,000 in the coming budget for the operations of the new body and to hold a further $50,000 in reserve for use by the body if required.
Council will obtain a valuation for the Sapphire Coast brand and the booking service.
- ends -
 - Pictured - L- R,Tony Ingram [MACCAT] ,Robyn Kesby [NPW], Barry Harrison [MACCAT], Don Smith [MACCAT].
The ‘Wilderness Coast' region that stretches from Lakes Entrance in Victoria, to Bermagui has taken a significant step closer to achieving international status.
The Wilderness Coast Steering Committee Member Geoff Brookes [SERTEC] said he was pleased to announce that the Wilderness Coast will be one of an initial seven natural sites to be included within the National Landscapes Program. He said the official announcement would be made at the Australian Tourism Exchange international exposition in Perth in June.
NPWS Far South Coast Regional Manager Tim Shepherd said that it was an acknowledgement of what has been known locally for years. "The scenery and experiences are superb and the local tourism industry is world class," he said.
"The Wilderness Coast contains the only large tract of undeveloped coast left in eastern Australia. This vast pollution-free wilderness coast is, in the main, protected in a series of national parks, nature reserves and marine parks.
"From Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland to Mimosa Rocks on the Far South Coast of NSW this area is chiefly pristine. However it's an area that is extremely accessible to highly sought after international tourists."
Merimbula Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Executive Member Tony Ingram said "Our region will now officially have the same status as iconic Australian places that include Uluru, Kakadu, the Great Barrier Reef, the Australian Alps and the Great Ocean Road.
Mr Ingram said the next stage of the process was a destination branding project plus an exercise to audit the tourism and natural experiences in the Wilderness Coast that make it an ideal fit for the Brand Australia international marketing program.
"These projects will be conducted by Tourism Australia and the steering committee and all local stakeholders in the Wilderness Coast region will be invited to participate," Mr. Ingram said.
"With two official National Landscapes regions [Wilderness Coast & Australian Alps] now closely linked to our area, this will ensure that our local economies will benefit enormously whilst at the same time the very natural attractions that put us on the world stage are protected and managed to ensure they are conserved for future generations."
Mr Ingram paid a particular thanks to Senior NPWS Ranger Robyn Kesby for the work she had contributed to the project.
Due to the continuous and unrelenting personal attacks that have been aimed at my integrity in carrying forward a position that has been so clearly enunciated by the community of Merimbula
I have reached a point where I feel I can no longer participate as a volunteer in an executive position in MACCAT (Merimbula Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism) and, with regret, will be resigning from any active participation on behalf of the community of Merimbula.
The editor of MNW stated to me clearly only two weeks ago that she would not tolerate “Community Warfare” been waged via Letters to the Editor in her paper. It was a position I fully supported for the sake of reasoned, rational debate in trying to reach a position based on fact, evidence and reality that reflected what a special place the town of Merimbula is to it’s residents and retailers.
Instead the Editor chose to allow Letters to the Editor that did nothing enhance the debate on the future development of Merimbula’s CBD but were designed to reduce the public standing of myself, Fraser Buchanan and Phil McManus in the eyes of the Merimbula community.
How do B Robinson, Geoff Jones and John Tait think that letters that attack people are going to help resolve the lack of parking, the congested road system, the protection of Merimbula’s only industry – Tourism and the development mess in the CBD that is Merimbula’s legacy of the last 20 years.
What the community wanted was solutions, not pie in the sky plans that pretend to fix our problems. The CBD of Merimbula is about to enter a development phase unlike any thing we have seen before with Burgess-Rawson and Spungrow P/L about to embark on large scale developments that will forever change the face of Merimbula. They are the tip of the iceberg.
We have one chance to get it right. With no cap (because that what 40002m is!) and no traffic or parking solutions in sight – only proposals - it may be ok.
But – what if we are wrong – we will have no choice but to continue to listen to the complaints of visitors and residents alike that parking is impossible and traffic unbearable and more of our residents who will decide to shop in our neighbouring town’s because of the convenience. I urge everybody to get to tonight’s important public meeting though I question weather the lack of notice given to the public may result in a meeting that lack’s any real credibility as a true representation of our community’s current position.
I wish to thank my fellow MACCAT members for their support on the many numerous outstanding projects we initiated on behalf of Merimbula’s business community. The MACCAT Markets, Street beautification, Merimbula Entry Signs, The 2007 Fun Run, New Year’s Eve Free Concert and Fireworks and the myriad of other smaller projects that this committee selflessly worked on on behalf of the Merimbula community.
I wish Karen Denaro and her Sub-Committee all the best in the retail promotion that I helped initiate and to the many dozens of members of our community who have offered continued support of our fight to achieve a better Merimbula for our community.
Unfortunately we all have our limit of what we can tolerate in terms of personal attacks and I have reached mine. I don’t believe I have had the influence that certain sections of the opposition credit me with and I believe this Committee will continue to fight for a resolution that is in the best interests of the whole community, not just the self interest of those that see Merimbula just as a source of wealth creation, and I wish them well.
I will continue to fight for our town as a member of the broader community and am interested in hearing from members of the public who are interested in forming a group that will monitor the behaviour of Developer’s and Council going forward to help prevent any incidents such as those by Wollongong Council that have been exposed by ICAC.
Yours Faithfully, Graeme Wykes
MACCAT President Don Smith has slammed the ABC South East NSW for their article on Merimbula's retail development cap.
Mr Smith said the ABC has reported that a "Break away"group from the Chamber was holding a Public Meeting in Merimbula on Wednesday night. Mr Smith that this was totally incorrect and that no breakaway group was involved. Mr Smith said that several local identities had jumped up at MACCAT's meeting last week and stated that they would hold a public meeting for the public to attend.
Graeme Wykes from the Chamber said that MACCAT had surveyed the community several times over the past 2 years and on each occassion they had clearly stated that no further development should take place until the Traffic & Parking issues had been resolved. Mr Wykes said this weeks meeting would be another opportunity for the public to vent their frustration at Merimbula's Parking & Traffic problems.
The following is a Letter to the editor of the News Weekly,
Save our town
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Posted By Graham Stonier
It is only a few months ago that your paper appeared to support traders, residents and the council in their efforts to ensure that a proposed 4,000m2 supermarket was not approved.
That campaign was successful and it made sense for Merimbula.
I was disappointed to read that Minister Sartor is now about to put in place a decision which will see individual shops of up to 4,000m2 occur as a matter of course.
It also seems that your view on the issue has changed dramatically and that you are no longer averse to developments of that size. What's changed?
To put 4,000m2 in context it is an area which would measure 100 metres by 40 metres - Merimbula is about to lose its seaside ambiance and aesthetic appeal.
It will become just another coastal town with nothing to distinguish it from all the others.
It would appear that the Minister is intent to turn us into another also-ran.
It is also disappointing to me that the council seems to lack the leadership that it had when is attempted to retain Merimbula's appeal by creating a tourist precinct which was different and actually encouraged return visits.
By limiting developments to a maximum of 1,000m2 - the council was 'daring to be different' but it seems to have lost its way.
Not only is the Mayor 'unsurprised' by the Minister's position, but he offers nothing to resist the Minister's decision and thereby support his council's (and the community's) previous stance on this issue.
Once the way is clear for large developments to be built it will be too late to try to recreate what we currently have to enjoy and improve on - big is not necessarily better.
I make these claims as a 'part-time' resident of more than 50 years. This community is about to lose:
* Merimbula's charm and appeal. In terms of traffic chaos 'you ain't seen nothin' yet'.
* The potential to step up into the next levels of the national/international tourism market and therefore putting Merimbula on the map.
* Any ability for people to be able to easily park their vehicles - delivery vehicles will 'rule the roads'.
* Any number of its small friendly traders when they are 'forced' to relocate to the 'specialty shops area', which accompany large developments - at huge rentals thereby increasing retail costs.
It is not too late for people to make the Minister aware that his mooted decision is wrong and he is about to impose it on Merimbula because it suits his Regional Planning Strategy.
The community fought hard and won last time when a mega store was proposed and they can again, but action will need to be swift and be supported by the council, which initiated the 1,000m2 cap.
Merimbula the regional service centre, will become the magnet for all the other large corporate retailers as the large anchor tenants will dominate the town centre and the population and catchment is here.
Any hope of Bega growing to become the regional centre is about to be dashed forever.
The loss of the potential to take Merimbula into the next levels of tourism will be most regrettable with the loss of amenity within the town centre.
Overall tourism will be the victim.
Open letter to the Bega Valley Shire Councillors
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Posted By Michelle Pettigrove And Frankie J Holden
Dear Councillors,
We are not usually politically outspoken people so please forgive our naivety in these matters.
However, we've been increasingly moved by the debate concerning the increase in the size of supermarkets and retail shops in Merimbula.
Firstly, we offer sincere congratulations for having the patience and tenacity to keep strong on this issue.
You listened to the people and represented them against the might of the developers in court and won.
You won again in an appeal, but the issue still looms large on our horizon and in our newspaper.
It is beyond us, and so many other concerned locals, how Minister Sartor, a lone politician, can override the decision of the people and the courts.
How is it democratic that he can single-handedly change the profile of a town without even visiting first to see the potential harm of his actions?
We live at Pambula Beach and spend a lot of time in Merimbula, shopping, going out, and visiting the beaches, parks and waterways.
In the summer our family spends part of nearly every day at Bar Beach, Spencer Park, the boardwalk, Short Point or the wharf.
This has been a consistent element in our lives since 1966.
We believe that introducing the 'mega-mall' concept of shopping will do irredeemable damage to Merimbula's identity as a coastal town.
The increase in domestic cars and long-haul delivery trucks will congest the already bottle-neck access through the town.
There will be little or no 'street' parking left, which the smaller stores rely on for trade.
These family-run stores will either be forced into high rental mall positions or have to compete with the convenience of the 'under-one-roof' shopping mentality; both situations ruinous to the community spirit.
Pambula visitors to Merimbula are faced with an added problem.
Regularly during the holiday season we have to queue up over the bridge and back towards the boat ramp to even get into the town.
How much harder will this become if a 4,000m2 supermarket waited for us at the other end?
We are aware of a lot of Pambula residents who have grave reservations about this development proposal.
We may not live in Merimbula but it is, without a doubt, our town too, and we don't believe the world deserves another Batemans Bay.
Why do we need a massive supermarket anyway?
We spent the last 30 years, prior to moving here, in big cities.
Sure, the product range was broader but the wait at the register was longer.
We never have trouble finding what we need in Merimbula's existing supermarket and often we're shopping there virtually alone, spinning around the aisles like we own them. (Maybe on quiet days in a 4,000m2 supermarket we could hold drag races in the vast, deserted canyons.)
We understand that an independent body is arriving this Tuesday to assess the viability of the increase in retail/supermarket floor space.
We're sure you are all fed up to the back teeth over this issue but we urge you, with great respect, to maintain the strong stance you have always held on this issue.
Also know that you are totally supported by the passionate majority of this population.
Don't let all your hard work go to waste in the final hours of this fight.
It means too much not only to the locals but to the town itself.
Merimbula is too small and holds far too much tourism value to risk turning it into a mall-monopoly.
We must think of the big picture.
Merimbula's big picture is special.
It is more than just another try-hard coastal town desperate to offer the tourists the same expanse of grocery items as the big city.
As you probably know, our region (with Merimbula as the access hub) has been earmarked by Tourism Australia as a potential destination in their National Landscapes Initiatives.
They are identifying Australia's top 15 locations and believe we may rank as high as number six because of our world-class beaches and the remoteness and diversity of the oldest coastline in the world, 'South East Wilderness Coast'.
The sustainability and atmosphere of Merimbula is obviously vital to this region being considered by Tourism Australia for this honour.
We think most people would agree that this is far more important than stocking 45 different types of yoghurt in the dairy section.
We love Merimbula and we are cognisant of its identity as a coastal town/village.
Its geography determines that it will never become the bustling metropolis that the developers want it to be, so let it retain its quaint atmosphere that tourists have grown.
You will never hear a tourist leaving Merimbula saying: "Gee, that was a great town; it had everything... except a great, big, enormous Woolworths!"
As we've stated, we are not normally politically outspoken, but on this issue we would like to pledge our support of the council's decision to keep the 1,000m2 cap on development.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.
Let's not allow democracy to be so easily disintegrated with the unthinking decision of one politician who can't see the big picture.
Once more the town of Merimbula has to suffer from certain individuals making accusations against anybody whose opinion that they disagree with regardless of the facts. To read former MACCAT President John Tait’s assault on members of the current and previous committee was disappointing considering that as far as I am concerned John has never approached me or any member of our Committee to discuss how this Committee has so unanimously reached it’s position before launching his assault.
When he says that MACCAT has been “high-jacked” by certain business interests I assume he means me - I wish I was that influential – Who else John? Not one other member of MACCAT is in a commercial business or has commercial interests. How can I gain by limiting development in town when my property is in Market Street – Makes no sense – if anything I should be standing shoulder to shoulder with Michael Britten in his opposition but I’m not because I believe Merimbula has a brighter future than that!
Some Facts - This committee got it’s position because every public meeting, Independent Council survey, independent MACCAT survey, Tura Beach public meeting, Councillor McGill’s own survey and over 600 public submissions to Council all said overwhelmingly that they wanted limited development in the CBD only until the Traffic and Parking problems are resolved but wanted more retail choice weather it be at Tura Beach or south of the Merimbula bridge.
That is MACCAT’s position based on evidence.
The MACCAT Committee wants three quality convenience Supermarkets to service our community not one or two Mega-Supermarkets choking the restricted town centre because of limited parking. As the town continues to grow, which it will, so will the problem of traffic and parking that will gridlock the town centre which would be exacerbated by high traffic generating large scale development.
Developer’s want the most amount of retail space for the least amount of contributions to Council and use every trick in the book to provide the absolute minimum parking requirement. I have the evidence so just come and talk to me John, please! Garret Barry and some Councillors, including David Hede chose to ignore the concerns on traffic and parking put forward by the experts on the Local and Regional Traffic Committees in relation to the Burgess Rawson development and preferred to accept Burgess Rawson consultants response to the concerns to push forward the development - Why? MACCAT objected based on Traffic and Parking issues and in support of Council’s LEP position.
I have the evidence John, just come and talk to me. Where John gets the idea that MACCAT has wanted or urged any business development and Supermarket to Tura Beach is wrong again. Tura Beach Retail Development is a proposal between AusPacific and Rob Adams the property owner – and supported by the vast majority of Tura Beach residents.
MACCAT will support any development that injects $20 million dollars into our economy and has the support of the majority of the community, not the so-called “silent majority” whose apparent apathy Mr Tait feels he has to champion on their behalf.
As always I am always available to discuss these matters at anytime and do accept that there are people who will still not agree but that is what is called democracy. So let’s all just stick to the facts because personal attacks achieve nothing of value for our community or it’s future.
Graeme Wykes MACCAT V/P
The South East Coastal Wilderness National Landscapes Project was on track after recent meetings by the Steering Committee said MACCAT Secretary Barry Harrison this week. Mr. Harrison said that he along with Executive Member Tony Ingram & President Don Smith had been consulting closely with Senior Ranger Robyn Kesby [National Parks & Wildlife] on the project.
Executive Member Tony Ingram noted that a successful inclusion into the National Landscapes project would generate millions of dollars into Tourism for the Far South Coast.
Phil Rickards, Interim Chair of the Steering Committee said the South East Coastal Wilderness candidacy is progressing well and Parks Australia was particularly impressed with the engagement and outcomes from our Merimbula meeting... which is great news!
MACCAT President Don Smith thanked Ms Kesby for the effort she had put into this very important project.
Pictured - L- R,Tony Ingram [MACCAT] ,Robyn Kesby [NPW], Barry Harrison [MACCAT], Don Smith [MACCAT].
2008 gets off to a sparkling start
Watch the fireworks on You Tube, click this link
Liz McCormick
Hailed as an outstanding success, the Merimbula New Year's Eve fireworks spectacular held at Ford Park is set to become a fixture on the town's social calendar.A big crowd of about 3500 thrilled to the spectacle of two fireworks displays, kicked back and listened to music from the seven bands while the small fry had fun enjoying rides at the mini carnival. The crowd of mainly families was well behaved and appreciative of the free entertainment.
The gusty strong winds while spoiling the market aspect of the event earlier in the evening dropped in time for the first of the fireworks at 9pm and weather conditions were perfect.
The event was hosted by the Merimbula Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (MACCAT) with the backing of the Bega Valley Shire Council (it provided $5500 for the cost of the fencing), Merimbula & Sapphire Coast Promotions, and ARAMA -South Coast
Key instigator and organiser of the event, MACCAT vice-president Graeme Wykes was overjoyed with the evening's outcome.
"It was an outstanding success, the crowd was absolutely marvellous and the kids tremendous, allowing for a few minor incidents.
"We did Merimbula proud; it really reinforced what a great place Merimbula is to visit. A lot of the comments we received from visitors were sensational. They all appreciated what we did and this was wonderful to hear."
Mr Wykes said that the entertainment was good despite a few technical hitches. These were overcome and it did not affect the good mood of the crowd.
The fireworks cost MACCAT $6000 but it was value for money as the two displays laster longer than arranged, Mr Wykes said.
There was a strong police presence with about 14 members of the force present including the Local Area Commander Michael Willing from Batemans Bay, Bega Police Inspector Jason Edmunds and Merimbula Sergeant Cliff Scarlett.
"The police presence was fantastic; they just mingled among the crowd as did about 20 MACCAT volunteers visible by their flouro vests."
Mr Wykes praised the number of people who contributed to the event both financially and in kind.
"If we can get the support of the town again, which has been absolutely superb, there is no reason not to stage the event again. The number of people who contributed has just been terrific."
Mr Wykes said while the event was pleasing from MACCAT's perspective, it was the positive image of Merimbula that it engendered for many visitors that was the real key to its success.
MACCAT president Don Smith echoed Mr Wykes' comments saying the event went off with a bang.
He said that local lad Matthew Hede told MACCAT staff that, "it was a fantastic nights entertainment", with youth from across the shire and as far away as Cooma enjoying the night's concert and fireworks display.
Mr Smith said The Fireworks Man, Dave Hanshaw, had told him that it was the best show he had ever done and was impressed with the enthusiastic audience response.
Mr Smith thanked major sponsors of the night, Bega Valley Shire Council, Airport Agencies P/Ltd, ARAMA-South Coast, Merimbula-Imlay Bowling Club, Merimbula RSL Club, Coast Resort & Carrington Group, Sertec, The Wharf Restaurant, South Seas Motel, M&SCP, Top Fun Amusements, Goodall's Meats, Picture Showman, Merimbula Beach Cabins, Wykes Retravision, Sapphire Waters Motor Inn and Ned O'Donovan BVSC town team manager.
By Cr Fraser Buchanan
After reading the recent attacks on the credibility of MACCAT that I feel are totally unjustified, I would like to say how much good MACCAT have done for the betterment of the business community and the town in general.
They have initiated a whole series of events to stimulate interest within the town for tourists and locals alike.
Such positive things are to reinvigorate the town's image as a premier tourist destination.
MACCAT are fully aware of the town centre's small size and road system constraints.
They have supported council all the way with its vision to limit the scale/size of retail development within the town centre, with a focus on a more independent, boutique, speciality style shopping environment and to enhance the town's appeal for higher levels of tourism.
When Michael Britten moved a motion off the floor at a large public meeting in early 2005 and then again several months later at the MACCAT AGM that, "there be no large scale retail development in Merimbula until the traffic and parking issues were resolved". They were unanimously supported by the community, MACCAT and council.
But for whatever reason Mr Britten has changed his views, and now aligns himself with a noisy minority and a corporate giant who think Merimbula would be better off with mega large retail in town (Perhaps we should fill in the lake and who needs tourism anyway!).
MACCAT has had nothing to do with the 1000m2 cap other than to support council and the community's desires for Merimbula to develop in a low profile, pedestrian and tourist friendly manner.
MACCAT did also support council in its rejection of the proposed largest supermarket in the shire (500m2 bigger than Robert Smith's).
This was rejected on the grounds of pedestrian safety, truck manoeuvrability and its inappropriate scale for the town centre, which did not comply with council's strategy for Merimbula.
MACCAT have also supported the supermarket proposal for Tura Beach as this fits into council's strategy of taking some of the heat out of the centre of town to for the betterment and enhancement of the town for tourism into the future.
MACCAT had nothing to do with the demise of 'MS and CP' from running the tourist information centre.
That was purely between council and 'MS and CP' and revolved around compliance and obligatory issues.
MACCAT have been holding regular meetings for their members including breakfast meetings, which have been successful and public meetings on specific issues such as traffic and parking.
They have been 'proactive and positive' in trying to improve the town which is more than can be said for the people trying to undermine them.
As a bunch of volunteering individuals giving of their time for the betterment of the town. Well done, much appreciated and keep up the excellent work.
Merimbula News Weekly editior Liz MCormick had this to stay in her weekly column;
"The initiative, enterprise and hard work by the executive of the Merimbula Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (MACCAT) is to be applauded. It is the most active chamber that we have seen in many years as it strives to enliven, beautify and promote the town. Younger members have helped give the executive an infectious vitality and enthusiasm that is now very tangible.
MACCAT's fresh approach became apparent last Christmas when it staged a number of successful evening markets and a Fun in the Park Day. The idea was to value add to the visitors' holiday experience. The chamber was testing the water to some extent unsure of whether these initiatives would succeed but their organisation and hard work paid off.
Now MACCAT is making a pitch for a busy and fun-filled calendar of events including a Family Fun Run, Seafood and Arts Festival and maybe a Comedy Festival ... all very exciting but their success and whether they actually eventuate hinges on the help MACCAT receives from the community. We would expect that members will jump at the opportunity and especially those from the accommodation industry as it is all about enhancing their guests' stay.
The chamber has not neglected its core function and this focuses on the retail industry. It is planning a program of retail promotions to attract shoppers from across the shire and to add to the shopping experience for locals and visitors. The retail sector will need help and it is the smart and the clever who will continue to enjoy strong trade. The above comment 'Interest rate deals a double whack' forecasts that things could be tough for the retail sector as households are forced to hang on to their dollars to pay for basics.
But this doesn't mean that retailers should hang out the shingle saying 'Gone Fishin'. Instead the industry should seek to turn a negative into a positive and meet the challenge of making business brisker with any number of initiatives that can be adopted if they think outside the square.
Merimbula has shown a resilience to survive when tough times have hit in the past and we are confident that the town can do it again.
An active chamber of commerce can play an important role in heading off any downturn and with the executive that it has its helm today we are optimistic that it will be onward and upward from here on in."
The BVSC has released its Draft Structure report on Merimbula. Comments are open until the 18th of January 2008 and should be addressed to the General Manager of the BVSC. Click on this link to download the report.
|
|
|
