A LARGE group gathered at Myall River Embroidery & Crafts in the Tea Gardens Industrial Estate for our December meeting, which covered a number of issues and raised some new ones.
Some of the matters that will be reviewed at our next meeting on February 1 include:
* Gateway project: Crighton Properties are continuing to negotiate with the RTA regarding the most appropriate site for the landscaped entranceway at the Pacific Highway turnoff. The precise location will affect the design yet to be finalised.
The Gateway Design Competition closed with a final selection of 10 designs - elements of some of them will be incorporated into the final design.
Members most popular design was drafted by local artist, Jen Nichols.
* Welcome Kits: A Chamber Task Force has been negotiating the production of a Welcome Kit - a printed business folder containing information about our area for new and prospective residents and business operators.
Chamber of Commerce members have been given first option to advertise their business on the folder cover.
* DSRD grant: The Department of State and Regional Development requires the Chamber to adhere to specific criteria when disseminating the $25,000 grant (awarded in December last year).
The purpose of the funding is to support the development of the Chamber's two main events - the Myall River Festival and Walk on the Wild Side.
* Industrial Estate business problems: After much discussion regarding a number of problems experienced by business operators in the industrial area, a Task Force was formed to work with council to address the issues raised. Council's Economic Development Manager, Deb Tuckerman, will attend our February meeting to further the discussions.
Deb will also be introducing members to council's new business website: www.greatlakesbusiness.com.au
* Cycle project: Honorary Member Adrian Ryan has chaired the first Cycle Project meeting where the Cycle Project Plan was tabled. The Cycleway Committee are currently researching what facilities are available for cyclists in other towns and are looking at ways of implementing strategies to encourage cycling enthusiasts to view Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest as a premier cycling destination.
* Chamber events: The Chamber's two major events - Myall River Festival and Walk on the Wild Side are growing and require additional support from volunteers to assist with their delivery. The economic benefit of these events has been proven to local businesses over the past three years. Vice president, Allan Wilson, suggested that a Chamber/community sub-committee be formed to provide support to the events coordinator. Anyone interested is invited to contact Shona Hunter Howarth on 4997 1249.
* Youth Art Mural Project: The first workshop between students from Tea Gardens Public School, local RSL members and local artists is planned for early February. Chamber member, David Bright of Tea Gardens Hardware, has been approached to assist with the supply of some materials and also for advice with the installation of the finished mural.
*February meeting: Other matters on the agenda for our next meeting - Thursday, February 1, 6pm in the Silver Dolphin Room Tea Gardens Hotel, include the introduction of local business awards and a review of tourism/business in Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest over the Christmas holidays. Meetings conclude at 7.30pm. For enquiries contact secretary Ann Scully on 0402 402 166.
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