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| A warm welcome to our new members for September | ||
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| Chamber AGM | ||
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60 members and guests attended the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting and Information Evening on Tuesday 29 September. Chamber President, Rob Turner, reported on the successes of the past year and also flagged upcoming changes (see article below regarding Work for the Dole and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme). Treasurer, Peter Buckland, also discussed the challenges these changes will present and the Board’s work to ensure our resourcing is appropriately adjusted and Chamber’s financial position continues to be secure.
Rob Turner congratulated our newly elected Board Members and noted the new and positive dimension they will bring to the Board: |
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| Parking and People Movement | ||
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The September Information Evening’s panel discussion on ‘Parking and People Movement in Port Macquarie’ certainly generated lots of interest, discussion and some diverse views. Matt Rogers, Director Development and Environmental Services, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, set the scene with an overview of the parking surveys, analysis and changes undertaken in recent years. He also outlined Council’s plans for public consultation on car parking issues and the revision of the car parking strategy – in particular, looking at the demand for short and medium term parking and solutions for long-term (employee) parking. Andrew Campbell offered the broader context in which these issues need to be considered: the expansion of regional shopping centres (eg Lake Innes etc); the expansion of bulky goods retail out of the CBD; increased work from home provisions; and that approximately 50% of our existing CBD land area is already taken up by roads and parking. A few eyebrows were raised with the ideas suggested by David Tooby. These included improved cycleways to encourage commuting by bike, paid parking/ parking metres, and a shuttle service to other long-term parking options. Questions and comments from the floor raised a range of relevant issues including: whether revised public transport arrangements would encourage shoppers to leave their cars at home/another town centre, ensuring we develop parking options that are easy for tourists as well as locals, the need to consider our local demographic and how the various solutions could impact on the aged.
Some of the questions left with the audience included: Lots of food for thought. We encourage all Chamber members to consider these issues and open your eyes to options when you are in and around the CBD. Chamber will be seeking more of your views on this in the near future. Thanks to our sponsor for the evening, King + Campbell 
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| Seeking your Feedback: Business Awards | ||
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With the recent conclusion of the third Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards, Chamber would like your feedback. Please take 5 minutes to complete a short survey to help us understand how the Awards are viewed by the business community – it can be as short as a couple of mouse clicks, or if you have more feedback to offer that is most welcome in the space provided too! You can complete the survey by following this link.
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| Proposed Settlement City Redevelopment – Information/discussion session | ||
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Chamber will be hosting an information and discussion session on the Proposed Settlement City redevelopment:
Monday 12th October at 5:30pm The Hastings Room, Quality Resort Sails Register by calling Kerry in the Chamber office on 02 6583 4412 or e-mailing her at info@portchamber.com.au. In attendance to present information and answer questions will be Stacey Fishwick ING Development Manager and Phil Murphy ING Project Manager. Chamber would welcome your comment in the lead-up to, at and immediately following this session, so it can be included in our feedback on the proposal. Council have been consulted and agreed our late submission. Please submit your comments to Liesa Davies, Chamber Executive Officer, at executive@portchamber.com.au. |
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| Chamber comment on the Proposed Hayward Stree Development | ||
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Chamber recently submitted comment on the proposed retail complex and bus interchange development in Hayward St, by the Coles Group. Thank you to those members who contributed their views. The Chamber’s comment can be viewed on our website. |
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| Chamber business ... Work for the Dole and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Changes | ||
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As you would be aware from previous updates, Chamber has been working to secure the continuation of sponsored Work For the Dole / Work Experience projects with new Job Services Australia providers in Port Macquarie. Unfortunately, the revised Government funding arrangements for these projects have made our continued involvement untenable – essentially we do not have a solution that would enable Chamber to cover our costs for future projects. As a result, the Board has decided that our involvement in Work for the Dole projects will end with the current projects on 5 October. Chamber’s sincere thanks are extended to all who have been involved in these projects over the past 8 years, in particular our Work for the Dole supervisors, Wesley Uniting Employment, H&H Accredited Training, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and other not-for-profit organisations who have supported the completion of these valued projects.
The Chamber’s status as the Regional Certifying Body for Employer sponsored visas for skilled workers in the Mid-North Coast region is also changing. In mid-Sept the Government withdrew regional concessions for one visa program (the 457 Long term temporary visa). There is also talk that the Government will withdraw concessions for the second regional sponsored migration scheme in coming months. In any case, Chamber has been advised that our status as a Regional Certifying Body is being withdrawn in the near future as the Federal and State Governments move this function solely to the new formed and govt funded Regional Development Australia committees. In addition to bringing skilled workers to the region , where no suitable local candidates could be identified, this role also provided revenue to the Chamber through the assessment and certification fee. Undoubtedly, these changes will result in reduced revenue, which has, to date, subsidised other activities. Some may, however, see these changes as bringing Chamber back to our core business. In any case, the Board is working to develop and implement other revenue streams which will support the operations of a strong Chamber into the future. |
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| Small Business Support Line | ||
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Phone 1800 77 7275 to access the Australian Government's new Small Business Support Line. Advisers can help or refer callers on issues including: |
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| Member Profile: Arts and Health Australia | ||
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Arts and Health Australia (AHA) is a networking and advocacy organisation and consulting agency, established to enhance and improve health and wellbeing within the community through engagement in creative activity. AHA passionately promotes best-practice policy in arts and health, which will culminate in November with The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing conference. Arts and Health Australia: Arts and Health Australia, are seeking your support in sponsoring delegates for the upcoming ‘The Art of Good Health and Wellbeing Conference’ at the Glasshouse, 10-13 Nov. The conference features 15 international speakers and 60 Australian presenters who will share their wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of creativity, health and wellbeing. There is a list of quality candidates for the “Sponsor a Delegate” program. The applicants work in a range of not-for-profit agencies such as healthcare, aged care, family and welfare services, mental health and veterans’ groups, aboriginal health, tertiary students and community volunteers. For further information contact Gabbie Carroll on 6583 5040 and visit www.artsandhealth.org.au. 
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| Chamber Board | ||
| Robert Turner (President) | Kellon Beard | Peter Buckland | Bob Gillroy | Stuart Goodfellow | Mike Graver | Janette Hyde | Daniel Jordan | Scott Leis | Bill Linney | Hadyn Oriti | Anthony Wilson | ||
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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. |