We have continued our involvement with the three levels of Government in matters such as Coffs Harbour By-Pass, increase in Payroll Tax threshold, making it easier to do business with State Government, Jetty Foreshores Beautification and many more.
I am pleased to report that there was a reduction in CTP as well as some businesses received a refund, I personally would like to thank everyone involved particularly Ken Phillips for his White Paper on CTP presented to the NSW Government
I am equally delighted to learn that the Payroll Tax threshold will be increased to $850,000 per annum as from 1st July 2018 and it will increase by $50,000 for the next 3 years until it reaches $1,000,000 threshold.
We were also successful in our lobbying the Federal Member Mr Luke Hartsuyker for the Coffs Harbour By-Pass with the help of Coffs Harbour City Council, now we must lobby for a speedy start.
NSW Government has introduced the “Easy to do Business” Programme to streamline the processes involved in opening a new business in the Café, Restaurants and small business sector.
Coffs Harbour City Council from the 1st of July 2018 will be rolling the ‘Trading Places’ Scheme, which will allow traders to display goods and service on their footpaths without incurring extra costs or going through red tape, although there are terms and conditions business will need to adhere to.
For the first time and at the request of our members the Chamber will host the ‘Coffs Coast Business Expo & Trade Exhibition’ on 22nd & 23rd August 2018.
Also in the last twelve months we have concentrated to bring the key note speakers below, to get us, the business community thinking about ‘How and Where’ do we want this city to go:
• Regional & Business Update presentation from John Barilaro Deputy Premier & Minister for Regional Development and Small Business
• City Deals Presentation by Dr Leonie Pearson, Leader of Great Small Cities programme at Regional Australia Institute
• Building Regional Communities by Chris Hanger, Executive Director, Infrastructure & Networks from the Department of Premier & Cabinet.
• University Towns presentation from Prof. Iain Graham, Southern Cross University
• Dealing Coffs Harbour into the #1 Regional City Spot, presentation by Gary White, Chief Planner, NSW State Government.
This path will be decided on in our breakfast meeting on 26th June 2018. A very exciting time as we want to ensure that as the voice of the Business Community we do not miss this opportunity for the city.
The Jetty Foreshore stages 2-4 are completed and now we are lobbying Coffs Harbour City council for Stage 5 (larger car park north of the Entry Road) and Stage 6 for the enhancement and beautification of the area East of Jordan Esplanade from the Jetty Structure south to the end of the beach. It will have enhanced pedestrians’ walkways and access similar to those in Stages 2 to 4. There will be more outdoor gymnasiums for which the money has been raised by the Pink Ladies and many more.
I would like to acknowledge and deeply thank our Platinum Sponsors: C.ex Group, Park Beach Plaza and Southern Cross University and all our other sponsors, your dedication and efforts for a better Chamber of Commerce is greatly appreciated by all of us.
I would also like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to the existing Board Members for their commitment and support during the last 12 months.