Lake Macquarie City on the map.

B u s i n e s s Lake Macquarie City Council Business Newsletter Edition 26 - April 2010 www.lakemac.com.au Help us put Lake Macquarie City on the map Chambers of Commerce, businesses, and Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) are working in partnership to put Lake Macquarie City on the map. At the April launch of the new city brand and Live the Life, Love the Lake campaign, Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper MP, said the campaign will encourage economic development in the city while promoting a quality lifestyle and work-life balance. There are many reasons why people choose to work and live in the city, which are encapsulated in the photos and testimonials from many of our business leaders, Mayor Piper said. I am inviting any business, community group, or organisation, based in Lake Macquarie, to adopt the city brand and help us put Lake Macquarie City on the map. To ensure consistent usage of the brand and positioning statement, LMCC has prepared a Style Guide, which is clear and simple to use. The Guide can be found at www.lakemacquariecity.com.au. See inside for: Recycling makes business cents Results of the Centre Study 2009 And more...

Help us put Lake Macquarie City on the map...cont Swansea Recreational Tourism report In April 2009, council published the Economic Development Opportunities in the Swansea Area report, which suggested further investigation of recreational tourism potential in the Swansea area. Thanks to funding assistance from Industry & Investment NSW, the Stockland Group, Coal & Allied Community Trust, and the Department of Lands, Jenny Roberts of Castlecrest Consultants has identified a range of options for tourism activity areas in the recently completed Swansea Recreational Tourism report. Council s Economic Development Manager, Graeme Hooper, said a key recommendation of the report is to continue work to establish a small marina at Blacksmiths, adjacent to the Pacific Highway. This site would provide a catalyst for oceanside activity, including fishing, dolphin watching, and as a base for ocean-going yachts and motor launches that have difficulty crossing the Swansea drop over, Mr Hooper said. The site also has spectacular views offering a natural setting for café s and other maritime activity. The report suggests a partnership approach between all levels of government and industry professionals, giving prospective visitors information on activities in the area. Building on the successful walking trails guides, the report recommends developing kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, and snorkelling guides. The report will be released at a breakfast in Swansea in early June. 2 Lake Business Lake Macquarie City Council Business Newsletter

Combined Chambers of Commerce Town Centre Program Partnership Delivering City Wide Projects The Town Centre Program is a partnership between council and seven town centres across the city: Belmont, Toronto, Warners Bay, Cardiff, Morisset, Charlestown, and Swansea. Town Centre Program Coordinator, Jane Milne, said each chamber of commerce is currently tackling a range of town centre projects, prioritised by the community. Projects include graffiti removal, street beautification, building façade improvement, local shopping promotions, web site upgrades, business workshops, and a range of newsletters and events to support the business community, Ms Milne said. The program is also delivering city wide projects including the Centre Study 2009, which is available on the city website www.lakemac.com.au, and the Lake Macquarie LGA Branding Strategy project. Council s recently released banner policy supports placement of banners in appropriate locations throughout the town centres. In 2010, the chambers and council will update the Centre Study and the new city branding will be widely used, putting Lake Macquarie City on the map. hosts Lakefest In March 2010, Belmont Chamber of Commerce staged Lakefest, with the inaugural event raising over $2,000 for Belmont Hospital and the Belmont division of the Australian Red Cross. Town Centre Coordinator, Jenny Barrie, said the three-day event was packed with activities and entertainment. Belmont came to life during the event, and a highlight was a spectacular fireworks display by Ka-boom Fireworks that was enjoyed by residents around the lake, Ms Barrie said. Thanks to the many sponsors, event participants, and volunteer groups, Lakefest has brought a new focus and excitement to Belmont, a beautiful town on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Further beautification of the town centre is underway, with new rubbish bins and planters installed in the main street, and façade upgrades by property owners. Lakefest 2010 (image courtesy of Printworks Publications) Second Tuesday of the month Belmont Chamber of Commerce meeting Date: Tuesday 11 May between 5.30pm and 6.30pm Venue: Belmont Library, 19 Ernest Street, Belmont Contact: Town Centre Coordinator, Jenny Barrie, on 0411 222 429 or President, Sue Price, on 4945 4599 F u n d e d b y L a k e M a c q u a r i e C i t y C o u n c i l www.lakemac.com.au 3

wins grant Northlakes Chamber of Commerce can actively promote Cardiff in the future thanks to a grant from Industry & Investment NSW. Funding for the marketing and branding project is timely, as the Woolworths development is nearing completion, and Cardiff businesses are poised to take advantage of new trade in the town centre. Town Centre Coordinator, Jacinta Mackey, said the project will deliver many positive outcomes for Cardiff, raising awareness among locals and visitors of what the town has to offer. A new town logo, positioning statement, style guide, and marketing plan will guide marketing activity, Ms Mackey said. We will produce a welcome pack for new residents and business, develop a website and business directory, and keep business up to date through a regular newsletter and e-news. Cardiff businesses getting into the swing of the new look CBD EVENT Second Tuesday of the month Northlakes Chamber of Commerce incorporating Cardiff Business and Industry Group meeting Date: Tuesday 11 May at 5.30pm Venue: Op Shop Heaven, 298 Main Road, Cardiff Contact: Town Centre Coordinator, Jacinta Mackey, on 0410 557 071 to get free Wi-Fi Visitors to the Charlestown business precinct will soon have free wireless internet access, thanks to a grant from the state government. Member for Charlestown, Matthew Morris MP, announced the funding at a recent Lake Macquarie Business Club lunch, and said free internet access will give local businesses a significant marketing advantage. Charlestown is leading by example, being the first Lake Macquarie City town centre to offer a free Wi-Fi service to business, residents, and visitors, Mr Morris said. Having fast-tracked major construction stages, GPT s Charlestown Square development is due for completion in October 2010, attracting new business back into the CBD area. Free Wi-Fi to come to Charlestown s Second Wednesday of the month Business Charlestown Meeting Date: Wednesday 12 May at 5.30pm Venue: Mattara Hotel, 333 Charlestown Rd, Charlestown (upstairs) Info: www.businesscharlestown.org.au Contact: Town Centre Coordinator, Jenny Barrie, on 0411 222 429 Third Monday of the month Lake Macquarie Business Club Lunch Date: Monday 17 May between 12.30pm 2pm Venue: The Quality Hotel Apollo International, 290 Pacific Highway, Charlestown Cost: $35 members, $40 non-members Contact: Narelle Redman on 4956 7522 or credit card payments via Sticky Tickets www.stickytickets.com.au/1946 or Jenny Barrie on 0411 222 429 4 Lake Business Lake Macquarie City Council Business Newsletter F u n d e d b y L a k e M a c q u a r i e C i t y C o u n c i l

benefits from Morisset rejuvenation Morisset main street is enjoying a development boom with private and government projects underway. A new Woolworths shopping complex will open in August featuring 16 speciality shops, along with the new Morisset bus/rail interchange that includes the upgrade and expansion of commuter and town centre carparks. Southlake Business Chamber and Community Alliance is extending this renewal program, offering chamber members who upgrade their façade awnings or signage, 20% incentive payments. Town Centre Coordinator, Rosmairi Okeno, said the program is a great way for building or business owners to ease the cost of upgrades. We are also offering business owners marketing workshops covering business appearance, merchandising, and marketing, Ms Okeno said. In addition, five lucky businesses will receive one-on-one diagnostic sessions. Future Morisset Town Square as depicted in the Morisset Town Centre Area Plan Third Tuesday of the month Southlake Business Chamber and Community Alliance networking meeting Date: Tuesday 18 May at 6pm Venue: Lake Macquarie Hotel, Dora Street, Morisset RSVP: For post-meeting networking nibbles by Friday 14 May Cost: $15 members, $18 non-members Contact: Town Centre Coordinator, Rosmairi Okeno, on 4973 3483 or 0458 733 483 façade upgrade Swansea, the southern gateway to Lake Macquarie City, will undergo a facelift over the coming months as the Swansea Chamber of Commerce undertakes a shop front façade upgrade project. Town Centre Coordinator, Larraine Russell, said the exciting new Woolworths development has already awakened the sleepy end of town. The Chamber will work with premises owners to upgrade their shop fronts, improving the image of the whole town centre, while the major retailers continue to upgrade their stores, Ms Russell said. Carols by Candlelight and New Year s Eve festivities went off with a bang in 2009, and record crowds enjoyed live music, free entertainment, and spectacular fireworks. Woolworths development and speciality shops First Monday of the month 2281 Business & Community Network Meeting Date: Monday 3 May at 5.45pm Venue: Swansea RSL, Bridge Street, Swansea (upstairs) Info: www.swanseabusiness.com.au Contact: Town Centre Coordinator, Larraine Russell, on 0404 5 820 Networking Business wit F u n d e d b y L a k e M a c q u a r i e C i t y C o u n c i l the Community www.lakemac.com.au 5

Home Web Links FAQ News Feeds The News Typography Contact Us launches website Thanks to Lake Macquarie City Council funding, on 28 April Toronto businesses went online, when the Toronto Chamber of Commerce launched their new website www.toronto.com.au. The site will be managed by Town Centre Coordinator, Keryl Fedrick, who said the launch would coincide with a $20,000 prize give away via a social media connection, thanks to generous donations from local businesses. Toronto already has its own Facebook page, with ongoing developments to include live links, and opinion and photo uploads, Ms Fedrick said. Chamber members receive a free listing on the website, a profile page with additional images, a pin and business information on a custom Google map, a link to their home page, year round promotions, and timely marketing information. In March, the Regatta Walk Foreshore Reserve at Toronto was officially launched after undergoing a $1.44 million facelift. Works include a new amenities block, café and outdoor seating, environmental protection works to the lake foreshore, improvements to the jetty, and a walkway-cycle route through the reserve. Latest News Home News Feeds Whats On Busienss Directory Contact Us Toronto Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. - All Rights Reserved 2010 Website by Walsh Technology New website design for Toronto Chamber of Commerce First Wednesday of the month Toronto Chamber of Commerce and Industry meeting Date: Wednesday 5 May at 5.30pm Venue: Royal Motor Yacht Club, Arnott Street, Toronto Contact: Toronto Chamber of Commerce on 4950 5216 or co-ordinator@torontochamber.com.au supports business Warners Bay is a popular lakeside suburb boasting over 450 businesses, plenty of parking, and a host of lifestyle activities, services, and community organisations. The foreshore features a popular restaurant and café scene, numerous speciality shops, and a Coles supermarket. A large bulky goods, homemaker, and light industrial precinct on Hillsborough Road is home to many local and national retailers. Town Centre Coordinator, Rhonda Campbell, said retaining and attracting business to the town centre is achieved through a partnership between the Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce and the business community. The chamber encourages networking and buy local campaigns, is working to upgrade the chamber website thanks to the Town Centre Program, and is offering IT workshops to ensure a web presence for local business, Ms Campbell said. Warners Bay hosts many lakeside events Third Tuesday of the month Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting Date: Tuesday 18 May between 7am - 8.30am Venue: Lena s Lakeside Café, The Esplanade, Warners Bay Cost: $10 per person (incl GST) Contact: Town Centre Coordinator, Rhonda Campbell, on 4954 3958 or 0458 549 222 or email warnersbaychamber@bigpond.com 6 Lake Business Lake Macquarie City Council Business Newsletter F u n d e d b y L a k e M a c q u a r i e C i t y C o u n c i l

working for local business Centre Study 2009 In 1997, Lake Macquarie City Council undertook a comprehensive survey of the major retail centres, collecting data on business mix, floor space, and employment for the town centres. The data was updated in 2002,, and 2009. In 2009, key outcomes of the Centre Study include: 1. A substantial increase in floor area providing retail and commercial space. Charlestown continues to grow with several new commercial, apartment, and retail buildings. The current $350m major upgrade of Charlestown Square will double the amount of floor space within the centre. Stockland Glendale has undergone two extensions, and Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths have also upgraded and expanded supermarket development over the 12 year study period. 2. An upward trend in vacant space. Vacancy rates have risen from a low of 2% in 1997 to a high of 12% in 2009. Influencing factors include the impact of the global financial crisis, variations in data collection over the reporting periods, and the addition of considerable new floor space. With the completion of Charlestown Square, 2010 should see a large rise in small business, reducing vacancy rates substantially. 3. A fairly steady rise in the number of businesses. There is a strong diversity of business throughout the commercial centres, with Goods Related Service Industries dominating most centres except Cardiff, which has strong Goods Producing Industries. Knowledge Based Service Industries and Person Based Service Industries feature in each commercial centre. LMCC Economic Development Manager, Graeme Hooper, said Lake Macquarie City is successful because of the strong, vibrant town centres. Each town centre has unique characteristics, but all share a diverse mix of retail and professional services, Mr Hooper said. For a copy of the Centre Study report, visit www.lakemac.com.au Business Publications. Recycling makes business cents Lake Macquarie City Council s business recycling service can save your company money. Recycling will also enhance your green credentials, ensuring you stand out from your competitors. LMCC Sustainability Project Coordinator, Rosa Lohrisch, said using the recycling service could deliver annual cost savings of around $340 per bin. This is an easy cost saving to make if your business has more than one council-serviced general waste bin, Ms Lohrisch said. The service is flexible in terms of the number and type of bins. You can choose a split bin (similar to domestic services) or an undivided bin for paper and cardboard only. If you would like to register your business for this service, call 4921 0333 or visit www.lakemac.com.au. lakemac p r i n t printing design digital colour copying black/white copying plan printing binding Trade Book Deals Dup. Trip. 4 Books $130 $170 6 Books $170 $210 8 Books $210 $250 10 Books $250 $290 Prices include GST & delivery tel 4921 0510 fax 4921 0536 email printing@lakemac.nsw.gov.au www.lakemac.com.au 7

Number of dvalue of development approvals $m Number of d Value of development approvals $m Number of dvalue of development approvals $m For your 2002 72 14 64 14 Q3 51 72 24 2003 100 22 72 19 Q3 61 14 Wednesday 845 May 232010 Lake Macquarie Business Breakfast 54 9 Q3 Guest & Speaker: 136 Roger Brock, 36 Editor, Newcastle Herald Venue: Belmont 16 Foot Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont 85 40 Q3 Time: 7.00am 89 8.30am 46 Cost: $32.50 per person (incl GST) RSVP: Monday 993 May 2010 28 (bookings and prepayment essential) Contact: Amanda 78Harvey 4921 66 0309 or email Q3 aharvey@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 108 57 70 2004 62 23 2005 65 39 2006 71 39 104 41 2007 113 47 Wednesday 8226 May 108 2010 Q3 115 52 Residential Lake Macquarie 83 Business 313 Network Lunch 32 Guest Speaker: Peter Fitzsimons, Columnist, Number of dvalue of development approvals No. $m ex Rugby International and best selling Author Venue: Ducks Crossing, 58 Burton Road, Eleebana Time: 12.00pm 2.00pm Cost: $70.00 per person 64 14 (incl GST) Q3 RSVP: 9am Monday 24 May 51 2010 (bookings and prepayment essential) 72 24 Contact: Amanda Harvey 4921 0309 or email aharvey@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 72 19 70 32 91 58 Q3 103 64 2002 72 14 45 2009 57 50 2003 100 22 2003 H1 172 41 Q3 61 14 84 23 Wednesday 2 June 2010 Lake Macquarie 54 Business 9 Breakfast Q3 & 136 36 Guest Speaker: Professor Maree Gleeson, Director, Hunter 85 Medical Research 40 Institute Q3 89 46 Venue: Quality 99 Hotel Apollo 28 International, 290 Pacific Highway, Charlestown 78 66 Time: 7.00am 8.30am Cost: $32.50 per person (incl GST) Q3 108 57 70 RSVP: Monday 10431 May 2010 41 (bookings and prepayment essential) Contact: Amanda Harvey 4921 0309 or email 82 108 58 Q3 aharvey@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 115 52 83 313 32 Tuesday 29 June 2010 No. Lake Macquarie Combined Chambers meeting Venue: Lake Macquarie City Council Time: 5.45pm - 7.15pm Contact: Sarah Cook 4921 0494 or email scook@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 2004 62 23 2005 65 39 2006 71 39 2007 113 47 70 32 91 58 Q3 103 64 45 2009 57 50 2003 H1 172 41 Development Approvals 2002 2002 72 72 14 14 64 64 14 14 Q3 Q3 51 51 72 72 24 24 2003 100 22 2003 100 22 72 19 Q3 72 61 1914 Fourth quarter of 2009 (October - December) Q3 61 84 14 23 Value of development approvals $m Number of development approvals 2004 84 62 23 23 2004 62 54 23 9 Value of development approvals $m Number of development approvals Q3 & 54136 936 2005 Value of development 65 approvals 39 $m Number of development approvals Q3 & 136 36 85 40 2005 Q3 65 89 3946 85 99 4028 85 2006 Q3 89 71 4639 99 78 2866 103 69 Q3 108 57 71 2006 71 39 104 41 57 91 78 66 2007 113 47 103 Q3 108 57 82 108 70 91 45 50 Q3 104115 4152 50 2007 113 83 47 313 40 82 70 10832 58 64 57 Q3 115 91 5258 Q3 83103 31364 No. 32 45 26 50 70 58 3245 64 57 No. 2009 91 57 5850 2009 85 50 Q3 Number 103 of dvalue 64 of development approvals 45 $m 2009 Q3 69 40 Number of dvalue of development 45 approvals $m 50 Q3 2009 71 26 2009 57 50 2002 721 65 Q3 2002 72865 14 67 2003 H1 172 Q3 64926 14101 H2 145 37 Q3 860 51 73 20032004 H1 H1 172116 4132 2003 H2 72136 945 2436 67 20032005 H1 100150 981 227989 Q3 H2 72188 719 197459 2006 Q3 H1 61149 939 14 10590 2004 H2 84212 642 239849 2007 H1 195 757 155 2004 62 23 73 Value of development approvals $m Number of development approvals Q3 H2& 1886 198 365 54 9 228 2005 H1 Value of development 161 600 approvals 90 138 $m Number of development approvals Q3 & H2 136190 36 680 109 82 2005 65 39 Q3 690 92 550 573 85 40 603 71 473 Q3 89 46 490 2006 560 84 99 680 28 103 378 2006 Q3 71700 39111 91 78660 66 89 103 2007 Q3 108519 57132 70 91 104510 41111 2007 Q3 113577 47 85 82613 108 58 58 64 57 Q3 115480 52 91 94 83520 313 83 32 51 58 45 Q3 70562 32 64 50 57 75 73 473 94 No. 91 58 2009 378 51 Q3 103 64 2009 490 58 45 50 Q3 2009 Q3 550 45 75 2009 2009 57573 50 73 Q3 2003 H1 1926 156 2009 2003 H1 H2 172 1658 41149 Q3 2004 H1 1399 122 H2 1886 228 2005 H1 1280 220 H2 1293 163 2006 H1 1240 171 H2 1360 200 2007 H1 1029 243 H2 1190 143 Council granted 71 commercial approvals 2009 valued at $26 million Residential Q3 during the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with 69 approvals valued at $31.9 Value of development million approvals during $m the Number third of development quarter of approvals 2009. 2009 Residential Council granted 573 residential development approvals valued at $73 million during the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with 550 approvals valued 2009 at $74.7 million during the third quarter of 2009. H1 1000 174 Major planning applications approved H2 1035 during 181 the fourth quarter of 2009 include: Location Development value Toronto Retirement village $21 million Belmont Mixed use development $8.7 million Charlestown Medical centre and shop $1.7 million Morisset Medical centre $1.3 million No. in Your City Lake Macquarie Business Centre 4942 3133 Lake Macquarie Tourism Association 4921 0740 Visitor Information Centre 4921 0740 For Lake Macquarie Chambers of Commerce details go to www.lakemac.com.au and click on Business Lake Macquarie City Council Economic Development and Tourism Team Graeme Hooper Manager 4921 0425 Jane Milne Town Centre Program Coordinator 4921 0335 Amanda Harvey Administration Officer 4921 0309 Sarah Cook Marketing Officer 4921 0494 Sharon Walker Visitor Centre Coordinator 4972 1742 Bianca Gilmore Senior Tourism Marketing Officer 4972 1743 8 Business Do you have a story to share, a business that has received special recognition or an event worth mentioning? If so please drop us a line at: scook@lakemac.nsw.gov.au Lake Macquarie City Council phone: 02 4921 0333 fax: 02 4958 7257 web: www.lakemac.com.au email: council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au post: Box 1906 HRMC NSW 2310 Produced by Council s Economic Development Department. Designed by Lakemac Print.