With the Sutherland Shire local government elections fast approaching we can see that all political parties and individuals are campaigning to secure their place on council for the next four-year term.
At the same time many community and action groups are using social media to raise issues that concern them, from overdevelopment to a lack of parking.
From a business perspective, when it works well, local government plays a very important role in supporting business success from facilitating a faster and fairer development application system to implementing realistic rules and permits processes, focusing on area activation andmarketing strategies that promote the Sutherland Shire as a great place to live and work.
Development and activity in the area should not be frowned upon. More people is a good thing for small business and the local economy. It is people that use the services of local businesses, that decide to set up businesses in the area and employ local people. It is people that make our economy tick.
The post-election council must use rate-payer funds wisely to join other voices calling on the State Government for increased funding to fix our local roads and provide parking at our transport hubs.
One can’t work successfully without the other. If the council is responsible for meeting targets set by the State Government, then they also need to come to the party.
We also must ensure the development of office space and manufacturing hubs occurs alongside residential development.
This also involves the Federal Government stepping up to ensure that local businesses have access to fast, reliable broadband sooner rather than later.
At time when traffic congestion is increasing and public transport is overcrowded we need to be encouraging people to set up their businesses locally and then compete on the local, national and global stage.
While the spotlight is shining on Sydney’s west we need our council representatives to come up with smart strategies that will ensure this area does not get left behind.
We need to come up with solutions that support economic growth, local amenity and employment. Many local business owners also live in the area and employ local people so they have skin in the game when it comes to making sure this area is seen as a vibrant place to live and do business.
- Joanne Ryan, chair Sutherland Shire Business Chamber
