Minutes

Tuesday 7 February 2006.

Austinmer Bowling Club.

Attendees: Greg Watts, Darryl Bromley, Scott Smith, John Vander, Francis Vander, Pauline Smith, Margaret Groom, John Groom, Steve Melchior, Shelley Daniew, Tracey Noonan, Barry Ahern.

Apologies: Quentin Field, Barbara Allen, Ronda Collins.

Meeting opened: 7:35pm

1.     Attendees confirmed that business is benefiting from the opening of Sea Cliff Bridge; some more significantly than others.  The clear issue following the opening is the dramatic increase in vehicle traffic and that impact on the community and businesses, particularly in Thirroul, Austinmer, Stanwell Park and Bald Hill; together will the associated parking and pedestrian access problems, particularly Coalcliff.  Solutions need to be found, else we risk turning visitors off our region.

2.     Resolved that NICC will take a proactive role in initiating meetings with Wollongong City Council and RTA to find solutions.  Action: Darryl Bromley

3.     Meeting greatly concerned to hear a meeting was held recently between RTA, Wollongong City Council, Cliffhanger Restaurant and Panorama to advise those two businesses of proposed road changes at Bulli Tops to address traffic flow around the new Tourist Information Centre at Bulli Tops.  This issue will be included in the discussions proposed in item 2.

4.     John Vander advised of feedback from visitors (in his business capacity as a Tourist Information site) that the increase in tourist / visitor numbers to the Northern Illawarra has shown a clear lack of knowledge about our region by those visitors – they knew about the new Sea Cliff Bridge, but little else.  Many visitors see a lack of accommodation, pubs, restaurants, etc; particularly opening long or more tourist-friendly hours.  There is a clear need for business to develop information, specifically leaflets that can be taken in hand by visitors, to change their perception into our reality.

5.     Resolved that NICC would work on publishing a map of the Northern Illawarra, much like the “Wollongong - a great experience” leaflet published by Tourism Wollongong with map on one side and businesses on the other.  Darryl Bromley will discuss with Linda Marquis.

6.     Development of an NICC brand, particularly the creation of a logo, is a priority for NICC.  Our brand would be clearly identified around and throughout the community, drive business between members and new membership.  Scott Smith presented some draft logo ideas.  Further development needed.

7.     Meeting agreed to accept an offer from Linda Marquis to door-knock businesses in the Northern Illawarra as a membership drive for NICC.  Need to quickly resolve item 6 for a brand, logo and membership pack.

8.     Scott Smith advised the Membership Directory has been updated on the website to include all new members.  The Directory is also now available in alphabetical order.  Membership is 52.

9.     Meeting discussed the possibility of advertising and features in print, radio and television media; such as Sydney Weekender Magazine and TV show and local newspapers in targeted regions like Cronulla-Sutherland Shire or St George District.  John Cranston has experienced success for his business in this area.

10.  NICC Ball set for Friday, 10 November, 2006.  Target of 150 attendees.  We will form a committee next meeting.

11.  Scott Smith gave an update on the Helensburgh Beautification Project and Helensburgh issues:

·      The “Historic Helensburgh” dual-way road sign has been installed at the intersection of Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Temple Road, Helensburgh.  The aim of the sign is to direct traffic (road, bicycle and foot) off LHD into Helensburgh.  Management of the Temple and a local landscaping company, First Impressions (Alan Patterson), will complete landscaping around the sign to increase visual impact.

·      Wollongong City Council has approved the installation of large, rectangular planter boxes along the footpath on Walker Street between the roundabout and Short Street.  Work to be completed in the next few weeks.

·      Helensburgh members to meet with Tom Playford to investigate the development of a Town Plan for Helensburgh.

12.  Meeting acknowledged the contribution of Scott Smith in both the development of NIO and the Helensburgh Beautification Project over the past couple of years.  Outstanding community service.

Meeting closed 9:30pm