Pittwater bands together to support commerce
Shop owners from Newport to Mona Vale are joining forces to support local business owners in a difficult commercial climate.
Mona Vale, Warriewood and Newport chambers of commerce are trialling a pilot collaboration into ‘Pittwater Business,’ in a move they hope will stimulate more initiatives and action – and more sales for shop owners.
The move comes as council passed the Newport Masterplan, in development since 2007, which supports the status quo of an ‘overarching framework,’ with targeted initiatives, but no changes to development controls or future reviews.
Kylie Harding was elected president of the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce in January, growing the membership from 20 to 90 in the last five months.
On 20 May, Ms Harding hosted a get together of over 50 business owners from Newport to Mona Vale to support the trial of Pittwater Business. Warriewood Chamber of Commerce has already joined the trial.
Ms Harding told PL that Newport Chamber had approached Mona Vale in January to request assistance with revitalising the community support for business owners.
“I thought the need was great to try the pilot to see if there’s appetite, as there’s been a great response from Warriewood.”
The stockbroker, who works with Morgan’s Financial in Mona Vale, said Pittwater Business could advocate on behalf of small business owners with council and local, state and federal politicians, and apply for grants.
Grants were important for local activation, Ms Harding said. “If we’re successful with grant funding to encourage people to shop local, support local and stay local (it assists and empowers businesses).”
Larx swimwear owner Rebecca Carnell has been an active member of the Newport Chamber of Commerce and attended the Pittwater Business morning tea. Ms Carnell said the shark attacks over summer had ‘really killed business.’ “Foot traffic has dropped a lot and a lot of the businesses are really suffering. My locals are still coming, but it’s been really tough.”
Four shops in Newport Village had closed over the last 12 months, due to rent increasing or doubling, Ms Carnell said – and two more were to follow.
“Newport Village used to be a destination where you could come and shop at several stores. Cost of living is affecting people…but I think there is a lack of things to visit and a lack of awareness. Council hasn’t really helped us do anything to promote the area either. It’s so important that something happens before everything disappears.”
Council recently discussed its Newport Masterplan, which has been under review since 2024. Lack of development and investment in the village centre were key concerns. The review said ‘high rents and commercial vacancies, limited redevelopment activity and unmet expectations regarding public transport were identified as key challenges affecting investment confidence and overall vibrancy in the centre.’
Council voted on 19 May to undertake ‘targeted place-based initiatives’ to strengthen vibrancy. Widened footpaths, upgraded pedestrian crossings and reduction of the Barrenjoey Road speed limit from 60km/hr to 50km/hr had already been delivered.
Pittwater councillor Rowie Dillon moved an amendment to the masterplan motion, to continue a ‘community-led working group to respond to emerging needs,’ with councillor and council staff participation when required.
Ms Dillon said it was important to have a community group to ‘work together to create a better Newport.’ She gave the example of Newport Net owner and Newport Chamber treasurer Karen Bond, who had worked tirelessly for over a decade to support business owners.
Ms Carnell added that the proposed Pittwater Business had ‘really drummed up a lot of support and hope and enthusiasm.’
