Business People in Ryde have the Ear of Pollies

“It’s not all doom and gloom,” Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told 180 members and guests at Ryde Business Forum’s (RBF) business breakfast on 17 April, and this was echoed three weeks later by Dr Craig Emerson, Small Business Minister, who spoke to Chamber of Commerce leaders in the area.

The City of Ryde is arguably Australia’s fastest growing business district, with the North Ryde/Macquarie Park area expected to overtake Parramatta to become NSW’s second biggest CBD.

PM Rudd congratulated the business people of Ryde “on generating business activity in a time of great global economic duress, providing jobs for people and doing it in a creative and effective way”.

He spoke about an example of Ryde’s high-technology industries, the new Hearing Hub at Macquarie University, which will bring together leaders in the fields of research, training, and community organisations alongside leading technology company Cochlear, positioning Macquarie University as a leader in hearing-related disorders.

Member for Bennelong, Maxine McKew MP, echoed his words and mentioned the immense potential of the high technology Macquarie Park area and the impact of the new Pacific Technology Gateway in encouraging the integration of commercial enterprise and ground-breaking research. Maxine McKew hosted a working lunch for RBF representatives, local Chamber presidents and retailers with special guest Dr Emerson giving attendees the opportunity to provide feedback to the government on how small business in the area is faring across the City.

The inference was that things are not as bad as they seem in the land Down Under. “We are still in for some rough times but are in a better position than most other countries. In Australia our small business community is used to doing it tough. Australian small businesses are already lean and agile and able to adapt. Businesses are trying to hold onto their staff, even if it means giving employees fewer hours of work until the economy turns around,” Dr Emerson said.

He said business confidence is a major factor in seeing the economy improve. Bad news sells newspapers, but “everyone is sick of hearing and reading about doom and gloom. We have to keep our confidence up,” he said.

RBF and local Chamber Presidents also met with Victor Dominello MP, Member for Ryde, during May.

The big topic for centrally-located Ryde is traffic, transport and infrastructure, and Victor is passionate about seeing an improvement in public transport to and within the area. He was disappointed if not angered about the amount of money allocated to NSW infrastructure in May’s Federal budget.

“There is a need to provide better transport throughout Sydney’s north west, whether it is a metro, light rail or heavy rail alternative. Projects such as linking the Epping-Chatswood Rail Link with Carlingford station would provide more commuter access to the Macquarie Park area and beyond,” he said.

“The Opposition is having discussions with experts on long term planning for transport solutions in north west and south west Sydney,” Victor said. “You have to think long term – not just the four years of your term of office.” RBF’s strong relationship with government representatives at all three levels will see it continue to lobby for improvement in local and regional transport.