Mr De Kock gave a brief overview of proposed development plans for the CBD and said that final proposals, which will take public comment into consideration, will probably be available in about six weeks' time. He highlighted the need for development to refocus on the CBD and stressed the need for pedestrian access and a focus on linkages between the various zones. He emphasised the need for an integrated business development plan to make optimal use of the development proposals. The importance of the Louis Fourie Road corridor as business axle for development was also stressed.
He reminded business leaders of the opportunity to provide input into the development proposals. "Development cannot be ignored and the CBD needs to be protected in the total strategy as part of the balance. If development does not take place, the alternative is most likely that the CBD will further deteriorate" De Kock said.
MEC Winde
Minister Winde spoke on the need for the harbour to form part of the CBD development, but stressed that the dual mandate is a problem for the Provincial government. A study is being done at present for the local government to have more input into the development of the harbour.
He added that the harbour is seen as one of the key generators that makes Mossel Bay unique and thanked Mossel Bay Tourism for 'owning the tourism space' created by the news that the Garden Route has been included in a list of the world's top 10 coastal routes.
"Mossel Bay is the only town in the region with a harbour and it remains key in the central space of economic development for the region," he said.
PetroSA LNG Project
On the need or not for the LNG project proposed by PetroSA, Minister Winde said the reality is that the current gas supplies are being depleted and that, in the bigger scheme of energy supply, gas should be playing a much bigger role.
"Province will in the next weeks be doing a presentation to the Premier in order to change the energy mix, reduce the dependence on nuclear power in favour of gas. Gas reserves off Africa has proved that gas is becoming increasingly cheaper and more dependable. Province will remain proactive on this issue," he added.
"We will make sure that everything is done to protect the environment," Minister Winde promised.
He commended Mossel Bay Tourism for being very active and for recognising the need for economic development partnerships. He, however, urged towns in the region to find their niche and to develop that to its full potential.
Red Tape to Red Carpet
"We have set out to eradicate red tape and create an enabling environment so that local businesses may grow and employ more people, and so that we may become an attractive destination for foreign companies to invest in.
It must be emphasised that some regulations are prescribed by legislation, and that it is not our intention to break any rules or remove regulations that are beneficial.
"We benchmark our project on Singapore where it takes 30 seconds for a permit to be issued," Minister Winde said.
The approach is two-fold: Statutory; including the eradication or reduction of legislation, regulations, permits, licences and standards that present an unnecessary hindrance to business, and Systemic; including making bureaucratic procedures and reporting more efficient, with a special focus on reducing the time it takes to complete mandatory processes.
At the heart of it all is a dedicated Red Tape Unit, housed within the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. It has been tasked to establish through research and consultation what regulations most constrain the private sector.
Aubrey Damons (left) and Mossel Bay's Executive Deputy Mayor, Mr Harry Levendal, were very interested in the development proposals for the CBD, as discussed by consultant Willem de Kock.
ARTICLE: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest Mossel Bay | Garden Route news'
