GEORGE NEWS - "Today wasn’t an event, it was the first step of a journey." Local businessman Guy Harris looked tired but glowing after last week’s Economic Summit.

As an initiative of mayor Bazil Petrus, facilitated by Prof. Francois Hanekom, the event aimed to create an opportunity for interaction and idea sharing between George municipality and local businesses regarding the economic future of the town.
Harris called the summit a positive occasion that has laid the ground work.

"Whether or not it will be successful is determined by the way council and municipality takes this forward in formulating detailed plans and implementing it. It will be integral that business and other stakeholders will be included in the process," says Harris.
Upon enquiry Petrus confirmed that his office received a lot of positive feedback from the business community.
He is very excited about council’s brand new incentive scheme to attract investors to George.

Economic Revitalisation Policy
The incentive scheme, which had been approved by council, is aimed at facili-tating the establishment of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses in George.
It is based on the three key economic incentive nodes as identified in the Draft George Spacial Development Framework:
The Urban Development Zone (UDZ), whose purpose is to revive the inner city, create more jobs and attract more people to live and work in the central business sector.

Owned by the municipality, the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) is located in Pacaltsdorp Industria and offers prime industrial land close to the airport, the N2, a railway linkage and the George CBD.
The Special Development Zone (SDZ) in the Hansmoeskraal area, south of Pacaltsdorp, has been earmarked at the sectors in science, technology and research and supported by related education, sport, culture and tourism.

Developments in these zones will be considered for a range of incentives, such as building plan approvals within very short time frames, pre-approved development rights, lower parking ratios and guaranteed access to adequate utility services.
Municipal owned land will be sold at discount prices and rental discounts will also be available for long term leases.
The details of the incentive scheme and related criteria are available at the municipality.


Brenda Moses, George Airport manager and Marlon Vorster of George Connect registering at the Economic Summit.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: MICHELLE PIENAAR
More photos here: http://www.georgeherald.com/gallery.aspx?gpid=212&gid=1