Graham Brown discussed the fallout of MidCoast Council's decision to adopt Barrington Coast destination name

In the wash-up of the decision to adopt the Barrington Coast name, Mr Brown did not mince his words.

“It’s a waste of resources and effort and I just don’t see the logic at all.

“They haven’t involved proper community consultation and are suffering for that.

“We’re just going to confuse people,” Mr Brown said.

The former MidCoast Business Chamber president was away from the area when Barrington Coast was put before council. 

On his return, he was “bewildered”. 

It was noted in the destination marketing plan if Barrington Coast was deemed unacceptable by councillors, it would have been recommended to use NSW Mid-Coast.

As this term has been associated with the local government area for several years, Mr Brown said it would have been the right option.

“We finally settled on a name for ourselves - the Mid Coast.

“Each area (Manning, Great Lakes and Gloucester) would still have been promoted under that name.

“It was an opportunity to sell that to the wider nation.

"Had MidCoast gone against it (Barrington Coast), in my opinion it would have been the clear winner.

“This is the wrong decision,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown said he has worked with council and others for about two and half years on economic development.

“Some of those meetings were half days of people giving up their time,” Mr Brown said.

“In three minutes that gets thrown out the window.”

In light of the decision, Mr Brown questioned whether councillors have the support of the community to make similar decisions in the future.

He added that businesses that are not considered a draw to tourists won’t be affected by the decision.

“It doesn’t have affect on the local accountancy firm or fruit and vegetable shop for example,” Mr Brown said.