EXPANDED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PLEDGES WAR ON RED TAPE

CUTTING red tape is essential to getting business moving again says president of the newly-amalgamated Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce (GCCCC) Jason Deacon (pictured).

Deacon believes an over-abundance of government-imposed rules and regulations have stifled the ability of many city businesses to successfully battle tough economic conditions.

The new chamber is a partnership between Surfers Paradise/Broadbeach, Central Gold Coast and Nerang Chambers of Commerce.

It represents 46 per cent of the city’s industry.

The new board is: Jason Deacon (president); Roger Mayfield (secretary); Haydn Erbs (treasurer); Lucy Cole (deputy president); Jodi Brown (Nerang); Roy Gerards (membership); Kameron Gray (Burleigh); Ron Hailes (Robina Varsity); Noel Millers (policy and projects); Michael Yeomans (events/business services); Laura Younger (Surfers Paradise).

The organisation will use its increased financial clout to increase member services to help business break through the regulatory barrier.

“We want to build a chamber that is financially viable with paid staff to offer advice and help business cut through red tape,” he says.

The new Queensland LNP Government has promised to cut regulations by 20 per cent.

“Cutting red tape is essential,” says Deacon. “It adds to the cost of everything and has been a real airbrake on nearly every industry on the Gold Coast.”

“It is what business keeps calling for, a rationalisation of regulations and a good dose of common sense,” says Deacon.

The merger of the three chambers has been supported at local and state government level and Deacon says establishing relationships with government will be a priority.

The next GCCCC twilight event will be held on June 14 at Beach House, while the next breakfast meeting is June 27 at Jupiters Hotel and Casino, with Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland CEO Rick Burnett as guest speaker.