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HALF of the Gold Coast’s business community could be represented by a single body if three chambers of commerce succeed in a proposed merger.
Since the Central Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach and Nerang chambers of commerce first held talks two months ago, the plan has made rapid progress with chamber members expected to vote in the New Year.
Central Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce president Jason Deacon says the deal will bolster business lobbying power.
"The proposed merger would see 46 per cent of the city’s businesses being represented by the one chamber, creating a very strong and financially viable chamber of commerce. This will in turn give all the chambers of commerce through the Gold Coast Combined Chamber of Commerce (GCCCC) a stronger voice to local, state and federal governments on a range of issues," he says.
Deacon dismisses market speculation that the amalgamation would involve breaking away from the GCCCC.
"It is by no means a way to break away from the GCCCC or any of the other chambers. This is a natural progression of what is needed for the chambers to be successful into the future," he says.
The merger will offer greater networking opportunities, economies of scale, reduction of administrative costs, exposure for members and sponsorship opportunities.
It will also involve the appointment of paid workers for business education programs, events management, media management, membership promotion and policy support.
It is believed that Deacon will assume presidency of the new super chamber, while Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach Chamber of Commerce president Lucy Cole will become vice-president.
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