Seaward disappointed in council call
Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Mark Seaward said he was disappointed in the City of Bunbury’s decision to remove the chamber from a committee to review policies.
City of Bunbury councillors last week voted to remove a chamber representative from its Policy Review and Development Committee. The contentious move to include a representative last year sparked backlash from some councillors who believed it was the job of elected members to make policy decisions.
The role of the committee is to review and develop council policies.
Mr Seaward said the chamber had invested a significant amount of time and effort into the committee and was surprised it was reviewed so early in the new council’s term.
“It introduced interaction on council policies and procedures with the business community who are a significant stakeholder in the region and a significant portion of rate revenue for the city,” he said.
Speaking against including a representative last week, Cr Wendy Giles said it was not logical or sensible favouring one section of the Bunbury community on the committee.
She urged the council to consider other groups who would have vested interest.
Cr James Hayward spoke for the decision to include the outside representative saying it was an opportunity to engage with the business community.
“The reality is that if we as a council want to include our community in the decision making that happens here, this is a fantastic opportunity for us,” he said.
“I don’t accept that there’s a conflict of interest, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry are here to see Bunbury improve and expand and that’s what we’re about as well.”
Cr Hayward said it was not an exclusive opportunity for the chamber and that other members or business people could be involved.
Mayor Gary Brennan spoke for the move to include the chamber, pointing out that their membership ran into the hundreds.
The recommendation was lost with five votes for to six votes against.
Councillors moved to appoint Mr Brennan, Cr Hayward, Cr Michelle Steck, Cr Cheryl Kozisek and Cr Tresslyn Smith to the committee.
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