Chamber to take lead on car parking

At the chamber’s recent AGM, summer parking was once again the subject of discussion with council’s director of strategy and business services, Lucas Scarpin, giving a report on parking issues both in the short and longer terms to members.

The chamber has decided that it will hold a series of four open meetings entitled ‘Focus on Merimbula’ at Club Sapphire to discuss parking along with any other issues that may be raised.

President of the chamber, James Smith said the chamber was happy to discuss any issues that arose but suspected that car parking was going to be the major item.

“Whether you are a retailer, small business owner, a local homeowner or a retiree, here is your chance to come along and have your say. Tell us what you want to improve in Merimbula, Tura Beach and Pambula. Everybody matters and all your opinions matter; everyone is welcome,” Mr Smith said.

“We want to be clear about what the community wants and get it out there. From the meetings we can then build into sub-committees to look closer at the issues,” he said.

The meetings will run from 6-9pm over four consecutive fortnights on Thursday, October 13, 27, November 10 and 24 with the aim of achieving a better understanding of what the community’s wants and needs were and how they could be realised with the help of council and other groups. 

The chamber is also planning to approach local community groups.

The meetings will be facilitated by Orit Winters from the NSW Small Business Chamber along with the Our Merimbula Chamber committee members.

At the AGM James Smith was re-elected president, Julie Novotny elected secretary with committee members Kerrie Watkins, Fiona Reed and Crystal Vas appointed. A publicity officer, vice president and more committee members are still needed. If you are interested in assisting the chamber please contact publicity@ourmerimbula.com.au.