Last week the Clarence valley’s five Chambers of Commerce met to discuss opportunities to collaborate and form a peak business body. Ten representatives from Iluka /Woombah, Yamba, Maclean, Grafton and Wooli worked together and have unanimously agreed in principle, to form the body to be known as ‘The Clarence Valley Combined Business Chamber’. Secretary of Maclean Chamber Ken Pierce said that there is a lot of detail to work through over the next month or so, particularly in consulting with members and planning some options for the correct model. “This was a great first step in what we believe is required, to work with council, community organisations and business organisations at regional and state level”, Mr Pierce said. During the Maclean Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Monday, Mr Pierce read out a submission by the Combined Business Chamber, to council, on the controversial Special Rate Variation (SRV). “We acknowledge that over the past few months, the Councillors and senior management are attempting to reach out and to drive positive change. The sins of the past are just that, and belong in history, to serve as lessons on how we must move into the future. We understand that the Council has no option but to raise the rates above the peg limit. Opinion on that topic is extremely divided. We believe that the general community would be more comfortable with the rise if they were convinced that the council was operating efficiently and managing our affairs to the highest possible standard. We, as a peak business body, are committed to collaborate with community organisations across the Clarence, with Council and other levels of Government to provide real input in managing our economy, sustainability and community engagement. We will insist that we continue to improve and will provide assistance wherever we can.” Monday’s chamber breakfast saw around 40 people in attendance with guest speakers Clarence Valley Council (CVC) mayor Jim Simmons, CVC acting general manager Ashley Lindsay and Jane Laverty from the NSW Business Chamber. The meeting was also attended by CVC administrative staff, four councillors and delegates from the Yamba business chamber.