With no-one coming forward to take over the role of chairperson for the peak business group, it seemed the organisation may have to dissolve but a meeting held last week, attended by more than 30 business representatives, found a way forward.

Acting chair Graham Kent said there was a strong showing from the local business community who were in danger of losing organised representation.

“Since losing our previous chairperson, who did so much in his seven years with the group, there was a big hole to fill,” Mr Kent said.

“And with the Chamber of Commerce WA continuing to push the extended trading hours campaign, there was a growing sense that the CCI banner no longer represented the needs of local business.

“However, it is still vital that businesses have an organised group that represents their interests and the numbers at the meeting last week really demonstrated the support for a business organisation.”

The revitalised group will simply be known as the Moora Business Association and a special meeting will be scheduled shortly to enable the election of office bearers and the drafting of a constitution.

Moora Shire economic development manager Rebecca McCall presented a proposal to have a list of seven portfolios, each managed by a community and shire representative.

The concept, which is used in a similar format in Newman, was well received by the group but once the MBA is properly formed there may be some fine tuning of the idea.

“The shire’s objective is to have a functioning body representing all businesses to work in a united way to remain sustainable and grow as regional leaders in our respective industries,” Mrs McCall said.

“The plan may be too big, but it is there for businesses to discuss and refine to suit their needs.”