Special business support group set up to help restablish Exmouth businesses

26/3/99
The State Government has set up a special business support group under the State Recovery Co-ordinating Committee to help Exmouth businesses re-establish after the devastation caused by Cyclone Vance.
Acting Minister for Commerce and Trade, Small Business and Regional Development, Murray Criddle said the aim of the Exmouth Business Support Group was to remove any impediments or red tape which business people might encounter as they undertook the daunting task of rebuilding their businesses.
Mr Criddle said the group included senior officials from Government departments and agencies, banking and insurance sectors and representatives from the local shire and business community.
The support group would work in conjunction with Exmouth's local recovery committee and would schedule meetings in the town.
"Most of the 300 businesses in and around Exmouth have been badly affected by the cyclone and disruption to essential services," the Minister said.
"While the task of reopening businesses in the town is already under way, obviously there are still many difficulties to be faced.
"The taskforce will work very closely with the community to identify priorities as well as any constraints to business recovery.
"Counselling and advice will be provided by the Small Business Development Corporation and the Gascoyne Development Commission."
A specialist adviser from the Small Business Development Corporation will be available to meet with business people in Exmouth as from Monday at the Gascoyne Development Commission's office at Exmouth - telephone 9949 2090. A Small Business Recovery Hotline has also been established. The number is 1800 199 125.

"In particular, assistance may well be required where business records, files and statements have been destroyed," Mr Criddle said.
"The group will also make businesses aware of the various forms of Federal and State Government financial assistance available to cyclone victims."
Mr Criddle said banking services had been restored by Challenge Bank. The bank will open during the weekend between 10am and 2pm.
Issues such as credit provision for building up and replacing stock would be addressed.
The support group will also liaise with insurance companies.
"I want the people of Exmouth to know that the Government and business groups are available to help in any way they can in restoring people's livelihoods," he said.
The support group is being chaired by Chris Fitzhardinge, Regional Development Executive Director with the Department of Commerce and Trade.
Other members include:

• Mike Purslow, Exmouth Shire President;
• Gino Garbellini, chairman, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce;
• Daryl Cameron, group manager with the Insurance Council of Australia;
• Dr Ross Field, chief of staff, Deputy Premier's Office;
• Bill Hilder, state manager (sales support) Commonwealth Bank;
• Peter Jackson, general manager (WA financial services) BankWest;
• Peter Wallace, general manager, Challenge Bank;
• Michael O'Neill, general manager (WA) ANZ Bank;
• Doug Bathgate, Gascoyne Development Commission;
• Christopher Davis, manager (country services) Department of Contract and Management Services (CAMS);
• Cheryl Gwilliam, director CAMS; and -
• Bruce Macfarlane, director, enterprise development services, with the Small Business Development Corporation.