Special taskforce set up to help re-establish Moora businesses

26/3/99
The State Government has set up a special business support group under the State Recovery Co-ordinating Committee to help Moora businesses re-establish after the devastation caused by this week's floods.
Acting Minister for Commerce and Trade, Small Business and Regional Development, Murray Criddle said the aim of the Moora 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 Moora's local recovery committee and would schedule meetings in the town.
Mr Criddle plans to visit Moora on Monday.
"Most of the 200 businesses in and around Moora have been badly affected by the floodwaters 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 agencies such as the Business Enterprise Centre network, the Small Business Development Corporation and the Wheatbelt Development Commission.
"In particular, assistance may well be required where business records, files and statements have been destroyed.
"The group will also make businesses aware of the various forms of Federal and State Government financial assistance available to flood victims."
Mr Criddle said banking services would be provided initially by Challenge Bank, which had agreed to handle business on behalf of other banks with branches in the town. This would be done without customers incurring additional fees. Banking services recommenced today.
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 Moora to know that the Government and business groups are available to help in any way they can in restoring people's livelihoods," he said.
"People wishing to contact the group can do so by phoning Ray Guest (Wongan Hills BEC) on 9671-1880; Damien Martin (WDC) 9651-1910 or 015-196-952; Chris Fitzhardinge 9327-5607 or 040-708-1926.
The support group is being chaired by Chris Fitzhardinge, Regional Development Executive Director with the Department of Commerce and Trade.
Other members include:

• a representative of the Shire of Moora
• Greg Reilly, president of the Moora 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
• David Singe, CEO, Wheatbelt Development Commission
• Christopher Davis, manager (country services) Department of Contract and Management Services (CAMS)
• Cheryl Gwilliam, director CAMS
• Bruce Macfarlane, director, enterprise development services, with the Small Business Development Corporation
• John Thomson, accountant, Bird Cameron (Moora).