Busselton and Dunsborough chambers of commerce knock back merger after member backlash

Busselton and Dunsborough businesses will retain their independence as the two region’s chambers of commerce forego merger plans. The Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce and Industry will remain as separate entities after a survey of its members revealed merger plans were opposed. While the idea of merging the two chambers has been on the cards for some time there was never any formal record of member feedback until now. DYCCI led the rankings across all categories indicating its members were the most satisfied and making it clear they wanted a local chamber devoted to local businesses and issues — something they fear would not happen if a merger occurred. The survey also revealed the Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry was more interested in taking over the DYCCI rather than create balanced unification of the two. DYCCI president Dominique Monteleone said the committee agreed it would not be a viable move at the moment. “We’re only willing to consider a merger if our members will be no worse off, which couldn’t be established, so we’ll continue to celebrate our local community and the legacy that’s been built since DYCCI was established in 1978,” she said. “We are here to serve our community and the people have spoken and it’s very important to take that into account because while we provide the same services the two areas are very culturally different with different needs. “It seems we (BCCI and DYCCI) have the same end goal in mind but very different ways of getting their and achieving that. “If we were to undertake a merge it’s not an easy process, it requires a lot of time and money and ultimately a meeting of minds which we sadly don’t have.” DYCCI holds a contemporary approach to technology and new ways of working, including its decision to forgo office overheads by becoming mobile and paperless. Ms Monteleone said it enhanced the chamber’s adaptability and ability to deliver more profits to member services.