Peter’s plan

By Jade Lawton
Mr Fraser, a self-described ‘straight-shooter’, plans to tackle three or four key issues over the next 12 months.
The manager of Berwick’s Westpac Bank brings a renewed energy to the chamber, with plans to increase membership and set up sub-committees to work intensively on issues like parking.
Mr Fraser said he wanted to see real progress within the first year of his presidency.
“We need to make sure businesses hold their own and grow,” he said.
“At the moment Eden Rise is expanding, Fountain Gate will soon have another 120 shops and Myers, and Beaconsfield keeps growing.
“But Berwick Village is different, completely different – Berwick Village has a soul to it.”
Mr Fraser, a Berwick resident for 10 years, has been on the chamber’s executive committee for the past 10 months.
“There are three or four key issues that need to be addressed,” he said.
“Parking is a monstrous issue. Can we fix it? No. But can we lobby to get it fixed? Absolutely. The only way we can do that is through Casey – we need to make Casey accountable.”
“And the number one priority is to support traders within the group with the problems and issues they face.
“We want to create a forum where all traders in the village can interact with each other.”
Mr Fraser said sub-committees liaising with key groups, over issues like parking, would ensure better focus.
“Rather than meeting once a month and talking about our problems, let’s get together three to four sub-committees that can liaise with council about rubbish issues, streetscape, all those things,” he said.
“They can then report back, so we are not just lurching from one problem to another,” he said.
Mr Fraser said he also wanted to improve communication within the chamber and increase membership, particularly on the south side.
Another challenge will be maintaining the careful balance between growth and new business – for example, the Lyall Road development – and Berwick’s heritage.
“Bringing in new people and supporting new business doesn’t mean you have to distance yourself from heritage,” he said. “Should we embrace new business? Absolutely.
“We are genuinely trying to help.”
Mr Fraser encouraged businesses to attend the next chamber meeting on 18 September. The venue will be confirmed in coming weeks.