Surprise election by business group

Bowral Chamber of Commerce member Tony Springett was widely tipped to take over the mantle from former president Irvine New until he received a late challenge from Mittagong chamber member Ms Scamps.

In a secret ballot of the chamber’s 13 members at Monday night’s meeting held at the Mittagong RSL, 47-year-old Ms Scamps received the majority share of the vote to secure the post.

However, she was keen to stress that there was no animosity between herself and Mr Springett.

“I’ve been thinking about standing (as president) for the past few days after being approached by more than one person and I was obviously delighted to receive the support of the majority of members.

“Tony (Springett) was very gracious following the vote and there were no dramas.

“In fact, the whole meeting was conducted in a very business-like and calm manner.”

Responding to claims that several members were keen for the chamber to focus more on the shire and less on Bowral, Ms Scamps said she thought there were some concerns that Tony would represent a more Bowral focus.

“I was asked if I would stand on two previous occasions but I said no.

“Anyway, this job is not just the role of one person and I certainly don’t intend to be a one-man band or do this for any boost to my ego.

“I’m happy to give the share of the credit among those who are prepared to put in the effort.”

The former commercial litigation lawyer, who now runs Redlands Cooking School specialising in gourmet and garden tours both local and overseas, said she plans to sit down with all the organisations represented on the chamber shortly to canvass their views.

Married to Dale Goodman, the couple have a seven-year-old daughter called Alice.

Ms Scamps said other objectives include improved marketing of the Southern Highlands and finding a solution to safeguard the future of the OED.

“I resist the push from council to take over the role of the OED because it will have a completely different emphasis if it is run by a council official.

“The council invests around half-a-million dollars towards tourism but once you take out staff wages and other costs, there is little or nothing left for actual marketing, leaving it up to the operators to do.

“I’m keen to investigate the possibility of operators pooling their money in order to run a serious advertising campaign, for instance using television adverts during prime time morning slots.

“We have excellent accommodation in this area and the question must be asked why we are not attracting more people than we do?

“There’s also a feeling among some people who live here that we don’t need tourism but in my opinion that’s a selfish view.”

Mr Springett congratulated Ms Scamps on her appointment and said he would offer her all his support in her new role.

“I must admit I was a bit surprised when I learnt that she was standing because at the last meeting no-one indicated a willingness to stand, so I put my name forward,” he said.