The Casino Chamber of Commerce says it’s concerned about possible long term implications of the water charges dispute between Richmond Valley Council and the Northern Cooperative Meat Company.
Meatworks employees stormed council chambers earlier this month, concerned the proposed increase in water rates would cost jobs.
Council claims government guildelines force it to end the subsidisation system, and even out water rates for all users.
Chamber of Commerce chairman Michael Greentree says an ongoing dispute could affect the already suffering trade market.
“Any apprehension people have on spending can magnify throughout because of a dispute like this”
The chamber has offered to mediate the dispute and is waiting to hear from both parties.
