Belmont Chamber of Commerce executive committee member Robin Gordon is well known by the suburb’s residents, having been an active voice in the community for years.

However, Mrs Gordon said her voice alone was not loud enough to be heard.

She wants to form a progress association that would cover the suburb from Belmont North to Marks Point.

The idea was hatched after Mrs Gordon noticed the chamber was being inundated with community issues, which it did not have the capacity to deal with.

Mrs Gordon said there were a number of individuals in Belmont who acted as watchdogs for specific issues.

She said a progress association would give weight to residents’ concerns and make waves at local, state and federal levels.

Mrs Gordon will host an open meeting next week where members of the public can express their interest in a progress association.

She hopes the meeting will attract more than 50 people and a committee can be formed.

‘‘We want strength in numbers,’’ she said. ‘‘And to represent individuals who, at the moment, are just that.’’

Mrs Gordon already has the support of two residents with particular areas of concerns – Garry Dimmock about the expansion of the Belmont marina, and Glyn Matthews, who has lobbied for shark nets at Belmont Baths.

■ Belmont Progress Association expressions of interest meeting is on Tuesday, March 25, at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, starting 6pm.