Last Tuesday, Belmont Chamber of Commerce executive committee member Robin Gordon hosted a meeting at the Belmont 16s club calling for expressions of interest in a progress association.

Mrs Gordon said 37 people attended the meeting, and several who were not able to make it had phoned her the next day.

She said a cross-section of the community was represented at the meeting, including residents from Floraville to Marks Point, Belmont North Community Centre members, Belmont Hospital staff and Lake Macquarie councillor Kay Fraser.

Mrs Gordon said the town co-ordinator Jenny Barrie was also present to discuss ways in which the Belmont Chamber of Commerce could work with a progress association.

Issues raised at the meeting included traffic control on Brooks Parade, Belmont Hospital staffing and the netting of Belmont Baths.

"There are plenty of issues on the table," she said.