Council Committed to Working Collaboratively
Published on 17 May 2018
Snowy Valleys Council has welcomed the proclamation by the Deputy Premier John Barilaro MP and the Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton MP of the establishment of eleven Joint Organisations (JOs).
Mayor Hayes said that despite not having full membership arrangements finalised with the Canberra Region Joint Organisation, Snowy Valleys Council is committed to working collaboratively with its neighbours.
“We remain committed to work with any Council, JO, Regional Organisation of Councils or other organisations to progress regional priorities in order to deliver value and service improvements for our community”, Cr Hayes said.
74 councils in regional NSW are now members of the 11 Joint Organisations: Canberra Region, Central NSW, Hunter, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Namoi, New England, Northern Rivers, Orana, Riverina and Murray, and Riverina.
The new voluntary partnerships, involving more than 90 per cent of eligible councils, will benefit local communities across regional NSW by working across traditional council boundaries.
Each Joint Organisation will comprise member councils, a representative of State Government agencies and other key stakeholders as determined by each JO’s board.
Mayor Hayes said that Snowy Valleys Council was currently working with the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CBRJO) in an associate member arrangement.
“We have in principle support from the members of the CBRJO for Snowy Valleys to become a full member. To this end, we have submitted our formal request to the Minister to expedite the approval for this to occur. In the meantime, we are taking full advantage of our existing relationship with the CBRJO to advocate on regional issues and community priorities,” Cr Hayes said.
“Our community, visitors and businesses don’t see borders as limitations and neither do we. I am pleased that we are a member of REROC and an associate member of the Canberra Region JO and I’m confident that this arrangement will see SVC well placed to take advantage of future opportunities,” he said.