Joint Organisations meet

They met to network with of Joint Organisations and senior government officials for the first time at the landmark meeting.

Gilgandra mayor and Orana The Chair of  Orana Joint Organisation, Doug Batten said the meeting was an opportunity for the newly elected Chairs of the 12 Joint Organisations to unite and discuss priorities for infrastructure and services in regional NSW.

The meeting marked the official launch of NSW’s network of Joint Organisations across regional NSW.

The meeting was addressed by the Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, and Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton and follows the recent release of the NSW Government’s 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW, which sets out a set of ‘engine industries’ for growth in the regions, and the government’s priorities for infrastructure spending.

The formation of JOs aims to strengthen economic management, planning and service delivery in regional and rural areas.

“Currently 12 JO’s have been formed across regional NSW, representing a total of 85 regional councils. 90 per cent of eligible councils have voluntarily joined Joint Organisations, ensuring the strength and success of the new bodies in delivering for regional NSW,” Councillor Batten said.

Joint Organisation Chairs include Canberra – Yass Mayor Rowena Abbey; Central NSW – Lachlan Mayor John Medcalf; Far North West – Cobar Mayor Lilliane Brady; Far South West – Wentworth Mayor Melisa Hederics; Hunter – Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent; Illawarra Shoalhaven – Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery; Mid North Coast – Kempsey Mayor Liz Campbell; Namoi – Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey; New England – Uralla Mayor Michael Pearce; Northern Rivers – Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland; Orana – Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten; and Riverina and Murray – Albury Mayor Kevin Mack.