Developments in Yass Valley and Southern NSW have gained traction after a meeting of regional mayors in Sydney.
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Yass Valley Mayor Rowena Abbey, along with mayors from seven other councils, attended the annual meeting between Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CBRJO) and the government at State Parliament on May 30–31.
Cr Abbey, chair of the CBRJO, said the general outcome was well received, saying “the ministers were positive about our joint organisation and leadership”.
Issues discussed included infrastructure, transport, water and sewage, tourism, sporting, education and health. A major outcome was the development of an infrastructure matrix that prioritises regional projects. Cr Abbey said the matrix “is helpful to both state and federal governments”.
“It gives them a better understanding about our region's perspective and the funding requirements. It provides a structured response and structured approach,” she said.
“Other joint organisations have actually had funding from the State Government. Ours hasn't. We're hoping to have that, as that will allow us to do more.”
Cr Abbey said projects such as the Barton Highway duplication and Yass to Murrumbateman pipeline were discussed as top priorities.
Discussions were also held with Troy Grant, Minister for police and emergency services, about stronger collaboration with Gary Worboys, the newly appointed deputy commissioner of regional field operations.
Tourism was also discussed, with CBRJO executive officer Garbielle Cusack saying they recognised the importance of NSW Business Chamber appointing six new chairs to Destination Network as key to boosting tourism because “everyone is interested in tourism.”
Ms Cusack said the CBRJO’s uniqueness allowed it to achieve more.
“The CBRJO is a unique setup because we also look at cross-border issues as well. The collaboration with the ACT Government was strongly reinforced, particularly related to the importance of Canberra Airport for tourism and export,” Ms Cusack said.
The CBRJO is set to meet the Federal Government in Canberra in early 2018.