Northern Rivers Joint Organisation attends landmark forum at Macquarie Street

Thursday, 16 August 2018

Photo of NRJO chairs — Chairs of NSW Joint Organisations, Cr Mulholland First Row Left

The Chair of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO), Cr Danielle Mulholland today came together with other JO’s and senior government officials for the first time, at a landmark forum at Parliament House in Sydney.

Ms Mulholland said the meeting was an opportunity for the newly elected Chairs of the 12 JO’s to unite and discuss priorities for infrastructure and services in regional NSW.

This was a very important meeting which allowed me to put the region’s priorities on the table, Ms Mulholland said.

Critical issues such as drought relief, improving regional infrastructure and future development of the regions are common themes that were raised and it was a good opportunity to add our voice to these concerns, she said.

The meeting of the JO Chairs was addressed by the Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, and Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton.

The meeting marks the official launch of NSW’s network of Joint Organisations across regional NSW. The formation of JOs aims to strengthen economic management, planning and service delivery in regional and remote areas.

The meeting also 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, backed by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.

Our Councils are united behind our strategic priorities which align well with the future vision of the NSW Government.

We welcome and future funding to assist us to implement these important priorities for the region, Ms Mulholland said.

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.