“The role of a Joint Organisation is to work together to align state and local priorities to create a stronger region,” she said.

“Our role is to support each other to build scale and capacity in the members and across the region.”

The Namoi Council JO  unanimously endorsed its Strategic Directions and Business Plan for 2017-2018 last month.

Cr Andrew Hope Mayor of the Liverpool Plains Shire Council and Chair of the Namoi Councils JO said the strategic directions for the organisation were actions to be undertaken collaboratively.

“Actions are at two levels,” he said.

“Firstly to develop a business model for the Joint Organisation and second to undertake regional projects as a collective to grow the Namoi Region.”

In Narrabri last Friday the group launched the Namoi Region Investment Prospectus.

Cr Hope welcomed guests and said the  Investment Prospectus had been developed to showcase the business success and investment opportunities in the Namoi region.

“Like the Namoi region, the document is rich and diverse, and demonstrates the capacity of our region to get on with the job,” he said.

“We know that the region can grow if we support the development of agriculture, innovation and attract investment in our communities.

“We see the benefits of working collaboratively on economic development, building skills and our communities. By working together we can capitalise on the collective value of agriculture, processing and access new markets to diversify our economies.”

The Namoi Councils Joint Organisation is a collective of seven Local Government Areas that are working collectively and with the NSW Government to bring to fruition the vision of joint organisations of Councils.  Members include: Uralla Shire, Tamworth Regional Council, Liverpool Plains Shire, Gunnedah Shire, Narrabri Shire, Gwydir Shire and Walcha Shire.

Member Council staff will also come together to work on efficiencies and best practice across; water and sewer operations, human resources, roads and planning.

“This is an ambitious plan by the regional organisation, the collective endorsement of these projects and activities demonstrates the members willingness to work together to develop the region,” said Cr Hope.