FUTURE proofing the region’s water security, skilled workers and developing infrastructure were high on the agenda for Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation (JO) at a recent meeting in Bingara.
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During the meeting, representatives from the member councils - including Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes, voted and passed a strategic regional plan and a business plan which will help shape the JO’s decisions over the coming years.
“The adopting of the strategic plan by Namoi Unlimited continues the path that will see this JO become an important part in Walcha’s future,” Mr Noakes said.
“The focus on the three major priorities of water, connecting Infrastructure and skills are vital elements for growth and prosperity. The strength that a collaborative approach will bring when advocating these issues cannot be understated.”
Namoi Unlimited chair Jamie Chaffey said the region’s drought conditions dominated conversation throughout Wednesday’s meeting.
“Immediate issues including the impact of drought, the 2018-2021 strategic regional priorities and business plan were on the agenda for Namoi Unlimited,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Critically, our members have identified water, the provision and security of water, as the foundation of our economic future.
“Water creates confidence, it sustains people and communities, as a critical input it creates surety for investment for not only for agriculture but also for people and the businesses that surround agriculture.”
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Cr Chaffey said all of the member councils were doing what they could to help during the drought.
“We will continue to support our communities to get through what will arguably be one of the worst droughts on record,” he said.
“All of our councils are actively involved in responding to the drought, either through applications for hardship, facilitating access to services and fundraising.
The chair said the JO would also be looking to invest some of the $330,000 granted by the state government to grow the region’s skilled workforce.
“Namoi Unlimited is about how five councils, with a shared vision for growth, a long-term plan and resourcing, embrace opportunities to build stronger and even more resilient communities,” he said.
“We have been provided with an opportunity to work closely with NSW Government that we know will grow our communities, its now time for us to get on with the job.”
The Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation members include:
- Gunnedah Shire Council
- Gwydir Shire Council
- Liverpool Plains Shire Council
- Tamworth Regional Council
- Uralla Shire Council
- Walcha Council
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
