Speaking before boarding a flight to Sydney this morning (Monday), Nambucca Shire mayor Rhonda Hoban said planned meetings with the Minister of Local Government and other ministers tomorrow would hopefully clarify the way forward for Nambucca Shire with regards to joining a Joint Organisation (JO).
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Last week’s announcement of the new local government alliances saw the shire left out of any organisation, as were Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley Councils.
And much to its surprise, neighbouring Bellingen Shire found itself included in a Mid North Coast JO together with Kempsey and Port Macquarie.
“I am expecting we will be pressured to join the Mid North Coast JO, as will Coffs and Clarence,” Cr Hoban said.
In a statement from the Minister from Local Government, Gabrielle Upton, it was made very clear there would not be a second Mid North Coast JO.
It was also clear that councils not attached to a JO would see themselves isolated when it came to grant funding, with JO members given priority.
Bellingen Council’s mayor, Dominic King, said while it was great news that Bellingen had been included in the newly formed JO, the preference had been to include the six councils between Clarence in the north and Port Macquarie-Hastings in the south.
“Having been a part of MIDROC (Mid North Coast Regional Organisation of Councils from Clarence to Port Macquarie-Hastings) for many years Bellingen understands the importance and strength that comes from speaking with one regional voice and collaborating with other councils on shared projects and services.
“We believe that it is in our community’s best interest that we work towards welcoming additional local councils to our JO and so talks have been held with the Office of Local Governement both at individual council and regional organisation levels.”