Border meetings help councils on both sides
A rare moment of cross-border collaboration has arisen from a meeting on the Queensland-New South Wales divide.
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year, the Southern Downs Regional Council in Queensland has had the first joint workshop with its neighbouring New South Wales local government; the Tenterfield Shire Council.
The two Councils put aside their engrained interstate rivalry to discuss a range of cross-border issues this week.
The strategic planning exercise was well attended by representatives of both councils, according to General Manager of Tenterfield Shire Council, Lotta Jackson.
She says from just one meeting both sides of the border have got new tips on ways to save money.
“Well, we just had a resolution on one [issue] which we're very proud of and that is our Jennings village residents are able to utilise the Wallangarra Waste Transfer Station at a reduced cost,” she said.
“That's something we have achieved by working together, by our staff working together and coming to a resolution on that.”
Ms Jackson says there is a long list of things to talk about.
“Road maintenance, waste management, information sharing, tourists, joint lobbying, emergency management and cross-border resourcing so we're very excited by this as a council,” she said.
“It's going to be great to have that alliance and strength because our border to Queensland is extensive.”