Minister Barr: ACT strengthens regional collaboration with NSW
- Written by ACT Government
Released 12/12/2016
On the sidelines of Friday’s COAG meeting, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Mike Baird and I signed a three year MoU between our governments – committing to work together on cross-border service delivery, freight and domestic and international tourism opportunities.
It’s crucial that the ACT Government continues to work closely with our NSW counterparts to drive economic development on the Canberra region, deliver services as a regional centre and provide benefits to Canberrans who travel across the border.
An obvious, practical benefit of this collaboration has been to help Canberra seniors use NSW public transport. ACT Seniors card holders were not appropriately recognised by the Opal Card system that the NSW public transport system operates on. Collaborative work with NSW under the MoU has ensured that this is no longer the case, and ACT Seniors Card holders can now travel at the concessional rate on NSW public transport without having to reapply for a temporary pass every six weeks.
Under the MoU, the Premier and I commit to make changes in policy, planning and service delivery where required and to consult with communities, business and industry groups, political and government stakeholders and regional organisations to provide better opportunities for collaboration.
This includes cross border service delivery, which is particularly important as the territory grows. Developments such as Ginninderry in West Belconnen is a good example of the need for both governments to reach suitable arrangements to deliver the best outcomes for residents, and we have committed to work together on these issues in the future.
This is the second MoU on regional collaboration between NSW and the ACT, with the first agreement signed in 2011. There has already been significant activity and progress under the partnership.
We are co-hosting workshops to build investment and export capability and capacity across the region to capitalise on the new direct international flights. VisitCanberra is also working with Destination NSW to develop the tourism product for an international market.
We are making better connections between our emergency authorities so that both communities can be better served during times of disaster.
ACT and NSW will share data and information that will help both jurisdictions better plan for our health and education services, as well as the roll out of disability services across the region.
The ACT has now had input into the NSW Planning and Environment’s latest draft regional growth plan for the South East Tablelands. Together we are developing the ACT and Region Catchment Strategy to improve our shared waterways and we are cooperating on efforts to prevent illegal dumping.
I thank Premier Baird for his ongoing commitment to this relationship. It reflects our desire to pursue a regional approach and recognises the mutual benefits and increased opportunities that emerge though collaboration.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
