Southern Downs and Tenterfield Form Strategic Alliance. Southern Downs Regional Council will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tenterfield Shire Council to form a strategic alliance that will improve and strengthen roads, waste management, tourism, emergency management and resourcing of both regions. SDRC Mayor Cr Peter Blundell said he looked forward to the MOU signing and saw it as a major milestone in history of both council areas. "With the signing on Friday September 20 we are pledging our joint support for the strengthening of both regions. "Both councils feel there is much to be gained in a formalised cross-border relationship - we will be a powerful lobby group and we will be able to secure funding and resources benefiting Southern Downs and Tenterfield. "It is written into the MOU that we will meet with Department of Local Government Director General, the Division of Local Government New South Wales Chief Executive and Cross Border Commissioners from both states at least annually to discuss the outcomes achieved and areas where further development might occur. "There are a number of issues that directly affect both councils and the top priority for both is the upgrade of the Mt Lindesay Highway. "There is much to gain from this strategic alliance and I believe there will be many benefits into the future," he said. Tenterfield Shire Council Mayor Cr Peter Petty said he fully supported the words of Mayor Peter Blundell with the signing of the MOU. “This signing is more than just a piece of paper, more than just a document, it is a way forward to make both of our regions a better place to live. In the future, as we work together lobbying for funding and resources, I can see our relationship only getting stronger”. Mayor Cr Peter Petty added that he wanted to acknowledge and thank Cross Border Commissioner Mr Steve Toms for all the hard work he has done also. "Two States / One Community!” he said.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 21:21:46 +0000