Albury City and Wodonga Councils have reaffirmed their shared commitment to the Border region's future with the re-signing of the Two Cities One Community Partnership Agreement. This joint commitment will see the two councils continue working together to achieve the aspirations of their communities.
Signed by Albury Mayor Kevin Mack and Wodonga Mayor Michael Gobel, the Two Cities One Community partnership agreement commenced in 2017 and formalises the long-standing spirit of collaboration between the two councils, providing a clear framework for action to grow and strengthen the Albury-Wodonga region.
With a combined population of more than 100,000 people and location on the New South Wales and Victorian border, Albury and Wodonga are intrinsically linked. Communities share services, infrastructure and facilities, and face common challenges and opportunities. This agreement recognises these are best addressed through a united and strategic approach.
Both councils have committed to advancing the community aspirations and ambitions outlined in their respective community strategic plans, Towards Albury 2050 and Wodonga 2050. The partnership promotes a coordinated, innovative approach to regional planning, designed to achieve value for money through collaboration on the design, funding and delivery of major infrastructure and facilities.
The partnership underpins the Two Cities One Community Strategic Plan which centres on four key pillars: Leadership, Economy, Environment and Community. Through these pillars, the councils will focus on driving innovation, unlocking regional potential, and advocating with a strong, unified voice to state and federal governments.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the agreement provides a clear pathway to strengthen regional leadership and address long-standing cross-border issues.
"Our two cities don't operate in isolation. We share the same roads, the same healthcare systems, the same sporting and cultural facilities, and many of the same aspirations for the future. This agreement provides a framework to work together more strategically and with greater impact for the benefit of our communities," shared Mayor Mack.
Wodonga Mayor Michael Gobel said the renewed partnership demonstrates the councils' unwavering commitment to working as one community, leveraging our collective strengths to secure meaningful outcomes for the entire Albury-Wodonga region.
"The Two Cities One Community partnership is a testament to the strength of our collaboration in delivering on real outcomes. The commonalities between both Community Visions and Council Plans have allowed us to deliver major initiatives across the economy, environment, community, partnering and leadership. Our renewed partnership will allow us to continue to deliver on needs and aspirations of our community," said Mayor Gobel.
The agreement sets out a range of actions to advance shared goals, including:
Jointly developing a Two Cities One Community strategic plan, drawing on Towards Albury 2050 and Wodonga 2050.
Identifying and prioritising regional infrastructure, economic and community development, and environmental initiatives.
Preparing joint proposals and submissions to state and federal governments.
Resolving cross-border issues that impact productivity and community wellbeing.
Regularly reporting progress to the community.
Both councils have committed to meeting regularly at both the elected member and executive level, with progress updates provided to the community every six months.
The agreement also reaffirms key principles underpinning the partnership, including honesty, openness, respect for each council's strategic objectives, and a commitment to sharing information and resources where appropriate.
As part of the agreement, Albury City and Wodonga Councils will continue to actively engage with other councils across the region on projects of broader regional significance.
Through this renewed partnership, the councils aim to ensure the Albury-Wodonga region is well-positioned to seize future opportunities, overcome challenges and deliver on the ambitions of its communities.
