Moira Shire Council has joined with Indigo, Federation, and Berrigan councils to provide opportunities for improved service delivery, access to high quality community infrastructure, and positive social and economic outcomes.
Mayor Libro Mustica said the four councils had recognised, while jurisdictional lines need to exist on maps, in the day to day lives of communities they are invisible and in many cases frequently crossed.
"We all recognise that at a regional level our communities have many common experiences and interests," Cr Mustica said.
"In particular, there are townships along our borders that are entirely integrated and interdependent.
"Therefore the relationships of the communities within the four local government areas vary, depending on geographical and individual circumstances.
"The principles of the Memorandum of Understanding will establish the basis for the mutual commitment to and management of the agreement."
Cr Mustica said the principles were -
- To appreciate each council's perspective and work towards finding common ground;
- Cooperation;
- Open information sharing;
- Maximising service delivery opportunities to meet a common community need;
- Reducing costs and eliminate duplication; and
- Seek to be innovative.
"There are also five key focus areas being - issues of regional and national significance; aligning services and sharing information; community infrastructure works; local transport; and regional economic development," he said.
"Some main objectives are to advocate to better inform decision making, attract investment, and adopt a collaborative approach to planning, funding, programs, and projects.
"We already cooperate on various services to some degree including waste, tourism, emergency management planning, and events and this memorandum is formalising and expanding this process."
