Regional joint organisations will provide a forum for councils and the state to work together to deliver regional priorities.

A North Coast joint organisation would stretch from Port Macquarie-Hastings to the Clarence Valley under proposed boundaries.

The state government is seeking feedback on a paper titled Joint Organisations: Getting the Boundaries Right.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, in response, will provide the state government with a copy of its June submission on joint organisations, noting in the cover letter the sections concerning boundaries.

The council will also request advice about when the council might expect replies to the questions contained in its June 2016 submission.

It is also requesting advice about how the problems identified in the joint organisation program review will be resolved before any further roll-out of joint organisations. 

Cr Lisa Intemann said the council made a comprehensive submission in June and a lot of matters were yet to be resolved.

“This motion seeks to respond to the call for submissions so we are not silent on this important matter but without duplicating what we have already done,” she said.

Cr Mike Cusato raised concerns about joint organisations with Local Government Minister Paul Toole at the Local Government NSW Conference.

Joint Organisations will be established across regional and rural NSW in 2017.

The paper about joint organisations said building a robust, reliable body for councils at a regional level will help to connect member councils’ local plans and priorities with planning by other levels of government.

“It will also promote the active participation and commitment of all councils and agencies in each region,” the paper said.

“Clear boundaries will provide everyone with certainty and provide a basis to build the strongest possible relationships over time.”