Three neighbouring councils from New South Wales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Goulburn Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan Shire and Yass Valley Councils have recognised that more can be achieved by working together.
The MOU will become the framework policy under which any collaborative arrangement is to be negotiated or implemented, aiming to achieve better results, efficiencies and savings.
Yass Valley Mayor, Rowena Abbey, said in signing the MOU, the three councils acknowledge their willingness to co-operate and collaborate by sharing information, staff, equipment, assets or services.
“Yass Valley Council worked closely with Goulburn Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan in 2016-2017 to develop a combined Tablelands Community Strategic Plan and this process proved very successful.
“Due to our closeness in proximity and our common interests and goals, it made perfect sense to develop a framework document to assist in seeking further opportunities for collaboration.
“We can achieve so much more for our communities by working together and this MOU recognises that.”
Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor, Brian McCormack OAM, and Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor, Bob Kirk, also welcomed the MOU.
Mayor McCormack said, “It provides Upper Lachlan Shire, Yass Valley and Goulburn Mulwaree Councils the opportunity to work collaboratively to achieve outcomes, efficiencies and cost savings across our communities.”
Mayor Kirk said, “Goulburn Mulwaree Council sees many strategic and financial advantages in collaborating with Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley.
“This MOU provides a framework that we can now build upon to deliver better outcomes to each of our communities.”
The MOU also recognises that each of the three councils are separate entities with separate governance and management structures. As such, each council will continue to retain the right to local democracy and determination.
