Liverpool Plains Shire Council insists it is not leaving Gunnedah in the cold on resource sharing deals but would wait on finalisation of the joint organisation model before pursuing another formal co-operative arrangement.
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The Namoi Valley Independent reported last week LPSC no longer wished to pursue a structured resource sharing strategy with Gunnedah Shire Council. It was also reported LPSC sought to remain with the current ad-hoc, periodic sharing provision.
LPSC mayor Andrew Hope said neither council was “overly happy” with the proposals tabled in the initial report for shared resource strategy. But while Gunnedah was willing to press on, LPSC opted out.
“Following receipt of that report it has been decided not to go down the formal track in the method,” Cr Hope said.
Instead, LPSC will pin its hopes on the joint organisation model – a forum between local councils and the state – which it trusted would deliver the best outcomes for its community.
“We believe most of the structured resource sharing will and should occur through that [JO] organisation,” he said. “Gunnedah is a member of the JO. Clearly, this is the road the State Government appear to favour as high level resource sharing is a win for all councils. Further, this approach is what is laid out in LPSC’s Fit for the Future submission and LPSC is meeting its requirements and sticking to the plan.”
The mayor highlighted valuable resource sharing initiatives already implemented with Gunnedah council in the areas of IT and environmental services.
“We have also resource shared with Warrumbungle Shire on Rural Fire Service projects and are about to resource share with Upper Hunter on a major project upgrading the Merriwa to Willow Tree Road,” he said.
Cr Hope stressed resource sharing would continue to play an important role.
“LPSC remains committed to resource sharing with all our neighbouring councils where it is in the best interests of rate payers,” he said.
