During the meeting, representatives from the member councils voted and passed a strategic regional plan and a business plan which will help shape the JO’s decisions over the coming years.

Namoi Unlimited chair Jamie Chaffey said the region’s drought conditions dominated conversation throughout Wednesday’s meeting.

“Immediate issues including the impact of drought, the 2018-2021 strategic regional priorities and business plan were on the agenda for Namoi Unlimited,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Critically, our members have identified water, the provision and security of water, as the foundation of our economic future.

“Water creates confidence, it sustains people and communities, as a critical input it creates surety for investment for not only for agriculture but also for people and the businesses that surround agriculture.”

Read Also:

Cr Chaffey said all of the member councils were doing what they could to help during the drought.

“We will continue to support our communities to get through what will arguably be one of the worst droughts on record,” he said.

“All of our councils are actively involved in responding to the drought, either through applications for hardship, facilitating access to services and fundraising.

The chair said the JO would also be looking to invest some of the $330,000 granted by the state government to grow the region’s skilled workforce.

“Namoi Unlimited is about how five councils, with a shared vision for growth, a long-term plan and resourcing, embrace opportunities to build stronger and even more resilient communities,” he said.

“We have been provided with an opportunity to work closely with NSW Government that we know will grow our communities, its now time for us to get on with the job.”

The Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation members include: