COUNCIL leaders hope for a decision by March on whether the region will gain a new university.
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Members of the five local councils that make up the Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation (JO) spent two days this week pushing the region’s priorities with senior federal government ministers in Canberra.
Among the priorities discussed during the visit was a potential university for the region, which Tamworth mayor Col Murray said could become a reality.
“The state government has been looking at the possibility of a new university in the region for some time,” Cr Murray said.
“As a JO we have been a party to those discussions for some time and it was very pleasing to see some support from federal government officials during the visit.
“I am hopeful we may hear a decision regarding a new university for the region by the March [state] election.”
Gunnedah mayor and JO chairman Jamie Chaffey said a potential university for the area would have a number of benefits.
“I know Tamworth Regional Council have been in discussions regarding a potential university for some time,” Cr Chaffey said.
“Any tertiary facility would have major benefits for the entire region and go some way to helping keep skilled workers within the region.
“Gunnedah, like many regional areas, often sees our young people pursue their further education in metropolitan areas and not return.
“Hopefully a potential university would help to keep those young people in our communities.”
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Cr Chaffey said the group’s agenda during the visit was “ambitious, worthwhile and reassuring”.
“This was a very worthwhile trip for our region,” Cr Chaffey said.
“We were able to discuss a number of different priorities for the region and were given a terrific reception in Canberra from several federal government representatives.”
Cr Chaffey said developing projects for the region’s ongoing water security was a major point of discussion during the visit.
“If we’re serious about becoming one of Australia’s most productive food bowls, we need to understand what water is required and how we can use it,” he said.
“Given the drought conditions our region is currently facing, it is crucial that we implement some strategies for water security going forward, so we are prepared should we be facing these conditions again.
“We have been reassured that a regional approach to how we identify and address infrastructure, such as water, is critical.”
The Gunnedah mayor said the JO would continue to work together to benefit the region.
“A regional approach to projects and planning is applauded, and organisations like Namoi Unlimited, with a clear and strategic focus, are very much welcomed in Canberra,” he said.
“We will continue to work together as a group to bring the best results possible for our region.”
During discussions the JO also raised the subject of the region’s ongoing drought, with a focus on drought support measures.
“There was plenty of discussion about the drought, particularly from Barnaby Joyce,” Cr Murray said.
“I would say the main theme from those discussions was how difficult it is to find one solution that assists everyone dealing with drought.
“Everyone has very different needs, so that was an area where we talked about what has worked and what hasn’t, and what role local government can play in drought assistance going forward.
“Overall the trip was certainly beneficial for us and while there may not have been hard answers to some questions, it was very worthwhile and very positive.”
Namoi Unlimited is comprised of Gunnedah Shire Council, Gwydir Shire Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Tamworth Regional Council and Walcha Council.