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 the last two days 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 election.
- Tamworth mayor Col Murray
“I am hopeful we may hear a decision regarding a new university for the region by the March [state] election.”
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During discussions the JO also raised the subject of the region’s ongoing drought, with 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.”