According to many, regional NSW is still at the back end of the train when it comes to getting government priority on track for funding for development and infrastructure incentives.
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It’s probably why Mr Mack has now called for a standalone regional minister in the NSW government, aside from suggesting that a new advocate and lobby group of regional cities will have an even louder voice in the push for effective policies and government putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting regional NSW.
The super-group of Regional Cities NSW is about to meet, chief among their aims more investment to help push decentralisation.
Evocities – the alliance of seven inland council areas formed nine years ago, which includes Tamworth and Armidale – is primarily a marketing campaign to get city people to relocate to those areas.
Tamworth mayor Col Murray has been a chief driver for some 16 regional cities to sign up to Regional Cities NSW, and both he and Mr Mack argue the super-group won’t hinder but complement other groups.
But plenty will question whether, with so many, there’s too many standing on each other’s toes in a crowded space – too much noise, not enough cut-through?
We already have the Inland Forum, there’s the regional Joint Organisations of councils, there’s even the Regional Development Australia committees, there’s the Country Mayors, and more, including the government’s supported Regional Development Economic Strategies, for each council.
The current NSW government has Nats leader John Barilaro, who’s Minister for Regional Development, among other portfolios.
In the federal sphere, Michael McCormack commands the ministry of infrastructure, transport and regional development. Bridge McKenzie, another Nat, holds the ministry of regional services, local government and decentralisation.
So, who’s doing what, if anything, and are they all on the same page – and importantly, actually talking to each other? But chief for us all, effective representation and outcomes?