THE future of the evocities campaign is uncertain as its board begins a review into the program.
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It comes as a number of councils have questioned the value of the regional relocation marketing scheme after collectively pouring millions of dollars into it over the last decade.
At its peak, evocities had seven regional councils signed-on, however in recent months Wagga and Armidale councils have withdrawn and Orange only renewed its commitment on a shorter contract.
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Last year, Tamworth Regional Council voted in favour of backing the program for another four years and pledged another $332,000 to the cause.
Mayor Col Murray said the group's steering committee, comprised of the councils' general managers and some directors, was reviewing evocities following the withdrawals of support.
He said a number of options were being considered including the possibility evocities might have "run its course".
"It might well be a completely different type of approach," he said.
"The ultimate aim is for more of a focus on investment, as well as relocation.
"Even the name of evocities might not be relevant anymore."
The steering committee is understood to be meeting this week, while Cr Murray's Regional Cities NSW group has planned a get-together on June 15, where the future of evocities will be on the agenda.
Armidale Regional Council voted to pull the pin on its membership last week after a request for an external review of the group was rebuffed.
Councillor Debra O'Brien was concerned Armidale's departure could "speed-up the disintegration" of the entire group.
Tamworth councillors, however, remained committed.
"It has been around for a few years and what that does signal is it's time for a refresh and a rethink," Cr Murray said.
"Tamworth is committed and welcomes the opportunity to review it and see where that takes us."
Evocities chair and Albury mayor Kevin Mack said the departures would open the door for other large regional centres to enter the fray.
"Discussions are underway with Regional Cities NSW to explore opportunities for an expansion or renewal of the Evocities campaign to ensure we can continue to collaborate to attract important skills to our regions and showcase our amazing lifestyle offer to new residents" he said.
"The expiry of the Evocities MOU in July this year provides an opportunity to reconsider partnerships with the NSW government and regional cities that want to grow their populations and industry base."
Jacob McArthur
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
