Some relief is in sight for those living in border communities with the announcement of the NSW-Queensland ‘Statement of Principles and Priorities for Regional Collaboration 2016-19’, although there was no mention of the daylight saving time difference.
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“The whole of the north-west boundary of the Lismore electorate is the Queensland border, so this is great news for those townships and rural areas,” local state member Thomas George.
“Better coordination of government services through more effective collaboration across state lines means greater outcomes for communities.”
Better coordination of government services through more effective collaboration across state lines means greater outcomes for communities.
- Thomas George MP
The agreement follows the recent signing of the ACT-NSW Memorandum of Understanding for Regional Collaboration.
“I’m delighted this agreement has finally come to fruition and look forward to working with my government colleagues, the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner and the Queensland Government to tackle the multitude of cross-border issues,” NSW deputy premier John Barilaro said.
“This is fantastic news for people living and working on both sides of the border and will greatly assist in the resolution of long standing border anomalies.
“Better coordination of government services through more effective collaboration across state lines means greater outcomes for communities.”
Governments will be tasked to address issues on a project-by-project basis in four key areas; regional economic development, alignment of services and sharing of information, local transport and issues of national significance.
It provides for better recognition of teacher registration and accreditation, joint planning and response to emergencies, and the integration of cross-border bus services and point-to-point transport.
“Major border infrastructure projects and the harmonisation of heavy vehicle regulations will also be actively progressed,” Mr Barilaro added.
“A very important component of the agreement is the opportunity to better share information with interstate government agencies to ensure the protection of children and victims of domestic violence.
“My government colleagues in Tweed, Lismore, Northern Tablelands and Barwon have long championed the cause of cross-border communities, highlighting the difficulties and challenges of living and working near a border.”