The New South Wales and Queensland governments have signed a landmark agreement aimed at resolving long-standing border anomalies which impact on businesses and residents living in northern NSW.
NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro today welcomed the announcement of the NSW-Queensland ‘Statement of Principles and Priorities for Regional Collaboration 2016-19’, hailing it as a landmark agreement between the two States.
Under the agreement, 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.
‘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,’ he said.
‘Better coordination of government services through more effective collaboration across state lines means greater outcomes for communities.
‘Major border infrastructure projects and the harmonisation of heavy vehicle regulations will also be actively progressed.’.
‘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.
Tweed MP Geoff Provest said cross-border problems have an impact on business operators and residents alike.
‘This agreement represents a positive outcome the Tweed and is a great step forward for communities on both sides of the border,’ he said.
Lismore MP Thomas George said it was great news for his electorate.
‘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 – better cross border communication will make a positive difference to the lives of people who are living, working and running businesses both sides of the border,’ he said.
The agreement follows the recent signing of the ACT-NSW Memorandum of Understanding for Regional Collaboration. The Deputy Premier said it proves the NSW Government is committed to the resolution of cross-border issues.
‘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.’
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