Scenic Rim to Benefit from Cross-Border Cooperation

Scenic Rim Regional Council has opted to join neighbouring councils across the New South Wales border as an associate member of an organisation focused on improving regional infrastructure and economic outcomes.

Councillor Virginia West has been appointed Scenic Rim's representative on the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO) which also includes the Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tweed and Kyogle Councils.

Corporate and Community Services Committee Chair, Cr Michael Enright, said Council's participation in the NRJO offered wide-ranging benefits for the Scenic Rim.

"Improved liaison, especially with our neighbours Kyogle Council, in regard to common interests such as the growing tourism sector - including Eat Local Week - and key transport routes will further support Scenic Rim's vision for the future of our region," he said.

"A sustainable and prosperous economy and an accessible and serviced region are two of the pillars supporting the Community Plan vision shared by Council and Scenic Rim residents and business operators.

"Enhanced relationships with neighbouring councils such as Kyogle mean that together we can lobby for increased investment by other levels of government in key transport and freight routes such as the Mount Lindesay Highway."

Cr West said she was looking forward to representing the Scenic Rim in the NRJO.

"Scenic Rim shares a growing tourism market with Kyogle, as well as an important road transport link, not only for tourists but also for freight movement with the Mount Lindesay Highway and Summerland Way, which extends into the Northern Rivers region," she said.

"Kyogle Council is interested in Eat Local Week as a successful event and mutual cooperation through the NRJO offers valuable opportunities to further promote Eat Local Week to residents of northern New South Wales."