Mid North Coast Joint Organisation of Councils Collaboration Takes Another Step

At a recent meeting of the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO) of Councils, another milestone was reached with the joint meeting of General Managers and Councils’ technical engineering staff to form a collaborative working group designed at exploring opportunities for regional procurement of its major up and coming projects.

With a combined annual operating budget of $330million and capital works program valued at $138million, member Councils are optimistic that they will be in a position to let combined tenders for some of these works, which are generally externally provided specialist services. Not only may this venture save the combined 133,000 residents procurement costs, but it is hoped that by bulking up potential works packages it may attract larger contractors which could deliver both technology and better value for money. In addition the member Councils will save on contract administration as only one resource will be required to administer multiple projects.

MNCJO Chair, Mayor Liz Campbell stated that all three member Councils have significant water and wastewater projects in the coming years. In addition there remains a focus on timber bridge renewal with advocacy for the MNCJO Timber Bridge Renewal Prospectus to be co-funded by Government and the member councils, and used as a pilot to demonstrate improved resource collaboration and delivery efficiency through the Joint Organisation as the lead body.