Memorandum of understanding signed today

Campaspe Shire and Murray River councils have today signed an inaugural agreement committing to work closely and collaboratively together.

Campaspe Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said this collaboration focuses on improving service delivery, strengthening community connectedness and further developing the region’s economically.

“Whilst we already work together, the agreement strives for a coordinated approach to ensure the towns of Echuca Moama and surrounding regions prosper,” Cr Weston said.

“Specifically we will look at regional development, aligning services and sharing information, local transport and issues of regional and national significance.”

“A recent example is joining together to lobby for increased train services to Echuca to meet community needs. By combining our forces to lobby as one demonstrates a unified approach for the benefit of all.”

Campaspe Shire Council already provides a library service, with funding contribution from Murray River Council. This recognises the need not to duplicate infrastructure.

The agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding, is underpinned by a number of agreed principles, which establishes the basis for mutual commitment between the councils, being:

Collaboration will be outcome focused Information is captured, shared and innovation supported A commitment to maximise service delivery opportunities that meet a common community need as well as seeking to reduce costs and eliminate duplication To develop an effective local platform to work with other levels of government to achieve better whole of government outcomes for the community.

Murray Mayor, Cr Chris Bilkey said the MOU relies on the spirit of cooperation between the two local government areas for the betterment of the Echuca Moama community.

“Our councils already enjoy a close relationship as a result of our cross-border circumstance, but we are looking to further strengthen the partnership to ensure we are in the very best position to enhance local services.”

“This agreement encourages collaboration on areas of mutual interest, where we can strive to identify and resolve cross-border issues that impede local development and provide efficient and consistent service delivery to communities,” Cr Bilkey said.