A formal strategic alliance has been sealed in Sydney between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Lord Howe Island Board in a bid to strengthen opportunities for economic and social cooperation between the regions.
Council’s Administrator Neil Porter and Lord Howe Island Board Chairman Alistair Henchman signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Sydney’s Parliament House alongside local MP Leslie Williams and the Minister responsible for Lord Howe Island, the Hon Robyn Parker MP.
The focus of the MOU covers the participation and partnership in joint activities and programs including infrastructure planning and waste management, sewerage and natural resources management, information technology systems and business development.
Administrator Neil Porter said Council has already established an excellent working relationship with the Lord Howe Island community through the development and operation of the Commercial Wharf which was officially opened in 2009. The partnership between Council, the Birdon Group and the Board of the Lord Howe Island Sea Freight Company is worth more than $22 million to the local economy.
“This has encouraged both the council and the Board to pursue other collaborative opportunities, particularly given the similarity of our two economies,” said Mr Porter.
“In addition to further economic opportunities, we anticipate the potential to share knowledge and experience in areas such as waste management, infrastructure planning, sewerage management, information technology systems and renewable energy opportunities.
“While our economies and populations may differ in size, there is no doubt that viewing common problems from different perspectives will be beneficial.”
