By TANIA PHILLIPS
TWEED is set to take a leading role in the peak regional local government organisation NOROC following the election of mayor Councillor Barry Longland as the group’s new head.
Cr Barry Longland believes it is a “good time” for the Tweed to be well represented in the group the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) which represents local councils from Clarence to Tweed.
He said the aims of NOROC included increasing regional profile and communication, facilitating joint activities, supporting research and advocacy and strengthening structure and capacity.
“I am pleased and honoured to be elected to this role for the next 12 months and look forward to working with the other member councils to strengthen our region,” Cr Longland said.
“It’s a good time for the Tweed to be represented in this position, as it is the year when the State Government has put regionalism firmly on their agenda, as seen through their planning reforms and the independent review of local government.
“I believe that it’s important for the councils in our region to have a strong body, that can speak with one voice, on the issues that are important to the Northern Rivers.
“Some of the key challenges – and opportunities for regional solutions – for NOROC include public transport, tourism marketing, resource sharing and joint service delivery projects.
“As a group, one of the projects we’re most excited about advancing is the future development of the Murwillumbah to Casino rail line, which traverses most of our shires.”
He was elected president at the Annual General Meeting of NOROC, held on Friday in Ballina. NOROC represents the Shires of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
Councillor Longland acknowledged the dedication and contribution of NOROC’s outgoing president, Lismore City Council mayor Jenny Dowell.
“In the past year, there have been significant reforms achieved under her leadership, including a change to our Constitution to introduce greater equity into our decision-making process,” Cr Longland said.
“There has also been a move to a consensus model, which identifies what the true regional issues are, and the areas of common interest we wish to pursue for the good of the whole region.”
Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland, was elected deputy president, a role previously held by by Cr Longland.
Photo captions:
1. Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Barry Longland, is the new President of NOROC.
