ARMIDALE Regional Council is now a member of the New England Joint Organisation.
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And, it has Uralla Shire Council in its sights.
A letter has been drafted to the town’s mayor Michael Pearce, who is yet to decide whether to join the NAMOI or New England JO.
“Armidale Regional Council is a newly amalgamated council and it is keenly aware of the past history between Uralla and Armidale Dumaresq Council,” the letter reads.
“I write to advise that council considers itself very much a new entity.”
Issues arose between the two councils during the NSW forced amalgamations.
Uralla Shire Council made it abundantly clear they wished to stand alone.
The intent of this is to say we do not wish to merge with you, with are willing to work with you and encourage that sort of direction.
- Simon Murray.
The joint organisations allow councils to voluntarily create a super-group, share amenities and better lobby the state government.
Mayor Simon Murray said it was important to get Uralla on team New England.
“The intent of this is to say we do not wish to merge with you, with are willing to work with you and encourage that sort of direction,” Cr Murray said.
Joining the New England JO would not have gone ahead with the former Council, Uralla mayor Michael Pearce said.
But, fresh faces have opened a door to conciliatory talks.
Uralla Shire Council is expected to make a decision on a JO at their meeting next week.
The super-group would consist of Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn, Gwydir Shire, Inverell Shire, Moree Plains Shire, Tenterfield Shire and possibly Uralla Shire Council.