The newly elected chair of the Central Organisation of Councils believes he has taken on the role at an exciting time for local government.
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Cr John Medcalf, mayor of Lachlan shire, was elected as Centroc met at Sydney Parliament at the start of a day of meetings with NSW Government representatives.
Cr Medcalf said it was day of good news for the representatives of 13 councils from this region.
“They’re telling us there’s buckets of money for regional Australia,” he said.
“The NSW Budget is coming up soon and they indicated to us that regional Australia would be very happy with it.”
Water security, specifically the Cranky Rock Dam proposal, was high on Centroc’s agenda while they had the ear of the government.
“Especially water, with (Minister for Regional Water) Niall Blair and Cranky Rock,” Cr Medcalf said.
“One of our highest priorities is the security of potable water for our communities.”
With Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health Leslie Williams, Centroc raised the proposed Murray Darling Medical School, a rural-focused medical school with campuses in Orange, Wagga-Wagga and Bendigo.
The inland rail was also discussed, while it’s a federal project the announcement of funding in the new federal budget opens opportunities for state projects such as feeders to Sydney, Botany and Port Kembla.
“The inland rail is a game-changer for the central west,” Cr Medcalf said.
While on transport, the mayor of the shire with 4500km of roads did not miss the opportunity to flag the ongoing need for improvements to the road network.
Cr Medcalf, an elected member of Lachlan Shire for 26 years, has been acting in the role of Centroc chair since February.
He will serve as chair until the regular elections in November.
Bathurst Council general manager David Sherley continues as the organisation’s secretary.
Mr Medcalf said Thursday’s meetings in Sydney exemplified why Centroc was formed.
The board will also travel to Canberra for meetings later in the year.
“Councils getting together, agreeing on issues and advocating to Parliament,” Cr Medcalf said.
He thanked Minister for Local Government Paul Toole for organising the day and premier Gladys Berejiklian who joined them briefly.
