As our closest neighbour, an effective and productive relationship between the ACT Government and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council is paramount. In addition to engaging with QPRC through membership of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation, the ACT Government and QPRC engage directly under the ACT-QPRC Statement of Intent. The ACT Chief Minister and Mayor of QPRC also meet during the year to facilitate ongoing dialogue between the two jurisdictions. As our respective urban footprints continue to expand, ensuring compatibility of future development, transport linkages and associated infrastructure is critical.
ACT-QPRC Letter of Intent
In 2023, the ACT Chief Minister and Mayor of QPRC re-committed to the ACT-QPRC Statement of Intent, last signed as the ACT-QPRC Letter of Intent in 2016. The Statement signals the intention of the ACT Government and QPRC to continue their collaboration, formalise a relationship underpinned by the ACT and NSW Memorandum of Understanding for Regional Collaboration and the NSW South East and Tablelands Regional Plan, and outlines the principles and priority areas to be progressed.
The principles for engagement include:
- optimising regional outcomes by adopting a best for region approach;
- pursuing a borderless approach to infrastructure planning and delivery; and
- sharing information and data to inform planning and policy development and initiatives.
Priority areas of engagement include:
- improving road, rail, freight and active transport connectivity;
- collaborating on policy and planning opportunities to consider management of water, sewage, waste and renewable energy on a regional scale;
- planning for major contiguous developments and land use planning along the border corridor
- understanding the infrastructure requirements to support population growth and housing affordability
- promoting the visitor economy and coordinating efforts to support major events across the ACT and QPRC
- coordination on matters of regional employment, skills and innovation, including joint advocacy for NSW and Commonwealth investment
- opportunities to enhance sustainability and address climate change
Statement of intent between ACT Government and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council 987 KB