ACT-NSW MoU on Regional Collaboration
The ACT and NSW Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Regional Collaboration strengthens the collaboration between the ACT and NSW Governments.
The MoU recognises the mutual benefits and increased opportunities of collaboration and a regional approach on a range of areas to achieve regional outcomes and better service delivery to the ACT community and Canberra Region.
The MoU allows both governments to:
- Develop and implement shared proposals that support environmental, planning and service delivery outcomes
- identify key priorities of mutual interest within the Canberra Region through coordinated cross border policy development and service delivery
- agree on tangible pathways which progress activity on shared priorities
- align shared priorities to national and state/territory objectives and cross-border initiatives
- enhance information and data sharing opportunities between government agencies to better inform cross-border planning and policy development proposals, and service delivery, including culturally appropriate and community-focused services
- establish agreed consultation and notification mechanisms between the State, Territory, and local government within the Canberra Region
- introduce a framework of accountability to ensure a rigorous governance mechanism that supports the progression and achievement of shared priorities; and
- aspire to achieve a shared, outcome-orientated investment framework
A new MoU was agreed in 2024. Priority focus area plans are still to be agreed for the most recent MoU, but plans from the previous 2020 MoU include:
A regional approach to health outcomes
The ACT and NSW Governments will continue to collaborate to ensure all patients accessing ACT Health services receive timely and high-quality care, including the development of a new cross-border partnership agreement, and strengthening the governance arrangements between ACT Health and NSW Health.
A regional approach to infrastructure and transport
The ACT and NSW Governments will work together and draw upon the experience and expertise of Local Government Areas to jointly identify strategic objectives, needs and infrastructure investment priorities for the Canberra Region and explore joint initiatives to support cross-border public transport.
A regional approach to strategic water and land use planning
The ACT and NSW Governments and councils of the Canberra Region will implement joint initiatives to understand and support growth in the Canberra Region.
A regional approach to the environment
The ACT and NSW Governments will collaborate on joint initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance cooperation on national parks and conservation and improve waste management and resource recovery in the Canberra Region.
Canberra Region Economic Development Strategy (CREDS)
The CREDS has been developed jointly by the ACT and NSW Governments and councils in the Canberra Region. It defines a coordinated approach to activate critical economic development opportunities and realise the full potential of industry, employment and growth in the Canberra Region.
Canberra Region Economic Development Strategy 10.9 KB
Parkwood urban release area governance framework
The Parkwood Urban Release Area Governance Framework was established as a component under the MoU to guide ongoing cooperation and negotiation between Yass Valley Council, and the NSW and ACT Governments. This framework will support governance arrangements and the provision of government services and infrastructure for the proposed urban release area on the NSW/ACT border known as Parkwood.