Bourke and Walgett councils meet with Minister Moriarty in Cobar

Among those joining Member for Barwon, Roy Butler and Minister for Agriculture, Regional New South Wales, and Western New South Wales, Tara Moriarty (seated) for a local catch up were Cobar Shire GM, Peter Vlatko, Walgett Shire Executive Manager Environmental Strategy, Economy & Partnerships, Donna Ausling, Walgett Shire GM, Andrew Brown, Mayor of Balranald, Louie Zaffina, Mayor of Wentworth, Daniel Linklater, Broken Hill Councillor Alan Chandler and Mayor of Cobar Shire Council, Jarrod Marsden (seated). Photo contributed

Bourke and Walgett Shire Council staff were among those to meet with Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, during her visit to Cobar last week for high-level talks with Western Division councils.

The meeting was convened at Cobar Shire Council by Barwon MP Roy Butler, who said it was an important opportunity for far west communities to raise concerns directly with government.

“This week Cobar Council and I hosted Tara Moriarty MLC at a meeting with representatives from Western Division Councils at Cobar Shire Council,” Mr Butler said.

“There were councillors, general managers and mayors from Balranald, Carrathool, Bourke, Broken Hill, Walgett and Wentworth councils.”

Mr Butler said the Minister took questions which led to discussion of mining royalties and the regional development fund, the problems with land being purchased for national parks, the review of Crown Lands and a company that wants to produce energy from woody weeds.

“There was an emphasis on community consultation, and a promise for more consultation on these and other issues. The councils were also given one-on-one time with the minister to discuss issues in more depth. I want to thank the Minister for coming to Barwon.” […]

Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!