ALBURY and Wodonga councils are poised to enter into a landmark partnership next week.
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In what is believed to be an Australian-first, the cross-border councils will vote on a partnership agreement to form a stronger, united voice when it comes to advocating for federal and state funds as well as planning and building major infrastructure.
The councils, who have taken out public notices in Friday’s Border Mail, will hold back-to-back special meetings at The Cube in Wodonga on October 13.
With the partnership still to be agreed upon by the councils, Albury mayor Kevin Mack and Wodonga counterpart Anna Speedie did not want to comment ahead of next week’s meetings but it would be a major shock if the move was voted down.
The agreement would not be a revival of the “One City” concept, which was abandoned in 2002, but rather a formal partnership to explore key opportunities on both sides of the Border.
Combined, Albury-Wodonga forms Australia’s 20th largest city with a population of more than 92,000, comparable to Victorian centres Ballarat and Bendigo, which sit around 100,000 and well above the likes of NSW’s Coffs Harbour and Wagga.
The councils already collaborate on a range of projects including the regional waste contract and HalveWaste initiative, the Visit Albury Wodonga destination brand, the digital economy strategy, annual business survey, community guide and event attraction.
The councils are presently exploring options for a joint aquatics management contract for the four facilities across the two cities.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin said in August a proposed $50 million regional indoor aquatics centre at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre would have a better chance of securing a slice of the NSW government’s $1.3 billion regional growth fund if council was involved.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings which will begin at midday on October 13.
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