The NSW Cross-Border Commissioner James McTavish recently released the 2016-17 annual project reports revealing that long-standing cross-border issues are being resolved.
For NSW residents on the Queensland border
- NSW and QLD fire and rescue services now share equipment and information to ensure greater public safety during major local flood and fire events
- NSW taxis, rideshare and community transport providers can now legally pick-up passengers in NSW and drop-off in Queensland
- A uniform Container Deposit Scheme means ease of access to container recycling for residents
- Further alignment of health services and sharing of patient information will lead to improved delivery of health care
- Collaboration is underway to ensure service delivery needs are met for residents in new cross-border developments
- Regional planning in the border region now includes the neighbouring state and the service needs of all residents.
For NSW residents on the ACT border
- Joint research into freight indicates that Canberra Airport has potential benefits for local NSW exporters
- The exchange of transport data between NSW and the ACT will inform future roads and transport plans
- Tourism agencies are collaborating on joint tourism activity to attract visitors to both Canberra and South East NSW
- Integrated regional planning strategies will ensure the needs of NSW residents are also considered in ACT plans
- A uniform Container Deposit Scheme means ease of access to container recycling for residents.
“Cross-border issues are extremely complex, requiring two states with different agendas, laws and regulations to work together to find solutions,” Mr McTavish said.
“I’m pleased to see we’re making progress and improving the lives of border residents.”
Work is underway to resolve additional cross-border issues, many of which are included in the 2017-18 worklists which are available, along with the 2016-17 reports, on the Commissioner’s website.