2012 Progress Report on

ACT-NSW Regional Collaboration

Compiled by ACT Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate and
NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet

Page | 1

1.Background

The ACT and NSW Governments have a close relationship as a result of unique cross-border circumstances. Canberra’s physical location in the centre of the South East NSW region[1]renders it the principal service centre for the surrounding local government areas in NSW. The ACT Government acknowledges the importance of the South East NSW region and is keen to optimise the potential of this area by working closely and collaboratively with the NSW Government.

Regional collaboration by the ACT and NSW Governments facilitates joint planning for sustainable regional growth, optimising future regional economic prospects and meeting regional service needs.

In 2012, the ACT Chief Minister established the Regional Development portfolio, within the ChiefMinister and Treasury Directorate (CMTD), and took ministerial responsibility for that portfolio.

Structure of Report

This report details regional collaboration activities during 2012, the cornerstone of which is the ACT-NSW Memorandum of Understandingfor Regional Collaboration (MoU). The report also identifies the stakeholders and engagement mechanisms used for the implementation of the MoU.

2.ACT-NSW MoU for Regional Collaboration

The MoU strengthens collaboration between the two jurisdictions to optimise regional outcomes and service delivery to the ACT and surrounding South East NSW region. Closer collaboration would allow for a regional approach in the areas of health, education, transport, emergency services, justice, tourism, planning and economic development.

The signing of the MoU in December 2011 builds on the long history of collaboration between the two jurisdictions. The ACT and NSW Governments agreed that the priority actions in the first instance include:

  • Strategic Regional Direction and Priorities including developing a statement that identifies opportunities for maximising economic development;
  • Land Use Planning and Infrastructure expressed through a strategic land use and infrastructure plan, including a mechanism to apportion infrastructure costs to each jurisdiction; and
  • Integrated Service Planning, initially focusing on thehealth and education sectors.

2.1Strategic Regional Direction and Priorities

Purpose and Governance

The purpose of this priority action includes developing a statement that identifies opportunities and priorities for maximising economic development. This is being progressed as the Greater Capital Region Strategy: a cross-border initiative which is a place- based approach for the ACT-South East NSW region, centred on maximising economic development through improved cross-border coordination.

This priority is being progressed by a highlevel Steering Committee comprising representatives from the Commonwealth Department of Regional Australia and Local Government, Arts & Sport (DRALGAS), CMTD,NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC),NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (DTIRIS) and the Chairs of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Committees for Southern Inland, Far South Coast and ACT.

This Steering Committee is underpinned by a Working Group comprising representatives of DRALGAS, CMTD, DPC, DTIRIS, theSouth East Regional Organisation of Councils (SEROC)and theRDA Committees for Southern Inland, Far South Coast and ACT. The function of the Working Group is to progress projects.

Progress

DRALGAS has committed $150,000 from its Strengthening RDAs Initiative for the development of a Greater Capital Region Strategy which will inform the Strategic Regional Directions and Priorities. This Strategy will identify economic opportunities and activities for the Greater Capital Regionwhich encompasses the three RDAs and focuses on collaboration by the NSW and ACT Governments.

The Greater Capital Region Strategycomprises:

  • Stage 1 - an Economic Opportunities Scanning Project which includes an examination of existing plans and information to analyseand articulate potential opportunities for maximising economic development for the region, and to identify potential constraints and gaps;
  • Stage 2 - the development of an action plan drawing upon the evidence base assembled and analysed in Stage 1; and
  • Stage 3 - implementation of an action plan dependent upon what funds are available.

The Stage 1 Economic Opportunities Scanning Project reportidentified the following opportunities:

  • Infrastructure, including the potential of existing regional infrastructure such as the Canberra International Airport and Port of Eden,as well as leveraging the potential from proposed infrastructure such as high speed rail;
  • Sustainability, including renewable energy, waste recovery, and “clean” food supplies;
  • Defence, involving cross-border collaboration to increase defence and associated industry in the region;
  • Agriculture, including a regional strategy to identify bottlenecks, processing opportunities, value chain gaps and marketing;
  • Tourism;
  • Business innovation; and
  • Regional marketing and branding.

The constraints identified included: red tape and regulation, such as cross-border licensing;and the requirement for a more focussed approach to coordinating skills and training across the region.

What’s next?

Prioritising and agreeing by June 2013 on opportunitiesto be pursued.

2.2LandUse Planning and Infrastructure

Purpose and Governance

Collaborative strategic land use and growthrelated infrastructure planning is being progressed through the development of an ACT-NSW Land Use and Infrastructure Plan (Plan).The project area for the Plan includes Canberra and those surrounding NSW council areas whichlie within approximately one hour’s commuting time from Canberra (CPlus1) - the local government areas of Queanbeyan City, Yass Valley, GoulburnMulwaree, Palerang, Upper Lachlan and Cooma-Monaro.

The purpose of the Plan, due for completion at the end of 2013, is to:

  • examine the growth challenges affecting the region;
  • develop an understanding of key and emerging planning and infrastructure issues which require a regional response;
  • provide a guide to sustainable development across the region to manage growth and change;
  • develop agreed data sources to inform strategic planning;
  • facilitate an understanding of infrastructure and service delivery implications arising from development within the ACT-NSW region; and
  • provide the basis for negotiations on the apportionment of costs for infrastructure.

This priority is being progressed by a Project ControlGroup (PCG) comprising the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I); DPC; CMTD and the ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD).

Progress

A Steering Committee comprising the PCG plus staff from the local councilshas undertaken the following tasks:

  • prepared a proposed work plan and established governance structures (PCG and Steering Committee);
  • defined the region;
  • drafted settlement principleswhich support the development of a spatial plan to identify growth areas that considers employment sites, infrastructure assets/corridors and significant regional values (e.g. biodiversity corridors);
  • collected data to facilitate the preparation of a base map which identifies existing urban areas, towns and villages, retail centres hierarchy, employment lands, significant biodiversity, agricultural landscape and natural heritage areas, key regional infrastructure (including roads, public transport and freight) and other similar data;
  • collated key data on a regional demographic profile and identified key trends and issues;
  • commenced engagement with local councils within the region on a one-on-one basis looking at:
  • the ‘existing situation’ including: the role of existing towns and villages; key relationships and dependences within the region; significant planning pressures and issues, including but not limited to: proposed greenfield, infill and employment development and associated infrastructure requirements, potential future settlement areas (under investigation), rural-residential development, infrastructure capacity issues and key infrastructure proposals;
  • planning priorities for each council in the region;
  • a desired future direction for the region with a focus on sustainable development, economic prosperity and efficient service provision, incorporating the work on the Strategic Regional Direction and Priorities (see 2.1 above) and Integrated Service Planning (see 2.3 below);
  • key and emerging issues requiring a regional response including, but not limited to: ecological connectivity, protection of significant agricultural lands (food security), future settlement and employment areas, climate change adaptation, transport and social services accessibility, and the condition of major utilities and infrastructure; and
  • scopedthe content of a draft strategy to deliver collaborative strategic land use and growth related infrastructure.

As road infrastructure and transport services will be a significant consideration in the Plan, focussed consultations with ACT and NSW transport agencies arebeing undertaken as a part of the project. An initial focus meeting was held on 14November 2012 and follow-up meetings will be held to discuss infrastructure requirements and cross-border public transport options.

Transport Working Group

A Transport Working Group has been established under the Land Use Planning and Infrastructure priority action comprising members from Transport NSW, DPC, CMTD and ESDD. Its focus is improving the integration of cross-border transport services and infrastructure. This Working Group discussed transport implications from the Eastern Broadacre development including options for the Kingston Railway Station, transport networks between the ACT and Queanbeyan and the draft NSW Transport Master Plan. Relevant outcomes from this Working Group will be reflected in the ACT-NSW Land Use and Infrastructure Plan. This Plan will also reflect the NSW Transport Master Plan and Regional Transport Plan, once it is released.

With the release of the NSW Transport Master Plan, the commencement of work on a Regional Transport Plan, coupled with the data compiled for the C Plus 1 initiative, there is an opportunity to improve the integration of transport services and infrastructure in the region.

What’s next?

Over the next six months the working group and associated councils will:

  • incorporate data from the Sydney-Canberra Corridor Housing and Land Monitor into the ACT’s Housing Supply and Demand Model;
  • examine the data requirements to extend the ACT’s Transport EMMI model to cover Queanbeyan and Yass Valley council in the first instance;
  • identify the infrastructure required to support future growth in the region;
  • identify a mechanism/s by which each jurisdiction is able to fund infrastructure (eg budget/ State Infrastructure Strategy);
  • identify a mechanism/s to ascertain and apportion costs of infrastructure to each jurisdiction and review potential funding sources for further consideration; and
  • commence draftingthe ACT-NSW Land Use and Infrastructure Plan.

2.3 Integrated Service Planning

2.3.1Health

The MoU recognises the significant work, led by respective ACT and NSW Health agencies, on regional coordination of health service delivery.

Recent initiatives include:

  • establishing a Joint Departmental Committee between NSW Ministry of Health and ACT Health Directorate. The purpose of the committee is to lead the collaboration between ACT Health Directorate and NSW Ministry of Health to provide health services to the people of ACT, and to NSW residents, particularly those living in areas adjacent to the ACT, in a cooperative partnership arrangement;
  • regular bi-monthly meetings between the executives of Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) and the ACT Health Directorate. The purpose is to provide a forum for executive oversight of projects and processes aiming to improve the efficiency and patient experience of health service delivery in a cross-border context;
  • surgery from ACT waiting list at Queanbeyan including 50 cases completed (gynaecology and urology) with positive feedback from patients, surgeons and staff. Negotiations are underway for an expansion to an additional specialty (orthopaedics);
  • a critical care Telehealth pilot projectoperating from a base at The Canberra Hospital, supporting emergency departments in Queanbeyan, Batemans Bay, Moruya and Cooma;
  • the ACT Health Directorate renal specialist now provides clinical leadership for all SNSWLHD renal services (except Bega);
  • patients with cardiac reperfusion within one hour of Canberra are now taken directly to The Canberra Hospital and bypassing local Emergency Departments;
  • the ACT Health Directorate has participated in SNSWLHD District Healthcare Services Plan and Yass and Moruya Oncology service planning;
  • SNSWLHD has participated in ACT Health Directorate Clinical Services Plan and Palliative Care Service Plan;
  • SNSWLHD wasinvited to contribute to ACT Health Directorate policy on Inter-Hospital Transfers (significant as transfer between ACT and NSW hospitals can present challenges to continuity of care for patients); and
  • an agreement for a joint project on discharge planning/transfer of care between ACT and SNSWLHD commenced.
What’s next?

The Joint Health Departmental Committee will continue to examine collaboration and cooperative partnership arrangements within the region.

2.3.2Schools Education

Ameeting between the respective ACT and NSW education agencies to identify future areas of work was held on 2 May 2012. This meeting identified the exchange of data as an important first step. CMTDis liaising with other Directorates and NSW Education to identify data already collected as well as implementing a consistent methodology of geo-coding of this data across the ACT Government.

Following this meeting, a draft Work Plan was developed initially focusing on:

  • student enrolments;
  • student non-enrolment/non-attendance;
  • school capacity mapping; and
  • school transportation planning.

This Work Plan will be finalised in 2013.

What’s next?

Following an analysis of the data exchange, a joint working group will progress areas of commonality.

2.3.3Vocational Education and Training

In November 2012, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) NSW Illawarra Institute and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) formalised their working relationship through the signing of a MoU.

The CIT/TAFE MoU broadly covers a range of mutually beneficial activities including:

  • collaboration to achieve strategically important educational outcomes for the Greater Capital Region and South Eastern NSW;
  • a collaborative approach to identify training gaps and opportunities that add value to each organisation and to our communities;
  • exploring new models of provision of education, including jointly developed and offered courses, using technology to assist delivery;
  • identifying opportunities for obtaining joint funding through federal and state initiatives;
  • developing a common dialogue for the public provision of VET to assist in mitigating regional competitive pressures; and
  • collaboration on public relations and media opportunities.
What’s next?

Implementation of the CIT/TAFE MoU will be progressed during 2013.

3.Additional Collaborative Activities

During the past year additional collaboration activities included coordination of cross-border emergency services and disaster recovery, particularly as a result of the Mitchell Fire incident and flooding of the Queanbeyan River.

3.1Cross-Border Emergency Services and Disaster Recovery

Purpose and Governance

An Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery Working Group was established to identify existing cross-border arrangements for emergency management and disaster recovery and to identify issues which could be progressed under a cross-border arrangement. The working group, chaired by DPC, comprises the following members:

  • ACT Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate
  • ACT Emergency Services Agency
  • ACT Justice and Community Services
  • ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate
  • ACT Fire and Rescue
  • ACT Environment Protection Authority
  • NSW Fire and Rescue
  • NSW Statement Emergency Service
  • NSW Police Service
  • NSW Environment Protection Authority
  • Ambulance Service of NSW
  • Rural Fire Service

What has been achieved?

On 12 September 2012, the ACT and NSW Environment Protection Authorities(EPAs) signed a cross-border protocol. The protocol provides a strategic framework for interstate cooperation and mutual assistance. This willresult in strengthened cross-border operations to control pollution and more effective regulatory actions. The new protocol enhances regional collaboration by the EPAs and streamlines joint regulatory operations.

What’s next?

During 2013 the Working Group will examine the benefits of extending the ACT’s Emergency Services Single Point of Truth Information Distribution function to capture events across the border. It will also develop a Regional Disaster Plan that covers the South East NSW region.

4.Regional Engagement STAKEHOLDERs

There are a number of regional stakeholders with whom CMTD and DPC partner and engage to support and progress regional collaboration activities within theSouth East NSW region.

4.1ACT, Southern Inland and Far South Coast Regional Development Australia Committees

During the past 12 months, the ACT, Southern Inland and Far South CoastRDA Committees have been involved in progressing Stage 1 of the Strategic Regional Direction and Priorities (see 2.1 above).

4.2South East Regional Organisation of Councils

In May 2012, the ACT Government formally became a member of SEROC, with the ChiefMinister being the ACT’s representative. SEROC membership includes the 12 councils surrounding the ACT.

The quarterly SEROC Board meetings include a representative from DPC and the ACT, Southern Inland and Far South Coast RDA committees, who attend as observers.

In addition to participating in SEROC Board meetings, the ACT Government also attends the SEROC General Managers’ Advisory Council meeting, usually held several weeks prior toBoard meetings.

4.3NSW Cross-Border Commissioner

MrSteveToms was appointed by the NSW Government in February2012 as the NSW Cross- Border Commissioner with the aim of supporting communities living in cross-border situations.

Specifically, the primary role of the Cross-Border Commissioner is to:

  • meet and consult with cross-border communities and build close strategic workingnetworks and alliances with key stakeholders;
  • be an advocate for the concerns of cross-border communities;
  • monitor existing cross-border governance and management arrangements;
  • develop strategies and solutions to optimise the delivery of services to cross-bordercommunities;
  • monitor the Council of Australian Governmentsreform agenda in relation tothe issues and progress relevant to cross-border communities; and
  • keep cross-border communities informed on relevant reforms as they relate to cross-bordercommunities.

In May 2012, MrToms released his Listening Tourreport following a series of consultations with cross-border communities in March and April.A copy of the report can be found at: .