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Strategic Regional Priorities

Vision

A thriving and resilient Riverina-Murray region, built on collaboration, innovation and inclusive growth across social, environmental, and economic priorities.

Value proposition

RAMJO creates regional advantage by delivering outcomes that individual councils could not achieve alone — including collective advocacy, efficiencies, opportunities and cost savings.

 

Values and operating principles

  • Collaboration: We achieve more together.
    We are stronger when we share resources, information, and intelligence, working collectively to deliver outcomes no single council could achieve alone.
  • Integrity: We act with transparency, accountability, and alignment.
    Our decisions are principled, our processes are open, and we are united in our regional purpose.
  • Equity: We value every community across our diverse region.
    We work collegiately to ensure that all voices are heard, respected, and reflected in our shared priorities.
  • Impact: We focus on meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
    We prioritise initiatives that deliver measurable results and lasting value, underpinned by sound financial stewardship.
  • Leadership and Trust: We lead with purpose and respect.
    We advocate with integrity, welcome new perspectives, and foster mutual respect and trust in all our partnerships.

Statement of Strategic Regional Priorities

Under the NSW Local Government Joint Organisations legislation, RAMJO prepared a SSRP with was lodged with the NSW Office of Local Government in October 2025.

The SSRP was prepared after consultation with Member Councils, Regional NSW and other stakeholders, and identifies the key priority areas on which RAMJO will concentrate its strategies and actions plans through to the year 2029.  This Statement forms the basis of collaboration with the NSW State Government to implement significant infrastructure projects that will benefit councils and their communities throughout the region.

The Statement of Strategic Regional Priorities was formally adopted by the RAMJO Board at its meeting on 29th October 2025. Copies have been made available to the NSW Premier, Government Ministers, Regional NSW, the Office of Local Government, other State Agencies and RAMJO stakeholders generally and can be downloaded via the button adjacent.

Image of front cover of Statement of Strategic Regional Priorities 2025-2029
Statement of Strategic Regional Priorities

Strategic Pillars

The three strategic pillars and their 12 focus areas were identified during regional workshops held in August 2024 and May 2025.

These sessions involved elected leaders and senior executives from all RAMJO member councils. The workshops focused on identifying common regional goals, current and emerging challenges, and cross-cutting enablers. The resulting framework served as the primary structure for analysing and synthesising each council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP), ensuring alignment, consistency, and clarity across the region.

Strategic Pillar 1: Social Wellbeing

  1. Housing – Enable access to diverse, affordable, and accessible housing across the region.
  2. Health – Advocate for equitable access to health, mental health, and aged care services.
  3. Social Inclusion and Community Resilience – Support connected, inclusive communities and strengthen local identity and volunteerism

Strategic Pillar 2: Environmental Wellbeing

  1. Water Security
    Promote fair, reliable, and sustainable water policies and infrastructure.
  2. Renewable Energy Transmission
    Ensure equitable, community-informed renewable energy transitions with local benefits.
  3. Environmental Sustainability
    Advance stewardship, biodiversity protection, and circular economy initiatives.
  4. Climate Adaptation and Disaster Resilience
    Build regional resilience to climate impacts and natural disasters

 

Strategic Pillar 3: Economic Wellbeing

  1. Workforce Development
    Strengthen access to training, workforce migration, and retention pathways.
  2. Transport and Connectivity
    Advocate for integrated, safe, and equitable transport networks.
  3. Regional Industry and Investment Attraction
    Support precincts, innovation, and infrastructure to attract sustainable investment.
  4. Visitor Economy
    Promote tourism as a key driver of regional diversification and local identity.
  5. Digital Inclusion and Infrastructure
    Improve digital access, literacy, and infrastructure to support community and economic participation.