Nine councils took part in the event, Tenterfield Shire Council, Gwydir Shire Council, Inverell Shire Council, Glen Innes Severn Council, Narrabri Shire Council, Warrumbungle Shire Council, Moree Plains Shire Council, Coonamble Shire Council and Brewarrina Shire Council.

There were three guest speakers from Sydney.

Waverly Shire Council’s Dr Bronwyn Kelly, Manly Council’s Amanda Spalding and Division of Local Governement’s Vaughan Macdonald spoke at the event.

The interactive workshop was organised in response to the NSW State Government’s new integrated planning and reporting framework.

The aim of the event was to learn from larger councils on how to best manage strategic planing, long term financial and asset management plans. The workshop outlined best practice. It shared ideas and experiences to plan for the communities future.

Waverley Council corporate services director Dr Bronwyn Kelly spoke about the community strategic plan consultation process and asset management planning and linking those expectations to a long-term financial plan.

Manly Council deputy general manager Amanda Spalding talked about change management investment in people and places.

Team leader of special progrmas Vaughan Macdonald spoke about integrated planning and reporting legislation.

About 60 people attended the event and aims such as strengthening councils strategic focus were successfully implemented.

“It’s great to get speakers come from Sydney to present to Moree as a regional centre,” Deputy Mayor Sue Price said.

Moree Plains Shire Council will be asking for the public’s involvement. The council plans to consult with the community to best reach the goals of the shire.

It is a major stakeholder and facilitator but the process is to be shared by state and federal government, other agencies, community groups and the public.

The strategic plan will be over arching to facilitate achieving the communities goals.