08-09-2025
The Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) convened last Thursday at the Federal Parliament in Canberra for a series of high-level discussions aimed at advancing key regional priorities. The CRJO, which brings together representatives from multiple local Councils within the broader Canberra region, uses these regular meetings to amplify the collective voice of its member Councils on issues of shared concern. During the visit, CRJO members held individual meetings with nine current Ministers and their staff to address a range of priority topics affecting the Canberra region. These meetings provided an opportunity for local leaders to directly engage with federal policymakers, ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Canberra region are heard at the national level.
A central focus of the discussions was the proliferation of state-significant projects in Upper Lachlan, Yass, and Goulburn Mulwaree. Members expressed growing apprehension over the cumulative impact these large-scale developments are having on local communities, including potential strain on infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and the social fabric of affected towns. The CRJO emphasized the urgent need for improved regulation, more transparent decision-making processes, and greater local input regarding the placement and approval of such projects. The ministers demonstrated a strong awareness of these challenges and assured the CRJO that they would elevate the issue with Chris Bowen, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, as well as relevant state colleagues for further consideration and action. The commitment to raise these concerns at higher levels of government was seen as an important step toward achieving better outcomes for communities in the Canberra region.
Beyond planning and regulation, the CRJO highlighted several other pressing matters important to the wellbeing and future growth of regional communities. Among these was the need for strategic investment in water infrastructure, which is seen as a key enabler to unlocking housing opportunities and supporting sustainable population growth. Additionally, the CRJO sought assurances about the timing and substantial of financial assistance grants, noting the importance of predictable funding for Council planning and service delivery. The organisation also advocated for the restoration or replacement of the successful local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which has historically provided essential funding for local transport and community projects. On the topic of emergency management, CRJO members called for strengthened national emergency alert systems to enhance public safety and reduce risk in times of crisis. They also pressed for a comprehensive review of the Disaster Recovery Arrangements, highlighting the need for improvements in both the administrative processes and the criteria that determine eligibility for support. These issues were received with interest by ministers, who acknowledged their significance and agreed to keep the CRJO informed of any progress or changes, demonstrating a willingness for ongoing collaboration.