ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Minister for Regional Development, Skills; Minister for Small Business and Member for Monaro John Barilaro, and Councillor John Shaw, Chair of the newly-formed Canberra Region Joint Organisation reiterated the importance and value of cross border collaboration and how collectively they could drive the local government reform process.

“The greater Canberra Region offers a dynamic and diverse range of industries running from the Alpine, through the Tablelands and down to the Coast, contributing to an increasingly influential regional economy,” Chief Minister Barr said.

“There are few other places in Australia, or indeed the world, where you can spend the morning skiing in the mountains and dine on oysters by the ocean in the evening.”

The variety and quality of the regional offering was on display for the launch in the Q Foyer in Queanbeyan including a range of regional champions, and local food, artisans and niche apparel manufacturing.

Minister Barilaro congratulated the regional champions and was inspired by the displays: “This is what regional development is about – how incredible to see such diversity from oysters, chutneys, wool, wine, quarry development, renewable energy tourism, cheese making, salami production and wood craftsmanship all in the one area – what a tribute - I am proud to be part of this region.”

Councillor John Shaw said: “We want to ensure this journey as the Canberra Region Joint Organisation is about telling the story and demonstrating the importance and significance of the regional footprint that encompasses the ACT, not only in our region, but also nationally with tourism, export and economic diversity.  We need to play to our strengths and actively promote the greater Canberra region as a melting pot of innovators and entrepreneurs and celebrate our diversity.”

Regional Champions for the Upper Lachlan at the launch of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation were local sock manufacturer, Lindner Socks. Andrew Lindner presented the locally made socks alongside other regional champions from 12 other regions included Boorowa, Eurobodalla, and Young at the launch event. Minister Andrew Barr, John Barilaro and Mayor John Shaw each donned a pair of Lindner socks that had been especially made for the event from local grown wool, and were only too happy to show-off their socks to everyone present at the launch event.  

The Canberra Region Joint Organisation includes 12 member councils from the former South East Regional Organisation of Councils (SEROC) - Bombala, Boorowa, Cooma-Monaro, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Harden, Palerang, Queanbeyan, Snowy River, Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley and Young - and the ACT Government.