Council has relinquished its membership with RAMJO (Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation) following a steep increase in its annual fee.

This is despite a recommendation from General Manager, David Webb to continue full membership for the 2025-26 financial year and then reassess Council’s position.

Cr John Perry vehemently opposed this, and called for Council to cut its losses now, resign from RAMJO and not pay the $30,000 fee.

“We still have close connections with other councils,” he added.

However, Cr Paul Porter felt $30,000 was not a lot of money, saying there had been “a lot of benefits” being a member.

“We did get some benefits,” Mayor Cr Oataway agreed.

“But they are taking on too much, things they shouldn’t take on.

“I believe RAMJO is getting a little bit too broad. They have lost their way and need to narrow down.

“My personal view is that we get more out of the Country Mayors’ Association for $800.”

“It’s not viable,” Cr Perry continued.

“It’s a duplication of what we’re already doing and there’s no guarantee they’re not putting up the fee again next year.

“We’ll be throwing $30,000 up the wall. Carrathool has pulled out and I heard two others are also.”

The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) brings together 11 regional councils, from Albury to Wentworth, to provide a united and local voice for communities on key issues.

Formerly known as RAMROC, in 2018 the NSW Government announced a new structure of local government entities called ‘joint organisations’ to support councils to work together.

The RAMJO region covers an area of over 80,000 square kilometres and has a population of 152,909 people.

Strategic priorities identified by RAMJO councils include improved water security, energy security and affordability, transport connectivity for freight and people, and digital connectivity.

Other priorities are better mental health services to changing needs, boosting industry, workforce and jobs and improved housing in the area.

“It is challenging to determine if any of these strategic priorities have delivered any tangible value to Hay Shire,” Mr Webb said.

“However, there is no doubt the networking with our neighbouring councils provides benefits when advocating and sharing of knowledge, as well as working collegiately.

“While difficult to quantify, Council has benefited from a number of RAMJO-led initiatives such as the 3-Bin system roll-out, energy audits and reports and roll-out of the LED street lighting.

“A smaller Regional Organisation of Councils (ROC) centred around Griffith might provide for more interest and value for Council.”

Financial statements provided to Council for RAMJO’s 2023-24 expenditure include $585,273 for contractor and consultancy costs (including externally funded project-based costs) and a remuneration package of $172,491 for the Executive Officer.

In her mayoral report last week, Cr Oataway said Hay Shire Council left the Organisation on good terms when she and Mr Webb attended their final meeting.

“The General Manager received special acknowledgement for his leadership over the past five years as chair of the RAMJO transport sub comittee,” Cr Oataway said.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 4 June 2025.