Staying in Town - a new focus for government services and resources in country NSW

Our goal is to make government services respond better to local needs.

• Not the needs of the city
• Not the needs of a different region
• Your region
• Your community

A number of trends have shaped the current regional environment. These include globalisation, the consequent rationalisation of industries, changes to the way services are delivered and a decline in the price of rural commodities.

In many small towns, traditional services have been lost and populations have declined.

Our Government is committed to the wellbeing of the people and communities of country NSW. We want to safegaurd the quality of life for people in regional and rural communities. Like you, we want strong communities working together, facing challenges together.

Our goal is to make government services respond better to local needs. Not the needs of the city. Not the needs of a different region. Your region. Your community.

Staying in town sets out the Government's plan to make services easier for country people to use and to ensure government agencies are focused on strengthening local communities.

It represents an overview of more detailed and tailored plans which were developed in each region with local communities in mind.

An amount of $6.5 million has been allocated over the next three years to support the plan.

People have built rewarding lives in rural and regional communities. They don't want to have to leave town and move elsewhere. They want a secure future for their children.

The government is part of these communities too. Together we can seek out opportunities for economic, social and environmental renewal.

Change won't happen overnight. These things take time - but we are committed to making a difference.

We're staying in town.

Bob Carr Premier

Harry Woods Minister for Rural Affairs

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