Cr Kylie King, mayor of Albury City Council was elected deputy chair.
RAMJO represents 12 member councils across the Riverina and Murray regions of southern New South Wales, providing a collective voice on matters of strategic regional importance.
The newly elected chair and deputy chair will lead RAMJO’s ongoing advocacy and regional collaboration, with priorities including water security, regional economic development, energy affordability, digital connectivity and the financial sustainability of local government.
RAMJO is also assisting councils across the RAMJO and Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) regions to coordinate their consideration of a Native Title claim currently before the Federal Court of Australia.
The Native Land Title claim was lodged by the lodged Southern West Yiradyuri People over 55,437sqkm of land and water in south-western New South Wales 12 months ago and includes a large part of Federation Council area.
The claim has entered into its formal three-month public notification period.
Under Australian law, native title cannot be claimed over private freehold land or residential leases; valid freehold titles extinguish native title rights.
RAMJO is not a party to the Federal Court proceedings and is not seeking to represent individual councils in those proceedings.
Cr Cook said the collaborative approach was intended to support councils in responding efficiently and appropriately to the legal process.
“Our focus is to help councils understand their responsibilities, obtain sound legal advice on common issues and minimise unnecessary duplication of costs, while respecting the independence of each council and the Federal Court process,” she said.
“RAMJO will continue discussions with interested councils and REROC to determine an appropriate coordinated approach.
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