WAGGA City Council (WWCC) has confirmed its commitment to a campaign that encourages capital city residents to move to regional centres.
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Councillors carried a recommendation to commit to Evocities for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019 at Tuesday night's ordinary council meeting.
Evocities is a collaboration between the partner councils of Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga to encourage capital city residents to make the move to an Evocity and invest in the opportunities the cities have to offer.
Councillor Kerry Pascoe sought confirmation at the meeting if the other six councils chose not to participate, the matter would be brought back before council.
"If any other (councils) don't pass the resolution and commit, we are to report back to council," WWCC general manager Phil Pinyon confirmed.
Under the recommendations, a detailed memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to be negotiated by the mayors and general managers via the NSW Inland Forum.
They will also negotiate the inclusion of reference in the Evocities MOU to create elite sporting partnerships and opportunities.
So far, Albury, Tamworth and Armidale councils have committed to continuing their funding of the program, while Orange and Dubbo are still considering their positions.
Councillor Paul Funnell voiced his support for Evocities but questioned the financial commitment of $60,000 a year given council's involvement in other campaigns.
"We're screaming blue murder every time we turn a corner," he told Tuesday's meeting.
"We're struggling to find where to get the money from.
"I certainly would encourage everyone to consider carefully all the little shillings."
Councillor Dallas Tout put forward an amendment that council would confirm the funding source for its contribution to Evocities 2015-19 during the 2015/16 budget process.
Councillor Kevin Poynter was convinced WWCC could support the campaign, but questioned how its effectiveness would be tangibly measured.
The recommendations were unanimously carried by the nine councillors present.
The current memorandum of understanding expires in June.
WWCC will be provided with a copy of the final Evocities MOU.
