Two neighbouring councils have renewed their long-standing partnership agreement, strengthening a coordinated approach to regional planning, infrastructure delivery and advocacy across the cross-border Albury-Wodonga community.
Albury City Council and Wodonga Council have formally reaffirmed their partnership through the re-signing of the Two Cities One Community Partnership Agreement, first established in 2017.
The agreement continues to recognise the deep economic, social and infrastructure links between the neighbouring cities, which sit on either side of the New South Wales and Victorian border respectively.
With a combined population of more than 100,000, the Albury-Wodonga region functions as a single, interconnected urban centre despite being governed by two separate state jurisdictions. Residents regularly move across the border for work, health care, education, recreation and essential services, making coordination between the two councils central to effective regional planning.
The refreshed agreement formalises this shared reality, reinforcing a commitment to work collaboratively on issues that affect both communities.
It also provides a structured framework for joint decision-making, helping ensure that planning and investment decisions are aligned with long-term community needs.
Underpinning the partnership are two long-term community visions, Towards Albury 2050 and Wodonga 2050, which guide each council’s strategic priorities while also identifying common aspirations for the broader region.
Coordinated planning for growth
At the core of the renewed agreement is a shared commitment to more coordinated planning and delivery of infrastructure, economic development and community services. Both councils will continue working together to identify regional priorities, develop joint proposals, and advocate to the Federal and state governments with a unified voice.
The agreement emphasises collaboration in areas where cross-border alignment can improve outcomes, including transport networks, community facilities, environmental initiatives and economic development projects. By working together, the councils aim to maximise investment efficiency and avoid duplication across shared systems and infrastructure.
A key focus is ensuring that major regional projects are planned with a whole-of-region perspective, recognising that infrastructure in one city often directly impacts the other. This includes joint submissions for funding opportunities and coordinated planning for future growth corridors and community needs.
The partnership also supports regular reporting to the community, with progress updates to be provided every six months. This approach is designed to maintain transparency while ensuring residents remain informed about how the collaboration is delivering outcomes across the region.
The agreement continues to sit under the broader Two Cities One Community Strategic Plan, which is structured around four key pillars: Leadership, Economy, Environment and Community. These pillars guide joint initiatives aimed at unlocking regional potential and supporting sustainable long-term growth.
Collaboration and shared principles
Both councils have also reaffirmed the importance of strong governance principles underpinning the partnership, including openness, honesty, respect for each council’s individual priorities, and a commitment to sharing information where appropriate.
Albury Mayor, Kevin Mack, said the agreement provides a clear pathway to strengthen regional leadership and address long-standing cross-border issues.
“Our two cities don’t operate in isolation. We share the same roads, the same healthcare systems, the same sporting and cultural facilities, and many of the same aspirations for the future,” Mack said.
“This agreement provides a framework to work together more strategically and with greater impact for the benefit of our communities.”
Wodonga Mayor, Michael Gobel, said the renewed partnership demonstrates the councils’ commitment to working as one community.
“The Two Cities One Community partnership is a testament to the strength of our collaboration in delivering on real outcomes,” Gobel said.
“The commonalities between both community visions and council plans have allowed us to deliver major initiatives across the economy, environment, community, partnering and leadership. Our renewed partnership will allow us to continue to deliver on needs and aspirations of our community.”
Beyond formal governance structures, the partnership also encourages ongoing engagement between elected representatives and senior staff from both councils. This ensures alignment across policy, planning and delivery, while also enabling rapid coordination on emerging regional challenges.
The councils will also continue to engage with other local governments across the broader region on issues of shared significance, reinforcing the role of Albury-Wodonga as a key regional hub with influence extending beyond the immediate border area.
As the region continues to grow, the renewed agreement positions both councils to respond more effectively to future opportunities and challenges. By strengthening collaboration and aligning long-term planning, the partnership aims to ensure the Albury-Wodonga region remains well placed to deliver sustainable growth, improved services and stronger community outcomes.
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