The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) is travelling to Queanbeyan this week to gain a stronger understanding of issues in the cross-border community and wider South East and Tablelands region as part of its Regional Engagement Strategy.
ILGA is an independent statutory decision-maker responsible for liquor, gaming machine, registered club and other regulatory functions.
This follows successful visits to Griffith, Orange and Moree last year.
ILGA chairperson Caroline Lamb said these visits were essential to maintain ties with stakeholders in regional areas and to ensure ILGA continues to make decisions relevant to the needs and expectations of local communities.
“It’s important for ILGA to stay up-to-date with issues impacting regional communities and there’s no better way to do this than by meeting people face-to-face,” Ms Lamb said.
“The deeper the insights we have into each area’s needs, the more informed and relevant ILGA’s regulatory decision-making is.
“We are looking forward to meeting community and industry representatives in Queanbeyan. Our visit reflects ILGA’s aim to engage with different stakeholders and communities across NSW.”
ILGA board members and staff will meet key stakeholders and community groups, including:
- Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
- NSW Health – Southern NSW Local Health District
- NSW Police – Southern Region and Monaro District
- ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
- ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading
- Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council
- GambleAware – Southern NSW
- Queanbeyan Liquor Accord
- ClubsNSW
- Australian Hotels Association
“We will listen to a diverse range of people from the community to understand the impact of the liquor and gaming industries on health, crime and businesses in the region,” Ms Lamb said.
“By gaining an increased awareness of what matters to locals, we can be assured future decisions which impact the area will be balanced and fair.
“Speaking to our stakeholders in Queanbeyan will help improve ILGA’s appreciation of local issues to ensure ILGA can continue making decisions for the region in the public interest.”
For more information about ILGA, visit: ilga.nsw.gov.au/about-us