The Southern Councils Group (CSG) believes the Shoalhaven is well placed to take advantage of the NSW government’s proposal for joint organisations announced in its Fit for the Future package.

Fifteen joint organisations are proposed for regional NSW, including one for the Illawarra which will represent Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama councils.

The government hopes to have Regional Joint Organisations established by September 2016, however four pilot areas will be established in February 2015.

SCG deputy chairman John Wells, Shoalhaven City Council’s deputy mayor, said the new joint organisation would bring state government agencies into closer relationships with local government.

In April the NSW government announced it had “drawn a line in the sand”, declaring the Illawarra region comprised Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama councils.

Mr Wells said the four councils had been working together to prepare the new regional planning group since that time.

“I think the Illawarra joint organisation of councils will be more focused,” he said.

“We want to work collaboratively so we can lobby better for the region.”

He welcomed the government’s approach to encouraging councils to merge using financial incentives rather than “the stick”.

“The government can force councils to do things but the fact they chose to offer incentive money is good.”

The Southern Councils Group will meet in Canberra on Wednesday.