Rural Service Delivery

Principles

The NSW Government is committed to the wellbeing of the people and communities of country NSW. The Government has made the following specific commitments to rural and regional populations.

• Government services will be personal and focus on the client.
• Decisions about services will be made at the most local level possible.
• Clients will have realistic access to government services, whether they live in a large regional centre or a small country town.
• Services will be coordinated so that client needs are dealt with as a whole, not bit by bit.
• If government agencies have to change the way they deliver services, they will work together to ensure the client receives the best possible service.

(Refer to Staying in Town: A new focus for government services and resources in country NSW)

Overview

Rural Service Delivery

Staying in Town and related policies set out the Government's plans to make services easier for country people to use, and to ensure government agencies are focused on strengthening local communities.

Improved access to government services for rural populations in NSW is facilitated by:

• the Regional Coordination Program (RCP)
• the Regional Communities Consultative Council (RCCC)
• the Government Access Program (GAP)
• Electronic service delivery

Most agencies have policies and services designed to meet the needs of people living in rural parts of the state.

Lead Agency and Furtehr Help

The lead agencies are the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Office of Rural Affairs, Department of Lands. However, your agency may have a policy and/or a person responsible. Refer to them first.

• Staying in Town – Department of Premier and Cabinet.
• Further help – Office of Rural Affairs, Department of Lands.