The official signing took place with the Central West CMA chairman Tom Gavel and the 11 member councils of the Orana Regional Organisation of Councils (OROC) who are represented by each of their respective general managers and mayors.

The Central West CMA has formed strategic partnerships with a number of local governments across the region and has worked together to protect and improve the natural resources of the catchment.

Seven of tehse councils are OROC members and include Bogan, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Narromine, Warren and Warrumbungle shire councils.

Recently OROC together with the Central West Salinity and Water Quality Alliance and Central West CMA received a significant boost.

They were successful in attracting funding through the 2010 NSW Environmental Trust- the Environmental Education Program to undertake the "Environment on the agenda" which provides valuable training for local government operational staff.

The Environmental Education Program aims to improve the capacity, practical skills and motivation of council staff involved in land management and planning across the 16 local government areas.

The fundamental aim of the training will ensure council staff appreciates their role as key natural resource managers across the Central West CMA and Western CMA environments.

Central West CMA chairman Tom Gavel said the signing of this agreement celebrated and formalised a great partnership between OROC and the CMA.

"It is collaborative initiatives through this MOU that will help to foster and strengthen our relationship to determine actions that address the environmental issues and concerns of our region," he said.

"The CMA is looking forward to a productive and effective partnership with OROC that will work towards meeting the CEntral West CMA's vision of vibrant communities and healthy landscapes."