TWEED Shire Council Mayor Barry Longland has been elected as the new president of the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC), a promotion from his previous role as deputy president.

NOROC represents the shires of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

The body aims to boost the profile of the region and communication among the seven shires as well as facilitating joint activities.

Cr Longland will hold the position for the next 12 months taking over from outgoing president Lismore City Council Mayor Jenny Dowell.

"It's a good time for the Tweed to be represented in this position, as it is the year when the State Government has put regionalism firmly on their agenda, as seen through their planning reforms and

the independent review of local government," Cr Longland said.

"I believe that it's important for the councils in our region to have a strong body, that can speak with one voice, on the issues that are important to the Northern Rivers."

He said key challenges and opportunities for regional solutions included transport, tourism marketing, resource sharing and joint service delivery projects.

"As a group, one of the projects we're most excited about advancing is the future development of the Murwillumbah to Casino rail line, which traverses most of our shires," he said.

Mayor of Kyogle, Councillor Danielle Mulholland, was elected to the position of NOROC Deputy President, previously held by Cr Longland.