ROCs usually involve collaborative partnerships between neighbouring councils in a particular region or area.
[1][2] ROCs vary considerably in size and structure but they have two things in common: their member councils have agreed to work together on one or more common issues and they nominate councillors (and in a small number of cases, council staff) to represent them on the ROC’s board.
Others are incorporated associations or companies and have a small staffed secretariat funded mainly through membership fees.
ROCs also derive income from fees for managing joint activities for their member councils or from grants from state and federal governments.
However, ROCs usually have no formal statutory authority and their advocacy can bring them into conflict with state government.