The meeting with Mr Familton was one of a series Mr Neill, along with Environment Canterbury (ECan) deputy chairwoman Jo Kane, held with central South Island mayors and Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew yesterday.
The aim was to discuss issues they had with ECan, and to open better lines of communication, to heal divisions between district councils and the regional council which had emerged over the past two years.
Mr Neill openly acknowledged there had been issues, which had led to 10 South Island mayors criticising ECan to Minister of Local Government Rodney Hide, followed by a provocative attack on them by former ECan chairman Sir Kerry Burke.
"Southern mayors felt quite offended about that," Mr Neill said.
Mr Neill, who lived for about 25 years in Oamaru, said he knew Mr Familton well and was confident the two councils could work constructively and co-operatively together.
Mr Familton said yesterday's discussions were open and everything was put on the table.
It was regrettable that a lot of communication in the past between district councils and ECan had been through the media.
He believed better communication was the key to the future.
