“What we want is nothing more than equity”

Country Mayors endorse opposition to Planning Piracy

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has endorsed the universal condemnation at the Local Government NSW conference in Tamworth this week of the State Government’s planning announcement last Friday. “The NSW Government has looted the most significant planning decisions from Country Councils that are democratically elected to consider local concerns and impacts, once again … Read more

NSW Country Mayors’ new leadership

United by common challenges, Country Mayors of NSW are standing together like never before. The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) held its Annual General Meeting at NSW Parliament House on Friday, with close to 150 in attendance. Mayor of Temora Shire Council, Cr. Rick Firman OAM was endorsed as Chairman of the CMA, unopposed, … Read more

COUNTRY MAYORS DEMAND CHANGE – 24 Recommendations submitted to NSW Inquiry into Community Safety in Regional and Rural Communities

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of a new Inquiry into Community Safety in Regional and Rural Communities and is now urging community members to have their say by making a submission. The CMA has developed a submission on behalf of its members and made 24 recommendations in … Read more

Premier’s intervention welcomed

The Country Mayors Association of NSW has welcomed the NSW Premier’s announcement that the NSW Government will implement new initiatives to start to address regional youth crime. CMA Chair Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the announcement, a timely intervention by the Premier following his recent visit to Moree, was recognition of the CMA’s call for change … Read more

CMA welcomes IPART financial model review

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has welcomed the announcement of a review into NSW Local Government financial sustainability, albeit with some reservations. “This review has been a long time coming,” CMA Chair and Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said. “Draft Terms of Reference from the NSW Government to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal … Read more

Country Mayors see red

The Country Mayors Association of NSW is shocked to learn that Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon Catherine King MP, has chosen to put the red pen through major regional projects in NSW that have been committed for many years. CMA Chairman, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, said 35% of the … Read more

Joint call for parliamentary inquiry to address crime in regional NSW

The Country Mayors Association of New South Wales has joined forces with the Police Association of New South Wales and NSW Farmers to call for a Parliamentary Inquiry into crime, law and order in rural and regional New South Wales. CMA Chairman, Mayor Jamie Chaffey said statistics showed residents of rural, regional and remote New … Read more

And the winner is – Western Sydney

The New South Wales Budget is out and the news is good – if you live in Western Sydney. The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) delivered five very clear Budget priorities for regional New South Wales to the State Government after surveying the CMA’s 84 member councils representing one-third of New South Wales residents. … Read more

COUNCILS SEEKING ANSWERS TO GROWING HEALTH CONCERNS

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) will host its inaugural Rural & Regional Health Forum in Wagga Wagga this Friday 15th September. More than 70 CMA members including Mayors, Councillors and General Managers from across rural and regional NSW, will converge on NSW’ largest Inland city to discuss many health related issues and hear … Read more