The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has commended the genuine motivations behind the NSW Opposition’s plan to bring parliamentary sitting weeks directly into regional communities. “While we have some concerns about the obvious costs involved, this is a very commendable proposal. Our city parliamentarians can be disconnected from the realities of rural, remote and … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has locked in an outstanding line-up of political leaders, policy makers, and housing experts for its highly anticipated General (members) Meeting at NSW Parliament House on Friday, 28 August 2026. The night before the meeting, Australia’s Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP will be the keynote guest … Read more

Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board and its 89 remote, rural and regional member Councils has welcomed the Labour National Conference’s support for the Federation Compact which is not only promising to increase core funding for Local Government but also addresses road funding, training and capacity building for councils. “Financial sustainability is the number … Read more

Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board and its 89 remote, rural and regional member Councils has slammed the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) which would result in the Government to substantially reducing the financial contribution it makes to disasters that occur in NSW. Chairman of CMA, Mayor Rick Firman … Read more

Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board and its 89 remote, rural and regional member Councils have welcomed the extension of the NSW Fresh Start program, announced by NSW Premier, The Hon. Chris Minns MP last week. Chairman of CMA, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (of Temora Shire) said the “game changing program has been a … Read more

Mayor Rick Firman OAM, Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA), has said today that councils wanted to see a bigger commitment in the State Budget to investing in services and infrastructure across remote, rural and regional NSW. We recognise and are thankful for the financial commitments made in relation to upgrading hospitals … Read more

Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib MP that Rural Fire Service (RFS) assets, commonly known as the Red Fleet, will transfer to State Government ownership from 1 July 2027. “After years of advocacy and a Parliamentary inquiry, the right … Read more

“Skilled labour shortages in rural, remote and regional NSW are a real challenge for our Member Councils. They are one of the largest employers of skilled workers in country communities and the struggle to fill positions can be impactful,” Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (of Temora Shire) said. “The … Read more

The Board of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has met with Minister Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to discuss the cessation of the Inland Rail project. “Following the Government’s announcement, there was a unanimous resolution passed at our last CMA meeting to seek a meeting with … Read more

NSW Premier, The Hon Chris Minns MP addressed the May general meeting of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) and his frank engagement was praised by the 150 mayors and general managers in attendance. The Premier spoke briefly and then opened for questions from the floor. “Our Members appreciated the willingness of the Premier … Read more

Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA), Mayor Rick Firman OAM has expressed concern that councils across NSW must now wind the clock back on the implementation of the 2025 Local Government Model Code of Meeting Practice as a result of the passing of a Disallowance motion last week. “It is unfortunate that our … Read more

Skill Shortages and Labour Solutions was the theme of the recent General Meeting of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) in NSW Parliament House and while recruitment challenges continue to impede economic development and housing projects in rural, remote and regional NSW, CMA members were encouraged by some impactful programs and genuine commitment to … Read more