A delegation from the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) had an intensive series of meetings with Australian Government and Opposition representatives in Canberra last week, with a focus on improving awareness of the financial plight of rural, regional and remote Councils and the dire need to improve Federal Financial Assistance Grants to support sky-rocketing … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM has described the recently announced cutbacks to Transport for NSW, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Bendigo Bank as impactful blows to rural, regional and remote communities. He voiced concerns that regional commitment and regional … Read more

Local Government NSW released a new report on ‘cost shifting’ last week and the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has reiterated their frustrations and the fact that the impacts are more deeply felt in rural, regional and remote communities. Cost shifting is the terms given to the offloading of cost burdens by State and … Read more

After careful consideration of what the NSW Government Budget 2025/26 means for rural, regional and remote Councils, the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) sees a reactionary budget that is fiscally responsible in a time when investment in the regions is needed. CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM said that there are … Read more

People involved in the NSW Local Government sector invest so much of themselves into it that the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) welcomes any and every honour bestowed upon them, according to CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM. “We were delighted to see that the Deputy Secretary of the Office of … Read more

People involved in the NSW Local Government sector invest so much of themselves into it that the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) welcomes any and every honour bestowed upon them, according to CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM. “We were delighted to see that the Deputy Secretary of the Office of … Read more

Skilled labour shortages are among the challenges that are much worse for rural, regional and remote councils than their city counterparts. The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) is encouraging in-house upskilling, with an annual scholarship program setting the example. “The CMA is proud to offer a $5,000 scholarship each year to an excelling member … Read more

Mayor Rick Firman OAM, Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has welcomed the release of the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into the Assets, Premises and Funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service. The Inquiry, undertaken to examine whether the current frameworks governing assets, premises and funding for the RFS remained appropriate, effective and … Read more

Cr Rick Firman OAM, Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has today expressed sadness and concern about the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc across the north of the State. “So many of our Members and the communities they represent have suffered untold personal and financial loss. The photos and vision tell a … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has expressed congratulations to recently re-elected Prime Minister, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP and his Labor Government, together with optimism that their ‘new chapter’ will be one of greater investment in rural, regional and remote communities by restoring funding to their Councils. “On behalf of our CMA Board, … Read more

Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Mayor Rick Firman OAM has welcomed the Federal Coalition’s promise to return the popular project-based Building Better Regional Fund (BBRF). “We have tried to engage with Federal politicians across the spectrum to discuss appropriate funding for rural, regional and remote Councils. To hear nothing but crickets … Read more

Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Mayor Rick Firman OAM has welcomed yesterday’s Local Government funding pledge from the Coalition. “It is encouraging to see the most community-connected tier of Government receiving some of the attention it deserves in the Australian Government election lead-up.” “Rate hikes in NSW have been due to … Read more