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
Mayor Rick Firman OAM, Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has bemoaned the major parties’ lack of commitment to Local Government and their failure to address funding shortfalls that were clearly identified in the Interim Report into Local Government Sustainability. “Despite on-going calls from all Local Government peak bodies and from individual councils … Read more
The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) hosted a special meeting with the NSW Minister for Police & Counter Terrorism, the Hon. Yasmine Catley MP recently, with some 40 members participating. Minister Catley was joined by NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos. Held via Zoom, Minister Catley and Deputy Commissioner Pisanos accepted the invitation to … Read more
The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has welcomed the appointment of Ms Linda Scott as the new Chairman of the NSW Grants Commission. Ms. Scott was an ideal choice for the role responsible for the distribution of Federal Government funding to Councils, on behalf of the NSW Government, according to CMA Chairman and Temora … Read more
“Rural and regional Councils in NSW have been doing increasingly more, while costs escalate and funding shrinks. The extent of these widespread trends have threatened the financial sustainability of our members and in some cases, rendered them all but insolvent. We now have hope that the Australian Government understands the gravity of the situation and … Read more
Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Mayor Rick Firman OAM has welcomed an undertaking by the Big Four (banks) to keep regional branches open until at least mid-2027. “The announcement that the Federal Government has struck a deal with the Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac and ANZ to halt regional bank closures until … Read more
Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) Mayor Rick Firman OAM has called for the Australian Government and Opposition to commit to the restoration of Commonwealth funding for Local Government. “Federal Governments of all persuasions have slowly but surely eroded the funding that is provided to Local Government. It is alarming that the annual … Read more