“What we want is nothing more than equity”

COUNTRY MAYORS SEEK RESTORATION OF COMMONWEALTH FUNDING

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

Country Mayors welcome Police Minister Engagement

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM and Executive Board have welcomed verbal commitments from the NSW Police Minister the Hon. Yasmin Catley MP to improve her connectivity with the peak representative body of rural and regional Mayors in NSW. “In a lengthy phone call, Minister Catley committed to an … Read more

Country Mayors commend outgoing LGNSW President

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Executive Board, our Members and I were saddened to learn of the unexpected retirement of our Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President, Cr Darriea Turley AM (Broken Hill). ‘Cr Turley has given exceptional service to the Members of LGNSW, and she will be missed’, CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman … Read more

Country Mayors respond to demand

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Executive Board has responded to the growing demand the representative body faced in 2024, with its’ rural and regional advocacy increasingly sought after for Government inquiries and reviews. CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Cr. Rick Firman OAM announced the establishment of a Policy Advisor role in the … Read more

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