The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) and Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) have a strong and mutually supportive relationship, according to CMA Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM. He and LGNSW President, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM signed an extended and updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the first day of the 2025 LGNSW Annual … Read more

The NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has welcomed the news that the Federal Government has reconvened the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s Inquiry into Local Government Financial Sustainability. CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said “The finalisation of this Inquiry is vitally important for Local Government. We congratulate Minister McBain on driving … Read more

A trio of recent Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) events in Sydney drew out the big guns of NSW politics and demonstrated the political influence of the organisation, according to the CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM. “We work with all sides of politics towards the best possible outcomes for our … Read more

The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has extended congratulations to the new Leader of the NSW National Party, Mr Gurmesh Singh MP (Member for Coffs Harbour). CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire) said, “The CMA Board, our 96 Members and Staff look forward to working with Mr Singh, as well as his … Read more

NSW Country Mayors have welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement on Friday of $23 million to tackle youth crime and build safer regional communities. “What is truly pleasing to see here is the clear acknowledgement of a regional crime issue and a proactive response,” Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said. … Read more

Rural, regional and remote Councils in NSW are unilaterally opposed to the Federal Government’s proposal for a blanketed 30 kilometre per hour reduction of default speed limits outside built-up areas, according to Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM. Submissions are currently being received and will inform a final Regulatory Impact … Read more

Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board Member, Local Government NSW President and Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has been bestowed with the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Memorial Award for Women in Government. This is the highest honour that NSW Local Government Minister the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP can confer. It … Read more

Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM has commended Westpac Bank for opening a new Regional Service Centre in Moree, in north-west New South Wales and for what appears to be a vastly improved attitude towards servicing country NSW communities. “Our Rural, remote and regional communities in NSW keep getting hit … Read more

The regional road surfacing funding announcement by the Minns Government this week is paving the way for more durable country roads, according to Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM. NSW Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP announced that $37.5 million would be invested in … Read more

Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA), Mayor Rick Firman OAM, has cautiously welcomedthe planning reforms announced by the Minns’ Government. Mayor Firman, however, raised concerns abouthow centralised planning, standardised assessments and processes would improve outcomes for remote, ruraland regional communities. “The CMA, of course, support reforms to the planning regime that will make … Read more

The newly appointed NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon APM has been warmly welcomed to the role by Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM. “This is a well-received choice as our State’s number one Police Officer.” “After an extensive 38 year career in the Police Force, Commissioner Lanyon was the … Read more

Mayor Rick Firman OAM, Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association, has today slammed plans by the ANZ to cut 3,500 full time jobs, fearing the decision will result in yet more bank closures or a further reduction in services in rural communities across Australia. “Every single time a bank closes its doors in a … Read more