LGNSW and The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) finished off the month of November with a busy and productive week of collaboration with a joint delegation to Canberra to meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
CMA Chairman Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM said the meeting was an important first step on a crucial bipartisan journey with the Federal Government.
“It’s so important we shared directly with Prime Minister, Mr Albanese how critical resolving the financial sustainability issue is” said Mayor Firman.
“The delegation was received very well. CMA will continue to work with LGNSW, our Prime Minister and our Ministers for Local Government in The Hon Catherine King MP and the Hon. Kristy McBain MP to ensure there can be real solutions to address financial sustainability – including the restoration Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) back to one per cent of total Commonwealth Taxation revenue’.
The joint delegation to Canberra comes on the back of the signing of an extended Memorandum of Understanding between the two representative bodies. The MOU sets out a framework for cooperation on policy development, advocacy campaigns and information sharing.
LGNSW President, Mayor Darcy Byrne said the MOU is an important demonstration of the shared commitment to strengthening the collective voice of local government.
“Our rural, regional and remote councils are facing some really unique challenges and at LGNSW we will ensure that every council will have a seat at the table – no matter their postcode and no matter how large or small they might be.”
The signing of the MOU took place at the opening session of the LGNSW Annual Conference where more than 1000 delegates from across the state assembled for the three day gathering.
As part of the agenda, more than 100 motions were respectfully debated and resolved, covering a range of issues including the role of local government in addressing the housing crisis, the need for greater financial support of councils and the desire for improved interaction between state agencies and local councils.
Mayor Firman said the resolutions as passed by conference demonstrate a real unity within the sector, particularly in regards to shared concerns over how council meetings take place.
“The CMA Board and our 96 Members obviously support the unanimously passed LGNSW Board resolution regarding the Model Code of Meeting Practice” Mayor Firman said.
“We look forward to Minister Hoenig seriously considering those important points which our sector is strongly and consistently advocating for.”
Mayor Byrne said a highlight of the three-day conference was seeing the exchange of ideas, opinions and experiences amongst those present.
“There was a real sense of collaboration and unity in the room as we discussed the many challenges and opportunities facing the sector” said Mayor Byrne.
“When you see councils as geographically diverse as Brewarrina Council and Northern Beaches Council forming strong alliances, you know there is more that unites us than divides us” said Mayor Byrne.
The sentiment of shared purpose was echoed by Mayor Firman.
“Our CMA Board and Members have always had a strong relationship with LGNSW President, Board and Staff” said Mayor Firman. “I know this will continue under our new LGNSW President in Mayor Bryne.”
“There are many priority areas we will work side by side on, including our efforts to convince the Federal Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants for Local Government to 1% of total Commonwealth taxation revenue” said Mayor Firman.
“We are also jointly advocating to the State Government that the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Assets must be removed from Council assets’ registers“ said Mayor Firman.
The two organisations both look forward to 2026 and continuing to work together to deliver stronger outcomes for councils and communities right across New South Wales.
