NSW COUNTRY MAYORS SEEK MORE DETAIL ON GRANT METHODOLOGY

Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board and its 89 remote, rural and regional member Councils have asked that the NSW Grants’ Commission to provide more detail on their proposed Balanced Budget approach to the distribution of the Federal Financial Assistance Grants.

“Financial sustainability is the number one issue facing our Members. The Financial Assistance Grants are, after rates, the largest contributor to council finances. Therefore, how the finite bucket of money is distributed is of vital importance to our Members,” CMA Chairman, Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman OAM said.

“The new approach has resulted in some councils receiving significantly larger grants while others have lost large amounts of income. We recognise that this is a zero-sum game and where one council receives more another must receive less. However, the size of the gains and losses are considerable and the CMA, in its very close examination of the Methodology, has not been able to ascertain how the calculations for the funding come together,” Mayor Firman said.

The new Methodology was released by the Grants’ Commission at the end of August, with responses from the Local Government sector required by the end of last week. However, the Commission was unable to provide any background papers that demonstrated how the underlying assumptions were reached or the calculations were made, making it difficult for the sector to commit to the Balanced Budget approach.

“Because we have not been able to interrogate the Methodology and its underlying processes with any confidence, the CMA has not been able to provide its support for the Balances Budget approach. We have asked the Commission to work with us and LGNSW to revisit the Methodology to address the gaps in our knowledge and understanding,” Mayor Firman said.

“On behalf of the CMA Board, Members and staff I acknowledge the significant work undertaken by the Commission and the Office of Local Government on the development of the Methodology to date. However, there is no question that we need a lot more detail. We would welcome the opportunity to continue working with both agencies to determine the best way forward so as no rural, remote and regional Council are worse off,” Mayor Firman said.

A copy of the CMA’s response to the new Methodology can be found at https://nswcountrymayors.com.au/publications/

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Contacts:             Mayor Rick Firman OAM, CMA Chairman:              0429 204 060

Gary  Fry, CMA Secretariat, Mobile: 0427 008 572   Email: *****************************

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 RIVERINA AND MURRAY LEADERS CALL FOR GENUINE PARTNERSHIP ON BASIN WATER POLICY

The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) has welcomed the opportunity to meet directly with Senator the Hon Murray Watt – Minister for the Environment and Water during a stakeholder roundtable in Leeton, while reinforcing a united regional call for an end to further water buybacks and a more balanced approach to Murray-Darling Basin policy.

The roundtable brought together local government leaders, irrigators, agricultural representatives, regional development organisations and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of water policy in the Basin.

RAMJO Chair, Cr Ruth McRae, said the meeting provided an important opportunity for regional communities to explain the real-world impacts that water recovery policies continue to have on local economies, businesses and families.

“Our communities understand the importance of achieving strong environmental outcomes, but those outcomes cannot come at the expense of the people, industries and regional towns that depend on water for their future.”

“The message from local government, industry and community representatives was clear: the Commonwealth must cease further water buybacks and work directly with regional stakeholders to identify practical solutions that deliver environmental benefits while sustaining jobs, investment and economic growth.”

Mayor Ashley Hall, representing Edward River Council at the roundtable, said Basin communities are increasingly concerned about the cumulative economic and social impacts of ongoing water recovery.

“We are already seeing the consequences of reduced water availability across our region. In Deniliquin alone, the recent loss of 68 jobs is a stark reminder that water policy decisions have real impacts on workers, families, businesses and communities.”

“When jobs are lost in regional communities, the effects extend far beyond a single workplace. Local businesses lose customers, sporting clubs lose volunteers, schools lose enrolments and communities lose confidence in their future.”

During the discussion, stakeholders highlighted the significant contribution irrigated agriculture, food processing and manufacturing make to the Riverina economy and stressed that water should be recognised as critical productivity infrastructure. Participants also encouraged greater focus on innovation, environmental works and improved management of existing environmental water holdings, rather than additional permanent water recovery.

RAMJO Water Subcommittee Chair, Jackie Kruger, said local communities possess valuable knowledge that can help shape better outcomes for both the environment and regional economies.

“Regional councils, irrigators and businesses are not seeking to avoid environmental responsibility. We want to be genuine partners in developing place-based solutions that support healthy river systems while maintaining vibrant and productive communities.”

The meeting also highlighted growing concerns about employment impacts across Basin communities, including recent job losses associated with reduced water availability and ongoing uncertainty for major industries. Stakeholders emphasised the need for water policy settings that provide confidence for businesses to invest, expand and create long-term employment opportunities.

RAMJO acknowledged the announcement by the Australian Government and SunRice of a $29 million rice-cake manufacturing infrastructure project in Leeton, supported by $14.5 million in Commonwealth funding and intended to secure around 200 existing direct and indirect jobs within the rice industry.

The roundtable followed the Minister’s invitation for feedback on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, the Water Act Review and future water policy directions. RAMJO will continue advocating for a balanced, evidence-based and community-focused approach that protects both the environmental health of the Basin and the social and economic wellbeing of regional communities.

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Media contacts:

For further enquiries, please contact

Pictured left to right Mrs Jackie Kruger – Leeton Shire Council GM and RAMJO Water Subcommittee Chair, Mr Brett Stonestreet PSM – RAMJO Executive Officer, Cr Neville Kshenka OAM –Narrandera Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ruth McRae OAM, Murrumbidgee Council Mayor and RAMJO Chair, Minister Murray Watt, Cr George Weston – Leeton Shire Council Mayor and Cr Ashley Hall – Edward River Council Mayor.

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Published on 09 October 2026

From Mayor Ashley Hall on behalf of Edward River Council

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Federal Water and Environment Minister Murray Watt on behalf of Council in Leeton this week and deliver a clear message: our community needs support, and it needs it now.

I welcomed the opportunity to advocate directly for Deniliquin and ensure the challenges facing our region are understood at the highest levels of government.

While we welcome the Federal Government’s $14.5 million investment in SunRice’s Leeton operations, I made it clear that it does little to address the loss of 68 jobs in Deniliquin and the impact that has had on local families and our broader community.

Those job losses are not just numbers. They represent livelihoods, families and confidence in the future of our region. Deniliquin cannot be left behind while support flows elsewhere.

The Minister advised he has written to the NSW Government supporting consideration of Deniliquin through the next round of sustainability funding.

That is encouraging, but our community needs to see tangible support and investment that restores confidence for local businesses, creates new employment opportunities and reinforces that regional communities like Deniliquin have a strong future.

I also used the meeting to reiterate Council’s opposition to further water buybacks. Our region has already contributed significantly to water recovery under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, and further buybacks would place additional pressure on local producers, businesses and jobs at a time when our community can least afford it.

I raised concerns about the remaining shortfall under the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism and made it clear that recovering this water through buybacks would be damaging for communities like ours. I appreciate that the Minister listened to these concerns and acknowledged the strength of feeling across our region.

We also discussed the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review and the need for greater flexibility in water management. I believe there are opportunities to better balance environmental objectives with the long-term economic sustainability of Basin communities, including exploring ways productive water can be returned to the system in favourable seasons.

I left the Minister in no doubt about the challenges facing Deniliquin, nor about our determination to keep fighting for our community.

On behalf of Edward River Council and the Edward River region, I will continue advocating at every opportunity for the support, investment and policy decisions needed to protect jobs, sustain our irrigation industries and secure a strong future for our region.

We also acknowledge and greatly appreciate the continued advocacy of the RAMJO member councils, whose united voice on these issues demonstrates the strength of regional collaboration and our shared commitment to protecting the communities, industries and livelihoods that depend on the Murray-Darling Basin.

Mayor Ashley Hall
Edward River Council

< ENDS >

Media Enquiries:

Yvette Height, Edward River Council, *************************************

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 COUNTRY MAYORS WELCOME NEW SHADOW MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THANKS PREDECESSOR

 The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Board have welcomed NSW Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, to the role of NSW Shadow Minister for Local Government, while expressing its gratitude to outgoing Shadow Minister, Mr Tim James MP, for his genuine efforts to engage with and learn from the CMA.

Chairman of the CMA, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire), said the Association and it’s 89 Member Councils look forward to building a strong, collaborative relationship with Mr Crouch to ensure the voices of rural, remote and regional councils remain at the forefront of State political discussions.

“Although Mr Crouch doesn’t have experience as a former Mayor or Councillor, he has been involved in private enterprise and immersed heavily in community organisations, which is very pleasing to see.  Mr Crouch is also a former Government Whip and now the Opposition Whip.  We look forward to working with Mr Crouch to address the critical financial sustainability issue for our rural, remote and regional local government sector, among many other issues that we face,” Mayor Firman said.

“On behalf of our CMA Board and Members, I extend our congratulations to Mr Crouch on his appointment as NSW Shadow Minister for Local Government,” Mayor Firman said. “After speaking with NSW Opposition Leader – Ms Kellie Sloane MP, she advises that Mr Crouch understands the unique challenges facing rural, remote and regional communities.

Mayor Firman also paid tribute to the NSW Member for Willoughby, Mr James, for his engagement with rural, remote and regional local government during his tenure in the portfolio.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to Mr James for his hard work, open-door policy, and desire to understand the issues affecting country NSW,” Mayor Firman said. “Mr. James conceded from his commencement in the role that his expertise was in Sydney and he had much to learn about the challenges that our Members face. His approach was fair dinkum and he did seek out to listen and learn. The Board and I are confident that his successor will also take collaborative and constructive approach. We wish Mr James all the best in his ongoing parliamentary career.”

“The Country Mayors Association of NSW Board and Members remains committed to working genuinely and productively with all sides of politics to secure equitable outcomes for our rural, remote and regional communities, focusing on our critical priorities,” Mayor Firman said.

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Caption: NSW Opposition Leader Ms Kellie Sloane with CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire.

Contacts:  Mayor Rick Firman OAM, CMA Chairman:  0429 204 060

CMA Secretariat Gary Fry, Mobile: 0427 008 572   Email: *****************************

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Leeton Shire Council has completed remediation and capping works at the former Yanco Landfill on Research Road, marking the completion of an important environmental project for the community.
Boots Civil was awarded the contract following Council’s tender process, with the works completed in early September 2026.

The project included earthworks, capping and drainage controls to stabilise the site, reduce erosion and manage environmental risks associated with its former use.

The landfill ceased operating as a public waste facility in 1961. Council subsequently developed a Closure and Post-Closure Management Plan to guide the site’s remediation and long-term management.
Mayor Cr George Weston said the project represented a significant step forward in responsibly managing the site.

“Completing these works is an important environmental outcome for Yanco and the wider Leeton Shire community,” Mayor Weston said.

“The site has now been remediated and stabilised, helping to manage legacy risks and protect the surrounding environment over the long term.

“Council thanks the NSW Government and the NSW Environment Protection Authority for their funding support, along with Boots Civil and everyone involved in delivering these important works.”

The remediated site will continue to be managed and monitored in accordance with Council’s closure plan. Council is also investigating possible future uses for the land.

The $1.26 million project was jointly funded by Leeton Shire Council and the NSW Government, including $300,000 provided through the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvements Grants Program.

ENDS
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Guy Retallick
Assistant Manager Utility Operations
T. (02) 6953 0911 E. **********************

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The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has welcomed today’s announcement by the NSW Opposition of a promise to invest $5 billion over ten years to address town water infrastructure in regional NSW.
“About one-third of CMA member councils are also Local Water Utilities, providing drinking water to the almost 3 million people that live and work in remote, rural and regional NSW. Currently, most are struggling to meet the costs associated with upgrading existing facilities or building new water treatment plants. These facilities which are essential to housing growth, cost millions, and the CMA maintains that councils and water county councils need more investment from the State to address the challenge,” said CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire).
“The CMA warmly welcomes this announcement from the NSW Coalition because it recognises and addresses the desperate need that many remote, rural and regional councils have for long-term, committed investment in this essential service. We remain very disappointed that while the most recent state budget committed over $5 billion to tackle town water issues in western Sydney, there was no similar investment in the same facilities for regional NSW.”
“I commend the genuine consultation from NSW Shadow Water Minister Ms. Steph Cooke in the lead-up to this announcement. The Cootamundra MP met with Councils and County Councils right across the State to gain a holistic understanding of the challenges being faced in delivering the standard of drinking water that our communities have the right to expect,” Mayor Firman said.
“Local Water Utilities are in desperate need of investment to upgrade and build new facilities. Since COVID, many remote, rural and regional communities have seen a surge in population which has increased demand for new housing and as a result, quality drinking water.”
“While the NSW Government is understandably focused on housing, every new house requires a connection to drinking water. Every resident of NSW should have access to quality drinking water. This announcement from the NSW Opposition is a big step in the right direction to ensure that happens.” Mayor Firman said.

Caption: NSW Shadow Water Minister Ms. Steph Cooke MP, CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM and Secretary, Temora Shire General Manager Ms. Melissa Boxall in a consultation meeting.
Contacts: Mayor Rick Firman OAM, CMA Chairman: 0429 204 060
Mr Gary Fry, CMA Secretariat, Mobile: 0427 008 572 Email: *****************************

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The peak body for NSW councils has today warned that without urgent action the delivery of safe, reliable and affordable water services to nearly 2 million people across the state could be put at risk.

Local Government NSW and the state’s Water Directorate have launched a 6 point Regional Water Action Plan which aims to strengthen water security, renew ageing infrastructure and support the Local Water Utilities that almost two million people in NSW rely upon.

LGNSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne said without urgent action NSW risked facing a widespread crisis.

“Access to clean, safe and reliable water is not just an essential service – it’s a basic human right,” said Mayor Byrne. “Every person in NSW regardless of their postcode should be able to turn on the tap and access safe, clean water.

“It’s not an optional extra – it underpins public health, housing, jobs, education, agriculture and every part of life in regional NSW.

“Too many councils are being asked to maintain ageing infrastructure and absorb growing costs without the long-term funding certainty they need.

“Just a few months ago the NSW Auditor-General found that almost $1 billion is urgently needed to keep water infrastructure operational. Broader sector estimates put priority investment needs at about $5 billion.

“Councils in regional communities simply cannot do this alone and shouldn’t be expected to,” said Mayor Byrne.

The Executive Officer of the NSW Water Directorate Mr Brendan Guiney said the plan was the result of the joint work they do with LGNSW to advocate for the needs of member local water utilities right across regional NSW and the communities they serve.

“Addressing current risks, and planning for the future of our water supply and wastewater services is a shared responsibility with the State Government,” said Mr Guiney.

“Funding and collaboration between all levels of government, Commonwealth, State and Local is vital to regional NSW through the provision of sustainable and affordable water and wastewater services”.

The Regional Water Action Plan was launched with the support of local Mayors.

MidCoast Council Mayor and Water Directorate Committee Executive Cr Claire Pontin said the action plan reflected a shared purpose of the two groups.

“This advocacy from LGNSW and the Water Directorate will ensure that we can speak with one voice when it comes to securing our water supply” said Mayor Pontin.

“Communities across rural, regional and remote NSW will benefit significantly from this much needed attention and action.”

Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor of Ballina Shire, who hosted this week’s LGNSW Water Management Conference, said the action plan was about equitable access and collaboration.

“Regional and rural communities deserve a water and sewerage system that is safe, reliable, sustainable, and fit for the future,” said Mayor Cadwallader.

“This six-point plan recognises that achieving this requires more than just building infrastructure — it requires long-term investment, sensible regulation, a skilled workforce, and stronger collaboration between local water utilities.”

“Councils in the bush are really hurting. They are doing an incredible job under trying circumstances and I call on the State Government to jump on board with this plan to support them in delivering this vital service to their communities.

The “Securing our Water Supply” Action plan calls on the NSW State Government to partner with LGNSW and the Water Directorate to:

1. Provide capital grant funding of $5 billion for LWUs for at least a further 10 years;
2. Strengthen drinking water quality in rural, regional and remote NSW including support for LWUs to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS;
3. Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on LWUs in rural, regional and remote NSW including the NSW Regulatory and Assurance Framework, water utility strategic planning and Section 60 approvals;
4. Implement a complementary Community Service Obligation model for better targeted, more efficient and predictable funding for councils that cannot raise sufficient revenue to meet the costs of running their water and sewerage systems;
5. Commit $4 million per annum to a Local Water Utilities Alliance program, enabling utilities to share expertise, access specialist skills, coordinate planning and to respond more effectively to droughts, emergencies and asset management challenges;
6. Commit to a $15 million, 10-year Regional Water Workforce Development Program to build a skilled and sustainable regional water workforce and allocate $2.5 million over 5 years to create dedicated career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Download the “Securing our Water Supply” policy document here.

For all Media enquiries please contact 0448 718 892

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Australia’s Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP attended the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) dinner in Sydney last Thursday night.

The Prime Minister was the Keynote speaker at the event and Members were pleased to hear his recognition of the financial constraints many councils across Australia face and his commitment to the recent resolution passed at the National Labor Conference to implement the Federation Compact.

“Mr Albanese spoke of the infrastructure funding announced in the Federal Budget and assured agricultural communities reliant on seasonal labour, that the Government is going to monitor the working holiday visa program and ensure it meets employer demand. There was some disappointed that the controversial water buyback issue was not covered,” said Mayor Firman. “The Prime Minister also indicated the Federation Compact was being teased out with State & Territory Local Government Associations.   We need to continue to remind our Prime Minister, the Government as well as Opposition and Cross Benches that financial sustainability of Local Government is the number one issue for us, and we need their urgent help’.

“The Board, Members, Staff and I greatly appreciate that our Prime Minister took the time to address our function and join us for dinner.  The vast majority of our CMA Members ensure party politics is left out of Local Government – it’s about our communities.  The night cemented the NSW CMA as a significant representative of rural, remote and regional Councils, on both a State and National level,” Mayor Firman said.

NSW Local Government Minister, The Hon Ron Hoenig MP and Shadow Local Government Minister Mr Tim James MP, LGNSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne and CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM also addressed the 150 rural, remote and regional NSW Council leaders at the gala event.

“It was heartwarming to see our Prime Minister visibly moved when Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, played guitar and sang captivatingly stirring renditions of ‘Advance Australia Fair’ and ‘And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda’.  The roof nearly came off the building when we all joined with Mayor Westcott and sang our National Anthem together.  That’s a moment our CMA Family and our Prime Minister will remember warmly,” Mayor Firman added.

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Caption:

Labor Senator for NSW, Deborah O’Neill; NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP; Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP; CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire and LGNSW President, Mayor Darcy Byrne.

Contacts:  Mayor Rick Firman OAM, CMA Chairman:  0429 204 060

CMA Secretariat Gary Fry, Mobile: 0427 008 572   Email: *****************************

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Housing was the core theme of the CMA meeting on Friday 28 August 2026 and is one of the priority concerns of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) 89 Member Councils. Close to 160 members and guests attended the Theatrette in NSW Parliament House.

The guest speakers were:
• Ms Kellie Sloane MP – NSW Opposition Leader
• The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC – NSW Housing Minister
• Mr Anthony Wing – New IPART Chairman
• Ms Rebecca Pinkstone – Homes NSW CEO
• Ms Linda Scott – NSW Grants Commission Chair
• Mr Brett Whitworth PSM – NSW Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary
• The Hon. Chris Rath MLC – NSW Shadow Housing Minister
• Ms Carolyn Doherty – Argyle Housing CEO

“We also had great case-study presentations from Byron Shire Council and Forbes Shire Council, highlighting grassroots housing challenges and innovative solutions. Both Councils can be proud of what they have done in the housing space and the concise presentations they delivered,” Mayor Firman said.

As a result of CMA lobbying, the Opposition Leader, Ms Kellie Sloane MP announced that an elected Coalition Government in NSW would have a stand-along Local Government Ministry and that a minimum of 25 percent of the State Government infrastructure spending would be directed at regional NSW.

“CMA Board have been lobbying and advocating for the stand-alone portfolio for Local Government. We believe that our sector deserves a stand-alone portfolio, given the impact councils have on the day-to-day lives of every person in NSW and the fact that we employ over 50,000 people. After all, we are the third tier of Government and in remote, rural and regional NSW councils are a key driver of economic development and social cohesion. Our warm praise goes to Ms Sloane and the Coalition for listening and acting – it is appreciated’, Mayor Firman added.

“It is encouraging to hear first-hand that the NSW Government is literally being constructive in terms of the housing crisis. It was particularly pleasing to hear NSW Housing Minister, The Hon Rose Jackson MLC announce that the State Government will have built 300 homes for essential workers by the end of the year,” Mayor Firman said.

“Minister Jackson rightly emphasised the need for collaboration in response to the housing crisis. She spoke of how homelessness is now evident in regional communities, and in some cases, for the first time,” he said.

The final CMA meeting for the year will be on Friday 13th November, which will host a NSW Pre-Election Leaders’ Forum, then the Annual General Meeting. NSW Premier, The Hon. Chris Minns MP will be the special guest speaker for the CMA Dinner.

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Caption: CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire and NSW Opposition Leader Ms Kellie Sloane MP.

Contacts: Mayor Rick Firman OAM, CMA Chairman: 0429 204 060
CMA Secretariat Gary Fry, Mobile: 0427 008 572 Email: *****************************

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