The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has commended the genuine motivations behind the NSW Opposition's plan to bring parliamentary sitting weeks directly into regional communities. “While we have some concerns about the obvious costs involved, this is a very commendable proposal. Our city parliamentarians can be disconnected from the realities of rural, remote and regional NSW and this appears to be a genuine effort to address that,” CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman said. “It should be acknowledged however, that NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has been proactive in engaging with the CMA and the issues of country NSW, through the Premier’s Rural, Remote and Regional Advisory Council (PRRRAC), which is a relatively new initiative that I’m honoured to be Co-Chairman of with the Premier.” This week, NSW Opposition Leader, Ms Kellie Sloane, announced a policy pledging that a future Liberals and Nationals Government would establish a Regional Parliament within its first year. Under the proposal, the NSW Parliament would sit for a full business week in a regional host city, conducting full Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council proceedings outside of Sydney. Cr Firman stated that the policy highlights an obvious understanding of the unique challenges and feelings of isolation often experienced by those living outside metropolitan areas. "What is truly pleasing to see in Ms Sloane’s announcement is a genuine motivation to reconnect Macquarie Street with our CMA communities that actively sustain our State's economy," Cr Firman said. "As someone who was brought up in the country herself, our Opposition Leader clearly recognises that remote, rural and regional communities often feel forgotten and left out of the major decision-making processes." "Remote, rural and regional NSW is an economic powerhouse, food and fibre production, manufacturing and mining and so much more supports the growth of our state. “There are almost 3 million people that call country NSW home. “We carry a significant portion of the state's economic weight but also crushing infrastructure cost burdens. It is only fitting that the political process comes to the people who do this heavy lifting." The CMA particularly welcomes the transparent and competitive bidding process proposed under the policy, which would allow regional centres to showcase their local industries, unique priorities, and investment potential. "If our politicians and their staff spend a full week living, working, and engaging directly with our regional communities, they will return to Sydney with an improved appreciation of how state policy impacts real lives on the ground”, Cr Firman said. “Our NSW Opposition Leader, Ms Sloane has already reached out to discuss how CMA may be able to advise them on how to engage with and involve outlying rural and remote councils and communities, should the proposal become a reality. CMA are only too happy to assist and appreciate her calling us. "The Country Mayors Association Board represents 89 rural, remote, and regional councils across the NSW, and our core message has always been about equity. We look forward to working constructively with all sides of politics to ensure country NSW remains central to the State's future governance and economic planning," Cr Firman concluded.
