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, Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman, 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,” Cr 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," Cr 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. Cr 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," Cr 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,” Cr Firman said. The Country Mayors Association of NSW
