Housing was a core theme at the centre of the quarterly meetings of the Country Mayors Association of NSW last week on Friday 28 August as close to 160 members and guests, representing 89 rural and remote councils filled the theatrette in NSW Parliament House. The guest speakers included NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson MLC, NSW Shadow Minister for Housing Chris Rath MLC, Homes NSW CEO Rebecca Pinkstone and Argyle Housing’s Carolyn Doherty. CMA Chairman and Temora Shire mayor Rick Firman said there were 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,” Cr Firman said. “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, Rose Jackson MLC announce that the state government will have built 300 homes for essential workers by the end of the year. “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.” Other guest speakers included NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane MP, NSW Grants Commission Chairman Linda Scott and newly appointed IPART Chairman Mr Anthony Wing. Other discussions at the meetings included the CMA working with the NSW Taxi Council and other key stakeholders to develop an approach to take to state government that will support continuation of taxi services in remote and rural areas. 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. “The CMA Board have been lobbying and advocating for the stand-alone portfolio for local government, and 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 more than 50,000 people,” Cr Firman added. “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.” The CMA also thanked the NSW Treasurer and Minister for Emergency Services, Daniel Mookhey, for the decision to take over ownership and responsibility of the Rural Fire Service’s mobile assets – commonly referred to as the Red Fleet. There is continued lobbying to transfer of all RFS firefighting equipment including sheds and water reserves to state ownership. The final CMA meeting for the year will be on Friday 13 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. Meanwhile, mayor Firman announced that he would not seek re-election as chairman of CMA NSW, he has served for the past two and a half years in the role and will remain on the board as the Immediate Past Chairman. “I have a deputy chairman in mayor Russell Fitzpatrick from the Bega Valley Shire who is very eager to step up, so I’m happy to support him,” Cr Firman said. ‘It’s a profound privilege to serve as chairman of CMA NSW. “We’ve achieved a lot. “Had some wins, part wins and losses. “However, it’s been a very unique, special and positive experience for Temora Shire and I will continue to work hard as chairman beside our board and staff until our AGM.”
