Housing was the core theme of the Country Mayors Association meeting on Friday 28 August – it is one of the priority concerns of the 89 member councils.

Close to 160 members and guests attended the Theatrette in NSW Parliament House.

The guest speakers were:

• Kellie Sloane MP – NSW Opposition Leader

• The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC – NSW Housing Minister

• Anthony Wing – New IPART chair

• Rebecca Pinkstone – Homes NSW CEO

• Linda Scott – NSW Grants Commission Chair

• Brett Whitworth PSM – NSW Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary

• The Hon. Chris Rath MLC – NSW Shadow Housing Minister

• 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, 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 per cent 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 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.