General News
14 March, 2026
NSW Premier and Country Mayors Assoc. Brainstorm ideas for the regions
Premier attends first meeting of new Rural, Remote and Regional Advisory Council
The first meeting of the NSW Premier’s Rural, Remote and Regional Advisory Council (PRRRAC) for 2026 saw the initiative gaining momentum and structure, according to Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) chairman, mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora shire.
The PRRRAC which is co-chaired by mayor Firman alongside NSW premier, Chris Minns, will meet three times during 2026 to raise issues and discuss matters that are of concern to remote, rural and regional NSW as well as showcase success stories.
“Our premier is genuine about hearing directly from rural, remote and regional communities. This is a very efficient and effective forum to facilitate that direct engagement and we’re making the most of it,” mayor Firman said. “The opportunity to speak directly with the premier about what is happening in remote, rural and regional NSW is incredibly important and we are grateful not just for the time the premier spends with us, but also for resourcing the premier’s department expends on providing its secretariat.”
“PRRRAC members have identified priority issues that need to be tackled and highlighted in discussions with the premier. The first two being the drought and the housing shortages that are impacting on remote, rural and regional NSW’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers” mayor Firman said.
“The financial sustainability of rural, remote and regional local government was flagged as an urgent matter of extreme concern, and we will be writing to the Premier to elaborate on this critical issue.”
A Drought and Water Working Party (DWWP) has been formed from within the PRRRAC, including external members, Mayor Lea Parker (Greater Hume Shire) and former CMA Board member and former Mayor of Narromine Shire, Cr Craig Davies. PRRRAC member and NSW Rural Doctors Network CEO Dr Richard Colbran PhD is the DWWWP chairman. While consideration is being given to whether a second Working Party, which meets outside of the meetings with the premier, is needed for housing.
“Appropriately, NSW minister for regional NSW and agriculture, Tara Moriarty MLC, is also a member of PRRRAC. The minister was keen to hear about the recommendations that will be identified by the DWWP not just on the drought but on water matters as well” mayor Firman said.
“The PRRRAC is essentially brand new, the March meeting followed the inaugural meeting in late October 2025, however, all of us are working hard to ensure we make the most of this rare and special opportunity to lobby and advocate for all things rural, remote and regional NSW,” mayor Firman said.
The establishment of the PRRRAC is a Country Mayors Association of NSW initiative, adopted by the premier, that has been welcomed by all 89 members.
