Delegations Overview

Regional Cities NSW has continued its busy program of advocacy throughout the last quarter of 2024, with a short break as local government elections took place across the state.  

In August, a delegation spent two days at Macquarie Street fulfilling a busy schedule of meetings. 

The highlight of the visit was the opportunity to host the Premier, the Hon Chris Minns MP, at the Regional Cities board meeting. The Premier was accompanied by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Ron Hoenig MP. 

RCNSW returned to Sydney in mid-November for our first board meeting since the council elections in September. Our delegation took the opportunity to schedule additional meetings with Government Ministers. 

Over two visits to Macquarie Street in August and November, our delegations met with:

  • The Hon Daniel Mookhey, MP: Treasurer

  • The Hon Jenny Aitchison, MP: Minister for Regional Roads and Transport 

  • The Hon Yasmin Catley, MP: Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

  • The Hon Jodie Harrison, MP: Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

  • The Hon Jo Haylen, MP: Minister for Transport

  • Mr Dugald Saunders, MP: Shadow Minister for Regional New South Wales and Leader of the National Party

  • Mr Dave Layzell, MP: Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

  • Office of The Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC: Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, and 

  • The Office of Homes NSW.

These meetings were an opportunity to provide an update on the RCNSW alliance and discuss its policy priorities following the release of the 2024-25 State Budget. 

In particular, RCNSW delegates provided an overview of RCNSW’s five key policy priorities to support sustainable growth:

  • Address the methodology for forecasting the growth of regional cities;

  • Increase the availability of a diverse range of housing in regional cities;

  • Increase the availability of skills in member cities to support employers;

  • Invest in road and port freight connectivity across the regions; and 

  • Provide funding for regional programs to reinforce liveability and as well as civic and community strength.

RCNSW’s work to further its policy priorities will continue as it further develops important relationships with State Government ministers, shadow ministers and officials, and advocates on behalf of our regional cities.

Edwina Blackburn