From the Chair - December 2022

Image: Aerial Tamworth, Image credit: Tamworth Regional Council

The past few months have been very busy for the Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) Board members, as we accelerate our policy and advocacy agenda in the lead up to the State Election.

We have presented our Election Platform to the State Government and the Opposition, outlining the policy priorities of RCNSW in preparation for the 2023 State Election.

The Election Platform identifies four key priorities to support our member cities to grow sustainably.  The priorities outlined in 2023 Election Platform seek to ensure growth is managed appropriately so our member cities can continue to build connected, liveable and productive regional cities. Read more

We continue to press the case for investment in regional economies, particularly those areas transitioning into new industries.  We joined successful calls for the removal of the penalties applied to the Port of Newcastle to make exporting from regional New South Wales (NSW) more competitive.

In the lead up to the State Election we have been meeting with local Members of Parliament and key stakeholders to ensure regional policy reflects the growth ambitions of regional cities. Read more  

It would be remiss not to mention the significant damage that many of our member councils faced this year, as flooding swept our State multiple times.  Regional cities who were recovering from sustained weather events continue to face devastating losses, isolation and personal tragedy.  

In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Board particularly Deputy Chair, Cr Russell Webb - Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, for the hard work and support throughout the year.  

I would also like to thank each and every one of our member Councils for their collective commitment toward NSW regional cities, in a year where many have faced unprecedented hardship at the local level from natural disasters.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt good wishes for the festive season.  I look forward to a busy and productive 2023, delivering better outcomes for NSW regional cities and all those fortunate to live there. 

Best wishes

Cr Mathew Dickerson

Chair, Regional Cities New South Wales