Berrigan Shire Council chief executive Cameron Boardman also attended the dinner alongside Cr Cornwell McKean, with Mr Albanese delivering a keynote address to more than 150 rural, remote and regional council leaders.
“The prime minister spoke directly to the financial pressures facing councils and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to progressing the Federation Compact,” Cr Cornwell McKean said.
“It was encouraging to hear this recognition at the highest level.”
The remarks delivered by the prime minister demonstrated a strong grasp of the pressures facing regional councils.
“He acknowledged the infrastructure funding constraints, the workforce pressures and the realities of delivering services across vast areas,” Cr Cornwell McKean said.
“That level of awareness matters. It helps ensure regional councils are not left behind in national policy discussions.”
Cr Cornwell McKean said Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill was also present and was a consistent and valued supporter of Berrigan Shire.
“During the period without a sitting member for Farrer, she provided direct assistance to ensure our issues were heard in Canberra,” she said.
The evening featured addresses from NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, Shadow Local Government Minister Tim James, LGNSW president Darcy Byrne and CMA chairman Rick Firman.
The following day, Cr Cornwell McKean and Mr Boardman attended the CMA meeting at NSW Parliament House, where housing was the central theme.
Cr Cornwell McKean said the strong focus on housing was timely and necessary, with councils across regional NSW grappling with housing shortages.
“It was encouraging to hear such frank and constructive conversations from all sides of government,” she said.
A key announcement from opposition leader Kellie Sloane was the Coalition’s commitment to establishing a stand-alone local government ministry and directing a minimum of 25 per cent of state infrastructure spending to regional NSW.
“Local government deserves a dedicated portfolio, councils are major employers and service providers. We are central to the liveability and economic strength of regional communities,” Cr Cornwell McKean said.
NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson also provided an update on essential worker housing.
“The commitment to delivering 300 new homes for essential workers this year is a positive step,” Cr Cornwell McKean said.
“Collaboration between state and local government is critical if we’re going to make real progress.”
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