Temora Shire Council Backs Invest In Us Campaign

Published on 28 April 2026

Temora Shire Council is supporting a new statewide advocacy campaign calling on the Federal Government to restore fair and sustainable funding for Local Government across regional, rural and remote NSW.

The “Invest in Us” campaign, led by the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA), is seeking to restore at least 1% of total Commonwealth taxation revenue for Local Government, under the rallying call: “Invest in us so we can invest in them.”

As Mayor of Temora Shire Council and Chairman of the CMA, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said councils are facing unprecedented financial pressure due to rising operational costs and long-term reductions in Federal funding support.

“The past several years have seen significant and sustained cost increases for councils, while Financial Assistance Grants have been steadily reduced from around 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue to close to half that level,” Mayor Firman said.

“These grants were originally designed to support the essential, everyday services our communities rely on. Yet over time, they have been eroded, despite growing demand and rising costs.”

While other Federal funding programs exist for rural, remote and regional councils, many are project-based and do not support day-to-day service delivery.

“Programs tied to specific projects can be valuable, but they don’t keep the lights on, the bins collected, or the roads graded.”

“Meanwhile, the cost of delivering those services continues to rise — maintaining local roads, operating libraries and swimming pools, managing waste services, caring for parks and public spaces, and supporting community facilities.”

Local Government plays a critical role in the daily lives of us all, but Mayor Firman said funding constraints are limiting the sector’s ability to meet growing community expectations.

“Local Government is the backbone of our communities, delivering essential services and infrastructure that shape everyday life. Despite this, financial pressures continue to constrain our capacity to deliver at the level our communities expect and deserve.”

The CMA campaign aims to raise public awareness, strengthen community understanding of Local Government funding challenges, and influence Federal policymakers.

Intensive advocacy is already being undertaken by CMA, Local Government NSW and the Australian Local Government Association. This campaign adds a positive, community-focused approach that encourages engagement at a local level.

Temora Shire Council formally endorsed its support at its most recent Council meeting, with the resolution moved by the Deputy Mayor Councillor Graham Sinclair, seconded by Councillor Nigel Judd, and carried unanimously.

“Restoring Financial Assistance Grants to 1% would give councils the stability needed to plan properly, invest confidently, and continue delivering the services that hold our rural and regional communities together.”

“As a united group of 89 member councils and six associate members, the Country Mayors Association of NSW brings together the voices of Temora Shire Council and many other rural and regional councils across NSW, ensuring those communities are heard.”

“The status quo is not an option,” Mayor Firman concluded.

Community involvement

Residents are encouraged to support the “Invest in Us” campaign by finding out more through the NSW Country Mayors Association website.

Postcards are also available at the Temora Shire Council Administration Building and Temora Shire Library. Community members are encouraged to complete a postcard and send it to their local Federal Member of Parliament to show support for stronger Local Government funding.

If you are unsure who your local Federal Member is, you can use the Australian Electoral Commission’s electorate search tool.

---ENDS---

Temora Shire Council Media Enquires

Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn

E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au

P: 6980 1127