Country Mayors Support Flood Ravaged Communities
Published on 26 May 2025
Cr Rick Firman OAM, Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has today expressed sadness and concern about the devastating floods that have wreaked havoc across the north of the State.
“So many of our Members and the communities they represent have suffered untold personal and financial loss. The photos and vision tell a tale of devastation, but we know that beyond this is the price being paid emotionally and psychologically by people who, in some cases, have experienced multiple disasters over the last 5 years”.
“While those of us who have been fortunate to escape the impact send, as always, our prayers and thoughts, it should not stop there. I know that many communities are already rallying to send food, clothing and other supplies including animal feed to the flood affected communities. The CMA will be seeking opportunities to support those efforts and to provide support to our fellow Councils, Mayors and councillors as they grapple with the enormity of recovery.”
“The CMA recognises that while the flood will pass, re-building communities is a task that can take years and one which primarily falls to local government. The immediate issues of dealing with waste, providing access to isolated communities, providing clean water and sewer services and ensuring emergency accommodation meets local demands fall to councils” Cr Firman said.
“However, there are longer term impacts for Councils. The impact on budgets as Councils try to balance the costs of rebuilding with the need to provide the services that remote, rural and regional communities have come to rely on, like libraries, recreational grounds, parks and gardens as well as critical infrastructure and services like water, sewer and waste.”
“There are many great challenges ahead for our flood affected Councils and communities and I know we will again look to the State and Federal Governments to continue supporting Councils with both funding and expertise, throughout the long recovery process. I would like to acknowledge the support that has already been provided including visits to the affected regions by the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese and the Premier, the Hon Chris Minns.
On behalf of the Board and Members of the CMA, I would like to sincerely thank the emergency services workers, the Defence Force personnel and the thousands of volunteers who have come to the aid of flood-affected communities. I would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the Council workers, Mayors and councillors who have stood side-by-side with first responders, constantly working to keep their communities safe. The CMA family is here whenever these communities need to reach out” Cr Fiman said.
For further information, contact: CMA Chairman - Mayor Rick Firman OAM: 0429 204 060