Edward River Council will advocate on three critical issues affecting the future of rural and regional communities when it attends the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference from 22 to 24 November 2026.
The Council has submitted motions calling for action on local government funding, the impacts of renewable energy development and the socioeconomic effects of water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Mayor Ashley Hall said the motions reflect issues that have a direct impact on the Edward River region and many other rural communities across New South Wales.
"These are issues that have a direct impact on our region's future," Cr Hall said.
"Whether it's securing fairer funding for local councils, managing the impacts of major development, or protecting the long-term sustainability of our agricultural sector, we're committed to advocating for outcomes that benefit our community."
Fairer funding for rural councils
Council's first motion calls for a comprehensive review of local government funding arrangements, including Financial Assistance Grants, rate pegging and cost shifting.
Like many rural councils, Edward River Council is responsible for maintaining a large network of roads, community facilities and essential infrastructure across a broad geographic area, despite having a relatively small ratepayer base.
Council is seeking greater recognition of the challenges facing rural and regional councils and advocating for funding models that better reflect the cost of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure in regional areas.
Mayor Hall said current funding arrangements do not adequately reflect the realities faced by rural councils.
"Regional councils are expected to maintain extensive infrastructure networks and deliver a wide range of services, but we do so with a much smaller revenue base than our metropolitan counterparts," Cr Hall said.
"Over time, we've also seen increasing responsibilities and costs shifted from other levels of government onto local councils, often without the funding needed to support them.
"Without a funding model that properly reflects the realities of delivering services in regional areas, councils across New South Wales will face increasingly difficult decisions about how they continue to fund essential infrastructure and meet community expectations into the future."
Supporting communities impacted by renewable energy development
Council's second motion focuses on the growing impacts of Renewable Energy Zones and associated renewable energy projects across regional New South Wales.
While renewable energy developments can create investment and employment opportunities, they can also place significant pressure on local roads, housing, workforce availability and community services.
The motion calls for dedicated and ongoing financial assistance to help councils manage these impacts, including increased demands on planning, community engagement, regulatory functions and essential infrastructure.
Chief Executive Officer Jack Bond said councils need appropriate support to manage the significant changes being experienced across regional communities.
"Renewable energy developments are bringing significant change to many regional communities, creating both opportunities and challenges that councils must help manage," Mr Bond said.
"Councils need access to dedicated funding and resourcing so we can effectively manage these impacts, support our communities and ensure the benefits of development are not outweighed by unintended pressures on local services and infrastructure."
Ensuring communities are considered in water recovery decisions
The third motion addresses the socioeconomic impacts of water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Council is advocating for stronger requirements to assess local impacts before further water purchases occur, as well as greater recognition of the cumulative effects water recovery can have on agricultural production, employment, local businesses and community sustainability.
The motion also calls for direct financial assistance for councils and communities affected by water recovery measures.
Mayor Hall said irrigated agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Edward River region's economy and way of life.
"Our community understands the importance of achieving environmental outcomes, but those outcomes should not come at the expense of the communities that help feed the nation," Cr Hall said.
"Regional communities deserve a seat at the table and appropriate support when decisions have long-term consequences for jobs, businesses and population growth."
The motions will be considered by delegates from councils across New South Wales at the LGNSW Annual Conference in November. If supported, they will form part of Local Government NSW's advocacy to the NSW and Australian Governments on behalf of councils and their communities.
