From the Chair - Christmas 2025
As Christmas approaches and the year winds down, I want to thank everyone for your support throughout 2025. It’s been a big year of challenges, milestones and strong advocacy from the Regional Cities NSW members.
The collective voice of our member cities has been clear and constructive and we’ve shown regional cities are not just growing, we’re leading.
Our delegation to Macquarie Street in November was another example of what collaboration can achieve. Over two days of meetings with ministers and senior officials, we put forward practical, solutions-focused proposals ahead of next year’s budget deliberations. From unlocking land for new homes to strengthening water security and a cap for regional airfares, we made sure the needs of our communities were known and understood.
A focus for Regional Cities NSW in the second half of this year has been ensuring regional communities hosting renewable energy infrastructure benefit from the energy transition. Our call for host communities to access locally generated power during emergencies is grounded in fairness. This infrastructure is in our backyards and it’s only right that our communities can benefit in times of need.
Many will be relieved to see the sale of Regional Express nearing a resolution. For our regional cities, reliable and affordable air services are essential and we’ll be doing everything we can to ensure regional flights are accessible and our regional airports remain viable.
Another significant achievement this year was our invitation to join the Premier’s new Rural, Remote and Regional Advisory Council. This gives Regional Cities NSW a direct seat and a voice at the table as statewide decisions are made. It’s a welcome acknowledgment of the role Regional Cities NSW plays in growing our cities.
We continue to offer solutions to the government on how to partner with our members to deliver housing and sustain essential services in our member cities through our:
As we mark the end of 2025, it’s important to acknowledge and thank two long-serving members who left during the year. They are David Waddell, who was CEO at Orange City Council, and Brett Stonestreet, who served 14 years as general manager at Griffith. We wish them well for the future.
The months ahead will be busy as we continue our conversations with decision makers leading up to the state budget. I’m confident we’ll keep building momentum as we advocate for the practical support our cities need to stay liveable, connected and resilient.
As we head into the festive season, I hope everyone can unwind, celebrate and enjoy a well-earned break. My thoughts will be with our first responders, who are always ready to leave their families to help others in an emergency.
I’m looking forward to working with you again in 2026.
Kind regards,
Cr Steve Krieg
Chair, Regional Cities New South Wales