Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered the keynote address at the conference dinner.
Berrigan Shire Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean said his attendance demonstrated the Federal Government's willingness to engage directly with regional communities.
“He spoke directly to the financial pressures facing councils and reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to progressing the Federation Compact,” Cr Cornwell McKean said.
“The Prime Minister acknowledged infrastructure funding constraints, workforce shortages and the realities of delivering services across large regional areas.”
Senator Deborah O'Neill also attended the event, with Cr Cornwell McKean acknowledging the senator's support for 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 dinner also featured addresses from NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, Shadow Local Government Minister Tim James, Local Government NSW President Darcy Byrne and Country Mayors Association chairman Rick Firman.
The following day, delegates met at NSW Parliament House, where housing was the central focus of discussions.
Speakers included NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson, Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, Homes NSW chief executive Rebecca Pinkstone, NSW Grants Commission chair Linda Scott and Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal chair Anthony Wing.
Mayor Cornwell McKean said housing shortages remained one of the most pressing issues facing regional communities.
“Right across regional NSW, councils are grappling with housing shortages,” she said.
“It was encouraging to hear frank and constructive conversations from all sides of government.”
A key announcement at the conference was the Coalition's commitment to establish a standalone Local Government Ministry if elected, and direct at least 25 per cent of state infrastructure spending to regional NSW.
Cr Cornwell McKean welcomed the proposal, saying councils played a critical role in supporting regional communities and economies.
She also welcomed an update from Ms Jackson on essential worker housing, including a commitment to deliver 300 new homes this year.
