MOREE Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse, Cr Dominique Hodgkinson and general manager Natalia Cowley this week joined local government representatives from around Australia for the 2025 National General Assembly in Canberra.

Cr Pearse spoke to two notices of motion, and both were successfully carried.

The first requested the Federal Government recognise the strategic national importance of increased investment in regional infrastructure to support local industry, jobs and regional economic and population growth, and fund it accordingly.

The second requested the National General Assembly call on the Federal Government to take urgent and proactive action to provide an equitable level of services in communication and connectivity across all of Australia.

Cr Pearse spoke to an objection to extra funding exclusively for cities in relation to tourism, events and climate change mitigation, citing they are not solely urban issues – rural and regional councils also have to cover these costs.

Glen Innes Severn Council mayor, Margot Davis and general manager Bernard Smith are also attending the NGA, with four motions accepted for debate.

The motions, focusing on regional priorities critical to the community, include financial sustainability, place-based funding reform, housing solutions and Biochar and the circular economy.

Glen Innes Severn Council calls on the Australian Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to one per cent of commonwealth taxation revenue by June 30, 2025, saying the funding is critical to ensure local councils can maintain essential services and support strong, vibrant communities.

Council also supports the introduction of place-based, needs-based and outcome-driven funding models, with a commitment to provide a minimum of $1000 per person annually over 10 years.

“This approach aims to ensure councils receive adequate resources to deliver essential services where they are needed most,” the motion states.

To address the national housing shortage, Council is urging the Australian Government to establish a Land Development and Housing Construction Fund.

“This fund would provide councils with the tools needed to increase the supply of affordable housing in their communities.”

Moree Plains Shire mayor (middle) with Cr Dominique Hodgkinson and general manager Natalia Cowley at the National General Assembly in Canberra (Image: Moree Plains Shire Council).

Council is also advocating for support to implement the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap, a pioneering framework designed to tackle climate change, waste management, job creation and clean energy.

“Biochar presents an important opportunity for innovation and sustainability in regional areas.”

Cr Davis said the National General Assembly provides an essential platform for rural and regional voices to be heard where it matters most.

“Our motions focus on the real challenges and opportunities facing regional areas like Glen Innes Severn,” Cr Davis said.

“They highlight practical, scalable initiatives that can help rural councils deliver better outcomes for their communities.

”This is an important opportunity to advocate for our region, and the broader needs of regional and rural councils across Australia,” she said.

Since 1994, the NGA has united councils nationwide to speak with one voice on the issues that matter most to their communities.

“While we’re only a small council, we’re bringing forward ideas with the potential to make a big impact – not just for Glen Innes Severn, but for other communities across Australia,” Cr Davis said.

To learn more about the NGA, visit 2025 National General Assembly