Roy and Ron tour the regions

Member for Barwon Roy Butler with NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, Bourke Mayor Lachlan Ford and Bourke Shire GM Leonie Brown. Photo TWH

Last week, NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig joined Member for Barwon Roy Butler on a tour of western NSW, including visits to Wilcannia, Bourke and Brewarrina.

Mr Butler said the visit highlighted the importance of direct ministerial engagement in some of the most remote communities in NSW.

“We’ve got another minister visiting Barwon, which is always a good thing,” Mr Butler said.

Minister Hoenig said he had made key announcements during the tour, starting in Broken Hill.

“I made an announcement, opening the RSPCA Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital for the region,” Mr Hoenig said. “In Wilcannia, we announced the long-awaited return of council elections in Central Darling, which will take place on 20 September.”

The return of local elections marks a major milestone for the Central Darling Shire, which has been under administration for several years.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Mr Hoenig said. “But there’s been incredible work done by the administrator and general manager to get the council ready for democracy. I’ve been really impressed with how they’ve been able to do that.”

“For the next 10 years, the council will operate under a rural and remote council model. Three councillors will be elected by the community, and three will be appointed by the government. The idea is to gradually rebuild a strong, sustainable council.”

The ministerial delegation then continued its journey through western NSW, including stops in Bourke, Brewarrina, Nyngan in Bogan Shire, Warren, and Dubbo.

“My visits to remote and regional areas are really important,” Mr Hoenig said. “They allow me to show respect to hardworking mayors and council staff who often face challenges that people in metropolitan Sydney wouldn’t understand. It also helps me listen, observe, and bring a better-informed perspective back to government.”

General Manger of Bourke Shire Council, Leonie Brown, said she welcomed the ministerial visit. […]

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