Coffs set to join Regional Capitals Australia advocacy body

CITY of Coffs Harbour Council resolved at its meeting on 19 March to apply for membership to Regional Capitals Australia (RCA).

RCA was formed in 2012 to bring Australia’s regional capital cities “together as one unified voice” to lobby the Federal Government.

“I’m a firm believer that people and organisations are stronger when working together,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“That’s why I was so keen to build on our relationships with neighbouring Councils by joining the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation.

“Ditto with our membership of Regional Cities NSW, which advocates for appropriate State Government funding so that we can continue to thrive.

“Regional Capitals Australia provides a platform for Coffs to be at the centre of national policy and funding decisions.”

Coffs Harbour was an RCA member from 2015 to 2022, and in November the lobby group wrote to Mayor Williams inviting the City to re-join.

“RCA membership will help open doors for us with Federal Ministers, MPs and senior bureaucrats,” Mayor Williams said.

“It gives us a springboard to spell out the priorities for Coffs Harbour in the Federal policy sphere which is increasingly determining state and local funding outcomes.”

RCA membership costs $11,000 per annum and Council has resolved to apply for membership for the 2025-26 financial year.

Dubbo Regional Council Mayor and Regional Capitals Australia Chair Josh Black said he looks forward to an application by Coffs to join RCA.

“As current Chair, I constantly see the crucial value that Regional Capitals Australia brings to its member councils,” Mr Black said.

“Our alliance gives us a strong advocacy platform and helps ensure that the regions we represent are able to reach their full social and economic potentials, greatly contributing to the lives and livelihoods of all our communities.”

RCA members commonly identify as liveable, productive and fast-growing regional cities that are significant to surrounding towns and rural areas.

Current members include Albury City Council, Armidale Regional Council, Ballarat City Council, Dubbo Regional Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Latrobe City Council, City of Port Lincoln Council and Tweed Shire Council.

Member Councils of RCA are represented by the Mayor and the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager.

RCA regional policy priorities in 2025 included those on population, infrastructure, roads, airports and aviation, housing, water security and arts and culture.