The Country Women's Association (CWA) of NSW came together at their Annual State Conference in May to deliberate on critical issues affecting rural and regional communities with more than 30 successful motions that will now spearhead the association's advocacy agenda throughout the coming year.

The topics raised reflect the diversity of the organization's members who combine to make approximately 370 local branches across NSW.

Urgent issues included greater financial protection for landholders from mining exploration, an improvement in the quality of health services for rural and regional communities and an increased supply of social and affordable housing for older women in both metropolitan and regional areas of NSW.

Successful motions included:

• That the CWA of NSW demand that the state and federal governments take immediate action on the current crisis in the provision of primary medical services in rural NSW - Inverell Sunrise branch;

• Calling for the NSW Government to rescind its decision to grant an extension to three Petroleum Exploration Licences (PEL) on the Liverpool Plains and for an overhaul of the Petroleum Act to remove the conditions that enable the existence of ‘zombie’ PELs - State Executive;

• Opposition to any increase in the annual and ongoing financial burden on farm businesses through a proposed new State Property Tax on farmland - State Executive;

• Advocating for the implementation of legislation to ban fossil fuel companies from making political donations - submitted by the Tambar Springs branch;

• Advocacy for increased financial protection for landholders dealing with mining exploration, including increasing the minimum-security deposit paid by companies for exploration and creation of a security deposit system to cover landholder costs in mediation and arbitration - White Cliffs branch;

• Greater support for sufferers of endometriosis around diagnosis and treatment costs - Terrigal Evening branch;

• Advocacy around cut flowers being included in relevant Country of Origin Labelling laws – Bundarra branch;

• The need for adequate rainfall and river heights data to be available to communities along flood-prone river systems – Bonshaw branch;

• Advocacy for the mandatory establishment of specialist domestic violence operative teams in all police area districts – Jervis Bay Day branch;

• An increased supply of affordable housing, specifically targeting older women, in both city and country areas of NSW – Woy Woy branch;

• Support for Transplant Australia’s program to encourage live kidney donations – Berry branch;

• Increased funding to establish and operate women’s refuges, particularly in rural areas – Exeter branch;

• Advocating for improved obstetric services and care in rural and remote areas of NSW – Coonamble Evening branch;

and

• More counsellors and psychologists in the state’s schools – Wagga Wagga Evening branch.

Hundreds of women representing hundreds of communities and country issues of concern at this year's CWA NSW State Conference. IMAGE: facebook

Outgoing President Stephanie Stanhope confirmed that these motions are "supported by the strength of more than 8000 voices who not only expect, but demand, better outcomes for regional NSW communities."

While Stephanie expressed her enthusiasm towards the diversity of the motions, which she said "reflect the diversity in our membership and the concerns of the communities they represent,” Myamley Branch President (Condobolin), Patricia Hurley warns that decreasing membership rates in rural areas are affecting the distribution of power at State Conferences.

"At the moment our very rural branches struggle to have their voice heard against some of the coastal branches whose membership levels are well above ours," Mrs Hurley said.

"If we want our voices heard, and our issues on the agenda, we need more people in the bush."

Dozens of topics are vigorously debated by branch representatives from across the state. IMAGE facebook.

One of the more urgent issues that was brought forth by rural branches was the need for access to and better quality of health services in rural and regional NSW.

Stephanie said that this "remains a real concern for our association and is reflected in the fact that numerous motions around the issue – including a motion of urgency where we are demanding action on health care equality – were put to the conference and enthusiastically-endorsed by delegates."

Newly elected president, Joy Beames explained that this issue has already been put to State and Federal governments, and that the findings of the Legislative Inquiry "reflect the lived experiences of our members and their communities," and that "the recommendations align with, and respond to, the issues raised by the CWA of NSW."

The motions passed will now be taken forward and form the basis of the CWA of NSW's lobbying efforts for the next 12 months.