Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) has elected a new Chair and Deputy Chair for a two-year term. 

Lismore City Council Mayor, Cr Steve Krieg was elected as Chair and Cr Russell Webb, Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, was re-elected Deputy Chair at a board meeting in Sydney on Thursday.

The new leadership will lead the organisation post-NSW local government elections, which took place in September.

Cr Krieg said he was proud to lead Regional Cities New South Wales as it advocated for a fair share of investment and population growth to ensure regional cities continued to thrive.

"Regional Cities New South Wales is an important advocate for its members and has a proven track record as a valuable partner for the State Government," Cr Krieg said. 

"I am passionate about the work of Regional Cities NSW. Our members are a similar size and are facing similar issues. Together, we are stronger.

"We have much work to do as we are on the frontline of change in New South Wales. This includes growing populations, energy transition and climate impacts.

"Our cities are also highly liveable and we know regional living is on the minds of many Sydneysiders. We want our cities to retain their liveability as new residents continue to make the move.

"As chair, I will be a strong voice for our member cities as we meet these opportunities."

Cr Webb retained his position as Deputy Chair.

"I’m very happy to be reappointed as Deputy Chair,” Cr Webb said. “It has been fantastic working with Mayors, General Managers and CEOs of Regional Cities New South Wales." 

"Cr Krieg will lead us in the right direction and I am looking forward to working in partnership as we continue to build our strong network of relationships in Macquarie Street," Cr Webb said.

Cr Krieg also noted the work of Cr Mathew Dickerson, who stepped down as Chair after the New South Wales local government elections.  

"Cr Dickerson has left a great legacy as I take the reins of Regional Cities NSW," Cr Krieg said.

"Cr Dickerson has led us through the many challenges we have encountered over the past few years, particularly as our members faced natural disasters, housing availability and growing skills shortages.

"Regional cities have received key support in these areas due to his leadership and advocacy. There is still much to do, but the impacts in these areas have been meaningful for our communities," Cr Krieg concluded.

Regional Cities NSW members include Lismore, Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Broken Hill City Council, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Goulburn Mulwaree, Griffith, Maitland, Orange, Queanbeyan Pelarang, Tamworth, Tweed Heads and Wagga Wagga.