In a report to this months Parkes Shire Council meeting, councillors were told that General Manager Kent Boyd is the Secretary (ex officio) of the association and Parkes Shire Council will manage the association's finances.

The Country Mayors' Association allows local government (LG) from rural and regional NSW to come together to discuss issues of specific interest to areas outside the major metropolitan centres as well as looking at the bigger picture of the whole LG sector within the State.

The CMA represents about three quarters of the state in land mass.Some of the key priorities for the CMA is looking at converting waste to energy, improving roads, attracting country doctors and investing in new technologies.

Mr Boyd described Cr Keith's appointment "as a lovely recognition by your peers following on from the very good work of mayor Katrina Humphries of Moree Council".

"The Country Mayors Association has really advanced in the last few years and it is great to have a local presence in that role," Mr Boyd said.

"It follows on from your other strategic roles as the chair of the Newell Highway Taskforce and the Regional Transport Committee amongst many other things.

"I think it is absolutely valid, the recommendation is that you be congratulated on that appointment, which is a wonderful recognition of your peers," Mr Boyd said.

In reply Cr Keith described the appointment as 'wonderful recognition of Parkes, the Parkes Shire community, the fact they see what Parkes is doing out here as a good example for other councils throughout the state.

"I'm pleased to take on that role," Cr Keith said.

The CMA represents almost 70 rural and coastal councils across New South Wales, with the group proving to be a formidable force in advocating for local government and issues that affect their communities.

The motion to congratulate Cr Keith on his appointment was moved by deputy mayor Cr Barbara Newton and seconded by Cr Bill Jayet.

"I'm very happy to move that recommendations, congratulations Mr Mayor," Cr Newton said.