New chairman for Lachlan LHPA

A new chairman of the Lachlan Livestock Health and Pest Authority was elected at the authority’s board meeting last week.

Board member Chris Sweeney, a Forbes farmer specialising in feedlotting lambs, has been elected chairman of the Lachlan LHPA following the former chairman James Maslin’s decision to retire from the position after five years.

Lachlan LHPA general manager, Peter Brown says that Mr Sweeney has a long association with the LHPA and former Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs), and will continue to ensure strong guidance and direction for the authority.

"Chris was initially elected to the former Forbes RLPB in 2006 and then elected to the Lachlan LHPA in 2009, so he has had four years of continuous service as a director," Mr Brown said.

"Chris has a strong commitment to ensuring the ongoing success of the now established LHPA.

"As well as his experience with the organisation, Chris runs his own farming enterprise in the Lachlan area and has a broad knowledge of livestock health and pest issues facing landholders in the region."

Mr Sweeney is actively involved in the local community, being associated with both senior and junior rugby and junior cricket. He is a member of the Forbes Shire Council Saleyard Advisory Committee, as well as a member of the working party for the establishment of the new sheep saleyard facility.

Mr Sweeney and his wife Kathryn, a local school teacher, have four children.

Media contact: Helen Gosper 6391 3450 / 0428 465 378