New chairman for State Council

The new chairman and deputy chairman of the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities State Management Council (State Council) were elected at the board’s inaugural meeting late last week in Orange.

Independent board member Ian Donges, a lamb producer and farmer from Cowra, was elected chairman of the State Council, while Hamish Holcombe – a cereal cropper and cattle grazier from Goondiwindi and director on the North West LHPA board – was elected deputy chairman.

As well as his extensive knowledge of agricultural production, Mr Donges brings a wealth of experience in corporate governance to the role, as former chairman of Horticulture Australia Ltd, Sheep Genetics Australia and the Grain and Graze program, and former president of the National Farmers’ Federation.

Mr Donges says he is looking forward to working with the new board in setting the strategic direction for the organisation.

“Over the last year the LHPA has undergone a huge amount of change, and this inaugural meeting of the State Council marks one of the final steps in the organisation’s reform process,” Mr Donges said.

“The new board has a well-developed and balanced skill set across its members, which will ensure strong guidance and direction for the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities.”

The new State Council is made up of nine members and is the governing body of the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, with a focus on organisational policy and strategy, governance, public relations, education, compliance and the provision of services to authorities relating to information technology, finance, payroll and land administration.

The next meeting of the State Council is scheduled for April.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378