New ranger brings extensive skills to Hume LHPA

Landholders in the Albury region will benefit from the appointment of a new pest animal ranger in the Hume Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

After working as a ranger in the Central West and Riverina regions for the past ten years, Jim Abell has taken up the ranger’s position based out of Albury and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

John Knight, general manager of the Hume LHPA, says Mr Abell has had hands-on experience in all aspects of pest animal control.

"Jim has been directly involved with many pest control programs at both a state and local level, having participated in mice and locust plagues that have ravaged NSW since 1998," Mr Knight said.

"He has implemented and coordinated control programs for feral pigs, rabbits, wild dogs, feral goats and feral deer in the past and he is looking forward to implementing programs within the Hume LHPA.

"Jim has also gained valuable experience in animal health and biosecurity issues after working closely with animal health rangers and district veterinarians."

Mr Abell says he is pleased with the move to the Albury region and looks forward to the new opportunities it brings.

"The move to Albury has been fantastic – I guess you can call it a hill change as such after living on the wide open plains of the Riverina," Mr Abell said.

"The topography around Albury is majestic and varied, with the pristine mountain high country in the east and the cropping and grazing country to the north east. It is the best of both worlds, and it also presents different pest animal situations.

"I look forward to meeting landholders in the area and helping them solve their pest animal problems.

"I also look forward to tackling Nail Can Hill both on bike and on foot!"

Jim Abell can be contacted at the Albury office on 6040 4210.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378