Still time to nominate for LHPA director elections

Landholders wanting input into local Livestock Health and Pest Authorities have until this Friday to nominate in the director elections.

Nominations for new board directors across each of the 14 new authorities in NSW close on Friday 8 May and all occupiers of rateable land are eligible to nominate.

Chairman of the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities State Management Council, David Lister, said today director elections were a significant milestone in the reform process and an opportunity to encourage new blood into the organisation at a grassroots level.

‘The men and women who accept the challenge and are elected to these positions will guide the authorities for the next four years and play a major role in shaping the future direction of the organisation,’ Mr Lister said.

‘If you are committed to safeguarding agriculture and would like to have constructive input, this is a great opportunity to be involved locally and have influence at a regional and state level.’

‘Directors will be responsible for setting local priorities and policies for animal health and pest animal issues as well as overseeing the financial management of the authority including budgets and setting rates,’ Mr Lister said.

They will also work with directors in surrounding authorities to deal with matters on a regional level such as wild dogs.

‘Directors will also have the opportunity to sit on various state-wide committees that advise the State Government on livestock health and pest animal issues,’ David Lister said.

Most of the 14 new Livestock Health and Pest Authority districts will elect six new board members for a four year term. The Western Livestock Health and Pest Authority will elect ten new directors and the Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority will elect eight new directors due to their large areas.

Elected directors will be joined by two appointed directors who will bring to the table specific skills such as accounting, law, commerce or skills complementary to the role of the authority.

Nomination forms are available from Livestock Health and Pest Authority offices and can also be obtained online at www.lhpa.org.au

Nominations forms must be submitted to the returning officer at your local authority office by 5pm on Friday 8 May.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham or Helen Gosper (02) 6391 3242