ONE of the biggest supporters of and hardest workers with the NSW Local Land Services, Ian Armstrong, has farewelled the organisation.
The inaugural chairman of the Central Tablelands LLS board announced his retirement in February this year and was formally sent off by his colleagues and fellow chairs at a dinner in Tamworth last week, held as part of the LLS board of chairs meeting, which included tours of the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre and the Wallamore anabranch of the Peel River.
Mr Armstrong was a former deputy premier and agriculture and rural affairs minister, and led the Central Tablelands LLS with a strong vision for improving agricultural services, said LLS chair of chairs Tim de Mestre.
Mr de Mestre said Mr Armstrong had brought a long history in agri-politics to the organisation when he was appointed to lead the regional board in 2014.
“Some of the brave decisions he made in government was to move the Department of Primary Industries to Orange and move the Sydney Royal Easter Show out to Homebush,” Mr Mestre said.
“He had a long history of working with people, then stuck his hand up to get involved in LLS right from the start.”
Mr de Mestre said Mr Armstrong was able to help the board develop its strategic direction for improving services for landholders.
“Ian’s political career is just as important as someone’s agricultural knowledge,” Mr de Mestre said.
“He’s a real leader and a very good communicator, so he understands the role of being a chairman of board members.
“He strengthened the LLS board by having a diverse set of skills to bring to LLS.”
Mr de Mestre said Mr Armstrong served as a great advocate for the government organisation.
“In all the things we do, whether it’s in agricultural advisory, biodiversity, natural resource management or emergency management, we help farmers and landholders produce more of their product in a sustainable manner.
“NSW agriculture has a fantastic brand and we need to make sure our brand is really well protected – the LLS is part of that system and helps ensure that high quality brand is maintained.”
In announcing his retirement in February, Mr Armstrong said it had been a privilege to serve the people of the Central Tablelands.
“Together with my board and the staff, we have made good progress in delivering on the needs of our customers and stakeholders and have contributed positively to the development of Local Land Services through the board of chairs,” he said.
Fellow board member Ian Rogan has stepped into the role of chairman.
