GOVERNMENT says the appointment of 11 new Local Land Services chairs and 34 local board members represents a changing of the guard, with local board elections to follow in May.
Every three years, three local board members and a chair are appointed by the Minister, while ratepayers elect the remaining members for the ratepayer land services body.
Due to the size of the Western Region, four board members and a chair were appointed by Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair this week. Government said there were more than 400 applicants for positions.
“After a rigorous recruitment process, I have appointed a balance of both new and experienced people... to ensure there is independent representation, strong governance and a good understanding of what’s needed in regional areas,” Mr Blair said.
“The appointed chairs and board members will work together with locally-elected board members to focus on the strategic direction of the organisation, promote services and build strong relationships with investors on the ground,” Mr Blair said.
The government-appointed positions are:
- Central Tablelands Chair: Ian Rogan, Millthorpe Ian comes from a beef and dairy cattle farming family and is an experienced consultant who operates a family-run nursery and agricultural consulting business. He was Acting Chair of the Central Tablelands Local Land Services Board from February 2016. Appointed Board members: Tess Herbert, Eugowra; Pip Job, Geurie; and Reg Kidd, Orange.
- Central West Chair: Susan Madden, Dubbo Susan is on the board of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and is the Principal Economist – Natural Resources and Agriculture with GHD Pty Ltd. Susan and her partner operate a successful cattle stud business at Dubbo. Appointed Board members: Ross Sawtell, Dubbo; Emma Thomas, Forbes; Christine White, Coolah Greater
- Sydney Chair: Terry Charlton, Turramurra Terry has an extensive business career, including 14 years as CEO and Managing Director of Snowy Hydro Ltd. He was the inaugural Chair of the Greater Sydney Local Land Services Board. Appointed Board members: Nigel Milan, Moss Vale; David Palmer, Mittagong; and the Hon Robert Webster, McMahons Point.
- Hunter Chair: Lindy Hyam, Lorn Lindy has more than 20 years of leadership experience at board and CEO levels in the public and private sectors across regional and urban Australia and internationally, including roles on Newcastle, Singleton and Warringah councils. Appointed Board members: James Clark, Anambah; Tony Hegarty, Cassilis; Daryl Dutton, Scone.
- Murray Chair: Richard Bull, Holbrook Richard is a sheep producer with his own agricultural consultancy business. He spent more than 16 years on the NSW Legislative Council and was the inaugural Chair of the Murray Local Land Services Board. Appointed Board members: Jennifer Hehir, Finley; Terry Gorman, Balranald; David Wolfenden, Rand.
- North Coast Chair: Bob Smith, Mylestom Bob is an experienced scientist, manager and adviser in the sustainable management, protection and profitable use of natural resources, with extensive experience in all levels of government. He is also a board member with Greening Australia. Appointed Board members: Mark Bulley, Port Macquarie; Tom Cooper, Bonalbo.
- North West Chair: Conrad Bolton, Wee Waa Conrad is the former Mayor of Narrabri Shire Council and operated the largest solely-owned aerial spraying business in the southern hemisphere for 20 years. He was the inaugural Chair of the Board of North West Local Land Services. Appointed Board members: Richard Clark, Boggabilla; Rebecca Reardon, Moree; and Russell Webb, Duri.
- Northern Tablelands Chair: Hans Hietbrink, Guyra Hans brings a background in corporate management and local government. He chaired the former regional Catchment Management Authority and was the inaugural Chair of the Board of Northern Tablelands Local Land Services. Appointed Board members: Jim Benton, Glen Innes; Graham Marriott, Inverell; Maria Woods, Walcha.
- Riverina Chair: Barney Hyams, Batlow Barney has more than 30 years of involvement in both agriculture and horticulture and has represented the Australian apple and pear industry for many years. He was a Ministerially appointed member of the inaugural Board of Riverina Local Land Services. Appointed Board members: Elke Cleverdon, Young; Diana Gibbs, Eunanoreenya; Tony Wallace, Murringo.
- South East Chair: David Mitchell, Delegate David is a partner in a sheep farming enterprise at Delegate and was the founding chair of Monaro Farming Systems. He has extensive experience in agriculture and natural resource management and was the inaugural Chair of the Board of South East Local Land Services. Appointed Board members: Ken Baxter, Robertson; Ian Denney, Grabben Gullen; Alison Hodgkinson, Yass.
- Western Chair: Ben Barlow, Corowa Ben is an experienced farmer and grazier with executive banking and finance experience who specialises in agribusiness investment. He was a Ministerially-appointed member of the inaugural Board of Western Local Land Services. Appointed Board members: Magnus Aitken, Conargo; Nicole Byrnes, Pooncarie; Justin McClure, Tilpa; and Marie Russell AM, Cobar.
New chair of the Central West LLS board Susan Madden – previously a board member – said she was excited to start the role.
“I think that as we go forward, the local boards will play an increasingly important role in monitoring the performance of Local Land Services and providing a critical link to local industries and communities,” Ms Madden said.
Chair of the Local Land Service Board of Chairs, Tim de Mestre said the recruitment process had taken longer than anticipated due to the high level of interest from across NSW.
“With more than 400 candidates, we undertook an exhaustive recruitment and assessment process using an external provider to ensure we have the best people for the job,” Mr de Mestre said.
Government said the LLS local elections in May provided ratepayers the chance to elect local representatives to their boards. Enrolment forms are available from any Local Land Services office or online at www.lls.nsw.gov.au.
Ratepayers who already enrolled do not need to re-enrol, but they should inform their nearest Local Land Services office if their contact details have changed.
Alex Druce
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
