More than 200 farmers gathered at LLS workshops in Cooma (shown), Bega and Yass last week.
THE Local Land Services consultation workshops at Cooma, Bega and Yass heard from more than 200 farmers, landowners and interested organisations like Landcare, NSW Farmers and Local Government.
“The meetings were the first of 21 being held across the State and were well supported,” Local Land Services Stakeholder Reference Panel Chairman, Dr John Keniry AM, said.
“Local communities have engaged with the Local Land Services concept and these meetings show people are genuinely interested in playing a role in the creation of the new organisation.
“We heard direct from local communities about what they expect from Local Land Services and how important the functions of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPAs), Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) agricultural advisory services are.
“To be successful building a local organisation the local community must be involved. The purpose of the meetings was to seek community feedback and share ideas.”
Dr Keniry said the workshops addressed Local Land Services boundaries, governance and services and took questions from participants.
“The Local Land Services Reference Panel thanks attendees for contributing to the establishment of this new organisation. Their comments and input will be considered by the panel before final recommendations are made to the Government,” he said.
The key features the attendees identified as important to building a successful Local Land Services included:
• Representation – the ratio of local community members on the Local Land Services Board to ensure adequate representation.
• Regional Boundaries – ensuring boundaries of proposed Local Land Services regions consider land use, industry groups and geographical and climatic features.
• Independent Advice – continuation of independent advice and information, such as agronomy, livestock, natural resource management and veterinary services.
From January 2014, Local Land Services will deliver functions currently provided by CMAs, LHPAs and some agriculture advisory services of DPI.
For further Local Land Service dates, visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices
