TWO former shire mayors have been selected as chairs for the region’s Local Land Service (LLS) boards.
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Ex-Narrabri mayor Conrad Bolton was reappointed chair of the North West LLS, while Hans Hietbrink, mayor of the former Guyra shire, was renamed as chair for the Northern Tablelands LLS.
Mr Bolton brings experience from running “the largest solely-owned aerial spraying business in the southern hemisphere for 20 years”.
While Mr Hietbrink brings experience from other boards including the Catchment Management Authority.
The region’s LLS chairs were retained, but NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said the LLS announcement did signal a “changing of the guards” around the state.
“After a rigorous recruitment process, I have appointed a balance of both new and experienced people to the 11 local boards to ensure there is independent representation, strong governance and a good understanding of what’s needed in regional areas,” Mr Blair said.
I have appointed a balance of both new and experienced people to the 11 local boards.
- NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair
Every three years, there are three local board members and a chair who the Minister appoints, while ratepayers elect the remaining members.
“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.
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 for 45 positions, 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.
Local Land Service is also gearing up for local elections, which will take place in May 2017 and provides an opportunity for ratepayers to elect local representatives to their boards.