Working in the region for almost 20 years, James Hutchinson-Smith has seen a few changes to what is now known as North West Local Land Services (LLS).
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The latest change is his appointment to the role of General Manager.
“It’s an exciting time not just for me, but for the North West,” he said.
“We have the capacity to support our community to grow their business and reduce risk – that’s our role in keeping markets open.”
Options to improve productivity and resource condition are central to the local team, and Mr Hutchinson-Smith says he’s ready to hear what options customers need.
“We’re kicking off the new financial year with not only a new GM, but a new board, and two new acts to work with - biosecurity and biodiversity,” he said.
“That’s a huge opportunity to connect with people and deliver results for the region.
“I enjoy working with people to achieve outcomes, especially when they’re driven by locals and benefit locals.”
The new board brings a breadth of experience, representing landholders and industry alike.
Their backgrounds are wide and varied – covering agribusiness, marketing, international trade, research, primary production, land management, commodity marketing, and local government.
“We’re in an age of integration – our team work with agencies and industry groups to keep billion dollar markets open for producers,” Mr Hutchinson-Smith said.
“That wouldn’t be possible without a collaborative approach.”
Mr Hutchinson-Smith said the organisation valued the strategic input of local champions through the Community Advisory Group (CAG).
“The CAG is a hugely important part of keeping us connected to local industries and communities.
“We exist to provide services to landholders and producers, so it’s great to have a group of people willing to provide honest, relevant and strategic input from the paddock.
“We’re expanding our CAG membership at the moment too, and looking for more input from people around Gunnedah, Warialda and Narrabri in particular.
“As a part of our commitment to the local Aboriginal community, we’re also seeking to fill two identified positions to share knowledge and support the needs of the whole community.
“Customers are at the centre of what we do and making sure we’ve got a handle on the kinds of options they need us to present is the aim of the game,” he said.
Mr Hutchinson-Smith encouraged landholders to contact their local office if they wanted support and advice, or to find out more about the role LLS can play in improving security and profitability.
