North Coast Local Land Services is reminding those passionate about regional and rural issues they have until the end of February to nominate for the Local Land Services board election.

North Coast Local Land Services works with land managers to help secure the future of agriculture and the environment for NSW communities, with local boards helping deliver meaningful services.

Local Land Services ratepayers can nominate online, at Local Land Services offices and those wishing to lodge by ‘snail mail’ will need to raise their hand earlier to ensure their nomination is received in time.

North Coast LLS General Manager Louise Orr said community input was an essential part of improving primary production and natural resource management around the state.

“Local board members connect with people and communities within their region to help identify and deliver services relevant to local needs,” Ms Orr said.

Those wishing to throw their hat in the ring will need to officially nominate before the end of February, with voting due to open on 9 April 2020. The current round of nominations follows the recent recruitment process for 29 Ministerially-appointed members.

Louise Orr explained while the current focus is on nominations, there have been a few changes since the last local board elections.

 “It is now easier to participate without the need to enrol. All eligible Local Land Services ratepayers will be included on the electoral roll automatically; however, you’ll need to let us know how you’d like to receive your voting pack – either online or in the post” She said.

“The regulation allows for one vote per ratepayer or company in each region, regardless of the number of holdings you have in the region. This means that each ratepayer in the region will have an equal say in who will be their representative on the local board.”

Local Land Services is aiming for diverse and dynamic boards that reflect modern agriculture in NSW. As such, nominations from women, Aboriginal people, younger people and other under-represented groups are strongly encouraged.

“With so many people in our region who are skilled and passionate about land management, I expect we will attract candidates with strong and varied skills and experience to provide a voice for our regional communities,” Louise said. “I encourage anyone who is eager to contribute at a local level to nominate for a board position before 28 February 2020.”

Across all 11 Local Land Services regions, ratepayers will elect 34 board members to work with Minister-appointed board members and the Chair to ensure local priorities drive the effective and efficient delivery of services to farmers and land managers across the State.

To nominate as a candidate, visit www.austelect.com.au or www.lls.nsw.gov.au and download a candidate information package and nomination form.

Key dates to remember:

·    Nominations: Opened 1 February and close midday on 28 February 2020

·   Voting: Opens 9 April and closes at 5pm on 8 May 2020

·  Announcement: Board members will be announced by the end of June 2020.