Last Call for Land Services

MONDAY is the closing date for applications to become a member of a Local Land Services board.

Current LLS-Hunter board member and Merriwa farmer Peter Bishop said it is a challenging but rewarding role.

Peter Bishop Jr enjoys being an LLS board member

“We probably have the most dynamic board in the state because we stretch from the coast with waterway and ocean issues all the way up to the Ulan mine in the west, so it covers fairly much every animal, weed and pest and the services related to those and the board is responsible for making sure those services are delivered effectively,” said Mr Bishop.

“There are more than 80 staff in the area and the board is responsible for a considerable amount of expenditure,” he said.

“You need to bring some good skills to the table including financial analysis, but you also learn more about the government side of business and how finance in government works and you learn a lot about people skills in such a large organisation,” he said.

“Where I’ve found it most interesting is seeing how we develop relationships with other industries.

“The two main industries is agriculture and mining, which an be contentious, but it has been interesting to see where we interact and where we can’t interact and how we can look after both industries.

“There is still a lot of work to do there.

“A big topic for the Upper Hunter is wild dogs, that’s a big issue and the LLS are doing a lot of work with wild dogs and pest animal management and exciting developments happening to get more resources into that area,” he said.

“I’d encourage local people to be interactive with the Board, if you want to put an idea to the Board, just ring up a Board member,” he said.

“It would be good to see some younger people apply to be a board member, I am currently the youngest and I am 45,” he said.

“It’s a good role, there is a lot involved with it and it is very fulfilling and challenging,” Peter Bishop said.

Information on how to apply to become a board member can be found on the Local Land Services website: Board of Chairs.