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Local Land Services Board Chair recruitment process underway

Applications are now open for the Local Land Services Board Chair position.

The Board Chair is responsible for driving the strategic direction and success of the organisation, while working closely with the chairs of the 11 local boards.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the Local Land Services Board Chair plays an integral role, providing strategic guidance to the organisation and helping shape local services.

“We know farmers and landholders are always facing challenges, whether it’s dry conditions, fres or biosecurity threats, so it’s important we fnd a strong and experienced candidate to ensure the agency’s priorities are meeting the needs of landholders across NSW,” Ms Moriarty said.

“I’d like to thank

Allison Harker for the outstanding job she’s done guiding Local Land Services through some very diffcult years, on the back of bushfres, drought and foods, and working alongside landholders on their long road to recovery.

“Allison’s current term ends in December 2023, and the NSW Government is undertaking due diligence by testing the water with an open, competitive, and transparent recruitment process.

“I’m committed to setting up Local Land Services for success, which is why I want to ensure we have the most suitable person as Board Chair over the next four years.

“I would encourage Allison and anyone else who thinks they have the necessary skills and qualifcations to apply. I hope to see a wide range of candidates that refect modern agriculture.”

Passionate, innovative and highly experienced individuals, with an interest to strategically grow agricultural productivity, healthy environments and sustainable communities are being encouraged to apply.

Department of

Regional NSW Secretary Rebecca Fox said the role required a unique set of skills.

“The position requires leadership experience in chairing boards or committees, supported by a deep understanding of corporate governance and exceptional stakeholder management skills,” Ms Fox said.

“The role has a set term with a duration that allows the successful candidate to make a valuable and lasting impact that will beneft NSW communities and the state’s agriculture sector.”

Applications close at 11:55pm on Sunday, 22 October 2023.

For more information about the role and to apply, visit the Local Land Services website - www.lls.nsw.gov.au/ board-recruitment

In line with the Local Land Services Act 2013, the term of the Board Chair is set for up to four years.

Jacaranda Woodwork and Crafts Display

Grafton City Tennis Club 202 Prince Street Grafton

Saturday 28 October to Saturday 2 November 9am to 5pm

Crafts for display and sale that have made at the shed or at home by Members of Grafton Community Shed

Marine Rescue NSW boosts food and emergency response capability

Marine Rescue NSW has taken delivery of three new custom designed multi-purpose vessels, which can be deployed quickly across NSW in the event of an emergency.

The vessels form part of Marine Rescue NSW’s response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry with the Service receiving $3.748 million State Government funding to build capability and capacity to support NSW SES and other agencies during signifcant emergencies.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said when the vessels are not tasked for food response; they will be part of the Marine Rescue NSW feet assisting boaters in need.

“The important thing about these vessels is that they can be used yearround.

“While they were funded off the back of the Flood Inquiry, the vessels will be used to help boaters on NSW waterways when they are not deployed for foods.

“These vessels have a shallow draft hull, which makes them easy to manoeuvre in challenging situations and to access a range of waterways.

“Whether these new vessels are used for a food emergency or boating incident, the people of NSW should be confdent that the feet of rescue vessels in NSW is growing and that the committed volunteers at Marine Rescue NSW have their back as the weather warms up and boating season begins in earnest,” Minister Dib said.

Marine Rescue NSW Senior Manager Fleet Kelvin Parkin said the frst three vessels built by Yamba Welding and Engineering have been designed for ease of use.

“They carry twin 90 horsepower Suzuki outboard engines and will be a valuable asset in supporting food rescue and recovery efforts and boaters on NSW waterways.

“They are capable of reaching a top speed of 35 knots and handle smoothly on the water, giving our volunteers a stable platform to perform rescues.

“The vessels feature a bow door allowing them to beach land and transfer people and supplies during an emergency.

“The MPVs carry a Raymarine multi-function display for chart and

Local Landcare groups encouraged to apply for new funding

navigation work,” Mr Parkin said. Signifcant work has gone into both the development of the MPVs and the location of the vessels.

The frst three MPVs, named Marine Rescue 20, Marine Rescue 21 and Marine Rescue 22 have been allocated to Marine Rescue NSW units in the state’s north.

MR 20 will be based at Evans Head, MR 21 will be located on the Tweed at the Point Danger Unit while MR 22 will call Port Macquarie home.

“Being state-wide assets these vessels will be deployed when called upon to assist other agencies and Marine Rescue NSW units,” Mr Parkin said.

Five more MPVs will be delivered over the coming months along with eight new infatable rescue boats while three heavy tow support vehicles and Personal Protective Equipment will complete the program.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-proft professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

MEMBER for Lismore

Janelle Saffn is urging Landcare groups in the North Coast and Northern Tablelands

Local Land Services (LLS) regions to apply for funding under the frst phase of the $59 million NSW Landcare Enabling Program.

“This was a major election commitment by the Minns Labor Government ahead of the state election and I’m very pleased to see this record funding start to roll out across northern NSW,” Ms Saffn said.

“It is the largest-ever injection of funds into Landcare by any NSW Government and will support local jobs in rural and regional communities.”

The frst phase of the program will activate $33 million in funding to employ up to 83 fulltime equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff across NSW.

Coordinator and support roles will be available in all 11 LLS regions and can be subject to part time or job-sharing arrangements, where the need is demonstrated.

Funding will be awarded to incorporated Landcare NSW groups and regions through a targeted competitive grant process administered by LLS.

Local and regional coordinators play a key role in the program including:

• Supporting and facilitating the delivery of on-ground projects that care for the local natural environment and agricultural systems

• Strengthening the capacity of Landcarers by further developing their knowledge and skills

• Ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies and Landcare NSW

• Leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socioenvironmental outcomes.

Landcare NSW coordinates a 60,000-strong network of volunteers in 3,000 Landcare groups across NSW, who augment work done by landholders on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.

Applications opened on Monday 9 October and close on Friday 3 November.

The NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027: Local and Regional Coordinators program guidelines, including detailed role descriptions, are available online at www. nsw.gov.au/lep.