Nearing the end of his time as the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services' inaugural chair, Hans Hietbrink looks back on what he calls an extremely rewarding six years.
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"Satisfaction in a job well done is the feeling that I leave with," Mr Hietbrink said.
Mr Hietbrink has headed the region's LLS since the NSW government agency began in 2014.
His second three-year term will expire in March / April next year - and the LLS are recruiting for a chair to replace him.
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The LLS was designed as a 'one-stop shop' for farmers to get advice on livestock health, eradication of diseases, biosecurity issues, maintenance of the landscape, and advice on agriculture and agronomy, Mr Hietbrink said.
It was formed as a merger between the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, Catchment Management Authorities, and some functions of the Department of Primary Industries. Mr Hietbrink was chair of the Border Rivers - Gwydir Catchment Management Authority before leading the LLS.
Mr Hietbrink said the highlight of his term was working with the board and general manager to create an organisation in the Northern Tablelands that met the needs of the landowners in the region.
The board comprises seven members: three elected by landowners (farmers and ratepayers), and four - including the chair - appointed by the Minister for Primary Industries.
The board, Mr Hietbrink said, were very collegiate and had done an excellent job, while general manager Paul Hutchings was a wonderful leader of the organisation.
As chair, Mr Hietbrink also sits on the state board with the chairs of the state's 10 other LLS regions to set policy and strategic direction.
Drought and fire management
Recent droughts and bush fires have caused a shift in focus from traditional biosecurity and natural resource management into emergency management, Mr Hietbrink said.
"The real focus of Local Land Services is having farms that are profitable and product that is marketable; and that we're thriving in a resilient farming community with a sustainable agriculture industry and a healthy, prospering landscape. Drought knocks that around."
LLS livestock officers and vets have been very busy looking after farmers' stock, Mr Hietbrink said. "The welfare of livestock has become predominant during the drought, because a lot of farmers find it difficult to keep the feed up to their livestock."
LLS staff, Mr Hietbrink said, have also worked alongside firefighters and service providers in the bushfires, looking after animal welfare and in some cases leading emergency management.
"A fire goes through an area, and suddenly there's need for livestock to be euthanised, moved or fed, and decisions have to be made." That might involve determining whether stock is 'fit to load' or so weak it must be put down.
Going forward, Mr Hietbrink said, the LLS's focus will be on helping farmers recover both from the bush fires and from the drought. That, he explained, is predominantly advice on how to get the right sort of ground cover going quickly, feeding animals, and restocking.
Do you want to join the LLS board?
The LLS is recruiting for two new board members: a chair to replace Mr Hietbrink, and a board member. Both positions will be appointed by the Minister for Primary Industries.
"I hope that people come forward who have got a real interest and dedication to achieving great outcomes for the Northern Tablelands agricultural industry," Mr Hietbrink said.
Candidates must understand corporate governance; be committed to high ethical standards and teamwork; and have well developed communication, negotiation, advocacy and influencing skills.
"We're looking for people who are committed to the prosperity of agriculture," Mr Hietbrink said. "It doesn't matter what their background is. We're looking for people who have experience in agriculture, in dealing with Aboriginal groups, in the whole range of things that we're involved in."
The board members would have to attend monthly board meetings, workshops, and field days; and meet with farmers.
The chair would also have to attend state board meetings and state committees; Mr Hietbrink, for instance, is on the Financial Risk and Audit Committee at the state level.
Board members, Mr Hietbrink emphasised, should have the flexibility to attend LLS meetings and field days. Most of the board members are farmers who give up their time off the land to attend events.
Ideally, applicants would live in the Northern Tablelands, and be familiar with the region's agriculture.
Board members receive a small stipend - but, Mr Hietbrink said, the greatest reward is the satisfaction of being a board member and contributing to the well-being and future of agriculture in the Northern Tablelands.
The Board Recruitment Package is available at www.lls.nsw.gov.au, or contact 1300 795 299.
Applications close 5pm, this Friday.