About the RLPB changes
What is changing
- the number of boards will reduce from 47 to 14 while all local shopfronts across NSW will remain open, ensuring that our local knowledge, experience and responsiveness are maintained
- there will be an even greater focus on our core biosecurity function (animal health and pest control)
- vets and rangers will spend more time in the field and less time in administration
- there will be no reduction in numbers of field staff involved in biosecurity functions (animal health/pests)
- TSRs are to be ceded back to Department of Lands where they place an unreasonable financial burden on boards
- the election and selection process for directors will be restructured.
Why the changes were necessary
The State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards recognised it was time for our organisation to undergo an external review to set our future direction and enhance our efficiency, effectiveness and relevance across the state.
This was the result of a number of factors:
- the continued increase in administrative costs to the organisation
- unsustainable financial position of some Boards
- unsustainable rate increases in some areas
- changing demographics of ratepayers
- new primary production and information technologies
- national biosecurity priorities.
When the changes are likely to occur
- new boundaries are being fine-tuned in consultation with existing boards this year
- new boards, with new names, are expected to begin operations 1 January 2009
- TSR changes are not being considered until mid 2009.
Further information
About the IMC external review into the RLPB system
FAQs
Media releases