A new era for RLPBs
The State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) will move ahead in implementing major structural changes to the RLPB system following the State Government’s decision to adopt a series of recommendations outlined in an independent report.
Chairman David Lister said the announcement made yesterday by Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, to modernise and streamline the organisation was a positive move for rural landholders.
“This announcement heralds a new era in the proud and rich history of the RLPB system with sensible and necessary changes to secure its future viability, reduce costs and improve services.
“State Council welcomes and supports the Minister’s decision and we look forward to implementing the changes as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“These include consolidating the number of Boards across the state from 47 to 14, the centralisation of administrative services, the formation of a State Policy Council, and enhancing animal health and pest animal management services.
“There were a number of drivers for change including higher administrative costs, the shifting demographics of ratepayers, regulatory requirements and climate change.
“State Council knew it had to take a proactive approach in addressing these challenges and commissioned consulting firm IMC to undertake a comprehensive and independent review of the RLPB system.
“Had the recommendations of the report not indicated substantial reform, then we would have been left with a continuing need for bandaid solutions every few years.
“The organisation now has firm commitment from the State Government to move forward and put in place a more flexible and modern structure to better protect the state’s agricultural industries against pest and animal health risks.
“None of these changes will compromise service delivery and all local shopfronts will remain open.
Speaking at the RLPB annual conference in Coffs Harbour this week David Lister said there were still a number of issues that required further consideration.
“There are of course levels of detail and matters of implementation and legislative requirements that still need to be worked through.
“Access to Travelling Stock Reserves, refining of board boundaries and the management of cattle tick programs are some of the issues that require further discussion with the Minister and with Boards,” David Lister said.
State Council will work towards having the new Boards operational from 1 January 2009.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378