The Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is encouraging local industry, community and stakeholder groups to participate in the creation of a new service delivery model linking natural resource
management to productive primary industries.
Recently the NSW Government announced plans to give more control of local agricultural and natural resource management services to farmers and landowners through the establishment of a new body called Local Land Services.
Local Land Services will be regionally‐based, semi‐autonomous, statutory organisations that are governed by locally elected and skills‐based Board members. They will deliver integrated services including: agricultural advice, plant and animal pest control and biosecurity, natural resource management, and emergency and disaster assessment and response.
Replacing existing CMAs and Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, Local Land Services will also incorporate advisory services currently provided by Agriculture NSW (part of the Department of Primary Industries).
Murrumbidgee CMA Acting Chair, Sulari Goonetilleke said local stakeholders have an important role to play in the development of Local Land Services which will be guided by NSW Natural Resources Commissioner, Dr John Keniry AM.
“This is the most significant change to regional service delivery in over 50 years. The Minister for Primary Industries has issued an open invitation for all people to participate in the process and I encourage stakeholders to do so when there is the opportunity for formal consultation.
“It is critical that we work closely with our communities and achieve efficient integration of services for the benefit and sustainability of our catchments and agricultural production. Being responsive to local needs and involving the community in our work is a significant part of this.
“We will continue working towards NSW Government priorities including work currently underway to update the Murrumbidgee Catchment Action Plan which will shortly be available for public comment. The draft plan aligns NSW Government programs associated with natural resource management as well as setting priorities for investment from all sectors.
“Local Land Services will be fully operational by January 2014. In the meantime, farmers and landholders will still be able to access existing services from the Murrumbidgee CMA,” said Ms Goonetilleke.