Four candidates from Armidale are among the 27 who will vie for a spot on the board of the new Local Land Services. Polling booths open on Wednesday and a decision is expected the next day. Grazier David Pearson, veterinarian Nigel Scott, Armidale Dumaresq councillor Margaret O’Connor and Daryl Paull are the candidates from Armidale.

Their platforms include biosecurity, pest control, on-farm efficiency and natural resource management. Mr Pearson said his experience in farming and mining would offer farmers best outcomes in dealing with miners and competing land use.

“I am particularly interested in the wild dog and fox programs and I would like to see a more strategic approach to eliminating this increasing problem,” Mr Pearson said yesterday.

“I also hope to help guide development of LLS drought preparedness and response programs, particularly where they deliver greater on-farm efficiency in normal times.” Kellys Plains vet Nigel Scott said his main concerns were biosecurity and animal health.

If  elected, he would lobby hard for good vet services in rural areas.

“I’m also keen to maintain control programs, such as what we have for Ovine Johnes disease, to maintain disease-free livestock,” Mr Scott said. Cr O’Connor has been involved in primary production in the Tablelands since 1998. 

“Biosecurity and pest control are paramount but so is the survival of the agricultural sector itself,” she said.