2019-08-22
Landcare NSW welcomed new members to the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) this week when the committee met for the first time at NSW Parliament House.
The meeting was conducted by the newly appointed Chair of PFL, Mr Dugald Saunders MP, Member for Dubbo. Also in attendance was the new Secretary/Treasurer, Ms Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina and the returning Deputy Chair, the Hon Mick Veitch, Member of the Legislative Council.
Mr Saunders, said it was an honour to be elected as Chair of PFL and help support its role in bringing together Members of Parliament from all parties who have a common interest in supporting the goals of Landcare.
Dr Adrian Zammit, CEO of Landcare NSW, expressed his appreciation to the new team and to all MPs who have joined the PFL.
"The PFL provides an avenue for Members of Parliament to connect with and offer support to Landcare at the state level and locally in suburbs, regional towns and farming communities," said Dr Zammit.
Ms Smith said she was excited to join Parliamentary Friends of Landcare and help spread awareness of the Landcare movement in the NSW Parliament.
"I have a great appreciation of the work that the Landcare and affiliate groups do in the Ballina electorate. We have over thirty groups all working for the betterment of our local landscape.
"They work along waterways, in agriculture and rainforests and I'm proud to be able to help represent their interests and help progress their goals in my role as Secretary and Treasurer for Parliamentary Friends of Landcare," she said.
Mr Saunders, Mr Veitch and Ms Smith said they encourage all MPs and MLCs who haven't already joined, to sign up to the PFL.
"Not only will local Landcare groups appreciate your support, but you will learn a lot and forge new connections throughout your communities," Ms Smith said.
Dr Zammit said he welcomed all the new Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Members and looked forward to building on the great work that has been achieved through the PFL in the past four years since its inception.
"Partnerships and bipartisan support for Landcare are crucial to sustaining a strong grassroots movement and strengthening Landcare's ties with our elected representatives is essential.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Hon Kevin Anderson MP for the significant contribution he has made to Landcare at the local, regional and state level as he takes on the portfolio of Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and Racing and leaves his role as Chair of the PFL," Dr Zammit said.