My name is Stuart Burge, I live on a small farm at Numeralla and I am seeking to be re-elected to the Board of the South East Local Land Services.

I believe that I have the necessary knowledge and experience to again undertake this important responsibility.

I am probably best known throughout the region in my professional capacity as an experienced agronomist firstly as a previous District Agronomist at Cooma for many years and more recently since 1995 as an independent private agronomist.

During this considerable time period I have come to know and appreciate first-hand the issues that confront all landowners, both large and small, on a daily basis not only in terms of farm productivity and profitability but also the key importance of biosecurity, natural resource management and biodiversity conservation.

This includes weeds, feral animals, wild dogs, water quality, native vegetation policy and animal health: all important issues that are relevant to and impacted by LLS.

Importantly I would like to emphasise too that I have considerable experience working with industry, government and other partners in providing regional service delivery including such organisations as MLA, AWI, CSIRO, NSW DPI and of course within LLS itself.

While many have questioned my wisdom/sanity in seeking re-election, I am doing so because I am absolutely committed to ensuring that this organisation is a success.

Understandably I am fully familiar with all of the many issues, both internal and external, facing LLS and I am therefore able to ‘hit the ground running’ if re-elected. Indeed, this need for continuity and consolidation in the face of so much change together with my practical experience and empathy with the local farming community is one of the main reasons for my standing again.

I ask for your support in re-electing me to the Board of SE LLS and I look forward to the challenge on your behalf.