mmg.com.au

Regional councils are still seeking answers on the proposed formation of Local Land Services, despite questioning three sitting NSW Parliament members about it this month.

Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils chair Terry Hogan said the only assurance councils received at its recent meeting in Jerilderie was that LLS consultation meetings are under way.

Member for Murray-Darling John Williams, Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli and Member for Albury Greg Aplin could provide no further information.

Councils, community groups, farmers, organisations and other community members will demand answers about the proposed super organisation — which will merge the Department of Primary Industries, Catchment Management Authority and Livestock Health and Pest Authority — at a meeting in Deniliquin this morning.

Members of the LLS reference panel, including chair Dr John Keniry, will host the consultation workshop at the Deniliquin RSL Club from 9am to noon.

Cr Hogan said the lack of information on the proposed super organisation, which was first revealed in October, was concerning.

‘‘One issue on most peoples’ minds at the (RAMROC) meeting was Local Land Services,’’ he said.

‘‘There are still a lot of unknowns.

‘‘There is a community concensus that there has been a duplication of services, but there is also a concensus that we do not want the services we are getting to be withdrawn or disappear.’’

Deniliquin Deputy Mayor Ashley Hall said RAMROC delegates were ‘‘very vocal’’ about the proposed LLS.

He said they were assured that the proposal was still ‘‘a work in progress’’

Since being revealed last year, the Pastoral Times has learned at least seven of the eight jobs servicing the region from Deniliquin’s DPI office will be cut as a result of LLS.

At least 15 permanent Murray CMA positions from across Deniliquin, Buronga and Albury are also expected to be cut.

The impact the changes will have on research funding and the retention of services and offices is still unknown.

In addition to the consultation meetings, comments on LLS will be accepted www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices.