Feds say Local Government Needs You

Feds say Local Government Needs You

With nominations for this year’s local authority elections opening on Friday, Federated Farmers is calling on farmers and other business-minded people to consider standing for election.

Federated Farmers’ Local Government spokesperson Katie Milne said it’s vitally important that we get good candidates to put themselves forward.

"Being a councillor is a challenging role but farmers can make a real difference on councils as they can inform and educate their colleagues and staff about what happens on-farm.

"This is crucial for getting sensible, workable outcomes," said Ms Milne.

The way local government is funded, through property value based rates, has a big impact on farms’ financial viability.

"The average farm now pays well over $10,000 per year in rates, which are often in the top ten farm expenses.

"As a fixed cost there is no way for farms to cut back, short of selling up, during downturns like the current one in the dairy industry," she says.

"One of the most important council functions is to manage natural resources, including water, land and air. The development and implementation of regional plans and policies can and does have huge impacts on the way farms are run."

"Farmers are also exposed to other council regulation like building and dog control - and bylaws for things like stock crossings and stock movement across and along roads.

"Councils also provide infrastructure and services of value for farmers and for the rest of the community. Roads are especially important for farms," she says.

Two weeks ago Federated Farmers launched its 2016 Local Government Manifesto.

"The Manifesto is a must read for anyone thinking of standing for council and not just for farmers. All aspiring candidates would do well to read a copy," Ms Milne said.

Nominations for the 2016 local authority elections open on Friday 15 July and close on at noon on Friday 12 August. Voting papers will be posted out from 16 September and they will need to be returned by noon on Saturday 8 October.

ENDS

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