The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP

Minister for Primary Industries

Minister for Small Business

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson today officially opened the new North Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority office at Grafton.

The North Coast LHPA has moved its Grafton office from Victoria Street to a new purpose built office co-located with the depot at South Grafton.

Katrina Hodgkinson, who was joined by the Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, at the opening, said the new office brings all local services together at one site.

“Rangers will no longer need to travel to a separate depot location to undertake everyday tasks such as bait preparation for foxes and wild dogs and the district veterinarian will also be able to do on-site post mortems for animals brought to the office,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Being only a block away from the local saleyards makes it easy for staff to carry out livestock inspections or issue permits without needing to travel across town.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring LHPAs deliver first class frontline health services for livestock in this State.”

Chris Gulaptis said the new location offers greater convenience and efficiencies for the local community.

“Moving the office into the current depot location means ratepayers will now have the convenience of a 'one stop shop' at the Mulgi Drive site," Mr Gulaptis said.

“Free parking at the new site is an added benefit for ratepayers, as there was only limited metered parking at the old CBD office.”

During the official opening, Katrina Hodgkinson presented long service certificates to 10 staff who have served the LHPA for up to 25 years.

“It has been great to visit Grafton to meet with the community members who use the services provided by the North Coast LHPA as well as the dedicated staff members who deliver these key programs and assistance measures,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“It takes commitment and a love of agriculture to make a career out of providing important services for the local community for up to a quarter of a century and I congratulate staff on their efforts and dedication.”

Further information on the North Coast LHPA is available at www.lhpa.org.au/districts/northcoast