BOGGABILLA grain and cattle producer Peter Mailler is no stranger to politics.

He has, in the past, actively sought political reform for rural and regional Australia through various political and social mechanisms.

Mr Mailler, a third-generation farmer, holds a degree in agricultural science, is a fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He has experience dealing with all levels of government through various roles in rural advocacy and commercial pursuits.

Mr Mailler also has an extensive background in agronomy, finance and broader agricultural consultancy and contracting services to both growers and industry stakeholders and is highly regarded across all sectors of agriculture.

He was born in Moree and currently farms between Boomi and Boggabilla.

Mr Mailler said the chief reason he agreed to stand for Moree Plains Shire Council at the upcoming September 14 local government elections, was to address issues with the rural road network.

“Moree Plains Shire receives the highest level of farmland rates in New South Wales and has the longest road network in the State,” Mr Mailler said.

“Inconceivably, Moree Plains Shire Council allocates a considerably smaller proportion of its revenue to roads annually in comparison to other regional councils.

Peter Mailler also has an extensive background in agronomy, finance and broader agricultural consultancy (Image Supplied).

“The result is a rural road network that is no longer fit for purpose and, in many instances, unsafe. “Undermining agriculture through the decline in road infrastructure will ultimately undermine the prosperity of the entire shire,” he said.

Mr Mailler said Moree Plains Shire encompasses a huge area of New South Wales.

“The focus of the Council must extend beyond Moree and its immediate surrounds,” he argues.

“The majority of the Council’s rate revenue comes from rural ratepayers and it is essential the interests of those ratepayers are understood and equitably served by the Council.

“Earlier this year, I attended a Council meeting where road expenditure was discussed. It was obvious there was a disconnect between the attitude of Council and the needs of the constituents who pay the largest proportion of Council’s rates.

“This is one of the reasons I agreed to stand,” Mr Mailler said.

Mr Mailler is a prolific commentator on all aspects of agriculture.

He was Grain Producers Australia chairman from 2010 to early 2013, Conservation Farmers chairman (2009-December, 2012) and Grains Research Foundation director between 2007 and 2010.

“I think about things slightly differently to most people and diversity is essential in successful organisations,” Mr Mailler said.

“I also think ideas and practices should be frequently and robustly challenged, including my own.”

Words: Bill Poulos