POSITION STATEMENTS
See below for the RLA's position on the following issues
- Food and Fibre in the Capital
- RLA's Business/strategic plan
OUR HISTORY
The association celebrated it’s 100th anniversary in 2011, two years before Canberra’s centenary in 2013. Mr Geoff Hyles, Honorary Lifetime Member formerly of “Castle Hill” and “Kambah Station” has undertaken extensive research into the history of farming in the Territory and the following is a snapshot. |
In response to the Federal Government's plan to acquire all the land for the proposed National Capital, in 1911 the Vigilance Association was formed by local farmers and there has been a continuity of farmer associations from then to the present day. The first Lessees’ Association was formed on March 1 1919 but it faded with the increased influence of soldier settlers and their desire to stick together. The second Rural Lessees’ Association commenced on January 28 1926, but with so many away fighting bushfires, the inaugural meeting was rescheduled for February 11 1926. |
The association was central in the negotiations with the ACT Government under Chief Minister Kate Carnell that led to 99 year lease tenure for rural land. The first 99 year leases were signed in 2000. Soon after, the Association changed its name to ACT Rural Landholders' Association Inc to reflect the increased respect for our land title.
OUR MANAGEMENT
The association has an executive of 4 elected office holders and a committee of an additional 11 elected members to actively assist in the association’s work. The association meets 4 times per year including an annual general meeting, with the committee meeting around 8 times per year.
In advance of each general meeting, the president provides members with access to an agenda and brief report outlining the activities and actions undertaken, plus the treasurer’s statement outlining the status of financial accounts for the quarter. At the annual general meeting a full year’s report is provided.
Roles and responsibilities
1. President
-
leading the association and being it’s primary spokesperson
-
calling meetings and appointing meeting chair, signing correspondence and endorsing the records and materials prior to publication
-
deciding actions and activities with rights to delegation for assistance
- has the determining vote in event of a decision impasse.
- supporting the duties of the president
- tracking and completion of actions arising from meetings and activities
- quality control of public materials
- acting as president as and when required, the potential president elect.
- being the Public Officer as per the requirements of the ACT’s legislation
- maintaining the association records
- capturing meeting decisions, upkeep of tracking sheets, and disseminating draft meeting records in a timely manner
- monitoring the email info@actrural.org inbox and emailing relevant person for action within 24 hours, for response to sender within 36 hours.
-
maintaining the financial records
- managing the monetary accounts and ensuring financial solvency
- meeting the requirements of the ACT’s legislation
- engaging an auditor as and when required.
- bringing potential issues and solutions to the attention of the executive in a timely way
- contributing to the activities and work of the association
- attending the majority of meetings each year.
- paying annual fees
- involving themselves in the meetings and activities each year
- appointing a proxy as and when required.