Grant Maudsley

Interim figures released late this afternoon by the Electoral Commission of Queensland indicate Southern Inland Queensland beef producer Grant Maudsley will be AgForce Queensland’s new General President.

Outgoing President Ian Burnett will hand over the reins to Mr Maudsley, a 3rd generation primary producer from Mitchell, after the AGM on November 25.

Mr Maudsley has been involved with AgForce for in excess of ten years, most recently as the Southern Inland Queensland President but prior to that for one term as AgForce Cattle President.

Drawing on his firsthand knowledge of primary production, Mr Maudsley said one of his main goals as General President will be to drive well-resourced policy platforms for the betterment of the agriculture industry.

“It is my own understanding and passion for the industry that has really motivated me to become involved in AgForce, and promote policies that will support our producers,” Mr Maudsley said.

“I am excited to be a part of an organisation that I believe is at the forefront of change and reflective of modern agriculture.”

Joining Grant at the helm of AgForce is new Vice President Georgina Somerset of Durong and Vice President/Treasurer Christine Rolfe of Springsure.

AgForce commodity boards have also undertaken successful elections and go forward with a mixture of new and established representatives. Beef grazier Anthony ‘Bim’ Struss from Mitchell has successfully contested the role vacated by Howard Smith, as Cattle President. Continuing in his role as Grains President, Wayne Newton from Dalby was elected unopposed. Traprock woolgrower Sandy Smith will take over from Richard Pietsch in leading the AgForce Sheep and Wool Board.

AgForce Chief Executive Officer, Charles Burke, said the new elected representatives, along with those who have retained their positions from last term, had a strong mix of expertise that would be fundamental to policy development that accurately reflects the needs of members.

He also acknowledged the work and commitment by the outgoing Executive and Councillors, and in particular, the retiring current General President Ian Burnett.

Mr Burke said that Mr Burnett has been a passionate and committed representative for AgForce for over a decade in many senior roles.

“AgForce is by far one of the strongest State Farming Organisations in the country and much of this success can be attributed to the depth of knowledge and expertise of our elected members,” Mr Burke said.

“We look forward to further building on this strength with the assistance of our new State Council and Commodity Boards as we continue to advocate for the best possible outcomes for the primary producers of this State.”

All new elected representatives will commence their duties after their respective AGM’s which will take place over the coming months.

The full preferential count for regional positions is still to come and a certificate of election will be available from the Electoral Commission of Queensland shortly.

Source: AgForce Queensland