Former Townsville Mayor Les Tyrell appointed new NQ Dry Tropics Chair
The NQ Dry Tropics Board has a new Chair, following the appointment of Les Tyrell OAM, former Mayor of Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils. He takes over from Mark Stoneman AM, who served with distinction in the role for more than eight years.
The NQ Dry Tropics Board is responsible for ensuring that the not-for profit organisation is soundly managed and on course to achieve its vision, which is to support rural and urban communities to sustainably manage land and water resources across a region that covers eight per cent of Queensland’s land area.
Les said he was looking forward to the challenge of leading the organisation, which acts as a vital link bringing together landowners, community groups, industry, research bodies, and all levels of government.
“It is important that we form partnerships to provide sustainable land management, clean waterways and protection of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. I look forward to working with landowners, governments and the community to ensure our natural resources are sustainably managed in the NQ Dry Tropics area,” he said.
Outgoing Chairman Mark Stoneman said that he had greatly enjoyed his eight-year stint, and that with Les’s appointment, NQ Dry Tropics was in capable hands.
“It would be difficult to find someone with a greater understanding of the region and its people than Les Tyrell, or one who has a such a long track record of working with those communities and governments at all levels, and I am delighted that he has agreed to continue that work for the region.” Mr Stoneman concluded.
Main photo: (L) New NQ Dry Tropics Chairperson Les Tyrell with outgoing Chairperson Mark Stoneman (R).