WESTERN Australian producer body WAFarmers has urged wool growers to vote for change in the 2017 Australian Wool Innovation election.

In the lead-up to the AWI) annual general meeting on Friday November 17, WAFarmers has implored wool growers to make their vote count towards the election of Board directors.

Five candidates will contest three vacant positions on the Board, with three incumbent directors standing for re-election: Colette Garnsey, Paul Cocking and James Morgan. External candidate Don MacDonald and Will Wilson have also successfully nominated for the positions.

In voting papers sent to AWI shareholders, AWI’s board nomination committee has said the 2017 candidates are collectively of a high standard, and capable of making a contribution to the skills of the board in one or more areas. The committee has recommended Colette Garnsey, James Morgan and Will Wilson to shareholders on the basis that they are the candidates who, if accepted, would result in the board having “the best balance of director competencies”.

WAFarmers Livestock Section Vice President Steve McGuire said it was imperative that all growers have their say at this important time.

“It is absolutely critical that wool growers cast their vote this year, given recent controversial activities.

“Voters must familiarise themselves with the five candidates and their credentials so that they can cast an intelligent vote that will make a different to the Australian wool industry,” Mr McGuire said.

“Do not be complacent; this is important for the long-term future of the industry, and every vote counts.”

The WAFarmers Livestock Council encourages wool growers to consider casting their vote for Don MacDonald or Paul Cocking, “both of whom have said that they will stand up and change things for the betterment of the industry”, WA Farmers said.

“Mr MacDonald and Mr Cocking have indicated their intentions to really drive forward changes and challenge current structures and activities at AWI Board level,” Mr McGuire said.

Should voters not wish to fill out all the options on the election ballot, the WAFarmers Livestock Council encourages shareholders to mark the box giving their proxies to Don MacDonald.

Source: WAFarmers.