Queensland wool growers are being urged to make their votes count not only in the State Election but also at Australian Wool Innovation’s Annual General Meeting so they help set the future direction of their wool industry.
AgForce Sheep and Wool Board Director Jim McKenzie said it was imperative all wool growers have their say and personally vote on each of the resolutions by the 15 November deadline.
“Queensland’s sheep and wool industry has started to rebuild in recent years, so it’s even more important we make our voices heard at the national level by voting on the size and make-up of the AWI Board,” he said.
“Australian Wool Innovation is the industry’s research, development and marketing body and is funded by woolgrower levies with a revenue of $88 million last financial year so its Board has a powerful role to play in deciding where our industry heads into the future.
“Given the recent controversies involving AWI, it is absolutely critical that Queensland wool growers cast their vote this year rather than providing the meeting chair with their proxy.
“In recent years, less than 20 per cent of the wool industry has voted on AWI resolutions so we’d strongly encourage greater engagement from wool growers this time around.
“It’s time for wool growers to stand up and change things for the betterment of the industry.”
Mr McKenzie said AgForce’s view was that the number of members on the Board should stay unchanged at seven.
“Wool growers can vote for the candidate they want or vote against those they do not want, but we strongly advise against abstaining from voting as it is your only chance to influence the direction of AWI into the future,” he said.
All wool growers eligible to vote on the direction of AWI should have received a shareholder information pack by mail and can vote online by logging on to AWI’s Share Registry.
If the AWI voting ballot causes confusion, wool growers can call Link Market Services on 1800 113 373 for assistance.