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Livestock producers looking to restock warned of hidden health risks 


Landholders in the Western region are being reminded of the importance of doing their homework prior to restocking following recent rain events. 

With a majority of landholders in the Western region reducing their stock numbers in recent times due to ongoing dry conditions, many are looking to bolster their numbers after receiving rain over the last couple of months. 

With the high rate of movement of stock and supplementary feeding products both on and off the farm, our District Veterinarians are urging all livestock producers to keep good records and ensure the appropriate paperwork accompanies any transactions. 

Health statements can be accessed from the Farm Biosecurity website while your local vet and stock and station agent will be able to assist you in getting this organised. 

With handling, transport, cold weather and short green feed all being catalysts for stressors for livestock, particularly if they are young or pregnant, having suitable pre-transport and induction procedures in place is vital to ensuring stock remain healthy.

Landholders with questions relating to animal health should contact one of our District Vets: 
  • Charlotte Cavanagh, Bourke, 0429 773 021 or email
  • Trent McCarthy, Buronga, 0437 822 012 or email

"By getting the appropriate paperwork prior to taking delivery you are ensuring you are not introducing problems which could lead to bigger headaches down the track," Charlotte Cavanagh, Western LLS District Veterinarian. 

Drought package announcement from the NSW Government


Earlier this week the NSW Government announced a $355 million Emergency Drought Relief package, bringing the total funding to more than $1.8 billion across the state. 

As part of the latest package, $185 million will go towards on-farm drought support measures, including:
  • $50 million to waive Local Land Services rates
  • $70 million for transport subsidies (stock, fodder, water)
  • $30 million to waive fixed charges for NSW water licenses
  • $15 million for emergency water carting
  • $10 million to waive interest charges for Farm Innovation Fund loans. 
For further information about these and other drought support measures, visit the DroughtHub website

The NSW Government is continuing to support regional communities, businesses and workers experiencing the flow-on effects of the drought through a new regional economic stimulus package. 

One month left to submit your photos in the Life and Light competition


The 2019 Life and Light in the Western Region Photo Competition is well underway with some incredible images already entered.  

A total of $4,000 in prize money is up for grabs in the highly regarded competition which has been running for over 20 years and represents a great opportunity for amateur and professional photographers to participate. 

For those interested in entering, the fast facts are:
  • the theme is 'Beyond the dust' 
  • photos must be taken in the Western LLS region
  • photos taken after 1 January 2017 are eligible to be entered 
  • all photos must be submitted online through the Life and Light website
  • colour category (divisions for primary school, secondary school and open aged)
  • black and white category (divisions for primary school, secondary school and open aged)
  • professional category 
  • people's choice category (all photos automatically entered).
Highly acclaimed outback photographer Fiona Lake has come onboard as one of the judges in a major coup for the competition. Fiona has judged the competition previously and is pleased to be involved again. 

Entries for this year's competition close on 14 July. For more information contact Western Landcare's Local Landcare Coordinator, Sonia Carey on 0409 206 488 or via email
From previous Life and Light competitions - Loretta Mackenzie, Charli Smith, Jenna Shirt and Anika Molesworth. 

Pest animal forums a huge success


Last week, pest animal forums were held across the Western region at Bourke, Tilpa, Milparinka and Broken Hill.

Across the four events, approximately 150 people attended and were provided the latest research and information on projects involving the collaring of wild dogs, the DNA testing of wild dogs which provided details on their breeding lines, while feral pigs and pig control were other popular topics.   

If you were unable to attend one of these sessions and want information on pest animal control, contact your nearest Western LLS Biosecurity Officer on 1300 795 299.  

Wanaaring office opening dates for the months ahead

Over the next four months, our Biosecurity Officer, Brooke Anderson will be on deck in our Wanaaring office for a week at a time, like she has been since the start of the year. 

Brooke's planned dates to be in Wanaaring are:
  • 11 - 14 June 
  • 8 - 13 July 
  • 5 - 10 August 
  • 2 - 7 September. 
Outside of these dates, you can always contact Brooke on 0436 475 814 or email, and to contact another Biosecurity Officer phone 1300 795 299. 

There was a strong turnout at all four of the pest animal forums. The forums were run by a number of parties including the NSW Farmers Association, Western Landcare NSW, Western LLS, NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Wool Innovation. 

Making the decision to restock, when is the right time?


There are many factors that landholders need to consider when weighing up restocking their property following rain. 

Our Land Services Officer, Tanisha Shields has developed a one-page fact sheet which outlines some of the things landholders should consider when restocking their property. 
The fact sheet is available by clicking here and you can contact Tanisha for more info on 0447 642 131 or email

When making decisions around restocking there are many factors that landholders need to consider. 

Spring 2019 aerial baiting - time to express your interest! 


Every year, Western LLS coordinates two large scale programs for the baiting of wild dogs and other pest animals such as feral cats and foxes.

These programs involve aerial and ground baiting and occur during autumn and spring.

Landholders that have not participated in one of the programs before are now encouraged to contact their local Biosecurity Officer and express their interest in being involved in our upcoming spring program. 

Our Biosecurity Officers will be able to put you in touch with your closest Landcare or pest animal control group who assist in carrying out the baiting programs.

These community groups are great networks to be involved in and provide much more than just pest animal management.

If you have previously participated in our autumn or spring programs there is no need for you to express your interest again.

Expressions of interest are due by Friday, 28 June and an EOI form be accessed by clicking here


For further information contact Biosecurity Officer, Brooke Anderson on 0436 475 814 or via
email
The Tilpa pest animal control group collect their baits during a round of baiting in 2018. The strategic and coordinated baiting programs provide the best approach to the management of wild dogs.

Still time to tender for stock watering place leases


The deadline to tender for a stock watering place (SWP) lease in the Western LLS region is fast approaching.

Leases will be for a four and a quarter year term, from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2023.  

Tenders have been open since 27 May and close at 4.30 pm on Friday, 21 June 2019.

Tender applications must be submitted on the approved tender form, which is included in the SWP lease tender pack, along with a list of SWPs available for lease and more information on lease terms and conditions. 

The SWP lease tender pack is available on the Western LLS website and can be picked up from any Western LLS office. 

For further information or assistance with SWP lease tenders, contact Senior Land Services Officer, Kerryn Hart on (03) 5021 9401 or via email


Tenders will only be accepted for the permitted use of watering and grazing livestock, or conservation. 

Annual Land and Stock Returns coming to a mailbox near you


Annual Land and Stock Returns (ALSR) will be dispatched next week and should be arriving in mailboxes at the end of this month or early July. 

ALSR information helps LLS protect NSW against pests, diseases and environmental threats and is invaluable in the event of an emergency or a biosecurity event such as a pest or disease outbreak. 

The ALSR is essentially a 'farm census' with all stock six months or older on your property as of 30 June to be counted. Pigs of any age should be counted, as well as flocks of 100 or more poultry. 

It is important landholders lodge an ALSR, even if they are a nil return. 

All the information will be included in the mailout and you can visit the
ALSR section
on our website. 

ALSR help to keep Australia's markets open and maintain its 'clean and green' reputation. 

Tree planting day at the Euston Public School to help the Regent Parrot


Last week, approximately 80 students from the Euston Public School pitched in to help spread mulch and plant 125 native plants in the school grounds, which will create a food source for the local population of the endangered Regent Parrot. 

A little known fact is that Euston is the only township in NSW that has breeding colonies of Regent Parrot nearby.

Several small flocks were sighted flying across the school grounds throughout the afternoon, generating plenty of excitement.

Getting the students involved and enthusiastic about the Regent Parrot has assisted with raising the profile of the species, and the t-shirt that all participants received will help with recognition of the species.

This project is in a partnership with the Office of Environment and Heritage, funded through the Saving Our Species program, with BMEET engaged to conduct the on-ground works and Eggpicnic supplying the image.

Fourth and final update on the Northern Fish Flow


The latest updated from the Commonwealth Environment Water Office regarding the Northern Fish Flow is now available by clicking here

This is the fourth and final update on the flow event that has been released. Further updates can be found on the Department of Environment and Energy's website by clicking here.


An overview of the Northern Fish Flow can also be found on the website or by clicking here


With welcomed support from irrigator groups, the flow has supported local river communities, contributing to town water and basic stock and domestic water supplies, as well as giving wellbeing and recreation benefits.

Dates for the diary

 
 
Managing outback floodplains (Tilpa)
 
What: This workshop will give landholders an understanding of how floodplains function and the threatening processes that dehydrate floodplains. Prevention and restoration techniques will be discussed and an inspection of previous earthworks will be undertaken in the afternoon. Presenters include:
  • Hugh Pringle is a rangeland ecologist with extensive knowledge and practice in rehydrating semi-arid floodplains throughout the world. He will present on floodplain function and the processes that threaten the productivity and health of floodplains. 
  • Martia Pearson is conducting PhD research on gully erosion along the Darling river and the affects this has on floodplain and river health. She will be presenting her latest research in this area.
  • Paul Theakston is our Rangeland Rehabilitation Officer and works throughout the Western region. He will be presenting on the techniques landholder's can use to rehydrate the landscapes they manage.
When and where: 
"Kallara Station", Tilpa. Property hosts are Justin and Julie McClure. Tuesday, 25 June. 
More information: Rangeland Rehabilitation Officer, Paul Theakston on 0428 259 231 or email
We are running these workshops through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.


 
Grazing naturally workshops (Booligal and Cobar)
 
What: The workshop series will offer landholders insights into landscape management options that will help to increase production, improve the properties natural resource base, provide greater biodiversity and enhance the resilience of the property. The highly regarded Dick Richardson has been engaged to run the workshop series. 
When and where: 
Booligal - 26 June. Commence at 9 am at "Woorandera". Property host is Gordon Turner. 
Cobar - 28 June. Commence at 9 am at "Osterley Downs". Property host is Rob Chambers. 
More information: RSVP by 24 June to Land Services Officer, Andrea Cashmere on 0417 050 138 or email
We are running these workshops through Catchment Action NSW funding. 

 
National Carbon Farming Conference & Expo  (Albury)
 
What: The theme for this year's conference and expo is "It's Time". Time for farmers to understand how to access the carbon market, time for innovations to come forward, time to stand up and shout "Farmers are the heroes of climate action."
When and where: 
Albury, 5 - 8 August
More info: Visit the conference and expo website. 
 

2019 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services conference (Broken Hill)
 
What: For the first time in its 20 year history this conference is heading to the far west! Make your way to Broken Hill where you will find some of the most passionate, innovative and engaging people from across Australia. 
When and where: 
Broken Hill, 22-24 October. Registration is now open - early bird special rate available until 30 June.  
More info: Visit the conference website or contact Conference Manager, Bradley Hayden on 0412 461 392.
Keep Western LLS updated with your details

If you have changed your address, phone number, e-mail address or recently sold your property then we want to hear from you. 

Please advise us of any change to your details via email or by calling one of our friendly Customer Service Officers:
  • Lauren Standen (Balranald/Hillston regions) on (03) 5020 1691
  • Mandy McKay (Broken Hill/Wilcannia/Tibooburra region) on (08) 8087 3378
  • Meredith Brands (Cobar/Brewarrina/Bourke/Wanaaring regions) on (02) 6836 2081 
  • Kristie Scott (Buronga/Wentworth regions) on (03) 5021 9400.
We can also assist you with:
  • information about property transfers
  • applying for new Property Identification Codes (PICs)
  • changing PIC managership 
  • applying for brands marks and routine stock movement permits 
  • assisting with Annual Land and Stock Returns.
Further information can be found on our website by clicking here.
 
Until next time...

Thanks for reading our June newsletter, please hit reply or contact your local Western LLS office for further information on any of the items.

Please forward this newsletter onto anyone who would benefit or enjoy seeing what has been happening in the Western region.
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Western Local Land Services 
Web: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/western
Freecall: 1300 795 299






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