In this issue... 

• Important update regarding emergency animal diseases
• Emergency animal disease information sessions
• Don’t forget to complete your ALSR
• Varroa mite update for beekeepers
• Is your farm biosecurity plan up to date? We can help you at one of our workshops
• Why is livestock traceability important?
• Coordinated feral pig control
• Join our board!
• Funding available to protect streams within the region
• Another barrier removed for our native fish
• Rare wattle shines bright
• Join the NSW Environmental Markets Leadership Program
• Are you monitoring your soils?
• Lamb marking “to do” list
• Farm planning course in Molong
• Chilean needle grass information day - Woodstock
• Funding and Tips
• Events - Get involved
• Handy links

NEW SECURE ONLINE FORM AVAILABLE
Your Annual Land and Stock Return is due at the end of the month!

We rely on your information when an emergency or biosecurity outbreak occurs. With the detection of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease in Indonesia recently, it is important landholders be extra vigilant.

Your support is essential to protect NSW’s clean reputation and ensure ongoing market access. By filling in your return, you help to build a picture of agricultural land use and livestock numbers across NSW. 

This combined effort assists in monitoring flocks and herds for emergency animal diseases. It also ensures we have the right information when emergencies like floods or bushfires strike to support you with emergency fodder, yards or shelter. 

Unfortunately, we know some customers have been experiencing issues accessing our Annual Land and Stock Return portal, due to problems with the CAPTCHA technology. We have good news! We have built a new secure online form so you can still lodge your return online. If you have been having issues with the portal and still want to lodge your return online please use the new web form available at: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/alsr 

You will need  

• Your total number of livestock, including any ‘pets’  
• Your Holding Reference Number (you can find this in the top right corner of the paper ALSR form mailed to you recently).  

The online form is easy to complete and asks the same questions as the paper form.

If you have any problems with the new web form, please call our team on 1300 795 299.   

Many landholders don’t have any livestock and utilise their property for horticulture and cropping or enjoy their property for its biodiversity and lifestyle value. We still need you to complete your return to ensure you do not occur additional livestock charges on your rates and to make certain our records are up to date in case of emergencies 

Please note that Annual Land and Stock Return numbers do not affect your Local Land Services rates as these are calculated on the Notional Carrying Capacity of each property. However, you must complete your return by 31 August, to avoid additional charges being applied to your rates next year.  

For more information, visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/alsr 

HIVE MOVEMENT DECLARATIONS
Registered commercial beekeepers can now submit a Hive Movement Declaration to move their honeybees and hives in low risk areas of the state.
 
The plan has been carefully developed through a risk-based approach to enable business continuity and critical pollination services for registered commercial beekeepers in certain parts of NSW.
 
For details on how to submit a declaration and other information including latest news, FAQs and resources, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa

NOW IS THE TIME TO REVIEW 
Practicing good biosecurity every day prevents unwanted pests, disease, weeds and contaminants to your property, spreading around your property, or spreading from your property. 
 
It's never been a better time to revisit your biosecurity plan and implement simple everyday practices to help protect your property from biosecurity risks.  
 
Think about what you can do to minimise the risk of introducing disease, pest and weeds. The actual management practices you implement will vary depending on several factors. Key things you should be looking at include: 
 
Livestock movements 
Livestock can spread diseases, pests and weeds from your property and put the status or productivity of the entire region or industry at risk. Ensure animals are fit to travel and that your records are up to date. Traceability via the NLIS (National Livestock Identification System) is a crucial factor in containing impacts of disease outbreaks.  
 
Property access  
Visitors can unknowingly carry diseases, pests and weeds on their clothes and vehicles. Conduct risk assessments for all people moving on and off your property including agents, shearers, etc and implement actions to reduce any risk.  
 
Pest animal management  
Feral animals are a widespread nuisance that can spread diseases, so they need to be actively controlled. Develop a program to protect your property, and work with your neighbours to implement a coordinated approach for your local community. 
 
You can create or update your farm biosecurity plan via www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/toolkit 

Over the coming weeks we will be running a series of farm biosecurity planning workshops across the region to help you assess biosecurity risks and help you plan steps to address them. 

Each workshop will be delivered by staff with expertise in farm hygiene, pests and weeds, and animal biosecurity. We will help you review your existing plan or develop a new one to help protect your farm and your future. 

ACCURATE RECORD KEEPING INVALUABLE IN A BIOSECURITY OUTBREAK
Tracing is critical to determining where infected animals have moved to or come from. The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) was created to allow rapid animal tracing. Our staff work with livestock owners and saleyard operators to make the data on the NLIS database as accurate as possible. 
 
In the face of a disease outbreak, government and industry can use the NLIS to trace and rapidly detect ‘at risk’ stock. This helps to minimise the cost of an outbreak and allows trade to resume more quickly.
 
For more information about moving and selling livestock visit these links:
NLIS: 8-step guide to moving & selling sheep and goats
NLIS - 8 step guide to moving and selling cattle
8-Step guide to moving and selling pigs

PARTICIPATE IN A LOCAL CONTROL PROGRAM
With diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease on Australia’s doorstep, which have the potential to spread through feral pigs, we’re encouraging landholders to sign up to local group control programs.   

Each year we coordinate hundreds of group control programs using a variety of tools including aerial shooting, coordinated baiting and trapping. 

The more landholders who are actively participating in these group control programs, the more effective they are at reducing pest animal populations 

Landholders looking for advice on pest animal control or wanting to take part in group control programs can contact their closest Local Land Services office by calling 1300 795 299.  

RECRUITMENT CLOSES 30 AUGUST
Are you passionate about securing the future of agriculture and the environment for NSW? 

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for two people, from all walks of life, to join our Central Tablelands region local board.   

We take great pride in working with people focused on the long-term sustainability of our natural resources and agricultural industries. Our local boards connect us with landholders and communities to identify the issues and services relevant to your region’s needs.  

Given the diversity of our rural communities, we are interested in applicants who reflect the diversity of our region and primary industries.  

Our board members offer their experience and knowledge to strengthen Local Land Services to strategically deliver services focused on:  

• agricultural production  
• biosecurity  
• natural resource management  
• animal welfare 
• emergency management  
• sustainable land management. 

If you share our commitment to growing productive and sustainable communities in NSW, we want to hear from you. Together, we can strengthen Local Land Services for the future. 

You can read more about these exciting roles and how to apply in our Board Member Recruitment Pack available here www.lls.nsw.gov.au/board-recruitment 

Recruitment closes 30 August 2022. 

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SOUGHT
Are you looking to better manage streams that run through your property? We’re seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from landholders looking to protect and enhance named streams within the Central Tablelands.
 
Activities eligible for financial assistance include, but are not limited to; 

• Fencing to manage stock access to land adjacent to waterways 
• Alternative water points where stock access to water will be lost due to new fencing 
• Planting native trees and shrubs to enhance land adjacent to waterways 

For landholders that live within the Northern Basin (all land that contributes to the catchment off Burrendong Dam or the Macquarie River downstream of Dam), round two of the NSW Fencing Northern Basin Riverbanks Program is now open. Further information about the program, including a map, program guidelines and how to sign up regular program updates, can be found at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/fnbr.  
Expressions of Interest close on Friday 26 August 2022. 
 
For landholders within the Southern Basin (catchments of the Abercrombie or Lachlan Rivers) or Eastern Basin (catchment areas that flow towards the east coast) please visit our website for details of how to submit and EOI for our Stream Protection project.

IMPROVING MIGRATION IN OUR RIVERS
In recent years with drought and flood affecting our native fish populations, it is increasingly important to tip the balance in the favour of our native fish.
 
Many streams contain barriers to fish passage that severely impact movement and migration - a critical part of their life cycle with some species migrating over thousands of kilometres.
 
Unimpeded access along waterways allows fish to access food and shelter, avoid predators and to find mates increasing the genetic diversity of their populations. Fish barriers can take many forms with road crossings being the most common.
 
In April, an old concrete crossing in the Mandagery Creek near Cudal that was no longer being used was removed. The crossing was on a Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR) and was a barrier to native fish. By removing it there is now 107km of unimpeded fish passage in the Mandagery Creek all the way to the Lachlan River. 
 
After talking to all the adjacent landholders who supported the project, we successfully applied for a Fish Habitat Action Grant.
 
The crossing was built on top of bedrock which made it an ideal location for the crossing but also made the removal easier. The Soil Conservation Service removed the crossing with minimal disturbance to the creek and only after a few months since the crossing was removed it is hard to see any evidence of the crossing or the removal. 
 
The creek was also fenced off from the rest of the TSR. This allows the creek and a buffer area to be grazed differently to the rest of the TSR or paddock. The natural regeneration of trees, shrubs, reeds and many other plants that are important to the health of our creeks and rivers will increase as well. 
 
As a part of the project, several woody weeds and a priority (noxious) weed called Giant Reed (Arundo donax) were controlled as well. Giant Reed is extremely hard to control once established and is a major problem in the Hunter and Greater Sydney area. 
 
This project will increase native fish numbers, many of which are popular species for recreational fishers and several threatened native fish populations including Southern Purple Spotted Gudgeon and Eel-tailed catfish. 
 
This project is another great example of Local Land Services, DPI Fisheries and the Soil Conservation Service working together to protect our natural landscapes and the threatened native species that rely on them.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SPOT THIS BEAUTY
It may not feel like there is much spring in the air yet, but around us the wattles are feeling the love and getting on with spring. With close to 1,000 species of wattles there is one species that is synonymous with the Central Tablelands. That is the Barradam-bang wattle, meaning bright star in the Wiradjuri language or the Acacia meiantha if you like a bit of Latin. 
 
The Barradam-bang wattle is known from only three separate locations (Clarence, Mullions Range and Aarons Pass) all around 100 kilometres from each other. With another possible population located near Hargraves it is the perfect time to don your citizen science khakis and get looking for this species. 
 
It grows only to around two metres, with green/brown bark and straight phylodes (or leaves). It often suckers so there may be many plants within a small area. It grows within forests and woodland within a wide range of soil types.
 
The Barradam-bang wattle is just beginning to flower now and will go till around October so over the next month or two is the best time to find it.
 
For a detailed description of the species read the Acacia meiantha profile. There is also a fact sheet for the species with more info at Barradam-bang Factsheet 
 
If you want to get involved in looking for this species iNaturalist allows you to take a photo and report it on the app. The information gathered through the app, can then be shared with the community with identification of the species confirmed. It’s a great way to hone your ID skills while helping scientists with research. 

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
Together with Ethical Fields, we are seeking applications for a new program aimed at simplifying the world of natural capital and environmental markets.

The Environmental Markets Leadership Program supports land managers and farmers to identify, market and benefit from the natural capital and environmental services they provide to society through sustainable land management and environmental stewardship.  

The program will help participants better understand and participate in the world of environmental markets, creating a network of supportive peers who will participate in interactive and case-based online learning over a period of two years. 

The Environmental Markets Leadership Program team is now taking registrations from interested land managers and farmers across NSW. For more information or to register your interest visit the Environmental Markets Leadership Program website. 

PASTURE OFFICER CLARE EDWARDS EXPLAINS WHY YOU SHOULD BE
Landholders ask for help with making decisions about soil health and, in particular, soil nutrition. A default we use to monitor our soil nutrition health is by using soil tests.

Soil nutrition or soil fertility is just one of three interrelated components of soil health. The physical nature of the soil and the soil biology are the other two factors. All three can have positive and negative impacts on each other. 

Read Clare's soil health summary of 641 paddocks that were tested as part of soil and health workshops across our region since 2015. 

To register for upcoming soil and pasture health workshops in Bathurst or Mudgee, visit our events section for details. 

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND
We have suddenly reached that time of year where sheep producers are either in the midst of lamb marking or it’s on the list of upcoming jobs.  

Lamb marking is important in setting up the health of the animal, and if done poorly has the potential to result in disease outbreaks.

Key things to keep in mind are - 

TAKE YOUR PROPERTY TO WHERE YOU WANT IT TO BE
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your property and its resources is vital to business and property sustainability.

We are running a two-day course in Molong that focuses on soil and water management, biodiversity, vegetation, production, farm biosecurity and basic financials – all key ingredients to help you take your property from where it is now, to where you want it to be.
 
This course will provide you with technical support to help you: 

• Develop knowledge and skills to increase profits 
• Develop new and valuable contacts to assist you 
• Build resilience to withstand future climate variability 
• Manage your risks proactively  
• Analyse options within your property 
• Objectively develop a plan based on sound information 

 
For more information and to reserve your spot, click on the link in the event section of this newsletter.

WORKING TOGETHER TO PREVENT THE SPREAD
Chilean needle grass is currently listed in the Central Tablelands Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017-22 as a Regional Priority Weed - Containment, and is also a Weed of National Significance. 
 
This invasive perennial grass has been present in the community for a long time, but recent favourable weather conditions are leading to extremely rapid establishment events.
 
Together with Cowra Council we are working with local landholders and other key stakeholders to try to prevent increasing establishment in the area and utilise best practice management on Council owned areas, as well as using local knowledge to help identify infestations so we can target management in spring.
 
On Tuesday 9 August, we’ll be hosting a Chilean needle grass information day in Woodstock where local contractors, landholders experienced with Chilean needle grass, Local Land Services staff and bordering Council Biosecurity Officers will be available discuss efficient strategies to combat this weed together. 
 
Information about the management of sticky nightshade - which has moved rapidly from the core infestation area and is increasingly being identified in Woodstock properties – and other priority weeds like blackberry, St Johns wort, coolatai grass and silverleaf nightshade will also be available. 
 
Details and booking links can be found in the events section of this newsletter.

Image - H Rose

EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE INFORMATION SESSION - MUDGEE
Local Land Services are running workshops where our expert staff will provide information and advice to help producers recognise the signs of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, along with advice on prevention.
Monday 8 August 2022

CHILEAN NEEDLE GRASS INFO DAY – WOODSTOCK
Chilean Needle Grass is currently listed in the Central Tablelands Strategic Weed Management Plan 2017-22 as a Regional Priority Weed - Containment, and is also a Weed of National Significance. This invasive perennial grass has been present in the community for a long time, but recent favourable weather conditions are leading to extremely rapid establishment events. Information about other weeds like sticky nightshade will also be covered on the day.
Tuesday 9 August 2022
 
EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE INFORMATION SESSION - BLAYNEY
Local Land Services are running workshops where our expert staff will provide information and advice to help producers recognise the signs of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, along with advice on prevention.
Monday 8 August 2022

PASTURE QUALITY AND LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCE - WEBINAR
How ‘good’ are pastures this year? Join us at this webinar to find out! Some producers this season have been concerned about the apparent lack of ‘guts’ in pastures. Brett Littler (Central Tablelands Local Land Services) and Matt Lieschke (South East Local Land Services) will present and discuss some recent feed test results from Tablelands pastures, highlight any potential issues and what it all means in terms of managing pastures and livestock.
Monday 15 August 2022

NATIONAL LANDCARE CONFERENCE – DARLING HARBOUR
Over 700 people have registered, are you one of them? We are expecting 500 guests for the National Landcare Awards gala dinner. We have delegates attending the event in Sydney, and also online as virtual delegates. 
Tuesday 23 – Thursday 25 August 2022
 
FARM PLANNING COURSE – MOLONG
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your property and its resources is vital to business and property sustainability. This course focuses on soil and water management, biodiversity, vegetation, production, farm biosecurity and basic financials. 
Day 1 – Thursday 25 August, Day 2 – Thursday 1 September 2022

SOIL HEALTH AND PASTURE WORKSHOPS - BATHURST AND MUDGEE
Join us for a workshop on understanding soil and pasture health. Learn about soil fertility, testing, and impacts on pasture production and sustainability. 
Friday 2 September 2022 - Bathurst
Monday 5 September 2022 - Mudgee