Hunter land managers are being urged to play their part in protecting the region's $1.2 billion agricultural industry from biosecurity threats by completing their Annual Land and Stock Returns.
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Land managers have until 31 August to complete their annual Return, which helps Local Land Services maintain vital market access for NSW livestock producers.
The Annual Land and Stock Return process is a census for livestock on June 30 each year that allows Local Land Services to build a statewide biosecurity picture of agricultural land use and livestock numbers.
Land managers of properties 10 hectares or more who pay Local Land Services rates, or have a Property Identification Code are required to complete an Annual Land and Stock Return.
General Manager Brett Miners said it was important to complete an Annual Land and Stock Return - even if land managers don't have any stock.
“Annual Land and Stock Returns are an important tool in ensuring NSW produce is free of many of the pests and diseases found in other parts of the world,” Mr Miners said.
“It is essential that our landholders lodge their returns so that we can improve the level of animal health security and maintain access for Australian produce to many of our international markets,” he said.
The information collected is also invaluable in the event of a natural disaster or emergency disease outbreak affecting livestock, such as avian influenza or Hendra virus which could threaten our local and national economy.
“By knowing where our stock numbers are across the region, along with the stock identification and traceability systems already in place, our capacity to respond in times of emergency is greatly improved,” Mr Miners said.
“Effective animal biosecurity and welfare is insurance to maintain market access for livestock producers, now and in the future,” he said.
Approximately 155,000 Annual Land and Stock Returns were distributed to land managers across NSW at the end of June, including 19,000 land managers in the Hunter.
Land managers must include all stock six months of age or older, regardless of whether it belongs to the landholder, is agisted or on the property for any other reason. Pigs of any age should be counted, as well as flocks of 100 or more poultry.
Returns are due by August 31 and can be lodged online at hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au/livestock/land-and-stock-returns.
If the Annual Land and Stock Return isn’t lodged by August 31, an animal health rate and meat industry levy will automatically be applied to next year’s rates notice.
For more information land managers should contact their nearest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 or visit www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au.
