The NSW Government’s Drought Relief Package, announced in 2018, included a special waiver for LLS rates for this year, providing relief for drought-affected rural and regional landholders.

While rates are a vital source of income for LLS, it is important at this time to provide full support to landholders who are focusing on getting back on their feet following one of the worst droughts on record.

LLS provides a vital service and I know many landholders have found their help invaluable in the past year.

The work of biosecurity officers and district vets is essential for the region’s agricultural industry and wider landscape health, particularly when the land itself is struggling to recover from drought.

The rates waiver will still mean that landholders will have access to technical experts, training and programs to help them manage their land and meet legal obligations.

Our work in supporting traceability systems such as the National Livestock Identification System means markets remain confident in our ‘clean and green’ reputation.

Additionally, the biosecurity and surveillance programs run by LLS limit and prevent the incursions of pests and diseases.

AUSTRALIA is a diverse country when it comes to weather, as seen in the past few months.

Floods up north and major fires down south have been devastating communities across the land.

While we have been lucky not to have experienced the same, we need to be aware of the risks.

I’d like to remind people to make sure they’ve prepared their homes for the remainder of the bushfire season, and know what to do if they’re affected by floods or storms.

Getting ready involves five simple steps:

Visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/getready