I'd like to encourage seniors to pick up a free copy of the 'Legal topics for older people' diary from my Bathurst Electorate office on Howick Street. It aims to help you understand your rights under the law and plan for the year ahead.

Many of us across the State will be delighted to see the back of 2020. One of the hard earned lessons of this year was that when disaster strikes, it is critical that people have access to the legal help and information they need.

This amazing resource from Legal Aid NSW is full of useful tips to help seniors make the most of 2021.

It provides a one-stop-shop for information about everything from retirement villages, family finances and the pension, to elder abuse and scams.

OTHER NEWS:

Elder abuse is everybody's business. Older Australians across our State have a right to feel safe and to be treated with dignity. That's why this year's diary contains important information about how to identify elder abuse, and details about where you or your family can get help. The diary will keep readers up-to-date with events like the NSW Seniors Festival, NSW Grandparents Day and 2021 school holiday periods.

Importantly, it will also provide referral details to relevant legal and non-legal services that can assist older people with their concerns and provide them with avenues for support. Diaries are also available from Legal Aid NSW offices, libraries and selected community organisations.

Landowners and the wider community have been encouraged to have their say on planning issues facing rural and regional NSW with consultation opening on the next reform package.

Consultation is now open on the first piece of work completed by the State's first Agriculture Commissioner which opens the door for a generational shift in the policy framework to help competing land purposes coexist and thrive.

Agriculture plays a critical role in regional economic stability and growth, and food and fibre supply to our cities, but it is increasingly under pressure from urban encroachment and land fragmentation.

As our communities grow they inevitably encroach on what is traditional farming land and this creates issues that can often be systematic of larger planning issues.

We need to find a balanced approach, one that enables sustainable growth of our communities, but not at the expense of agricultural land use and operations.

That is why it is so important all landholders provide their feedback on these comprehensive reports.

The Australian Farm Institute conducted research into land use conflict with farmers in NSW and found that it can impact on their business viability and mental health, and place a strain on our communities.

The NSW Government is committed to improving certainty and consistency for agriculture in the planning framework through an Agricultural Land Use Planning Strategy and is seeking submissions from the public."

To provide your feedback, complete the surveys at www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say or email agcommissioner@dpi.nsw.gov.au

The Australian Farm Institute report on land use conflict, the Right to Farm Policy Review and Options paper: Agricultural Land Use Planning Strategy are available to download at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/lup.