MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today welcomed the launch by the State Government of the first statewide planning process for the almost 500,000 hectare NSW travelling stock reserve (TSR) network.
The draft NSW Travelling Stock Reserves Planning Framework, launched by Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair, was developed by Local Land Services (LLS) which manage the network.
Mr Marshall is urging the public to have their say on the future management of these reserves, often referred to as the Long Paddock.
“The use of travelling stock reserves has changed significantly over time from being a ‘highway’ for farmers to move their stock, to nowadays largely having a number of additional uses including grazing in times of drought, recreation and conservation areas,” Mr Marshall said.
“This planning process is about LLS liaising with the people and groups in our community who use the TSR network to build up a better understanding of what value is placed on these important public assets.
“While access for travelling stock will continue to remain the primary purpose for our reserve network, it is important that LLS balances this with economic, cultural, recreational and environmental uses.”
The statewide framework allows for the development of regional management plans to facilitate more consistent and transparent management, resourcing and reporting.
This will allow each of the 11 Local Land Services regions to assess the value and priorities of local reserves and put in place tailored management plans at a regional level.
To download the Draft NSW Travelling Stock Reserves State Planning Framework, visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au.
Comments by email are welcome until 3 November, via tsr.feedback@lls.nsw.gov.au