Biosecurity measures and support head big spend on Local Land Services

Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said LLS focused on local expertise to address local challenges and therefore was essential for primary producers across the State.

“LLS delivers agricultural production advice, biosecurity measures, natural resource management and emergency management through local experts such as vets, rangers, livestock and agronomy advisors,” Mr Blair said.

“Our primary producers are core to our productivity and growth in this State, and this record funding will go a long way to ensure they are not only supported but able to thrive.” 

Key highlights of the $182 million investment include:

• $36m towards biosecurity measures to protect the economy, environment and community from the negative impacts of pests, diseases and weeds

• $32m towards the National Landcare Program which includes support for Local Landcare Coordinators who work to reinvigorate almost 3,000 Landcare and Sustainable Agriculture groups and 60,000 Landcare volunteers across NSW

• $20m to support biodiversity reforms which allow farmers to get on with the business of farming, while providing incentives to actively manage important native vegetation

• $19.3m for Catchment Action NSW

• $5.5m capital boost to support LLS customer service delivery.

“LLS had an important role to play in the implementation of the Government’s biosecurity and biodiversity reforms.

“The Government’s biosecurity legislation introduces a general biosecurity duty that requires people to take reasonable steps to manage their own risks.

“This $36 million invested in biosecurity will support and encourage land owners to take up that task, to help secure our economy, environment and community against the impact of pests, diseases and weeds.

“The Government’s biodiversity reforms are the most significant change to land management and conservation this State has seen in 20 years.

“We want to give our farmers the tools and flexibility to manage and protect their land and ensure they are supported to actively manage important native vegetation while maintaining and improving productive land use.”