For the first time in several years, livestock producers have the opportunity to apply for long-term access to Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) across the Hunter and MidCoast.
Applications for permits open today in the Hunter Local Land Services region and producers are invited to submit a tender for a five year Management Agreement Permit.
"These permits are a win-win for producers and the long-term health and viability of our state's TSR network," said Hunter Local Land Services General Manager Brett Miners.
"Livestock producers get certainty of TSR access, helping them plan and manage their business while also taking on the responsibility of being a custodian of public land," said Mr Miners.
Management Agreement Permits only applies to a proportion of carefully assessed TSRs in the region.
All TSRs remain available by application to Local Land Services for short-term access permits such as walking stock.
Under new measures introduced by Local Land Services, Management Agreement Permits across NSW are now standardised, and the process of assessing the tenders is more robust.
Successful tenderers will be selected by Local Land Services, based on a selection criteria that will ensure appropriate ongoing land management and maintenance of the TSR.
These criteria include the producer's proposed grazing practices and experience as well as how he or she plans to manage pests, weeds and drought impacts.
"The people of NSW can have greater certainty than ever before that our TSR network is being managed sustainably, helping ensure it remains viable for the future," said Mr Miners.
Livestock producers who are successful in obtaining a Management Agreement Permit must abide by its conditions and Local Land Services reserves the right to terminate it at any time.
The producer will also pay the nominated annual permit fee to Local Land Services, providing crucial income that will be used to maintain the entire TSR network across the state.
"The community expects our TSR network to be properly looked after so that important agricultural, environmental, cultural and social values are preserved," said Mr Miners.
"We are committed to making sure our TSRs are managed as they should be and these Management Access Permit, granted to suitable producers, are one way we are doing that."
Management Agreement Permits are currently open for tender applications until 5pm, Friday 2 September. The new Permits will take effect from January 1, 2021.
