Murray region local annual achievement report

Chair foreword

On behalf of the Murray Local Land Services (LLS) local board and staff, I am pleased to present our 2024 Local Annual Achievement Report. 

The past year presented numerous challenges for our part of rural NSW, with unpredictable rainfall, a difficult growing season and frost damage affecting harvests. 

Despite these obstacles, Murray LLS staff remained dedicated and active in delivering key programs. These included the Sheep and Goat eID rollout, prohibited pig feed audits, and the Regional Strategic Animal Biosecurity Plan. We also continued our pest control programs, expanded the Farming Forecaster probes, and supported initiatives like the Natural Heritage Trust Soil Project and Farm Water Management Planning Project. 

A significant achievement was the completion of the travelling stock reserves windmill to solar bore pump project, which has improved water reliability and work health and safety outcomes for staff. 

The dedication of Murray LLS staff, landholders, and the community has been vital to our success in 2024, ensuring productive agriculture and enhanced landscape health.

Derek Schoen
Chair, Murray local board

Refreshing Rivers Program

The Refreshing Rivers Program is a 10-year initiative aimed at fostering social and ecological change to enhance the health and connectivity of river systems in the Murray region. 

Operating across 3 key areas—Central Billabong, Upper Billabong, and Riverina Highlands—the program works closely with landholders and managers to improve land management practices that impact waterways. 

In 2024, the Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council, through Refreshing Rivers, facilitated a Women’s Yarning Circle on Billabong Creek, Jerilderie, bringing together local women from Albury, Deniliquin, Finley, Berrigan, Jerilderie, and Yarrawonga. 

This event, guided by an Indigenous perspective, encouraged cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and a shared connection to Country. 

The gathering provided participants with an opportunity to discuss the reintegration of traditional knowledge on water and land management, fostering stronger partnerships between government, Traditional Owners, and the broader community. 

This initiative highlights the potential for meaningful engagement to achieve best practice environmental outcomes.

Achievements

• 2,277,952 ha of vertebrate pest control
• 26% of staff trained for an emergency response role
• 96 animal disease surveillance investigations
• 2,403 1:1 advice consultations
• 6,019 participants at awareness raising/capacity building events
• 104 awareness/capacity building events
• 52 participants at Aboriginal awareness raising/capacity building events
• 42 education extension tools and materials updated/developed
• 1,706 holdings participating in pest animal control.