Chair foreword
Over the past year, North Coast Local Land Services has remained steadfast in supporting our communities through the long journey of flood recovery.
Our Early Needs Recovery Program delivered critical funding and assistance, helping primary producers rebuild and adapt; but it was the work of our team on the ground who have excelled in providing support to landholders that the board is very proud of. We have also strengthened our biosecurity response and increased staff capacity to manage emerging threats, including fire ants and invasive species.
The North Coast region now experiences more significant extreme weather events and biosecurity incidents, driving a shift in landscape, land use and associated industries. Coupled with our proximity to major air and seaports, this is increasing our susceptibility to new and existing pests, weeds and diseases (both agricultural and environmental).
Our customers are increasingly requiring advice and tools to help address the impacts of consecutive and cumulative biosecurity incursions and their resulting changes to landscapes and land use practices.
As we look ahead, our strategic focus remains on building resilience—supporting landholders in managing biosecurity risks and adapting to environmental challenges. We are committed to ensuring a sustainable and secure future for our region.
Jolyon Burnett
Chair, North Coast local board
Flood recovery initiatives
Over the past year, North Coast Local Land Services (LLS) has continued its flood recovery initiatives to support local communities and ecosystems impacted by the 2022 flood event. The Early Needs Recovery Program, which concluded in September 2024, allocated $13 million to assist primary producers in flood-affected regions, providing technical support, pest and weed control, and funding for industry-specific recovery activities.
Recognising the heightened biosecurity challenges post-flooding, North Coast LLS increased its number of biosecurity officers, enhancing capacity to manage threats such as invasive species and diseases.
Significant improvements have been made to Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR). These enhancements aim to prepare TSR as animal refuges during emergencies, ensuring safer and more accessible shelter options for livestock during natural disasters.
The invasives team has also ramped up efforts to control the proliferation of invasive animals and weeds exacerbated by flooding. Initiatives include rehoming programs for wild horses and targeted measures to manage the rising feral deer population, which poses substantial risks to local agriculture and biodiversity.
Through these comprehensive strategies, North Coast LLS continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering resilient communities and sustainable landscapes in the face of environmental challenges.
Achievements
- 817,131 ha of vertebrate pest control
- 11,859 ha TSR actively managed
- 328 animal disease surveillance investigations
- 8,540 1:1 advice consultations
- 2,970 participants at awareness raising/capacity building events
- 31% of staff trained for an emergency response role
- 15,979 weed inspections
- 14 Aboriginal community groups supported
- 439 ha of threated species or ecological communities enhanced, rehabilitated or protected
- 611 investigations for plant pest/diseases.
