Responsible TSR use

Sustainable grazing practices

Permit holders are responsible for managing stock numbers to prevent overgrazing. Permit holders must have a property that has a Property Identification Code (PIC) number to return to if the TSR requires spelling or is under drought conditions.

Overgrazing is defined as excessive grazing by stock, with insufficient recovery periods that damages vegetation, soil and/or stock. Indicators of overgrazing include:

• decreased groundcover vegetation
• fence-line effects (excessive grazing pressure against fences)
• increasing proportion of unpalatable plant species
• defoliation of perennial plants
• graze-line on shrubs and trees
• visible soil erosion (water and/or wind)
• increased watering point footprint.

Groundcover must be monitored regularly to ensure maintenance at healthy levels. If groundcover falls below the threshold specified in the permit, stock must be removed immediately. The Meat & Livestock Australia pasture ruler is a tool used to estimate pasture mass and quality for stock and can assist in compliance. 

Biodiversity protection 

Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, permit holders must avoid causing harm to threatened and protected animals, plants, habitats, and ecological communities. Additional management measures may be required if grazing is in proximity to these areas to ensure compliance with the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. A failure to do so may result in prosecution. 

Those additional measures may include (but are not limited to):  

• taking extra care when grazing near sensitive environments, such as riparian zones and wetlands
• using grazing practices that minimise impacts during critical periods for vulnerable or threatened species, or during flowering and breeding seasons
• retaining dead timber, including fallen trees and branches, as this plays an important ecological role by providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. 

The guidance above is not exhaustive and the permit holder is solely responsible for ensuring that they comply with the requirements of the Biodiversity Act 2016. Contact the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for more information.

Stock management and animal welfare 

Permit holders must:

• ensure that livestock are in good condition and have continuous access to fresh water and feed. 
  Note: no supplementary feeding, except dry licks and liquid concentrates, i.e., molasses
• comply with permit conditions regarding the maximum number of livestock (mob size) and grazing duration. These conditions are in place to prevent overgrazing and protect the land.
• monitor stock regularly for signs of illness or distress and report any concerns to Local Land Services within one working day.
• report all stock death immediately to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299. In cases of suspect death, notify your District Veterinarian and/or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.
• follow permit conditions regarding carcass disposal with reference to Local Land Services guidelines. 

Biosecurity compliance

Permit holders must ensure that all stock meet biosecurity requirements, including traceability via National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags under the Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Regulation 2017. 

Measures necessary to ensure compliance with the NLIS include (but may not be limited to):

• stock born on a TSR must be identified with an NLIS device containing the TSR PIC
• the stock owner must transfer the stock in the NLIS database within two days of moving stock onto or off TSR. 

The guidance above is not exhaustive and the permit holder is solely responsible for ensuring that they comply with all stock biosecurity requirements, including under the Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Regulation 2017. For further guidance on NLIS compliance, call the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Helpline on 1300 720 405 or Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

Permit holders must monitor stock animals on the TSR regularly for signs of disease or distress and report the discovery of any ill or significantly distressed stock on the TSR by calling an Authorised Officer of Local Land Services.

Find out how to report a biosecurity concern.

Pest and weed control

The management of pests and weeds is essential for maintaining the health of TSR. Permit holders are encouraged to participate in Local Land Services pest and weed control programs.

• Permit holders with long-term grazing permits (LTGP) must adhere to:
  • Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans
  • Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans
  • general biosecurity duty under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and Pesticides Regulation 2017. 
• Permit Holders should give regard to the guidance published in the DPIRD New South Wales Weed Control Handbook.
• Pest control on TSR must not involve the use of firearms unless authorised in accordance with the applicable legislation. Permit Holders are not authorised by a stock permit to use firearms on TSR.  
• Weed management must be carried out using methods that do not cause harm to the health of humans, animals, or native vegetation, preferably using products that have a nil withholding period.
• Permit holders should contact Local Land Services prior to applying chemicals to obtain approval and confirm notification requirements.
• Permit holders must maintain records of any chemical usage on TSR and provide this information to Local Land Services.
• If using chemicals to control weeds or pests on TSR, the Permit holders may be required to post signage in accordance with Local Land Services Pesticide Use Notification Plan.  

Emergency preparedness

Permit holders must have a plan in place for emergency situations such as bushfires or extreme weather events. This includes:

• preparing for livestock evacuation and ensuring stock safety during fire, flood or drought events.
• ensuring access for emergency services, including fire-fighting operations.
• complying with any fire management or hazard reduction measures required by Local Land Services or the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
• notifying Local Land Services and RFS of any significant fire risks or fire incidents on TSR. 

Infrastructure

Only temporary improvements such as water tanks, troughs, holding yards, or electric fences are permitted on TSR. These require written approval from Local Land Services.  

Temporary fencing is allowed but must include clear signage stating that access is permitted to the general public (including any native title holders) in accordance with the Local Land Services Act 2013 (except in the Western Division, where the signage may limit access to members of the public who are native title holders). Temporary fencing must not impede access to the TSR (for example, by the inclusion of gates). 

The following conditions for temporary infrastructure should be met:

• any damage to infrastructure must be repaired at the permit holder’s cost
• temporary improvements may be approved under specific conditions but must be removed prior to the permit being relinquished, cancelled or revoked, or expiring
• any structures built must be non-permanent and should not damage the land
• fences and gates must be maintained in good condition and be stock-proof.

Aboriginal cultural heritage 

TSR may contain sites of cultural significance to Aboriginal communities. Permit holders and recreational users must respect these sites, including avoiding any activities that may disturb or damage them. The discovery of cultural artefacts or heritage sites must be reported to Local Land Services and relevant authorities for protection and management.  

If you suspect you have found an artefact or culturally significant site, cease all activities immediately and notify Local Land Services and relevant Aboriginal Land Council or cultural heritage authority.