Frequently asked questions
How do Livestock Health and Pest Authorities work?
Each of the authorities operate as bodies corporate, under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998. They each have a board of directors, usually consisting of 8 directors who are elected every four years by ratepayers.
On 1 January 2009 14 Livestock Health and Pest Authorities replaced the former Rural Lands Protection Boards. Former RLPB offices across NSW have remained open as LHPA offices.
How are they financed?
Most of their income is derived from annual rates paid by rural landholders. Authorities also charge for the distribution of certain merchandise and the provision of various services.
What staff do they have?
Each authority typically employs a general manager, district veterinarian, rangers and customer service officers. The authorities that cover the far west of NSW may use the services of a DPI vet.
Are the authorities part of the NSW Department of Industry and Investment?
No, they are separate to the Department of Industry and Investment. There is a close working relationship between the two organisations, formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding.
Who are Livestock Health and Pest Authorities responsible to?
Authorities are responsible to a State Management Council , a body of nine directors elected from each of the regions in NSW. The State Council is responsible to the NSW Minister for Primary Industries.
In addition to its governing role, State Council represents the organisation in a range of industry and government based policy making arenas at a state and federal level and operates an advisory committee system involving directors and staff.
An interim State Management Council has been in operation from 1 January 2009 and will operate until after the director elections later in 2009.
How are my rates calculated?
Rates are charged on a two-tier basis, involving a general rate paid by all landholders over a certain acerage and a supplementary animal health rate. Each authority sets its rates annually based on its financial requirements for the coming year. Read more about LHPA rates.
What’s a notional carrying capacity?
The carrying capacity is an estimate, worked out by the local authority, of the number of stock a property would normally carry and is based on stock units per hectare.
What if I disagree with the notional carrying capacity?
You can lodge an appeal with your local authority. If you still disagree with the result a further appeal may then be directed to the Local Land Board.
I’m not rural - council zoned my property residential. Do I still have to pay rates?
Local government zoning is not relevant to LHPA districts.
If I pay rates, do I get baits and other things free?
Rates allow for the provision of services by the authority. Most merchandise (e.g., baits, stock signs) are charged on a cost recovery basis for ratepayers.
Why do I need to use a private vet if my authority has a District Vet?
The authority vet provides a herd/flock health service. Private practitioners are responsible for treating individual animals.
What is an Annual Return? Why is it so important?
Annual returns gather information about stock held on the land as at 30 June. They contain information essential for livestock disease control and surveillance. They take only a few minutes to complete but are invaluable in the event of a disease outbreak.
How do I have a say in how my local authority is run?
As a ratepayer, you are eligible to nominate to become a director in the respective division of your authority’s district. Elections are held every four years. Most authority's directors meet once a month and information about meetings or projects can be obtained from your local office.
Which authority district am I in?
When you receive your rates notice, the name of your local authority will appear on the notice. You can also refer to our maps of local districts.
What responsibilities do I have as a ratepayer and landholder?
There are a number of ways you can assist your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority to help you. There are also some other responsibilities which come with being a landholder, as stated under legislation.
Lodge an annual return
Annual Returns are mailed out in June and must be returned by 31 July. These contain valuable information regarding stock numbers, property details and other data which can be vital in the event of a situation such as the 2007 equine influenza outbreak.
Keep your authority informed of changes in address, occupancy or ownership
Ratepayers must advise their authority of a change of postal address within a month of the change.
Pay rates
Rates notices are sent out each year and must be paid by the due date. Interest is charged on overdue rates.
Control pests on your land
This is a requirement under legislation. For assistance in carrying this out, contact your local authority.
Identify stock
You have legal responsibilities for stock identifcation. There are a number of different types of identification which may apply. Your local authority office can advise you further.
Report notifiable diseases
You are obliged to report any notifiable disease to your local authority office or the Department of Primary Industries. For information on notifiable diseases contact your local authority.
Take care when moving stock
If you are planning to move stock on a public road or TSR either by vehicle or walking, you must organise the appropriate paperwork with your local authority office, display stock warning signs and observe certain safety requirements.