Land and Stock Return frequently asked questions
Why do I need to fill out a Land and Stock Return?
The property information you provide to the LHPA helps build a statewide biosecurity picture agricultural usage and livestock numbers. Along with the stock ID and traceability systems we manage, this information is invaluable in the event of an emergency disease outbreak.
Unless you complete a Land and Stock Return, an animal health charge will be automatically applied to next year’s rates. This rate is comprised of a base charge and an amount payable on the notional carrying capacity of the land.
It is a legal requirement under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 that landholders lodge a Land and Stock Return.
I don’t have stock – do I need to fill out a Land and Stock Return?
Even if you have no stock on your property, you are required to complete a Land and Stock Return. This is for several reasons:
Unless you complete a Land and Stock Return, an animal health charge will be automatically applied to next year’s rates. This rate is comprised of a base charge and an amount payable on the notional carrying capacity of the land.
It is also a legal requirement under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 that landholders lodge a Land and Stock Return.
Do I need to fill out a Land and Stock Return if I’m leasing my property?
If you are legally leasing the property, you are the legal occupier and must submit a Land and Stock Return.
What if I have received a form but I am not the occupier of the property?
If you were not the occupier of all or part of the property on 30 June 2011 please complete and return the Holding Details Change Form mailed to you with your paper-based Land and Stock Return. You do not need to complete this Land and Stock Return.
Do I still fill out the form if my property is changing hands?
If you are in the process of selling or leasing your land, even if you are in the process of exchanging contracts or arranging a lease, the legal occupier as at 30 June 2011 is responsible for the Land and Stock Return. You must complete a Land and Stock Return even if you have exchanged contracts.
Do I need to fill out a separate form for each of my holdings?
You must fill in a separate Land and Stock Return for each holding, including primary and secondary holdings. You can fill each of these in online or you can complete each of the paper-based forms which would have been mailed to you.
Do I need to fill out both the paper-based Land and Stock Return form and the online form?
You only need to complete one Land and Stock Return, either the paper-based form or the online form.
Who should I contact if I’m having trouble filling out my Land and Stock Return?
You should contact your local LHPA office for assistance. You will find their number on the bottom of your paper-based Land and Stock Return.
When do I need to lodge my Land and Stock Return?
Your Land and Stock Return 2011 must be completed and lodged by 31 August 2011. There are penalties for late or non-lodgement including prosecution with a maximum penalty of $2,200.