Change to firewood permits on Hume TSRs

The Hume Livestock Pest and Health Authority is advising people they will not be issuing permits for collection of firewood from certain travelling stock reserves (TSRs) for the remainder of 2011.

Ray Willis, Hume LHPA General Manager says firewood permits have been issued to people to collect fallen dead timber for personal use in designated TSRs in the Wagga Wagga district for many years.

"The Hume LHPA manages 10,000 hectares of TSR land and in doing so we manage the land to strike a balance between the needs of travelling or grazing stock and the conservation of the natural environment," he said.

"This year we have had an enormous amount of applications for firewood permits, and we are concerned if more permits are issued those TSRs will be over cleared of fallen timber.

"We have a duty to actively manage the TSRs to maintain or increase their environmental value. For these reasons we will not be issuing any more firewood permits for designated TSRs in the north west of the Hume LHPA for the rest of the year."

Mr Willis added that other activities on TSRs may still be undertaken, subject to permit requirements.

"While TSRs are reserved primarily for travelling or grazing stock, there are a number of other uses which may be approved, some of which require a permit.

'Generally, public recreational pursuits, such as walking, fishing or horse riding, can be undertaken without the need for a permit. Grazing and/or walking stock and apiary sites are some of the activities for which a permit is required.  

"Fines can be issued to persons who are illegally using TSRs, for example to ride a motorbike, dump rubbish, or undertake an activity without a permit. Fines of up to $5 500 can be issued.

"If you are unsure whether you need a permit to conduct an activity on a TSR, you should contact your local Hume LHPA ranger to discuss your requirements."

TSRs are parcels of Crown land reserved under legislation for use by travelling stock. LHPAs manage over 500,000 hectares of TSRs in NSW for travelling stock requirements in addition to our biosecurity programs in the areas of animal health, pest animal management and emergency disease management.

For information on using a particular TSR contact your local Hume LHPA office. For more information on TSRs visit the LHPA website at http://www.lhpa.org.au/travelling-stock-reserves.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378