Consider TSRs to aid pasture recovery

Stock owners wishing to capitalise on recent rain and allow their pastures to replenish and flourish have an option they may not have considered – travelling stock reserves (TSRs).

Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority senior ranger, Peter O'Shannassy, said the district’s TSRs are currently in excellent condition owing to good seasonal conditions and little grazing over the past twelve months.

"The Riverina LHPA manages over 118,000 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.

"We are now issuing a few permits to stock owners (provided they can meet animal health requirements) to utilise certain TSRs for grazing for a few weeks at a time.

"Whilst in most cases stock owners will need to have someone in attendance with their stock at all times, they may decide to go out for half days to allow the stock to graze and then return them back to their properties.

"Reducing grazing pressure on regrowing pastures gives them the best chance to rebound strongly and should extend pasture availability and on-farm grazing capacity into the autumn."

Any landholders interested in utilising a TSR should contact their local Riverina LHPA ranger.

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

"Generally, public recreational pursuits, such as walking, fishing or horse riding, can be undertaken without the need for a permit. Other activities such as grazing and/or walking stock, seed collection
 and apiary sites are activities for which a permit is required,” he said.

"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 Riverina 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 biosecurity programs in the areas of animal health, pest animal management and emergency disease management.
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