Get your return in before 31 August
The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are reminding landholders to lodge their 2011 Land and Stock Return before Wednesday 31 August.
With less than two weeks until the due date, the LHPAs are encouraging landholders to make the most of the option to lodge online at www.lhpa.org.au/landandstock.
LHPA CEO Nigel Milan recently lodged a Land and Stock Return for his property and encourages landholders who haven't lodged yet to do so.
"Land and Stock Returns have been submitted for approximately 55 per cent of land holdings within NSW," said Mr Milan.
"It’s extremely important that all landholders lodge an annual land and stock return so LHPAs have the most up to date information on NSW properties and livestock.
"The information you provide helps build a statewide biosecurity picture about agricultural usage and livestock numbers, which is invaluable in the event of an emergency disease outbreak.
"Such information was used in the Equine Influenza emergency response, allowing properties with horses in areas where outbreaks occurred to be identified quickly."
Anyone with a computer and access to the internet can lodge their Land and Stock Return online in a few simple steps, using the holding reference number and unique online password provided in the paper-based Land and Stock Return form.
All LHPA ratepayers are required to submit a Land and Stock Return, even if they do not have stock. Failure to lodge a Land and Stock Return will mean an animal health rate and meat industry levy will be automatically charged in next year’s rates. The legislation does allow the LHPAs to issue fines for not lodging a return by the due date.
To lodge your 2011 Land and Stock Return online, go to www.lhpa.org.au/landandstock. More information about lodging online, including frequently asked questions, can be found at this address.
For any queries or assistance in lodging your Land and Stock Return either online or by mail, please contact your local LHPA office.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378