Land and stock return reminder
Rural ratepayers in the state’s 14 Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are reminded they must submit the land and stock returns by July 31.
The returns were sent to more than 145,000 holdings at the end of June, with the completion of the forms vital in the management of pests and diseases in the state.
It is a requirement of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 that ratepayers submit an annual return by July 31.
This year’s return form has been simplified to make it easier for landholders to fill in the required information.
Livestock Health and Pest Authorities State Management Council chairman David Lister said the form came pre-printed with current property details, reducing the amount of information the landholder has to fill out.
“It is extremely important all landholders who are sent forms fill out the appropriate details, even if stock on the property is not owned by the landholders.
“By filling in the land and stock returns, rural landholders can also be at the forefront of animal disease control.
“The information in the returns is extremely valuable and can be used to help locate different types of animals during exotic disease outbreaks, Mr Lister said.
All landholders sent the form must fill it in. If you don’t carry any livestock, you must still fill it in, place an X in the Nil stock box and return it.
If the property details need to be modified, a ‘change of details’ form has been included in the return.
The annual return contains valuable information on stock numbers, property details and other information which can be vital in managing livestock issues.
“Livestock Health and Pest Authorities deliver the front line livestock health services in the state, working hand in hand with landholders to safeguard agricultural production from the biosecurity risks posed by disease and pests.
“The authorities also manage travelling stock reserves, stock movement, identification and assist with drought relief, with the return valuable in undertaking all of these activities,” David Lister said.
The land and stock returns need to be sent back to the return address by the end of July.
Media Contact: Bruce Reynolds 6391 3615 or 0428 613181.