Local Land Services is urging landholders to keep an eye out for Annual Land and Stock Returns which are landing in mailboxes this week.

Annual returns are a statutory requirement and the data provided ensures Local Land Services customers get the help they need when emergencies or disasters strike.

“We’re urging landholders to complete their Annual Land and Stock Return online, because that’s the quickest way to ensure we can respond swiftly and accurately when needed,” said Business Partner, Emergency Management, Steve Eastwood.

“Landholders can help us help them in an emergency or biosecurity event,” he said.

Annual Land and Stock Returns are a snapshot in time, much like a census and landholders should fill in the details as they were recorded at June 30.

Annual returns need to be lodged to Local Land Services no later than August 31.

The information gathered builds a picture of agricultural land use and livestock numbers across NSW and assists in monitoring flocks and herds for emergency animal diseases.

“We understand circumstances change over a 12-month period, and after a hard few years, reporting livestock figures can be confronting, especially when landholders have destocked due to drought, fire or flood,” Dr Eastwood said.

Executive Director Regional Operations, Rob Kelly, noted that the livestock figure landholders provide on their return does not affect the amount they pay in rates.

Local Land Services rates are calculated on a property’s Notional Carrying Capacity.

Mr Kelly said it is vital Local Land Services has accurate, up-to date information so it can best deliver services.

“It may not be top of every landholder’s to-do list right now, but we need all returns so we can understand what’s happening on the ground across the state,” he said.

“In an emergency situation like last summer’s fires, our team will be supporting landholders as well as other agencies and suppliers to roll out an enormous amount of practical help, as well as information and advice,” he said

Lodging online only takes a few minutes. Visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/alsr and follow the links to the dedicated portal..

The online process can be done in three simple steps and helps reduce face to face contact with Local Land Services and mail service staff, although postal lodgment is still available.