HUNTER Local Land Services recently hosted an open community session in Bulahdelah to discuss the predicted changes that agriculture will face as a result of climate variability.

A draft climate action plan was presented to the community during the evening, with board members and staff on hand to speak with landholders about managing the changes.

Regional Coordinator Karen Fitzherbert said recent flood and storm events in the Hunter remind us of the impact that a changing climate can have.

“Knowing how our region may be influenced by climate variability is important to allow our farmers and communities to prepare for extreme weather events in the future,” Mrs Fitzherbert said.

The open community session followed a meeting of the Manning Great Lakes Community Advisory Group.

The group, which consists of representatives from agricultural, industry, local government and community, provides high level advice and feedback to Hunter Local Land Services on local priorities and services.

Mrs Fitzherbert said local issues discussed by the group related to water catchment quality, wild dog control, natural resource management, animal diseases and biosecurity.

“The NSW Government is proposing changes to biodiversity legislation relating to pest animals, pest plants, weeds and animal diseases,” she said.

“This will mean new frameworks and obligations for land owners.”

A consultation package of the reforms to land management and biodiversity conservation in NSW can be viewed at www.landmanagement.nsw.gov.au

Hunter Local Land Services works with landholders throughout the Hunter and Manning Great Lakes across several local government areas including the MidCoast and Port Stephens Council areas.

Hunter Local Land Services will hold further meetings throughout the year to give community members the opportunity to meet with staff and discuss a diverse range of services and issues.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN