With rapid growth of grass on Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) across the Riverina region, Riverina Local Land Services has plans in place to reduce the risk of fire over the coming months.
In collaboration with local landholders, the NSW Rural Fire Service and the community, procedures have been put in place for establishing firebreaks adjacent to TSRs.
Landholders wishing to establish firebreaks on stock routes and reserves must first seek approval from Riverina Local Land Services staff before commencing any type of firebreak activities. This includes maintenance of existing/prior firebreaks, grazing, chemical grass control, ploughing or any other activity on TSRs.
When seeking approval to establish a firebreak on a TSR, there are a number of requirements that must be met.
- New firebreaksLandholders must seek approval from a TSR Ranger before commencing any firebreak activities so that an assessment can be completed and written approval given.
- Chemical firebreaksLandholders must seek approval from a TSR Ranger to ensure obligations under the Pesticides Act 1999 are being met. It is essential that Riverina Local Land Services is be aware of any chemical spraying on TSRs to manage stock movements and adhere to chemical withholding periods.
- Existing firebreaksLandholders may maintain existing firebreaks on TSR land up to a maximum width of six metres. Firebreaks should be preferably cultivated or slashed.
- Placement of firebreaksAll firebreaks adjacent to a landholder’s boundary fence (within one metre).
- Bushfire fuel load reduction – grazing
