Applications for permits are open in the Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) region and producers are invited to submit a tender for a five year Management Agreement Permit.

"These permits are a win-win for producers and the long-term health and viability of our state's TSR network," Hunter LLS general manager Brett Miners said.

"Livestock producers get certainty of TSR access, helping them plan and manage their business while also taking on the responsibility of being a custodian of public land."

Management Agreement Permits only applies to a proportion of carefully assessed TSRs in the region. All TSRs remain available by application to Local Land Services for short-term access permits such as walking stock.

Under new measures introduced by LLS, Management Agreement Permits across NSW are now standardised, and the process of assessing the tenders is more robust.

Successful tenderers will be selected by LLS, based on a selection criteria that will ensure appropriate ongoing land management and maintenance of the TSR.

These criteria include the producer's proposed grazing practices and experience as well as how he or she plans to manage pests, weeds and drought impacts.

"The people of NSW can have greater certainty than ever before that our TSR network is being managed sustainably, helping ensure it remains viable for the future," Mr Miners explained.

Livestock producers who are successful in obtaining a permit must abide by its conditions and Local Land Services reserves the right to terminate it at any time.

The producer will also pay the nominated annual permit fee to LLS, providing crucial income that will be used to maintain the entire TSR network across the state.

"The community expects our TSR network to be properly looked after so that important agricultural, environmental, cultural and social values are preserved," said Mr Miners.

"We are committed to making sure our TSRs are managed as they should be and these Management Access Permit, granted to suitable producers, are one way we are doing that."

Permits are currently open for tender applications until 5pm, Friday September 4. The new permits will take effect from January 1, 2021.

For more information on Management Agreement Permits, producers can follow the links at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/tsr and view a map of all the TSRs that are subject to MA permits in the Hunter LLS region, that are currently open for tender, then submit a tender for a permit.

To ensure the safety of our customers and staff, Local Land Services offices are currently open by appointment only, if you wish to obtain a hardcopy of the application form, please make an appointment at your nearest office by calling 1300 795 299.

Anyone considering submitting a tender should read and understand the following documents which are on the Local Land Services website: TSR State-wide Plan of Management Best Environmental Management Practice Toolkit for TSRs

Background:

Travelling stock reserves are parcels of Crown land which were traditionally used for moving stock and grazing.

They are now recognised as having important values for biodiversity conservation, indigenous culture and recreation as well as grazing.

Local Land Services is responsible for the care, control and management of about 30 per cent of TSRs in NSW, covering about 530,000 hectares, mostly concentrated in the Central and Eastern Divisions.