Local Land Services Act 2013 No 51



An Act to establish Local Land Services and to repeal the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 and the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003; and for other purposes.
Part 1 Preliminary
1   Name of Act
This Act is the Local Land Services Act 2013.
2   Commencement
(1)  This Act commences on 1 January 2014, except as provided by subsection (2).
(2)  The following provisions commence on a day to be appointed by proclamation:
(a)  sections 6 and 7 and Schedule 1,
(b)  clauses 5 and 6 of Schedule 6.
3   Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are as follows:
(a)  to establish a statutory corporation (to be known as Local Land Services) with responsibility for management and delivery of local land services in the social, economic and environmental interests of the State in accordance with any State priorities for local land services,
(b)  to establish a governance framework to provide for the proper and efficient management and delivery of local land services,
(c)  to establish local boards for the purpose of devolving operational management and planning functions to regional levels to facilitate targeted local delivery of programs and services to meet community, client and customer needs,
(d)  to require decisions taken at a regional level to take account of State priorities for local land services,
(e)  to ensure the proper management of natural resources in the social, economic and environmental interests of the State,
(f)  to apply sound scientific knowledge to achieve a fully functioning and productive landscape,
(g)  to encourage collaboration and shared responsibility by involving communities, industries and non-government organisations in making the best use of local knowledge and expertise in relation to the provision of local land services,
(h)  to establish mechanisms for the charging of rates, levies and contributions on landholders and fees for services,
(i)  to provide a framework for financial assistance and incentives to landholders, including, but not limited to, incentives that promote land and biodiversity conservation.
4   Meaning of “local land services” and “State priorities for local land services”
(1)  In this Act, local land services means programs and advisory services associated with agricultural production, biosecurity, natural resource management and emergency management, including programs and advisory services associated with the following:
(a)  agricultural production,
(b)  biosecurity, including animal pest and disease and plant pest and disease prevention, management, control and eradication,
(c)  preparedness, response and recovery for animal pest and disease and plant pest and disease emergencies and other emergencies impacting on primary production or animal health and safety,
(d)  animal welfare,
(e)  chemical residue prevention, management and control,
(f)  natural resource management and planning,
(g)  travelling stock reserves and stock watering places,
(h)  control and movement of stock,
(i)  related services and programs.
(2)  In this Act, State priorities for local land services includes any State-wide standards and targets, and any State and national priorities, for agricultural production, biosecurity, natural resource management or emergency management:
(a)  identified in a State Government policy or plan or an intergovernmental agreement, or
(b)  as advised by the Minister.
5   Interpretation
(1)  Expressions used in this Act that are defined in the Dictionary have the meanings set out in the Dictionary.
Note—
Expressions used in this Act (or in a particular provision of this Act) that are defined in the Interpretation Act 1987 have the meanings set out in that Act.
(2)  Notes included in this Act do not form part of this Act.
6   Regions
For the purposes of this Act, the State is divided into the regions described or identified in Schedule 1.
7   Abolition, establishment, amalgamation or change of name or boundaries of regions
(1)  The Minister may, by order published on the NSW legislation website, amend Schedule 1 for any of the following purposes:
(a)  to establish a region,
(b)  to abolish a region,
(c)  to amalgamate two or more regions,
(d)  to change the name of a region,
(e)  to change the boundaries of a region.
(2)  Any such order may contain savings and transitional provisions (including provisions relating to the membership of local boards for a region pending elections).
(3)  The boundaries of each region may be described or identified in Schedule 1 by reference to a local government area or in any other manner (including by reference to a map or other description).
Part 2 Local Land Services
Division 1 Constitution and management of Local Land Services
8   Constitution of Local Land Services
There is constituted by this Act a body corporate with the corporate name of Local Land Services.
Note—
Section 50 of the Interpretation Act 1987 provides for the powers of a statutory corporation.
9   Status of Local Land Services
Local Land Services is a NSW Government agency.
10   Control and management of Local Land Services
(1)  All decisions relating to the functions of Local Land Services are to be made by or under the authority of the Board.
(2)  The Chair of the Board of Chairs is responsible for the day-to-day management of the affairs of Local Land Services, subject to the policies and directions of the Board.
(3)  Any act, matter or thing done in the name of, or on behalf of, Local Land Services by or under the authority of the Board or the Chair of the Board of Chairs is taken to have been done by Local Land Services.
Note—
Local Land Services may delegate its functions under section 16.
11   Ministerial control
(1)  Local Land Services is subject to the control and direction of the Minister in the exercise of its functions.
(2)  The Board must:
(a)  immediately give the Minister written particulars of any decision of Local Land Services to acquire or dispose of a significant asset or to commence or cease to carry out a significant activity, and
(b)  keep the Minister informed of the activities of Local Land Services, and
(c)  give the Minister such reports, documents and information in relation to Local Land Services as the Minister may from time to time require within the time limit set by the Minister.
(3)  The Minister may give written guidelines to the Board that are to be used by the Board in deciding whether particulars are required to be given under subsection (2).
12   Control and direction in emergency responses
(1)  In this section:
emergency has the same meaning as in the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and includes the actual or imminent occurrence of an animal or plant disease or animal or plant pest.
(2)  The Director-General may, if satisfied that governmental action is required for the purposes of this Act to respond to an emergency that affects one or more specified regions or parts of regions, by order in writing given to the Chair of the Board of Chairs:
(a)  declare that the Director-General has assumed responsibility for controlling the actions of Local Land Services for the purposes of responding to the emergency, and
(b)  require the Chair to ensure that Local Land Services and the staff of Local Land Services comply with any directions that the Director-General issues to Local Land Services and the staff.
(3)  Local Land Services and its staff are to comply with any such direction while the order under subsection (2) is in force.
(4)  The order is to specify the general nature, location and extent of the emergency.
(5)  The order takes effect as soon as it is given and continues to have effect until revoked by the Director-General.
13   Staff of Local Land Services
(1)  Local Land Services may arrange for the use of the services of any staff (whether by way of secondment or otherwise) or of any facilities of any government agency to enable Local Land Services to exercise its functions.
(2)  Local Land Services cannot employ any staff.
Note—
Staff may be employed under Chapter 1A of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 in the Government Service to enable Local Land Services to exercise its functions. Under section 4K of that Act, a reference in this Act to a member of staff of Local Land Services is a reference to staff so employed or to persons whose services are used by Local Land Services.
The Chair of the Board of Chairs is the Division Head of staff in the Local Land Services Division of the Government Service under the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002.
Division 2 Functions of Local Land Services
14   Functions generally
(1)  Local Land Services has the following functions:
(a)  to administer, deliver or fund local land services,
(b)  to develop and implement appropriate governance arrangements for the delivery of local land services,
(c)  to prepare a State strategic plan,
(d)  to provide and facilitate education and training in connection with agricultural production, biosecurity, natural resource management and emergency management,
(e)  to make and levy rates, levies and contributions on rateable and other land for the purpose of carrying out its functions,
(f)  to provide and administer grants, loans, subsidies or other financial assistance for activities in relation to local land services,
(g)  to collect, collate, maintain, interpret and report information with respect to its functions,
(h)  to communicate, consult and engage with the community, including the Aboriginal community, to encourage participation in relation to the delivery of local land services,
(i)  to provide advice on matters referred to it by the Minister,
(j)  to exercise such other functions as are conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.
(2)  Local Land Services is to exercise its functions in accordance with any State priorities for local land services and any plan approved under Part 4.
(3)  Local Land Services may do anything necessary, or supplemental or incidental, to the exercise of its functions.
15   Memorandum of understanding
(1)  Local Land Services may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a Government Department in relation to the exercise of the functions of Local Land Services, including the implementation of plans approved under Part 4.
(2)  The memorandum of understanding may be amended, revoked or replaced from time to time.
(3)  The functions of Local Land Services must, as far as practicable, be exercised in conformity with the memorandum of understanding. However, a failure to comply with this subsection does not itself invalidate anything done or omitted to be done by Local Land Services.
16   Delegation of Local Land Services functions
(1)  Local Land Services may delegate to an authorised person any of its functions, other than this power of delegation.
(2)  A delegate may sub-delegate to an authorised person any function delegated by Local Land Services if the delegate is authorised in writing to do so by Local Land Services.
(3)  In this section, authorised person means:
(a)  a member of the Board, or
(b)  the chair or any other member of a local board, or
(c)  a member of the staff of Local Land Services, or
(d)  an authorised officer.
17   Delegation of Ministerial functions
(1)  The Minister may delegate to an authorised person any of the Minister’s functions under this Act, other than this power of delegation.
(2)  A delegate may sub-delegate to an authorised person any function delegated by the Minister if the delegate is authorised in writing to do so by the Minister.
(3)  The Minister may delegate to Local Land Services any function of the Minister under the Stock Diseases Act 1923, the Stock (Chemical Residues) Act 1975 or any other Act (administered by the Minister) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section.
(4)  In this section, authorised person means:
(a)  Local Land Services, or
(b)  the Chair of the Board of Chairs or any other member of the Board, or
(c)  the chair or any other member of a local board, or
(d)  a member of the staff of Local Land Services, or
(e)  a member of the staff of the Department, or
(f)  an authorised officer.
18   Delegation of Director-General’s functions
(1)  The Director-General may delegate to an authorised person any of the Director-General’s functions under this Act or any other Act prescribed by the regulations, other than this power of delegation.
(2)  A delegate may sub-delegate to an authorised person any function delegated by the Director-General if the delegate is authorised in writing to do so by the Director-General.
(3)  In this section, authorised person means:
(a)  Local Land Services, or
(b)  the Chair of the Board of Chairs or any other member of the Board, or
(c)  the chair or any other member of a local board, or
(d)  a member of the staff of Local Land Services, or
(e)  a member of the staff of the Department, or
(f)  an authorised officer.
Division 3 Finance and audit
19   Local Land Services Fund
(1)  Local Land Services is to establish a fund to be called the “Local Land Services Fund” (the Fund).
(2)  The money in the Fund may be kept in one or more financial institutions.
(3)  The Fund does not form part of the Consolidated Fund. The Treasurer may establish an account in the Special Deposits Account for the purposes of the Fund.
20   Payments into and from Fund
(1)  There is to be paid into the Fund:
(a)  all money received by or on account of Local Land Services, and
(b)  the proceeds of any investment of money in the Fund.
(2)  There is to be paid from the Fund:
(a)  all amounts required to meet expenditure incurred by Local Land Services in the exercise of its functions, and
(b)  all amounts required to provide loans, grants, subsidies and other financial assistance for the purposes of activities that Local Land Services is authorised to fund by or under this Act.
21   Investment powers in relation to Fund
(1)  Local Land Services has, in respect of the Fund, the investment powers conferred on Local Land Services by Part 3 of the Public Authorities (Financial Arrangements) Act 1987.
(2)  If Part 3 of that Act does not confer investment powers on Local Land Services in respect of money in the Fund, Local Land Services may invest the money:
(a)  in any manner authorised for the investment of trust funds, or
(b)  in any other manner approved by the Minister with the concurrence of the Treasurer.
22   Fees for services
(1)  Subject to the regulations (if any), Local Land Services may charge a fee, determined by it for supplying any service (including any product, commodity or publication) under this or any other Act or a statutory instrument.
(2)  Local Land Services may require a deposit or prepayment in respect of any such fee.
(3)  Nothing in this section authorises the charging of any fee contrary to the provisions of any Act, regulation or statutory instrument.
23   Annual report to include certain matters
(1)  The annual report of Local Land Services required to be prepared under the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 is to include a report as to the following:
(a)  the performance and outcomes set out in any State strategic plan achieved by Local Land Services during the reporting period,
(b)  progress in achieving compliance with State priorities for local land services,
(c)  community engagement in respect of the provision of local land services,
(d)  the resources expended and revenue received by Local Land Services, and the management of programs, in each region,
(e)  any other matter directed by the Minister.
Note—
Sections 8 and 10 of the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 provide that statutory bodies (within the meaning of that Act) are to prepare reports of their operations for each financial year and are to submit annual reports to the appropriate Minister (and, if required, the Treasurer), within the period of 4 months after the end of the financial year.
(2)  The annual report may be included in the annual report of the Department or another government agency.
24   Audit of Local Land Services
(1)  The Minister must arrange for an independent audit of the activities of Local Land Services not later than 5 years after the commencement of this Act to determine whether it is carrying out the functions conferred on it by or under this or any other Act effectively and efficiently and in accordance with State priorities for local land services, the State strategic plan and any local strategic plan.
(2)  As soon as possible after the end of every 5-year period following the audit under subsection (1), the Minister is to cause a further audit of the kind set out in that subsection to be undertaken.
(3)  The Minister may, at any time that the Minister considers it appropriate to do so, arrange for an audit of the exercise of all or any particular function of Local Land Services.
(4)  An audit under this section is to be carried out by one or more persons or bodies, or persons or bodies of a class, prescribed by the regulations or appointed by the Minister.
(5)  The Minister is to arrange for a copy of the report of any audit under this section to be placed on the website of Local Land Services.
(6)  The Minister may direct that the costs of an audit (in whole or in part) under this section be paid by Local Land Services.
Note—
The Audit Office of New South Wales is responsible for auditing the financial reports of Local Land Services—see section 43 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983.
Part 3 The Board and local boards
Division 1 The Board of Chairs
25   Establishment of Board of Chairs
(1)  There is to be a Board of Chairs.
(2)  The Board is to consist of the following members:
(a)  the Chair of the Board of Chairs,
(b)  the chair of each local board,
(c)  such other persons with relevant skills and experience as may be appointed by the Minister.
Note—
Schedule 2 contains provisions relating to the members and procedure of the Board.
(3)  A person appointed under subsection (2) (c) is a non-voting member of the Board.
26   Functions of the Board
(1)  The Board has such functions as are conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.
(2)  In exercising functions as members of the Board, members of the Board are to be guided by the principle that the public interest in the delivery of local land services in the State as a whole takes precedence over the delivery of local land services in any region.
Note—
Section 10 (1) provides that all decisions relating to the functions of Local Land Services are to be made by or under the authority of the Board.
Division 2 Local boards
27   Local boards
(1)  There is to be a board for each region, called the [Name of region] Local Board.
(2)  The local board for a region is to be constituted by 7 members, being:
(a)  3 members elected, in accordance with the regulations, by ratepayers of the region, and
(b)  4 members appointed by the Minister.
(3)  Despite subsection (2), the local board for the Western Region is to be constituted by 9 members, being:
(a)  4 members elected, in accordance with the regulations, by ratepayers of the region, and
(b)  5 members appointed by the Minister.
(4)  A person is not eligible for appointment as a member of a local board unless, in the opinion of the Minister, the person possesses expertise, knowledge or skills (as demonstrated by relevant qualifications or experience) in one or more of the areas prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.
(5)  The regulations may provide for criteria to determine whether a person is eligible or ineligible for election or appointment as a member of a local board.
(6)  In appointing a member of a local board, the Minister is to have regard to the following:
(a)  the principle that a local board should, as far as possible, be constituted by persons who together have expertise, skills and knowledge (as demonstrated by relevant qualifications or experience) as are relevant to the functions exercisable by the local board,
(b)  such other matters as may be prescribed by the regulations.
(7)  The Minister is, by an instrument of appointment or a subsequent instrument, to appoint a member of the local board as chair of the local board.
28   Status of local boards
A local board is a NSW Government agency.
29   Functions of local boards
(1)  The functions of a local board for a region are as follows:
(a)  to prepare a local strategic plan in respect of the delivery of local land services in the region,
(b)  to monitor the performance of Local Land Services in the region, including by reference to the local strategic plan,
(c)  to make recommendations to the Board in relation to the making of rates, levies and contributions on rateable and other land in the region,
(d)  to collect, collate, maintain, interpret and report information with respect to its functions,
(e)  to communicate, consult and engage with the community in developing plans and in respect of the delivery of programs and services by Local Land Services in the region,
(f)  to develop a strategy for engagement of the Aboriginal community in the region in respect of the provision of local land services,
(g)  to provide advice to the Minister,
(h)  to exercise such other functions as are conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.
(2)  A local board must exercise its functions in accordance with the policies, procedures and directions (however described) of Local Land Services.
(3)  A local board for a region may, with the agreement of a local board for another region, exercise functions in the other region.
30   Local annual reports
(1)  A local board is, before 30 March each year, to prepare an annual report on the following matters:
(a)  the performance of any functions under this Act exercised in the local board’s region (whether by the local board or another person or body),
(b)  the exercise by the local board of any functions under this Act outside the local board’s region.
(2)  The local annual report is to be:
(a)  provided to Local Land Services, and
(b)  placed on the website of the local board, and
(c)  published in such other manner as, in the opinion of the local board, will make it readily accessible to persons in the region.
31   Delegation of local board’s functions
(1)  A local board may delegate to an authorised person any of the local board’s functions, other than this power of delegation.
(2)  A delegate may sub-delegate to an authorised person any function delegated by the local board if the delegate is authorised in writing to do so by the local board.
(3)  In this section, authorised person means:
(a)  a member of the local board,
(b)  a member of the staff of Local Land Services.
32   Keeping Board informed
A local board must:
(a)  keep the Board informed of the activities of the local board, and
(b)  give the Board such reports, documents and information in relation to those activities as the Board requires within the time limit set by the Board.
33   Local community advisory groups
(1)  Each local board is to establish one or more local community advisory groups for its region in accordance with this section.
(2)  A local community advisory group is to consist of persons that the local board considers to be suitably qualified to serve on the group and to be suitably representative of the interests of the local community and stakeholders in the region.
(3)  Each local board is to prepare terms of reference for the local community advisory groups for its region.
Division 3 Honesty and conduct
34   Conduct of Board and local board members
(1)  Every Board and local board member must:
(a)  act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence in carrying out his or her functions under this or any other Act, and
(b)  act for a proper purpose in carrying out his or her functions under this or any other Act, and
(c)  not use his or her office or position for personal advantage, and
(d)  not use his or her office or position to the detriment of the Board or the member’s local board (respectively), and
(e)  disclose any interest (whether pecuniary or otherwise) that could conflict with the proper performance of his or her functions under this or any other Act and avoid performing any function that could involve such a conflict of interest.
(2)  Although this section places certain duties on Board and local board members, nothing in this section gives rise to, or can be taken into account in, any civil cause of action.
35   Codes of conduct
(1)  The Board may issue a code of conduct to be observed by all members of the Board and local boards.
(2)  Without limiting what may be included in the code, the code may relate to any conduct (whether by way of act or omission) of a member in carrying out his or her functions that is likely to bring the Board or a local board into disrepute.
(3)  In particular, the code may contain provisions for or with respect to the following conduct:
(a)  conduct that contravenes all or specified provisions of this Act or the regulations in all or specified circumstances,
(b)  improper or unethical conduct,
(c)  abuse of power and other misconduct,
(d)  action causing, comprising or involving any of the following:
(i)  intimidation, harassment or verbal abuse,
(ii)  discrimination, disadvantage or adverse treatment in relation to employment,
(iii)  prejudice in the provision of a service to the community,
(e)  conduct of a member causing, comprising or involving any of the following:
(i)  directing or influencing, or attempting to direct or influence, a member of the staff of Local Land Services in the exercise of the functions of the staff member,
(ii)  an act of disorder committed by the member at a meeting of the Board or a local board,
(f)  the disclosure by members of interests (whether pecuniary or otherwise) that could conflict with the proper performance of a member’s functions and avoidance of conflicts of interest,
(g)  the disclosure by members of confidential documents and information.
(4)  A member of the Board or a local board must not contravene the code.
(5)  Nothing in this section or such a code gives rise to, or can be taken into account in, any civil cause of action, and nothing in this section affects rights or liabilities arising apart from this section.
Part 4 Planning the delivery of local land services
Division 1 State strategic plan
36   Purpose and term of State strategic plan
(1)  A State strategic plan is to set the vision, priorities and overarching strategy for local land services in the State, with a focus on appropriate economic, social and environmental outcomes.
(2)  A State strategic plan has effect for the period of 10 years (or such other period as is prescribed by the regulations) after it is approved by the Minister.
37   Preparation of draft State strategic plan
(1)  Local Land Services must prepare a draft State strategic plan for local land services in the State that complies with this Division and submit the draft plan to the Minister for approval.
(2)  A draft State strategic plan is to be prepared and submitted as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Act and at such later times as may be specified by the Minister.
(3)  In preparing a draft State strategic plan, Local Land Services is to have regard to:
(a)  any State priorities for local land services, and
(b)  the provisions of any environmental planning instrument under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that applies to a region, and
(c)  any other existing natural resource management plans (including any such plans in the course of preparation) for a region including the State Water Management Outcomes Plan and any management plan under the Water Management Act 2000, and
(d)  sound evidence-based practices to support primary industries, resilient communities and healthy landscapes, and
(e)  the need for engagement of the community, including the Aboriginal community.
38   Contents of draft State strategic plan
A draft State strategic plan must include the following:
(a)  the outcomes that are expected to be achieved by the implementation of the plan and the timeframes for achieving those outcomes,
(b)  requirements for reporting on whether those outcomes and timeframes have been achieved,
(c)  any other matters that the Minister may direct to be included in the plan.
39   Consultation on draft State strategic plan
Local Land Services is to consult widely on a draft State strategic plan, by giving such public notice of the preparation of the plan and undertaking such public exhibition of the plan as is required by the regulations or the Minister.
40   Submission of draft State strategic plan for approval
(1)  Local Land Services is to submit a copy of the draft State strategic plan to the Minister for approval.
(2)  In assessing the draft State strategic plan, the Minister is to seek the advice of any person or body to which the draft State strategic plan is required to be referred by the regulations and take into account any such advice provided within the time requested by the Minister.
(3)  The Minister may take into account the advice of any other person or body in assessing the draft State strategic plan.
(4)  If a draft State strategic plan requires a person or body other than Local Land Services to carry out any activity, Local Land Services is to provide the Minister with evidence that the person or body has agreed to carry out that activity.
41   Approval of draft State strategic plan
(1)  The Minister may:
(a)  approve a draft State strategic plan submitted to the Minister by Local Land Services, without alteration or with such alteration as the Minister thinks fit, or
(b)  refer the draft State strategic plan back to Local Land Services for further consideration.
(2)  The Minister is not to approve a draft State strategic plan unless the Minister:
(a)  is satisfied (having regard to the advice of any person or body to which the draft State strategic plan has been referred) that the plan promotes the achievement of State priorities for local land services (if any), and
(b)  has sought the advice of any person or body engaged to carry out an independent audit of the activities of Local Land Services under section 24, and
(c)  has obtained the concurrence of the Minister administering the Native Vegetation Act 2003, but only in relation to those parts of the draft plan that relate to natural resource management.
(3)  Before making any alterations to the draft State strategic plan, the Minister must consult Local Land Services.
42   Publication of State strategic plan
(1)  As soon as practicable after a State strategic plan is approved by the Minister, Local Land Services:
(a)  is to cause the plan to be published in such a manner as, in the opinion of Local Land Services, will make it readily accessible to persons in the State, and
(b)  is to arrange for a copy of the plan to be placed on the Local Land Services website.
(2)  The Minister may make any other arrangements that the Minister considers necessary to ensure that State strategic plans are readily accessible to the public.
43   Amendment, replacement or revocation of plans
(1)  A State strategic plan may be amended or replaced by a subsequent such plan prepared and approved in accordance with this Division.
(2)  The Minister may revoke a State strategic plan, wholly or in part.
(3)  The amendment or revocation of a State strategic plan by the Minister under this section takes effect when notice of the amendment or revocation is published by the Minister or on a later date specified in the notice.
44   Periodic review and auditing of plans
(1)  Local Land Services is to ensure that the State strategic plan is kept under regular and periodic review and, in particular, is to cause the plan to be reviewed if the Minister so directs.
(2)  The Minister is to ensure that the State strategic plan is audited, at intervals of not more than 5 years, to ascertain whether its provisions are being given effect.
(3)  An audit under this section is to be carried out by an independent person, body or panel appointed by the Minister.
(4)  The Minister may direct that the costs of an audit (in whole or in part) under this section be paid by Local Land Services.
Division 2 Local strategic plans
45   Purpose and term of local strategic plans
(1)  A local strategic plan for a region is to set the vision, priorities and strategy in respect of the delivery of local land services in the region, with a focus on appropriate economic, social and environmental outcomes.
(2)  A local strategic plan has effect for the period of 5 years (or such other period as is prescribed by the regulations) after it is approved by the Minister.
46   Preparation of draft local strategic plans
(1)  A local board must prepare one or more draft local strategic plans in respect of the delivery of local land services in its region that complies with this Division and submit each draft local strategic plan for approval by the Minister under this Division.
(2)  A draft local strategic plan is to be prepared and submitted as soon as practicable after the commencement of this Act and at such later times as may be specified by the Minister.
47   Contents of draft local strategic plans
(1)  A draft local strategic plan for a region must include the following:
(a)  the outcomes that are expected to be achieved by the implementation of the plan in relation to the region and the timeframes for achieving those outcomes,
(b)  requirements for reporting on whether those outcomes and timeframes have been achieved,
(c)  any other matters that the Minister may direct to be included in the plan.
(2)  A draft local strategic plan for a region may also include provisions that relate to water quality or other non-regulatory water management issues in the region.
(3)  In formulating a draft local strategic plan for its region, the local board is to have regard to the following:
(a)  any State priorities for local land services,
(b)  the State strategic plan,
(c)  the provisions of any environmental planning instrument under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that applies to the region,
(d)  any other existing natural resource management plans (including any such plans in the course of preparation) for the region including the State Water Management Outcomes Plan and any management plan under the Water Management Act 2000,
(e)  sound evidence-based practices to support primary industries, resilient communities and healthy landscapes,
(f)  the need for engagement of the community, including the Aboriginal community.
48   Consultation on draft local strategic plan
The local board is to consult widely on a draft local strategic plan, by giving such public notice of the preparation of the plan and undertaking such public exhibition of the plan as is required by the regulations or the Minister.
49   Review of draft local strategic plan by Local Land Services
(1)  The local board is to refer a copy of each draft local strategic plan prepared by it for a region to Local Land Services for review.
(2)  Local Land Services is to review the draft local strategic plan having regard to the following:
(a)  any State priorities for local land services,
(b)  the State strategic plan,
(c)  the provisions of any environmental planning instrument under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that applies to the region,
(d)  any other existing natural resource management plans (including any such plans in the course of preparation) for the region including the State Water Management Outcomes Plan and any management plan under the Water Management Act 2000,
(e)  sound evidence-based practices to support primary industries, resilient communities and healthy landscapes,
(f)  the need for engagement of the community, including the Aboriginal community.
(3)  Local Land Services may request the local board to amend the draft local strategic plan before submitting the plan to the Minister.
50   Submission of draft local strategic plans for approval
(1)  Local Land Services is to submit a copy of the draft local strategic plan to the Minister for approval.
(2)  In assessing the draft local strategic plan, the Minister is to seek the advice of any person or body to which the draft local strategic plan is required to be referred by the regulations and take into account any such advice provided within the time requested by the Minister.
(3)  The Minister may take into account the advice of Local Land Services or any other person or body in assessing the draft local strategic plan.
(4)  If a draft local strategic plan requires a person or body other than Local Land Services to carry out any activity, Local Land Services is to provide the Minister with evidence that the person or body has agreed to carry out that activity.
51   Approval of draft local strategic plans
(1)  The Minister may:
(a)  approve a draft local strategic plan for a region submitted by Local Land Services, without alteration or with such alteration as the Minister thinks fit, or
(b)  refer the draft local strategic plan back to Local Land Services for further consideration.
(2)  The Minister is not to approve a draft local strategic plan unless the Minister:
(a)  is satisfied (having regard to the advice of any person or body to which the draft local strategic plan has been referred) that the plan promotes the achievement of State priorities for local land services (if any) so far as those priorities relate to the region, and
(b)  has sought the advice of any person or body engaged to carry out an independent audit of the activities of Local Land Services under section 24, and
(c)  has obtained the concurrence of the Minister administering the Native Vegetation Act 2003, but only in relation to those parts of the draft plan that relate to natural resource management.
(3)  Before making any alterations to the draft plan, the Minister must consult Local Land Services.
52   Publication of local strategic plans
(1)  As soon as practicable after a local strategic plan for a region is approved by the Minister:
(a)  the Minister is to arrange for a copy of the plan to be placed on the website of Local Land Services and the website of the local board, and
(b)  the local board for the region may cause the plan to be published in such other manner as, in the opinion of the local board, will make it readily accessible to persons in the region.
(2)  The Minister may make any other arrangements that the Minister considers necessary to ensure that local strategic plans are readily accessible to the public.
53   Amendment, replacement or revocation of plans
(1)  A local strategic plan may be amended or replaced by a subsequent local strategic plan prepared and approved in accordance with this Division.
(2)  The Minister may revoke a local strategic plan, wholly or in part.
(3)  The amendment or replacement of a local strategic plan takes effect on the date the plan as amended or replaced is published on the website of Local Land Services or a later date specified in that plan.
(4)  The revocation of a local strategic plan takes effect on the date that notice of the revocation is published on the website of Local Land Services or on a later date specified in the notice.
54   Periodic review and auditing of local strategic plans
(1)  Local Land Services is to ensure that each local strategic plan is kept under regular and periodic review and, in particular, is to cause a plan to be reviewed if the Minister so directs.
(2)  The Minister is to ensure that each local strategic plan is audited, within 3 years of its approval, to ascertain whether its provisions are being given effect.
(3)  The Minister may, at any time the Minister considers it appropriate to do so, arrange for an audit of a local strategic plan.
(4)  An audit under this section is to be carried out by an independent person, body or panel appointed by the Minister.
(5)  The Minister may direct that the costs of an audit (in whole or in part) under this section be paid by Local Land Services.
Part 5 Rates, levies and contributions
Division 1 Preliminary
55   When is a holding within a region?
(1)  For the purposes of this Act, a holding located partly in 2 or more regions is to be regarded as wholly within the region in which the greater part lies.
(2)  For the purposes of this section, if the parts of a holding are equal in size, the part on which the principal residence (if any) is located is to be regarded as being the greater part. If there is no principal residence, any dispute as to which part of such holding is to be treated as the greater part is to be decided by the Minister.
Division 2 Rates, levies and contributions
56   What is rateable land?
For the purposes of this Act, land within a region is rateable land if it is the whole or any part of a holding that is within the region and either:
(a)  the land has an area that is not less than the area prescribed by the regulations in relation to the region for the purposes of this paragraph, or
(b)  if the regulations provide for land to be rateable land in any other specified circumstances—those circumstances exist in respect of the land.
57   Imposition of rates, levies and contributions
(1)  Local Land Services may make and levy, in accordance with the regulations, such types and amounts of rates, levies and contributions on rateable or other land in a region as are prescribed by, or determined in accordance with, the regulations.
(2)  The regulations may:
(a)  provide for the period in respect of which a rate, levy or contribution is payable, and
(b)  describe the purposes for which or basis or bases on which any particular type of rate, levy or contribution may be imposed, and
(c)  describe the rateable or other land in respect of which a particular type of rate, levy or contribution is payable.
Division 3 Annual returns
58   Annual returns of land and stock
(1)  An annual return for a holding in a region must be lodged in accordance with the regulations by any person prescribed by the regulations as the person responsible for the lodgment of such a return.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2)  The annual return is to give details of the matters prescribed by the regulations.
59   Change of occupier after lodgment of return
An annual return for a holding that is lodged in accordance with section 58 remains the annual return for that holding for the year it concerns irrespective of any changes occurring in that year in respect of the ownership or occupation of the land or the stock kept on the holding.
60   Duty to supply information in respect of land or stock
Local Land Services may, subject to the regulations, require any person who lodges an annual return, or any owner or occupier of the holding to which an annual return relates, to provide any specified information relating to matters covered by the return for the purpose of:
(a)  verifying or updating Local Land Services’ records, or
(b)  inquiring into the accuracy of information contained in the return.
Note—
It is an offence in some circumstances to fail to provide information when required to do so under this Act—see section 192 (Offences relating to provision of information in relation to certain matters).
Part 6 Travelling stock reserves and public roads
Note—
This Part provides:
(a)  for the management, and regulation of the use by travelling stock and persons, of travelling stock reserves that are fully controlled by Local Land Services, and
(b)  for regulation of the use by travelling stock and persons of travelling stock reserves that are not fully controlled but are managed by Local Land Services and of public roads.
Division 1 Preliminary
61   Definitions
In this Part:
appropriate permit means a stock permit or reserve use permit that authorises the holder to engage in the activity or conduct concerned.
closure order means an order under section 70.
controlled travelling stock reserve means:
(a)  a travelling stock reserve the care, control and management of which is vested in Local Land Services under this Part, or
(b)  a travelling stock reserve that is a stock watering place for which Local Land Services is the controlling authority under Part 7.
permit means a stock permit or reserve use permit.
timber has the same meaning as it has in the Forestry Act 2012.
travelling stock means stock that are being moved by being walked, and includes travelling stock that are grazing.
travelling stock reserve means:
(a)  any route or camping place reserved for travelling stock route or camping place under the Crown Lands Act 1989, or
(b)  any reserve for travelling stock, water reserve, reserve for access or crossing (where the reserve is for the purpose of providing travelling stock with access to or a crossing of water, whether expressly notified for that purpose or not), or
(c)  any stock watering place.
Division 2 Controlled travelling stock reserves
62   Vesting care, control and management of certain travelling stock reserves in Local Land Services
(1)  The Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 may, by order published in the Gazette, vest in Local Land Services the care, control and management of any travelling stock reserve to which this section applies.
(2)  This section applies to a travelling stock reserve other than a stock watering place or one that comprises land within:
(a)  a State forest, or
(b)  the Western Division that is subject to a lease from the Crown.
Note—
Section 18 and paragraph (l) of Schedule 1 to the Western Lands Act 1901 provide for such leases to contain covenants giving unrestricted rights to proclaim travelling stock reserves and to withdraw land from such reserves.
(3)  An order under this section relating to that part of a travelling stock reserve that is subject to a lease or a licence granted under the Crown Lands Acts does not have effect until the lease or licence is terminated.
63   Withdrawal of care, control and management from authority
(1)  The Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 may, by order published in the Gazette, withdraw the care, control and management of a travelling stock reserve from Local Land Services.
(2)  An order may be made only on the recommendation of the Minister administering this section.
(3)  The Minister administering this section is to take into consideration any views of Local Land Services in deciding whether or not to recommend that an order be made.
(4)  Before recommending that an order be made, the Minister administering this section may refer the matter to the appropriate local land board.
(5)  As soon as practicable after the matter is referred to it, the local land board must inquire into the matter and submit a report of its findings in writing to the Minister administering this section.
(6)  The Minister administering this section is not bound to accept the report and no person is entitled to appeal against such a report or have it referred to the Land and Environment Court.
64   Withdrawal of land required for public purpose from travelling stock reserve
(1)  The Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 may, by order published in the Gazette, withdraw from a travelling stock reserve under the care, control and management of Local Land Services any land that is required as a site for a town or village or for any public purpose, other than the purpose of settlement under the Crown Lands Acts.
(2)  An order may be made only on the recommendation of the Minister administering this section.
(3)  The Minister administering this section is to take into consideration any views of Local Land Services in deciding whether or not to recommend that an order be made.
65   Compensation for improvements made before withdrawal
(1)  The Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 is liable to pay compensation to Local Land Services for any improvements made to land comprising any part of a travelling stock reserve that is withdrawn from the care, control and management of Local Land Services.
(2)  The compensation must not exceed the current value of the improvements.
(3)  If the Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 and Local Land Services are unable to agree on the amount of compensation, either of them may refer the matter to the appropriate local land board for determination.
(4)  The local land board to which the matter is referred must determine the amount of compensation payable.
(5)  The local land board’s determination is binding on the Minister and Local Land Services.
Division 3 Timber on controlled travelling stock reserves
66   Removal or destruction of timber
(1)  Local Land Services must not remove, fell or destroy timber from an area of more than one hectare of land within a controlled travelling stock reserve unless it has given the Forestry Corporation at least 3 months’ notice in writing of its intention to do so.
Note—
For the effect of compliance with this section, see section 38 (4) (e) of the Forestry Act 2012.
(2)  Local Land Services must consult the Chief Executive of the Office of Environment and Heritage before it decides whether or not to fell timber on or remove timber felled on a controlled travelling stock reserve that adjoins a national park or a nature reserve.
(3)  Local Land Services may remove timber only after giving due consideration to any representations made by the Chief Executive of the Office of Environment and Heritage.
67   Use of felled timber
(1)  Local Land Services may sell timber felled on a controlled travelling stock reserve or may use the timber for the purpose of improving any travelling stock reserve within a region or carrying out any work in a region necessary for the exercise of its functions but must not use the timber for any other purpose.
(2)  Local Land Services may sell timber felled on a controlled travelling stock reserve with the consent of the Forestry Corporation, despite anything in the Forestry Act 2012 to the contrary.
68   Licences to remove timber
(1)  The Forestry Corporation must obtain the consent of Local Land Services before it issues any licence under the Forestry Act 2012 to any person other than Local Land Services to cut or remove timber that is located in a controlled travelling stock reserve.
(2)  A licence may include such conditions or restrictions as the Forestry Corporation and Local Land Services agree on.
(3)  If the Forestry Corporation and Local Land Services are in dispute as to the conditions or restrictions to be included in a licence, either of them may refer the dispute to the Minister administering the Forestry Act 2012 for determination.
(4)  The Minister’s determination of the dispute is binding on the Forestry Corporation and Local Land Services.
69   Relationship to other Acts
Nothing in this Part authorises or permits Local Land Services to take any action in respect of a controlled travelling stock reserve that is contrary to the Native Vegetation Act 2003.
Division 4 Closure of controlled travelling stock reserves
70   Closure orders
(1)  Local Land Services may make an order (a closure order):
(a)  closing a controlled travelling stock reserve (or specified part of a reserve), or
(b)  suspending an entitlement or authority conferred by or under section 74 to use a controlled travelling stock reserve (or specified part of a reserve) for any recreational activity, or
(c)  suspending the operation of any stock permit or permit issued under the Stock Diseases Act 1923 or reserve use permit in relation to the reserve (or part of any such reserve) except to the extent specified in the order.
(2)  Local Land Services may make an order under subsection (1) (a):
(a)  for the purpose of taking appropriate measures for the following:
(i)  the conservation of the soil or vegetation,
(ii)  the prevention or mitigation of soil erosion,
(iii)  the regeneration or planting of trees or pasture, or
(b)  to enable Local Land Services to exercise any of its other functions in relation to the reserve.
(3)  Local Land Services may make an order under subsection (1) (b) or (c) if use of the reserve for the purposes of the activity concerned or as authorised by the permit could result in:
(a)  damage to the reserve or part of the reserve or to any structure or other thing located on the reserve or part of the reserve, or
(b)  nuisance or annoyance to any members of the public.
71   Notice of closure
(1)  Local Land Services must publish or notify the making of a closure order in a newspaper circulating generally in the region or regions in which the controlled travelling stock reserve (or part reserve) is located.
(2)  A closure order takes effect on the day on which it is so published or notified or, if a later day is specified in the order, on that later day.
(3)  A closure order (unless sooner repealed or amended) remains in force for the period specified in the order.
Division 5 Use of travelling stock reserves and public roads
72   Unauthorised uses of travelling stock reserves
A person must not, without lawful authority:
(a)  enter or remain on a travelling stock reserve, or
(b)  occupy or make use of any travelling stock reserve for any purpose, or
(c)  engage in any activity that damages, or is likely to damage, a travelling stock reserve.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
73   Unauthorised use of public roads
(1)  A person who owns or has charge of stock must ensure that the stock do not walk or graze on a public road.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)  A person is not guilty of an offence under this section if the stock are being walked or grazed under the authority of a stock permit or an order made or permit issued under the Stock Diseases Act 1923 or in any other circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection.
74   Authorised use of travelling stock reserves for recreational activities
(1)  A person is authorised to use a travelling stock reserve (whether controlled or managed) or part of any such reserve on any day between sunrise and sunset for any recreational activity prescribed by the regulations, subject to this Act and any conditions prescribed by the regulations.
(2)  The Crown is to indemnify Local Land Services in respect of:
(a)  the death of or injury to any person, or
(b)  damage to, or the destruction of, property other than that of Local Land Services,
arising out of the use of a travelling stock reserve for the purpose of a recreational activity in accordance with this section.
(3)  Subsection (2) does not apply to the death of or personal injury to the following persons if the death or injury arises in connection with the exercise by Local Land Services of its functions:
(a)  a member of the Board,
(b)  a member of a local board,
(c)  a member of staff of Local Land Services.
75   Certain occupiers of land to have a right of access over travelling stock reserves
(1)  An occupier of land is entitled to a right of way over a travelling stock reserve (whether controlled or managed) to and from the road nearest to the land if no other access to and from the land by means of an established road or track is available.
(2)  A right of way is subject to such conditions as to its exercise (including any conditions as to its position, construction or improvement) as may be imposed by Local Land Services in a particular case.
(3)  Local Land Services is to give notice to the occupier of land of any condition imposed by it on a right of way of the occupier.
(4)  The occupier may, with the approval of Local Land Services, and must if directed to do so by Local Land Services by notice in writing, construct or make improvements to the occupier’s right of way over the reserve.
(5)  Any construction or improvements are to be made at the expense of the occupier.
76   Appeal about right of way conditions
(1)  An occupier of land may appeal to the appropriate local land board against a decision of Local Land Services to impose a condition or direct the making of any improvement under section 75.
(2)  The appeal must be made within 28 days of receipt of notice of the decision or direction.
(3)  On hearing the appeal, the local land board may:
(a)  revoke the decision or direction, or
(b)  confirm the decision or direction.
(4)  A decision of the local land board on appeal is final and is to be given effect as if it were a decision of Local Land Services.
77   Reserve use permit
(1)  Local Land Services may issue a permit (a reserve use permit) authorising a person or group of persons to engage in any activity in, or to occupy or make use of, a travelling stock reserve in a region for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an apiary or for any other purpose.
(2)  A reserve use permit must specify the days, or times of day, or both, that the activity, or occupation or use, is authorised.
(3)  Despite subsection (1), a reserve use permit cannot be issued to authorise engagement in any activity prohibited by this Act or to authorise occupation or use of a travelling stock reserve:
(a)  by travelling stock or for any stock for grazing purposes, or
(b)  for any recreational activity prescribed by the regulations under section 74, or
(c)  for any purpose prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section.
(4)  A reserve use permit is to be in the approved form.
78   Stock permits authorising certain uses of travelling stock reserves and public roads
(1)  An authorised officer of Local Land Services may issue a permit (a stock permit) to any person authorising the person to do anything (or omit to do anything) on or in relation to any public road or travelling stock reserve (whether controlled or managed) specified in the permit in respect of stock owned or in the charge of the person and that would otherwise contravene a provision of this Division.
(2)  Without limiting subsection (1), an authorised officer may issue a stock permit authorising a person to do any one or more of the following:
(a)  enter a controlled travelling stock reserve with stock,
(b)  remain on a controlled travelling stock reserve with stock,
(c)  walk stock on a public road or travelling stock reserve,
(d)  graze stock on a public road or controlled travelling stock reserve.
(3)  A stock permit cannot be issued authorising a person to graze stock (other than travelling stock) on a public road without the concurrence of:
(a)  in the case of a public road that is not a Crown road—the local authority in which the road is vested, or
(b)  in the case of a Crown road—the Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989.
Note—
Under section 40 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 the concurrence of the Minister is required before the issue of a permit to graze over a travelling stock reserve within the boundaries of a national park or historic site.
(4)  A stock permit is to be in the approved form.
(5)  Nothing in this section authorises or permits an authorised officer to issue a stock permit authorising a person to do (or omit to do) anything on or in relation to a freeway or tollway within the meaning of the Roads Act 1993.
79   Applications for stock permits and reserve use permits
(1)  An application for a permit is to be made to Local Land Services in the manner prescribed by the regulations.
(2)  A permit must not be issued unless:
(a)  in relation to a reserve use permit (as referred to in section 77 (1))—the fee (if any) determined by Local Land Services has been paid or arrangements have been made for payment of the fee after issue of the permit, or
(b)  in relation to a stock permit that solely authorises a person to walk stock on a public road or travelling stock reserve (as referred to in section 78 (2) (c))—the fee (if any) determined by Local Land Services has been paid or arrangements have been made for payment of the fee after issue of the permit, or
(c)  in relation to a stock permit that solely authorises a person to graze stock on a public road (as referred to in section 78 (2) (d))—the fee (if any) prescribed by the regulations in respect of the permit, or such lesser amount as may be determined by Local Land Services in accordance with subsection (3), has been paid or arrangements have been made for payment of the fee or the lesser amount after issue of the permit, or
(d)  in relation to a stock permit that solely authorises a person to graze stock on a controlled travelling stock reserve (as referred to in section 78 (2) (d))—the following fee (if any) or amount has been paid or arrangements have been made for payment of the fee or amount after issue of the permit:
(i)  the fee determined by an auction, public tender or other means approved by Local Land Services for the permit,
(ii)  the fee (if any) prescribed by the regulations in respect of the permit, or such lesser amount as may be determined by Local Land Services in accordance with subsection (3), or
(e)  in relation to any other stock permit—the fee (if any) prescribed by the regulations in respect of the permit, or such lesser amount as may be determined by Local Land Services in accordance with subsection (3), has been paid or arrangements have been made for payment of the fee or the lesser amount after issue of the permit.
(3)  For the purposes of subsection (2), any lesser amount determined by Local Land Services must be determined by reference to:
(a)  a class of persons, public roads, travelling stock reserves or activities, or
(b)  situations that come within circumstances described in the determination.
(4)  Local Land Services must display in a conspicuous place in its office the fees prescribed by the regulations or determined by Local Land Services as payable for applications for permits.
(5)  An application under this section is taken (for the purposes only of any appeal) to have been refused if it has not been determined within the period of 14 days after the making of the application.
(6)  If Local Land Services has determined that the fee for a stock permit that solely authorises a person to graze stock on a controlled travelling stock reserve is to be determined by an auction, public tender or other means approved by Local Land Services (as referred to in subsection (2) (d) (i)) and such an auction, public tender or determination by other means occurs, Local Land Services may not accept the fee or lesser amount (as referred to in subsection (2) (d) (ii)) for the permit.
80   Duration of stock permits and reserve use permits
A permit, unless sooner cancelled or suspended, remains in force for the period specified in the permit.
81   Cancellation or suspension of stock permits and reserve use permits
(1)  A permit may be cancelled or suspended by Local Land Services at any time by notice in writing given to the permit holder.
(2)  The notice is to state the grounds for cancellation or suspension of the permit.
(3)  Without limiting the grounds on which Local Land Services may cancel or suspend a permit, Local Land Services may suspend or cancel a permit on any of the following grounds:
(a)  the holder of the permit has been convicted of an offence against this Act or the regulations,
(b)  the holder of the permit has contravened a condition to which the permit is subject,
(c)  cancellation or suspension is necessary for the protection of any stock or of a public road or travelling stock reserve.
82   Classes of stock permits and reserve use permits
(1)  The regulations may prescribe different classes of permits and describe the authority conferred on a person by issue of a particular class of permit.
(2)  The regulations may prescribe the conditions to which a class of permit is subject.
83   Conditions of stock permits and reserve use permits
(1)  A permit is subject to such conditions as are prescribed by the regulations or specified in the permit.
(2)  Local Land Services may by notice in writing to the holder of a permit:
(a)  revoke or vary any conditions attached to the permit that it has specified, or
(b)  attach new conditions to the permit.
(3)  A holder of a permit who contravenes any condition of the permit is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
84   Movement and grazing of stock authorised by stock permits must comply with Act and regulations
The holder of a stock permit must ensure that stock that the holder owns or of which the holder has charge are not moved over, or grazed on, a public road or travelling stock reserve in contravention of any provision of this Act or the regulations.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note—
See also section 191 (Court may order payment of additional penalty in certain cases).
85   Stock permits controlled for adjoining regions
If a boundary of 2 regions is a public road or a travelling stock reserve, and the walking or grazing of stock on the road or reserve is authorised for one of the regions, the walking or grazing of stock is taken to be authorised for so much of the other region as comprises the road or reserve.
86   Appeals concerning the issue, cancellation or suspension of permits
(1)  An applicant for a permit may appeal to the local land board against a decision of Local Land Services to refuse to issue a permit.
(2)  The holder of a permit may appeal to the local land board against a decision of Local Land Services to cancel or suspend the permit.
(3)  The appeal must be made within 28 days of the refusal or receipt of the notice of cancellation or suspension.
(4)  A decision of Local Land Services to refuse to issue a permit or to cancel or suspend a permit is effective and operates (subject to any final determination on appeal) from the date of the decision.
(5)  On hearing the appeal, the local land board may:
(a)  revoke the decision to refuse to issue the permit and issue the permit (whether or not subject to conditions), or
(b)  confirm the decision to refuse to issue the permit, or
(c)  revoke the decision to cancel or suspend the permit, or
(d)  confirm the decision to cancel or suspend the permit.
(6)  A decision of the local land board on appeal is final and is to be given effect as if it were a decision of Local Land Services.
87   Compensation
A local land board that revokes the decision of Local Land Services to cancel or suspend a permit may, on application of the holder of the permit, order Local Land Services to pay compensation to the holder for any loss arising out of the cancellation or suspension.
Note—
A party to proceedings before a local land board under this section may appeal to the Land and Environment Court against its decision. See section 26 of the Crown Lands Act 1989.
Division 6 Fencing of boundaries of controlled travelling stock reserves
88   Definitions
In this Division:
fencing notice means a notice given under section 91.
fencing work means the erection, replacement, repair, alteration or maintenance of a fence.
89   Application of Division
This Division does not apply to the following:
(a)  the holder of a yearly lease,
(b)  a lessee under a lease from the Crown (other than a yearly lease) if the lease has at the relevant date less than 5 years to run,
(c)  a licensee under a licence from the Crown.
90   Exclusion of Dividing Fences Act 1991
The Dividing Fences Act 1991 does not apply to or in respect of so much of any controlled travelling stock reserve that adjoins land owned by a person other than Local Land Services or that is separated from a controlled travelling stock reserve only by a road or watercourse.
91   Owner of land adjoining travelling stock reserve may be required to carry out fencing work
(1)  Local Land Services may, by notice in writing given to the owner of any land adjoining a controlled travelling stock reserve, or separated from such a reserve only by a road or watercourse, require the owner to carry out fencing work on the common boundary of the land and the reserve or of the land and the road or watercourse by the date specified in the notice.
Note—
Section 210 (Service of documents) sets out various ways in which a fencing notice may be given.
(2)  A fencing notice may be given only if Local Land Services considers it is necessary for the fencing work to be carried out for the proper protection or improvement of the controlled travelling stock reserve.
(3)  The fencing notice may specify the standard that the fencing work is required to meet.
(4)  The owner to whom a fencing notice is given must comply with the notice.
(5)  Local Land Services may carry out the fencing work required by the fencing notice if the owner fails to comply with the notice.
92   Fencing notice to specify contributions payable
(1)  A fencing notice is to specify whether the owner of the land is to bear the whole or a specified portion of the cost of the fencing work required by the notice and the contribution payable by Local Land Services.
(2)  An owner must not be required to bear more than half the cost of the fencing work except with the concurrence of Local Land Services.
93   Costs of fencing work
An owner of land who carries out fencing work required by a fencing notice is entitled to recover from Local Land Services the contribution of Local Land Services to the cost of the fencing work.
94   Compliance notice—fencing
(1)  If Local Land Services carries out fencing work required by a fencing notice because the owner to whom a fencing notice was given fails to comply with the notice, it may, by notice in writing given to the owner, require the owner to pay to it:
(a)  a contribution not exceeding half the cost of the fencing work carried out by Local Land Services, or
(b)  if the fencing notice specifies that the owner is liable for a greater portion of the cost of the fencing work, a contribution equivalent to that portion of the cost.
(2)  The notice under subsection (1) is to specify the period within which the contribution or amount is payable.
Note—
See Schedule 3 regarding charges on land for unpaid amounts and Division 1 of Part 12 and Schedule 5 regarding recovery of unpaid contributions.
95   Application to local land board
(1)  If the owner of land to whom a fencing notice has been given and Local Land Services are in dispute with respect to fencing work required by the notice, either of them may apply to the appropriate local land board to determine the matter.
(2)  On receiving an application under this section, the local land board must hear and determine the application.
96   Jurisdiction of local land board not to be ousted in certain cases
(1)  The jurisdiction of the local land board before which proceedings are brought under section 95 cannot be ousted on the ground that the defendant or respondent in the proceedings does not reside within the land district for which the local land board is constituted.
(2)  However, the local land board before which the proceedings are brought may transfer the application to a local land board that may more appropriately hear the application.
(3)  On receiving an application transferred to it under this section, a local land board must hear and determine the application.
97   Local land board may allow time for payment
(1)  In proceedings under this Division before a local land board for the determination of any contribution, or amount of money, the local land board may allow time for payment of the money concerned.
(2)  The local land board may:
(a)  determine that the money be paid in instalments, and
(b)  fix the amounts of the instalments and the dates by which they are payable, and
(c)  order interest at a rate not exceeding that prescribed by the regulations to be paid on that money.
(3)  If a local land board exercises the power conferred by subsection (2), the money concerned becomes payable by instalments, on the dates together with interest as fixed under that subsection.
98   Right to refer matters to Land and Environment Court
A local land board and the Minister administering this section have the same rights and powers to refer matters to the Land and Environment Court as the local land board and the Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 have under sections 27 and 28 of that Act.
99   Powers of Local Land Services with respect to fences
(1)  Local Land Services may refer to the appropriate local land board any question as to:
(a)  any matter requiring Local Land Services’ approval or concurrence under this Division, or
(b)  any other matter that Local Land Services considers necessary or appropriate to be inquired into for the purposes of this Division.
(2)  On receiving a reference, the local land board concerned must:
(a)  inquire into the question referred, and
(b)  as soon as practicable after the inquiry is completed—report its findings to Local Land Services in writing.
Division 7 Miscellaneous
100   Local Land Services not liable for use of pesticides or chemicals on reserves
(1)  Local Land Services is not liable to pay damages in respect of any pesticide or chemical related injury attributable to the application by Local Land Services of a pesticide or chemical to a controlled travelling stock reserve if Local Land Services has given notice in accordance with the regulations that the pesticide or chemical was about to be applied or had been applied to the reserve.
(2)  This section has effect in relation to a controlled travelling stock reserve (or part of such a reserve) to which a pesticide or chemical has been applied whether or not an appropriate permit is in force that authorises its holder to use the reserve (or part of the reserve) for a particular purpose.
(3)  In this section:
pesticide or chemical related injury means death of, or injury or illness suffered by, a person, or deaths of, or injuries or diseases suffered by, stock or bees, that are attributable to the application of a pesticide or chemical.
101   Local Land Services not liable for injury attributable to diseased travelling stock
(1)  Local Land Services is not liable to pay damages in respect of any disease related injury that is attributable to diseased travelling stock that have been walked or grazed on a travelling stock reserve or public road if Local Land Services has given notice in accordance with the regulations that the stock have been walked over or grazed on the reserve.
(2)  This section has effect in relation to a travelling stock reserve (or part of such a reserve) or public road on which diseased stock have been walked or grazed, whether or not an appropriate permit is in force that authorises the holder to use the reserve (or part of the reserve) or public road for the purpose of walking or grazing stock.
(3)  In this section:
disease related injury means death of, or injury or illness suffered by, a person, or deaths of, or injuries or diseases suffered by, stock or bees, that are attributable to diseased stock.
102   When may Local Land Services impound bees or beehives placed or kept on a controlled travelling stock reserve?
(1)  Local Land Services may impound any bees or beehives placed, or being kept, on a controlled travelling stock reserve if the bees or beehives have been placed, or are being kept, otherwise than in accordance with a reserve use permit issued by Local Land Services.
(2)  The bees or beehives are to be impounded in such manner as may be prescribed by the regulations.
(3)  Local Land Services may decline to release any bees or beehives impounded by it to a person who claims to own them unless the person pays to Local Land Services the impounding fee prescribed by the regulations.
(4)  Nothing in this section limits or affects any power with respect to bees or beehives conferred on an inspector under section 15A, 17, 18A or 24 of the Apiaries Act 1985.
103   Orders for mustering of stock
(1)  The person in charge of any stock that are on any part of a public road or a travelling stock reserve must, if requested to do so by a prescribed officer:
(a)  muster the stock at a specified place in the vicinity of that part of the road or reserve, and
(b)  allow the prescribed officer to inspect the stock, and
(c)  assist in counting the stock, and
(d)  provide the prescribed officer with such other assistance as the prescribed officer may reasonably require, and
(e)  except as provided by subsection (2), produce for inspection by the prescribed officer an appropriate permit in respect of the stock.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)  The person in charge of stock is not required to produce an appropriate permit for inspection if the person claims that the stock are being conveyed under the authority of an order made or a permit issued under the Stock Diseases Act 1923.
(3)  A person in charge of stock who claims that stock are being conveyed as referred to in subsection (2) must, if requested to do so by the prescribed officer, produce that order or permit for inspection by the officer within 48 hours after the request is made.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(4)  In this section, prescribed officer means any of the following:
(a)  an authorised officer,
(b)  a police officer,
(c)  an inspector appointed under the Stock Diseases Act 1923,
(d)  any other person prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.
104   Power of Local Land Services to recover compensation in respect of damage caused to or on controlled travelling stock reserve
(1)  Local Land Services may recover from a person who:
(a)  damages a controlled travelling stock reserve, or
(b)  damages or destroys any structure or work located on a controlled travelling stock reserve,
an amount equal to its expenses in rectifying the damage or replacing the destroyed structure or work.
(2)  This section has effect irrespective of whether the damage or destruction was perpetrated without intention, recklessness or negligence.
(3)  The recovery from a person of an amount under this section does not affect the liability of the person to be dealt with for an offence by or under this Act or under any other law arising out of the same matter.
105   Exemption power—Local Land Services
(1)  Local Land Services may exempt a person or a class of persons in writing from the operation of this Part or a specified provision of this Part.
(2)  The exemption may be limited in duration or may be subject to such factors or circumstances as may be specified in the exemption.
(3)  Local Land Services may cancel the exemption in writing at any time.
(4)  Local Land Services is to give notice in accordance with the regulations of any exemption given (or of any cancellation of an exemption made) under this section.
Part 7 Stock watering places
106   Declaration of stock watering places
The Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 may, by order published in the Gazette, declare any of the following to be a stock watering place:
(a)  any Crown land, or land acquired under section 135 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 for a stock watering place,
(b)  any land acquired for the purpose by a local authority.
107   Declaration of stock watering place as town water supply
The Minister administering this section may, by order published in the Gazette, declare a stock watering place to be a town water supply.
108   Which bodies are to be controlling authorities of stock watering places?
(1)  The controlling authority of a stock watering place that has been declared to be a town water supply under section 107 is:
(a)  if the stock watering place is located within a local government area—the local authority, or
(b)  if the stock watering place is not located within a local government area—a person or body nominated by the Minister.
(2)  The controlling authority of a stock watering place that has not been declared to be a town water supply is:
(a)  the body specified by the regulations as the controlling authority of the stock watering place, or
(b)  if no body is so specified—Local Land Services.
109   Controlling authority may construct water storage works
(1)  The controlling authority of a stock watering place may:
(a)  construct water storage works at the watering place, and
(b)  carry out improvements to any water storage works.
(2)  The controlling authority of a stock watering place is responsible, subject to any provision to the contrary of a lease granted under section 111, for maintaining and, where necessary, repairing any water storage works constructed by it.
(3)  The cost of:
(a)  constructing a water storage work at a stock watering place that is not under the control of a local authority, or
(b)  carrying out improvements, maintenance or repairs to any water storage work,
is, subject to any provision to the contrary of a lease granted under section 111, payable by the relevant controlling authority.
(4)  The controlling authority of a stock watering place must obtain the approval of the Minister before constructing a water storage work or carrying out any improvements, maintenance or repairs to a water storage work the cost of which exceeds $20,000 (or such other amount as may be prescribed by the regulations).
(5)  In this section:
water storage works means tanks, dams, reservoirs, pumps (including windmills) and other works for storing water or for providing water.
110   Compensation for improvements on former stock watering place
(1)  The Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 is liable to pay compensation for improvements made by a local authority or Local Land Services, as the controlling authority of a stock watering place, if the land on which the improvements are made is Crown land, or land acquired under section 135 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 for a stock watering place, that ceases to be, or to form part of, the stock watering place as a consequence of the revocation or variation of the order declaring the stock watering place.
(2)  The compensation must not exceed the current value of the improvements.
(3)  If the Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1989 and the local authority or Local Land Services are unable to reach an agreement as to the amount of compensation payable under this section, either of them may apply to the appropriate local land board to determine the matter.
(4)  The local land board to which application is made under this section must determine the amount of compensation payable.
111   Leases of stock watering places
(1)  The controlling authority of a stock watering place may, following auction, public tender or other means approved by Local Land Services, grant a lease of the watering place.
(2)  The controlling authority must not grant a lease of a stock watering place for a period (including any period for which the lease could be extended or renewed by the exercise of an option) exceeding the period prescribed by the regulations.
(3)  A lease of a stock watering place may, with the approval of the controlling authority of that place, be transferred to another person.
112   Controlling authority and lessee to supply water to certain persons and stock
The controlling authority, or lessee, of a stock watering place must:
(a)  supply water (if available) to any person or stock of a class prescribed by the regulations, or
(b)  allow stock to depasture at the stock watering place in the circumstances, and in accordance with any conditions, prescribed by the regulations.
113   Offence to damage stock watering place
(1)  A person must not intentionally or recklessly pollute or, without lawful authority, interfere with any water that flows into, or that is used as, the source of supply for any stock watering place.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  If any person pollutes or, without lawful authority, interferes with any water that flows into, or that is used as, the source of supply for a stock watering place, the relevant controlling authority may recover from the person an amount equal to the cost of cleaning up or removing the pollution or interference as a debt due in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(3)  Proceedings may be brought under subsection (2) irrespective of whether proceedings could be or have been brought for an offence under subsection (1) arising out of the same matter.
Part 8 Impounding of unattended and trespassing stock and abandoned articles
Note—
The Impounding Act 1993 empowers persons appointed by Local Land Services (which is an impounding authority for the purposes of that Act) to impound and deal with animals (including pigs and deer) and articles in public places and places owned or under the control of Local Land Services if, in the case of animals, they are unattended or trespassing or, in the case of articles, they have been abandoned or left unattended. It also enables occupiers of private land to impound and deal with animals trespassing on their land, provides for the release of impounded animals and articles that are claimed by their owners and, if they are disposed of by sale, provides for the disposal of the proceeds of sale.
This Part includes some provisions that complement or supplement the provisions of the Impounding Act 1993.
114   Definitions
(1)  In this Part:
stock includes pig and deer.
(2)  If an expression is defined in the Impounding Act 1993 and is also used in this Part, the expression as used in this Part has, unless the contrary intention appears, the same meaning as in that Act.
Note—
Expressions used include:
impounding authority, which is defined to include Local Land Services.
unattended which is defined, in relation to an animal, to include abandoned or straying.
115   Unattended stock
Stock are not unattended for the purposes of sections 9 (2) (d) and 32 (3) (d) of the Impounding Act 1993 if the stock are unattended on a road or travelling stock reserve:
(a)  in accordance with the authority conferred by (and any conditions of) a stock permit, or
(b)  in any other circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.
116   Offence of causing or permitting stock to be on a public road, travelling stock reserve or public land without authority
(1)  If stock (whether attended or unattended) are on a public road, travelling stock reserve or other public land except in accordance with the authority conferred by (and in accordance with any conditions of) a stock permit or by or under any law the owner of the stock, and the person in charge of the stock (if not the owner), are each guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)  It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this section if the defendant proves that the defendant had taken all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention.
(3)  An impounding officer may impound any stock the impounding officer suspects to be on a public road, travelling stock reserve or other public land in contravention of this section in the same way that the impounding officer may impound an animal under section 9 of the Impounding Act 1993.
117   Release of impounded stock
A person must not, without the authority of an impounding authority:
(a)  release, or
(b)  incite or assist any person to release,
any animal impounded, or seized or detained in a region for the purpose of being impounded.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Part 9 Transportation of stock by vehicle
118   Definitions
In this Part:
Accreditation Committee means the Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee constituted by section 125.
authorised officer means an authorised officer who is:
(a)  a police officer, or
(b)  an authorised officer who is authorised to exercise functions conferred on authorised officers by this Part.
stock means the following:
(a)  cattle,
(b)  sheep,
(c)  any other kind of animal declared by the regulations to be stock for the purposes of this Part.
stock transportation particulars—see section 119.
Note—
Vehicle is defined in the Dictionary to this Act to include any means of road, rail, waterborne or airborne transport.
transported stock statement means a document that contains stock transportation particulars and that is in a form approved for the purposes of this Part under section 127.
119   Stock transportation particulars
(1)  For the purposes of this Part, the following are stock transportation particulars in relation to stock:
(a)  the date the transportation of the stock commenced or is to commence,
(b)  the address at which the stock were or are to be loaded to commence the transportation,
(c)  details of the type and number of stock being or to be transported,
(d)  if the stock are being or are to be transported for the owner or owners of the stock—the name and address of the owner of the stock (or, if there is more than one owner, of at least one of the owners),
(e)  if the stock are being or are to be transported for a person other than the owner or owners of the stock who is an employee of the owner or owners or is otherwise responsible for the stock—the name and address of that person,
(f)  the name and address of the person to whom the stock are being or are to be transported,
(g)  the address to which the stock are being or are to be transported (if different from the address referred to in paragraph (f)),
(h)  any other particulars prescribed by the regulations.
(2)  In this section:
address of a corporation means the registered office or sole or principal place of business of the corporation.
120   Restrictions on the transport of stock by vehicle on a road
(1)  An owner of stock that are to be transported by a vehicle on a road must:
(a)  duly complete a transported stock statement in relation to the stock, and
(b)  if a person other than an owner is to transport the stock, make a copy of the statement,
before the commencement of the transportation.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
Note—
Section 122 requires records of transported stock statements to be retained.
(2)  If the owner of stock causes another person to transport the stock by vehicle on a road, the owner must provide the person in charge of the vehicle at the commencement of the transportation with a transported stock statement in relation to the stock before the commencement of the transportation.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)  The person who is in charge of a vehicle in which stock are being transported on a road must:
(a)  be in possession of a transported stock statement in relation to the stock, and
(b)  ensure that the stock correspond with the description of the stock specified in the document.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(4)  A person is not guilty of an offence under this section if the stock concerned are transported or are to be transported under the authority of:
(a)  a stock permit, or
(b)  an order made or a permit issued under the Stock Diseases Act 1923.
(5)  This section does not apply to the transport of stock by vehicle on a road in the following circumstances:
(a)  stock transported into New South Wales from another State or the Australian Capital Territory and transported within New South Wales for up to 30 kilometres before proceeding back into the other State or that Territory as part of an unbroken journey,
(b)  stock transported across or along a road from one part of a holding to another part that would be contiguous with the first-mentioned part but for being separated by the road,
(c)  stock transported to or from a place for treatment by a veterinary practitioner (within the meaning of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003),
(d)  stock transported in any other circumstances prescribed by the regulations.
(6)  In this section:
owner of stock includes:
(a)  an employee of the owner of the stock, and
(b)  a person other than the owner of the stock who is responsible for the stock, and
(c)  an employee of a person referred to in paragraph (b).
121   Restriction on the consignment of stock by rail, water or air transport
(1)  A person must not consign stock that are to be transported by any form of rail, water or air transport to another person (the consignee) unless the person has provided the consignee with a duly completed transported stock statement in respect of the stock.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2)  A consignee who is provided with a transported stock statement must (unless the consignee is to be responsible for the stock during the transport) provide a copy of the statement to the person who is to be responsible for the stock during the transport.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)  A person who is provided by a consignee with a copy of a transported stock statement under subsection (2) must be in possession of the copy until the end of the transport of the stock concerned.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(4)  A person is not guilty of an offence under this section if the stock concerned are consigned under the authority of:
(a)  a stock permit, or
(b)  an order made or a permit issued under the Stock Diseases Act 1923.
122   Records of transported stock statements to be retained
(1)  An owner of stock who completes a transported stock statement under section 120 (1) in relation to stock that the owner transports by a vehicle must retain the statement for at least 2 years after the day on which the transportation ends.
(2)  An owner of stock who provides another person with a transported stock statement under section 120 (2) or 121 (1) must retain a copy of the statement for at least 2 years after the day on which the transportation ends.
(3)  A person in charge of a vehicle who is provided with a transported stock statement under section 120 (2) must retain the statement for at least 2 years after the day the transportation ends.
(4)  A consignee who is provided with a transported stock statement under section 121 must retain the statement for at least 2 years after the day on which it is provided.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
123   Powers to stop and search vehicles transporting stock
(1) Vehicle search powers An authorised officer may exercise any one or more of the vehicle search powers in respect of a vehicle if the authorised officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle is being used to transport stock.
(2) Power to give reasonable directions An authorised officer who exercises a vehicle search power under this section has the power to give reasonable directions (to facilitate the exercise of the power) to any person:
(a)  in or on the vehicle concerned, or
(b)  in the vicinity of the vehicle concerned.
(3) Preconditions for exercise of vehicle search power An authorised officer may give a direction referred to in subsection (2) only if, before giving the direction, the authorised officer:
(a)  provides evidence to the person that he or she is an authorised officer (unless the authorised officer is a police officer in uniform), and
(b)  in the case of a police officer in uniform—provides his or her name and place of duty, and
(c)  informs the person of the reason for the direction, and
(d)  warns the person that a failure to comply with the direction may be an offence.
(4) Offence A person must (unless the person has a reasonable excuse for not doing so):
(a)  stop a vehicle the person is in charge of when directed under this section to do so by an authorised officer, or
(b)  comply with any other direction given under this section by an authorised officer.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units or 12 months imprisonment, or both.
(5) Definition In this section:
vehicle search power means any of the following powers:
(a)  a power to stop a vehicle transporting stock for the purposes of determining whether or not:
(i)  the person in charge of the vehicle is in possession of the transported stock statements required by section 120, or
(ii)  the person responsible for the stock is in possession of the transported stock statements required by section 121 (2),
(b)  the power to inspect any of the statements referred to in paragraph (a),
(c)  the power to search a vehicle (whether or not stopped under paragraph (a)) transporting stock for the purposes of determining whether stock being transported appear to be the stock to which transported stock statements in the possession of the person in charge of the vehicle, or who is responsible for the stock, relate and to give reasonable directions to any person in the vehicle for the purpose of facilitating the search,
(d)  the power to take possession of any stock or object found in the course of such a search that the authorised officer conducting the search suspects on reasonable grounds constitutes evidence of an offence under this Act or under any other law.
124   Person in charge of vehicle transporting stock to give name and other particulars
(1)  An authorised officer may request the person in charge of a vehicle that the authorised officer has reasonable grounds to believe is being used to transport stock to give the person’s name or residential address, or both.
(2)  An authorised officer may make a request referred to in subsection (1) only if, before making the request, the authorised officer:
(a)  provides evidence to the person that he or she is an authorised officer (unless the authorised officer is a police officer in uniform), and
(b)  in the case of a police officer in uniform—provides his or her name and place of duty, and
(c)  informs the person of the reason for the request, and
(d)  warns the person that a failure to comply with the request may be an offence.
(3)  A person who (without reasonable excuse):
(a)  fails to comply with a request under this section, or
(b)  in response to the request, gives a name or address that is false or misleading,
is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
125   Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee
(1)  There is constituted by this section a Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee.
(2)  The Accreditation Committee consists of 3 members of whom:
(a)  one is to be a person nominated by the Director-General, and
(b)  one is to be a person nominated by the Commissioner of Police, and
(c)  one is to be a person nominated by the Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association Incorporated.
(3)  The member referred to in subsection (2) (b) is to be the Chairperson of the Accreditation Committee.
(4)  The Accreditation Committee has such functions as are conferred or imposed on the Committee by or under this Act.
(5)  The procedure for the calling of meetings of the Accreditation Committee, and for the conduct of business at those meetings is, subject to this Act and the regulations, to be as determined by the Committee.
(6)  Two members constitute a quorum at a meeting of the Committee.
(7)  A decision supported by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Committee at which a quorum is present is the decision of the Committee.
(8)  The Chairperson has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, has a second or casting vote.
126   Application for accreditation
(1)  An application for approval of the form of a consignment note or other document as a transported stock statement made to the Accreditation Committee must be:
(a)  made in such manner and form as the Accreditation Committee may approve, and
(b)  supported by such information as the Accreditation Committee may require, and
(c)  accompanied by the application fee (if any) prescribed by the regulations.
(2)  The Accreditation Committee may require an applicant to furnish to the Accreditation Committee, within such time as may be specified, such further particulars as the Accreditation Committee considers necessary to determine the suitability of the proposed form of consignment note or other document for accreditation.
127   Approval of form of transported stock statement
(1)  The Accreditation Committee may, by order in writing, approve as a transported stock statement a form of consignment note or other document for the purposes of this Part on application made to the Committee under section 126.
(2)  The Director-General may, by order published in the Gazette, approve as a transported stock statement a consignment note or other document for the purposes of this Part.
(3)  An approval may be given subject to the condition that a document be compiled or identified in a manner specified by the Accreditation Committee or Director-General.
Part 10 Pests
Note—
This Part provides for the control on public and private land in the State of animals, birds, insects and other members of the animal kingdom that are pests.
Division 1 Preliminary
128   Definitions
In this Part:
control of a pest includes the eradication of the pest.
controlled land, in relation to a pest control order, means the land to which the order applies.
eradicate means fully and continuously suppress and destroy.
eradication order means an individual eradication order or general eradication order made under Division 3.
general destruction obligation means an obligation referred to in section 130 (2) (a).
limited destruction obligation means an obligation referred to in section 130 (2) (b).
notification obligation means an obligation referred to in section 130 (2) (c).
pest means any member of the animal kingdom declared by a pest control order to be a pest.
pest control order means an order made under section 130.
129   Part binds Crown
This Part binds the Crown, not only in right of New South Wales but also, so far as the legislative power of Parliament permits, the Crown in all its capacities.
Division 2 Pest control orders
130   Minister may make pest control orders
(1)  The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette:
(a)  describe any land to which the order applies (the controlled land), and
(b)  declare any non-human mammal or any bird, insect, amphibian, fish, reptile, arthropod, insect, mollusc, crustacean or other member of the animal kingdom to be a pest on the controlled land, and
(c)  impose or confer any one or more of the obligations or powers described in subsection (2) in relation to that pest on the controlled land.
(2)  A pest control order may:
(a)  impose a general destruction obligation requiring the occupier of the controlled land to eradicate the pest by any lawful method or by a method specified in the order, or
(b)  impose a limited destruction obligation requiring the occupier of the controlled land to eradicate the pest by any lawful method or by a method specified in the order during specified stages of its development or life cycle, or
(c)  impose a notification obligation requiring the occupier of land to give Local Land Services notice of the presence of the pest on the land as soon as practicable after becoming aware of its presence, or
(d)  empower Local Land Services to serve an order in accordance with this Part on any occupier or owner (other than a public authority) of the controlled land requiring the occupier or owner to eradicate the pest by use of a method specified by Local Land Services in the order (an individual eradication order), or
(e)  empower Local Land Services to publish an order in accordance with this Part requiring all occupiers of land within a region (or a specified part of a region) to eradicate the pest by use of any method specified by Local Land Services in the order (a general eradication order), or
(f)  confer power on any authorised officer or class of authorised officers to take measures to carry out work on the controlled land to eradicate the pest, or
(g)  confer on Local Land Services the power to give approval (whether or not subject to any condition) for any person or class of persons to keep the pest in captivity on the controlled land, or
(h)  confer on Local Land Services a power to approve or order the use (whether or not subject to any condition) of a method of eradication of a pest other than a method (if any) that is specified in the pest control order, or
(i)  prohibit the administration of any substance specified in the pest control order to the pest, or
(j)  require Local Land Services to supply materials that have been provided to it for the eradication of the pest on controlled land free of charge to the occupier or owner of the land.
(3)  An order may specify a method of eradication to be used in relation to a pest on controlled land that involves application of a substance or thing from the air.
(4)  An order must not specify any method of eradication in relation to a pest that would constitute an act of cruelty committed upon an animal within the meaning of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.
(5)  The Minister may not make an order declaring any member of the animal kingdom that is protected fauna or a threatened species to be a pest.
(6)  The land to which an order applies may be private land or public land, or both.
(7)  An order may be made so as:
(a)  to apply generally or be limited in its application by reference to specified exceptions or factors, or
(b)  to apply differently according to different factors of a specified kind.
(8)  In this section:
public authority means a public authority other than a local authority.
131   When can a pest control order be made?
(1)  A pest control order may be made by the Minister on the Minister’s own initiative after consultation with Local Land Services or at the request of Local Land Services.
(2)  The Minister must consult with such persons or organisations as may be prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection before making a pest control order declaring:
(a)  any member of the animal kingdom that is a native species, or
(b)  a game animal that is listed in Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002,
to be a pest.
132   Requests by Local Land Services for making of pest control orders
(1)  Local Land Services may request the Minister to make a pest control order that is to apply to land in a region.
(2)  The request is to be made in the form approved by the Director-General and is to be accompanied by such supporting information as is determined by the Director-General.
(3)  Local Land Services must consult with such persons or organisations as may be prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection before requesting the Minister to make a pest control order that is to apply to land in a region.
133   Public notice of proposal to make order
(1)  The Minister is to cause notice of a proposal to make a pest control order applying to land to be published in a newspaper circulating generally in the region in which the land is situated or, if the Minister considers it to be appropriate, throughout the whole State.
(2)  The Minister’s notice is to indicate when and where a copy of the proposed pest control order is to be placed on public exhibition and that submissions may be made on it.
(3)  The Minister is to cause a copy of the proposed pest control order (and such other information as the Minister considers appropriate) to be placed on public exhibition for a period of not less than 21 days after notice of the proposal is given so that interested persons may make submissions on the proposal.
(4)  The Minister is to take into consideration any submissions received on the proposed pest control order before the Minister makes the pest control order.
(5)  The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the notification and exhibition of proposed pest control orders.
134   Consultation
The Minister must not make a pest control order that applies to land occupied by a public authority unless the Minister has consulted the public authority about the making of the proposed order.
135   Minister may waive notice and consultation requirements
(1)  It is not necessary to comply with the requirements of sections 133 and 134 to the extent that the Minister certifies in writing that, in the Minister’s opinion, in the special circumstances of the case the public interest requires that the order be made without complying with those requirements.
(2)  The Minister is to give reasons for so certifying in the notice given under section 137.
136   Making of order
The Minister may make a pest control order in the same terms, or in substantially the same terms, as the proposed pest control order exhibited in accordance with section 133 or, in the case of an order in respect of which a certificate has been given under section 135, in whatever terms the Minister considers appropriate.
137   Notice of making of order
The Minister is to cause a notice of the making of a pest control order to be published in a newspaper circulating generally in the region in which the controlled land is situated or, if the Minister considers it to be appropriate, throughout the State.
138   When does a pest control order take effect?
A pest control order takes effect on the day of its publication in the Gazette or on a later day specified in the order.
139   Duration of pest control order
(1)  A pest control order has effect (unless sooner revoked) for such period (not exceeding 5 years) as is specified in the order.
(2)  A pest control order made in the circumstances mentioned in section 135 has effect (unless sooner revoked) for 3 months, or such lesser period as is specified in the order.
140   Amendment and revocation of pest control orders
(1)  The Minister may amend a pest control order by making another pest control order prepared in accordance with this Division.
(2)  The Minister may at any time revoke a pest control order by notice published in the Gazette.
141   Compliance with Division
(1)  Failure to comply with section 133 or 134 does not affect the validity of a pest control order.
(2)  The Minister is taken to have observed the rules of procedural fairness if a pest control order is made in accordance with this Division.
142   Obligations of owners and occupiers of private land
(1)  An occupier of any private land on whom a general destruction obligation in relation to a pest is imposed by a pest control order must eradicate any pest on the land by any lawful method (or, if the order specifies a method to be used, by the method specified).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)  An occupier of any private land on whom a limited destruction obligation in relation to a pest is imposed by a pest control order must eradicate any pest on the land during the stages of its development or life cycle specified in the order by any lawful method (or, if the order specifies a method to be used, by the method specified).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)  An occupier of any private land on whom a notification obligation in relation to a pest is imposed by a pest control order must give oral or written notice to Local Land Services of the presence of the pest on the land as soon as practicable after becoming aware of its presence.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(4)  An occupier of land within a region is not guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) if the occupier uses a method to eradicate a pest other than that (if any) specified in the pest control order concerned and the method used has been approved by Local Land Services in accordance with this Part.
143   Obligations of occupiers of public land
(1)  An occupier of any public land on whom a general destruction obligation in relation to a pest is imposed by a pest control order must (to the extent necessary to minimise the risk of the pest causing damage on any land) eradicate any pest on the land by any lawful method (or, if the order specifies a method to be used, by the method specified).
(2)  An occupier of any public land on whom a limited destruction obligation in relation to a pest is imposed by a pest control order must (to the extent necessary to minimise the risk of the pests causing damage on any land) eradicate any pest on the land during the stages of its development or life cycle specified in the order by any lawful method (or, if the order specifies a method to be used, by the method specified).
(3)  An occupier of any public land on whom a notification obligation in relation to a pest is imposed by a pest control order must give oral or written notice to Local Land Services of the presence of the pest on the land as soon as practicable after becoming aware of its presence.
(4)  An occupier of public land fulfills any obligation referred to in subsection (1) or (2) if the occupier uses a method to eradicate a pest on the land other than that (if any) specified in a pest control order applying to the land and the method used has been approved by Local Land Services in accordance with this Part.
Division 3 Eradication orders
144   When may eradication orders be given?
(1)  Local Land Services may give an eradication order in relation to a pest on controlled land only if Local Land Services considers that it is necessary to give it to ensure the effective eradication of the pest on the land.
(2)  An individual eradication order is to be served on the occupier or owner of the land concerned.
(3)  A general eradication order is to be published in a newspaper circulating generally in the region or part of the region concerned.
145   Period for compliance with eradication order
(1)  An eradication order must specify a reasonable period within which the terms of the order are to be complied with, subject to this section.
(2)  An order may require compliance within a short period (not being less than 24 hours) in circumstances which Local Land Services believes constitute a serious risk of harm being caused by the pest to which the order relates.
146   Reasons for order to be given
(1)  Local Land Services must give the occupier or owner of land to whom an individual eradication order is given reasons for the order.
(2)  The reasons may be given in the order or in another instrument.
(3)  The reasons must be given when the order is given, except in a case of urgency. In a case of urgency, the reasons may be given the next working day.
147   Notice of right to appeal against order
Local Land Services must, in giving an occupier or owner of private land an individual eradication order:
(a)  state that the person may appeal to the local land board against the order, and
(b)  specify the period within which the appeal may be made.
148   Appeal against individual eradication order of Local Land Services
(1)  An occupier or owner of land (other than a public authority) given an individual eradication order by Local Land Services may appeal to the appropriate local land board only on any one or more of the following grounds:
(a)  that Local Land Services was not authorised to give the order,
(b)  that Local Land Services has failed to comply with the requirements of this Division in respect of the making of the order,
(c)  that the action required to be taken under the order to eradicate the pest concerned is inappropriate or likely to be ineffective or that Local Land Services has failed to consider the feasibility of alternative action,
(d)  that the period of time specified by the order for the taking of action is not reasonable.
(2)  The appeal must be made within 28 days or within the period specified by the order for taking action to eradicate the pest concerned, whichever is the lesser.
(3)  On hearing the appeal, the local land board may:
(a)  amend or revoke the individual eradication order, or
(b)  confirm the order.
(4)  If an appeal is made to a local land board against an individual eradication order, the order has no force or effect unless the local land board confirms or amends the order or the appeal is withdrawn.
(5)  If the local land board confirms or amends an individual eradication order, the order has force and effect from the day on which it is confirmed or amended.
(6)  If an appeal against an individual eradication order is withdrawn, the order is taken to have force and effect from the day on which the order was given.
149   Individual eradication order of Minister
(1)  Local Land Services may recommend to the Minister that an individual eradication order be given by the Minister to a public authority.
(2)  The Minister may serve an order on a public authority requiring the public authority to eradicate a pest specified in the order by use of a method specified by the Minister in the order within a period specified in the order.
(3)  Before giving an order to a public authority, the Minister must consult with the public authority as to the giving of the order and its contents.
150   Obligations to comply with eradication orders
(1)  An owner or occupier of land who is served with an individual eradication order by Local Land Services must comply with the individual eradication order.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)  An occupier of land who is served with an individual eradication order by the Minister must (to the extent that is reasonably practicable) comply with the eradication order.
(3)  Any occupier of private land to which a general eradication order applies must comply with the eradication order.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(4)  Any occupier of public land to which a general eradication order applies must (to the extent that is reasonably practicable) comply with the general eradication order.
Division 4 Powers of authorised officers and others concerning eradication of pests
151   Eradication of pests
An authorised officer may take such measures and carry out such work on any controlled land as the authorised officer considers necessary to eradicate pests on the land if:
(a)  a pest control order authorises the taking of such action, or
(b)  the owner or occupier of the land has failed to comply with a pest control order or an eradication order applying to the land, or
(c)  the owner or occupier of the land consents to the measures or work being taken or carried out.
152   Destruction of pests may be required
(1)  An authorised officer may, by notice in writing, require a person in possession of a live pest (other than a person who has an approval to keep the pest under section 156):
(a)  to destroy the pest, or
(b)  to move the pest to a specified place and there destroy it within a time specified in the notice, or
(c)  to move the pest to a place where it is not a pest within a period specified in the notice.
(2)  If the person refuses or fails to comply with a requirement specified in such a notice, an authorised officer may take the required action, whether or not it involves taking possession of the pest.
(3)  An authorised officer who believes on reasonable grounds that a vehicle may contain a pest (other than a pest that is being conveyed for the purpose of complying with a requirement made under this section) may do one or more of the following:
(a)  require the driver to stop the vehicle,
(b)  search the vehicle,
(c)  if any pest is found in or on the vehicle, request the driver to move the vehicle to a specified place so that the pest may be destroyed,
(d)  seize and destroy any pest found in or on the vehicle.
(4)  A person who fails to comply with a requirement made of the person under this section by an authorised officer is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 40 penalty units.
153   Compliance notice—pests
(1)  The Minister or Local Land Services may, by notice given to the occupier or owner of any controlled land, impose on the occupier or owner:
(a)  an inspection charge to cover the reasonable costs of any inspection of the land for the purposes of this Part, or
(b)  a charge to cover the reasonable expenses of any action taken by an authorised officer under this Part as a consequence of the occupier or owner failing to take any action the occupier or owner is required to take under this Part.
(2)  The notice is to specify the day on or before which the charge is to be paid.
(3)  A notice must not be given in respect of any action taken that a pest control order specifies is to be carried out by the State free of cost to the occupier or owner of land.
Note—
See Division 1 of Part 12 and Schedules 3 and 5 on recovery of unpaid charges.
154   Contributions towards eradication of pests that are insects
(1)  The Minister may, by notice, require Local Land Services to pay to the Minister an amount as a contribution to the cost of any action taken or to be taken by the Minister in eradicating pests that are insects.
(2)  A notice cannot be given by the Minister under this section unless the Minister is authorised to give the notice by a pest control order.
(3)  A contribution is payable within such period after the notice is given as is specified in the notice or within such other period as the Minister allows.
(4)  Any contribution that remains unpaid is recoverable by the Minister from Local Land Services in a court of competent jurisdiction.
155   Money advanced or paid to Minister for eradication of pests that are insects
(1)  The Treasurer may advance to the Minister, on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Treasurer in consultation with the Minister, money required for any of the following purposes:
(a)  money for purchase of materials for the eradication of pests that are insects,
(b)  money for meeting the cost of eradicating pests that are insects as provided by this Part,
(c)  money for paying any contribution required to be made by the State to the Australian Plague Locust Commission.
(2)  The Minister may apply money advanced under this section only for the purpose for which it is advanced.
Division 5 Miscellaneous
156   Approval to keep pest in captivity or use alternative method of eradication
(1)  If Local Land Services is empowered by a pest control order to give approval to keep a pest in captivity, any person may apply in writing to Local Land Services for approval for the person to keep the pest in captivity on specified land.
(2)  If Local Land Services is empowered by a pest control order to give approval for use of an alternative method of eradication of a pest, any person may apply in writing to Local Land Services for approval to use an alternative method of eradication described in the application to that specified in the order.
(3)  Local Land Services may give the approval sought in writing subject to the conditions (if any) stated in the approval.
(4)  An application under this section is taken (for the purposes only of any appeal) to have been refused if it has not been determined within the period of 40 days after the making of the application.
157   Appeal against refusal to approve keeping of pest in captivity or use alternative eradication method
(1)  An applicant for an approval under section 156 may appeal to the appropriate local land board against a decision of Local Land Services to refuse to give the approval sought.
(2)  The appeal must be made within 28 days of the refusal.
(3)  On hearing the appeal, the local land board may:
(a)  revoke the decision and give the approval sought (whether or not subject to conditions), or
(b)  confirm the decision.
(4)  A decision of the local land board on an appeal is to be given effect to as if it were the decision of Local Land Services.
158   Offences relating to pests kept in captivity
(1)  A person must not keep a pest in captivity on any land except in accordance with an approval to keep the pest in captivity on the land given under section 156.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2)  Any person who (without lawful excuse) liberates, or attempts to liberate, a pest from captivity is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
159   Offence of administering prohibited substance to pests
(1)  A person must not administer any substance to a pest if the substance is declared by the pest control order relating to the pest to be a prohibited substance in relation to a pest of that kind.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  For the purposes of any proceeding for an offence under this section, if it is proved that a prohibited substance was administered to a pest, it is, until the contrary is proved, to be presumed that the owner (if any) of the pest administered the substance.
160   Offences involving fences and pests and conveyance of pests
(1)  A person must not, without lawful excuse, carry, drive or pass a pest through, under or over a fence or gate on any land (whether controlled land or otherwise) that is designed to prevent such a pest from entering land.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)  A person must not, without lawful excuse:
(a)  leave open a gate in a fence on any land (whether controlled land or otherwise) that is designed to prevent pests from entering land, or
(b)  destroy or damage any such fence or gate, or
(c)  interfere with any such fence or gate or the surface or subsurface under it in a manner likely to impair its effectiveness as a barrier to such pests.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)  A person must not, without lawful excuse, convey a live pest from one place to another (whether by vehicle or otherwise).
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
161   Damage, destruction, removal of eradication devices
A person must not, without lawful excuse:
(a)  destroy, damage or remove any thing that is being used or intended to be used for the purposes of eradicating pests in accordance with this Part, or
(b)  interfere with any such thing in a manner that is likely to impair its effectiveness.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
162   Campaigns for eradication of pests
(1)  Local Land Services may conduct (or participate in the conduct of) campaigns for the eradication of pests and may make any necessary arrangements and take all necessary steps for carrying out such campaigns.
(2)  Arrangements under this section may be made with other authorities, with the occupiers or owners of land or persons within a region or with the government of this or any other State, the Commonwealth or a Territory.
163   Disputes between a Minister and another Minister
(1)  If a dispute arises between the Minister and another Minister or between the Minister and the Minister responsible for a public authority in connection with:
(a)  the eradication of pests on the whole or part of public land for which the other Minister or a public authority is responsible, or
(b)  the implementation of any measure with respect to the eradication of pests on that land,
a party to the dispute may submit the dispute to the Premier for settlement.
(2)  On submission of a dispute to the Premier, the Premier may hold an inquiry into the dispute and may make such decisions about the dispute as the Premier thinks fit, having regard to the public interest and the circumstances.
(3)  A Minister or public authority must comply with a decision of the Premier under this section and for that purpose is empowered to do so, despite the provisions of this or any other Act.
Part 11 Powers of authorised officers
Division 1 Preliminary
164   Power of entry
(1)  An authorised officer may enter any premises to enable the authorised officer to exercise any function conferred or imposed on the authorised officer, or any function of Local Land Services that the officer is authorised to exercise, by or under this Act.
(2)  The authorised officer may enter premises with such persons and with such vehicles, horses and dogs as the authorised officer considers are necessary to enable or assist the authorised officer to exercise the function concerned.
165   Purposes for which powers under Part may be exercised
Powers may be exercised under this Part for the following purposes:
(a)  for determining whether there has been compliance with or a contravention of this Act or the regulations or any order, licence, notice, permit or requirement issued or made under this Act,
(b)  for obtaining information or records for purposes connected with the administration of this Act,
(c)  for the purpose of enabling Local Land Services, the authorised officer or any other person to exercise any function conferred or imposed on the person under this or any other Act.
166   Effect on other functions
Nothing in this Part affects any function under any other Part of this Act.
Division 2 Authorised officers
167   Authorised officers
An authorising authority may appoint a police officer or any other person (including a class of persons) as an authorised officer for the purposes of this Act.
Note—
Authorising authority is defined in the Dictionary.
168   Scope of authority
(1)  An authorisation of a person as an authorised officer can be given generally, or subject to conditions, limitations or restrictions or only for limited purposes.
(2)  The authority of an authorised officer may be limited by the relevant instrument of appointment to the functions, or the exercise of functions in such region or part of a region, as are specified in the instrument of appointment.
(3)  If such authorisation is given subject to conditions, limitations or restrictions or only for limited purposes, nothing in this Act authorises or requires the authorised officer to act in contravention of the conditions, limitations or restrictions or for other purposes.
169   Identification
(1)  Every authorised officer, other than a police officer, is to be provided by the authorising authority with an identification card.
(2)  In the course of exercising the functions of an authorised officer under this Act, an authorised officer, other than a police officer, must, if requested to do so by any person affected by the exercise of the functions, produce the officer’s identification card to the person.
(3)  In the course of exercising the functions of an authorised officer under this Act, an authorised officer who is a police officer must, if requested to do so by any person affected by the exercise of the functions, produce his or her identification as a police officer (unless he or she is in uniform).
(4)  An identification card is a card or document that:
(a)  states that it is issued under this Act, and
(b)  gives the name of the person to whom it is issued, and
(c)  describes the nature of the powers conferred and the source of the powers, and
(d)  states the date (if any) on which it expires, and
(e)  describes the kind of premises to which the power extends, and
(f)  bears the signature of the person prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.
170   Time of entry
An authorised officer may enter any premises at any reasonable time.
171   Entry into residential premises only with permission or warrant
This Part does not empower an authorised officer to enter any part of premises used only for residential purposes without the permission of the occupier or the authority of a search warrant issued under section 178.
172   Powers of authorised officers to do things on premises
(1)  An authorised officer may, at any premises lawfully entered, do anything that in the opinion of the authorised officer is necessary to be done for the purposes of this Act, including (but not limited to) the things specified in subsection (2).
(2)  An authorised officer who enters premises may do any or all of the following:
(a)  inspect the premises,
(b)  search the premises,
(c)  examine, seize, detain or remove any pest in or about those premises,
(d)  examine, seize, detain or remove any other thing that the authorised officer has reasonable grounds to believe is being used to contravene this Act or the regulations,
(e)  require the production of and inspect any records in or about those premises,
(f)  take copies of, or extracts or notes from, any such records,
(g)  require any person in or about those premises to answer questions or otherwise furnish information,
(h)  require the occupier of those premises to provide the authorised officer with such assistance and facilities as are reasonably necessary to enable the authorised officer to exercise his or her functions,
(i)  remove or destroy or cause to be removed or destroyed any pest found in or about those premises that is being kept in captivity without lawful authority,
(j)  break open and search any box, container, package or receptacle (including any place that could be used as a receptacle) in or about those premises,
(k)  examine or muster any stock.
173   Notice of entry
(1)  Before an authorised officer enters premises under this Part, the authorising authority must give the occupier of the premises oral or written notice of the intention to enter the occupier’s premises on a day or within a period of days specified in the notice.
(2)  The day or any day within the period of days specified must not be the day on which the notice is given.
(3)  This section does not require notice to be given:
(a)  if entry to the premises is made with the consent of the occupier of the premises, or
(b)  if entry has been authorised by a search warrant issued under section 178, or
(c)  if entry is required urgently and the authorising authority has authorised in writing (either generally or in the particular case) entry without notice, or
(d)  if the authorised officer concerned is a police officer and the giving of notice would defeat the purpose for which it is intended to exercise the power of entry, or
(e)  if entry is required to eradicate any pest kept in captivity without lawful authority.
174   Use of force
(1)  Reasonable force may be used for the purpose of gaining entry to any premises (other than residential premises) under a power conferred by this Part but only if authorised by the authorising authority in accordance with this section and in accordance with any guidelines.
(2)  No force is to be exercised in any case unless the authorising authority has authorised in writing (either in a specified class of cases or in the particular case) the use of force in the circumstances of the case.
(3)  A general authority given by the authorising authority for the use of force is invalid. The authority is to specify the circumstances that are required to exist in a case before force is used.
175   Notification of use of force or urgent entry
(1)  An authorised officer must give the authorising authority prompt oral or written advice of:
(a)  any use of force by the authorised officer for the purpose of gaining entry to premises, or
(b)  any entry to premises by the authorised officer without notice having been given to the occupier of the premises of the intention to enter as required by section 173.
(2)  The authorising authority must give notice of the entry to such persons or authorities as appear to be appropriate in the circumstances.
176   Care to be taken
In the exercise of a function under this Part, an authorised officer must do as little damage as possible.
177   Compensation
An authorising authority must compensate all interested parties for any damage caused by an authorised officer who enters premises under this Part in entering the premises (but not any damage caused by exercising any other function), unless the occupier of the premises obstructed, hindered or restricted the authorised officer in the exercise of the power of entry.
178   Search warrant
(1)  An authorised officer under this Act may apply to an authorised officer within the meaning of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 for a search warrant if the authorised officer under this Act has reasonable grounds for believing that a provision of this Act or the regulations has been or is being or is about to be contravened in or about any premises.
(2)  An authorised officer under this Act may not apply for a search warrant to search premises unless the authorised officer under this Act has notified the authorising authority of the intended application.
(3)  An authorised officer within the meaning of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 to whom an application is made under this section may, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so, issue a warrant authorising an authorised officer under this Act named in the warrant to enter the premises and to exercise there the powers under section 172.
(4)  Division 4 of Part 5 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 applies to a search warrant issued under this section.
179   Authorised officer may request assistance
(1)  An authorised officer may request the assistance of any police officer if the authorised officer reasonably believes that the performance of functions conferred or imposed by or under this Act will be obstructed.
(2)  An authorised officer may request the assistance of any person the authorised officer believes to be capable of providing assistance in the performance of functions conferred or imposed by or under this Act.
Division 3 Offences in relation to authorised officers
180   Offence: obstructing authorised officer
(1)  A person who:
(a)  prevents an authorised officer from exercising a function conferred or imposed by or under this Act, or
(b)  hinders, obstructs, threatens or assaults an authorised officer in the exercise of such a function, or
(c)  without reasonable excuse, refuses or fails to comply with a requirement made or to answer a question of an authorised officer asked in accordance with this Act or the regulations, or
(d)  furnishes an authorised officer with information knowing that it is false or misleading in a material particular,
is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2)  A person is not guilty of an offence under subsection (1) (c) unless it is established that, at the material time, the authorised officer:
(a)  identified himself or herself as an authorised officer, and
(b)  warned the person that a failure or refusal to comply with the requirement may constitute an offence.
181   Offence: impersonating authorised officer or other authorised person
A person who impersonates or falsely represents that the person is an authorised officer is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
Part 12 Enforcement provisions
Division 1 Recovery of outstanding rates, charges and other amounts
182   Sale of land for unpaid amounts owing to Local Land Services
Local Land Services may sell land to recover unpaid rates, levies or contributions of a kind prescribed by the regulations owing to it in accordance with Schedule 5.
183   Recovery of rates, charges, fees and other unpaid amounts
(1)  Any rate, charge, fee or other money due or payable to Local Land Services or any other person under this Act may be recovered by Local Land Services or the person as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(2)  The amount of any judgment that is recovered in proceedings brought under this section, and of any costs awarded to Local Land Services or other person concerned in respect of the proceedings, is a charge on any land (other than public land) concerned.
(3)  Schedule 5 applies to an amount or any part of an amount awarded or ordered to be paid to Local Land Services or any other person under this section that remains unpaid after the expiration of 5 years from the date of the judgment or order of the court concerned.
(4)  The provisions of this section have effect despite anything contained in section 42 of the Real Property Act 1900.
184   Accrual of interest on overdue rates, charges and other amounts
(1)  Interest accrues on rates, charges and other amounts payable to an authority, the Minister or any other person under this Act.
(2)  Interest accrues on a daily basis or on such other basis as is determined by Local Land Services or the person concerned.
(3)  The rate of interest is that set by Local Land Services or the person concerned but must not exceed the rate specified for the time being by the Minister by notice published in the Gazette.
(4)  Accrued interest is, for the purpose of its recovery, taken to be a rate, charge or amount that is due and payable.
(5)  Interest continues to accrue on unpaid rates, charges or amounts even though judgment for payment of the rates, charges or amounts may have been obtained in a court. Interest is not payable on the judgment debt, despite any other Act.
185   Special provision with respect to recovery of unpaid rates and charges
Despite anything to the contrary in the Limitation Act 1969, proceedings for the recovery of a rate or charge may be commenced at any time within 20 years after the date when the rate or charge becomes payable.
186   Rebates, waiver, refund or writing off of rates, charges and other amounts
(1)  Local Land Services may do any one or more of the following:
(a)  grant a rebate or waive payment of a rate, charge or other amount due or payable to it under this Act or the regulations or any part of such a rate, charge or other amount,
(b)  refund any rate, charge or other amount in whole or in part,
(c)  write off any rate, charge or other amount.
(2)  Action under this section may be taken in a particular case or class of cases.
Division 2 Proceedings for offences
187   Proceedings for offences
(1)  Proceedings for an offence against this Act or the regulations are to be dealt with summarily before the Local Court.
(2)  Proceedings for an offence against this Act may instead be dealt with summarily before the Supreme Court in its summary jurisdiction.
(3)  The maximum monetary penalty that may be imposed by the Local Court in proceedings for an offence against this Act or the regulations is 100 penalty units.
(4)  The maximum penalty that may be imposed by the Supreme Court in proceedings for an offence against this Act is the maximum penalty specified by the relevant section in respect of the offence.
188   Time within which summary proceedings may be commenced
(1)  Proceedings for an offence under this Act or the regulations may be commenced:
(a)  in the case of a prescribed offence—within but not later than 2 years after the day on which the offence is alleged to have been committed, or
(b)  in any other case—within but not later than 12 months after that day.
(2)  This section applies only to proceedings that are to be dealt with summarily.
(3)  This section applies despite anything in the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 or any other Act.
(4)  In this section:
prescribed offence means:
(a)  an offence arising under section 58 (Annual returns of land and stock),
(b)  an offence against this Act that is declared by the regulations to be a prescribed offence for the purposes of this section.
189   Penalty notices for certain offences
(1)  An authorised officer may serve a penalty notice on a person if it appears to the officer that the person has committed an offence against this Act or the regulations, being an offence prescribed by the regulations as a penalty notice offence.
(2)  A penalty notice is a notice to the effect that, if the person served does not wish to have the matter determined by a court, the person can pay, within the time and to the person specified in the notice, the amount of penalty prescribed by the regulations for the offence if dealt with under this section.
(3)  A penalty notice under this section is declared to be a penalty notice for the purposes of the Fines Act 1996.
(4)  A penalty notice may be served personally or by post.
(5)  If the amount of penalty prescribed for an alleged offence is paid under this section, no person is liable to any further proceedings for the alleged offence.
(6)  Payment under this section is not to be regarded as an admission of liability for the purpose of, and does not in any way affect or prejudice, any civil claim, action or proceeding arising out of the same occurrence.
(7)  The regulations may:
(a)  prescribe an offence for the purposes of this section by specifying the offence or by referring to the provision creating the offence, and
(b)  prescribe the amount of penalty payable for the offence if dealt with under this section, and
(c)  prescribe different amounts of penalties for different offences or classes of offences.
(8)  The amount of a penalty prescribed under this section for an offence is not to exceed the maximum amount of penalty that could be imposed for the offence by a court.
(9)  This section does not limit the operation of any other provision of, or made under, this or any other Act relating to proceedings that may be taken in respect of offences.
190   Penalties belong to Local Land Services
(1)  Whenever any monetary penalty is imposed for an offence against this Act that is prosecuted by Local Land Services the proper officer of the court that imposed the penalty must pay the amount of the penalty to Local Land Services.
(2)  An amount paid to Local Land Services under this section, or paid under section 189 for a penalty payable under a penalty notice served by an authorised officer appointed by Local Land Services, belongs to Local Land Services.
(3)  This section applies irrespective of any other law to the contrary.
191   Court may order payment of additional penalty in certain cases
(1)  A court that finds a person guilty of an offence under a prescribed section (whether or not it convicts the person of the offence), may, in addition to any other penalty that it may impose, order the person to pay to Local Land Services an amount sufficient to reimburse or compensate Local Land Services for any expenses (including any costs of agistment) incurred or losses suffered by Local Land Services as a result of the offence.
(2)  In this section:
prescribed section means any of the following sections:
(a)  section 84 (Movement and grazing of stock authorised by stock permits must comply with Act and regulations), or
(b)  section 116 (Offence of causing or permitting stock to be on a public road, travelling stock reserve or public land without authority).
192   Offences relating to provision of information in relation to certain matters
(1)  A person who, having been required under a provision of this Act or the regulations to provide information, fails without reasonable excuse to provide that information is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)  A person must not make a statement for the purposes of this Act to a person engaged in the administration of this Act, or make a statement in an official document under this Act, that the person knows:
(a)  is false or misleading in a material respect, or
(b)  omits material matter.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)  A document is an official document under this Act if it is an application, return, declaration or other document that is required to be given to the Minister, the Board, Local Land Services, the Director-General or an authorised officer for the purposes of this Act or the regulations.
(4)  A person who forges or fraudulently alters any permit, licence, authority or other document issued or purporting to be issued under this Act is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
193   Onus of proof concerning reasonable or lawful excuse
In any proceedings under this Act, the onus of proving that a person had a reasonable or lawful excuse (as referred to in any provision of this Act or the regulations) lies with the defendant.
Note—
See also sections 156 (Public documents) and 158 (Evidence of certain public documents) of the Evidence Act 1995 in relation to proof of various matters in proceedings under this Act.
Division 3 Miscellaneous
194   General description of land sufficient for purposes of legal proceedings
For the purposes of any proceedings, or an order, notice or permit given, under this Act or the regulations:
(a)  a holding or land need not be described by metes and bounds, and
(b)  it is sufficient if the holding or land is referred to by its name, location or boundaries or in any other way that adequately identifies it.
195   Legal proceedings against an occupier or owner whose name is unknown
If the name of the occupier or owner of a holding or land is unknown to a person who wishes to serve a notice or other document or bring proceedings against that occupier or owner under this Act, the notice or document may be served on, or the proceedings may be brought against, the occupier or owner of the holding or land without specifying the name of that occupier or owner.
196   Jurisdiction of court or local land board not to be ousted in certain proceedings
(1)  The jurisdiction of a court or local land board is not affected merely because, in proceedings before the court or board under or for the purposes of this Act or the regulations, a question arises concerning:
(a)  title to land, or
(b)  any matter in which rights in future may be bound, or
(c)  any general right or duty.
(2)  A decision of a court or local land board relating to such a question is not evidence in any other court or in any other legal proceeding.
197   Proof of certain matters not required
In any proceedings under this Act, proof is not required (unless evidence is given to the contrary) of any of the following:
(a)  the constitution of the Board or a local board,
(b)  any resolution of the Board or a local board,
(c)  the election or appointment of, or holding of office by, a member of the Board or a local board,
(d)  the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board or a local board,
(e)  the constitution of a particular region,
(f)  the boundaries of a region or of a part of a region,
(g)  the fact that specified land or a specified place is or is not within a particular region or a particular part of a region,
(h)  the appointment of any district veterinarian or any other member of the Government Service employed to enable Local Land Services to carry out its functions,
(i)  the fact that the defendant is, or at any relevant time was, the occupier, owner, manager or caretaker of a holding or land to which the proceedings relate if the defendant is so described in the process by which the proceedings were initiated,
(j)  the fact that a holding or land to which the proceedings relate is within the jurisdiction of a particular court or local land board,
(k)  the notification, dedication, reservation or declaration of a travelling stock reserve or stock watering place.
Part 13 Administration of functions of Local Land Services or local board
198   Appointment of administrator of all or some functions of Local Land Services
(1)  The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, appoint a person specified in the order as administrator of:
(a)  all of the functions of Local Land Services, or
(b)  one or more (but not all) of the functions of Local Land Services specified in the order.
(2)  An order may be made:
(a)  if the Board has failed to comply with any direction of the Minister, or to carry out to the satisfaction of the Minister, any of its functions, or
(b)  in such other circumstances as may be prescribed by the regulations.
199   Appointment of administrator of all or some functions of local boards
(1)  The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, appoint a person specified in the order as administrator of:
(a)  all of the functions of a local board, or
(b)  one or more (but not all) of the functions of a local board specified in the order.
(2)  An order may be made:
(a)  if the local board has failed to comply with any direction of Local Land Services or to carry out any of its functions to the satisfaction of Local Land Services, or
(b)  in such other circumstances as may be prescribed by the regulations.
200   Provisions applicable to administrators
(1)  The administrator holds office (subject to this Act) for such period as may be specified in the administrator’s instrument of appointment.
(2)  An administrator appointed under this Part has and may exercise, subject to any conditions specified in the order appointing the administrator, the functions of Local Land Services or the local board specified in the order.
(3)  Any delegation or authority made or conferred by the Board in respect of any function of Local Land Services that may be exercised by an administrator appointed under this Part ceases to have effect on that appointment.
(4)  Any delegation or authority made or conferred by a local board in respect of any function of the local board that may be exercised by an administrator appointed under this Part ceases to have effect on that appointment.
(5)  The regulations may make provision for or with respect to administrators appointed under this Part.
(6)  Schedule 4 has effect with respect to an administrator appointed under this Part.
Part 14 Miscellaneous
201   Acquisition of land
(1)  Local Land Services may, for the purposes of this Act, acquire land by agreement or compulsory process in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.
(2)  For the purposes of the Public Works Act 1912, any such acquisition of land is taken to be an authorised work and Local Land Services is, in relation to that authorised work, taken to be the Constructing Authority.
(3)  Sections 34–37 of the Public Works Act 1912 do not apply in relation to works constructed under this Act.
202   Entry on land for construction of works and other purposes
(1)  In this section:
construct includes repair or maintain.
work includes any building or structure.
(2)  Local Land Services may, by its staff and other persons, enter and inspect any land (other than a dwelling) for the purpose of exercising the following functions, and there construct any work that it is required or authorised by or under this Act to construct on the land:
(a)  functions relating to natural resource management,
(b)  any other functions prescribed by the regulations.
(3)  A person must not, without reasonable excuse, obstruct or hinder Local Land Services acting under this section.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(4)  In relation to land entered or works constructed, Local Land Services:
(a)  is to do as little damage as possible in exercising its functions under this section, and
(b)  is to compensate all persons who suffer damage by the exercise of those functions.
(5)  Compensation may be made by reinstatement or repair, by construction of works or by payment.
(6)  A claim for compensation:
(a)  is ineffective unless made in writing not later than one year after the damage was suffered, and
(b)  in the absence of agreement on the compensation, is to be dealt with as if it were a claim for compensation for the compulsory acquisition of land under this Act.
Note—
This section continues entry and construction powers under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 relating to catchment management authorities under that Act (which are replaced by Local Land Services under this Act).
203   Certificate as to rates, charges and other matters
(1)  Any person may apply to Local Land Services for a certificate as to any of the following matters:
(a)  the amount (if any) due or payable to Local Land Services by way of rates, levies, contributions, charges or other amounts in respect of land,
(b)  the person liable to pay any amount referred to in paragraph (a),
(c)  any other matter prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section.
(2)  The application must be in the approved form and be accompanied by the fee prescribed by the regulations.
(3)  Local Land Services is to issue a certificate to the applicant in the approved form containing the information sought.
(4)  The production of the certificate is conclusive proof of the matters certified (including in favour of a purchaser in good faith and for value of the land to which the certificate relates that, at the date of its issue, no amounts were payable to Local Land Services in respect of the land other than such amounts as are specified in the certificate).
(5)  For the purposes of this section, rates, levies, contributions, charges or other amounts are taken to be due or payable even though the requisite period after service of any relevant rate or other notice may not have expired.
204   Owner of stock may be ordered to muster stock
(1)  An authorised officer of the Minister or Local Land Services may, with the approval of the Minister or Local Land Services, order a person who owns stock to muster the stock on the person’s holding (or on a designated part of it) or at some other designated place for a purpose and at a time specified in the order.
(2)  A person who fails to comply with such an order at the time specified in it is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)  If a person fails to comply with such an order at the specified time the authorised officer may have the muster carried out at the person’s expense.
(4)  The Minister or Local Land Services may recover the expense of having a muster carried out under this section as a debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.
205   Personal liability
A matter or thing done or omitted to be done by:
(a)  the Minister, or
(b)  Local Land Services, or
(c)  the Director-General, or
(d)  the Board or the Chair of the Board of Chairs or any other member of the Board, or
(e)  a member of a local board, or
(f)  a member of staff of Local Land Services, or
(g)  a person acting under the direction of a person or body referred to in paragraphs (a)–(f),
does not, if the matter or thing was done or omitted to be done in good faith for the purposes of executing this Act, subject the Minister, the Director-General, any member of the Board or a local board, a member of staff or a person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.
206   Regulations
(1)  The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.
(2)  Without limiting subsection (1), regulations may be made for or with respect to the following:
(a)  fees, rates, charges and other amounts payable under this Act or the regulations,
(b)  the appointment of members of the Board and local boards,
(c)  the election of members of local boards,
(d)  the conferral of jurisdiction on a court with respect to such elections,
(e)  matters of a savings or transitional nature consequent on any amalgamation of regions,
(f)  the process of making, and the form and content of, the State strategic plan, local strategic plans and local annual reports,
(g)  the walking and grazing of stock,
(h)  the erection of signs when stock are walking or grazing on or near a road and the responsibility of drivers in respect of such signs,
(i)  the use of travelling stock reserves and the use of any structures or things constructed or kept on those reserves,
(j)  the use or lease of any stock watering place,
(k)  permits, licences, authorities and other documents for the purposes of this Act or the regulations,
(l)  the insurance to be effected and bonds to be given or obtained in connection with the use of such documents,
(m)  the identification of stock,
(n)  codes of conduct, including contraventions of a code of conduct,
(o)  audits and reports required by or under this Act.
(3)  The regulations may create an offence punishable by a penalty not exceeding 100 penalty units.
207   Local land board appeals procedure
(1)  An appeal to a local land board under this Act against a decision or rate levied by Local Land Services is to be made by lodging a notice of appeal with the registrar of the appropriate local land board.
(2)  The appellant is to give a copy of the notice of appeal to Local Land Services.
(3)  The chairperson of the local land board to which an appeal is made is to give both the appellant and Local Land Services at least 7 days’ notice of the time fixed for the hearing of the appeal.
208   Exemptions
The regulations may exempt from the operation of all or any of the provisions of Parts 5, 6 and 9 any specified land or class of land, any specified person or class of persons or any specified activities or class of activities in such circumstances, and subject to such conditions, as may be specified in the regulations.
209   Service of documents
(1)  A document may be served on Local Land Services by leaving it at, or by sending it by post to:
(a)  the office of Local Land Services, or
(b)  if it has more than one office—any one of its offices.
(2)  A document that is authorised or required by this Act or the regulations to be served on any other person may be served by:
(a)  in the case of a natural person:
(i)  delivering it to the person personally, or
(ii)  sending it by post to the address specified by the person for the giving or service of documents or, if no such address is specified, the residential or business address of the person last known to the person giving or serving the document, or
(iii)  sending it by facsimile transmission to the facsimile number of the person, or
(b)  in the case of a body corporate:
(i)  leaving it with a person apparently of or above the age of 16 years at, or by sending it by post to, the head office, a registered office or a principal office of the body corporate or to an address specified by the body corporate for the giving or service of documents, or
(ii)  sending it by facsimile transmission to the facsimile number of the body corporate.
(3)  Nothing in this section affects the operation of any provision of a law or of the rules of a court authorising a document to be served on a person in any other manner.
211   Review of Act
(1)  The Minister is to review this Act to determine whether the policy objectives of the Act remain valid and whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate for securing those objectives.
(2)  The review is also to determine whether the governance arrangements for Local Land Services, and the composition of the local boards, remain appropriate given current funding arrangements for local land services.
(3)  The review is to be undertaken as soon as possible after the period of 5 years from the date of assent to this Act.
(4)  A report on the outcome of the review is to be tabled in each House of Parliament within 12 months after the end of the period of 5 years.
Schedule 1 Local Land Services regions
(Section 6)
Schedule 2 Constitution and procedure of Board and local boards
Part 1 General
1   Definitions
In this Schedule:
appointed member means a person who is appointed by the Minister as a member of the Board or a local board.
Chair means:
(a)  the Chair of the Board of Chairs, and
(b)  a person who is appointed as chair of a local board.
elected member means a person who is elected as a member of the local board for a region.
member means a member of the Board or a local board.
Part 2 Constitution
Division 1 Provisions relating to local boards
2   Terms of office of members of local board
(1)  Subject to this Schedule and the regulations:
(a)  an appointed member of a local board holds office for such period (not exceeding 3 years) as is specified in the member’s instrument of appointment, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) for election or re-appointment, and
(b)  an elected member of a local board holds office for a period of 3 years, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) for re-election or for appointment.
(2)  A person is not eligible to be a member of a local board (whether appointed or elected) for more than 2 consecutive terms of office. However a person who is appointed as Chair of the local board is eligible for 3 consecutive terms in total (consisting of no more than 2 terms as Chair).
(3)  Subject to this Schedule and the regulations, the term of office of an elected member of a board expires on the day immediately before the general election held after his or her election.
(4)  For the purposes of the calculation of a member of a local board’s consecutive terms of office only, if:
(a)  a person is appointed under clause 4 to fill the office of a member that has become vacant otherwise than by the expiration of the member’s term of office, and
(b)  the person is appointed for the balance of his or her predecessor’s term of office,
the appointment does not constitute (and is taken never to have constituted) an appointment for a term of office.
3   Chair of local board
(1)  The chair of a local board vacates office as chair if he or she:
(a)  is removed from that office by the Minister under this clause, or
(b)  resigns that office by instrument in writing addressed to the Minister, or
(c)  ceases to be a member of the local board.
(2)  The Minister may at any time remove the chair of a local board from office as chair.
Note—
If a person ceases to be a chair of a local board, the person ceases to be a member of the Board.
(3)  If the office of a chair of a local board becomes vacant, a person is, subject to this Act and the regulations, to be appointed to fill the vacancy.
4   Filling of vacancy in office of member
(1)  If the office of any appointed member of a local board becomes vacant, a person is, subject to this Act and the regulations, to be appointed to fill the vacancy.
(2)  If the office of an elected member of a local board becomes vacant, a person is, subject to this Act and the regulations, to be elected to fill the vacancy. The member so elected holds office, subject to subclause (3), for the remainder of the term of office of the elected member whose office he or she is filling.
(3)  If the vacation of office occurs within 12 months before the term of office of an elected member would have expired, the Minister may appoint a person who would be qualified to be elected as an elected member to fill the office for the remainder of that term.
(4)  The term of office of a person elected or appointed in accordance with this clause is to be disregarded for the purposes of clause 2.
Division 2 Provisions relating to members of Board and local boards (other than Chair of the Board of Chairs)
5   Application of Division
This Division does not apply to the Chair of the Board of Chairs.
6   Vacancy in office of member
(1)  The office of a member becomes vacant if the member:
(a)  dies, or
(b)  completes a term of office and is not re-appointed or re-elected, or
(c)  resigns the office by instrument in writing addressed to the Minister, or
(d)  is removed from office by the Minister under this clause, or
(e)  is absent from 3 consecutive meetings of the Board or local board of which reasonable notice has been given to the member personally or by post, except on leave granted by the Minister or unless the member is excused by the Minister for having been absent from those meetings, or
(f)  becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit, or
(g)  becomes a mentally incapacitated person, or
(h)  is convicted in New South Wales of an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more or is convicted elsewhere than in New South Wales of an offence that, if committed in New South Wales, would be an offence so punishable.
(2)  The Minister may remove a member from office at any time for any or no reason and without notice.
7   Suspension of members
(1)  The Minister may, by order in writing, suspend a member of the Board or a local board from office for a period not exceeding 3 months.
(2)  A copy of an order given under this clause must be served on the member.
(3)  The member, while suspended from office under this clause:
(a)  is not entitled to exercise any functions of the office, and
(b)  is not entitled to any fee or other remuneration to which he or she would otherwise be entitled as the holder of the office.
(4)  The period of suspension under an order made under this clause commences on the date the order is served on the member or the date specified in the order for the commencement of the period of suspension, whichever is the later.
8   Part-time appointments
Members hold office as part-time members.
9   Remuneration
A member is entitled to be paid such remuneration (including travelling and subsistence allowances) as the Minister, in consultation with the Public Service Commissioner appointed under Part 1.3 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002, may from time to time determine in respect of the member.
10   Effect of certain other Acts
(1)  Chapter 2 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 does not apply to or in respect of the appointment of a member of the Board or a local board.
(2)  If by or under any Act provision is made:
(a)  requiring a person who is the holder of a specified office to devote the whole of his or her time to the duties of that office, or
(b)  prohibiting the person from engaging in employment outside the duties of that office,
the provision does not operate to disqualify the person from holding that office and also the office of an appointed member or from accepting and retaining any remuneration payable to the person under this Act as a member.
Part 3 Procedure
11   General procedure
The procedure for the calling of meetings of the Board or a local board and for the conduct of business at those meetings is, subject to this Act and the regulations, to be determined by the Board or local board.
12   Quorum
(1)  The quorum for a meeting of the Board or a local board is a majority of its members for the time being.
(2)  A person appointed under section 25 (2) (c) is not to be counted in determining if a quorum for a meeting of the Board exists.
13   Presiding member
(1)  The Chair (or, in the absence of the Chair, a person elected by the members of the Board or local board who are present at a meeting of the Board or local board) is to preside at a meeting of the Board or local board.
(2)  The presiding member has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, has a second or casting vote.
14   Voting
A decision supported by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Board or local board at which a quorum is present is the decision of the Board or local board.
Note—
A person appointed under section 25 (2) (c) is a non-voting member of the Board.
15   Transaction of business outside meetings or by telephone
(1)  The Board or local board may, if it thinks fit, transact any of its business by the circulation of papers among all the members of the Board or local board for the time being, and a resolution in writing approved in writing by a majority of those members is taken to be a decision of the Board or local board.
(2)  The Board or local board may, if it thinks fit, transact any of its business at a meeting at which members (or some members) participate by telephone, closed-circuit television or other means, but only if any member who speaks on a matter before the meeting can be heard by the other members.
(3)  For the purposes of:
(a)  the approval of a resolution under subclause (1), or
(b)  a meeting held in accordance with subclause (2),
the Chair and each member have the same voting rights as they have at an ordinary meeting of the Board or local board.
(4)  A resolution approved under subclause (1) is, subject to the regulations, to be recorded in the minutes of the meetings of the Board or local board.
(5)  Papers may be circulated among the members for the purposes of subclause (1) by facsimile or other transmission of the information in the papers concerned.
16   Disclosure of pecuniary interests
(1)  If:
(a)  a member has a direct or indirect pecuniary or other interest in a matter being considered or about to be considered at a meeting of the Board or a local board, and
(b)  the interest appears to raise a conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties in relation to the consideration of the matter,
the member must, as soon as possible after the relevant facts have come to the member’s knowledge, disclose the nature of the interest at a meeting of the Board or local board.
(2)  A disclosure by a member at a meeting of the Board or local board that the member:
(a)  is a member, or is in the employment, of a specified company or other body, or
(b)  is a partner, or is in the employment, of a specified person, or
(c)  has some other specified interest relating to a specified company or other body or to a specified person,
is a sufficient disclosure of the nature of the interest in any matter relating to that company or other body or to that person which may arise after the date of the disclosure and which is required to be disclosed under subclause (1).
(3)  Particulars of any disclosure made under this clause must be recorded by the Board or local board in a book kept for the purpose and that book must be open at all reasonable hours to inspection by any person.
(4)  After a member has disclosed the nature of an interest in any matter, the member must not, unless the Board or the local board otherwise determines:
(a)  be present during any deliberation of the Board or local board with respect to the matter, or
(b)  take part in any decision of the Board or local board with respect to the matter.
(5)  For the purposes of the making of a determination by the Board or local board under subclause (4), a member who has a direct or indirect pecuniary or other interest in a matter to which the disclosure relates must not:
(a)  be present during any deliberation of the Board or local board for the purpose of making the determination, or
(b)  take part in the making of the determination by the Board or local board.
(6)  A contravention of this clause does not invalidate any decision of the Board or local board.
17   First meeting
The Minister may call the first meeting of the Board or a local board in such manner as the Minister thinks fit.
Schedule 3 Charges on land for unpaid amounts
(Sections 94 and 153)
1   Definition
In this Schedule:
compliance notice means a notice under the following sections:
(a)  section 94 (Compliance notice—fencing),
(b)  section 153 (Compliance notice—pests).
2   Registration of compliance notices in relation to land
(1)  Local Land Services or any other person that gives a compliance notice to the owner or occupier of land may apply to the Registrar-General for registration of the notice in relation to the land.
(2)  An application under this clause must define the land.
(3)  The Registrar-General must, on application under this clause and lodgment of the compliance notice, register the notice in relation to the land in such manner as the Registrar-General thinks fit.
(4)  If the notice relates to land under the provisions of the Real Property Act 1900, the notice is to be registered under that Act.
3   Charge on land subject to compliance notice
(1)  This clause applies where a compliance notice is registered under clause 2 in relation to land.
(2)  There is created by force of this clause, on the registration of the notice, a charge on the land in relation to which the notice is registered to secure the payment to Local Land Services or the person that applied for registration of the notice of the amount specified in the notice.
4   When charge ceases to have effect
(1)  A charge under clause 3 ceases to have effect:
(a)  on payment to Local Land Services or the person concerned of the amount specified in the compliance notice, or
(b)  on the sale or other disposition of the property with the written consent of Local Land Services or the person concerned, or
(c)  on the sale of the land to a purchaser in good faith for value who, at the time of the sale, has no notice of the charge,
whichever occurs first.
(2)  The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the removal of a charge under this clause.
5   Charge subject to existing encumbrances
A charge under clause 3 is subject to every charge or encumbrance to which the land was subject before the notice was registered.
6   Registration of charge is notice
(1)  If:
(a)  a charge under clause 3 is created on land of a particular kind and the provisions of any law of the State provide for the registration of title to, or charges over, land of that kind, and
(b)  the charge is so registered,
a person who purchases or otherwise acquires the land after the registration of the charge is, for the purposes of clause 4, taken to have notice of the charge.
(2)  A person who is taken to have notice of a charge under this clause is liable to pay the amount secured by the charge, or so much of it as remains outstanding, as if the person were the person originally liable for the amount.
(3)  This clause does not have the effect of discharging the liability of a person who was originally or previously liable for the amount secured by the charge.
Schedule 4 Administrators
(Section 200 (6))
1   Acting administrator
(1)  If, because of illness or absence, an administrator is unable to exercise the functions of his or her office, the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, appoint a person to act in that office during the administrator’s illness or absence.
(2)  The Minister may, at any time, remove from office a person appointed under subclause (1).
2   Vacation of office
(1)  The office of administrator becomes vacant if the administrator:
(a)  dies, or
(b)  resigns the office by instrument in writing addressed to the Minister, or
(c)  is removed from office by the Minister, or
(d)  becomes bankrupt, applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, compounds with his or her creditors or makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for their benefit, or
(e)  becomes a mentally incapacitated person, or
(f)  is convicted in New South Wales of an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more or is convicted elsewhere than in New South Wales of an offence that, if committed in New South Wales, would be an offence so punishable.
(2)  The Minister may at any time, by notice published in the Gazette, remove an administrator from office.
3   Effect of certain other Acts
(1)  Chapter 1A of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 does not apply to or in respect of the appointment of an administrator and, as such, an administrator is not subject to that Act.
(2)  The office of administrator is not, for the purposes of any Act, an office or place of profit under the Crown.
4   Expenses of administrator
An administrator is entitled to be paid, out of the Local Land Services Fund, such remuneration (including travelling and subsistence allowances) as the Minister may direct.
5   Administrator not liable for losses incurred during administration
(1)  An administrator is not liable for any loss incurred by Local Land Services during the administrator’s term of office unless the loss is attributable to the administrator’s intentional misconduct, gross negligence or failure to comply with any provision of this Act.
(2)  Neither the Crown nor the Minister is liable for any loss incurred by Local Land Services during an administrator’s term of office, whether or not the administrator is so liable.
Schedule 5 Sale of land for unpaid money owing to Local Land Services
(Sections 182 and 183)
1   Definition
In this Schedule:
charge means a charge or an amount payable under the following sections:
(a)  section 94 (Compliance notice—fencing),
(b)  section 153 (Compliance notice—pests),
(c)  section 154 (Contributions towards eradication of pests that are insects).
2   Overdue rates and charges
For the purposes of this Schedule:
(a)  a rate is overdue if it has remained unpaid for more than 5 years after the date on which it became payable, and
(b)  a charge is overdue if it has remained unpaid for more than 5 years after a judgment or costs were awarded in respect of the charge.
3   Sale of land for unpaid rates and charges
(1)  Local Land Services may, in accordance with this Schedule, sell any land (or part of land) on which any rate or charge is overdue.
(2)  Local Land Services must not sell any such land unless it certifies the following in writing:
(a)  what rates and charges (including overdue rates and charges) are payable on the land,
(b)  when the rates and charges were made and how they were imposed,
(c)  when and how each of those rates or charges became payable,
(d)  what amounts are payable by way of overdue rates and charges on the land,
(e)  what amounts are payable by way of rates and charges (other than overdue rates and charges) on the land.
(3)  Local Land Services may, in the case of adjoining parcels of land (whether owned by the same person or not) each of which may be sold under this Schedule:
(a)  sell them separately or as a single parcel and under whatever conditions of sale it considers proper, and
(b)  do such things as it considers appropriate for the purpose of selling the land at its full value.
4   Estate and interest of the Crown in land
This Schedule does not enable the sale of:
(a)  an estate or interest of the Crown in land, or
(b)  any interest in land owned by the Crown that may not be transferred at law.
5   Notice of proposal to sell land
(1)  Before selling land under this Schedule, Local Land Services must:
(a)  fix a convenient time (being not more than 6 months and not less than 3 months from the publication in a newspaper of the advertisement referred to in paragraph (b)) and a convenient place for the sale, and
(b)  give notice of the proposed sale by means of an advertisement published in the Gazette and in at least one newspaper, and
(c)  take reasonable steps to ascertain the identity of any person who has an interest in the land, and
(d)  take reasonable steps to notify each such person (and the Crown, if the land concerned is owned by the Crown) of Local Land Services’ intention to sell the land under this Schedule.
(2)  If, before the time fixed for the sale:
(a)  all rates and charges payable (including overdue rates and charges) and the expenses of Local Land Services incurred in connection with the proposed sale are paid to Local Land Services, or
(b)  an arrangement satisfactory to Local Land Services for payment of all such rates, charges and expenses is entered into by the rateable person,
Local Land Services must not proceed with the sale.
6   Sale of land by public auction
(1)  Any sale of land under this Schedule must be by way of public auction, except as provided by this clause.
(2)  Land that fails to sell at public auction may be sold by private treaty.
(3)  Land must not be sold under this Schedule to the following persons:
(a)  Local Land Services,
(b)  a member of the Board or a local board,
(c)  a relative of a member of the Board or a local board,
(d)  a member of staff of Local Land Services,
(e)  a relative of a member of staff of Local Land Services.
(4)  In this clause, a reference to a relative of a person is a reference to a spouse or de facto partner of the person or a grandparent, parent, son, daughter, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew of the person or of the person’s spouse or de facto partner.
7   Payment of purchase money
The purchase money for land sold under this Schedule must be paid to Local Land Services, and the receipt of Local Land Services is a discharge to the purchaser in respect of all expenses, rates, charges and debts referred to in clause 8.
8   Application of purchase money
Local Land Services must apply any purchase money received by it on the sale of land for overdue rates and charges in or towards payment of the following purposes and in the following order:
(a)  firstly, the expenses of Local Land Services incurred in connection with the sale,
(b)  secondly, any rate or charge in respect of the land due to Local Land Services, or any other rating authority, and any debt in respect of the land (being a debt of which Local Land Services has notice) due to the Crown (including any meat industry levy under the Meat Industry Act 1978) as a consequence of the sale on an equal footing.
9   What if the purchase money is less than the amounts owing?
If the purchase money is insufficient to satisfy all rates, charges and debts referred to in clause 8 (b):
(a)  the amount available is to be divided between the rates, charges and debts in proportion to the amounts owing on each, and
(b)  the rates, charges and debts are taken to have been fully satisfied.
10   What if the purchase money is more than the amounts owing?
(1)  Any balance of the purchase money must be paid into the Local Land Services Fund and held by Local Land Services in trust for the persons having estates or interests in the land immediately before the sale according to their respective estates and interests.
(2)  Local Land Services may pay the balance of the purchase money or any part of the balance to or among the persons who are, in its opinion, clearly entitled to it, and the receipt of the person to whom any payment is so made is an effectual discharge to Local Land Services for it.
(3)  The Unclaimed Money Act 1995 applies to the balance of any purchase money held by Local Land Services as if Local Land Services were a business and the money were unclaimed money within the meaning of that Act.
11   Apportionment of rates on subdivided land
(1)  This clause applies to any land on which a rate or charge is imposed and which is subsequently subdivided.
(2)  If part only of any such land is sold under this Schedule, any unpaid rates and charges in respect of the land may be apportioned by Local Land Services on the recommendation of the Valuer-General.
12   Conveyance or transfer of land
Local Land Services, on payment to it of the purchase money, may convey or transfer the land to the purchaser without any other authority than that conferred by this clause.
13   Land is conveyed free of certain interests
(1)  A conveyance or transfer under this Schedule vests the land in the purchaser for an estate in fee simple freed and discharged from all trusts, obligations, estates, interests, contracts and charges, and rates and charges under this or any other Act, but subject to:
(a)  any reservations or conditions for the benefit of the Crown affecting the land, and
(b)  any easements, restrictive covenants or positive public covenants created in accordance with section 88D or 88E of the Conveyancing Act 1919 and public rights of way affecting the land.
(2)  This clause does not apply to a leasehold estate under a lease that may be transferred at law in land owned by the Crown.
14   Special provisions concerning leases of land owned by the Crown
(1)  This clause applies to a leasehold estate under a lease that may be transferred at law in land owned by the Crown.
(2)  A conveyance or transfer under this Schedule of a leasehold estate to which this clause applies vests the leasehold estate in the purchaser freed and discharged from all trusts, obligations, estates, interests, contracts and charges, and rates and charges under this or any other Act, but subject to:
(a)  any debt payable to the Crown, and
(b)  any liability for any breach before the conveyance or transfer of the lease, and
(c)  the provisions of the Crown Lands Act 1989, the Crown Lands (Continued Tenures) Act 1989 and the Western Lands Act 1901 applicable to the leasehold estate.
15   Transfers not invalid because of procedural irregularities
A conveyance or transfer issued by Local Land Services under this Schedule is not invalid merely because Local Land Services has failed to comply with a requirement of this Schedule with respect to the sale of the land to which the conveyance or transfer relates.
16   Registration of transfer of land under Real Property Act 1900
(1)  On lodgment of a transfer of land under the Real Property Act 1900, the Registrar-General is to make such recordings in the Register kept under that Act as are necessary to give effect to this Schedule.
(2)  The transfer does not operate at law until it is registered under the Real Property Act 1900.
Schedule 6 Savings, transitional and other provisions
Part 1 General
1   Regulations
(1)  The regulations may contain provisions of a savings or transitional nature consequent on the enactment of this Act or any Act that amends this Act.
(2)  Any such provision may, if the regulations so provide, take effect from the date of assent to the Act concerned or a later date.
(3)  To the extent to which any such provision takes effect from a date that is earlier than the date of its publication on the NSW legislation website, the provision does not operate so as:
(a)  to affect, in a manner prejudicial to any person (other than the State or an authority of the State), the rights of that person existing before the date of its publication, or
(b)  to impose liabilities on any person (other than the State or an authority of the State) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done before the date of its publication.
(4)  Regulations under this clause may have effect despite any provision of Part 2.
Part 2 Provisions consequent on enactment of this Act
2   Definitions
In this Part:
former Act means the former RLP Act or the former CMA Act.
former CMA Act means the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 as in force immediately before its repeal by this Act.
former RLP Act means the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 as in force immediately before its repeal by this Act.
repeal date means the date on which the former RLP Act and the former CMA Act are repealed by this Act.
3   Local Land Services Regulation 2014
(1)  Schedule 9 sets out the terms of the Local Land Services Regulation 2014.
(2)  On and from the commencement of this clause:
(a)  Schedule 9 is taken to be, and to have effect as, a regulation under this Act, and
(b)  the regulation set out in Schedule 9 is taken, for the purposes of section 10 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989, to have been published on the commencement of this clause, and
(c)  sections 39, 40 and 41 of the Interpretation Act 1987 do not apply to the regulation set out in Schedule 9 (but apply to any amendment or repeal of the regulation).
(3)  Schedule 9 is repealed on the day following the day on which this clause commences.
Note—
The continued effect of the regulation set out in Schedule 9 is unaffected by the repeal of Schedule 9. See section 30 of the Interpretation Act 1987.
4   Abolition of former corporate and statutory bodies
(1)  On the repeal date:
(a)  each former corporate or statutory body is abolished, and
(b)  each person appointed as a member of the former corporate or statutory body ceases to hold office as such a member (but is eligible, if otherwise qualified, to be appointed as a member of a local board), and
(c)  any assets, rights and liabilities (if any) of the former corporate or statutory body become the assets, rights and liabilities of Local Land Services.
(2)  A person who ceases to hold office as a member of the former corporate or statutory body is not entitled to any remuneration or compensation because of the loss of that office.
(3)  In this clause:
assets means any legal or equitable estate or interest (whether present or future and whether vested or contingent and whether personal or assignable) in real or personal property of any description (including money), and includes securities, choses in action and documents.
former corporate or statutory body means the following bodies as constituted under the former RLP Act or the former CMA Act:
(a)  the State Management Council of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities,
(b)  the State Policy Council of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities,
(c)  each livestock health and pest authority,
(d)  each catchment management authority.
liabilities means all liabilities, debts and obligations (whether present or future and whether vested or contingent and whether personal or assignable).
rights means all rights, powers, privileges and immunities (whether present or future and whether vested or contingent and whether personal or assignable).
5   Interim boards
(1)  Pending the commencement of section 27 (Local boards) on 1 January 2014, there is to be a local board for each region (the interim local board) to carry out such functions in relation to the administration of this Act as may be determined by the Minister. An interim local board is to consist of 4 members (or, for the Western Region, 5 members) appointed by the Minister.
(2)  The members of an interim local board are to be persons who together have, in the opinion of the Minister, appropriate skills and knowledge.
(3)  Of the members of an interim local board appointed by the Minister, one is, in and by the instrument of appointment or another instrument made by the Minister, to be appointed as chair of the interim local board.
(4)  A member of an interim local board for a region holds office until 1 January 2014 and is eligible (if otherwise qualified) to be appointed or elected as a member of the local board for the region constituted after the commencement of section 27.
(5)  The Minister may call the first meeting of an interim local board in such manner as the Minister thinks fit.
(6)  Pending the commencement of section 25 (Establishment of Board of Chairs) on 1 January 2014, there is to be a Board of Chairs (the interim Board of Chairs) consisting of:
(a)  the Chair of the Board of Chairs appointed under Chapter 1A of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002, and
(b)  the chair of each interim local board.
(7)  The interim Board of Chairs is to carry out such functions in relation to the administration of this Act as may be determined by the Minister.
(8)  Despite clause 2 of Schedule 2 to this Act, the Minister may appoint a person as a member of the first local board for a region constituted after the commencement of this Act for a period (not exceeding 4½ years) specified in the instrument of appointment of the person.
(9)  Schedule 2 (other than clause 2) to this Act applies to and in respect of the members of an interim local board and the interim Board of Chairs in the same way as it will apply to the members, a local board and the Board on or after 1 January 2014.
(10)  Despite section 27 (7), the chair of each interim local board is (subject to subclause (4)) to be appointed as chair of the first local board for a region constituted after the commencement of this Act.
(11)  Any act or proceeding of the Board of Chairs or a local board (or the interim Board of Chairs or an interim local board) is not to be called into question merely because of any vacancies in the membership of the Board of Chairs or local board (or the interim Board of Chairs or the interim local board) pending the appointment or election of its members in accordance with this Act and the regulations.
6   Staff
Without limiting section 26 of the Interpretation Act 1987, a State industrial instrument or other agreement may be entered into before the commencement of Part 2 of this Act with respect to:
(a)  the transfer of staff of livestock health and pest authorities under the former RLP Act and catchment management authorities under the former CMA Act on the commencement of that Part to Local Land Services, and
(b)  the terms and conditions of employment applicable to those persons.
7   Rates, catchment contributions and other amounts outstanding under former Acts to remain payable
(1)  The amount of any catchment contribution, rate, fee or charge that has been levied or imposed under a provision of a former Act and has not been paid when that provision is repealed by this Act is payable and recoverable by Local Land Services as if that provision had not been repealed.
(2)  An amount referred to in this clause that, by virtue of a provision of a former Act, was secured by a charge and that could, if it had first become due and payable under this Act, have been secured by a charge by virtue of a provision of this Act continues to be secured under the provisions of this Act.
8   State Council’s Fund and funds of livestock health and pest authorities and catchment management authorities
(1)  On the repeal date:
(a)  the State Council’s Fund established under section 30 of the former RLP Act is abolished, and
(b)  any balance standing to the credit of that Fund is transferred to the Local Land Services Fund and may be used for any purpose for which Local Land Services may expend money from the Fund under this Act.
(2)  On the repeal date:
(a)  the funds established under section 50 of the former RLP Act are abolished, and
(b)  any balance standing to the credit of those funds is transferred to the Local Land Services Fund and may be used for any purpose for which Local Land Services may expend money from that Fund under this Act.
(3)  On the repeal date:
(a)  the funds established under section 30 of the former CMA Act are abolished, and
(b)  any balance standing to the credit of those funds is transferred to the Local Land Services Fund and may be used for any purpose for which Local Land Services may expend money from that Fund under this Act.
9   Assessment of carrying capacity under former RLP Act to continue to have effect
The last assessment of the carrying capacity of land made under the former RLP Act before the commencement of clause 16 of the Local Land Services Regulation 2014 continues to have effect in respect of the land until superseded by an assessment of the notional carrying capacity of the land made in accordance with that clause.
10   Catchment action plans and local strategic plans
A catchment action plan in force under the former CMA Act before the repeal date continues to have effect in respect of natural resource management (within the meaning of the former CMA Act) of the land to which it applied immediately before the repeal date until superseded by a local strategic plan containing provisions with respect to natural resource management (within the meaning of this Act) of the land is made in accordance with this Act.
11   Authorised officers
(1)  On the repeal date, a person who was an authorised officer for the purposes of a provision of the former RLP Act that corresponds to a provision of this Act is taken to be an authorised officer for the purposes of a corresponding provision of this Act.
(2)  The authority of such an authorised officer is subject to the same conditions, limitations or restrictions as the authority was subject to under the former RLP Act.
12   Existing travelling stock reserves and stock watering places
(1)  On the repeal date, Local Land Services is taken to be vested with the care, control and management of each travelling stock reserve the care, control and management of which was vested in an authority under Part 8 of the former RLP Act.
(2)  Land that, immediately before the repeal date, was a stock watering place under Part 9 of the former RLP Act is taken to have been declared to be a stock watering place under this Act.
13   Existing permits relating to stock
Any stock permit or reserve use permit issued under Part 8 of the former RLP Act (an original authority) that, immediately before the repeal date, entitled or authorised a person to enter, remain on, occupy, use or engage in any activity in a travelling stock reserve or public road is taken to be a stock permit or reserve use permit (as the case requires) issued under this Act authorising that person to do that thing subject to any conditions to which the original authority was subject.
14   Right of way conditions and directions to make improvements
Any right of way condition imposed, or direction to make improvements given, under section 98 of the former RLP Act immediately before the repeal date is taken to have been imposed or given under section 75 of this Act.
15   Fencing notices
Any fencing notice given under Division 6 of Part 8 of the former RLP Act having effect immediately before the repeal date is taken to have been given under Division 6 of Part 6 of this Act.
16   Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee
On the repeal date, the Stock Transportation Accreditation Committee as constituted under section 140H of the former RLP Act immediately before that date is taken to have been constituted under section 125 of this Act.
17   Notices served under former Acts
If:
(a)  a notice or notification has been given or served under a provision of a former Act, and
(b)  a similar notice or notification could have been served under a corresponding provision of this Act had this Act been in force at the relevant time, and
(c)  either the period within which the notice or notification was due to take effect had not expired when that corresponding provision commenced or, if it had expired, the notice or notification had not been complied with,
the notice or notification is to be treated as if it were a notice or notification served under that corresponding provision.
18   Documents prepared for the purposes of former Acts
If:
(a)  a certificate or other document prepared or created under or for the purposes of a provision of a former Act was in force immediately before the repeal of that provision by this Act, and
(b)  a similar certificate or document could be prepared or created under or for the purposes of a corresponding provision of this Act,
that certificate or document continues to have effect as if it had been prepared or created under or for the purposes of that corresponding provision.
19   Noxious insects, noxious animals and pest animals
(1)  In this clause:
former pest means:
(a)  any animal or bird of a species that, immediately before the commencement of clause 27 of Schedule 7 to the former RLP Act, was a noxious animal within the meaning of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1989, and
(b)  any insect of any species that, immediately before the commencement of clause 27 of Schedule 7 to the former RLP Act, was a noxious insect within the meaning of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1989, and
(c)  any animal or bird of a species that, immediately before the commencement of clause 27 of Schedule 7 to the former RLP Act, was the subject of a control order made under section 138D of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1989.
(2)  The Minister may make a pest control order under Part 10 of this Act that declares a former pest (or only such species, hybrid or description of such a pest as is specified in the order) to be a pest within the meaning of this Act without complying with the requirements of sections 133 and 134. Such a pest control order is taken to be made in accordance with Division 2 of Part 10.
(3)  Nothing in this clause limits section 26 of the Interpretation Act 1987.
Schedule 7 Amendment of Acts and regulations
[1]   Section 37 Aboriginal lands in travelling stock reserves
Omit “the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” wherever occurring in section 37 (1), (2), (4A) and (6) (a).
Insert instead “the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Section 37 (1)
Omit “the Pastures Protection Board for the district in which that land is situated”.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[1]   Section 3 Definitions
Omit the definitions of carrying capacity, occupier and ratable land.
Insert instead, respectively:
  
carrying capacity has the same meaning as notional carrying capacity has in the Local Land Services Regulation 2014.
occupier has the same meaning as in the Local Land Services Act 2013.
ratable land has the same meaning as rateable land has in the Local Land Services Act 2013.
[2]   Section 7 Standing Disease Control Advisory Committee
Omit “the State Management Council of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities” from section 7 (2) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[3]   Section 8 Industry advisory committees
Omit “the State Management Council of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities” from section 8 (3) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[4]   Section 12A Making of non-transaction based contributions
Omit “livestock health and pest authorities” from section 12A (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[5]   Section 22 Obtaining information from Local Land Services
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority”, “Any such authority” and “the authority”.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[6]   Sections 23 and 24
Omit the sections. Insert instead:
  
23   Local Land Services required to collect industry levies
(1)  The Director-General may, by notice in writing, direct Local Land Services to collect the industry levies imposed by the Director-General in respect of ratable land.
(2)  Local Land Services is to collect any such industry levy in the same manner as it collects a rate imposed under the Local Land Services Act 2013.
(3)  Any amount collected by Local Land Services is to be paid to the Director-General within such time and in such manner as the Director-General directs.
(4)  Local Land Services is to be paid such amount for the collection of industry levies as the Minister determines having regard to the advice of Local Land Services and the relevant industry advisory committee. The arrangements for that payment may include the retention by Local Land Services of a percentage of industry levies collected by Local Land Services.
(5)  A failure by Local Land Services to collect or pay the levy, or to comply with any requirement made by or under this Act with respect to the levy, is taken to be a contravention by Local Land Services of the Local Land Services Act 2013 and may be dealt with accordingly.
24   Application of Local Land Services Act 2013
(1)  The Local Land Services Act 2013 applies, for the purposes of the collection of an industry levy, as if the industry levy were a rate imposed by Local Land Services under that Act.
(2)  That Act so applies with any necessary modifications and with such modifications as are prescribed by this Part or the regulations.
(3)  The regulations may provide that a function exercisable by Local Land Services under that Act may be exercised by the Director-General in connection with industry levies under this Act.
(4)  In this section, modifications includes additions and omissions.
Schedule 1 Improvements that a tenant may make as of right
Omit “the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from item 4.
Insert instead “the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
Section 15A Forfeiture of beehives in certain cases
Omit paragraph (c) of the definition of controller in section 15A (11).
Insert instead:
  
(c)  if the land consists of a travelling stock reserve—Local Land Services,
[1]   Section 28 Membership and procedure of Advisory Committees
Omit section 28 (2) (a). Insert instead:
  
(a)  one is to be the chair of the local board constituted under the Local Land Services Act 2013 within the relevant area for which the Committee is constituted, and
[2]   Section 28 (6) and (7)
Insert after section 28 (5):
  
(6)  For the purposes of subsection (2) (a), if parts of two or more regions are located in the relevant area for which the Committee is constituted, the chair of the local board for the region that has the greater part in the relevant area is to be the member of the Committee.
(7)  A member of the Committee who held office under subsection (2) (a) immediately before its substitution by the Local Land Services Act 2013 ceases to hold office on that substitution. Any such member is not entitled to any remuneration or compensation because of that loss of office, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) to be appointed as a member of the Committee under that paragraph as substituted.
Section 68 Manner of service of subpoena
Omit paragraph (d) of the definition of public officer in section 68 (5).
Insert instead:
  
(d)  a member of staff of Local Land Services,
Section 3 Definitions
Omit paragraph (d) of the definition of public officer in section 3 (1).
Insert instead:
  
(d)  a member of staff of Local Land Services,
[1]   Section 3 Definitions
Omit paragraph (b) of the definition of government agency in section 3 (1).
Insert instead:
  
(b)  Local Land Services,
[2]   Section 3 (1), definition of “travelling stock reserve”
Insert instead “the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[3]   Section 34A Special provisions relating to Minister’s powers over Crown reserves
Omit section 34A (5) (c). Insert instead:
  
(c)  in the case of a relevant interest granted in respect of a travelling stock reserve under the care, control and management of Local Land Services—a direction that the proceeds (or part of the proceeds) be paid to Local Land Services,
[4]   Section 102A Minister’s consent not required for certain leases, licences or easements
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority” from section 102A (1) (a).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[5]   Section 138 Certain land may be declared to be Crown land
Omit paragraph (c) of the definition of public authority in section 138 (5).
Insert instead:
  
(c)  Local Land Services,
[1]   Clause 49A Local land board hearings—local land services appeals
Omit “section 242 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
Insert instead “section 207 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Schedule 1 Fees and deposits
Omit “section 242 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from item 16.
Insert instead “section 207 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[1]   Section 3 Definitions
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” wherever occurring from the definition of occupier of land and public authority (and the note to that definition) in section 3 (1).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Section 3 (1), definition of “occupier” of land and “public authority”, note
Omit “the responsible board within the meaning of Part 8”.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[3]   Section 9 Consultation and approval before making deer control order
Omit section 9 (1) (b) and (c). Insert instead:
  
(b)  Local Land Services,
Clause 4 Authorised officers
Omit “section 185 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
Insert instead “section 167 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
Section 267 Exemptions
Omit section 267 (3). Insert instead:
  
(3) Local Land Services Duty under this Chapter is not chargeable on an application to register a motor vehicle if the applicant is Local Land Services.
[1]   Section 3 Definitions
Omit paragraph (g) of the definition of law enforcement officer in section 3 (1).
Insert instead:
  
(g)  a member of staff of Local Land Services,
[2]   Schedule 1 Statutory provisions under which penalty notices issued
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998, section 205”.
Section 12 Genuine reasons for having a licence
Omit “the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities Division of the Government Service” from paragraph (c) of the matter relating to the genuine reason of animal welfare in the Table to the section.
Insert instead “is a member of staff of Local Land Services”.
[1]   Clause 32 Vertebrate pest animal control—prescribed government agencies
Omit clause 32 (c). Insert instead:
  
(c)  Local Land Services,
[2]   Clause 126 Non-commercial transportation of prohibited firearms and pistols—prescribed safety requirements
Omit “a rural lands protection board” from clause 126 (2) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[1]   Section 220B Definitions
Omit the definition of catchment action plan or CAP from section 220B (1).
Insert in alphabetical order:
  
local strategic plan means a local strategic plan approved under Part 4 of the Local Land Services Act 2013.
[2]   Section 220ZFA Further defences
Omit section 220ZFA (2) (c). Insert instead:
  
(c)  the control of pests under the Local Land Services Act 2013,
[3]   Section 221ZF Native vegetation reform package
Omit section 221ZF (c). Insert instead:
  
(c)  local strategic plans under the Local Land Services Act 2013,
[4]   Section 221ZF (d)
Omit “, the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003”.
[5]   Section 221ZG Biodiversity certification of native vegetation reform package
Omit “catchment action plan” from section 221ZG (3).
Insert instead “local strategic plan”.
[6]   Section 221ZH Effect of biodiversity certification
Omit “the area of operations of each catchment management authority”.
Insert instead “a region within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[7]   Section 221ZI Suspension of certification in connection with implementation of package
Omit “particular catchment management authority” from section 221ZI (1).
Insert instead “particular region within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[8]   Section 221ZI (1)
Omit “the catchment management authority”.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[9]   Section 221ZI (2)
Omit the subsection. Insert instead:
  
(2)  During the suspension of biodiversity certification of the native vegetation reform package in its application to a particular region within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013, land within the region does not have the benefit of the biodiversity certification of the native vegetation reform package.
[1]   Section 38 Unlawful taking of timber etc
Omit “section 89 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 38 (4) (e).
Insert instead “section 66 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Section 48 Definitions
Omit paragraph (c) of the definition of landholder. Insert instead:
  
(c)  in the case of land under the care, control and management of Local Land Services—Local Land Services.
[3]   Section 48, definition of “prescribed land”
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from paragraph (c) of the definition.
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[4]   Section 48, definition of “responsible authority”
Omit the definition.
[5]   Sections 53 (2) and 54 (b)
Omit “a responsible authority” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
Clause 54 Delegation of certain functions
Omit clause 54 (b) (v). Insert instead:
  
(v)  Local Land Services or a member of staff of Local Land Services.
[1]–[3]   (Repealed)
[4]   Section 17 Exemptions from licensing
Omit “the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 17 (1) (d).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[5]   Section 17 (1) (f)
Omit “an employee of a livestock health and pest authority”.
Insert instead “a member of staff of Local Land Services”.
[6]   (Repealed)
Section 9 Notification of making an order
Omit “the livestock health and pest authority for each district” from section 9 (1A) (b) (ii).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[1]   Sections 9 (2) (d) and 32 (3) (d)
Omit “as defined in Part 10 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” and “section 138” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “within the meaning of Part 8 of the Local Land Services Act 2013” and “section 115”, respectively.
[2]   Section 11 Impounded animals to be delivered to pound
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority” and “the authority” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[3]   Section 11 (4A)
Omit “for a district” and “the Chairperson of”.
[4]   Section 46 Permit not required to deliver stock to pound
Omit “the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 for the purpose of having any stock (as defined in Part 10 of that Act)”.
Insert instead “the Local Land Services Act 2013 for the purpose of having any stock (within the meaning of Part 8 of that Act)”.
[5]   Dictionary
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority, any place in the district of the authority” from the definition of area of operations.
Insert instead “Local Land Services, any region”.
[6]   Dictionary, definition of “impounding authority”
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority”.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[1]   Section 6 The Authority
Omit section 6 (4) (b3). Insert instead:
  
(b3)  1 member is to be the chair of the local board (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013) whose region includes Lake Illawarra,
[2]   Section 6 (8) and (9)
Insert after section 6 (7):
  
(8)  For the purposes of subsection (4) (b3), if parts of two or more regions include Lake Illawarra, the Chair of the local board for the region that has the greater part that includes Lake Illawarra is to be the member of the Authority.
(9)  A member of the Authority who held office under subsection (4) (b3) immediately before its substitution by the Local Land Services Act 2013 ceases to hold office on that substitution. Any such member is not entitled to any remuneration or compensation because of that loss of office, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) to be appointed as a member of the Authority under that paragraph as substituted.
Section 20 Class 4—environmental planning and protection and development contract civil enforcement
Omit section 20 (1) (cn). Insert instead:
  
(cn)  proceedings relating to elections for members of local boards (including relating to enrolment) under regulations made under the Local Land Services Act 2013,
Section 10 Land exempted from tax
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority constituted under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 10 (1) (b).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
Schedule 2 Search warrants under other Acts
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998, section 196”.
Insert in alphabetical order “Local Land Services Act 2013, section 178”.
Section 43 Definitions
Omit paragraph (d) of the definition of public officer. Insert instead:
  
(d)  a member of staff of Local Land Services,
[1]   Section 59A Meat industry levy
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” wherever occurring in section 59A (1) and (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Section 59A (4)
Insert “immediately before its repeal” after “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
[3]   Section 59A (5)
Insert “immediately before its repeal” after “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
[4]   Section 59J
Omit the section. Insert instead:
  
59J   Collection of meat industry levies
(1)  The Food Authority may enter into an agreement or arrangement with Local Land Services for or with respect to the issue of notices specifying the amount of a meat industry levy and the undertaking by Local Land Services on behalf of the Food Authority of the collection and recovery of meat industry levies.
(2)  Without affecting the generality of subsection (1), an agreement or arrangement referred to in subsection (1) may:
(a)  provide for the deduction of commission by Local Land Services, and
(b)  authorise Local Land Services to take any action or proceedings which could be taken by the Food Authority to recover unpaid meat industry levies under this Act.
[1]   Clause 3 Definitions
Omit the definition of levy collection agency agreement from clause 3 (1).
Insert instead:
  
levy collection agency agreement means an agreement or arrangement entered into by Local Land Services under which Local Land Services acts as the Food Authority’s agent for the purposes of:
(a)  issuing notices specifying the amount of levies, and
(b)  undertaking responsibility for collecting and recovering levies that occupiers or owners of rateable land within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013 owe to the Food Authority.
[2]   Clause 3 (1)
Insert in alphabetical order:
  
Local Land Services certificate means a certificate under section 203 (Certificate as to rates, charges and other matters) of the Local Land Services Act 2013.
[3]   Clause 3 (1), definition of “relevant rural lands protection board”
Omit the definition.
[4]   Clause 4 Calculation of levy
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 4 (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[5]   Clause 6 Changes in occupancy or ownership of land
Omit clause 6 (2) (a). Insert instead:
  
(a)  if the person has lodged similar notice with Local Land Services in accordance with clause 24 of the Local Land Services Regulation 2014, or
[6]   Clause 7 Applications for certificates of levies due and payable
Omit “a certificate under section 236 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 7 (2).
Insert instead “a Local Land Services certificate”.
[7]   Clause 7 (3) (b)
Omit “a certificate under section 236 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
Insert instead “a Local Land Services certificate”.
[8]   Clause 7 (4)
Omit the subclause. Insert instead:
  
(4)  The fee referred to in subclause (3) (b) is in addition to any fee payable under the Local Land Services Act 2013 in relation to an application for a Local Land Services certificate.
[9]   Clause 8 Certificates of levies due and payable
Omit “a certificate under section 236 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 8 (2).
Insert instead “a Local Land Services certificate”.
[10]   Clause 10 Overdue levies
Omit “section 202 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 10 (2) (a).
Insert instead “section 184 (Accrual of interest on overdue rates, charges and other amounts) of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[11]   Clause 11 Levy books
Omit “the relevant rural lands protection board as part of a rate record kept under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 11 (3).
Insert instead “Local Land Services as part of a rate record kept under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
Clause 61 Use of information and protected documents
Omit clause 61 (2) (a) and (d). Insert instead:
  
(a)  Local Land Services,
[1]   Section 5 Definitions
Omit the definition of livestock health and pest authority from section 5 (1).
[2]   Sections 40 (2), 53 (2) and 139 (2) (n)
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[3]   Section 118G Defences
Omit “noxious animals under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 118G (2) (c).
Insert instead “pests under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[4]   Section 141 Payment of rates to Local Land Services in Western Division
Omit section 141 (1).
[5]   Section 141 (2)
Omit the subsection. Insert instead:
  
(2)  An amount is, subject to this section, payable to Local Land Services equal to the amount that would have been payable to Local Land Services under Part 5 (Rates, levies and contributions) of the Local Land Services Act 2013 by way of rates for any period, in respect of land reserved as national parks or historic sites or dedicated as nature reserves or karst conservation reserves, had the land been rateable land under that Act at all relevant times after they were so reserved or dedicated.
[6]   Clause 141 (4)
Omit “an authority”. Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[7]   Section 197 Evidentiary provisions etc
Omit “within the meaning of Part 11 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 197 (10).
Insert instead “within the meaning of Part 10 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
Clause 80C Consultation process to be undertaken before applying for Aboriginal heritage impact permit
Omit clause 80C (2) (a) (vii). Insert instead:
  
(vii)  Local Land Services, and
[1]   Section 4 Definitions
Omit the definition of catchment management authority from section 4 (1).
[2]   Section 10 Meaning of protected regrowth
Omit “State-wide natural resource management standards and targets adopted for the purposes of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003” from section 10 (3).
Insert instead “State priorities for local land services within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[3]   Section 11 Meaning of routine agricultural management activities
Omit “noxious animals under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 11 (1) (c).
Insert instead “pests under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[4]   Sections 14 (2) and 27 (2)
Omit “catchment action plans of catchment management authorities” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “local strategic plans under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[5]   Section 27 Plans require Ministerial approval
Omit “a catchment management authority or other” from the note to section 27 (1).
Insert instead “Local Land Services or another”.
[6]   Section 28 Content of plans
Omit “catchment management authorities” from section 28 (d).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[7]   Section 48 Delegation of functions
Omit section 48 (3) (a). Insert instead:
  
(a)  Local Land Services or any other government agency, or
[1]   Clause 3 Definitions
Insert “that, immediately before the repeal of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, was” before “in the area of operations” in the definition of western coastal region in clause 3 (1).
[2]   Clause 8 Draft PVPs
Omit “the relevant catchment management authority” from clause 8 (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[3]   Clause 12 Information about PVPs and development consents
Omit “the catchment management authority in the area of operations” from clause 12 (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services in the region (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013)”.
[4]   Clause 12 (3)
Omit “A catchment management authority”.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[5]   Clause 13 Control of pest animals
Omit “Part 11 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
Insert instead “Part 10 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[6]   Clause 16 Obtaining construction timber
Omit clause 16 (1) (a). Insert instead:
  
(a)  18 months after the clearing for land that, immediately before the repeal of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, was in the area of operations of the Western, Lower Murray-Darling, Border Rivers-Gwydir, Namoi, Central West, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee or Murray Catchment Management Authority,
[7]   Clause 17 Clearing of feral native plant species
Omit “the catchment management authority in whose area of operations the land or area is located” from clause 17 (2) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[8]   Clause 17 (5)
Omit the subclause. Insert instead:
  
(5)  Local Land Services must publish on its website an up-to-date list of the species of native vegetation that are listed for the time being under this clause as feral species for land or an area in a region (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013).
[9]   Clause 18A Infrastructure works by councils
Omit “the catchment management authority (CMA) for the area of operations in which the relevant areas are situated” from clause 18A (2) (d).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[10]   Clause 18A (3) and (5)
Omit “the CMA” wherever occurring. Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[11]   Clause 20 Infrastructure buffer distances
Insert “on land that, immediately before the repeal of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, was” before “in the area of operations” in clause 20 (2).
[12]   Clause 20 (3)
Insert “on land that, immediately before the repeal of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, was” before “in the area of operations”.
[13]   Clause 28 Special provisions for long term environmental benefits
Omit “area of operations of the catchment management authority” from clause 28 (3) (b).
Insert instead “region (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013)”.
[14]   Section 32 Limitation of RAMAs on protected riparian land
Omit “Part 11 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 32 (f).
Insert instead “Part 10 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[1]   Section 4 Definitions
Omit the definition of catchment management authority from section 4 (1).
[2]   Section 13 Specific functions
Omit section 13 (1) (b).
[3]   Section 15 Reports
Omit “catchment action plans” from section 15 (2) (b).
Insert instead “local strategic plans under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[1]   Section 4 Application of Act
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998.” from section 4 (2).
Insert in alphabetical order “Local Land Services Act 2013.”.
[2]   Section 7 The advisory committee
Omit section 7 (4) (e). Insert instead:
  
(e)  one shall be a member of a local board nominated by Local Land Services,
[3]   Schedule 3 Savings and transitional provisions
Insert at the end of the Schedule:
  
3   Members of Non-Indigenous Animals Advisory Committee
A person who held office as a member of the Non-Indigenous Animals Advisory Committee under section 7 (4) (e) as in force immediately before it was substituted by the Local Land Services Act 2013 is taken to have been appointed under section 7 (4) (e) as substituted by that Act.
[1]   Clause 42 Importation of certain animals without the authority of a permit
Omit “Part 10A of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 42 (b) (i).
Insert instead “Part 9 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Clause 47 Movement or transportation of certain category 3b animals without the authority of a permit
Omit “Part 10A of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 47 (a).
Insert instead “Part 9 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
Dictionary
Omit paragraph (d) of the definition of occupier of land. Insert instead:
  
(d)  if the land consists of a road, street, stock route or reserve under the control of Local Land Services, Local Land Services, or
Section 5 Exemption from operation of Act
Omit section 5 (1). Insert instead:
  
(1)  The Minister may from time to time, by order published in the Gazette, exempt a council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993 specified in the order or Local Land Services from all of the provisions of this Act or from such of those provisions as may be specified in the order.
[1]   Section 8 Animals to be provided with food, drink or shelter
Omit section 8 (4). Insert instead:
  
(4)  Before commencing proceedings for an offence against subsection (1) in respect of a stock animal depastured on rateable land (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013), the prosecution must obtain advice from Local Land Services and the Department about the state of the animal (if practicable) and the appropriate care for it.
[2]   Section 24O Application and interpretation
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 24O (1).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[3]   Section 24T Stock Welfare Panels
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority” from section 24T (1) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[4]   Section 29C Court may make order regarding care of animals
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority” from section 29C (3) (a).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[5]   Schedule 2 Savings and transitional provisions
Insert at the end of the Schedule with appropriate Part and clause numbers:
  
Part Provision consequent on enactment of Local Land Services Act 2013
Members of Stock Welfare Panels
A person who held office as a member of a Stock Welfare Panel under section 24T (1) (c) as in force immediately before it was amended by the Local Land Services Act 2013 is taken to have been appointed under section 24T (1) (c) as amended by that Act.
[1]   Clause 70 Appointment of Operations Committee
Omit clause 70 (2) (a). Insert instead:
  
(a)  1 person nominated by Local Land Services,
[2]   Clause 70 (7)
Insert after clause 70 (6):
  
(7)  A person who held office as a member of the Operations Committee under subclause (2) (a) as in force immediately before it was substituted by the Local Land Services Act 2013 is taken to have been appointed under that subclause as substituted by that Act.
Schedule 2 Statutory bodies
Omit “A catchment management authority under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003” and “State Management Council of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities constituted under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
Insert in alphabetical order “Local Land Services”.
Schedule 1 Divisions of the Government Service
Omit the matter relating to the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities Division and the State Management Council of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities Division and their Division Heads from Part 2.
Insert instead:
  
Local Land Services Division
Chair of the Board of Chairs within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (and the Director-General of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, in relation to the Chair of the Board of Chairs)
[1]   Section 133 Construction of by-pass around road gate
Omit “the local livestock health and pest authority” from section 133 (2) (b).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[2]   Dictionary
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority” from paragraph (c) of the definition of unoccupied Crown land.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
Clause 14 Eligibility for membership of Bush Fire Management Committees
Omit clause 14 (b) (vi). Insert instead:
  
(vi)  Local Land Services,
[1]   Section 57 Snowy Scientific Committee
Omit section 57 (6) (c). Insert instead:
  
(c)  one is to be nominated by Local Land Services, and
[2]   Schedule 4 Savings, transitional and other provisions
Insert after clause 4:
  
Part 3 Provisions consequent on enactment of Local Land Services Act 2013
5   Member of Snowy Scientific Committee
(1)  A person who was a member of the Snowy Scientific Committee under section 57 (6) (c) as in force immediately before it was substituted by the Local Land Services Act 2013 ceases to hold office as such a member on that substitution (but is eligible if otherwise qualified) to be appointed under that paragraph as substituted.
(2)  The person is not entitled to any remuneration or compensation because of the loss of office.
Clause 5 Reporting if test indicates stock are chemically affected
Omit “the livestock health and pest district under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 5 (2) (f).
Insert instead “the region under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[1]   Section 3 Definitions
Omit “section 76 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from the definition of Holding in section 3 (1).
Insert instead “section 58 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Section 9 Occupier etc to give notice
Omit section 9 (3) (a). Insert instead:
  
(a)  Local Land Services, or
[3]   Section 9 (3A)
Omit the subsection. Insert instead:
  
(3A)  If stock are on land which forms part of a holding (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013) and the holding is situated in 2 or more regions (within the meaning of that Act) the land is taken, for the purposes of subsection (3), to be:
(a)  in the region in which the greater part of the holding lies, or
(b)  if the holding lies equally in each of the regions, in the region in which the main residence of the occupier of the holding is situated.
[4]   Sections 15A (definition of “travelling stock reserve”), 20C (2) (c) and (4)
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[5]   Section 15C Effect of closure orders
Omit “walking stock permits, grazing permits, stock licences and stock holding authorities” from section 15C (1).
Insert instead “stock permits and reserve use permits”.
[6]   Section 15C (2)
Omit the subsection. Insert instead:
  
(2)  In this section, stock permit and reserve use permit have the same meanings as in the Local Land Services Act 2013.
[7]   Section 23 Regulations
Omit “a livestock health and pest authority constituted under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from section 23 (4).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[1]   Part 3 Identification and tracing of stock
Omit the note to Part 3. Insert instead:
  
Note—
Local Land Services may charge and recover a fee under section 22 of the Local Land Services Act 2013 for services it provides under this Part.
[2]   Clause 13 Definitions
Omit the definition of district registrar. Insert instead:
  
district registrar, in relation to land within a stock identification district wholly or partly within a local land services region, means:
(a)  any person appointed by Local Land Services to exercise any or all of the functions of the district registrar for the local land services region, and
(b)  if the Director-General has appointed a person to exercise any or all of the functions of the district registrar of the local land services region—that person.
[3]   Clause 13
Omit the definitions of livestock health and pest authority and livestock health and pest district.
Insert instead:
  
local land services region means a region within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013.
[4]   Clauses 13 (definition of “property”), 38 (1) (b), 41 (k) and 42 (1) (a) (iv)
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[5]   Clause 13, definition of “State Council”
Omit the definition.
[6]   Clause 43 Central register
Omit clause 43 (6) and (7). Insert instead:
  
(6)  Contributions for the purposes of maintaining the central register are payable by Local Land Services in such amounts, and at such times, as may be agreed between the Director-General and Local Land Services or, in the absence of such agreement, as may be determined by the Minister.
(7)  The contributions are to be paid to the Director-General out of the money paid to Local Land Services as rates under the Local Land Services Act 2013 and out of money collected under this Part.
Section 28J Offence of hunting on private land
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” wherever occurring in section 28J (1) and (3) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[1]   Section 4 Definitions
Omit the definition of catchment action plan or CAP from section 4 (1).
Insert in alphabetical order:
  
local strategic plan means a local strategic plan approved under Part 4 of the Local Land Services Act 2013.
[2]   Section 126B Native vegetation reform package
Omit section 126B (c). Insert instead:
  
(c)  local strategic plans under the Local Land Services Act 2013,
[3]   Section 126B (d)
Omit “, the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003”.
[4]   Section 126C Biodiversity certification of native vegetation reform package
Omit “catchment action plan” from section 126C (3).
Insert instead “local strategic plan under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[5]   Section 126D Effect of biodiversity certification
Omit “the area of operations of each catchment management authority”.
Insert instead “a region (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013)”.
[6]   Section 126E Suspension of certification in connection with implementation of package
Omit “to a particular catchment management authority if the Minister is of the opinion that the catchment management authority” from section 126E (1).
Insert instead “to a particular region (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013) if the Minister is of the opinion that Local Land Services”.
[7]   Section 126E (2)
Omit “to a particular catchment management authority, land within the area of operations of the catchment management authority”.
Insert instead “to a particular region (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013), land within that region”.
[1]   Clause 23 Exemption of persons from the operation of section 9 of the Act
Omit “a rural lands protection board” from clause 23 (1) (a).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[2]   Clause 23 (2) and (3)
Omit clause 23 (2). Insert instead:
  
(2)  For the purposes of section 102 (1) (f) of the Act, a person employed as a ranger by the Crown in the Local Land Services Division of the Government Service who is acting as permitted by, and in accordance with, guidelines, or any other written instrument, issued by Local Land Services is exempt from section 9 of the Act.
(3)  For the purposes of subclause (2), any relevant guidelines or other written instruments issued by the State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards and in force immediately before that Council’s abolition by the Local Land Services Act 2013 are taken to be guidelines or instruments issued by Local Land Services.
[1]   Sections 8C (1) and 8D (1)
Omit “a catchment management authority or other” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “Local Land Services or another”.
[2]   Section 13 Membership of committee
Omit section 13 (1) (d). Insert instead:
  
(d)  at least one is to be a person nominated by Local Land Services, and
[3]   Section 18 Matters for consideration
Omit “catchment action plan under the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003” from section 18 (1A).
Insert instead “local strategic plan under the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[4]   Section 36 Notification of certain persons and bodies
Omit section 36 (2) (b). Insert instead:
  
(b)  Local Land Services,
[5]   Section 43A Extension of duration of management plan dealing with water sharing
Omit “the relevant State-wide natural resource management standards and targets in the relevant catchment management area (as referred to in section 5 of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003)” from section 43A (3) (a).
Insert instead “the State priorities for local land services (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013) that relate to natural resource management”.
[6]   Section 254 Definitions
Omit the definition of Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
[7]   Sections 258 (2), 259 (1) and (2), 260 (2) (b), 261 (1) (b) and (3), 267 (2) and 268 (a)
Omit “the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority” and “The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[8]   Section 262 Annual contribution to works program by Local Land Services
Omit “The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority” and “the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority” wherever occurring in section 262 (1) and (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[9]   Sections 262 (2) (b)
Omit “the Authority”. Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[10]   Section 263 Consultation with Local Land Services as to works program
Omit “the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority” wherever occurring in section 263 (1) and (3) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[11]   Section 289 Area of operations
Omit section 289 (4) (b). Insert instead:
  
(b)  the function is exercised by Local Land Services under the Local Land Services Act 2013, or
[12]   Section 387A Water Innovation Council
Omit “catchment management authorities” from section 387A (3).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[13]   Section 389A Conferral of water management functions on Local Land Services
Omit “a catchment management authority” and “A catchment management authority” wherever occurring in section 389A (1) and (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
[14]   Section 392 State’s water rights
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1989” from section 392 (4) (c).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[15]   Schedule 9 Savings, transitional and other provisions
Insert at the end of the Schedule with appropriate Part and clause numbers:
  
Part Provision consequent on Local Land Services Act 2013
Members of management committees
A person who held office as a member of a management committee under section 13 (1) (d) as in force immediately before it was substituted by the Local Land Services Act 2013 is taken to have been appointed under section 13 (1) (d) as substituted by that Act.
[16]   Dictionary
Omit the definition of catchment management authority.
Insert in alphabetical order:
  
Local Land Services means the body corporate with that name established under the Local Land Services Act 2013.
Clause 104 Hunter Valley flood mitigation works—statement of particulars
Omit “the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority” from clause 104 (i).
Insert instead “Local Land Services”.
Section 18DA Cultivation of certain land
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from the definition of occupier in section 18DA (2).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[1]   Clause 17 Land for which consent to cultivation is required: section 18DA
Omit “Rural Lands Protection Act 1998” from clause 17 (1) (d).
Insert instead “Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[2]   Clause 20 Local land board hearings—local land services appeals
Omit “section 242 of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998”.
Insert instead “section 207 of the Local Land Services Act 2013”.
[3]   Schedule 3 Circumstances in which consent to cultivation is not required
Insert “Local Land Services or” before “a reserve trust” in item 9.
[4]   Schedule 3, item 9
Omit “, livestock health and pest authority”.
[1]   Section 3A The Wild Dog Destruction Board
Omit section 3A (5) (a) and (b). Insert instead:
  
(a)  3 are to be appointed on the nomination of Local Land Services,
[2]   Section 3A (8)
Omit the subsection. Insert instead:
  
(8)  If the association or council specified in subsection (5) (d) or (e) is dissolved or ceases to exist (or any body which has in accordance with the provisions of this subsection been substituted for any such association or council ceases to exist):
(a)  the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare that some other body specified in the notice (being a body which, in the opinion of the Minister, has similar objects or represents similar interests to those of or represented by the association, council or body for which it is being substituted) is to be substituted for the association, council or body concerned, and
(b)  subsection (5) is to be taken to have been amended by deleting the name of the association, council or body and by inserting instead the name of the body so substituted.
[3]   Section 3B Power of the Minister in default of nomination
Omit “livestock health and pest authority” and “such authority” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “statutory corporation” and “such statutory corporation”, respectively.
[4]   Section 3D Casual vacancy
Omit “rural lands protection board” and “such board” wherever occurring.
Insert instead “statutory corporation” and “such statutory corporation” respectively.
[5]   Schedule 1 Savings and transitional provisions
Insert after clause 1:
  
Part 2 Provision consequent on enactment of Local Land Services Act 2013
2   Members of Wild Dog Destruction Board
A person who held office as a member of the Wild Dog Destruction Board under section 3A (5) (a) or (b) as in force immediately before those provisions were repealed by the Local Land Services Act 2013 is taken to have been appointed under section 3A (5) (a) as inserted by that Act.
sch 7: Am 2013 No 75, Sch 2.5 [1].
Schedule 8 Amendment of water sharing plans
8.1 General amendments
[1]   Amendments relating to natural resource management standards and targets
Each water sharing plan specified in Column 1 of the following Table of amendments is amended:
(a)  by omitting “the relevant natural resource management standards and targets in the catchment management area (as referred to in section 5 of the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003)” and “the catchment management area” wherever occurring in the provision of the plan concerned specified in Column 2 of the Table, and
(b)  by inserting instead “the State priorities for local land services relevant to natural resource management (as referred to in the Local Land Services Act 2013)” and “the Local Land Services region”, respectively.
Table of amendments
Column 1
Column 2
Clause 72, note
Clause 53, note
Clause 73, note
Clause 81, note
Clause 72, note
Clause 73, note
Clause 75, note
Clause 85, note
Clause 64, note
Clause 66, note
Clause 70, note
Clause 73, note
Clause 73, note
Clause 54, note
Clause 66, note
Clause 54, note
Clause 54, note
Clause 54, note
Clause 58, note
Clause 53, note
Clause 65, note
Clause 71, note
Clause 70, note
Clause 64, note
Clause 70, note
Clause 59, note
Clause 70, note
Clause 71, note
Clause 53, note
Clause 72, note
Clause 71, note
Clause 51, note
Clause 63, note
Clause 54, note
Clause 70, note
Clause 74, note
Clause 66, note
Clause 72, note
Clause 74, note
[2]   Amendments relating to abolition of catchment management authorities
Each water sharing plan specified in Column 1 of the following Table of amendments is amended:
(a)  by omitting “the relevant Catchment Management Authority”, “or Catchment Management Authority”, “the relevant catchment management authority”, “a catchment management authority or other” and “the Catchment Management Board” wherever occurring in the provision (including headings and notes) of the plan concerned specified in Column 2 of the Table, and
(b)  by inserting instead “Local Land Services”, “or Local Land Services”, “Local Land Services”, “Local Land Services or another” and “Local Land Services”, respectively.
Table of amendments
Column 1
Column 2
Clause 18 (3)
Clause 76 (2)
Clause 75 (4) (a)
Clause 76 (2)
Clause 24 (4) and (5)
Clause 88 (2)
Clause 78 (b) (i)
Clauses 54 (6), 87 (3) and 88 (4) (a)
Clause 73 (2)
Clause 76 (2)
Clause 76 (2)
Clause 20 (4)
Clause 20 (4)
Clause 20 (4)
Clause 19 (4)
Clause 20 (4)
Clauses 86 (5) (a), 87 (3) (a) and 88 (4) (a)
Clause 75 (2)
Clause 73 (2)
Clause 15 (4) and (5)
Clauses 72 (5) (a) and 73 (2)
Clause 74 (2)
Clause 75 (2)
Clause 74 (2)
Clause 20 (4)
Clause 73 (2)
Clause 75 (2)
Clause 77 (2)
Clause 32 Operational rules for Cochrane Dam
Omit “South East Livestock Pest and Health Authority district” from clause 32 (2) (b).
Insert instead “South East region (within the meaning of the Local Land Services Act 2013)”.
Part 1 Preliminary
1   Name of Regulation
This Regulation is the Local Land Services Regulation 2014.
2   Commencement
This Regulation commences on 1 January 2014.
3   Interpretation
(1)  In this Regulation:
district has the meaning it had in the repealed Act immediately before its repeal on 1 January 2014.
intensive livestock production means the keeping or nurturing of stock for commercial purposes wholly or substantially by routinely feeding them prepared or manufactured feed (except temporary feeding during, and as a result of, drought, fire, flood or similar emergency).
notional carrying capacity, in relation to land, means the number of stock that Local Land Services has assessed in accordance with Division 4 of Part 2 could be maintained on the land.
occupier of land means the person entitled to immediate possession of the land but, if the person so entitled does not reside on the land, does not include the resident manager or other person in charge of the land.
repealed Act means the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998.
required travelling rate means the rate of travel required by clause 74 (1).
small stock means stock other than large stock.
Note—
Large stock is defined in the Dictionary to the Act.
stock warning sign has the same meaning as it has in Part 5.
the Act means the Local Land Services Act 2013.
(2) Stock units For the purposes of this Regulation (other than clause 17 (Assessment of notional carrying capacity)):
(a)  a sheep that is at least 6 months old represents 1 stock unit, and
(b)  a goat that is at least 6 months old represents 1 stock unit, and
(c)  a deer that is at least 6 months old represents 1 stock unit, and
(d)  a bull, cow, ox, heifer, steer, calf or buffalo that is at least 6 months old represents 10 stock units, and
(e)  a horse that is at least 6 months old represents 10 stock units, and
(f)  a camel that is at least 6 months old represents 10 stock units, and
(g)  an alpaca that is at least 6 months old represents 1 stock unit, and
(h)  a llama that is at least 6 months old represents 1 stock unit, and
(i)  a pig of any age represents 1 stock unit, and
(j)  an ostrich that is at least 6 months old represents 1 stock unit, and
(k)  an emu that is at least 6 months old represents 1 stock unit.
(3) Treatment of certain holdings as single holdings Local Land Services must, if requested to do so by a person who is the occupier of 2 or more holdings within a district that are not contiguous, treat the holdings as a single holding for the purposes of determining liability to pay a rate under Part 2 of this Regulation.
(4)  Notes included in this Regulation do not form part of this Regulation.
Part 2 Rates
Division 1 Preliminary
4   Rateable land
For the purposes of section 56 (b) of the Act, land within a region is rateable land if, immediately before the commencement of this Regulation, it was land within a district that was rateable land for the purposes of the repealed Act.
Note—
To determine what is rateable land under this clause, see clause 6 of, and Schedule 3 to, the Rural Lands Protection Regulation 2010 as in force immediately before the repeal of that Regulation on 1 January 2014.
To determine whether a holding is within a region, see section 55 of the Act.
5   What are the types of rate?
For the purposes of section 57 of the Act, the following types of rate can be made by Local Land Services:
(a)  a general rate,
(b)  an animal health rate,
(c)  special purpose rates.
Division 2 Making and levying rates
6   Making of rates
(1)  Local Land Services is to make and levy the following rates for each year:
(a)  a general rate on all rateable land,
(b)  an animal health rate.
The rates may be made in the previous year but must be made by 31 March of the year to which they relate.
Note—
Under clause 25, the Minister may extend the time within which the rates may be made.
(2)  Local Land Services may make and levy one or more special purpose rates for any year on any land within a district if Local Land Services considers it is necessary to do so.
(3)  A general rate, or a special purpose rate (if any), for rateable land is to consist of:
(a)  a base amount for each holding of rateable land (determined by Local Land Services), and
(b)  an amount payable for each stock unit based on the total notional carrying capacity of rateable land in the district or for each constituent part (within the meaning of clause 49 of Schedule 7 to the repealed Act as in force immediately before its repeal) of the district.
(4)  An animal health rate for rateable land is to consist of:
(a)  a base amount for each holding of rateable land (determined by Local Land Services), and
(b)  an amount payable for each stock unit based on the total notional carrying capacity of rateable land in the district, or for each constituent part (within the meaning of clause 49 of Schedule 7 to the repealed Act as in force immediately before its repeal) of the district, for which the annual returns lodged in the year preceding the year in which the rate is payable indicate that at least 50 stock units were kept on the land as at 30 June in the year.
(5)  The amount payable under a rate in respect of rateable land is calculated in accordance with the following formula:
 
where:
R represents the amount payable under the rate.
B represents the base amount determined by Local Land Services for the purposes of the rate.
A represents the amount, determined by Local Land Services, payable for each stock unit in accordance with this clause.
C represents the notional carrying capacity of rateable land determined in accordance with clause 17.
(6)  In calculating the general rate or animal health rate payable in respect of land, Local Land Services must disregard any part of the land used for intensive livestock production in respect of which an animal health rate is payable.
(7)  An animal health rate may be levied in respect of rateable land comprising a holding for which an annual return has not been lodged in accordance with section 58 of the Act.
(8)  Money that has been received by imposition of a special purpose rate may not be used otherwise than for the purpose for which the rate was levied. However, any such money received that is surplus to the purpose for which the special purpose rate was imposed may be used by Local Land Services for any other purpose approved by the Minister.
7   Special purpose pest insect eradication rates
(1)  Without limiting the purposes for which a special purpose rate may be levied, a special purpose rate may be levied to fund estimated expenditure by Local Land Services in contributing to the costs of eradicating pests that are insects under section 154 of the Act.
(2)  Local Land Services must calculate a special purpose rate in accordance with clause 6 (3) or the following formula:
 
where:
R represents the special purpose rate payable.
X represents the base amount determined by Local Land Services for the purposes of the rate.
A represents an amount, determined by Local Land Services, payable for each stock unit based on the total notional carrying capacity of rateable land in the district.
C represents the notional carrying capacity of rateable land determined in accordance with clause 17.
8   How is a rate levied?
(1)  A rate is levied on the land specified in a rate notice by giving the notice to any occupier of the land liable to pay the rate.
Note—
Section 210 (Service of documents) of the Act sets out the ways in which notice may be given.
(2)  A rate notice is to be in the approved form and is to specify the amount of each rate levied.
(3)  A rate is due and payable on the day (being a day not less than 28 days and not more than 42 days after notice of the rate is given) specified in the notice.
(4)  Local Land Services may accept payment of a rate by instalments or in accordance with an agreement made with the person liable to pay the rate.
(5)  For the purposes of subclause (1), if there are 2 or more occupiers of land, a rate notice duly given to any one of the occupiers is taken to have been given to the other occupiers of the land.
(6)  An occupier (other than the owner) of land who is given a rate notice must give any owner (other than the Crown) of the land oral or written advice of the rate levied within 14 days after being given the rate notice.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
Division 3 Liability for rates
9   Occupiers are liable to pay rates
(1)  The occupier of land on which a rate is levied by Local Land Services is liable to pay the rate to Local Land Services, except as provided by the Act or this Part.
(2)  If there are 2 or more occupiers of the land, they are jointly and severally liable to pay the rate. However, as between themselves they are liable only for that part of the rate that is proportionate to the occupier’s interest in the land.
(3)  An occupier who pays to Local Land Services more than the occupier’s proportionate part of the rate may recover the excess by way of contribution from the other occupier or occupiers.
10   Liability of owner (other than Crown) to pay rates not paid by occupier
(1)  An owner (other than the Crown) of the land in respect of which any rate is levied by Local Land Services is liable for payment to Local Land Services of the whole or any part of the rate that is unpaid 12 months after the day on which it became due and payable by an occupier and any interest or any other charges payable in respect of the rate.
(2)  Local Land Services cannot recover any unpaid rate, interest or charges from an owner under subclause (1) unless it gives the owner 28 days’ notice of the amount of the rate that is unpaid and of any interest or charges payable in respect of the rate.
(3)  An owner who pays the whole or part of an unpaid rate or any interest or charges payable in respect of the rate may recover the amount paid from the occupier who was given the rate notice.
(4)  Nothing in subclause (2) affects any occupier’s liability for payment of a rate.
(5)  If there are 2 or more owners of land, they are jointly and severally liable to pay the unpaid rate. However, as between themselves they are liable only for that part of the rate that is proportionate to the owner’s interest in the land.
(6)  An owner who pays to Local Land Services more than the owner’s proportionate part of the unpaid rate may recover the excess by way of contribution from the other owner or owners.
11   Liability when occupier or owner of land changes
(1)  The liability of a person to pay to Local Land Services a rate in respect of land that is unpaid on the day the person ceases to be the occupier or owner of the land continues until the day on which notice of the change in occupancy or ownership is given by the person in accordance with clause 24.
Note—
The liability of a person who ceased to be the occupier or owner of the land (the former occupier or former owner) to pay any owner or subsequent occupier who has paid to Local Land Services any unpaid rate that should have been paid by the former occupier or former owner does not cease on the giving of the notice, and the owner or subsequent occupier who paid the unpaid rate to Local Land Services may recover the amount from the former occupier or former owner (see clause 13).
(2)  The giving of a notice as referred to in subclause (1) does not affect any liability of the owner of the land other than the Crown (if the notice is of change of occupancy) or the new owner of the land other than the Crown (if the notice is of change of ownership) for the whole or any part of a rate that is unpaid or for any interest or any other charges in respect of the rate under clause 10.
Note—
If any unpaid rate, interest or charge is paid to Local Land Services by the owner or new owner, he or she may recover the amount from the former occupier or former owner (see clause 13).
(3)  A person who pays to Local Land Services any rate levied in respect of land after the person ceases to occupy or own the land and before the person gives notice of the change in occupancy or ownership of the land may recover the amount from any successive occupier or owner of the land who is liable to pay that rate.
(4)  A person who becomes the occupier of land that is the subject of a lease, licence or purchase from the Crown is not liable for any rate levied in respect of the land that is unpaid on the day the person becomes the occupier of the land.
12   Apportionment of rates
(1)  This clause applies to a rate levied in respect of land for a year if the occupancy or ownership of the land (whether in whole or in part) is subsequently changed during that year to a different occupier or owner.
(2)  The rate is payable as between the former and subsequent occupier or owner of land proportionately to the part of the year during which the occupier or owner occupied the land and to the part of the land occupied or owned.
13   Recovery of rates paid when not occupier or owner
An occupier or owner of land who pays to Local Land Services any rate that accrued during the occupancy or ownership of the land by some other person is entitled to recover from that other person as a debt such proportion of the rate as accrued while that other person was the occupier or owner of the land.
14   Exemption from liability for animal health rate
(1)  Rateable land is exempt from any animal health rate for a year if the annual return lodged by the due date in respect of the land for the preceding year indicates that the total number of stock kept on the land was less than the number of stock represented by 50 stock units.
(2)  For the purposes of subclause (1), in calculating the total number of stock kept on land, if any horses are kept on the land only so many horses as exceed 5 in number are to be taken into account.
15   Land exempt from operation of Part 5 (Rates, levies and contributions) of the Act
(1)  For the purposes of section 208 of the Act, the following are exempt from the operation of the provisions of Part 5 of the Act:
(a)  any part of a holding used as a motel or caravan park,
(b)  any part of a holding occupied by Local Land Services,
(c)  any part of a holding occupied by a local authority and that is used for a purpose other than an agricultural enterprise,
(d)  any part of a holding used for the purposes of a cemetery, golf course, racecourse, showground or industrial area.
(2)  For the purposes of section 208 of the Act, the following land is exempt from the operation of the provisions of Part 5 of the Act (other than section 58 (Annual returns of land and stock)):
(a)  any part of a holding on which a rifle range or buildings ancillary to the conduct of such a range are located,
(b)  any part of a holding used for growing sugar cane.
Division 4 Assessment of notional carrying capacity of land
16   Timing and notice of assessment of notional carrying capacity
(1)  Local Land Services may assess the notional carrying capacity of a holding at any time but must assess it within 5 years of its last assessment.
(2)  Local Land Services is to give any occupier of the holding notice of its assessment as soon as practicable after it is made (but not later than on the first occasion following the assessment on which a rate notice with respect to the land is given).
(3)  For the purposes of subclause (2), if there are 2 or more occupiers of a holding, a notice of assessment duly given to any one of the occupiers is taken to have been given to the other occupiers of the holding.
(4)  An occupier (other than the owner) of a holding who is given a notice of assessment must give each other occupier and each owner oral or written advice of the assessment within 14 days after being given the notice of assessment.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
17   Assessment of notional carrying capacity
(1)  Local Land Services must assess the notional carrying capacity of each holding of land.
(2)  In determining the notional carrying capacity of land for the purposes of this clause:
(a)  a 40 kilogram wether sheep of any breed represents 1 stock unit, and
(b)  a 400 kilogram steer of any breed represents 10 stock units.
(3)  Local Land Services is to assess the notional carrying capacity of land by reference to the number of stock units that could be maintained on the land in an average season under management practices that, in the opinion of Local Land Services, are usual for the district.
(4)  The assessment is to be made whether or not the land is, at the date of assessment, used for any purpose.
(5)  Without limiting matters that Local Land Services may have regard to in assessing the notional carrying capacity of particular rateable land, Local Land Services:
(a)  must disregard the presence of noxious weeds or pest animals on the land, and
(b)  must not take into consideration the use of irrigation if the land is irrigated land used for permanent plantings of trees or vines, and
(c)  must make its assessment as if the raising of stock were the only use of the land, and
(d)  in the case of land that remains in or is reverting to its original undeveloped state—must base its assessment on the condition of the land as at the date of assessment.
(6)  In assessing the notional carrying capacity of rateable land used for intensive livestock production, Local Land Services must have regard to the following:
(a)  the nature of the holding or structure concerned,
(b)  any improvement and equipment used for the purposes of intensive livestock production on the land,
(c)  the manner in which the holding has been worked,
(d)  any other matter that it considers necessary.
18   Application for review of assessment
(1)  An owner or occupier of a holding who is dissatisfied with Local Land Services’ assessment of the notional carrying capacity of the holding may apply in writing to Local Land Services for a review of the assessment.
(2)  An application for review of an assessment must be made not later than 28 days after notice of the assessment is given to the occupier.
(3)  Local Land Services may, within 28 days of receipt of an application for review of an assessment, require the applicant to provide Local Land Services with such additional information as Local Land Services may reasonably require to review the assessment.
(4)  Local Land Services is not required to deal with an application for review of an assessment if the applicant fails to provide additional information to Local Land Services when required to do so.
19   Review of assessment
(1)  Local Land Services is to review the assessment within the period of 40 days after:
(a)  it receives the application, or
(b)  if it has required the applicant to provide additional information, receipt of the information.
(2)  On reviewing an assessment, Local Land Services may:
(a)  confirm the assessment, or
(b)  vary the assessment.
(3)  Local Land Services is to give the applicant for review of the assessment notice of its decision on review of the assessment as soon as practicable after the review.
(4)  An applicant who is given notice of the decision of Local Land Services on review of an assessment must give each other occupier or owner of the land oral or written advice of the decision within 14 days after being given notice of it.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(5)  Local Land Services is taken (for the purposes only of an appeal) to have decided to confirm the assessment if Local Land Services has not reviewed the assessment within the period of 40 days after:
(a)  the making of the application for review, or
(b)  if it has required the applicant to provide additional information, receipt of the information.
Division 5 Appeals against assessment of notional carrying capacity and rates
20   Appeals against assessment
(1)  If an occupier or owner of a holding is dissatisfied with the decision of Local Land Services on review of an assessment of the notional carrying capacity of a holding, the occupier or owner may, not later than 30 days after being given notice of the decision, appeal against the assessment to the appropriate local land board.
(2)  An appeal is to be determined on the information provided or available to Local Land Services in making the assessment and any additional information provided under clause 18. However, the local land board may also take into account any relevant information contained in an annual return under section 58 of the Act that has been duly lodged by the appellant.
(3)  Before hearing an appeal against an assessment of the notional carrying capacity of a holding, the local land board must be satisfied that the appellant has paid all rates that the appellant is liable to pay under the Act, other than any rates based on the assessment of the notional carrying capacity that is the subject of the appeal.
21   Appeals against rates
(1)  An occupier or owner of land may appeal against the validity of any rate levied on land to the appropriate local land board.
(2)  An appeal may be made on the ground that the land or part of it is not rateable or is not subject to a particular rate.
(3)  An appeal is to be lodged within 30 days after the occupier of the land is given the rate notice.
(4)  The local land board is not to hear an appeal under this clause in respect of a rate levied in respect of a year unless the appellant has produced to the local land board a certificate issued by Local Land Services (or such other evidence as is acceptable to the local land board) confirming that all rates due and payable in any preceding year in relation to the land have been paid.
Note—
Section 210 (Service of documents) of the Act sets out various ways in which a rate notice may be given.
22   Hearing of appeals
(1)  After hearing the appeal against an assessment of the notional carrying capacity of a holding, the local land board must decide the appeal by:
(a)  confirming the assessment, or
(b)  varying the assessment by altering the assessment.
(2)  After hearing the appeal against a rate levied on land, the local land board must decide the appeal either:
(a)  by confirming the rate as levied, or
(b)  by varying the rate.
(3)  The decision of a local land board on the hearing of the appeal is final.
Division 6 Miscellaneous
23   Measures to facilitate the recovery of rates
(1)  The lodgment of an appeal against the validity of the rate under clause 21 does not prevent proceedings being taken for the recovery of the rate.
(2)  The fact that an appeal has been lodged against the validity of a rate under clause 21 does not prevent the Minister from exercising a power conferred by clause 25.
24   Notice to be given of changes in occupancy or ownership of rateable land
(1)  A person must, within one month after ceasing to be or becoming the occupier or owner of rateable land, give notice in the approved form to Local Land Services.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)  A person is taken to have satisfied the requirements of this clause in relation to a change of ownership if notice of the change is lodged with the Registrar-General in accordance with section 39 of the Real Property Act 1900 or section 184E of the Conveyancing Act 1919 within one month after the change of ownership.
25   Irregularities concerning rates
(1)  The Minister may extend the period for a rate to be fixed or rate notice to be given if for any reason the rate is not fixed, or rate notice is not given, within the period prescribed by or under the Act.
(2)  The Minister may authorise Local Land Services to do any things that are necessary to cure an irregularity and to validate a rate if any irregularity in fixing or levying a rate affects, or may be considered to affect, the validity of any rate.
26   Notification of change of address
(1)  The occupier of rateable land must notify Local Land Services of any change in the occupier’s postal address within one month after the change occurs.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)  The owner of stock kept on rateable land must notify Local Land Services of any change in the owner’s postal address within one month after the change occurs.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(3)  A person who becomes the occupier of rateable land must notify Local Land Services of the occupier’s postal address within one month after becoming the occupier of the land.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
27   Tenure bond to be paid by certain holders of Crown land
(1)  The government agency or other public authority that grants a person short tenure of Crown land is to notify Local Land Services as soon as practicable after the grant.
(2)  A person who takes Crown land on a short tenure must provide to Local Land Services a tenure bond within 14 days of taking the land on short tenure.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)  The tenure bond is to be in the form approved, and for such reasonable amount as is determined, by Local Land Services.
(4)  At the end of the short tenure of land, an amount equal to any unpaid rates, charges, interest or any other amount owed to Local Land Services in respect of the land by the holder of the short tenure is forfeited to Local Land Services from any tenure bond provided under this clause.
(5)  Local Land Services must refund the balance (if any) of the tenure bond to the person who provided it.
(6)  Except as provided by subclause (4), nothing in this clause:
(a)  affects the liability of any person to pay rates under the Act, or
(b)  affects Local Land Services’ right to recover rates under the Act.
(7)  In this clause:
short tenure, in relation to land, means a lease of the land from the Crown for a term not exceeding 3 years or a licence of the land from the Crown.
tenure bond means a bond deposited or paid in such a way as to secure Local Land Services against any failure of the person depositing or paying the bond to pay rates, charges or any other amount in respect of the land payable by the person to Local Land Services under the Act.
Part 3 Annual returns
28   Annual returns—persons who are required to lodge returns
(1)  For the purposes of section 58 (1) of the Act, the following are prescribed persons:
(a)  the occupier of a holding that is rateable land as at 30 June in the year in which the annual return concerned is due to be lodged,
(b)  the occupier of a holding that is non-rateable land that has had a property identification code allotted to the land under Part 3 of the Stock Diseases Regulation 2009,
(c)  the owner or occupier of a holding that is non-rateable land who is the registered proprietor of a brand or earmark under a stock identification scheme established under Part 12 of this Regulation at any time during the year for which the annual return concerned is due to be lodged.
(2)  For the purposes of section 58 (1) of the Act, if there are 2 or more occupiers of a holding referred to in subclause (1) (a), an annual return duly lodged by any one of the occupiers is taken to have been lodged by all the occupiers.
29   Annual returns
(1)  This clause applies to annual returns for holdings.
(2)  An annual return for a holding is to be lodged with Local Land Services not later than 31 August in each year and is to be signed by, or on behalf of, the person lodging it.
(3)  For the purposes of section 58 (2) of the Act, an annual return is to give details of the following matters:
(a)  the full name of the person,
(b)  the postal address, email address (if any) and telephone number (if any) of the person,
(c)  the address of the land, if different from the address referred to in paragraph (b),
(d)  a description of the land, including the following:
(i)  the portion number or lot and deposited plan number,
(ii)  the names of the parish and county where the land is located,
(iii)  the area of the land,
(iv)  details of any part of the land that is a conservation area within the meaning of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974,
(e)  the number of each category of stock other than pigs (if any) kept on the land that were 6 months of age or over on 30 June in the year in which the return is due,
(f)  the number of pigs of any age (if any) kept on the land on 30 June in the year in which the return is due,
(g)  whether or not intensive livestock production is carried out on the land and, if so, the area of land used for intensive livestock production, the capacity of the area used for intensive livestock production and the number of stock kept under intensive livestock production on the land,
(h)  the total area of the land that is planted with grapevines (if any) on 30 June in the year in which the return is due,
(i)  the total area of the land that is planted with sugar cane (if any) on 30 June in the year in which the return is due,
(j)  details of any property identification code allotted to land occupied by the person under Part 3 of the Stock Diseases Regulation 2009,
(k)  details of any stock identifier registered by the person under a stock identification scheme established under Part 12 of this Regulation in the year for which the return is due,
(l)  in relation to an annual return lodged by a person referred to in clause 28 (1) (a):
(i)  the rate assessment number shown on the rate notice for the land, and
(ii)  if an individual is nominated as the person entitled to be enrolled in respect of the holding under clause 8 of Schedule 1 to this Regulation—the full name of each individual.
30   Purposes for which information in annual return may be used and disclosed
(1)  Without limiting the purposes for which information obtained by Local Land Services under Division 3 of Part 5 of the Act may be used, the information may be used for the following:
(a)  to verify the notional carrying capacity of land,
(b)  to facilitate the administration of animal health services or animal production services by Local Land Services,
(c)  to prepare statistical data concerning animal health or the protection of rural lands,
(d)  to prepare an annual report under the Act or the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984,
(e)  for the purposes of electoral rolls,
(f)  to protect public health and safety,
(g)  to assist in the preparation and implementation of emergency animal disease and plant pest and disease preparedness and response programs,
(h)  to assist in preventing, managing, controlling and eradicating disease, pests and residues:
(i)  in animals and animal products, and
(ii)  in plants and plant products, and
(iii)  on any land or adjacent water,
(i)  to assist in the management of drought and the response to floods, fires and other emergencies.
(2)  Without limiting to whom and for what purposes Local Land Services may disclose information it has obtained under Division 3 of Part 5 of the Act, Local Land Services may disclose such information to the Department for the purposes set out in subclause (1) (f)–(i).
Part 4 Catchment contributions
31   Definitions
In this Part:
Authority means the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (within the meaning of the Catchment Management Authorities (Hunter Central Rivers) Regulation 2010 immediately before its repeal by the Act).
catchment contribution means a catchment contribution under this Part.
catchment contribution area means the following:
(a)  an area that was a catchment contribution area, within the meaning of Schedule 4 to the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 as in force immediately before its repeal by the Act, within the area of operations of the Authority immediately before that repeal,
(b)  an area declared by an order in force under clause 32 to be a catchment contribution area.
charging year means:
(a)  the period declared to be the charging year for the Authority immediately before the repeal of the Catchment Management Authorities (Hunter Central Rivers) Regulation 2010 by the Act, or
(b)  the period declared to be the charging year under clause 34, or
(c)  if the charging year is changed by a further order under clause 34—the period between the end of one charging year and the beginning of the next.
owner has the same meaning as in the Water Management Act 2000.
32   Orders for purposes of levying catchment contributions
The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare any land described in the order to be a catchment contribution area for the purposes of this Part.
33   Local Land Services may levy catchment contributions
(1)  Local Land Services may, in accordance with this Part, levy a catchment contribution on any land that is within a catchment contribution area.
(2)  A catchment contribution may only be levied to fund a shortfall in available funding for the catchment activities of Local Land Services.
(3)  Local Land Services is to maintain a map that depicts all land that is within a catchment contribution area.
(4)  The map is to be available in the office of Local Land Services and may be inspected by any person free of charge at any time the office is open.
34   Orders for purposes of levying catchment contributions
The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare a period of 12 months to be the charging year for the purpose of this Part.
35   Estimates of income and expenditure to be prepared
(1)  Local Land Services is to prepare and submit to the Minister at least 2 months before the beginning of each charging year estimates in respect of:
(a)  the income of Local Land Services for the charging year from all sources, including the total amount to be obtained by way of catchment contributions, and
(b)  the expenditure to be incurred during the charging year in relation to Local Land Services functions relating to natural resource management.
(2)  The estimates are to be in such form as the Minister requires and are to contain particulars in respect of each item of expenditure and the catchment contributions proposed to be levied.
36   Basis of levying catchment contributions
A contribution is to be levied according to the land value (within the meaning of the Valuation of Land Act 1916) of all land within the catchment contribution area that has a land value greater than $300 and that is rateable for the time being under the Local Government Act 1993.
37   Determinations relating to catchment contributions
(1)  Not later than one month before the beginning of a charging year in which Local Land Services proposes to levy a catchment contribution, it is to determine:
(a)  the amount of money that it proposes to raise by way of catchment contributions, and
(b)  the land within the catchment contribution area that is to be levied, and
(c)  the rate of the catchment contribution,
for the next charging year.
(2)  Local Land Services may make separate determinations under subclause (1) in respect of rates for different lands within the catchment contribution area.
(3)  A determination under this clause:
(a)  is subject to clause 33, and
(b)  is required to be approved by the Minister and does not have effect unless it is so approved, and
(c)  is to be published in the Gazette before the commencement of the charging year to which it relates, and
(d)  is to take effect on the commencement of the charging year to which it relates.
(4)  A determination does not fail merely because it is not published in the Gazette before the commencement of the charging year to which it relates but, in that event, a person is not liable for payment of the catchment contribution to which the determination relates until the determination is published in the Gazette.
(5)  A catchment contribution determined under this clause is levied on publication of the determination in the Gazette.
(6)  If, for any reason:
(a)  a determination under this clause is not made before the charging year to which it relates, or
(b)  there is any irregularity or alleged irregularity in the making of any such determination,
the Minister may extend the time for making the determination (whether or not that time has expired) and may authorise Local Land Services to do anything necessary to cure any irregularity and to make a valid determination.
38   Assessment of catchment contributions
(1)  After making a determination under clause 37 Local Land Services must, in accordance with the determination:
(a)  classify each parcel of land within the catchment contribution area in respect of which a catchment contribution is to be levied, and
(b)  assess the catchment contribution payable for each such parcel of land.
(2)  After it makes an assessment under this clause Local Land Services is to cause a notice to be served on the owner of each parcel of land in respect of which a catchment contribution has been levied.
(3)  The notice may be served:
(a)  personally or by post, and
(b)  may be served separately or, if Local Land Services so decides, together with or so as to form part of a council rate notice or other statutory notice served on the owner of the parcel of land in respect of which a catchment contribution has been levied.
(4)  On the service of such a notice, the owner of the land to which the notice relates becomes liable for payment of the catchment contribution specified in the notice.
39   Reassessment of catchment contributions
(1)  Local Land Services may reassess a catchment contribution if the value of the land for any charging year differs from the value used to assess the contribution.
(2)  A catchment contribution may only be reassessed as from the date the revised value of the land has effect.
(3)  The owner of the land to which the reassessment relates becomes liable for payment of the revised catchment contribution on the service of a notice notifying the reassessment.
40   Collection etc of catchment contributions on behalf of Local Land Services
(1)  In this clause:
appropriate local agency means:
(a)  the council of a local government area within which any part of the catchment contribution area is situated, or
(b)  the Sydney Water Corporation, the Hunter Water Corporation, the State Water Corporation or any water supply authority within whose area of operations any part of the catchment contribution area is situated, or
(c)  a statutory authority approved by the Minister for the purposes of this clause.
(2)  Local Land Services may, with the approval of the Minister, enter into an arrangement with an appropriate local agency for the following functions of Local Land Services under this Part to be exercised by that agency on behalf of Local Land Services:
(a)  the assessment or reassessment of catchment contributions levied by Local Land Services,
(b)  the collection of those catchment contributions,
(c)  the recovery of those catchment contributions,
(d)  the issue of certificates as to any catchment contributions due to Local Land Services.
(3)  Any such arrangement may provide for the payment of commission to the appropriate local agency.
(4)  For the purposes of any such arrangement, the appropriate local agency may deal with Local Land Services’ catchment contributions in connection with its rates and charges, so long as the catchment contribution is separately identified.
(5)  For the purposes of subclause (4), an appropriate local agency may issue joint assessments and notices, take joint action for collection and recovery and issue joint certificates.
(6)  The appropriate local agency must remit to Local Land Services, as soon as practicable after the expiration of each calendar month (but in all cases within 30 days after the collection of such contributions), the money collected by it in payment of the contribution during that month, less any amount the local agency is entitled to retain as a commission in accordance with the agreement.
41   Catchment contributions a charge on land
(1)  A catchment contribution for payment of which a person is liable is a charge on the land to which the catchment contribution relates.
(2)  The provisions of this clause have effect despite anything contained in section 42 of the Real Property Act 1900.
42   Interest on overdue catchment contributions
(1)  Local Land Services may charge interest on overdue catchment contributions at the rate of interest set under section 566 (3) of the Local Government Act 1993 by the local council for the local government area in which the land is located.
(2)  The interest charged forms a part of the catchment contribution for the purposes of this Part.
43   Recovery of catchment contributions
(1)  A catchment contribution due to Local Land Services under this Part may be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Crown.
(2)  An unsatisfied judgment or order of any court for the recovery of a catchment contribution from any person is not a bar to the recovery of the contribution from any other person who is liable under the Act for the payment of the contribution.
44   Waiver or deferral of payment
Local Land Services may, in the case of hardship:
(a)  defer payment of a catchment contribution, or
(b)  waive payment of a catchment contribution or any part of it.
45   Expenses of tracing persons
(1)  Local Land Services may add to the amount of catchment contribution any reasonable expenses incurred in tracing the person liable to pay the catchment contribution.
(2)  Those expenses may be recovered as catchment contributions at the same time as any catchment contributions and without the need to give notice concerning them.
46   Liability of joint owners
(1)  If land within the catchment contribution area is owned or held jointly by 2 or more persons:
(a)  they are jointly and severally liable for payment of the catchment contribution in respect of the land, and
(b)  as between themselves, each is liable only for such part of the contribution as is proportionate to the interest owned or held by the person in the land.
(2)  If one of those persons pays more than that person’s proportionate part of a catchment contribution, he or she may recover the excess by way of contribution from the other persons.
47   Liability on disposing of land
(1)  The liability of a person to pay a catchment contribution in respect of any land does not cease on disposal of the land if notice of the contribution, in a form approved by Local Land Services:
(a)  was given before disposal of the land, or
(b)  is given after the disposal of the land, but before notice of the disposal is given to Local Land Services.
(2)  If a person:
(a)  disposes of any land, and
(b)  pays a contribution levied on the land that became payable to Local Land Services after disposal of the land and before the notice of the disposal is given to Local Land Services,
the person may recover the amount of the catchment contribution from the person who acquired the land.
(3)  Without limiting subclause (1), a person is taken to have given notice of the disposal of the land if notice of the disposal is lodged with the Registrar-General in accordance with the Conveyancing Act 1919 or the Real Property Act 1900 (as the case may be).
48   Daily basis of apportionment of catchment contribution
As between a person liable to pay a catchment contribution in respect of land, and:
(a)  a person who acquires the land, or
(b)  the persons from whom the land was acquired,
the catchment contribution is to be apportioned on a daily basis.
49   Liability of new owner
(1)  A person who, by becoming the owner of land, becomes liable to pay a catchment contribution levied on the land is liable for payment of all current catchment contributions, and all arrears of contributions, levied on the land even if notice of them was not given to the person until after the person became the owner of the land.
(2)  A person who:
(a)  becomes the owner of land, and
(b)  pays to Local Land Services a catchment contribution in respect of the land that was payable before the person became the owner,
may recover the whole or a proper proportion of the catchment contribution from the persons liable for the payment at the time the notice was served.
50   Proportionate liability for catchment contributions
(1)  A catchment contribution is proportionate to the portion of the year for which the land is leviable and to the portion of the land that is leviable.
(2)  If an amount of catchment contribution is paid in excess of the liability for a catchment contribution because of the operation of this clause, Local Land Services:
(a)  must refund the amount of the excess, or
(b)  must credit it towards payment of any amount then payable to Local Land Services by the person who would otherwise be entitled to a refund.
Part 5 Travelling stock reserves and public roads
Division 1 Preliminary
51   Interpretation
(1)  In this Part:
permanent stock zone means the whole or part of a public road set aside as a permanent stock zone in accordance with clause 52.
permanent stock zone sign means a stock warning sign:
(a)  displaying particulars approved by the roads authority in the manner approved for the purposes of this definition, or
(b)  of a type approved by the roads authority.
public road includes the shoulder of a public road.
roads authority means a roads authority within the meaning of the Roads Act 1993.
shoulder of a public road includes any part of the road that is not designed to be used by motor vehicles in travelling along the road.
stock warning sign means a sign warning road users of the presence of stock.
stock zone means a permanent stock zone or a temporary stock zone.
stock zone sign means a permanent stock zone sign or a temporary stock zone sign.
temporary stock zone means the whole or part of a public road set aside as a temporary stock zone in accordance with clause 52.
temporary stock zone sign means a stock warning sign:
(a)  displaying particulars approved by Local Land Services in the manner approved for the purposes of this definition, or
(b)  of a type approved by Local Land Services.
(2)  For the purposes of this Part, a stock warning sign that depicts a particular kind of stock applies to every other kind of stock.
52   How are stock zones established?
(1) Permanent stock zones A roads authority may set aside the whole or any part of a public road as a permanent stock zone.
(2)  A permanent stock zone is to be designated by a permanent stock zone sign exhibited at the entry to the zone to which it relates.
(3)  The permanent stock zone sign is to be positioned so that:
(a)  there is not less than 200 metres between the sign and the place where a vehicle being driven towards the stock would first encounter the stock, and
(b)  the driver of a vehicle being driven towards the stock along the road is warned of the presence or likely presence of the stock a reasonable distance before the vehicle would first encounter the stock.
(4) Temporary stock zones A person who owns or has charge of stock that are grazing or walking on a public road may set aside the whole or part of that public road as a temporary stock zone.
(5)  An occupier of land through which an unfenced public road passes must set aside that part of the road passing through the land as a temporary stock zone if the land is normally grazed by stock.
(6)  A temporary stock zone is to be designated by a temporary stock zone sign exhibited at the entry point of the zone to which it relates.
(7)  A temporary stock zone sign exhibited by a person referred to in subclause (4) is to be positioned so that there is not more than 5 kilometres, and not less than 200 metres, between the sign and the place where a vehicle being driven towards the stock would first encounter the stock.
(8)  A temporary stock zone sign exhibited by a person referred to in subclause (5) is to be positioned so that the driver of a vehicle being driven towards the stock along the road is warned of the presence or likely presence of the stock a reasonable distance before the vehicle would first encounter the stock.
(9)  The provisions of Part 20 of the Road Rules 2008 apply to a permanent stock zone sign or temporary stock zone sign in the same way as they apply to a traffic sign within the meaning of those Rules.
Note—
For example, rule 327 of the Road Rules 2008 which provides that the length of road to which a traffic sign on a road applies is worked out in the direction driven by a driver on the road who faces the sign before passing it.
Division 2 Stock zones
53   Offences relating to stock zones
(1)  The owner or person in charge of stock that are on a public road must ensure, as far as practicable, that the stock do not pose a hazard to any person, animal or vehicle on the road.
(2)  The owner or person in charge of stock that are on or near a public road must ensure that the stock are in a stock zone if it is reasonably foreseeable that they may be a hazard to any person, animal or vehicle on the road.
(3)  The driver of a mechanically powered vehicle must give way to stock and to all other animals and any vehicle accompanying stock in a stock zone.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
54   When must temporary stock zone signs be displayed?
(1)  A person moving or grazing stock on or near any part of a public road that is not a permanent stock zone must display a temporary stock zone sign in accordance with this Part.
(2)  It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under subclause (1) if it is proved that:
(a)  compliance with the subclause was not necessary because the presence of the stock did not result in any reasonably foreseeable hazard to any person, animal or vehicle on the public road, or
(b)  the failure to comply with the subclause was due to circumstances that were beyond the control of, and could not reasonably have been foreseen by, the person in charge of the stock.
(3)  The person must remove the temporary stock zone sign when the stock are no longer on or near any part of a public road that is not a permanent stock zone.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
55   Interference with signs
A person must not, without lawful authority, remove, interfere with, damage, deface or affix advertising material or any other thing to any stock zone sign.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
56   Authority to exhibit stock zone signs
(1)  A person has authority to exhibit a stock zone sign if:
(a)  the person is the roads authority or is a person authorised by the roads authority, or
(b)  the person exhibits the sign in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation.
(2)  A person must not, without lawful authority, exhibit a stock zone sign.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
57   Directions to remove temporary stock zone signs
(1)  If Local Land Services considers that a temporary stock zone sign erected on a public road does not relate to stock on or near the road it may:
(a)  remove the sign, or
(b)  direct any person exhibiting the sign to remove it within a specified time.
(2)  A person to whom a direction is given under subclause (1) must comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
Division 3 Use of travelling stock reserves and public roads generally
58   Travelling stock on travelling stock reserves to be prevented from moving onto carriageways between sunset and sunrise
A person in charge of travelling stock on a travelling stock reserve through which an unfenced public road passes must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the stock are fenced or otherwise prevented from moving onto the carriageway of the public road between sunset and sunrise.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
59   Unauthorised use of public roads
For the purposes of section 73 (2) of the Act, the following are prescribed as circumstances in which a person who owns or has charge of stock that are walking or grazing on a public road is not guilty of an offence under section 73 of the Act:
(a)  if the stock are horses that are being ridden or led in daylight,
(b)  if the stock are drawing or being led by a vehicle in daylight,
(c)  if the person is moving the stock in daylight from one part of a holding that is contiguous to another part of the holding from which it is separated only by a public road,
(d)  if the person is moving the stock at any time along the road in an emergency,
(e)  if the person is moving dairy cows from one part of a holding that is contiguous to another part of the holding from which it is separated only by a public road during the period between sunset and sunrise on the following day for the shortest practicable distance,
(f)  if the person is authorised to walk or graze stock on the public road by or under the Crown Lands Act 1989 or any other Act or regulation,
(g)  if the stock are camels that are being ridden or led in daylight,
and the stock are travelling at the applicable required travelling rate.
60   Control of activities on travelling stock reserves
(1)  Local Land Services may prohibit, or regulate, the carrying on of any activity on a travelling stock reserve by erection of a sign at or near the entrance to the travelling stock reserve or in some prominent place within the reserve.
(2)  A person who carries on an activity in contravention of a sign referred to in subclause (1) is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
61   Removal of signs
A person who, without lawful authority, removes, damages or interferes with a sign displayed by Local Land Services on a travelling stock reserve is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
62   Authorised use of travelling stock reserves for recreational activities
(1)  For the purposes of section 74 of the Act, the following are prescribed as recreational activities for which a person is authorised (subject to the Act and subclause (2)) to use a travelling stock reserve (or part of a travelling stock reserve) other than an excluded reserve:
(a)  walking, running and other kinds of individual physical exercise,
(b)  horse riding,
(c)  camel riding,
(d)  picnicking,
(e)  fishing,
(f)  swimming,
(g)  pedal cycling.
(2)  Subclause (1) does not apply to use of a travelling stock reserve (or part of a travelling stock reserve) for a purpose referred to in that subclause if Local Land Services has made a closure order in respect of the reserve or part of any such reserve under section 70 (1) (b) of the Act.
(3)  In this clause:
excluded reserve means a travelling stock reserve (or part of a travelling stock reserve) in the Western Division or a stock watering place.
63   Offences on travelling stock reserves
(1)  A person must not, except in accordance with a permit issued by Local Land Services for a travelling stock reserve:
(a)  waste any water provided on the reserve for stock, or
(b)  divert or in any other way interfere with the natural flow of water on the reserve, or
(c)  swim or bathe in a water tank or dam installed or constructed on the reserve, or
(d)  light a fire in the reserve at any time when the lighting of fires in the reserve is prohibited by Local Land Services by signs displayed on or near the reserve or at any other time except in a fireplace designated by Local Land Services by the display of such a sign.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)  A person must not, without the authority in writing of Local Land Services or other reasonable excuse, damage or interfere with a structure, appliance or other article that forms part of or is lawfully on a travelling stock reserve.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3)  A person must not, without reasonable excuse, interfere with stock or beehives that are lawfully on a travelling stock reserve.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
64   Stock to be adequately controlled
(1)  A person in charge of stock must keep the stock under control at all times while the stock are on a public road or travelling stock reserve.
(2)  A person in charge of stock who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with this clause is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(3)  In this clause:
control, in relation to stock, means action designed to ensure that the stock do not stray to a location, or do not behave in a manner, that would be hazardous to passing traffic or to the general public or would cause damage to property adjacent to the public road or travelling stock reserve concerned.
65   Obligations of occupiers of land adjoining public roads or travelling stock reserves
(1)  This clause applies to an occupier of any land in a region that adjoins an unfenced public road or travelling stock reserve who is given oral or written notice by the owner or person in charge of travelling stock at least 24 hours before the stock travel or graze on that road or reserve that the stock will travel or graze on that road or reserve.
(2)  An occupier of land to whom this clause applies must take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent the stock from causing any injury, damage or harm to the land or any thing on it.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
66   Persons prohibited from depositing or leaving rubbish, carcasses and other things on reserves
A person must not, without lawful authority, deposit or leave on any travelling stock reserve any rubbish, animal carcass, vehicle, equipment, implement or movable structure or other thing.
Maximum penalty:
(a)  in the case of an animal carcass—50 penalty units for the first animal carcass deposited or left by the person and 5 penalty units for each additional carcass deposited or left at the same place and time by that person, and
(b)  in the case of any other thing—50 penalty units.
67   Local Land Services not liable for use of pesticides or chemicals on reserves
(1)  For the purposes of section 100 of the Act, notice is given that a pesticide or chemical is about to be applied to a controlled travelling stock reserve if a warning sign is displayed in a conspicuous place on the reserve in accordance with this clause before the pesticide or chemical is applied.
(2)  For the purposes of section 100 of the Act, notice is given that a pesticide or chemical has been applied to a controlled travelling stock reserve if a warning sign is displayed in accordance with this clause immediately after the pesticide or chemical is applied.
(3)  A warning sign referred to in subclause (2) must be displayed for not less than the following periods:
(a)  in the case of a pesticide or chemical the use of which requires the display of warning signs under a pesticide control order in force under the Pesticides Act 1999 or a permit in force under the Agvet Code of New South Wales—for the minimum period specified for the pesticide or chemical in the order or permit,
(b)  in the case of any other kind of pesticide or chemical—for the period (if any) decided by Local Land Services after taking into account any withholding period specified in the label registered or approved under that Act or Code for the pesticide or chemical.
(4)  In this clause:
warning sign means a weather-proof sign containing a prominent warning that a pesticide or chemical is about to be, or has been, applied to a controlled travelling stock reserve.
68   Local Land Services not liable for injury attributable to diseased travelling stock
For the purposes of section 101 of the Act, notice is given that diseased travelling stock have been walked over or grazed on a travelling stock reserve or public road situated in a region if:
(a)  notice is published in a newspaper circulating generally in the region stating that stock infected with a disease specified in the notice were walked over or grazed on the reserve or public road on a date or during a period specified, and
(b)  any stock permit issued by Local Land Services authorising a person to walk or graze stock on the reserve or public road that Local Land Services knows, or ought reasonably to know, are susceptible to the disease concerned is endorsed with a prominent statement that stock infected with the disease were walked over or grazed on the reserve or public road on a date or during a period specified.
69   When may Local Land Services impound bees or beehives placed or kept on controlled travelling stock reserve?
(1)  For the purposes of section 102 (2) of the Act, an authorised officer impounds bees or beehives placed or being kept on a controlled travelling stock reserve by taking possession of the bees or beehives. The bees or beehives continue to be impounded until released or disposed of in accordance with this clause.
(2)  The authorised officer may detain bees or beehives that are impounded at the place where they were impounded or may remove them to any land under agistment or to some other place owned or under the control of Local Land Services and detain them at that place.
(3)  As soon as practicable after an authorised officer impounds bees or beehives under this clause, the authorised officer is to make all reasonable inquiries to find the name and address of the person who owns the bees or beehives.
(4)  If the authorised officer knows or finds out the name and address of the owner, Local Land Services is to notify the owner in writing that the bees or beehives have been impounded and that unless they are claimed within a period stated in the notice (ending not less than 7 days after the notice is given) they will be sold or otherwise disposed of.
(5)  Local Land Services may sell or otherwise dispose of bees or beehives that have been impounded:
(a)  if the name and address of the owner is not known or cannot be found out—7 days after the bees or beehives were impounded, or
(b)  if an impounding notice is given to the owner—if at the end of the period stated in the notice the bees or beehives have not been claimed.
(6)  Local Land Services is to release the bees or beehives if a person whom Local Land Services is satisfied on reasonable grounds is the owner (or is authorised to claim them on the owner’s behalf) claims the bees or beehives within the period stated in the notice unless it declines to do so under section 102 (3) of the Act.
Note—
Local Land Services may decline to release impounded bees or beehives if the prescribed impounding fee is not paid.
(7)  For the purposes of section 102 (3) of the Act, the prescribed impounding fee is $200.
(8)  In this clause:
impounding notice means a notice given under subclause (4).
70   Compliance with directions
(1)  An authorised officer who suspects, on reasonable grounds, that a person is committing or has committed an offence against the Act or this Regulation on a travelling stock reserve may direct the person to leave the reserve.
(2)  A person who fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a direction given under this clause is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.
(3)  If a person fails to comply with a direction given under this clause, the authorised officer may use force (but no more than is necessary in the circumstances) to remove the person from the reserve.
Division 4 Permits
71   Applications for permits
(1)  An application for a permit is to be made to Local Land Services:
(a)  orally, or
(b)  in the approved form (if any) for the permit concerned.
(2)  If an application is made orally, Local Land Services may request the applicant to confirm the application in writing.
Note—
If Local Land Services has delegated its functions relating to applications to a member of the Board, a member of the staff of Local Land Services or an authorised officer, the application may be made to that delegate.
(3)  An application for a stock permit must be made at least 2 working days before the stock enter, remain on, walk or graze on, or are moved by vehicle over, a travelling stock reserve or public road in a region (unless Local Land Services agrees to accept the application although it is not made in that period).
Note—
Section 79 of the Act requires an application to be made in accordance with the regulations. Local Land Services need not process an application that is not received at least 2 working days before it is required.
(4) Fee for issue of permit For the purposes of section 79 (2) (c) and (d) (ii) of the Act, the following fee (being a fee in respect of a stock permit that solely authorises a person to graze stock on a public road or a stock permit that solely authorises a person to graze stock on a controlled travelling stock reserve) is prescribed:
(a)  for small stock—$1 per day for each 10 or less small stock,
(b)  for large stock (other than horses and camels)—$1 per day for each animal,
(c)  for horses and camels—$2 per day for each animal.
(5)  For the purposes of section 79 (2) (e) of the Act, the fee of $20 per year is prescribed.
72   Refund of fees
Local Land Services may refund all or any part of a fee paid in respect of a permit if the permit is cancelled or suspended.
73   Conditions of stock permits and reserve use permits
The holder of a permit must:
(a)  produce the permit for inspection on demand by an authorised officer, and
(b)  comply with any reasonable request made, or direction given, by an authorised officer.
Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.
74   Rate of travel to be maintained
(1)  The holder of a permit who is in charge of travelling stock that are walking on a journey lasting more than 24 hours must ensure that the stock travel towards their destination a distance of not less than 10 kilometres on each day.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2)  A person is not guilty of an offence under subclause (1) if:
(a)  the stock are prevented from travelling at the required travelling rate due to bad weather, fire, flood or some other unforeseeable circumstance, or
(b)  approval for the stock to travel at a slower rate has been given under subclause (3).
(3)  An authorised officer may give approval for stock to travel at a slower rate than the required travelling rate:
(a)  if the stock are unfit to travel at the required travelling rate, or
(b)  for any other reason the authorised officer considers appropriate.
(4)  The approval may be given subject to such conditions as are specified by the authorised officer.
(5)  The authorised officer is to write details of the approval on the permit concerned, together with any conditions subject to which the approval is given.
(6)  If part of a mob consists of stock fit to travel at the required travelling rate and other stock unfit to travel at that rate, an authorised officer may:
(a)  order the unfit stock to be culled from the mob, or
(b)  give approval, subject to such conditions as are specified by the authorised officer, for those stock to travel at a slower rate.
(7)  The person in charge of stock ordered to be culled under this clause must ensure that the stock are immediately removed by vehicle or other appropriate means from the public road or travelling stock reserve on which they were travelling.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(8) Fee for slower rate of travel The fee payable for an approval to travel at a slower rate under this clause is:
(a)  for small stock—$4 per 100 head or less for each day of travel, and
(b)  for large stock—$4 per 10 or less large stock for each day of travel.
(9)  Any fee payable under subclause (8) is in addition to the fee payable under clause 71 for the issue of a permit.
(10)  The owner or person in charge of stock which travel at a slower rate than the required travelling rate must ensure the appropriate fees are paid to Local Land Services.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
Division 5 Miscellaneous
75   Removal of soil, gravel and other materials
(1)  A person must not remove any water, soil, sand, clay or gravel or other material from a travelling stock reserve.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2)  This clause does not apply to any removal of water or any other material authorised by or under the Act, any other Act or this Regulation.
76   Interest rate
For the purposes of section 97 (2) (c) of the Act, the prescribed rate of interest is 2 per cent more than the Commonwealth Bank’s overdraft index rate as at 1 January in each year.
77   Notice of exemption or cancellation of exemption
(1)  For the purposes of section 105 (4) of the Act, the prescribed notice to be given by Local Land Services is:
(a)  if a person is exempted from the operation of Part 6 (Travelling stock reserves and public roads) of the Act or a specified provision of that Part (or if such an exemption is cancelled)—by giving notice in writing to the person of the exemption or cancellation, and
(b)  if a class of persons is exempted from the operation of Part 6 of the Act or a provision of that Part (or if such an exemption is cancelled)—by publishing notice of the exemption or cancellation in a newspaper circulating generally in the region.
(2)  If an exemption is given to 2 or more occupiers of land or an exemption given to 2 or more occupiers of land is cancelled, notice duly given to any one of the occupiers under subclause (1) (a) is taken to have been given to the other occupiers of the land.
Part 6 Stock watering places
78   Leases of stock watering places
For the purposes of section 111 (2) of the Act, the prescribed period is 15 years.
79   Supply of water
(1)  For the purposes of section 112 (a) of the Act, the following classes of persons are prescribed:
(a)  persons requiring water for household purposes,
(b)  a local authority or Government agency that has obtained the approval of the controlling authority to use water from the stock watering place in the construction, improvement or maintenance of public roads,
(c)  persons requiring water for personal use related to a commercial purpose (such as supply of water to the patrons of a hotel, motel or other place providing accommodation to the public),
(d)  drivers of vehicles who require water for the operation of their vehicles,
being persons who have paid the fee (if any, and not exceeding the maximum determined by Local Land Services from time to time) determined by the controlling authority to be payable for the purposes of this subclause.
(2)  For the purposes of section 112 (a) of the Act, the following classes of stock are prescribed:
(a)  stock that are being agisted by the lessee of a stock watering place in accordance with the terms of the lease,
(b)  travelling stock that are subject to a stock permit,
(c)  travelling stock that are subject to an order made or a permit issued under the Stock Diseases Act 1923,
(d)  horses that are accompanied by riders,
being stock in respect of which the fee (if any, and not exceeding the maximum determined by Local Land Services from time to time) determined by the controlling authority to be payable for the purpose of this subclause has been paid.
(3)  In this clause:
household purposes does not include gardening purposes or external household purposes (such as window cleaning or house washing) but includes protection from fire.
80   Offence to obtain water from stock watering place where depth below specified level
If a depth measuring gauge installed by the controlling authority in a tank or dam at a stock watering place indicates the water level is below a mark indicated by the gauge a person must not:
(a)  take, or assist another person to take, water from the tank or dam, or
(b)  fail to take all reasonable steps to prevent any stock in the person’s charge from drinking water from the tank or dam.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
Part 7 Impounding of unattended and trespassing stock and abandoned articles
81   Unattended stock
For the purposes of section 115 (b) of the Act, stock are not unattended for the purposes of section 9 (2) (d) and 32 (3) (d) of the Impounding Act 1993 in the following circumstances:
(a)  if stock are unattended because of an emergency preventing the person in charge of the stock from attending the stock,
(b)  if the stock are unattended while the person in charge of the stock is moving a stock warning sign or taking other action necessary for the wellbeing of the stock or required by law.
Part 8 Transportation of stock by vehicle
82   Stock
For the purposes of Part 9 of the Act, the following animals are declared to be stock:
(a)  goats,
(b)  horses,
(c)  Bison bison (commonly known as American Bison, Plains Bison, Wood Bison, Woodland Bison or Buffalo),
(d)  Bubalus bubalis (commonly known as Domestic Water Buffalo, Water Buffalo or Asian Water Buffalo),
(e)  Camelus dromedarius (commonly known as Dromedary Camel, Dromedary, One-humped Camel or Arabian Camel),
(f)  Antilope cervicapra (commonly known as Blackbuck),
(g)  Bos javanicus (commonly known as Banteng, Tembadau or Tsaine),
(h)  Lama guanicoe (commonly known as Guanaco).
83   Stock transportation particulars
For the purposes of section 119 (1) (h) of the Act, the following particulars are prescribed:
(a)  the name and telephone number of the person in charge of the stock while the stock are being transported,
(b)  the vehicle registration number of any vehicle transporting the stock.
84   Other circumstances when restrictions on transport of stock by vehicle on road do not apply
For the purposes of section 120 (5) (d) of the Act, the following are prescribed as circumstances in which section 120 of the Act does not apply to the transport of stock by vehicle on a road:
(a)  when horses are being transported to or from any agricultural show, exhibition, gymkhana, pony club meeting or similar function,
(b)  when racehorses or harness racing horses are being transported from one place to another,
(c)  when horses are moved to or from any place for use as working horses.
Part 9 Pests
85   Minister to consult before making certain pest control orders
The following persons and organisations are prescribed for the purposes of section 131 (2) of the Act:
(a)  the NSW Pest Animal Council.
(b)    (Repealed)
86   (Repealed)
Part 10 Powers of authorised officers
87   Identification
For the purposes of section 169 (4) (f) of the Act, the prescribed person is the following:
(a)  if the authorising authority is Local Land Services—the Chair of the Board of Chairs or a delegate of the Chair,
(b)  if the authorising authority is the Minister—the Minister or a delegate of the Minister,
(c)  if the authorising authority is the Director-General—the Director-General or a delegate of the Director-General.
88   Penalty notices for certain offences
(1)  For the purposes of section 189 of the Act:
(a)  each offence created by a provision specified in Column 1 of Schedule 2 is prescribed as a penalty notice offence, and
(b)  the prescribed penalty for each such offence is the corresponding amount specified in Column 2 of Schedule 2.
(2)  If the reference to a provision in Column 1 of Schedule 2 is qualified by words that restrict its operation to specified kinds of offences, an offence created by the provision is a prescribed offence only if it is an offence of a kind so specified or committed in the circumstances so specified.
Part 11 Eligibility for election or appointment of members of local boards
89   Definition
In this Part:
relevant day means the following:
(a)  for an election—the closing day for the nomination of candidates for the election,
(b)  for an appointment—the day on which the appointment takes effect.
90   Required expertise, knowledge or skills of members of local boards: section 27 (4)
An appointed member of a local board must possess, in the opinion of the Minister, expertise, knowledge or skills (as demonstrated by relevant qualifications or experience) in one or more of the following areas:
(a)  leadership, strategic planning and management,
(b)  community participation, regional service delivery and working with industry, government and other partners,
(c)  audit, financial control and reporting and risk management,
(d)  primary industries or providing services to support this sector,
(e)  contemporary biosecurity programs in animal and plant health, pest and weed management,
(f)  emergency management, especially biosecurity and natural disaster emergencies,
(g)  natural resource management and biodiversity conservation,
(h)  working with Aboriginal groups and communities,
(i)  local government.
91   Eligibility for election as a member of a local board: section 27 (5)
A person is eligible for election as a member of a local board for a region only if the person’s principal place of residence is in the region.
92   Ineligibility for election as a member of a local board: section 27 (5)
A person is not eligible for election as a member of a local board for a region if, on the relevant day:
(a)  the person is a member of any other local board, or
(b)  the person has nominated as a candidate for an election as member of a local board for another region, being an election that has not yet been determined, or
(c)  the person has served the maximum term of office as a member as specified under clause 2 of Schedule 2 to the Act.
93   Eligibility for election or appointment as a member of a local board: section 27 (5)
A person is eligible for election or appointment as a member of a local board if, on the relevant day, the person:
(a)  is 18 or more years of age, and
(b)  is not ineligible for election by operation of section 27 (5) of the Act, and
(c)  is not a member of staff of Local Land Services.
94   Ineligibility for election or appointment as a member of a local board: section 27 (5)
A person is not eligible for election or appointment as a member of a local board for a region if, at any time during the 4 year period preceding the relevant day, the person had been removed from office as a member of a local board.
95   Matter for consideration for appointment of members of local boards: section 27 (6) (b)
In appointing a member of a local board, the Minister is to have regard to the principle that a person appointed as a member of a local board should, if possible, reside in the local board’s region.
Note—
See Schedule 1 for provisions governing elections for members of local boards.
Part 12 Stock identification
96   Definitions
In this Part:
authorised stock identifier means a brand, mark or other means of identifying stock specified as the authorised stock identifier for particular stock or a class of stock by a stock identification order.
stock identification order means an order under clause 97 (2).
stock identification scheme means a scheme established under clause 97 (1).
97   Stock identification scheme
(1)  Local Land Services may establish a scheme or schemes for identification of stock (whether on a compulsory or voluntary basis).
(2)  Local Land Services may, by order published in the Gazette, for the purposes of a stock identification scheme:
(a)  specify brands, marks or other means of identifying particular stock or a class of stock as the authorised stock identifiers for the specified stock or class of stock, and
(b)  require devices for applying authorised stock identifiers to be constructed to specifications described in the order, and
(c)  specify a distinctive manner of application of authorised stock identifiers, and
(d)  require the compulsory identification of stock by the owner or person in charge of specified stock or a class of stock by authorised stock identifiers, applied in such a manner and in such circumstances as are specified by Local Land Services, and
(e)  require approval to be obtained from Local Land Services before stock are identified (whether on a compulsory or a voluntary basis) by application of authorised stock identifiers, and
(f)  require the keeping of records and compilation of data relating to stock identified under the scheme, and
(g)  make any other provision necessary to give effect to the scheme.
98   Offences relating to stock identification schemes
(1)  A person required to identify stock by a stock identification order who fails, without reasonable excuse, to identify stock in accordance with any requirement of the order is guilty of an offence.
(2)  A person who applies a brand, mark or other means of identifying stock to identify stock on a voluntary basis who fails without reasonable excuse:
(a)  to use the authorised stock identifier for the stock or class of stock concerned, or
(b)  to apply the means of identification in the manner specified by a stock identification order,
is guilty of an offence.
(3)  A person given approval by Local Land Services to apply authorised stock identifiers to stock or a class of stock in accordance with a stock identification order who applies a means of identifying stock other than the authorised stock identifier to stock is guilty of an offence unless the means of identification applied is authorised by another law.
(4)  A person must not apply any brand, mark or other means of identifying stock to stock that the person does not own unless:
(a)  the brand, mark or means of identifying the stock is applied with the consent of the owner of the stock, or
(b)  the person is authorised under a stock identification scheme to apply the brand, mark or means of identifying the stock.
(5)  A person who constructs a device for applying an authorised stock identifier otherwise than in accordance with the specifications described for the device in a stock identification order is guilty of an offence.
(6)  A person who alters, destroys, defaces or otherwise interferes with an authorised stock identifier applied in accordance with the requirements of a stock identification scheme is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Part 13 Miscellaneous
99   Certificate as to rates, charges and other matters
(1)  For the purposes of section 203 of the Act, the following are prescribed as matters in respect of land in a region as to which a person may apply to Local Land Services for a certificate:
(a)  whether or not any orders have been issued by Local Land Services under the Act or by an authority under the repealed Acts in respect of the land,
(b)  whether the annual returns in respect of the land required to be lodged under the Act or the repealed Acts in the current and previous year have been lodged,
(c)  whether or not any rates or charges are owing in respect of the land,
(d)  whether or not any orders issued in respect of the land under the Stock Diseases Act 1923 or the Stock (Chemical Residues) Act 1975 are in force and, if any order is in force, details of the order.
(2)  For the purposes of section 203 of the Act, the prescribed fee is as follows:
(a)  for an application referred to in subclause (1) (a), (b) or (c), or two or more of those paragraphs—$60,
(b)  for an application relating to any catchment contribution in respect of land, the amount equal to the approved fee charged for a certificate under section 603 of the Local Government Act 1993 by the local council for the local government area in which the land is located,
(c)  in any other case—$60.
(3)  In this clause, repealed Acts means the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 and the Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003, as in force immediately before the repeal of those Acts by the Act.
100   Nuisance animals
Local Land Services, at the request of the owner or occupier of a holding, may carry out any activity it considers necessary to control any animal (other than a pest within the meaning of Part 10 of the Act) causing a nuisance on the holding.
101   Emergency management
(1)  Without limiting section 14 (3) of the Act, Local Land Services may carry out such activities as it considers appropriate to protect land and animals, and to provide assistance to protect land and animals, from harm caused by drought or other natural disaster.
(2)  The Minister may from time to time request Local Land Services to provide the Minister with seasonal and pastoral condition information concerning land in the State or specified land.
102   Existing stock warning signs
Any stock warning sign displayed for the purposes of this Regulation that, if displayed (or if it had been displayed) immediately before the repeal of the Rural Lands Protection Regulation 2010, complied (or would have complied) with that Regulation is taken to be a stock warning sign approved by the roads authority, or person authorised by the roads authority, for the purposes of this Regulation.
103   Writing off of charges
(1)  Local Land Services may waive payment of, and write off, the whole or any part of any charge payable to it under the Act or this Regulation.
(2)  Action under this clause may be taken in a particular case or class of cases.
104   Certificate relating to animal
(1)  An authorised officer may sign a certificate stating that an animal to which the certificate relates is an animal of the kind specified in the certificate.
(2)  In any proceedings for an offence under this Regulation, a certificate purporting to be signed by an authorised officer stating that an animal to which the proceedings relate is an animal of the kind specified in the certificate is admissible in those proceedings as evidence that the animal is of that kind.
Schedule 1 Elections for members of local boards
Part 1 Preliminary
1   Definitions
In this Schedule:
candidate means a candidate for election as a member.
close of enrolments means the date and time fixed by the returning officer by which people must be included in the roll for the election.
close of nominations for an election means the final time and date fixed by the returning officer under clause 12 for the close of nominations for the election.
close of the ballot for an election means the final date and time fixed by the returning officer for the close of the ballot for the election.
election means election of a person to hold office as a member of a local board.
enrolled means enrolled in accordance with this Schedule as an elector in respect of a region.
enrolment officer means the enrolment officer appointed by Local Land Services for a local board under this Schedule.
local board election means an election for a member or members of a local board.
returning officer means the person appointed by Local Land Services to be the returning officer for a local board election under this Schedule.
roll for an election means the roll referred to in clause 3.
2   Returning officer
(1)  Local Land Services is to appoint a person as a returning officer for each local board election under this Schedule. A person may be appointed as returning officer for local board elections in more than one region at the same time.
(2)  The returning officer is to conduct the election for which the returning officer was appointed.
(3)  For the purposes of conducting an election, the returning officer may determine any matter not provided for by the Act or this Regulation.
(4)  The returning officer may delegate any of his or her functions under this Schedule (other than this power of delegation) to any other person other than a candidate in an election.
3   Local Land Services to establish and maintain an electors’ roll
(1)  Local Land Services is to appoint a member of staff of Local Land Services as an enrolment officer for each region. A person may be appointed as an enrolment officer for more than one region.
(2)  The enrolment officer for a region is to:
(a)  establish and maintain a roll for the region, and
(b)  keep the roll updated in accordance with this Schedule.
(3)  A roll is to contain the following:
(a)  the full name and postal address of each person enrolled in respect of a holding that is in a region,
(b)  particulars identifying the holding.
(4)  Local Land Services is to ensure that a copy of each roll is publicly available for inspection free of charge.
(5)  The enrolment officer for a region, for the purposes of the first election of members of the local board after the commencement of this clause, may compile a roll for the election that is based on information contained in any roll maintained under clause 11 of Schedule 2 to the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 immediately before that Act’s repeal.
Part 2 Enrolment and entitlement to vote
4   Electors to be enrolled voters
(1)  The elected members of a local board for a region are to be elected by the persons who are enrolled to vote in an election.
(2)  Voting at any such election is voluntary.
5   Entitlement to vote at an election
A person is entitled to vote at an election for the members of a local board for a region if, on the date of the close of enrolments, the person is enrolled, in accordance with this Schedule, as an elector for the region.
6   Which persons may be enrolled
(1)  Enrolment is voluntary.
(2)  A maximum of one person is to be enrolled in respect of each holding that is situated within a region.
(3)  A person may be enrolled in respect of a holding only if:
(a)  the holding consists wholly or partly of rateable land, and
(b)  the person is an individual who is 18 or more years old.
(4)  The following persons may be enrolled in respect of a holding:
(a)  an individual who is the only occupier of the holding,
(b)  if more than one individual is the occupier of a holding, the individual nominated in accordance with clause 8,
(c)  in the case where the occupier of the holding is a corporation—the individual who has been nominated for the holding by the corporation in accordance with clause 8.
(5)  A person is not to be enrolled in respect of more than one holding within a region.
7   Application for enrolment
(1)  A person may apply to be enrolled in respect of the holding as an elector for the region.
(2)  An application under this clause is to be in writing in the approved form and is to be given to Local Land Services.
Note—
See section 210 (Service of documents) of the Act.
8   Nomination of electors for holding
(1)  If more than one individual is an occupier of a holding in a region, those occupiers may nominate one of those individuals as the person to be enrolled in respect of the holding as an elector for the region.
(2)  A corporation that is the occupier of a holding within a region may nominate an individual as the person to be enrolled in respect of the holding.
(3)  A nomination under this clause is to be in writing in the approved form and is to be given to Local Land Services.
Note—
See section 210 (Service of documents) of the Act.
(4)  A nomination under this clause is, if signed by the nominated individual, taken to be an application to be enrolled.
(5)  In this clause, holding means a holding that consists wholly or partly of rateable land.
9   Objections to enrolment where not related to validity of election
(1)  Any person who is enrolled on a roll may object to the relevant enrolment officer to the inclusion or exclusion of the name of any person on or from the roll.
(2)  An objection must be made in the approved form.
(3)  The enrolment officer must send particulars of an objection to the person to whom the objection relates (if the objector is not that person).
(4)  The person to whom an objection relates may lodge a written reply with the enrolment officer within 30 days after the date on which particulars of the objection were sent to that person.
(5)  The enrolment officer must consider each objection, and any reply received within that 30-day period, and may make such inquiries as the enrolment officer thinks fit.
(6)  The enrolment officer may decide to accept or reject an objection.
(7)  The enrolment officer must inform the person to whom the objection relates, and the objector (if the objector is not that person), in writing, of the enrolment officer’s decision.
(8)  The enrolment officer must amend the relevant roll if necessary to give effect to the enrolment officer’s decision.
(9)  The enrolment officer may require a person who lodges an objection, or who replies to an objection, to verify the objection or reply by statutory declaration.
Part 3 Conduct of elections
Division 1 Requirement to hold elections
10   Regular general elections to be held
A general election of elected members of local boards is to be held:
(a)  to enable elected members to take office at or as soon as practicable after the commencement of the Act, and
(b)  whenever the term of office of the elected members of local boards expire.
11   Delayed election
(1)  If the Minister is of the opinion that it would be impractical or inconvenient to hold a general election of the elected members of any local board in time for the members to take office when required by clause 10 (b), the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, appoint a later day by which a general election must be held.
(2)  If a later day is appointed under this clause, the retiring elected members continue in office until that day, and if an elected member resigns in the meantime, his or her office is vacant until that day.
Division 2 Calling of elections
12   Notice of elections
(1)  As soon as practicable after it has been determined in accordance with the Act or this Regulation that an election is required to be held, notice of that fact is to be given to the returning officer by Local Land Services.
(2)  The notice is to specify the date on which the ballot for the election is to be held and is to be given to the returning officer at least 60 days before that date.
(3)  The returning officer must give notice that an election is to be held by:
(a)  causing notice to be published:
(i)  on the website of Local Land Services, or
(ii)  in one or more local newspapers that, individually or collectively, circulate generally throughout the region concerned, and
(b)  displaying a notice in a prominent place in the office of the local board concerned or on a community notice board at a public place within the region, and
(c)  sending a notice to each ratepayer in the region.
(4)  Notice under subclause (3) must:
(a)  state that the election is to be held and specify the region involved, and
(b)  state the number of persons to be elected, and
(c)  call for nominations of candidates, and
(d)  state the time and date fixed by the returning officer for the close of nominations, and
(e)  state where nomination forms may be obtained and where nominations may be lodged, and
(f)  state where copies of the roll for the election may be inspected, and
(g)  state the date and time fixed for the close of enrolments for the election, and
(h)  state the date and time fixed for the close of the ballot.
(5)  The close of nominations must not be less than 30 days before the close of the ballot.
(6)  The close of enrolments must be not less than 10 days before the close of the ballot for the election.
Division 3 Nominations for election
13   Eligibility for nomination
Any person eligible for election as a member of a local board under the Act or this Regulation is eligible for nomination as a candidate for an election.
14   Nomination of candidates
(1)  Any occupier of rateable land in a region who is 18 or more years of age may nominate a person (including himself or herself) as a candidate for an election for that region.
(2)  A nomination of a candidate:
(a)  must be in the manner and form approved by Local Land Services (including any electronic manner and form), and
(b)  must contain a statement signed by the candidate:
(i)  that the candidate consents to the nomination, and
(ii)  whether the candidate has expertise, knowledge or skills (including any relevant qualifications or experience) in the areas prescribed in clause 90 of this Regulation for appointed members, and
(c)  must be lodged with the returning officer before the close of nominations.
(3)  Each candidate must be nominated on a separate nomination paper.
15   Acceptance of nomination
On receipt of the nomination, the returning officer must endorse on it the date and time of receipt.
16   Withdrawal of nomination proposals
(1)  A candidate who has been nominated in an election may withdraw the nomination.
(2)  A withdrawal of nomination must:
(a)  be in writing, and
(b)  contain a statement, signed by the candidate, stating that the candidate withdraws the nomination, and
(c)  be lodged with the returning officer before the close of nominations.
Note—
Clause 49 of this Schedule makes provision for circumstances in which a candidate dies after close of nominations and before close of the ballot.
17   Uncontested elections
If the number of persons who have been duly nominated as candidates by the close of nominations does not exceed the number of persons to be elected, each of those persons is, without a ballot being held, taken to be elected.
18   Contested elections
If the number of persons who have been duly nominated as candidates by the close of nominations exceeds the number of persons to be elected, a ballot must be held.
19   Electoral roll to be provided to returning officer
As soon as practicable after it becomes apparent to the returning officer that a ballot must be held for an election for a local board for a region, the returning officer must notify Local Land Services:
(a)  that a ballot is to be held for the election, and
(b)  that an electoral roll for the election is required.
20   Types of ballot
An election that is a contested election is to be conducted by:
(a)  distributing ballot papers by post, or
(b)  requiring eligible voters to access a voting website, between specified dates and times, in order to vote in the election,
as determined by Local Land Services.
21   Electoral system
(1)  If a ballot must be held, the voting system is to be the “first past the post” method, that is, the candidate or candidates with the most votes is or are taken to be elected.
(2)  If the number of candidates to be elected cannot be determined because of an equality of votes, the candidate taken to be elected is the candidate whose name is drawn from a lot containing the names of each of the candidates having equal votes.
22   Candidate information sheets
(1)  At any time before the close of nominations, a candidate may submit to the returning officer a statement of no more than 500 words containing information intended for inclusion in a candidate information sheet.
(2)  The information that may be included in such a statement is as follows:
(a)  the nominee’s name,
(b)  the nominee’s residential address,
(c)  the nominee’s current occupation or position,
(d)  the nominee’s qualifications,
(e)  the nominee’s employment experience,
(f)  membership or positions held in any organisation by the nominee,
(g)  if the nominee has the expertise, knowledge or skills (including any relevant qualifications or experience) in an area prescribed in clause 90 for appointed members, a description of that expertise, knowledge or skill,
(h)  any other information the nominee thinks relevant.
(3)  If a ballot is to be held, the returning officer must compile a candidate information sheet consisting of the information submitted by the candidate.
(4)  In compiling a candidate information sheet, the returning officer may omit (or, with the consent of the candidate, correct) so much of the information submitted by the candidate:
(a)  as the returning officer considers to be false or misleading, or
(b)  as the returning officer considers to be inappropriate for inclusion in the candidate information sheet, or
(c)  as exceeds 500 words.
(5)  If a candidate does not submit any information, the returning officer may, in compiling the candidate information sheet, include in respect of the candidate the words “NO INFORMATION RECEIVED”.
(6)  The names of the candidates must be listed on the candidate information sheet in the same order as they are listed on the ballot paper or electronic ballot for the election.
Division 4 Postal ballot
23   Preparing and sending ballot papers
(1)  The returning officer must prepare ballot papers that contain:
(a)  instructions for completing the voting paper, and
(b)  the names of all candidates for election, arranged in an order determined by drawing lots, and
(c)  a box opposite and to the left of the name of each candidate.
(2)  The returning officer must send the following to each enrolled voter, at the voter’s address as listed on the roll:
(a)  a ballot paper prepared in accordance with subclause (1),
(b)  a notice describing:
(i)  how the ballot paper must be completed, and
(ii)  the closing date of the ballot, and
(iii)  the address where the ballot paper is to be returned to the returning officer,
(c)  a summary of information about each candidate, if provided under clause 22,
(d)  a declaration form requiring the voter to state:
(i)  his or her name, and
(ii)  that he or she is entitled to vote, and
(iii)  that he or she is an occupier of rateable land within the region or the nominee of a corporation that is an occupier of rateable land within the region,
(e)  2 envelopes, one marked “Voting Paper” and the other a returning envelope addressed to the returning officer.
24   Marking and returning ballot papers
(1)  Voters must vote by marking the ballot paper with a tick or cross or the number “1” next to the name of the voter’s preferred candidate.
(2)  Voters must, after completing the ballot paper:
(a)  enclose and seal that ballot paper in the envelope marked “Voting Paper”, and
(b)  enclose and seal that envelope in the returning envelope addressed to the returning officer, together with the signed declaration to be given under clause 23 (2) (d), and
(c)  send by post or deliver the envelope to the returning officer so that the returning officer receives it no later than the closing date of the ballot.
(3)  The returning officer must ensure that all ballot papers received are stored securely until the counting of votes begins.
25   Ascertaining result of ballot
(1)  The result of a ballot for an election is to be ascertained by the returning officer as soon as practicable after the close of the ballot.
(2)  At least one scrutineer, whether nominated by the candidate or otherwise, is to be present during the ballot for an election.
(3)  Each candidate at an election may nominate one person to be a scrutineer at the election.
(4)  A candidate for election may not act as a scrutineer.
26   Informal ballot papers
(1)  A ballot paper of an elector at an election is informal if:
(a)  the elector has failed to record a vote in the manner directed on it, or
(b)  it has not been initialled on the back by the returning officer, or
(c)  it contains a mark or writing which, in the returning officer’s opinion, would enable the elector to be identified.
(2)  Despite subclause (1), a ballot paper of an elector at an election is not informal by virtue of the existence of an unnecessary mark on the ballot paper if, in the opinion of the returning officer, the elector’s intention is clearly indicated on the ballot paper.
27   Initial scrutiny and count
(1)  On the close of the ballot for an election the returning officer must, in the presence of any scrutineers who are present:
(a)  examine the envelopes marked “Voting Paper”, and
(b)  reject as informal those that, in the opinion of the returning officer, do not comply with the requirements of this Schedule, and
(c)  proceed to count the ballot papers in the remaining envelopes.
(2)  After the scrutiny at an election, the returning officer must:
(a)  count the votes recorded for each candidate and the informal votes, and
(b)  ascertain the results of the count in accordance with clause 21, and
(c)  inform the persons present of the result of the count.
28   Recount
(1)  Any candidate present when the returning officer declares the result of the count at an election may request a recount of the ballot papers.
(2)  If such a request is made, the returning officer must again have the papers scrutinised and counted and is to inform the persons present of the results of the recount.
Division 5 Electronic ballot
29   Conduct of electronic ballot
(1)  In the case of a ballot that is conducted by requiring enrolled voters to access a voting website, the returning officer is to ensure that each enrolled voter is provided with all necessary information required in order to vote in the election, including:
(a)  the internet address of the voting website, and
(b)  the passwords (if any) required to access the voting website,
not less than 14 days before the close of the electronic ballot.
(2)  The returning officer is to ensure that computer and internet facilities are made available free of charge at the office of the local board in order to provide each enrolled voter with an opportunity to access the voting website.
(3)  The returning officer may make additional arrangements to ensure that each enrolled voter has an opportunity to access the voting website.
30   Material to accompany electronic ballot
The voting website must provide:
(a)  instructions for voting, and
(b)  a method to enable the voter to make a declaration stating:
(i)  his or her name, and
(ii)  that he or she is entitled to vote, and
(iii)  that he or she is an occupier of rateable land within the region or the nominee of a corporation that is an occupier of rateable land within the region, and
(c)  any other information that the returning officer considers appropriate to include.
31   Contents of electronic ballot
(1)  The voting website is to contain the names of the candidates in the order determined by the returning officer.
(2)  The order of the candidates on the voting website must be determined randomly.
32   Method of electronic voting
(1)  Each voter who wishes to vote is to mark the electronic ballot form by typing a tick or a cross or a “1” opposite the name of the voter’s preferred candidate.
(2)  The voter must then send the electronic ballot form to the returning officer in the manner described in the instructions for voting detailed on the voting website.
33   Procedure on close of electronic ballot
When the electronic ballot is closed, and not before, the returning officer must, in the presence of those scrutineers who choose to be present:
(a)  review all information and reports about the electronic ballot, and
(b)  ascertain the results of the electronic ballot in accordance with clause 21, and
(c)  inform the persons present of those results.
34   Informal electronic vote
(1)  An electronic vote is informal if the voter has not indicated a clear preference for at least one candidate.
(2)  The voting website is to provide a warning message to any person casting an informal electronic vote that their proposed vote is informal prior to that person sending their electronic vote to the returning officer.
(3)  Each informal electronic vote is to be recorded by the voting website as an informal vote and the voting website is to count the formal electronic votes.
Division 6 Declaration of election result
35   Declaring the election
(1)  As soon as practicable after counting the votes in an election, the returning officer is to notify Local Land Services and the enrolment officer for the region, in writing, of the candidate or candidates elected.
(2)  The enrolment officer is to cause notice of the candidate or candidates elected in the election to be published:
(a)  on the Local Land Services website, or
(b)  in one or more local newspapers that, individually or collectively, circulate generally throughout the region concerned.
36   Method of disputing elections and returns
(1)  A person who is dissatisfied with the following may dispute the validity of an election by an application made to the Land and Environment Court, and not otherwise:
(a)  the conduct of the election,
(b)  any decision of an enrolment officer under this Part (including a decision to include or exclude a person’s name in or from a roll).
(2)  An application to the Land and Environment Court under subclause (1) must set out the facts relied on to invalidate the election.
(3)  Any person may make an application to the Court under this clause within 28 days after the enrolment officer has publicly declared the result of the election that is the subject of the application.
37   Powers of Land and Environment Court
In determining an application under clause 36, the Land and Environment Court has the same powers as are conferred by section 161 of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912 on the Court of Disputed Returns.
38   Right of enrolment officer to be represented
The enrolment officer is entitled to be represented at the hearing of an application under clause 36.
39   Procedure
(1)  The procedure of the Land and Environment Court on an application under clause 36 is to be determined by rules of court, or in the absence of rules of court, by the Court or a judge of the Court.
(2)  The Land and Environment Court is not bound by the rules or practice of evidence and can inform itself on any matter in such manner as it considers appropriate.
Division 7 Offences
40   Misconduct in voting
A person must not:
(a)  vote, or attempt to vote, more times than a person’s voting entitlement allows in an election, or
(b)  vote, or attempt to vote, in any election in which the person is not entitled to vote, or
(c)  make a false or misleading statement:
(i)  to the returning officer in connection with any election, or
(ii)  in any document that the person furnishes for the purposes of any election.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
41   Obstruction of electoral officials
A person must not abuse, hinder or obstruct the returning officer or a scrutineer in the exercise of his or her functions.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
42   Misconduct by scrutineers
(1)  A scrutineer must not:
(a)  interfere with or influence an elector in an election, or
(b)  at the counting of a ballot, communicate with any person except as necessary to carry out the scrutineer’s functions.
(2)  A scrutineer must obey the lawful directions of the returning officer.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
43   Breach of secrecy
The returning officer or a scrutineer who knows how a particular elector has voted must not disclose that knowledge.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
44   Stuffing ballot boxes
(1)  A person must not place in a ballot box a ballot paper that the person knows has not been lawfully issued to an elector.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2)  An elector must not place in the ballot box a paper or other thing other than the ballot paper and envelope issued to him or her.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
45   Bribery
A person must not, in relation to an election or an elector at such an election, do any of the things set out in section 147 of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
46   Treating
A candidate at an election must not, in relation to the election, do any of the things set out in section 149 of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
47   Intimidation
A person must not, in relation to an election or an elector at such an election, do any of the things set out in section 151 of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
Division 8 Miscellaneous
48   Decisions of returning officer final
If the returning officer is permitted or required by this Regulation to make a decision on any matter relating to the taking of a ballot in any election, the decision of the returning officer on that matter is final.
49   Death of candidate
If a candidate dies after the close of nominations and before the close of the ballot in an election:
(a)  the returning officer is to cause notice of the death to be published in one or more local newspapers that, individually or collectively, circulate generally throughout the region concerned, and
(b)  all proceedings after the returning officer was notified that an election was required to be held are of no effect and must be undertaken again.
50   Election not contested or otherwise fails
If no person is nominated at an election, or if for any other reason an election fails, the Minister may appoint a person eligible for election to be a member, and the person, on being appointed, is taken to be a person elected in accordance with this Schedule.
51   Security of election materials—postal ballots
(1)  After the results of a postal ballot election are declared, the returning officer is to parcel the marked and any unmarked ballot papers, the roll and other papers or envelopes used in the election.
(2)  The returning officer is to seal, endorse and sign each parcel, and to allow any scrutineers entitled to be present to watch the returning officer carry out those actions and countersign the parcel.
(3)  The returning officer is to have the parcels kept securely for 12 months after the election, and then destroyed.
(4)  If a court so directs, or any legislation so requires or permits, the returning officer is to allow any person to inspect any of the election materials, except the sealed parcels of marked ballot papers.
52   Security of election materials—electronic ballots
(1)  After the results of an electronic ballot election are declared, the returning officer is to keep any electronic files and hard copies of papers and materials safe and secure for at least 12 months after the election.
(2)  If a court so directs, or any legislation so requires or permits, the returning officer is to allow any person to inspect any of the election materials.
Schedule 2 Penalty notice offences
(Clause 88)
Part 1 Prescribed offences under the Act
Column 1
Column 2
Section
Penalty ($)
58 (1)
300
72
300
73 (1)
300
83 (3)
200
84
200
103 (1)
150
103 (3)
150
113 (1)
500
116 (1)
300
117
500
120
440
121
440
122
440
123 (4)
1,100
124 (3)
220
142 (1)
200
142 (2)
200
142 (3)
150
150 (1)
500
150 (3)
300
152 (4)
500
158 (1)
200
158 (2)
500
159 (1)
500
160 (1) and (2)
200
160 (3)
500
161 (a) and (b)
500
192 (1)
200
192 (2)
200
192 (4)
500
204 (2)
200
Part 2 Prescribed offences under this Regulation
Column 1
Column 2
Clause
Penalty ($)
24 (1)
200
26 (1)
150
26 (2)
150
26 (3)
150
27 (2)
200
53 (1)
500
53 (2) and (3)
150
54 (1)
440
54 (3)
150
55
200
56 (2)
150
57 (2)
200
58
200
60 (2)
150
61
200
63 (1)
300
63 (2)
500
63 (3)
200
64 (2)
150
65
150
66
150 per carcass or 500 in any other case
70 (2)
150
74 (1)
200
74 (7)
150
74 (10)
300
75 (1)
500
80
150
98
500
Part 3 Prescribed offences under Schedule 1 to this Regulation
Column 1
Column 2
Clause
Penalty ($)
40
200
41
300
42
200
43
150
44
150
45
500
46
500
47
500
sch 9: Am 2013 No 75, Sch 2.5 [2].
Dictionary
In this Act:
administrator means an administrator appointed under Part 13.
animal includes aquatic and terrestrial animals.
annual return means a return lodged or required to be lodged with Local Land Services under section 58.
appropriate local land board, in relation to any land, means the local land board for the land district (within the meaning of the Crown Lands Act 1989) in which the land is situated.
approved form means:
(a)  the form prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of the provision in relation to which the expression is used, or
(b)  if no such form is prescribed, the form (if any) approved by Local Land Services for the purposes of the provision in relation to which the expression is used.
authorised officer means a person authorised as an authorised officer under section 167.
authorising authority means:
(a)  in relation to an authorised officer appointed by Local Land Services—Local Land Services, or
(b)  in relation to an authorised officer appointed by the Minister—the Minister, or
(c)  in relation to an authorised officer appointed by the Director-General—the Director-General.
biosecurity means the protection of the economy, environment and community from the negative impact of pests, diseases and weeds.
Board means the Board of Chairs established by section 25.
cattle means a bull, cow, ox, heifer, steer, calf or buffalo.
Chair of the Board of Chairs means the person holding the position of the Chair of the Board of Chairs under Chapter 1A of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002.
code of conduct—see section 35.
contribution means a rate fixed under Part 5.
controlling authority of a stock watering place—see section 108.
Crown land has the same meaning as it has in the Crown Lands Act 1989.
Crown Lands Acts has the same meaning as it has in the Crown Lands Act 1989.
Crown road has the same meaning as it has in the Roads Act 1993.
Department means the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services.
Director-General means the Director-General of the Department.
Eastern and Central Division means the Eastern and Central Division of New South Wales as defined by section 4 of the Crown Lands Act 1989.
fauna means any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian.
function includes a power, authority or duty, and exercise a function includes perform a duty.
Fund means the Local Land Services Fund established under section 19.
goat includes a buck, doe, wether and kid.
government agency means any public or local authority, and includes:
(a)  a government department, State owned corporation and council of a local government area, and
(b)  the head of a government agency.
holding means:
(a)  a parcel of land, or
(b)  several parcels of land which:
(i)  are contiguous with one another or are separated from one another only by a road, river, creek or other watercourse, and
(ii)  constitute or are worked as a single property,
irrespective of whether those parcels are held under the same title or different titles or titles of different kinds or whether they are in the same region.
Note—
See section 55 (When is a holding within a region?).
horse means a horse, mare, gelding, colt, filly, foal, hinny, mule, donkey or ass.
large stock means horses, cattle, camels or deer.
local authority means a council within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993.
local board means a local board established under Division 2 of Part 3.
local land board means a local land board constituted under the Crown Lands Act 1989 or under the Western Lands Act 1901.
Local Land Services means Local Land Services as constituted by this Act.
local land services—see section 4.
local strategic plan means a local strategic plan for a region that complies with Division 2 of Part 4.
natural resource management has the same meaning it has in section 5 of the Natural Resources Commission Act 2003.
occupier of land means the following:
(a)  the person for the time being entitled to possession of land and includes, if the person so entitled does not reside on the land, the resident manager or other person in charge of the land,
(b)  if the land is public land to which no person is entitled to possession—the person having the care, control and management of the land,
(c)  if the land is reserved or dedicated for any public use or purpose—the trustee or trustees of the land,
(d)  if the land consists of a public road—the roads authority for that road within the meaning of the Roads Act 1993,
(e)  if the land consists of a travelling stock reserve—Local Land Services,
(f)  any other person designated by the regulations as an occupier of land for the purposes of this definition.
owner of land includes:
(a)  the holder, or the holder subject to mortgage, of any lease or licence or promise of any lease or licence from the Crown, or
(b)  the holder, or the holder subject to mortgage, of any incomplete purchase or perpetual lease from the Crown, or
(c)  the person entitled to an estate of freehold in possession:
(i)  whether in fee simple or for life or otherwise, or
(ii)  whether at law or in equity, or
(iii)  whether absolutely or by way of mortgage, or
(d)  the person in whom is vested any land taken or appropriated under the authority of any statute authorising land to be taken or appropriated for the purpose of any private undertaking.
pig includes boar, sow, barrow, piglet and sucker.
premises includes any land, structure, building, aircraft, vehicle and place (whether built on or not) and any part of it.
private land means a holding and land not including or being public land.
property means property of all kinds, whether real or personal and whether tangible or intangible and, in particular, includes choses in action.
protected fauna means protected fauna within the meaning of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
public authority includes:
(a)  a Minister of the Crown, or
(b)  a local authority constituted by or under an Act, or
(c)  a government department, or
(d)  a statutory body representing the Crown, or
(e)  the trustee or trustees of land reserved or dedicated for any public use or purpose, or
(f)  a State owned corporation, or
(g)  a member of staff or other person who exercises functions on behalf of any of the above.
public land means:
(a)  Crown land that is not the subject of a contract for sale, or
(b)  land, not being a road, that is the subject of a dedication or permanent reservation for public uses or purposes,
being land that is not the subject of any lease or licence under the Crown Lands Acts or under any other Act authorising the occupation or use of land vested in the Crown.
public road has the same meaning as it has in the Roads Act 1993.
rate means a rate fixed under Part 5.
rateable land—see section 56.
record includes a book, account, deed, writing, document and any other source of information compiled, recorded or stored in written form, or on microfilm, or by electronic process, or in any other manner or by any other means.
region means a region constituted by this Act.
reserve use permit means a permit used under section 77.
sheep includes ram, ewe, wether and lamb.
State forest means a State forest within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012.
State priorities for local land services—see section 4 (2).
State strategic plan mean a State strategic plan for the State that complies with Division 1 of Part 4.
stock means cattle, horses, sheep, goats, camels, alpacas, llamas, pigs, deer, ostriches, emus or, in relation to any specified provision or provisions of this Act, any other kind of animal declared by the regulations to be stock for the purposes of that provision or those provisions.
stock permit means a permit issued under section 78.
stock watering place means any land declared to be a stock watering place under section 106.
threatened species means threatened species within the meaning of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
travelling stock has the meaning it has in section 61.
travelling stock reserve has the meaning it has in section 61.
tree means a tree of any description and includes a sapling and a seedling of a tree.
vehicle includes any means of road, rail, waterborne or airborne transport.
Western Division has the same meaning as it has in section 4 of the Crown Lands Act 1989.