Assessing e Values and Management of the NSW Travelling ... - Land

ASSESSING THE VALUES AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NSW TRAVELLING STOCK RESERVE
4. Conclusion and Discussion
The Hunter Pilot Project has developed a methodology for identifying and assessing
the significance of a wide range of values on TSRs. The project has successfully
applied this methodology to assess all the TSRs and associated Crown land within
the project area. The area of TSRs assessed in the Hunter totalled 3500ha, well in
excess of the 2800ha target, with an additional 1500ha of associated Crown reserves
in the Hunter and 1000ha of TSRs in the Central West assessed.
The Project has also developed the Crown Land Assessment Support System
(CLASS). This system collates and stores large amounts of data; it allows for rapid
analysis of finding and outcomes and provides a standardised process for roll-out
across the State. The system will allow for a more strategic approach to applying
resources, sourcing external funds, responding to policy changes and delivering
outcomes to stakeholders. Further enhancement of the CLASS tool is being
investigated, such as aligning it to other land assessment and management systems
within NSW.
The project has identified a need to validate and rationalise the TSR account
information within the LPMA (Lands) & LHPA (RLPB) system. Reserve identification,
consistent naming and accurate mapping along with updating reserve purpose and
trust manager details are all required to properly manage the estate.
There were also data shortcomings identified in the project, particularly in relation to
vegetation mapping, cultural heritage and LHPA (RLPB) data. As more current and
accurate data becomes available it will be incorporated into the assessment
methodology, e.g. DECCW (2009) Landscape Value Mapping, NSW Fisheries Key
Fish Habitat zones and LHPA (RLPB) usage data.
The project results confirm that the majority of TSRs are in overcleared landscapes,
that most have high to very high ecological values and many have high catchment
values. The fact that so many TSRs contain significant environmental values is a
testament to the policy and management of the Board directors and staff.
Other important values identified through the project include cultural heritage, a wide
range of social uses, land degradation and access management issues, particularly
where TSRs provide sole access to freehold properties. TSRs are also known to
provide emergency refuges, particularly in times of flood. There are also emerging
uses, such as recreational angling, use as “driver reviver” areas and primitive
camping sites for travellers. They may also provide important low impact commercial
interests, particularly beekeeping and telecommunications sites. These values have
to be balanced with the rural and environmental factors. The project has also
identified the pressures placed on TSRs by urban expansion, the mining industry and
intensification of agricultural uses, such as cropping.
For the reserves ceded back the LPMA (Lands) has made a commitment that the
travelling stock and ecological values will be maintained. Multiple use of the sites will
also be encouraged. This policy is demonstrated by the reserve purposes
recommended in the study. More specific management activities, particularly
sustainable grazing practices, will be developed, in partnership with other key
agencies, and included in plans of management and licence conditions.
In addition to the traditional Crown reserve and tenure management system the
LPMA (Lands) is investigating new management models for TSRs, such as the
REPORT ON METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS AUGUST 2009 Page 50 of 88