Local Land Services

Our very own Western Natural Capital Advisor Paris Capell, recently joined Angie Asimus on Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story to talk about her journey in agriculture and the growing importance of natural capital. 🌱 From the living classroom of her family farm in the Central Tablelands to her work with landholders across Western NSW Paris brings a mix of passion, science and practicality to every conversation. Paris shares her knowledge and collaborates with more than just the landholders in Western through her participation in the National Farmers' Federation's National Agricultural Leadership Program. We’re lucky enough to see Paris’ passion and dedication every day as she works with landholders to understand their natural assets and explore sustainable options for their properties. If you are interested in how biodiversity and carbon markets can come together, you can take a listen at 👉 https://apple.co/48lBHpC

When pasture dieback and environmental degradation threatened their property, the Heringtons didn’t double down, they pivoted 🌱 By Carmel Herington joining our Environmental Markets Leadership Program, the family gained the tools to rethink land management through a natural capital lens. The result? 🌿 six native ecosystems restored 💧wetlands revived ⭐ a new income stream through Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).  Their 280-acre transformation is proof that landholders can turn ecological challenges into regenerative opportunities. Check out the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4nG7W7e Brought to you by the NSW Government’s Local Land Services.

A strong contingent of our staff from across NSW attended the recent 2025 NSW Vertebrate Pest Management Symposium, bringing together pest practitioners to talk new technology and pest management in practice 🧠🤝 “Engaging with vertebrate pest specialists, networking with experts in the field, exchanging insights on current projects, field trials and collaborative initiatives is invaluable to our roles in coordinating projects,” said Good Neighbours Program Assistant Project Officer Matt Kennedy. Our South East biosecurity team delivered one of the many LLS presentations at the conference, showcasing their successful, community-driven approach to landholder engagement - demonstrating what’s possible when landholders work together for pest control. We look forward to applying the new research, shared learnings and successes in pest management to continue delivering lasting, community-led biosecurity outcomes. Find out more about our collaborative work across the state 👉 https://lnkd.in/gPAEYidY Brought to you by the NSW Government’s Local Land Services.

After more than 40 years dedicated to livestock health, teaching, and community service, our District Veterinarian, Phil Kemsley, is retiring. Of his 40-plus years as a veterinarian, 30 have been dedicated to the North Coast. During this time, he has provided expertise, leadership and support to landholders across the region. Phil has been instrumental in livestock health programs, emergency responses, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Local State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said, “Phil leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, resilience and shared learning that will continue to inspire his colleagues and landholders for years to come.” As he steps into retirement, Phil looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, continuing his connection with the Tongan and other Pacific Islander communities, gardening, growing rainforest, working with wildlife and travelling to visit friends around the world. The NSW Government's North Coast Local Land Services General Manager, Louise Orr said “His work supports not only livestock producers but also strengthens community resilience, food security, and the sustainability of rural industries. The LLS family will miss him greatly, both professionally and personally.” A massive thank you to Phil for his remarkable contribution! We hope you can join us in wishing him every happiness in his retirement. 👏

We’re levelling up and bringing on more partners in the fight against pests and weeds 🤝 The Good Neighbours Program is a $10 million NSW Government initiative, to tackle pest and weed infestations at the boundary between private and public lands. We’re now rolling out a round of new projects to boost pest and weed control in key locations across NSW. “It’s about bringing people together – land managers, landholders, agencies, and government to manage pests and weeds and achieve greater success than they each can individually,” - Karen Heap, Assistant Project Manager Good Neighbours Program. Find out more about the Good Neighbours Program and projects 👉 nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours

Exciting small purple-pea discovery! 💜🪻 Last week, our Central Tablelands team encouraged the community to keep an eye out for the threatened small purple-pea (Swainsona recta) in flower. Thanks to a vigilant landholder in the Mudgee region, we’ve confirmed a new location for this rare species – one that had not previously been recorded! This kind of community reporting is absolutely invaluable. Every new sighting helps build a clearer picture of where this rare plant is surviving and thriving. A huge thank you to the landholder for being observant and proactive. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of local knowledge and collaboration 💜

We’re hiring across NSW! 🌾 Looking for a role that makes a real difference to communities and landholders? We're looking for passionate, driven professionals to join us. We’ve got temporary and ongoing opportunities right across the state, including: ⭐ General Manager - North Coast (closes 20 Oct) ⭐ Biosecurity Officer (closes 26 Oct) ⭐ Senior Projects and Programs Officer (closes 19 Oct). Be part of a team that supports regional NSW through sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and community partnerships. Explore current roles 👉 https://bit.ly/46HdcT2

Last week, team members from across LLS joined more than 650 attendees at the National Landcare Conference on the Gold Coast 🌱🌊 Across the 4 days the team heard from over 120 speakers on nature repair, restoring biodiversity across landscapes, sustainable agriculture and so much more! It was inspiring to see so many Landcare NSW initiatives showcased in presentations and short films, highlighting the incredible work happening right across our state. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with so many great people in the Landcare world. A special shoutout to the NSW winners and finalists at the 2025 National Landcare Awards: 🏆 Holbrook Landcare Network – 2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award 🏆 Nell Chaffey (Tamworth area) – 2025 Women in Landcare Award 🌟 🏆 Dr Susan Orgill (ACT) – winner of the 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award. These awards recognise the outstanding contributions of people who are caring for the environment and actively involved in sustainable agriculture activities in their local communities. We’re proud to celebrate these achievements and the strong representation from NSW in the Landcare community 💚 📸 L to R: Rodney Freeman, Act SNR Aboriginal Community Support Officer, Jen Schabel – NSW Landcare Enabling Program, Marijke Hartman, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Christine Plummer, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Kaye Gottschutzke, SLSO – Western, Marien Stark - NSW Landcare Enabling Program.

Combining culture, care and conservation 🌱 Aboriginal knowledge brings deep wisdom and respectful, sustainable solutions to protecting land and traditions. With vertebrate pests damaging Country, working together is a powerful way forward. We recently joined forces in Walcha working with First Nations rangers to complete their Vertebrate Pest Induction Training. With the Feral Pig and Pest Program continuing to June 2026, find out how we are continuing to support and protect Country across the state 👉 https://bit.ly/3Scgtln

Ian Chapman, a cattle farmer in the Central West, is leading by example in sustainable agriculture! 🌱 Ian is demonstrating how investing in natural capital can enhance productivity, environmental outcomes and financial resilience. “My take on natural capital is working with nature and managing the resources you have,” Ian says. “I believe every land manager owes it to themselves and everybody to improve ecosystem processes.” Since the late ‘90s, Ian has planted over 32,000 trees and shrubs across 40 hectares, improving biodiversity, soil health, and long-term productivity.  With support from our Natural Capital Support Services team, Ian is now planting the right native species and preparing to apply for carbon credits under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme. In the past year, nearly 1,500 farmers have engaged with our Natural Capital Advisors, a clear sign of growing interest in sustainable practices and carbon farming. If you're a landholder looking to future-proof your operation, explore how natural capital could work for you at https://bit.ly/4hYOPm6 📸 Ian Chapman 📸 Ian’s newly planted trees on his property