The Regional Landholder survey offered landholders the opportunity to have their say in how services for drought, pest animals and other land management issues are prioritised and builds on the findings from previous surveys in 2020, 2017 and 2014.
Some of the interesting findings from the 2024 survey include:
- 16,592 hectares is the average property size, a significant increase from 10,074 ha in 2014
- 57% of properties produce sheep for meat
- 38% of properties produce beef cattle
- over 75% of landholders actively managed wild dogs and total grazing pressure from 2014 to 2024.
The landholders who participated in the survey helped to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), with Western Local Land Services making a $5,000 donation to the RFDS on behalf of the landholders as an acknowledgement for their participation.
In addition to the Regional Landholder survey, Western Local Land Services also conducted an Aboriginal Community survey, with the results to also help to inform the delivery of programs, projects and services tailored to the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal engagement.
For more information on the surveys and the services offered to landholders and the Aboriginal community, contact Western Local Land Services via 1300 795 299 or visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au.
Magnus Aikten, Chair of the Western Local Land Services Board, said:
“The survey results offer a great insight and will be a useful resource for years to come for the Western Local Land Services Board when considering the strategic direction of the organisation.
“Having 4 lots of survey results from 2014 to 2024 allows us to identify trends which we as an organisation can respond to to ensure we are meeting the needs of landholders and the Aboriginal community, both now and in the future.
“I want to thank every landholder and Aboriginal community member who took the time to participate in the survey.
“As a Board and organisation, your feedback is always valued and considered in the planning of programs, projects and services that are offered by Western Local Land Services.”
Lawrence Clarke, Chair of the Western Local Land Services Aboriginal Community Advisory Group and proud Ngiyampaa/Barkandji man said:
“It was great to see a strong representation of the Aboriginal community participate in the 2024 survey and I thank those who did.
“Western Local Land Services and the Aboriginal Community Advisory Group will use the feedback from the survey and incorporate it when we are planning our Aboriginal programs which aim to get more Aboriginal people out working on Country.
“In recent years we have developed a number of programs to help get people out working on Country, including our Pathways to Country Program, and we can now use the survey results to help identify further opportunities for this to happen.”
Erlina St Vincent, General Manager of Western Local Land Services said:
“Western Local Land Services puts a high value on all the feedback we get from landholders, the Aboriginal community and stakeholders whether it's through a coordinated survey such as this or through contact with our staff or other means.
“Getting feedback about the region from those who live, work and contribute to it, as well as how those people interact, perceive and engage with Western Local Land Services, helps us shape the work we do so it meets the needs of the region so it can reach its full potential.
“For anyone that missed the opportunity to participate in the survey and wishes to engage with Local Land Services, I encourage you to participate in the Measuring What Matters Project.
“The Measuring What Matters Project invovles an initial 15 minute survey and a follow-up survey each year for 5 years, with the findings used by Local Land Services to give better information and services to support landholders and communities into the future.”
Media Contact
For more information, please email charlie.whiteley@lls.nsw.gov.au or call 0428 679 974.
