Central West local annual achievement report

Chair foreword

On behalf of the Central West board and staff, I am pleased to present our 2024 Local Annual Achievement Report. Central West Local Land Services (LLS) had a highly productive year across all core services. We launched the natural capital program and began the 5-year, Natural Heritage Trust-funded project Threatened Ecological Communities on Farms. 

We also initiated collaborative wild dog management planning with the North West, Central Tablelands, and Hunter LLS regions, along with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Additionally, we guided 32 agricultural businesses, covering 44,000 hectares, through the PROGRAZE™ program. 

To enhance engagement with Aboriginal communities, we strengthened the Central West LLS Aboriginal Engagement Steering Committee, which provides technical advice and supports our service delivery. 

Our Local Strategic Plan continues to guide our work, helping us move toward a vision of resilient communities in productive, healthy landscapes across the Central West region. 

Paul “Midnight” Brydon
Chair, Central West local board

Farm Natural Capital Support Services Program launch 

The Farm Natural Capital Support Services Program was officially launched at the Nyngan AgExpo, sparking strong interest among land managers. Chioma Igwenagu, Natural Capital Advisor, actively engaged with farmers from across the region who were eager to enhance their knowledge of natural capital and environmental markets. The level of interest highlighted a growing recognition of the benefit of natural capital integration into farm management. 

Following the launch, staff have worked to engage landholders across the region through events such as the Natural Capital Conversation series, which included events in Stuart Town and Condobolin. 

These events provided a deeper dive into key concepts, opportunities, and challenges, focusing on natural capital frameworks, biodiversity markets, on-farm carbon opportunities, farm resilience, industry sustainability frameworks, and environmental market integration. 

Through these engagements, Central West LLS has significantly strengthened landholders’ ability to navigate environmental markets, integrate natural capital strategies, and enhance farm resilience and profitability.

Achievements

• 6,704,381 ha of vertebrate pest control
• 231 community groups supported
• 281 animal disease surveillance investigations
• 4,600 1:1 advice consultations
• 2,993 participants at awareness raising/capacity building events
• 38% of staff trained for an emergency response role
• 31,579 weed inspections
• 37,468 ha travelling stock reserves actively managed
• 2,400 ha of land managed for improved soil condition
• 5 investigations for plant pest/diseases.