Riverina local achievement report

Chair foreword

Riverina Local Land Services (LLS) plays a vital role as the boots on the ground, offering expert advice and delivering pest control programs targeting invasive species such as foxes, rabbits, wild dogs and feral pigs. In 2024, we made significant strides in managing these species, contributing to the health and sustainability of our landscapes. 

A key highlight of the year was the Natural Capital Conversations event, which brought together natural resource management professionals to equip landholders with the knowledge and tools to respond to emerging opportunities in the sector. 

We have also strengthened our partnerships with local Indigenous communities, expanding the practice and research of Cultural Burning. 

Our district veterinarians have been active in the community, conducting disease investigations and promoting animal health and welfare. 

Riverina LLS manages over 86,000 hectares of Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) and is the only region to hold a Cultural Water Access License, with ongoing efforts to explore further expansion opportunities. 

While much of this work occurs behind the scenes, its impact on the region is profound, with our teams always ready to respond to emergency situations as they arise. 

Lisa Anderson 
Chair, Riverina local board

Kapooka Nest Box Project

In 2024, Riverina Local Land Services (LLS) was contracted to lead an environmental restoration project at the Kapooka Military Base in Wagga Wagga. The project focused on enhancing biodiversity and supporting the critically endangered Squirrel Glider population, threatened by habitat loss and feral animal predation. 

Key project activities included: 

• direct seeding of 320 hectares to establish a shrubland understory within the Box Woodland
• tube stock revegetation over 40 hectares to link existing vegetation remnants
• culturally led cool burning across 320 hectares prior to seeding
• removal of invasive Poplar trees from a 2 hectare sensitive riparian zone
• installation of 30 modular nest boxes to provide critical habitat for Squirrel Gliders. 

Ongoing monitoring as part of the Local Area Management Plan has shown that 93% of the nest boxes are being used, marking a significant success for the species’ recovery efforts.

Achievements

• 4,387,744 ha of vertebrate pest control
• 29 participants at Aboriginal training events
• 164 animal disease surveillance investigations
• 661 1:1 advice consultations
• 2,731 participants at awareness raising/capacity building events
• 31% of staff trained for an emergency response role
• 152 ha of threatened species or ecological communities enhanced, rehabilitated or protected
• 18,597 ha of land managed for improved soil condition
• 135 TSR permits issued
• 2,438 weed inspections.