Dollar-for-dollar fencing funding available.

WESTERN New South Wales land managers have until March 24 to apply for grants of up to $5000 to manage grazing pressure and protect riparian areas.

The grants are available on a dollar-for-dollar basis under the Local Land Services Western Region’s 2016 Incentives Program to manage total grazing pressure more effectively on properties.

However, as funds are limited, not all applications will be supported. Applications are open until 5pm Thursday March 24.

The grants can be used to fence off paddocks so land managers have greater control of unmanaged animals such as goats. There is also funding to better manage grazing in riparian areas along waterways and around wetlands to better protect these important habitats and improve water quality.

LLS acting general manager Erlina Compton said the grants will make a significant difference to boosting productivity in the western region.

“By upgrading fencing to restrict all types of grazing animals, land managers can control how heavily each paddock is grazed.

“Once they have grazing under control, they can manage pastures for both groundcover and the more productive grasses,” she said.

“Maintaining this vegetation is the key to ensuring productive and sustainable enterprises – it catches runoff and reduces erosion.

“Pasture rest is the only way to prevent productive grasses from disappearing from paddocks,” Ms Compton said.

Local Land Services Western Region is hosting a series of information sessions between February 22 and March 16 to explain the grants in more detail and help land managers get started with their applications. For session details click on http://western.lls.nsw.gov.au/our-region/financial-assistance.

Interested land managers can find out more about the information sessions and download an application form via western.lls.nsw.gov.au.

For other advice and support, contact your nearest Local Land Services Western Region office –western.lls.nsw.gov.au.