The South Australian Government’s Multiple Land Use Framework seeks to outline the state’s philosophy on land use, land access and land use change, minimise land use conflict and provide greater certainty for industry, communities and regulators regarding land use. Livestock SA was disappointed with the draft framework, saying it severely lacked any references to farming and farmers as land owners.

Livestock SA responded to the Federal Government’s changes to Farm Management Deposits, saying they would bring substantial benefits to South Australian primary producers.

Livestock SA successfully lobbied for the Stat Government to remove advertising from Adelaide Metro buses opposing the live export of animals.

Jack England speaking at SA Parliament House Natural Resources Committee Hearing into Unconventional Gas.

Livestock SA recently surveyed members regarding fox issues and farming. Members were invited to describe their experiences with foxes including the impact they have on their farming operations, how well they are controlled in their district, who should be responsible for control and how effectiveness of the control measures.

Livestock SA was one of 10 state and national farming organisations which wrote to the Victorian Government outlining the industry’s continued preference for mob-based traceability for sheep and goats. A similar letter was sent to SA Minister for Agriculture Leon Bignell reiterating the industry’s ongoing and united support of the current system.

The zoonotic disease Q Fever is one of the most debilitating diseases affecting farmers. Livestock SA has written to Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce requestion a new National Q Fever Management Program be funded.

Livestock SA’s submission to the Australian Government Regional Telecommunications Review outlined members’ increasing concern and frustration that regional telecommunications in South Australia are steadily worsening, rather than improving.

Livestock SA outlined to Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges options for a ‘measure of hardship’ that would be appropriate for financial assistance in paying the NRM water levy.

Livestock SA received more feedback from members on proposed changes to the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 that there must be a separate code of practice for working dogs.

Livestock SA wrote to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority regarding members’ feedback on continued use of Diazinon and Levamisole and the importance of both in livestock farming systems.

Livestock SA worked with the SA Working Sheepdog Association, SA Yard Dog Association and livestock producers to coordinate a joint response on proposed changes to the Code of Practice for Wellbeing of Dogs and Cats in Breeding Facilities. For the full submission, contact Livestock SA CEO Deane Crabb.

Livestock SA supports the inclusion of camels to the definition of ‘domestic stock species’ as outlined in proposed changes to native vegetation legislation but believes the scope should be widened to include other animals, such as goats. While it is necessary to concentrate on improving and increasing the returns from cattle and sheep, other opportunities also need to be found for increasing economic growth.

Livestock SA wrote to Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce urging him to support a $1.35 million grant for the continuation of the National Wild Dog Action Plan in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Livestock SA strongly supports the use of 1080 on organic certified properties to control wild dogs, foxes and feral pigs to ensure the organic sheep and cattle industries continues into the future.

Livestock SA believes any changes to current land tax exemptions for primary production land or changes to a user-pays system for road and vehicle taxes will severely impact the livestock industry’s profitability and flow-on benefits to the State’s economy.

Livestock SA provided an additional submission on the review, providing more information about the livestock industry in the Barossa region and the organisation’s views on ‘right to farm’.

Livestock supports the proposed Bill for its two important overarching functions. Firstly it requires the immediate reporting of actions of cruelty to animals and secondly it provides protection from unlawful entry and trespassing onto properties where livestock producers are lawfully carrying on their business.

Livestock SA made a submission to the South Australian Parliament’s Natural Resources Committee Inquiry into Unconventional Gas (Fracking). Livestock SA opposes any industrial development if there are known unquantifiable risks to a significant water resource that underpins some of the State’s most valuable agricultural land.

Livestock SA expressed its disappoinment to the National Livestock Identification Scheme Cattle Advisory Committee over the recent decision not to use a three-hold punch to identify cattle treated with specific medications.

Livestock SA responded to a discussion paper released by the Australian Government’s VET Reform Taskforce regarding wool harvesting training courses and requirements for shearers, shedhands and woolclassers in the South Australian wool industry.

Livestock SA wrote to the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources to disagree with proposed changes to regulations – Guideline for Expansion or Intensification of Grazing under Regulation 5(1) (zh) for land held under Pastoral Lease.

Comments from Livestock SA were provided to Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges on its Draft Business and Operational Plan for the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Region.