They cover more than two million hectares across the state and are important economic, cultural, social and environmental assets to our regional communities.

The use of these reserves has changed over time.

They were once used solely to move livestock from farms to markets or railheads. Now they have multiple uses, from grazing in times of drought, public recreation and conservation.

But let me make this clear – the overriding condition of any lease of a travelling stock reserve is it must remain able to be used for its primary function, travelling stock.

I think it’s important to provide some clarity around the future direction for the long paddock in NSW.

Today, the management of these reserves is the responsibility of Local Land Services and is not and does not intend to lease Travelling Stock Reserves for the purpose of mining/coal seam gas activities.

Any suggestion otherwise is completely misleading.

Local Land Services is also not increasing the area of the Travelling Stock Reserve network under longer terms leases.

It is the same parcels of land that have been leased in the past – and there are no additional parcels of land being leased out.

The reason they are now being advertised in the paper is that in the past the granting of annual or longer term leases was not open and transparent – and when it comes to publicly-owned land transparency is non-negotiable.

To ensure the long-term sustainable management of these travelling stock reserves, Local Land Services is currently developing a statewide management framework, which the community will be consulted on extensively.

The primary purpose of these reserves is to move stock – always has been and I am determined to keep it that way.

Niall Blair

Minister for Primary Industries

Minister for Lands and Water

The Up-2-Date art exhibition at Coolamon is celebrating its tenth year.

This annual cultural event is held in the historical Up-To-Date Store in Cowabbie Street, Coolamon.

Opening night will be on Friday, July 17, opening daily (except closed on Monday, July 20) throughout the week until Sunday, July 26.

This year’s theme for Section 7 – any medium is “Things with Wings”.

The exhibition has been well-received by artists, community members and visitors.

It provides local and regional artists with a unique “turn of the last century” venue to showcase their artwork with many pieces being sold.

The Coolamon Shire Council purchases an acquisitive prize each year from a local participating artist which is hung in the Regional Library which also is part of the cultural precinct.

There are seven sections this year, with each attracting $300 prize money.

An open art prize attracts $500 prize money, CSU Annual Perpetual Prize of $250 for students enrolled in the School of Communications and Creative Industries at CSU, People’s Choice Award and   Coolamon Shire Council Acquisitive Prize for a resident of Coolamon shire entered in any section.

Keep up to date with information as the exhibition gets closer by joining our Facebook page – “Coolamon's Up2Date Art Exhibition”.

Up-2-Date Art Exhibition Committee

Coolamon

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