Flood Damage and Creek Crossings – Do You Need a Licence to Repair?

After recent flooding across the region, many landholders are facing damaged or washed-out creek crossings—and the question we’re hearing most is: “Do I need a licence to repair it?”

We reached out to Craig Pullman, Senior Landscape Extension Officer at Local Land Services, for clarity.

The good news is that you might not need a licence. In many cases, repairs to an existing, previously approved crossing may be exempt from requiring a Controlled Activity Approval. To find out if your repair work qualifies for an exemption, simply complete the online questionnaire provided by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Once completed, you’ll be able to print and keep a copy of your exemption for your records.

👉 Check your exemption status here:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=IYjvljkqHEe4mmewgz3TuaJ8VvZiyYZKiR3x1NniFCZUQ0lWTUZRUVpWMFhHTlBEM05aNFVOVlFSOC4u

If your work doesn’t fall under the exemption category, you’ll need to apply for a Controlled Activity Approval through NSW DPIE Water. Full information, including guidelines and how to apply, is available at:
https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/licensing-and-approvals/controlled-activity-approvals/controlled-activity-exemptions

As always, we encourage landholders to double-check before starting any repair work in or near waterways. If you're unsure, reach out to Local Land Services or our team at TRLA for support.


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AgQuip 2025

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Ngiyaani and Big Little Lowlines are looking for a part time Steward

Escape the routine and join our regenerative farming family! We’re looking for a practical, reliable individual to help care for our Australian Lowline cattle stud and beautiful property.

Call-out for Local Landholders – Nemingha, Loomberah, Dungowan & Woolomin

Call-out for Local Landholders – Nemingha, Loomberah, Dungowan & Woolomin

Are you curious about regenerative agriculture or already experimenting on your property?
We’re inviting landholders from Nemingha, Loomberah, Dungowan, Woolomin and surrounding areas to come together for a casual, landholder-to-landholder chat.

This is purely a networking opportunity to share experiences and ideas within our small area.
If there’s enough interest, we’ll arrange a relaxed dinner meet-up at the Dungowan Pub.

Interested?
Email Ninna at ninna@trla.org.au to put your name down or ask questions.

Let’s build local connections and share practical knowledge about regenerative agriculture.

Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

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