Lifestyle property lowdown in Orange

An influx of retirees, families and new residents moving onto lifestyle properties in the Orange district has motivated the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) to address their needs with tailored workshops and information days.

The first small landholdings workshop will be held at the Orange Agricultural Institute (OAI) on Saturday June 16.

NSW DPI agronomist, Tony Cox, said the free workshop was organised in conjunction with the Orange City Council, Landcare, the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Catchment Management Authorities, in response to community demand following a pilot course run at Clifton Grove in February.

“We have a lot of enquiries from new landholders or people who have recently moved to the country and they want basic information on managing their land,” Mr Cox said.

“Whether they’re interested in small-scale livestock production, horticultural enterprises or just want to enjoy gardening and the natural environment we will be providing information which answers their needs.”

Topics on the agenda include:

• pasture production for livestock 
• water quality and dam biodiversity 
• weed management 
• trees, shrubs and grasses suited to the local area 
• fire risk management 
• legal rights and responsibilities of landholders

The free workshop runs from 12 until 4 pm at the OAI Training Centre on Forest Road, with paddock excursions subject to weather conditions on the day.

Landholders interested in attending should register by contacting Orange City Council natural resources coordinator,
Roger Smith, 6393 8025, 0419 011 002 or rsmith@orange.nsw.gov.au

For more information on the workshop contact Tony Cox, (02) 6391 3885, 0427 259 691 or tony.cox@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Photos are available.

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