As the months passed however, and we began to control and to live with the virus, it has become obvious that elections can be safely and successfully conducted. We have had a Federal by-election in Eden-Monaro and a State election in the Northern Territory, whilst the ACT and Queensland go to the polls this month.

Democracy is important, so important to Victoria that they have pressed ahead with plans for statewide local government elections by postal vote, despite being hammered by a devastating second wave of the pandemic. Presumably, the candidates there can be safely protected by campaigning mostly through the media. Elsewhere, much business is carried out using the many means provided by the Internet. We have all learned to safely and successfully "socially distance" and a polling station is better regulated than your local supermarket.

Meanwhile, several communities across NSW are in a state of disharmony and disarray because of the actions of their local council. Whether you are disillusioned with your local council or dismayed by the rancour and vitriol caused by a vocal minority, you can petition the NSW State Government to review its decision to postpone local government elections until September of next year.

The ePetition can be found at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetitions-list.aspx

We recently concluded the fourth National Carbon Farming Forum with a real sense of excitement for what this growing industry can deliver for jobs, investment, and growth in regional communities.

Now eight-years old, with over 650 carbon farming projects around Australia, we need to at least triple the industry and its regional contributions by 2030 to help keep global warming to the goals of the Paris Agreement.

There are different methodologies, but farmers earn carbon money by managing trees, vegetation, fire, soil and livestock differently, storing carbon in the land or avoiding emissions.

Carbon farming helps address climate change but there are many other benefits.

Carbon farming provides an additional revenue stream for land managers and can help build resilience and sustainability keeping farmers on country and employing others.

Recent federal and state government initiatives are assisting the growth of this important industry. Developments include the Federal Government announcing funding towards improving soil carbon measurement technology and the establishment of a carbon farming methodology steering committee, involving the CMI, designed to develop new methodologies, within quicker timeframes.

The CMI is committed to assisting the development of carbon farming so it benefits land managers, communities and the climate.

Recording the movements of your horse has just become easier for recreational horse owners, with Transported Stock Statements (TSS) for Horse Movements now available online and free to download from the Local Land Services website.

Transported Stock Statements for Horse Movements are necessary for tracing horse movements for biosecurity purposes and are also useful in helping the NSW Police identify stock theft.

The NSW Government has listened to horse owners who were seeking an easily accessible form, to help them meet their biosecurity responsibilities.

Transported Stock Statements for recording horse movements are not a new requirement, and it is essential horse owners understand how and when they need to use a TSS.

This new form does not have a serial number, so horse owners can print it, share it electronically or even photocopy the form to ensure they always have a copy on hand at times like going for a trail ride, taking their horse to a riding lesson or even to see the farrier.

Previously purchased TSS forms or TSS Booklets are still eligible to use for recording the movements of horses or other livestock.

If you are making a return trip on the same day you only need to complete one form.

There are a number of exemptions including horses being transported for work such as mustering, horse riding events such as pony club or shows, or the transportation of race horses or harness racing horses. People are encouraged to carry proof of the exemption as they may need to present it to police on request. People are advised to use a TSS if they are in doubt.

NSW Police launched Operation Stock Check in August 2020. Be prepared, you are likely to be pulled over and asked by the NSW Police for a TSS for the horse you may be moving.

If you do not have a TSS with you or your horse does not meet any of the exemptions, you may be fined.

Visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/horseTSS