Managing Crown Land for the Community
See what we have been up to below
Great interview with Jenni Brammell about fossils in the area and the discovery of shark teeth in Lightning Ridge. We can’t wait for the AOC to open and to view some of the amazing collections that will be on display. The AOC building is on the Lightning Ridge Opal Reserve and is due to open next year 👍👍
The Opal Reserve has been undertaking feral pig baiting as part of our pest management responsibilities.
Feral pigs are regarded as one of Australia's most destructive invasive species, with population increases of 86% in one year, without controls.
Feral pigs impact natural environments by preying on small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and eggs from native animals.
They also heavily damage ecosystems, impact agricultural production, and contribute to spreading diseases and invasive weeds.
We have installed 'Hog Hoppers' in various locations, which safely distribute poisoned wheat to feral pigs.
These hog hoppers are used to train pigs to open with their snout, to ensure wildlife and non-target species do not eat poisoned wheat.
We have had good results of uptake from the feral pigs.
The bushfire in Lightning Ridge at Nebia Hill has been controlled by fire crews. A big thankyou to everyone involved in fighting the fire last night. At this stage there has been no camps confirmed lost but it was a very close call and a reminder that resident need to be vigilant and have their camps and dwellings bushfire ready this fire season.
It’s nearly a year to the date of the Hudson Fire on the Grawin opal fields where multiple camps were burnt and RFS Captain Leo Fransen tragically lost his life. If you have concerns about risk to your camp and surrounding area please contact your local RFS office.
Roy Butler MP North West Zone Rural Fire Service The Western Herald - Bourke ABC Western Plains ABC Central West Western Plains App Lightning ridge rfs your rural fire service NSW Farmers Mark Coulton MP NSW Rural Fire Service
Yesterday was the anniversary of Captain Leo Fransen, who was tragically killed while fighting the 2023 Hudson fire at Glengarry.
On behalf of the Lightning Ridge Opal Reserve board, staff, and the local community we would like to convey to Leo’s family and friends our deepest sympathy at this most difficult time.
Roy Butler MP North West Zone Rural Fire Service The Western Herald - Bourke ABC Western Plains ABC Central West Western Plains App Lightning ridge rfs your rural fire service NSW Farmers Mark Coulton MP NSW Rural Fire Service
A bushfire in Lightning Ridge around the Nebia Hill area believed to be caused by lightning is currently being controlled by firefighting crews.
A big thankyou to all RFS and emergency crews currently containing the fire 👍👍👍👍👍
This fire is a stark reminder of the bushfire risk that exists and the need to prepare camps and residences for the bushfire season ahead.
Roy Butler MP North West Zone Rural Fire Service The Western Herald - Bourke ABC Western Plains ABC Central West Western Plains App Lightning ridge rfs your rural fire service NSW Farmers Mark Coulton MP NSW Rural Fire Service
🔥🔥Is your house and camp bushfire ready?🔥🔥
We have had significant vegetation growth in the area and now are experiencing very hot and windy conditions.
The current bushfire in Dirranbandi and the Hudson Fire at Glengarry, November last year, demonstrates how quickly fires can start and spread.
Camps and Houses need to ensure they are bushfire ready, this could include vegetation removal that is close to the house, clearing out gutters and ensuring water tanks are full.
For more information visit www.myfireplan.com.au./
Head to Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve website: lror.org/
The Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve is one of the most complex Reserves in NSW, and is home to the best black opal in world which was named the national gemstone in 1993.
We support an industry that employees hundreds of people locally in mining, which is also a prime tourist destination for the Walgett Shire.
We have land management programs under way including weed control for a Weed Of National Significance, Hudson Pear, and pest control for Feral Pigs.
Currently we are developing educational programs with the Department of Education, where schools can utilise the Reserve to undertake curriculum activities.
🌵Have you seen this weed?
🌵Harrisia martinii or commonly known as Harrisia is a Weed of National Significance, meaning action is required for its removal, as per Biosecurity Legislation.
🌵We have been spraying it in areas around town, which are part of some large infestations.
🌵It produces fruits that birds love to eat, therefore a huge issue for its ability to spread and reproduce via seed.
🌵If you have some around your home, please be careful of its sharp spines and let us know what field you are on, so we can treat it, as part of our weed management plan.
We were nominated amongst the Community Achievement Awards for NSW & The ACT and were awarded semi-finalists.
These awards started in 2002 and are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities and businesses make throughout the state.
We thank the community for their support and appreciate the opportunity to constantly improve the Reserve for the community.
🔥Due to the high fire risk at Grawin and Glengarry, Crown Lands and RFS have identified various tracks in the area to be upgraded to fire trails, for firefighting access.
🚜You will see contractors, Soil Conservation Service, using heavy machinery in the area while work is underway.
🚧Please take care while navigating around these roadworks.
📞For any queries, you can contact Crown Lands on 1300 886 235.