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The Value of Independent Information

The past month has been a reminder that no two seasons are ever the same. While many producers have welcomed improved rainfall and are feeling optimistic about crop establishment, financial pressures haven’t disappeared.

Our team continues to support clients navigating tight cashflow, refinancing discussions and long-term planning decisions, all while adapting to changing conditions on the ground. 

It’s also a timely reminder that some of the biggest decisions facing landowners aren’t always seasonal.

When a Notice of Entry arrives in the mail, a resources company representative knocks on the door, or rumours of mineral exploration, mining, quarrying, wind farms, solar farms or battery storage developments begin circulating, many landowners are left asking the same question:

“What does this mean for my property?”

For many, these situations arise unexpectedly and can feel overwhelming. You’re running a farm, managing a business, raising a family and dealing with the day-to-day demands of life. Most people don’t have the time, or the need, to become experts in legislation, land access processes or technical agreements.

That’s why taking the time to seek independent information before making a decision can make all the difference.

What we’re seeing on the ground

Landowners are telling us they want to make informed decisions but often feel they’re being asked to consider complex agreements or technical information without fully understanding the process.

We’re seeing questions such as:

• • What is a Notice of Entry?  

• • Do I have to let people onto my land?  

• • What rights and responsibilities do I have?  

• • How will this affect my farming business or future plans?  

• • Should I sign this agreement?  

These are important questions, and seeking information early can make all the difference.

Before you sign anything

One of the strongest pieces of advice we can offer is simple: understand the document before you put pen to paper.

That doesn’t mean saying yes or no straight away. It means taking the time to understand what’s being proposed, asking questions and making sure you have access to independent information before making a decision.

Early conversations often provide more time to understand your rights and responsibilities, explore your options and prepare for future discussions.

How the Landowner Information Service can help

Rural Business Support’s Landowner Information Service (LIS) provides free, independent, impartial and factual information to South Australian landowners, rural businesses and community members about land access, resource developments and renewable energy projects.

Importantly, our Landowner Information Service Officers (LISO) don’t tell you what decision to make or advocate for either side. Their role is to help you understand the facts, explain the relevant processes in plain English and ensure you have the information you need to make informed decisions with confidence.

In many cases, our LISO’s do the homework for you. They help locate the information you need, explain what it means and help you understand how it may apply to your property and circumstances. Rather than spending your evenings trying to interpret legislation or technical documents, you can remain focused on your farm and business, knowing you have access to trusted, independent support. 

The right information at the right time

Our experience shows that landowners who seek information early often feel more confident having conversations and negotiations because they understand the process, know the questions to ask and have a better understanding of the options available to them.

Whether you own a large farming enterprise, a lifestyle block, a small rural business or are simply seeking information about developments in your area, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

The right information, at the right time, can save you valuable time and give you the confidence to make informed decisions about your land and future.

To find out more or to make an appointment with one of our Landowner Information Service Officers, contact Rural Business Support on FREE CALL 1800 836 211 or email [email protected]

Growing Interest in Quarrying and Quarry Tenements

The Landowner Information Service (LIS) has seen a noticeable increase in enquiries about quarrying in recent months, particularly from landowners wanting to understand quarry tenements and what is involved in establishing a quarry in South Australia.

A quarry tenement is a legal right granted under the Mining Act 1971 that allows the extraction of materials such as sand, gravel, limestone, clay and rock from a defined area. It does not provide ownership of the land itself but grants specific rights and obligations relating to resource extraction.

Many landowners are surprised to learn that establishing a quarry can involve a range of legislative requirements, approvals and ongoing responsibilities. We are also seeing growing interest in understanding quarry tenement ownership and how the transfer of a tenement between companies or individuals may affect existing arrangements and future engagement.

The Landowner Information Service provides free, independent, impartial and factual information to help landowners understand quarry tenement processes and gain clarity on the steps involved before taking the next step.

Small and family businesses across South Australia are invited to attend Connect, Learn and Network, a free event hosted by the Office for Small and Family Business.

Members of the Rural Business Support team will be available to answer questions, discuss the challenges local businesses may be facing, and provide information about the free, independent and confidential support available through our service.

Over the past few weeks, the RBS team has been on the road attending the Connect, Learn and Network events across regional South Australia.

These events have been a great opportunity for our team to connect with local small and family-owned business owners, hear about the challenges and opportunities they’re facing, and share information about the free, independent and confidential support available through Rural Business Support. We’ve also enjoyed strengthening relationships with other organisations that support these regional communities.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by for a chat so far. We look forward to meeting more business owners and community organisations at the upcoming events.

“One of the things I have always valued about events like these is that, beyond the learning and networking opportunities, they remind business owners that they are not alone. Many of the challenges they may think are unique to them are, in fact, being experienced by others as well, and that shared understanding is incredibly important.”

– RBS Stakeholder

Thank you to our Relief Fund supporters

Last month, RBS welcomed many of the supporters, donors and partners who make the RBS Relief Fund possible.

The event was an opportunity to reflect on the collective impact achieved over the past four years and acknowledge the individuals, businesses, community organisations and government partners who continue to stand alongside rural and regional communities during challenging times.

Since its establishment, the RBS Relief Fund has delivered more than $950,000 in direct assistance to regional South Australians. Through initiatives including emergency relief grants of up to $1,500, recipients have been able to cover essential household expenses, put food on the table, pay council rates and navigate periods of financial hardship.

This work would not be possible without the generosity of those who contribute to the Fund. Every donation, partnership and fundraising effort helps provide practical assistance when it is needed most.

If you’d like to support the RBS Relief Fund through a donation or discuss a partnership opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue making a meaningful difference for rural families and communities when they need it most.

On behalf of Rural Business Support and the communities we serve, thank you for your ongoing support.

Weather it together this winter

Want to connect with RBS? Our team will be attending the following events:

Founded in 2006, Rural Business Support (RBS) is an organisation committed to building a profitable, sustainable and resilient rural sector by supporting businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural, regional and remote South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Our programs and services are free, independent and confidential for eligible clients.

FREECALL 1800 836 211

[email protected]

www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au