It is a compendium of useful information for the small rural landholder and contains tips for buying rural property, information on natural resources such as soil, water, fire, weeds and pest animals, and property management, including farm safety, stock management, use of chemicals and much more.

The book is targeted at residents living on the land and providing them with a simple guide that will assist and inform them. 

The handbook informs landowners of the many resources available to them, as well as the requirements and responsibilities of living on the land. 

The Rural Living Handbook was awarded the President's Award in the NSW Division of the 2007 Planning Institute of Australia's awards. Updating the handbook was an important action recently identified by the council’s Noxious Weeds Advisory Working Party and has now been undertaken.

Updates made include contact information for State Government Departments and other organisations. 

Correct management of rural land is becoming increasingly important as the agricultural industry continues to improve efficient practices.

Grazing management, control of weeds and stock health are all important factors for rural property owners, and contribute to being good neighbours.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle is impressed with the updates. 

"Council staff are consistently working hard to make life easier for residents within our community," Cr Kettle said. 

"This fantastic Rural Living Handbook is a great resource for residents already living on rural land, or people who are thinking of making the 'tree change'. Please take advantage of it."

The Rural Living Handbook is available from Goulburn Mulwaree Council's website goulburn.nsw.gov.au – search ‘Rural Living Handbook'.