In Short:

• Farm Licensing: Growers of leafy greens (2ha+) must hold a NSW Food Authority licence as of February 12.
• Road Safety Blitz: Stricter rules for overseas licence holders (25+) from List B countries began on February 1, requiring knowledge and practical tests.
• Safety Standards: Mandatory fire maintenance (AS 1851-2012) kicks in February 13 for all local commercial buildings and guest houses.

February’s new legislation - Licences, leafy greens, and law: What’s new this month

While January’s focus was on the hip pocket, February 2026 is bringing a wave of regulatory changes.

From the irrigation blocks of the Murrumbidgee to the main streets of Hay and Balranald, local farmers, business owners, and residents are facing a new landscape of compliance.

The biggest shift for local agriculture hits on February 12, as new food safety requirements come into effect. Primary processors and growers of leafy vegetables with two hectares or more under cultivation are now required to hold an NSW Food Authority licence.

Growers with less than two hectares are not exempt from the change; they must still notify the Food Authority of their details, although they do not require a formal licence.

NSW Food Authority acting CEO Andrew Davies said the authority will initially take an educative approach.

“Our focus for the first 12 months will be to build awareness of the new requirements and educate businesses on the importance of food safety practices,” Mr Davies said.

“We encourage berry, leafy vegetable and melon businesses to notify their details or apply for their licence from 12 February 2026 so we can help them as early as possible.”

Changes that began on February 1 are already impacting seasonal workers and new residents across the region. The NSW Government has moved to close a loophole regarding overseas drivers and riders aged 25 and over from "List B" countries (including South Africa and South Korea).

These motorists are now required to pass both a knowledge test and a practical driving test before they can convert to a NSW licence.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said the reform ensures everyone understands local conditions.

“Road safety is not negotiable, and we are pulling every lever to keep people safe on NSW roads,” Minister Aitchison said.

“This reform lifts standards and ensures everyone driving in NSW understands our road rules and can drive safely in local conditions. Fairness on our roads means the same safety bar applies to everyone, and that is exactly what this reform delivers.”

Local real estate agents, accountants, and solicitors in our towns are also facing a major change. From this month, these gatekeeper professions must meet strict AUSTRAC Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations. For clients, this means more rigorous ID checks and questions about the source of funds during property or business transactions.

Starting February 13, a deferred mandate for fire safety maintenance becomes law. All commercial buildings (Class 1b and 2 to 9), including local hotels and guest houses, must now have essential fire safety measures inspected and tested in accordance with AS 1851-2012.

Building Commission NSW noted that this standard is now mandatory to ensure that fire protection systems, such as extinguishers, sprinklers, and detection units, remain operational.

To read more on licensing changes, visit:

https://backcountrybulletin.app/NewsStory/road-safety-overhaul-new-licensing-rules-for-overseas-drivers/6980414413c119002ebdb2cf

To read more about gun law changes, visit:

https://backcountrybulletin.app/NewsStory/from-the-paddock-to-the-parliament-how-the-new-nsw-gun-laws-impact-you/695756a23e0611002d4f8754