A rural handbook based on the work of Jack Miller was reissued to tree-changers after almost 20 years since its first release.
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Mr Miller, a landscape planner at Goulburn Mulwaree Council, quite literally wrote the textbook for prospective rural property owners from the city.
"Back then, we saw a need for some basic information for people who were moving into our local government area, who did not know much about rural life, Mr Miller said.
The Rural Living Handbook updated edition was released by Local Land Services (LLS), for regional councils in the Sydney drinking water catchment.
More people from the city are relocating to regional NSW, but for many, the dream of rural living can quickly turn into a nightmare.
"For many, the idea of 'getting away from it all' and becoming a part of a rural community is a lifelong dream... but people need to have the skills and knowledge to look after their land," an LLS media release read.
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"We were consciously incompetent, we knew we didn't know anything," she said.
"When you're starting out, you need to surround yourself with people you can trust," Mrs Crowe said.
She said the Rural Living Handbook had helped her, and in the early days, she referred to the guide a lot.
The handbook includes information on emergencies, rural crime, owning livestock, farm safety, property development, and biosecurity.
LLS senior land services officer, Peter Evans said, "we understand it is not always easy to know what to do or the right people or organisations to go to for help."
The handbook is a 'springboard' for further research and includes a checklist for prospective rural property owners to complete before purchase, to avoid problems.
"The landholders we help are pretty diverse, from large-scale primary producers to people who have a lifestyle block or hobby farm," said Mr Evans.
"We tailor our help to what they need, with the end goal of making sure our farms and environments are productive and healthy."
The Rural Living Handbook is available online at lls.nsw.gov.au or from some LLS regional offices. Further information for blockies and small area farmers can be found on the LLS website which includes, an information hub called Every Bit Counts, and the Big Shift for Small Farms podcast.
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