November 3, 2016
Councils will be able to manage their local stock routes and collect the funds graziers pay to use them under new legislation introduced into State Parliament on Wednesday.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the Stock Route Network Management Bill 2016 would improve the network’s management and ensure it had a sustainable future.
“This legislation will give local councils greater autonomy to manage the stock routes in their region,” Dr Lynham said.
“Councils are best placed to manage stock routes and will be able to issue approvals and make informed management decisions based on local knowledge.”
Under the proposed changes, graziers will pay councils for their grazing permits, not the State Government as they do now.
“Councils will then be able to use those funds to manage stock routes and invest in improved pest and weed control, protect the environment and reduce fire risks,” Dr Lynham said.
“The Government will support councils by continuing to oversee decisions made about the use and management of the stock route network; set the fees for stock to travel on the network; and provide training and support for councils.”
Queensland’s stock route network covers 2.6 million hectares and stretches for 72,000 km. It has provided short-term feed for travelling stock in drought times for over 150 years.
The South Burnett is criss-crossed by several minor stock routes.
Dr Lynham said the Stock Route Bill would cover all aspects of stock routes, which are currently covered by three pieces of legislation.
The new bill makes good on a promise Dr Lynham made to the AgForce State Conference at Toowoomba in July.
- Related article: Councils To Get Stock Route Fees
