Feedback Sought On Stock Routes

July 16, 2021

The State Government is seeking feedback from farmers, councils and industry groups about proposed changes to the use and management of Queensland stock routes.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said consultation on the Stock Routes Network discussion paper has opened.

“The Queensland stock route network has a long history of supporting landholders in moving livestock, providing pasture for emergency agistment in times of drought, and long-term grazing,” Mr Stewart said.

“The 72,000 km network is used to feed and move up to 330,000 stock each year across 48 local government areas.

“The proposed changes outlined in the discussion paper aim to create a better funded stock route network that provides better outcomes for the drovers and farmers that rely on the network each year.

“Queensland’s local councils are the primary caretakers of the network, ensuring routes in their areas are monitored and maintained.

“This includes regularly checking water facilities, undertaking weed and pest control and upgrading facilities where needed.

“To help maintain and upgrade the network, councils collect fees from network users, but currently this only represents about 4 per cent of the total funds they need to cover the costs.”

AgForce CEO Michael Guerin congratulated the State Government for its effort to bring the matter “to conclusion for the benefit of industry, communities and producers”.

He said he looked forward to working closely with the Minister and other stakeholders.

“Our aspiration is that we will soon see a functional, active route for travelling stock that serves Queensland for centuries to come,” Mr Guerin said.

Local Government Association of Queensland President Mark Jamieson also welcomed the release of the discussion paper.

“Queensland councils have been seeking stock route reform over several decades to ensure the future sustainability of the network, a critical resource for the State’s agricultural sector,” Mayor Jamieson said.