Paradise Dam, Stock Route: issues tabled for September council meeting

Change is in store for the North Burnett’s Stock Route Management Policy, four years after it was last due for revision.

The North Burnett Regional Council will meet Wednesday, September 28 in Monto to discuss a variety of issues, including the long-overdue revision of the Stock Route Management Policy.

The policy was due for revision as early as October, 2018 however the review was only recently undertaken.

Previous management of the route has been “difficult” for a number of reasons including a lack of communication between supporting council agencies.

“The management (enforcement) of the previous policy has traditionally been difficult for council due to the extensive stock route network and a lack of resources,” the meeting agenda outlines.

The review plans to fix some of these issues, with the agenda stating “it is anticipated that council personnel will be better able to manage the stock route management objectives.”

These objectives include greater access to grazing, reducing pasture wastage, reducing wandering stock and unauthorised grazing and fencing.

Professional drover Bill Little says the political fight over access to Queensland's stock routes is making it harder and harder for stockmen to move cattle around the state. Picture: Trudy Brown

The council will also implement a stronger policy towards roadside invasive weed spraying and mapping, and approving permits for burn offs.

As the costs of managing staff to address issues such as those recommended for review rise, the council has stated fees and charges for permits does not cover the administrative work involved.

“However, effective management of the stock route pasture results in an ongoing community benefit,” the agenda read

It has been proposed all changes made and introduced as part of the review should be made available for community feedback for a period of 28 days.

Other matters tabled for discussion include the addition of a Risk and Audit Committee and the selection of North Burnett Regional Council representatives that will join the Paradise Dam Reference Group.

The Reference Group serves as a go-between for Sun Water and other key stakeholders involved in the Paradise Dam issue.

As members of the Reference Group NBRC members will be able to “provides an opportunity to advocate on behalf of the community.”