Demand increases for stock routes

Mayor Rachel Chambers has informed that emerging drought conditions will result in an increased demand to use stock routes and roads for grazing.

INCREASING DEMAND: Mayor Rachel Chambers confirms that Council have received an enquiry for several hundred of head to be travelled from further west onto local stock routes and roads. Picture: Erica Murree

NORTH Burnett Regional Council Mayor Rachel Chambers has informed that emerging drought conditions will result in an increased demand to use stock routes and roads for grazing.

Cr Chambers confirmed that Council had received an enquiry for several hundred of head to be travelled from further west onto local stock routes and roads.

The Queensland Government has a network of dedicated stock routes under the Stock Route Management Act which also includes roads by definition.

"Any agistment or travelling of livestock on roads or stock routes requires a permit under that Act, and any road that involves a main road, would have to be referred to the relevant State agency for consideration,” Cr Chambers said.

Permit fees are based on the number of head to be travelled or agisted as determined by regulation under the Act.

Local Governments can only refuse an application if there is a current permit with someone else, if there is no pasture or water to sustain stock during the period of the permit or if there is a risk to biosecurity, traffic or land.

"A refusal for permit can however be reviewed by the Government Department responsible for the Act,” Cr Chambers said.

Further information on agistment and travelling stock permits can be obtained through Council's Natural Resources Management Team on 1300 696 272 or email Council.