Council aims to steer stake-holders in right direction

TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has issued a warning to all residents to beware of roaming stock.

TOOWOOMBA Regional Council has issued a warning to all residents to beware of roaming stock.

Environmental health services portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said there was an increase in the number of calls for roaming livestock in recent months.

"The recent dry spell has seen a reduction of available feed in the paddocks for farmers," he said.

"Stock are pushing through fences to access feed along the roadsides."

Cr Ramia encouraged landholders to keep an eye on their livestock as much as possible.

"Landholders are encouraged to check their boundary fences are in good condition and ensure that their stock do not wander onto the road and therefore pose a traffic hazard," he said. 

"I understand that some landholders are not always on their properties every day and there is no one at home on a daily basis to check on cattle or other stock getting out through damaged fences.

"Cattle that do get out can cause dangerous road hazards, especially for people travelling through the region who may not be used to cows or other stock on the road.

"In the case of repeated incidents council has the power to order landowners to fix fences and render their properties stock-proof."

Cr Ramia added that if for any reason council could not determine the owners of the livestock, cattle would be impounded.

"Fortunately, instances of this occurring are usually rare, and we can take the appropriate measures," he said.

Under Local Laws, council can impose fines on the owners of wandering stock or property owners with fences in disrepair.

To report any instances of escaped livestock contact council on 131 872.

Originally published as Council aims to steer stake-holders in right direction