The Department of Resources is calling on farmers, Councils, industry groups and outback locals to have their say on proposed changes to the use and management of stock routes.
Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart said consultation on the Stock Routes Network discussion paper was now open.
“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 stock route network is a key piece of infrastructure for Queensland’s agriculture sector — a sector the Government is staunchly supporting as it’s vital to our State’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.”
He said the 72,000-kilometre network was 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,” Mr Stewart said.
“Local Councils are the primary caretakers of the network, ensuring routes in their areas are monitored and maintained.”
Mr Stewart said this included 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 represents only about four per cent of the total funds they need to cover costs,” he said.
CEO of AgForce, Michael Guerin said he congratulated the Government on bringing the proposed changes forward for the benefit of industry, communities and producers.
“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.
Consultation closes on 3 September and further information on the Queensland stock route network can be accessed at this PS News link.
