THE Palaszczuk government has handed responsibility for the management of stock routes to local councils.
Under legislation introduced into parliament today, councils will collect the funds graziers already pay to use the routes.
The state government will continue to oversee decisions made about the use and management of the stock route network; set the fees for stock to travel on the stock route network and provide training and support for local governments.
Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said the Stock Route Network Management Bill 2016 would improve the network’s management and ensure it had a sustainable future.
“This legislation will give local councils greater autonomy to manage the stock routes in their region,” Dr Lynham said.
“Councils are best placed to manage stock routes and will be able to issue approvals and make informed management decisions based on their local knowledge.
“Under proposed changes, graziers will pay councils for their grazing permits, not the State Government as they do now.
“Councils will then be able to use those funds to manage stock routes and invest in improved pest and weed control, protect the environment and reduce fire risks.”
However, AgForce Cattle director Peter Hall said laws that give councils full control of the stock route network miss the mark by failing to put in place appropriate safeguards to ensure the stock routes are managed properly.
CLICK HERE to read why AgForce says the new stock route laws miss the mark.
Mr Hall said the network had been plagued for decades by issues such as overgrazing by producers, unmanaged weed infestations and an inadequate fee structure that meant infrastructure such as watering points were not maintained or renewed.
"AgForce remains concerned about potential inconsistencies across councils, including whether they'll allocate adequate resources and have the will to address issues like weeds and overgrazing,” Mr Hall said.
"Effectively, the Queensland government is handing over the reins of responsibility to councils at a time when we know some councils have little or no interest in managing an effective stock routes network.
“That's why there is a need for the state government to ensure continued oversight of the network."
Queensland's stock route network covers 2.6 million hectares. For more than 150 years it has provided short-term feed for travelling stock in drought times.
“The stock route network has been an integral part of Queensland’s rural history for and includes culturally significant areas that support biodiversity,” Dr Lynham said.
“The network is best known for its high pastoral productivity suitable for travelling stock and short term relief for local pastoralists during drought.
“The Palaszczuk Government will identify areas of natural or cultural significance to minimise the impact of stock in those areas. Local councils will have the opportunity to do the same.”
Dr Lynham said the Stock Route Bill would cover all aspects of stock routes, currently covered by three pieces of legislation.
