Reforms to beef up Queensland's stock route network

• New reforms passed in parliament allow local councils to retain more stock route revenue fees to reinvest back into network maintenance.
• The bill cuts red tape for councils and makes it easier to update stock route maps and management plans.
• Queensland’s 2.6-million-hectare stock route network is vital to the state’s $23.1 billion agriculture sector.

The Palaszczuk Government passed reforms in parliament to cut red tape and improve the management of the state’s 2.6-million-hectare stock route network.

The Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 allows local councils to retain more of their stock route revenue fees to reinvest back into network maintenance and makes it easier for drovers to access and update stock route maps and management plans.

Queensland drovers move and feed between 5,000 and 330,000 head of stock across the network each year, with higher usage during periods of drought.

Quotes attributable to Resources Minister Scott Stewart:

“These changes will boost the state's $23.1 billion agriculture sector by ensuring the stock route network remains a cost-effective way to move and feed stock for years to come,” Mr Stewart said.

“This reform strikes the right balance by increasing revenue to better manage and maintain stock routes and reducing the burden on ratepayers while remaining cost-effective for drovers.

“And with the ability to waive fees in cases of hardship, like during droughts, these changes will help support our farmers and drovers when they need it most.”

Quotes attributable to Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister and Rural Communities Minister Mark Furner:

“Stock routes have a rich cultural heritage in Queensland, with many of them following traditional droving routes that have been used for generations,” Mr Furner said. 

“With a better-funded and managed network, our hardworking drovers and pastoralists will have access to the resources they need to maintain their livelihoods and support our economy.

“The Palaszczuk Government consulted extensively on these reforms, which will mean better services for landowners and drovers right across rural and regional Queensland.”

ENDS