STOCK ROUTE FEES PAID FOR CHARITY DRIVE

A special payment from the State Government would cover the “long paddock” costs of the Stock Up for Hope charity cattle drive, Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said today.

A mob of around 1400 head of cattle is currently using the Stock Route Network between Hughenden and Blackall as organisers of the 470km Stock Up for Hope charity cattle drive raise money for the provision of chaplains in rural communities.

Mr Wallace said an ex gratia payment of around $950 would cover the cost organisers would otherwise incur for such use of the Stock Route Network.

“It’s typical of the Bush that despite a woeful drought and tough times they still manage to band together to raise funds to assist their communities,” he said.

“Money raised on the charity drive will directly address the scourges of youth suicide, family breakdown and drug abuse affecting thousands of young Queenslanders.”

Mr Wallace said legal requirements meant it was not possible to simply waive the fees, so the department would pay them.

“Half the income from stock route charges goes to local government to contribute to their costs of managing stock routes and the remainder is collected by the State Government and provided to local governments to maintain critical infrastructure on the network,” Mr Wallace said.

“It is therefore imperative that all users pay the fees.

“The charity drive will be charged the fees as would anyone else, but in this instance the department will pick up the tab for this worthy cause.”

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0414 213 954.