By ALENA HIGGINS
IT’S BEEN billed by some as a once-in-100-year-drought, but red tape could prevent graziers across the Southern Downs from feeding hungry livestock on what little pasture remains.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) last month discussed the risks associated with road-side grazing after SDRC director of engineering Peter See raised concerns.
“It worries me greatly,” he told councillors at last month’s general meeting.
“If someone has an accident council is going to be liable.”
But his comments were immediately shot down by a number of councillors who said they would play no part in pursuing action against desperate farmers who may not be complying with agistment permits.
“The last thing we need to do is to over-regulate those seeking to feed starving stock on the road reserves” Cr Mackenzie said.
“Council needs to focus on its core business maintaining roadways, not policing compassionate temporary uses in dire times.
“Motorists and motorcycle riders need to slow down everywhere, not only because of many kilometres of temporary roadside grazing, but as wildlife also seek feed there.”
Currently drought-stricken producers are forced to fill out a two-page permit application for local government approval before they are able to undertake road-side grazing.
They must also pay for the privilege – up to $2.50 for large stock per head per week and up to $0.39 for small stock.
At the meeting, council vowed to write to the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines requesting consideration be given to the relaxation of requirements for roadside grazing and road reserve grazing across the region due to current conditions and the region’s drought declaration.
Manager of Warwick’s ‘George and Fuhrmann’ Matthew Grayson welcomed the move and argued the fees had to go.
“It’s ridiculous that they pay their rates and then they have to pay for feeding their cattle on the side of the road,” the stock and station agent said.
“I don’t think they should be paying for that, not in the current state the country is in.
“Any extra feed they can lay their hands on is a big benefit… I can’t remember it ever being this bad.
“No one is grazing on the highways, they usually graze on more remote country roads and I think they are entitled to do so, too.”
