Stock route network management arrangements
The State and local governments share responsibility for managing the stock route network under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (PDF)*. Some grazing access is administered under the Land Act 1994, while the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and the Stock Act 1915 also include provisions affecting network management.
Local governments are responsible for day-to-day administration and management as well as some network maintenance, while the Department of Natural Resources and Mines is responsible for providing policy and legislative advice, operational guidelines, and compliance support; reviewing decisions; managing asset maintenance; and training local government stock route officers.
The stock route strategy
The Queensland Stock Route Network Management Strategy 2009-14 (PDF, 320K)* identifies the primary purpose of the SRN as providing for the movement of stock on foot, and its focus as ensuring that travelling stock requirements are provided for into the future.
The strategy links onground activities and local government decision making with statutory management requirements, so that multiple uses are coordinated; competing demands are balanced; duplication of onground management actions and infrastructure is minimised; and statewide management of the resource is consistent and in line with agreed principles and goals.
Local government SRN management plans
Under the Land Protection Act certain local governments in central and western Queensland that have customarily had movements of travelling stock on the network in their management areas are required to prepare and implement local management plans, outlining how the stock route network will be managed and administered in its management area.
The local governments that are required to have a management plan are listed in Schedule 4 of the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003 (PDF)*.
Contact the relevant local government to view a copy of its stock route network management plan.
Stock route network management review and legislative reform
Certain inadequacies in the current statutory framework and management arrangements became evident when use of the stock route network significantly escalated during severe drought conditions in 2002-03.
As a consequence, the government is consulting with key stakeholders to identify ways of improving network management, operation and administration.
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Last updated 9 November 2012
