Using the stock route network

For operational and management purposes, stock routes are classified into four tiers, according to usage. The classification is determined by permit data obtained from local governments and averaged over a five-year period.

Thresholds for stock route classifications:

Cattle (large stock) equivalent for a five-year period

Note: large stock includes cattle, horses, alpacas, buffalo, camels, donkeys, asses, llamas, mules and vicunas.

Travel and agistment permits

A landholder or stockowner must apply to the local government for an appropriate permit to travel or graze stock on the SRN:

A permit is not required for local movements if the travel is for animal husbandry or property management purposes, takes places during clear daylight hours, and is between adjoining or commonly owned properties.

Before making an application, applicants are advised to contact the relevant local government to determine the condition of the SRN and its availability for the proposed use.

The following guides outline the criteria, and the application and review processes for obtaining a stock route permit:

Fees and charges for using the stock route network are payable to the relevant local government, which is required to remit half to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines for reinvestment in network management—primarily through funding for the maintenance of stock route water facilities.

Decision review

If the relevant local government refuses a permit application, the applicant may apply to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines for a review of the decision. The department will assess the application and either uphold the local government's decision not to grant a permit, or require the local government to issue a permit, with or without conditions imposed.

If an application has been refused because of insufficient pasture for travelling stock, a review application should only be made if the applicant believes that there is sufficient pasture to feed the proposed mob, and to allow for regrowth and the healthy regeneration of seed stocks.

All review applications must be made on the Application for review of a stock route travel and/or agistment permit decision (PDF, 52K)* form, which should be accompanied by both the original application and the local government decision when it is submitted to DNRM.

For further information contact the relevant local government.

Stock route water facilities

Stock route water facilities are established water points located along the stock route network, including artesian and sub-artesian bores, dams and wells. These facilities may be located either on reserves for travelling stock, or on a road reserves that have been declared as stock routes under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (PDF)*.

Water facilities are mainly for the use of travelling stock; however, since the 1930s, stock route water facility agreements have been used to secure water from stock route water facilities for rural landholders. Where the capacity of a facility exceeds the needs of travelling stock, adjoining and adjacent landowners wanting to take water may apply to the local government for a stock route water facility agreement.

Taking water from a stock route water facility without an agreement or without a permit is an offence under the Land Protection Act.

Stock route water agreements

A stock route water facility agreement is simply a formal authority to take water from—or supply water to—the stock route network.

Water facility agreements are contractual arrangements between a landowner, local government and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM), outlining the conditions of supply and terms of use. They also specify particular arrangements such as community and domestic usage and whether the landowner is responsible for maintenance.

Adjoining and adjacent landowners making an application for a water agreement to the relevant local government should complete an Application for a stock route water facility agreement (PDF, 223K)* form and/or provide the following information:

How to apply for a water facility agreement

To apply for a water agreement, contact your local government. Applications will need to be accompanied by an Application for a stock route water facility agreement (PDF, 223K)* form and/or the following information:

Water facility agreement fees

An annual fee applies to all stock route water facility agreements. A landowner who receives a supply of water from a stock route network facility pays an annual fee to the local government and to DNRM; however, if a supply is taken for the stock route network, the local government and DNRM pay fees to the landowner.

Fees for stock watering purposes are calculated according to the 'area watered' method, which links the area that will be watered from the stock route facility (the 'benefited area') and the average value per hectare (the unimproved capital valuation by the total area).

Annual fees for domestic and community purposes are charged at a flat rate, currently $360.50.

If the landholder is taking water from the stock route water facility for stock and domestic purposes, the calculated fee for stock is added to the flat fee for domestic to determine the total amount payable.

Water agreement register

Local governments are required to maintain a register of water agreements. On payment of a fee members of the public may request a local government to search the register to obtain water agreement details such as the maintenance requirements, the name and address of the landowner, and the water agreement fee.

Electronic water agreement system

From the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) website, local governments have access to an electronic water agreement system that will create stock route water agreements and calculate annual fees. The water agreement database stores relevant information such as landowner contact details and billing information so that periodic reports for annual billing schedules may be generated.

Further information

The following guides outline the criteria and the application and review processes for obtaining a stock route water facility agreement, and details regarding fees and maintenance:

Alternatively enquiries can be directed to the regional stock route officer located in Longreach or Roma. Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for contact details of these officers or email Stock Route Management Unit.

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Last updated 9 November 2012

Stock routes