The peak body representing Queensland councils has welcomed the introduction today of new laws to ensure the future sustainability of the state’s stock route network.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith thanked Resources Minister Scott Stewart for working in partnership with councils, industry and industry groups including AgForce on the vital reforms to improve the stock route funding model.
“Queensland councils have been seeking stock route reform over several decades to ensure the future sustainability of the network,” Ms Smith said.
“Local government has responsibility for managing those stock routes and right now ratepayers are carrying the majority of the burden as the current fee structure has not changed in almost 20 years.
“Councils will still play the major role in funding the network but the reforms introduced today will enable a more fair and equitable system that ensures the stock route network is maintained to a good standard without placing an unfair burden on ratepayers.
“We look forward to working with the Minister to discuss further options to achieve greater cost recovery for councils.”
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Vogler, External Relations Director
Phone: 0438 447 370
Local Government Association of Queensland