Livestock Services

Straying Livestock

Any occurrence of straying livestock on roads should be reported to your closest South Burnett Regional Council Customer Service Centre. To assist Officer's in locating any straying stock, please ensure that you provide as much details as possible such as location (including rural property address), number of head, description of stock and if you know or suspect who the owner of the stock may be.

Impounding Livestock

If you wish to impound stock that have wandered onto private property, please contact Council on phone (07) 4189 9100.

It is the landholders responsibility under Council Local Laws and the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management Act 2002) to maintain fences in stock proof condition and prevent stock from wandering at large. A maximum penalty of 400 units applies.

Roadside grazing permits are available for drought-affected farmers

South Burnett’s drought-affected farmers are eligible to apply for a short term roadside grazing permit. The permits can be issued for periods of up to 28 days to provide livestock with an alternative source of feed charged at $1.18 per head per week.

This type of permit is specifically available for exceptional circumstances including flood, fire and drought. The fee of $1.18 per head per week is the minimum charge that Council can apply under the Stock Route Management Act 2002, which is administered by the State Government. Although Council will be assessing applications and facilitating the permitting process, Council does not receive any revenue from the $1.18 charge – as this is a State Government fee - specifically section 187A (1) & (2) of the Stock Route Management Act 2002.

Councillors are currently lobbying the State Government to have the fee waivered, and Council will update further as things progress.

Cr Scott Henschen said, "A simple application form is available for Roadside Grazing for landowners, allowing them to access areas adjoining their boundaries and sometimes further with consultation between neighbours. This could help landowners not only access short term better grazing but help in the prevention of fires if managed correctly. This permit system could be a valuable tool in the instances of drought and excessuve fuel reduction on the road sides."

To obtain a permit, landholders will need to complete an application for a Stock Route Grazing Permit detailing the following information:

• Number of head and description of herd (sex, age, brand)
• Public liability insurance details (minimum of $20 million)
• Property identification codes and lot on plan numbers of where the stock come from
• The area applying to be grazed. This is usually adjacent to the land owner’s property, however, if it is not we require a letter of non-objection from the adjoining landholder.

Roadsides may only be grazed if a permit has been issued by Council. Applications will be assessed for safety to road users and other considerations on a case by case basis. Permits are issued dependent on pasture levels and can be renewed upon inspection.

To download an application go to www.southburnett.qld.gov.au/documents/41153986/41193513/Stock Route Agistment Permit (PDF)

Tick Clearing Facilities

All cattle moving across the tick line which require inspection or treatment can use the Coolabunia or Nanango Tick Clearing Dips.

For tick inspection and dipping, please contact Council's Saleyard Superintendent on 0418 477 096.

Inspections require 18 hours notice.

Coolabunia Saleyards

Coolabunia Saleyard Facility consists of three facilities:

• Saleyard Complex
• Clearing Dip
• Selling Ring

The facility holds fortnightly cattle sales, speciality store and fat sales, breeder shows and sales.

The tick clearing dip is an important facility as it provides a venue for cattle producers to have all cattle inspected and treated for cattle ticks.

Cattle inspections and dipping must be booked through the Saleyard Superintendent on 0418 477 096.

Straying Livestock Services

Council's after-hours service allows members of the public to report wandering stock on roadsides. Livestock are removed from roadsides or impounded to ensure roads are safe. Impounded livestock will be held at the most suitable Council facility i.e. Coolabunia Saleyards, Wondai Tick Clearing Yards or Nanago Tick Clearing Yards. After hours contact details are listed below; 

Stock Route Water Facilities

Council manages stock route water facilities for the purpose of travelling stock or watering stock in drought periods. The water is not suitable for human consumption and is not reliable supply.

Water Facilities are available at:

• Crawford, Bunya Highway
• Tingoora, Muller Street