Yarraman Stock Route
Photo © The Stock Route Coalition
The period for comment on The Regulatory Impact Statement - (RIS) - Stock Route Network Management Regulation 2009 recently released by Department of Environment and Resource Management has closed. This RIS was designed to determine if the proposed Regulation is the most efficient and effective way of achieving the desired policy outcomes and explained the need for the proposed legislation.
As foreshadowed in the RIS, The Stock Route Network Management Bill and Regulation will replace the stock route management provisions in the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulation 2003.
Wildlife Queensland made a submission. The RIS presented the government with an opportunity to take a giant leap forward to benefit biodiversity and conservation. However government elected to select a smaller, more measured step but at least seems to be headed in the right direction.
The RIS provided policy objectives and legislative intent for the new legislation as well as considerable discussion on the costs and associated benefits. However until the Bill sees the light of day the possibility of significant surprises is always there.
Wildlife Queensland favoured Option 1 that appeared to address many of the major issues raised and fought for.
- The entire Stock Route Network will be retained
- All values of the stock route network will be protected
- Stock Route divided into various categories based on degree of activity and using a transparent and accountable method
- Annual grazing permits will be assessed in accordance with approved Delbessie standards
- Protection of areas of high conservation value and cultural heritage
- Expansion of the Stock Route Assessment Panel to include conservation and aboriginal cultural heritage interests.
There are increased costs for the use of the Stock Route Network. Wildlife Queensland doubts if these increases are adequate.
It is unclear as to the government’s commitment to a plan for the entire network and insufficient attention has been given to the role stock routes will play in addressing climate change.
Wildlife Queensland will continue to lobby ministers and senior bureaucrats to ensure our concerns are adequately addressed in the new legislation. Wildlife Queensland anticipates that legislation will go before Parliament prior to June 2010. In the interim should you have the opportunity, please advise your local member of the need for good legislation so the Stock Route Network can continue to fulfil its significant role well into the future.
Read more about stock routes.
For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, call us on +61 7 3221 0194 or send us an email. |
