This plan has been developed to assist in managing the Emerald Shire Stock Route Network as well as maintaining the integrity of the valuable Central Highlands Stock Route Network.

Most Stock Routes and Watering Facilities throughout the Emerald Shire have been upgraded through an extensive Capital Works Program during the late 90’s to enhance the integrity of the network.

The Stock Route Network within the Emerald Shire is a valuable asset. The network is utilised for moving large herds of cattle on foot from shire to shire and provides a valuable feed asset during times of drought. The Network also provides home to rare and endangered Fauna and Flora and presents Cultural Heritage Values.

The Emerald Stock Route Network consists of approximately 585 kilometres of stock routes.

1.1 Glossary of Terms

A stock route is defined under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2003 as a ‘road or route ordinarily used for travelling stock or declared under a regulation as a stock route’. (ALL RELEVANT LAND INCLUDED IN HERE)

A reserve for travelling stock is also defined in the Act and these reserves are set aside under the Land Act 1994 for a community purpose that allows for usage for travelling stock.

1.2 Preparation of the plan

The Emerald Shire Stock Route Management Plan has been developed in response to the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002, which requires certain local governments, prescribed under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Regulations 2003, to have Stock Route Network Management Plans adopted by 1 July 2004. The Shire of Emerald is required under the act to develop a Stock Route Network Management Plan.

1.2.1 Emerald Shire Working Groups

The stakeholder representatives of the Emerald Shire Stock Route Management Working Group, outlined in Table 1, participated and provided comments in the preparation of the Emerald Shire Stock Route plan.

Table 1 Stakeholders Represented on the Stock Route Management Working Group for Emerald Shire

Position	Organisation
Chief Executive Officers Mayors Councillors Stock Route Supervisors Landholders	Emerald Shire Rural Services Committee
Land Protection Officer	Department of Natural Resources and Mines (NR&M)
Stock Inspector	Department of Primary Industries (DPI)
Engineer in charge Environmental Officer	Department of Main Roads (DMR)
Land Managers / Landholders / Drovers	Emerald Shire
Industry Representatives	AgForce Cotton Australia Food and Fibre Qld Rail Ergon Energy SunWater
Representatives	Central Highlands Natural Resource Management Group

1.2.2 Community consultation

In the process of preparing the plan the working group engaged with the local community to capture the main interests of stakeholders. This involved:

· Posting a notice in the local Central Highlands newspaper CQ News, on Friday 27 August 2004 to announce the release of the draft Emerald Shire Stock Route Management Plan, and

· Called for comments over a six-week period.

The draft plan was made available to the public, at the Emerald Shire Council office, for comment from 27 August 2004 until the 8 October 2004. A notice was published in the Central Queensland News on 27 August 2004.

---------- submissions were received and considered by the working groups. Several of the issues raised resulted in changes to the draft plan, while other issues were decided to be outside the scope of the Emerald Shire SRNMP. A summary of the submission issues raised and the working groups responses are available for viewing from the Emerald Shire Council Office.

1.3 Purpose of the plan

The purpose of this plan is to provide a useable framework to assist in improving the management of the SRN so that the impacts of stock on the resources, users and values of the SRN are minimised, whilst minimising the impacts from other users of the network on travelling stock. SRN management does not encompass the overall management of the road corridors where the stock routes are located. It is simply the management of impacts from stock and impacts to stock.

Clear and achievable targets and goals, have been set out in the plan for sustainable management and use of the SRN within the Emerald Shire.

Implementation of the plan will lead to improvements in services to stakeholders, greater accountability of the Council and more efficient use of available resources. Ultimately, this plan will play a vital role in protecting the production and conservation values of the Emerald Shire Stock Route Network.

The plan will operate as a practical extension of the visionary statements and goals set out in the Queensland SRN Management Strategy and the Principles for SRN Management, provided for in the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. The plan will operate in conjunction with the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and within the parameters of other legislation and policy.

For each component there is a management goal; the indicators and targets for achieving the goals; council policies for on-going management; the issues for management, and the strategies and actions to address the issues.

1.4 Classification of the Stock Routes

This plan covers a stock route network of 585 km of stock routes. These routes are classified as primary, secondary, minor or inactive routes based on the level of use of the route by travelling stock and have been declared under the Land Protection (Pest And Stock Route Management) 2002. The classifications have been derived from statistics obtained from the issue of Stock Route Permits between 1988 and 1997 (Table 2).

Emerald shire has separate classifications for developing operational priorities. The classifications have been determined through frequency of usage and also infrastructure on the routes. They are classified as Major, Minor and Unused (see attachment for individual route classifications for the SRN)

Table 2 Classification of stock routes as set under the Act

Classification	Cattle Equivalents Per Annum (6 sheep = 1 cow)
Primary	> 9000 Cattle
Secondary	3000 –9000 Cattle
Minor	< 3000 Cattle
Inactive	Local & unrecorded movements

2.2 Grazing management

2.2.1 Relevance for SRN management

The Emerald Shire believes that sustainable grazing management will directly contribute to the “management” principle of stock route network management as set out in the Act. That is, pasture availability, cover, and pasture composition will contribute towards the legislative principle in which the stock route network is managed “to maintain and improve the network’s natural resources”. Maintaining sustainable grazing pressure will ensure healthy pasture species and sufficient ground cover therefore enabling the network “to remain available for public use” now and in the future.

This plan’s objectives for grazing management also contributes to implementing the State SRN Strategy and the Central Highlands Natural Resource Management Plan in that it aims to achieve sustainable management. That is, it implements best management practices for on-ground management and provides for training and education to achieve sustainable use.

2.2.2 Goal

1. That travelling stock, and/or agisted stock are managed ensuring that the grazing resources are sustainably managed and

available for future use.

2. To ensure the pasture and soil within the SRN is kept in optimal condition all year round to maximise moisture infiltration,

ground cover, and useful pasture composition.

2.2.3 Grazing management policy

The Grazing Management policy as set out below outlines the areas that the Emerald Shire sees as important management issues that require strategic management tools in order to achieve sustainable grazing of stock routes and reserves for travelling stock within the Emerald Shire. The Emerald Shire Stock Route Management Working Group is committed to implementing this policy through its administrative and work-planning processes and through sound decision-making.

Ø Maintain a minimum 30% Ground Cover across all stock routes and relevant land. (Ground Cover Standards are attached)

Ø If less than 30% don’t allow agistment.

Ø If less than 30% impose special conditions to increase rate of travel or seek alternative route.

Ø In the event of a dispute over pasture and forage condition local Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries staff
(acting independently to local shire) to assess the situation and provide recommendations (Emerald Shire has an agreement with DPI&F Staff to assist in this process) if necessary.

Ø Areas assessed through regular monitoring to have more forage (pasture) than is required for travelling stock will be managed in this order of priority: short-term agistment under a permit (where there is interest), burning (when for environmental/safety reasons) or bailing (through a call for expressions of interest).

Ø Landholders adjoining a stock route wishing to burn a stock route must seek permission of Stock Route Supervisor prior to submitting a burning permit application to fire warden. (Shire has an agreement with QRFS in relation to this.)

Ø The Stock Route Supervisor will take land type, land condition and ground cover (“Stock take” – Short term) into account when making decisions regarding stock and other land management issues, including considering carrying capacities of land to make decisions regarding travel, agistment (under permit) or agistment/occupation under a permit to occupy.

Ø The stock route supervisors will carry out land condition monitoring (Grazing Land Management Monitoring – long term) to determine carrying capacities and estimated grazing days for the SRN, which will feed into permit assessment and other management decision-making processes.

Ø The Emerald Shire council continue to work in partnership with Dep’t of Main Roads to ensure that the management of users of the state controlled road network is consistent with the policies of this plan.

Ø Users to be issued with a Spray Drift Notification Form in areas that are of concern. Notifying users that there is a potential that certain areas of routes may have chemical residues during certain periods due to the potential for drift from neighbouring farms i.e. cotton, horticulture, grain. It may not necessarily mean that there has been drift it is simply to notify users that there are certain crops neighbouring the SRN

Ø All users to be notified via map of areas where 1080 baiting has occurred by adjoining landholders to the Stock Route Network

Ø Baiting should not occur on the SRN without the express permission of the Stock Route Supervisor, if baiting allowed signage to be erected as per the 1080 indemnity form.

2.2.4 Grazing Management Issues

For the Emerald Shire to meet the goals and targets set for grazing management, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the grazing management policies the following issues need to be addressed:

Sound technical skills of staff to be able to carry out monitoring to make decisions and recommendations.
Sound knowledge of compliance with the Land Protection Act
Sound knowledge of Permitting System
Coordination with Main Roads re Travelling Stock not on Routes.
Spray Drift Eg; Endosulfan, Fipronil
Pest Animal Control
Burning

2.2.5 Grazing Management Strategies and Actions

Strategy	Action	Priority
Increase grazing management skills of the Stock Route Supervisors	Stock Route Supervisor to attend a ‘Stock take’ training program provided by the Department of Primary Industries.	Medium
	Stock Route Supervisor to attend an EDGE Network ™ GLM Workshop.	Medium
Enhance compliance skills of Stock Route Supervisors and other relevant officers	Stock Route Supervisors and other relevant officers to attend retraining of the Land Protection Act and Compliance.	High
Continue Coordination between Main Roads and Emerald Shire Councils	Continue annual meetings with Main Roads and Emerald Shire Stock Route Supervisors discussing Travelling Stock, Impediments, Auxiliary Works Permits etc.	High
Implement a fire management plan by June 2005	Stock Route Supervisors to develop, document and implement an annual fire management plan for the stock route network in consultation with Qld Rural Fire Service.	High
Establishment of a mediation network to deal with disputes by June 2005	Identify key people to form a mediation group and establish a mediation group to address disputes where there is no remedy in the legislation.	High
To ensure no off target spray drift.	Stock Route Supervisors to conduct informal education program with landholders neighbouring the SRN on drift and residual effects in terms of livestock slaughter interval issues	Medium

2.2.6 Indicators and targets

Grazing management indicators

Targets

Pasture maintained in a healthy state all year round

Above 30% Cover all year round

Conditions of Permits adhered – no action required

100% of permit conditions adhered by all users by Dec 2005

2.3 Significant area management

The implementation policies as outlined for significant area management will assist in managing key biodiversity areas, Threatened Species and Communities. They will also assist in addressing targets under the Central Highlands Natural Resource Management Plan. The Emerald Shire Stock Route Network represents a significant vegetation and wildlife corridor.

2.3.1 Goal

To protect cultural values, 'Endangered' and 'Of Concern' ecosystems within the Stock Route Network, and to manage vegetation to minimise impediments to travelling stock.

2.3.2 Vegetation Management policies

The Emerald Shire recognise numerous significant areas within its network, ranging from cultural heritage sites (indigenous and historic) to areas that hold significant environmental value (including areas of significant biodiversity, threatened species and communities). These policies aim to manage the SRN to ensure that the values of these significant areas do not decline.

Clearing boundary fencing adjoining stock routes is to be enforced at 4metres.
New boundary fencing to be on survey line as per survey plan.
No burning by neighbouring landholders to the stock route to be undertaken unless approved by the stock route supervisor.
Carry out inspections of suspected illegal activities and take appropriate action if required.
Apply for vegetation clearing permits in areas that are deemed unsafe either utilising chemical or mechanical controls.
Herbicide drift issues – 24D, Roundup etc (Drift incidents investigated and action taken)
For Vegetation that is deemed as rare and endangered, special conditions to be applied to the permit issued to a drover, to ensure minimal disturbance to areas as identified under the stock route vegetation map.
All users of the Stock Route Network to receive a copy of the stock route network map and vegetation map.
Implement the burning plan developed by individual shires to reduce fuel loads, and control pest plants.
Implement a Pest Plant Control program on pest plants as identified under the Emerald Shire Pest Management Plan. This is also covered under the pest plant section of this plan.

2.3.2.1 Cultural Heritage Policy

· Culturally significant areas must, as a condition of their permit, be fenced off from Stock within 10 metres of a site by the use of temporary electric tape fences (if no permanent fence present), if it is deemed necessary.

· All users of the Stock Route Network to receive a copy of a map with Culturally Significant areas marked on them.

· Conditions may be applied to all users of the stock route network if they are likely to come in contact with a culturally significant area.

2.3.3 Significant Area Management Strategies and Actions

Strategy

Action

Priority

To inform all users of the SRN of the Biodiversity and Cultural Values of the SRN, so that there activities do not adversely impact these values.

Emerald Shire to liase with EPA and NRM&E to supply all Stock Route Supervisors with an up to date digital map either A3 or A4 of Vegetation Communities and Cultural Heritage areas within the Emerald Shire by Dec 2004

Medium

2.3.4 Vegetation Management Issues

For the Emerald Shire to meet the goals and targets set for vegetation management, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the vegetation management policies the following issues need to be addressed:

Thickening of Native Species.
Illegal Burning
Illegal Farming
Spray Drift – Roundup and 24D
Pest Plants
Fire Breaks
Illegal Clearing

2.3.5 Indicators and Targets

Vegetation management and Cultural Heritage indicators

Targets

The existing ecosystems within the SRN do not decline but improve.

1. 50% reduction in Priority Pest Plants species within the SRN by June 2007

2. Above 30% ground cover to be maintained across the SRN

Nil near misses or accidents recorded due to unsafe thickening either through visual impediments or stock not being able to pass through the area safely.

1. Identify and address hazards by June 2006

2.4 Safety management

2.4.1 Goal

The SRN within Emerald Shire remains a safe environment for the people and stock permitted to use it, and the use of the SRN does not cause harm to other people and equipment that may use the road corridor for other purposes.

2.4.1.1 Safety Management Policy

· The Stock Route Supervisor to identify any traffic safety issues and produce a map of the shire highlighting these issues.

· All users of the Stock Route Network to receive a copy of the stock route network map with identified possible safety issues i.e. squeeze points, range areas etc.

· The Stock Route Supervisors will conduct regular safety assessments of all stock route watering facilities and holding yards. Any major issues to be raised at the Emerald Shire Rural Services Committee Meeting with the Stock Route Supervisors recommending appropriate action.

· For vegetation thickening issues please refer to the vegetation management policy – 2.3.5

· Implement burning regime to reduce fuel loads

· Stock Route Supervisors to ensure that safety issues are included on the permit

· Any breaches of permit conditions by users to be investigated with action taken if necessary

2.4.2 Risk and safety management strategies and actions

Strategy

Action

Priority

Raise awareness to the users of the SRN about the safety hazards to them, their stock and to others

1. Notify on the permit and also via map (if required) of the potential hazards and requirements by the user to ensure the safety for their use and also others that may be using the road network.

2. Ensure that all users are fully aware of the potential dangers with travelling stock on the SRN when coupled with a road network. (through verbal communication).

3. The Project Officer and Stock Route Supervisors develop a Stock Route User Safety Guide to ensure users are fully aware of the potential hazards their activity may cause to other users or hazards that my impact on their activity.

High

2.4.3 Indicators and targets

Risk and safety management indicators	Targets
Number of Hazards affecting the Stock Route Network	50% Reduction of Hazards across the SRN by Dec 2006

2.4.4 Safety Issues

Squeeze points Old Quarries, Borrow Pits

Fencing Old rubbish dumps, car bodies etc

Fuel Loads (pasture) Traffic

Vegetation Thickening Potential Blind Spots

Range areas Signage

Holding Yards Water Facilities

Poisonous Plants

2.5 Infrastructure management

2.5.1 Goal

The Infrastructure within the Emerald Shire Network is maintained at a high standard for future users.

2.5.2 Construction and maintenance policy

· Stock Route Supervisors to identify routes that have consistent use and need more watering points within 10 km range.

· Stock Route Supervisors to identify routes that have the potential for consistent usage but require more watering points.

· Stock Route Supervisor to identify areas where holding yards are required and make recommendations to council on priorities for construction.

· Continue to maintain and upgrade infrastructure on reserves including fences, watering facilities and pest management.

· The stock route supervisor will assess the condition and fill out the annual assessment sheet (see attachment for current status) of all stock route facilities on an annual basis, making recommendations on priorities to Council for inclusion in the annual budget.

· Council will apply to State for capital works funding for identified annual construction and maintenance priorities.

· Construct new water facilities on routes identified as consistent usage that are not 10 km’s apart.

2.5.3 Infrastructure management strategies and actions

Strategy

Action

Priority

To maintain existing facility network and establish new facilities in areas required to further improve the integrity of the network

1. Stock Route Supervisors to make recommendations to Council on new facilities and the priorities to be established – annually.

2. Emerald Rural Services Committee to seek State funding to assist in establishing new facilities – annually.

3. All existing facilities to be maintained in good to fair condition by Dec 2005

SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE FUNDING

Medium

Ensure Compliance of Water agreements

4. New water agreements in place by 2005 with compliance of conditions monitored by stock route supervisors

High

2.5.4 Infrastructure management issues

For Emerald Shire to meet the goals and targets set for infrastructure management, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the infrastructure management policies the following issues need to be addressed:

1. Fencing of Holding Yards in poor condition

2. Lack of available funding for new and existing infrastructure

2.5.5 Indicators and targets

Infrastructure management indicators

Targets

Facilities are maintained in good operating condition

100% of facilities in fair – good condition on routes identified for future and current use by Dec 2005

Distance between water facilities on consistently used routes

10 km’s between water points for consistently used routes by June 2008

2.6 Water agreements management

2.6.1 Goal

To ensure that the water needs of travelling stock are met and that agreement holders with rights to the water are not negatively impacted upon. To ensure that the infrastructure is maintained in a satisfactory state at all times.

2.6.2 Water agreements management policies

· Existing water agreements to be reviewed and if required terminated giving the agreement holders sufficient time to arrange alternative supply. Agreements to be terminated if conditions on the agreement have not been met.

· No new water agreements to be entered into without full consultation with all parties involved i.e. Stock Route Supervisors, Council, Landholder, Department of Natural Resources Mines & Energy reps etc.

2.6.3 Water agreements management strategies and actions

Strategy

Action

Priority

Ensure a fair and equitable process for assessing water agreements

Document the agreed process for assessing water agreement applications and ensure all stakeholders are aware of the process

High

2.6.4 Water agreements management issues

For Emerald Shire to meet the goal set for infrastructure management, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the water agreement management policies the following issues need to be addressed:

1. Agreement holders not carrying out general maintenance.

2. Inconsistency of Water Agreements

3. Users of the SRN refused access to water

2.6.5 Indicators and targets

Water agreements management indicators	Targets
Consistent Water Agreements	100% of Water Agreements to be reviewed and consistent by June 2005

2.7 Pests and Disease Management

2.7.1 Goal

To Contain and reduce current infestations of declared pest plants on the network.
To prevent the spread of declared pest plants and other recognised weeds in to and within the network.
Minimise pest animal impacts on the network.
Ensure users do not introduce new pests or diseases to the network.

2.7.2 Pests and diseases management policies

· Encourage all stock owners / drovers / machinery operators to take reasonable steps to ensure their stock or machinery are clean from pests, disease and weed seeds on entering and leaving the SRN.

· Ensure that all users of the SRN understand their obligations to prevent the spread of weeds through contaminated vehicles, machinery and their loads as required under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

· Require all stock and other products entering the SRN to be declared weed free, or to take practical measures to ensure that they are weed free.

· Ensure all vehicles entering SRN are washed down prior to entering Emerald Shire SRN, and an inspection to be carried out if necessary issuing an inspection report i.e. coming from known GRT areas, Going into Jericho Shire from parthenium areas in the Central Highlands. Encourage users to wash down vehicles on leaving the SRN.

· Carry out routine pest animal control programs on reserves to minimise pest animal impacts

· Carry out declared pest plant control as per annual works program

· Ensure all stock are tick free entering and leaving the SRN.

· Ensure users hold cattle for 5 days prior to entry to Jericho Shire to ensure weed seed free prior to entry on SRN within Jericho Shire, Bungil, Taroom, Tambo, Murweh, Duaringa.

2.7.3 Pests and diseases management strategies and actions

Strategy	Action	Priority
To continue to keep Neighbouring Shires and Jericho Shire relatively Parthenium Weed Free	1. Ensure conditions are placed on Permit to ensure users hold stock for 5 days prior to entering Jericho, Bungil, Taroom, Tambo, Murweh and Duaringa Shire Stock Routes. 2. Ensure users with vehicles and machinery have taken reasonable steps to minimise weed seed spread i.e. wash down prior to entry to Jericho Shire and Neighbouring Shires Stock Routes (Bungil, Taroom, Duaringa, Tambo). 3. Wash down Facilities and holding paddocks to be included on maps to be included with permit.	High
To ensure GRT Free Status for Emerald Shire	1. Stock Route Supervisors to monitor SRN for new weed incursions and follow Rapid Response Policy if required. 2. Ensure users abide by the policies and conditions set out on the permit.	High
To ensure that travelling stock do not carry ticks into tick free areas	1. Include Tick Line on Stock Route Maps. 2. Follow DPI Guidelines and include as conditions on Permit.	Medium
Minimise the spread of declared pest plants on the SRN.	1. Stock Route Supervisors require a copy of the Weed Hygiene Declarations for any stock, machinery, vehicle etc entering the Central Highlands SRN. 2. Awareness material provided to SRN users on: : Their obligations to minimise weed spread and : The need to minimise weed spread	Medium

2.7.4 Pests and diseases management issues

For the Emerald Shire to meet the goals and targets set for pest and disease management, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the pest and disease management policies the following issues need to be addressed:

1. Spread of Parthenium weed into Jericho and Duaringa Shire

2. Maintain GRT free Status of the Emerald Shire

3. Vehicle and Machinery Movements in and out of dirty areas.

2.7.5 Indicators and targets

Pests and diseases management indicators	Targets
Percentage of SRN area covered by declared pest plants	50% reduction in priority declared pest species by June 2007

2.8 Permitting travel and agistment

2.8.1 Goal

To carry out the process of assessing applications for permits to travel and/or agist stock on the SRN that ensures that the resources of SRN are sustained and to provide successful applicants with a clear understanding of the specific requirements of users of the SRN.

2.8.2 Permitting travel and agistment policies

Approving permits Policy

· Stock Route Supervisors to refer DNRM&E Guidelines (attached) when approving and issuing permits for travelling stock and agistment permits.

· Stock Route Supervisors to refer to Dep’t of Main Roads and Qld Rail Guidelines and include conditions on permits if necessary to comply with these Guidelines.

· Prior to approval of the permit if destination is outside the Emerald shire, all shires stock route supervisors where stock are to travel through arrange a meeting altogether with the applicant; to explain expectations and policies of the users prior to travelling.

Permit monitoring Policy

Stock Route Supervisor to monitor users of the SRN regularly and take appropriate mode of action if breaches occur.

Agistment approval Policy

Stock Route Supervisor to follow Land Protection Act 2002. Refer to section 116 (2) and Guidelines (attached) for correct procedure to follow. (28 days permit allocation, then reassessed and offered a further 28 days if suitable).
Council to implement a Ballot Process for agistment of Reserves (Refer to Criterion 10 “Assessing Stock Route Agistment Applications” of the Assessment Guide to Stock Routes

2.8.3 Permitting travel and agistment strategies and actions to address issues

Strategy

Action

Priority

To provide fair and equal access to the SRN whilst taking into consideration the condition of the SRN.

Stock Route Supervisors to follow guidelines and regulations when considering applications for permits.
Develop an education package for users relating to usage of the network, (policies, expectations etc)

High

2.8.4 Permitting travel and agistment issues

For the Emerald Shire to meet the goal set for permitting travel and agistment, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the permitting travel and agistment policies the following issues need to be addressed:

1. Local ratepayers want priority to agist on the SRN.

2. Land Condition (erosion, weeds)

3. Pasture Condition (poor cover, undesirable species, poor pasture composition)

4. Safety

5. Vegetation Management and Cultural Heritage

6. Infrastructure – Holding Paddocks, Water availability

7. Road Works

2.9 Permits to Occupy

2.9.1 Goal

To ensure the permittees adhere to the conditions set out e.g. land and forage condition, fencing, and pest management. To ensure that the SRN remains an unimpeded thoroughfare.

2.9.2 Permits to Occupy policies

No approvals for a Permit to Occupy to be allowed without full consultation with all parties involved.
Stock Route Supervisors to be involved in the process for approvals.
Stock Route Supervisors to make recommendations on conditions to be applied to the permit additional to the standard if required.
If there is suspected instances of non – compliance to the conditions of the permits, Council and /or Stock Route Supervisor to investigate and forward details to NRM&E for further action.

2.9.3 Permit to Occupy issues

For the Emerald Shire to meet the goal, set for Permits to Occupy, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the Permit to Occupy policies the following issues need to be addressed:

1. Fence lines

2. Gateways

3. Pasture Cover

4. Pasture Quantity

5. Pest Plants

6. Permittees refusing entry to SRN Users on the Stock Route, Watering Facility, Holding Yard, Reserve.

7. Road Safety

PLEASE NOTE – These issues need to be addressed in the Standard Conditions set for permits.

2.9.4 Permitting travel and agistment strategies and actions to address issues

Strategy	Action	Priority
To provide fair and equal access to the SRN whilst taking into consideration the condition of the SRN.	Document the agreed process for assessing Permit to Occupy applications and ensure all stakeholders are aware of the process. Develop a standard set of conditions / guidelines to be applied to all new permits. Ensure the conditions of the permits are complied to by carrying out an annual inspection program and provide an inspection report to NRM&E	High

2.10 Compliance

2.10.1 Goal

To develop a fair and equitable compliance process to assist in maintaining a sustainable Stock Route Network in accordance with the Acts that govern it.

2.10.1 Compliance policies

· Stock Route Supervisors to identify potential breaches by users, investigate and make recommendations on mode of action for CEO or delegated authority to act.

· An inspection program to be carried out periodically on routes consistently used under Permits to Occupy, and Water Agreements and report to be compiled and provided to Council.

· Ensure consistent compliance policies across shires.

2.10.2 Compliance issues

For the Emerald Shire to meet the goal and targets set for compliance, and to be able to manage the SRN in accordance with the compliance policies the following issues need to be addressed:

1. Following through on SRN Policies

2. Training in Compliance

2.10.3 Compliance strategies and actions to address issues

Strategy

Action

Priority

Develop enforcement partnerships with other Central Highlands shire members

1. Conduct meetings between Stock Route Supervisors regularly to discuss compliance issues.

2. Discuss compliance issues at Central Highlands NRM Group meetings.

Medium

Enhance Compliance Skills of Stock Route Supervisors and relevant officers

1. Stock Route Supervisors and other relevant officers to attend retraining of the Land Protection Act and Compliance.

Medium

6.1 Appendix 1 – Inventory of Water facilities

6.1.1 Emerald Shire Water Facility Inventory

WATER FACILITY NAME	FACILITY ID	ROUTE NUMBER FACILITY ON	TYPE OF FACILITY	INSTALL DATE	ESTIMATED REPLACEMENT DATE	WATER AGREEMENT HELD AND WHO WITH IF AVAILABLE AND EXPIRY DATE	CONDITION ASSESSMENT As at (1/5/04) (GOOD, FAIR, POOR (REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION)
Theresa Creek	W2507	S406	Sub Artesian	1970	2020		Good
Emerald Saleyards		S406	Town Supply				Good
Denison	W2818	S406	Channel off take	2002	2030		Good
Fairbairn Dam		S406	Nogoa River				Good
Gindie	W1510	S406	Excavated Tank	1960	2030		Good
Kammel	W0229	S406	Sub Artesian	1936	2020		Good
Fernless	W1509	S406	Sub Artesian	2003	2040		Good
Galgathaa	W2205	M412	Excavated Tank	1960	2030		Good
Gindie	W1510	M861	Excavated Tank	1960	2030		Good
Saleyards Paddock		M362	Gully Dam				Good
Mickey Creek		M362	Sub Artesian		2030		Fair
Withersfield	W2394	M362	Sub Artesian	1966	2020	J Graham	Good

6.2 Appendix 2 – Travelling stock usage

6.2.1 Emerald Shire Travelling Stock Numbers

STOCK ROUTE ID	1998/1999		1999/2000		2000/2001		2001/2002		2002/2003		JAN 2003 to DEC 2003
	Number of Permits	Cattle Numbers (Adult)	Number of Permits	Cattle Numbers (Adult)	Number of Permits	Cattle Numbers (Adult)	Number of Permits	Cattle Numbers (Adult)	Number of Permits	Cattle Numbers (Adult)	Number of Permits	Cattle Numbers (Adult)
S406	1	900	1	580	1	1200	3	3530	7	6173	6	5251
M362	3	2740	1	135	1	1500	-	-	2	2400	3	2703
M442	2	2200	2	2500	2	2500	2	2500	2	2800
M413
M861	1	1200

Network integrity indicators	Targets
Adjoining Central Highlands Councils working together to manage the Stock Route Network	All Central Highlands Shire Councils’, Stock Route Network policies are consistent
All Emerald Shire watering facilities in good working order	All poor condition facilities to be upgraded to good working order by June 2005. All Fair condition facilities to be upgraded to good working order by June 2007. SUBJECT TO FUNDING AVAILABILITY
New Emerald Shire watering facilities established on routes that are frequently used or ones that have the potential for high usage.	Establish 1 new facility Emerald Shire by Dec 2006 SUBJECT TO FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Abbreviation	Meaning
DMR	The Department of Main Roads
DPI	The Department of Primary Industries
EPA	Environment Protection Agency
NRM&E	The Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
QPWS	Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
SRN	Stock Route Network
SRMP	Stock Route Management Plan
The Act	The Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2003
SRS	Stock Route Supervisors

2.1.3.1 Partnerships policy

2.1.3.2 Rationalisation policy

2.1.3.3 Removal of impediments policy

2.1.3.4 Stock Route Enhancement Policy

2.3.2.1 Cultural Heritage Policy

2.4.1.1 Safety Management Policy

The Infrastructure within the Emerald Shire Network is maintained at a high standard for future users.

2.10 Compliance