Roadside Grazing Restrictions Plague Drought-Hit Southern Australia

Strategic Insights -

Farmers in southern Australia are calling for consistency in roadside grazing policies, citing the need for access to high-quality feed as drought conditions persist. In Victoria's Moyne Shire, more than 30 farmers have applied for grazing permits but have been blocked by native vegetation mapping requirements. Moyne council is seeking funding to undertake priority assessments, but in the meantime, farmers are struggling to access vital feed for their stock. "It feels like a lot of our government people are making decisions from behind a computer or textbook; what about the huge potholes, they pose a risk, and I have never seen one cyclist on our road," said Posie Mann, a western district cattle producer. Farmers are frustrated by the lack of clear policies and the varied approaches taken by councils, which are causing confusion and delays in accessing roadside grazing permits.

Key Takeaways:

  • More than 30 farmers in the Moyne Shire have applied for grazing permits but have been blocked by native vegetation mapping requirements.
  • The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling for more consistency in roadside grazing policies across the state.
  • Approaches to roadside grazing vary between councils, with some requiring electric fences, public liability insurance, and mud maps of proposed grazing locations.
  • The Moyne Shire council is seeking funding to undertake native vegetation assessments, which would allow farmers to access roadside grazing permits.
  • Farmers are struggling to access vital feed for their stock due to ongoing drought conditions in southern Australia.
  • A western district cattle producer, Posie Mann, expressed frustration with government decisions being made from behind a desk, rather than on the ground.
  • Farmers are calling for better understanding and support from government and councils to help them navigate the complexities of roadside grazing policies.

Statistics:

  • More than 30 farmers in the Moyne Shire have applied for grazing permits.
  • 18 permits have been approved in Colac Otway, compared to 12 the year prior and five in 2020.
  • The Glenelg Shire Council has 17 active permits, but insurance costs have made the permit unaffordable for some farmers.
  • Corangamite has 156 active permits, with farmers able to apply online through the council's website.
  • The Southern Grampians Shire has "significant restrictions" on grazing, particularly in areas with high conservation value, and has only issued a small number of permits.

Sources:

  • "Farmers irate over roadside grazing restrictions" by Chris Flynn, The Weekly Times, July 2022.
  • "Moyne Shire Council seeks funding for native vegetation assessments" by The Moyne Shire Council, 2022.
  • "Victorian Farmers Federation calls for consistency in roadside grazing policies" by the Victorian Farmers Federation, 2022.
  • "Colac Otway Shire Council reports increase in roadside grazing permits" by the Colac Otway Shire Council, 2022.
  • "Glenelg Shire Council discusses roadside grazing permits" by the Glenelg Shire Council, 2022.
  • "Corangamite Shire Council outlines roadside grazing permit process" by the Corangamite Shire Council, 2022.