The Queensland Government says a new management plan for fodder harvesting will cut red tape and save time for landholders impacted by drought across large parts of the State.

Natural resources minister Andrew Cripps said his Department had developed an Area Management Plan for the State’s mulga lands, which stretch from Longreach in the north, Dirranbandi in the east and west to the Queensland border.

The announcement follows two days of consultation with landholders and industry groups in Mitchell and Cunnamulla last month.

“The dry conditions in western Queensland are causing concern for landholders and have created a high demand for fodder-harvesting permits,” Mr Cripps said.

“Harvesting fodder is a legitimate purpose for which a landholder can apply to manage native vegetation, however the current rules require a permit to be approved before work can be carried out.

“The creation of an Area Management Plan for the south-west mulga lands means landholders now simply need to notify the Department of Natural Resources and Mines before they commence fodder harvesting.

“This will enable landholders to responsibly manage fodder vegetation over time, rather than having to regularly apply for permits that can take too long to process when needed urgently.

“Fodder trees and shrubs, particularly mulga, are an important natural resource supporting sheep and cattle production over large areas of south-west Queensland.

“Particularly in times of drought, many property owners have used fodder species successfully and sustainably for generations.”

Mr Cripps said there were no fees associated with Area Management Plans, which remain in effect for ten years.

““The creation of this plan for the harvesting of mulga scrub to feed livestock during drought will save time and money for graziers,” he said.

“DNRM will work closely with rural groups and landholders to develop a self-assessable code for fodder harvesting that will be available towards the end of the year.”  

The plan covers the local government areas of the Balonne Shire, Barcoo shire, Bulloo Shire, Barcaldine Shire, Blackall Tambo Regional Council, Longreach Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Diamantina Shire, Goondiwindi Regional Council, Murweh Shire, Paroo Shire, Quilpie Shire, Western Downs Regional Council and Winton Shire.

The mulga lands Area Management Plan is the fifth to receive approval following the development of plans for the Desert Channels, Dirranbandi, Moonjaree and south-west regions.

Further information about Area Management Plans and fodder harvesting is available at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au

Source: QNRM