Giving farmers a break over roadside feeding
THE issue of roadside feeding of stock has once again reared its head at a Southern Downs Regional Council meeting, after concerns were raised about metal star pickets being hidden by long grass.
Cr Ross Bartley, a farmer and strong supporter of roadside feeding of stock, was vocal on the issue - recommending the council place a submission with the State Government to remove permit fees for farmers living in drought declared areas.
"What's fair for one lot of people is fair for all - should we then be writing to Telstra and asking them to remove every metal picket they use to mark a joint?" he said.
"In my opinion I think it's a little bit of a commonsense issue - in drought times roadside feeding will continue to happen."
Cr Pennisi also voiced his support of roadside feeding, saying the farmers do the council a favour by keeping grass low and improving visibility for motorists.
Councillors resolved to see what could be done to reduce or remove the permit fees, currently as high as $2.50 per head per week.
