PRIMARY Industries Minister Niall Blair’s Upper House sparring partner says a “wait and see” directive from the government on travelling stock routes (TSRs) will raise rumours of a cost-shifting exercise.
Labor’s Primary Industries spokesman Mick Veitch said state government needed to make its ongoing TSR review transparent and release details of public submissions as they were tabled.
Mr Blair said sections of the long paddock had been managed in a haphazard and inconsistent manner.
However, he has consistently denied the government wants to sell parcels of the 500,000 hectare of TSR estate, which is managed by Local Land Services (LLS). Nor would it shift ownership to local councils.
But Mr Veitch said the secrecy around public submissions had stifled policy debate and had cast doubt on how the government would continue to fund and adequately maintain the TSRs.
An LLS spokeswoman said the annual cost of maintaining TSRs was taken from LLS rates and contributions by investors.
Mr Veitch said government hadn’t been transparent.
“If we’re going to get this right for the next 20 or 30 years, let peoples’ submissions be seen and the dialogue be completely open. It’s all very unclear,” he said.
“Otherwise I do think it is a valid concern that the government may be looking to shift ownership of some TSRs.”
In its response to the Crown Lands White Paper last week the government said several submissions had advocated the linear, connected nature of TSRs be maintained and they should not be broken up and sold.
Combined Action To Retain Routes For Travelling Stock lobby group president Hamish Thompson said LLS should retain ownership of TSRs but seek the support of community boards which can provide regional-specific knowledge.
NSW Farmers business, economics and trade committee chairman Peter Wilson, Trangie, said improved maintenance of TSRs should be the priority.
Mr Wilson would not like to see TSRs turned over to National Parks and Wildlife, he could see the merit in selling disused TSRs to private buyers.
Public comment on the draft framework closes December 4.
