Grazing stock on public roads

If you wish to graze animals on a rural roadside berm, or on an unformed legal (paper) road there are requirements to follow to ensure the safety of your stock and other road users. This section outlines what you need to know about grazing stock on public roads.

Do I need a permit for grazing stock on a road?

No. As of 1 November 2025 we no longer require permits or Licence to Occupy agreements for this activity. Instead, the below guidance is to be followed by those wishing to graze animals on public roads.

Where can I graze stock on a road?

Stock can be only grazed on rural roadside berms or unformed legal roads which are located adjacent to or are located within land owned by the stock owner.

What is required to graze stock on a road?

Suitable temporary fencing must be installed to contain the animals. The fencing must be maintained in a stock-proof condition at all times by the stock owner. Some animals may require tethering to ensure they are contained within the area. Any use of electric fences should include the provision of ‘Electric Fence’ signage. Please also consider options such as Public Liability Insurance.

Temporary fencing means the use of lightweight plastic fencing standards and fencing tape as to not create a roadside hazard for the public. The use of metal waratahs or timber fence posts is not allowed.

Where temporary fencing is installed on a roadside berm, there must be enough room remaining for drivers to pull over when necessary and there must be clear visibility at intersections.

Are there any animals I can’t graze on the road?

At no time shall Bulls, Bucks, Stallions or Rams be kept in a temporary fenced enclosure adjacent to any road or road reserve.

How long can I graze stock on a road?

Stock should be only grazed on rural roadside berms during daylight hours. Stock grazing within unformed legal roads can continue outside of daylight hours if there is permanent stock-proof fencing surrounding the area.

Grazing shall at no time prevent legitimate use of the road or cause a hazard or nuisance to other legitimate users. Council reserves the right to require any stock grazing activity to cease and desist should there be a justified public safety, nuisance or damage to the road claim upheld by Council.