Farmer News
14 August, 2025
Call for vigilence of stock on roads
LIVESTOCK on country roads is a common sight for motorists living in rural areas.
However, locals are reminded it is the responsibility of all road users to be vigilant when travelling on roads regularly used for grazing or moving stock.
According to Agriculture Victoria, municipal councils and state road authorities administer guidelines for farmers, drovers and others who may require a permit – or who are exempted by a local law to need a permit to have stock on roads or road reserves.
And with feed in paddocks now scarce, many farmers across the district are turning to roadsides or moving stock.
Designated stock routes, municipal roads or declared arterial roads and freeways have differing requirements for managing safe stock access.
There is a guide on the VicRoads website called ‘Manual for traffic control at stock crossings’ which contains a short checklist that can be used to determine if a permit is required.
The manual also includes graphics that show approved layouts for high-use and low-use stock crossings as well as the appropriate type and/or size for flashing lights and signage which must be used at the stock crossing sites.
Motorists are asked to be on the look-out for ‘stop’ and ‘give way to stock’ signs while travelling on country roads.
And farmers are urged to use the necessary signage when they have stock on roads.
For more information search for stock crossing guidelines on the website, wwwvicroads.vic.gov.au.