In Australia, there are currently no roadside effluent disposal sites. Livestock processing facilities are not required to provide disposal areas and primary producers will not accept it onto their property due to biosecurity concerns. Drivers depositing material in public places risk fines of up to $8,000.
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) is seeking to change this with an application for grant funding to the Federal Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) to establish Australia’s first roadside livestock effluent disposal facility on the Warrego Highway in Queensland.
A first of its kind in Australia, this project, if successful in the submission, will serve as a foundation model to deliver real and immediate benefits for road users; livestock producers, transporters and processors; and all regions that rely on the livestock supply chain in South East Queensland.
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation has written a letter of strong support for the ALRTA application, outlining the need for such a facility and the fundamental importance of proper management of livestock effluent on public roadways for protecting road safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, amenity, environmental, and business interests.
For more information on Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, click here.
