Examines the legislative history of travelling stock routes, starting with an overview of the current arrangements and then presenting a chronological account of the many relevant regulatory developments in this field.

Introduction

The ownership and future management of travelling stock routes (TSRs) are currently the subject of review, further to the 2013 report Crown Lands Management Review. The report said that:

There are issues around ownership, governance, future use and the role of government. In particular, it needs to be determined whether the NSW Government should continue to own and control TSRs.

The review also commented on the changing uses of TSRs, stating:

The use of TSRs has changed: most are no longer being used for their original purpose. They are used for recreation, other social uses, access and heritage. TSRs also provide some insurance during drought and flood. Many are still important because of their location in over-cleared landscapes and because of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage and ecological values.

This paper begins with a brief commentary on these various uses and on the place of TSRs in Australia’s cultural history. Its focus, however, is on the legislative history of TSRs, starting with an overview of the current arrangements and then presenting a chronological account of the many relevant regulatory developments in this field, from 1832 to 2014.