Council would like to remind residents that it is prohibited to graze livestock on verges and berms in urban areas. It has come to our attention that there are many areas of temporarily fenced off areas in Morven particularly which should not be being used, and we would ask that these activities stop. This is a clear breach of our bylaw regarding temporary fencing as Morven township is classified as an urban area.
The bylaw regarding temporary fencing exists to protect the integrity of roads as an important asset, enable parking in urban areas and, crucially, for the safety of road users. Drivers must have enough room to pull over when necessary and there must be clear visibility at intersections.
For those in rural areas, grazing on roadsides by adjacent properties is permitted under the bylaw but there are rules around temporary fencing which need to be met:
- The fence is to be supported by white lightweight standards, should use tape instead of wire and, to comply with laws governing electric fences, should include the provision of ‘Electric Fence’ signs. There is strictly no use of metal waratahs allowed.
- The fence must be at least two metres from the edge of the road.
- Fences must not be within 10 metres of any road intersection.
- Temporary fences may not be erected for a period of longer than 20 days and may only enclose stock during daylight hours. At no time shall bulls be kept in a temporary fenced enclosure adjacent to any road or road reserve.
- Before placing any fencing standards in the road reserve, supply authorities must be contacted to ensure that no damage occurs to underground services.
