On The Land
29 September, 2024
Muster permits for Cape graziers
STOCK muster permits have been issued and graziers have until 6 October to remove their branded cattle from Cape York national parks and Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL).
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has been working with graziers across the region since early February in preparation for this year’s muster and feral cattle management program.
The department began issuing muster permits in July to facilitate the removal of branded cattle from Cape York national parks.
The seizure period from 15 September to 6 October is now in place. Any remaining cattle in the national parks have been seized by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
This will allow Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Land Trust rangers to muster unbranded cattle for commercial sale, with the proceeds going directly into the management of the national parks.
Landowners who wish to make a final claim on livestock in the national parks are advised to provide a written claim to DESI to obtain a short-term stock muster permit.
Cape York Manager Nick Smith said the QPWS feral cattle management program would begin in CYPAL national parks later this year.
“The management program will target the remaining unbranded cleanskin cattle and feral pigs in the national parks,” he said.
“Cattle can cause extensive damage to the natural and cultural values of our national parks by trampling vegetation, impacting on water bodies and competing with native animals for food.
“It is estimated that cattle populations can increase by around 40% annually, and our management program has the support of landholders, DAF, environmental groups and Traditional Owners.
“The QPWS encourages neighbouring landholders who have not yet applied for a mustering permit to discuss cattle management with their local Ranger in Charge.”
Mustering permits are available at www.parks.desi.qld.gov.au/management/resources/forms
