provide necessary funding toRural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB) for the upkeepof Travelling Stock Routes(TSR).

“In the light of skyrocketing fuel prices and the ongoing drought, the State government needs to step in and provide money for the upkeep of NSW Travelling Stock Routes, which are fundamental for moving stock in search of feed,” Mr Fraser said.

“Drought, coupled with rising fuel prices mean that farmers are finding themselves abandoning their vehicles for horses in order to save a bit of money when moving stock from farm gate to stockyard.

“The RLPB’s recent independent review demonstrated that they are losing around $3 million per year on the TSRs, placing a huge financial burden on the Rural Land Protection Board local boards.”

Mr Fraser demanded the government provide funding in future Budgets to RLPBs so that they could continue to maintain and manage TSRs.

“I do not support moves for the Labor government to take control of these TSRs, as I fear they will effectively sell these off to the highest bidder to improve the Budget bottom line,” Mr Fraser said.

“TSRs across NSW cover 600,000 hectares of Crown land held in trust.

“Judging by Premier Morris Iemma’s vehement determination to proceed with his electricity privatisation plans regardless of community opinion, I have no doubt that they will do the same with the TSRs,” Mr Fraser said.

“RLPBs deserve financial support from the State

government so that they can continue to manage TSRs

in the manner that they have for future generations.”