A dry start to the year has contributed to the rise in reports, and the council is concerned by the risks uncontained livestock pose to drivers.
Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said the council was sympathetic to farmers needing to provide feed, but residents are legally required to confine livestock to their property.
“Livestock seeking feed on the road reserve will easily push through or over a fence that isn’t in good condition,” he said.
“Wandering livestock are also a danger for motorists, with incidents costing time, money, and in the worst-case scenario, lives.”
All rural residents, including landowners and leasers, should ensure their fences and gates are secure to reduce the risk of livestock escaping.
The council has also reminded residents that grazing and droving livestock are prohibited on roads and road-related areas within the shire.
“If residents need to move livestock across or along roads, specific regulations must be followed,” Mr Rollinson said.
To comply, proper signage must be displayed, and it’s essential to ensure livestock are controlled, supervised, moved during daylight hours, and on the road for a reasonable time.
Failure to contain livestock can result in penalties and enforcements, including impounding of animals.
For more information or to report roaming livestock, phone the council on 5450 9333.
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