Grid ownership program

Published on 20 February 2023

Upper Hunter Shire Council has announced that it will be conducting an audit of all cattle grids and gates in the local government area (LGA). According to Council, records indicate that many rural property landowners in the LGA are responsible for the maintenance of a grid, or own a rural property that borders a grid on a public road.

As a result, Council is offering landowners the opportunity to claim ownership of public grids, in accordance with Council Roads Ramps Public Gates and Grids Policy. All grids and gates on public roads must be registered and a permit provided, with the permit holder responsible under the Roads Act NSW 1993 for the maintenance of the grid and gate, the bypass road to the gate, and 20 metres of road on each approach to a grid.

To encourage landowners to take ownership of their grids, the council is waiving the usual $1,230 application fee for registration, with the offer set to run until 30 June 2023.

However, Council notes that as the local roads authority, it has the power under the Roads Act 1993 to take action in respect of unauthorised or unsafe structures, including cattle grids and gates, within a public road reserve. In the event that a grid or gate is not registered by a property owner, Council may remove the grid or gate, particularly if it's found to be unsafe or non-compliant.

Landowners who wish to register their grids or gates can do so by completing the online form below, or by submitting the enclosed application form via post or email. Council stresses that the condition of the grid must comply with current standards.

For further information, contact Council on (02) 6540 1100. 

This opportunity provides landowners with a chance to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the safety of all road users, while also potentially saving them money by waiving the usual application fee for grid registration.