Ongoing drought conditions have taken a toll on century-old travelling stock routes, with vital areas in south-west Queensland closed off for the first time in living memory.
The Murweh Shire, which spans an area twice the size of Wales, has stopped issuing travelling permits and will only allow grazing permits on a case by case basis.
The decision has been criticised by drovers, saying it should be up to them as to whether they can get through, and they should be open at all times.