A local council may declare to DSE that a government road is not required for public traffic. The road then becomes an unused road and the council may require that an unused road be opened for public traffic. However, DSE has the power to issue a licence for agricultural use of the road to an owner/occupier of the adjoining private land. Licences over unused roads for agricultural use can be issued for up to 99 years. The licensee must pay all rates and charges applicable, including council rates.

A licence may be cancelled if conditions are not met or a council requires the road to be reopened for traffic purposes.

To view a webpage containing a factsheet on this topic go to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries website - www.dpi.vic.gov.au.