Burrumbuttock Hay Runners to hold functions in Muttaburra

The convoy of trucks was set to arrive at their final destination of Hughenden on February 25, dropping supplies to areas such as Julia Creek, Richmond and Torrens Creek but will instead stop in Muttaburra.

It comes after local councils spoke of their concerns last month that hay may jeopardise pest and weed management plans established in the area.

Hay Runners founder Brendan Farrell wouldn’t comment on why the route had been changed but said farmers in the Hughenden area could still receive hay.

“We will take the trucks up there but we are not having the functions and stuff up there,” he said.

“If they put their name in the ballot they will get the hay. We are just not having the function up there.”

He said plans for the hay run were progressing well and so far 140 prime movers and 200 trailers were signed on.

“I only just came back from up there and we formed a committee up there and they are getting things organised,” he said.

“It will be good.”

Flinders Shire Mayor Jane McNamara said council had worked through the project and decided how to organise the event.

“We then heard that Brendan Farrell had decided to finish the trip in Muttaburra,” she said.

“Muttaburra is more central to the badly droughted areas, so we congratulate them on being chosen to host the event.

“Hay will be delivered to Hughenden and other areas from Muttaburra.”