Trucks will be able to carry more hay and fodder to drought affected farmers because of action being taken today by the Coalition Government.
Longer and higher loads of hay and fodder will now be allowed to travel on state and national-controlled roads.
Heavy vehicles up to a maximum height of 4.6 metres and 2.83 metres wide will no longer require a permit to access the existing state-controlled road networks. Previously access was limited for Class 3 vehicles up to 2.6 metres wide and 4.3 metres high.
Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, who is Chair the Coalition’s Backbench Agriculture Committee, said that this was a practical measure to assist those helping to ease the burden in drought affected areas.
“This announcement is a practical step to support the large amounts of fodder from Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania loaded and transported across the country to drought affected areas, particularly to regional NSW,” Mr Pasin said.
The Notice will remove the need for up to 6,000 consents a year. It is estimated farming operators will save the equivalent of up to 54,000 days per year applying and waiting for permits.
Permits will still be required through the NHVR Portal (www.nhrv.gov.au/drought) for access to some local government roads.
“Today’s announcement builds on the more than $1.8 billion in additional Commonwealth drought support measures already delivered,” Said Mr Pasin.
“Helping our farmers and farming communities remains our number one priority.”
