A JOINT announcement by Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair and Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnson at the weekend will bring much-needed additional drought support for NSW transporters and farmers.
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Gundy, located approximately 20km east of Scone, was abuzz on Sunday morning after a suite of new drought measures were unveiled by the trio.
Coming into effect on Wednesday, August 15, a NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will allow eligible vehicles, including B-doubles up to 26m long transporting hay, to travel under notice and without a permit up to 2.83m wide on all approved roads and up to 4.6m high on the approved 4.6m high network.
“Carriers understand first-hand that the impacts of a drought ripple outwards from our farmers to a range of other businesses that service our industry,” Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association president Lynley Miners said.
“The whole nation eventually feels the impacts.
“Many operators will be encouraged that they haven’t been forgotten in what is said to be one of our worst droughts in our history.
“Many will be pleased to know that the relaxation of heavy vehicle access rules across NSW, albeit better late than never, will keep the cogs moving in their businesses until this unprecedented drought breaks.”
Drought relief permit applications through the NHVR will be also prioritised and associated fees refunded or waived.
“These changes will relieve many pressures associated with the realities of this state-wide drought, but we must consider the introduction of relief measures much sooner as part of any future drought strategies,” Ms Miners said.
The LBRCA also welcome expansion of access, on a case-by-case basis, for road trains on roads not currently approved for road trains and permits for heavy vehicles transporting hay more than 4.6m high.
Ms Pavey confirmed that permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the necessary conditions for safe travel for road trains (with a tandem axle, rather than a tri-axle dolly) to be permitted on the full length of the Newell Highway and on roads to the east of the Newell Highway.
“We are also relaxing the requirements for participation in the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) (for Type 1 A-Double Road Trains, Modular B-Triples, B-Triples and AB-Triples) when carrying drought relief hay,” she explained.
A Transporting round baled (an operators guide) Fact Sheet has been developed by NSW Roads and Maritime Services, too.