Commonsense Approach to Haulage

Friday, 14 October 2011 16:37

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

13 October 2011

 Commonsense Approach to Haulage

NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay has delivered another sensible reform for the haulage of agricultural produce by introducing a 2.7 metre width concession for the transportation of hay and straw bales.

 “The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government recognises the current dimensions and structure of many hay and straw bales, as well as the baling process, contributes to loads exceeding the current 2.5 metres maximum width limit,” said Mr Gay.

 Kevin Anderson MP, Member for Tamworth welcomed the reform as another example of commonsense in government. “As local farmers and carriers know, when placed and restrained tightly on a truck, hay and straw bale loads can deform or ‘bulge out’ beyond 2.5 metres in width.

 Mr Gay’s announcement follows an earlier much-needed reform in June to provide a width concession for the transportation of wool bale loads.

 Under the former Labor Government, farmers and truckies incurred heavy fines because of impractical and prescriptive rules and regulations that didn’t account for the natural, physical attributes of wool, hay and straw bales.

 The 12 month concession – which took effect in August – will give the NSW Government time to amend existing regulations to reflect the concessional width increase.

 Significantly, the new concession will not just be limited to livestock fodder but will also provide greater flexibility for mushroom growers who use straw to help cultivate their crops and the equine industry for horse bedding.

 According to the Australian Fodder Industry Association, the NSW fodder industry generates approximately $400 million in revenue each year.

 Mr Gay said to ensure road safety issues are adequately dealt with a number of important conditions will apply to the 12-month concession; notably:

• A maximum 100mm side load projection on any one side of the vehicle;
• Vehicles travelling at night carrying more than 2.6 metre width loads must have a flashing light, load delineators (i.e. reflective devices which identify the extremities of the load) and appropriate warning signs; and
  • Clearway, transit lane and critical location restrictions will still apply.

Mr Gay reminded industry members and stakeholders of the development of the National Heavy Vehicle Laws, scheduled for implementation in late-2012, which may impact on future wool, hay and straw bale width limits nationally.

 “In any future negotiations at the national level, I’ll be fighting hard for NSW to retain the 2.7 metre width increase for the transport of wool, hay and straw bales.

 “The NSW Government is also currently working with Cotton Australia to reach a similar width concession for the transport of round cotton bales.”

 Mr Anderson said, "A copy of wool, hay and straw notices and related conditions can be downloaded from the RTA website at http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/heavyvehicles".

ENDS