Western NSW farmers can expect trucks delivering hay to be at “full capacity”, saving them money and reducing the wait for desperately-needed feed.
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On Wednesday the NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will come into effect, allowing more hay to be transported per truckload.
The new heavy vehicle regulations followed the fining of truck drivers for minor breaches of Roads and Maritime Services length and height rules as they moved hay from Victoria to drought-stricken NSW.
An extra $15 million has been committed by the state government to road maintenance as the new regulations will allow road trains on more roads.
State Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said 100 per cent of NSW was in drought.
“Freight is a major cost for farmers so I welcome this adjustment from the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight (Melinda Pavey),” he said
“We recognise there has been a greater demand to transport hay in the region because of ongoing drought conditions.
We also know freight is a huge cost so the more hay we can get on one load the cheaper it is for our farmers.”
Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair is promising that “every truckload will be used to its full capacity”.
Drought applications are being prioritised through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator portal by including the word DROUGHT in the reference section of the application.
READ ALSO: Vic truckies lend support to NSW farmers
The NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will:
· Allow eligible vehicles transporting hay to travel under notice and without a permit, including B-doubles up to 26 metres long;
· On a case-by-case basis, allow access permits for road trains on roads not currently approved for road trains;
· On a case-by-case basis, provide access permits for trucks transporting loads of hay in excess of 4.6 metres high; and
·Refund or waive National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Roads and Maritime permit fees for drought relief applications.
Carriers and farmers with questions should call 1800 952 292 or visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/drought-freight.
