Fright changes to support farmers
Coming into effect by August 15, the new NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will allow more hay to be transported per truckload, reducing costs for farmers.
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The new notice means farmers who’ve been having trouble moving hay should now find it much easier to get it to the places it is needed most.
Drought applications are being prioritised through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) portal, by including the word DROUGHT in the reference section of the application.
The new 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
Up to 2.83 metres wide on all approved roads
Up to 4.6 metres high, on the approved 4.6 metre high network
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
Refund or waive National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Roads and Maritime permit fees for drought relief applications
A dedicated hotline (1800 952 292) and website www.rms.nsw.gov.au/drought-freight for any questions or queries transport operators or farmers may have.
Safety first, NSW cattle underpass scheme
Recently, the NSW Government announced $3 million in grants for farmers to build cattle underpasses and install warning signs and flashing lights, to help ensure road safety for producers and motorists.
The Grants provide 50 per cent of the cost of installing an underpass, up to $70,000 or up to $10,000 to help cover the cost of installing warning signs and flashing lights.
Underpasses remove the need for cattle to cross roads, improving safety for livestock owners and their employees.
The investment delivers on a commitment from the NSW Liberals and Nationals as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSW Farmers Association to improve farm and road safety.
Applications for grants close on October 31 and will be considered in the order in which they are received.
Every application received will be assessed against eligibility criteria listed in the Cattle Underpass Scheme guidelines.
With 100 per cent of NSW in drought, the NSW Government has announced improved access for heavy vehicles carrying supplies and stock to drought-affected areas.
ORANA joint organisation goes from strength to strength
Orana Joint Organisation has expanded with Bogan Shire Council and Warren Shire Council formally joining four other councils as members of the new regional body.
Bogan Shire Council and Warren Shire Council have been formally proclaimed as members of Orana Joint Organisation along with existing member councils Gilgandra, Mid-Western Regional, Narromine, and Warrumbungle.
Orana Joint Organisation was formally proclaimed in May this year with four member councils.
I am confident that our region’s councils will see the benefits of stronger collaboration with each other and the NSW Government to deliver better outcomes for the Orana community.
Orana Joint Organisation has already held its inaugural Board meeting where Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten was elected chairperson.
The joint organisation is now working on developing its Statement of Strategic Regional Priorities which will set out its vision for the region and guide its work going forward.