Freight operators and farmers will benefit from the NSW Government’s new arrangements for heavy vehicles carrying fodder to drought-affected areas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will allow more hay to be transported per truckload.
The Member for Oxley, and Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said the Government recognised the rapid increase in the need to transport hay and silage and also that freight was a major cost.
“The new notice means farmers and freight operators should now find it much easier to get more hay and silage to the places it is needed most,” Mrs Pavey said.
“We have committed more than $1 billion in drought assistance to date. This is another step designed to help assist our primary industry.”
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 and up to 2.83 metres wide on all approved roads, as well as 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.
There is 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.
