Freight changes to support our farmers

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward MP has today welcomed the New South Wales Government’s new improved access for heavy vehicles carrying supplies and stock to drought-affected areas.

The new NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice, which will come into effect by 15 August, will allow more hay to be transported per truckload, reducing costs for farmers.

Mr Ward said that with 100 per cent of NSW in drought, the NSW Liberals and Nationals are working hard to reduce costs for farmers.

“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,” he said.

“We recognise there has been a greater demand to transport hay across the Illawarra and South Coast 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.

“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.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have committed more than $1 billion in drought assistance to date. This is another step designed to help assist farmers across our region at this difficult time.

“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,” Mr Ward said.

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