Transporting hay made easier for NSW farmers

NSW Farmers’ Association is pleased the NSW Government has listened to its calls for improved access for heavy vehicles carrying supplies and stock to drought affected farmers.

Today the NSW Government and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) announced the introduction of the NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will allow eligible vehicles transporting hay in NSW to travel under notice and without a permit. 

Heavy vehicles, including B-doubles up to 26 metres long, 2.83 metres wide on all approved roads and up to 4.6 metres high on the approved 4.6 metre high network will not require a permit to carry hay.

The government has also announced that on a  case-by-case basis, it will allow access permits for road trains on roads currently not approved.

NSW Farmers’ RMS spokesperson Wayne Dunford said the changes will make a difference for thousands of farmers across the state.

“This is a commonsense move by the government that will help drought affected farmers.

“More hay on trucks will reduce financial costs and increase efficiency at a time when farmers are facing difficult conditions.

“NSW Farmers’ Association has been advocating for these measures for some time, so it’s pleasing to see the government responding and removing red tape.”

The Exemption notice will be available from Wednesday 15 August.

The NHVR has also outlined it is streamlining the application process for trucks that do not meet the conditions of the Notice.

Date:  13/08/2018
Media Contact:   Kathleen Curry  |  Public Affairs Director | 0429 011 690