New South Wales Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay has announced the extension of the NSW Livestock Loading Scheme to 15 more local council areas.
Minister Gay said the NSW Government had worked closely with councils in country areas to identify regional and local roads suitable for the scheme.
“This is a scheme that’s making a world of difference to farmers and processors across NSW and another example of a much needed reform for many years that’s taken a Liberals & Nationals Government to deliver,” Minister Gay said.
“I’m pleased to announce the scheme will be extended to include approved B-double and road train routes in another 15 council areas.
“I thank these councils for their commitment to reducing freight costs for NSW farmers and livestock carriers and ensuring continued access and viability for NSW meat processors.
“The NSW Government introduced the Livestock Loading Scheme in December 2012 to increase freight productivity and protect jobs in the NSW meat and livestock industry.
“Under the scheme, livestock carriers fitted with certified road friendly suspension may operate at increased mass limits, comparable to those in other states.
“The scheme includes a driver training program to address an industry concern that rollover crashes are over-represented in livestock transport compared to other road freight.
“I’m delighted that to date, more than 450 drivers have undertaken this course.
“To further help livestock carriers and their customers take advantage of the extension to the scheme’s approved routes, an interactive map is available on the Roads and Maritime (RMS) website.
“We know there is still more work to do to ensure the scheme continues to offer council and operators maximum benefit.
“I encourage all NSW local councils to work with industry stakeholders, TfNSW Freight and Regional Development and RMS to identify priority livestock transport routes and to expand the scheme where it is safe to do so for all of our road users,” Minister Gay said.
The 15 most recent councils which have approved additional access to regional and local roads in their areas are:
- Bogan Shire Council
- Bathurst Regional Council
- Cabonne Council
- Dubbo City Council
- Gilgandra Shire Council
- Goulburn Mulwaree Council
- Gundagai Shire Council
- Greater Taree City Council
- Lismore City Council
- Narrabri Shire Council
- Parkes Shire Council
- Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
- Richmond Valley Council
- Wentworth Shire Council
- Yass Valley Council
For more information and to view the new approved routes on the NSW Livestock Loading Scheme visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/heavyvehicles
The interactive map is available at www.rta.nsw.gov.au/heavyvehicles/llsmap/