The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomes the new National Road Train notice which promises to improve cross-border road freight movements and reduce red-tape for growers in Victoria’s North West.
VFF Grains Group President Ashley Fraser said the notice paves the way for a simpler and more efficient road train network.
“The new National Road Train Notice will include a road network in North West Victoria for 36.5m Adouble trucks and introduces simplified, nationally consistent conditions for road trains.”
“This is fantastic news for transport operators and farmers in the North West and is a great step towards increasing freight productivity across Victoria,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said the drought and COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of securing our food supply chains.
The VFF has been strongly lobbying for a permanent network in Victoria following the success of the temporary Drought Road Train Network in delivering hay and grain to drought affected farmers in New South Wales and Queensland over the past 18 months.
“The recent Drought Road Train Network has highlighted the benefits of how increasing access for high productivity freight vehicles can reduce supply chain costs for farmers,” Mr Fraser said.
The VFF will continue to work with the Department of Transport and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to improve the efficient movement of hay and grain.
Media Contacts:
Ashley Fraser, VFF Grains Group President, 0418 176 764
Ryan Moloney, VFF, 0400 874 589