Issue 118 | 15 July 2021

Our farmers and the agricultural sector are vital to the success of Australia.  Every week, thousands of drivers and heavy vehicles safely access more than 85,000 agricultural businesses and in doing so, maintain supply chains across the country and the world. I’m proud to say that safety is always front of mind for our farmers, and this was evident at the annual Livestock and Rural Transporters Association South Australia conference I attended recently, where I had the opportunity to speak with many of the hard-working members of the industry. As we join together to celebrate National Farm Safety Week (18- 24 July) we’ll continue to work with the sector to ensure the safety of its workers while improving productivity for operators.   This week, members of our Stakeholder Engagement team have been in regional Queensland, meeting with truck drivers and answering questions. I encourage you to keep an eye out for upcoming truck driver info days and stop in for a chat with the team. As we move into the second half of the year, my thoughts remain with those who continue to grapple with changes to their operating conditions due to the impacts of COVID-19. Please stay up to day with the latest information at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus Sal, CEO

Stay up to date with COVID-19 travel restrictions

The Victorian Government has applied a hard border with NSW, which means NSW and the ACT have been declared a red zone. Essential freight workers are classified as specific workers and will be permitted entry. For the latest information on changes to cross border requirements, links to permits, and testing facilities visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus

Changes to Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Notices

A reminder to operators that 10 agricultural notices across Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania will be revoked by 2 August.   If you have a permit that refers to one of these notices, please check it to make sure it’s still valid.  You’ll have to apply for a new permit if your: existing permit doesn’t cover the full journey; or existing permit refers to a revoked notice; or combination doesn’t comply with the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice. ​> For more information about changes to the agricultural notices, click here

Funding boost to give heavy vehicles better access to road networks

The heavy vehicle industry has received a $12.1 million Federal Government funding boost, aimed at delivering better assessment of road assets across rural and regional Australia, as part of the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP). NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto welcomed the additional funding, noting the tangible value already provided by the first round of SLGAAP funding. “This additional funding builds on the critical work already rolling out across regions, supporting industry and making our communities safer,” Sal said. > To read more about the latest SLGAAP funding, click here

NHVR and Health in Gear Truck Driver Information Days

The NHVR and Health in Gear have been in regional Queensland this week, hosting free “Truckie Tune Up” health checks and information days in Goondiwindi and Roma. Truck drivers in the areas were able to get a confidential health check with a Health in Gear nurse and support worker, who provided information, support, and referrals, and the opportunity for a follow-up call.  Members of the NHVR stakeholder Engagement team were also available on-site to answer questions and help with any applications and service queries. For those in the Roma area, the NHVR and Health in Gear team will be at the United Roma and Pie Face (44589 Warrego Highway, Roma) through to 10:00pm this evening (Thursday 15 July).

Fatigue Management Tips

Following on from our recent round of Fatigue Management Tips, we’ve included some additional questions and tips regarding local area work record keeping that may be of use. > Click here to read the local area work record keeping tips

Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?

A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past months, but safety still comes first. Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus

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