Issue 92 | 28 July 2020

The heavy vehicle industry is playing a vital role in both supporting the national economy and in efforts to reduce transmission of coronavirus. While wearing a mask is not compulsory in all cases when crossing state borders, the NHVR and trucking associations have joined together to highlight the benefits of all essential workers, including those involved in the freight task wearing masks. Even where it’s not compulsory, we believe it is an important way to reduce risk and reassure the community that the industry is leading the fight and doing the right thing. It’s vital that our industry continues to take a proactive approach to protecting ourselves and the community to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For up to date information on changes to operating conditions during the pandemic and the latest on border restrictions specific to the transport of freight and logistics, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus Sal

Hunter Region notice to slash permit numbers

A new network has been established to support the movement of oversize over mass (OSOM) mining equipment across the Hunter Valley. The New South Wales Class 1 Load Carrying Combination (Hunter Region) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice would reduce red tape and provide certainty for the local mining and freight industry. The Notice is the largest mass and dimension notice in the country, covering vehicles up to 184.5 tonnes for a combination up to 39.9 metres long, 5.9 metres wide and 5.2 metres high, travelling across the local government areas of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Maitland, Upper Hunter and Warrumbungle. Click here for more information

Share the road tips for travelling caravaners

Check out the latest video tips that every caravan or RV driver should watch before hitting the road this winter and pass them on to your mates. The Whiteline Television videos, fronted by well-known truckie and safety advocate Rod Hannifey and entertainer Amelia Ryan, cover topics such as sharing truck stops and roadhouses or overtaking on a highway. The NHVR is calling on any driver who knows someone with a caravan to ‘Tell a mate’ to watch these videos. They feature some of Australia’s finest outback scenery, but Rod and Amelia’s tips are vitally important whether you are on an open highway, stopping for a break or setting up for the night. See the full announcement here. To view the Share the Road videos visit www.sharetheroad.net.au

Changes to South Australian inspections

South Australia’s requirement for Restricted Access Vehicles (RAV) to undergo an annual inspection, or to be in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) will end on August 1. This aligns South Australia with other Australian jurisdictions and is expected to create efficiencies for RAVs travelling between States and Territories. Operators must continue to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy and there is still the requirement for an inspection at change of vehicle ownership. To continue to improve road safety and heavy vehicle roadworthiness compliance, additional options will be investigated in consultation with the NHVR and the South Australian Police. Additional information relating to heavy vehicles can be found at www.sa.gov.au

NHVR partnership delivers livestock effluent disposal point

A new livestock effluent disposal pit at the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLE) was opened earlier this month and is now available to all livestock transporters. The project was a joint initiative of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Horsham Rural City Council and funded under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government. The newly installed pit will provide allow transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield. Read the joint announcement here

How to nominate a local government road asset for assessment

The NHVR is currently in the process of assessing important infrastructure assets, like bridges and culverts, as part of the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Program (SLGAAP). A better understanding of these assets on key local government heavy vehicle routes will improve heavy vehicle access and productivity across Australia. The pilot phase of the project, involving 12 councils, is underway and now we are calling on the industry to help us identify assets that would benefit from an assessment in future phases of the project.  View the step by step guide to nominating an asset for assessment Register for the NHVR SLGAAP Engagement Hub to nominate an asset

Freight border crossing updates

The NHVR has been advised of a number of on-going changes for essential travellers, including anyone moving freight, when crossing state borders. These include: Tasmania. From 31 July 2020, an Essential Traveller who has spent time in a designated NSW hotspot or any part of Victoria in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Tasmania will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test on arrival at air and seaports. There will be medical and or nursing staff at the ports to conduct the testing. Western Australia. Anyone who has been in, or transited through Victoria or NSW within the previous 14 days will be required to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours or arrival.

Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?

A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past few 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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