The Commonwealth Government has announced that it will invest $10 million over two years to improve safety at livestock saleyards, and to upgrade other key facilities used by the livestock transport industry throughout Australia.
“This investment package will save the lives of our drivers. Every year, rural livestock drivers pay the cost for having to work in out-dated facilities,” National President of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transport Association (ALRTA), John Beer said.
“Last year, a driver in Victoria was placed in a coma after being struck in the head by a bull when he had to load using an unsuitable ramp. From South Australia, my former national vice-president was hospitalised when he was trapped, unable to escape from a badly-designed ramp, and was run over by three steers. In Queensland recently, one of the very best companies in my industry lost a 44-year-old driver who was gored by a bull.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese told the House of Representatives this week that the decision was taken after the Independent Member Tony Windsor asked the Government to increase funding to the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP), in order to address issues faced by rural livestock drivers.
Funding applications under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program need to be put forward to the Commonwealth Government and the states and territories.
“In my industry, livestock drivers are regularly asked to load cattle, sheep and pigs using stock ramps that are badly designed, badly maintained and simply unsafe to use,” Beer said.
“The ALRTA invites Councils and private businesses that operate saleyards and other facilities, such as long-distance transport spelling yards, to work with us in putting forward joint-submissions to the various governments.”
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