Operators transporting livestock in the New England area of New South Wales have been advised that local police in that area is planning a targeted enforcement campaign of the road rules relating to the effluent from livestock transport vehicles.
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transport Association (ALRTA) was told that the action will commence from June 12.
Section 11 of the 2008 Roads Regulation states that a person must not allow liquid, loose or waste material to escape onto a road and a penalty can apply for each breach of the regulation.
Furthermore, Section 293 of the regulation states that a driver must also remove any such material from the roadway when it is reasonable and safe to do so and a fine also applies to each breach.
ALRTA has produced a Stock Preparation Guide which the association says outlines strategies that are in the best interests of the primary producer, the transporter and the animals. It said that unfortunately some producers incorrectly believe that filling stock up with feed and water prior to transport will improve sale weights even though Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) research has shown this is not the case.
Emma Higginson from the Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association (LBCA) expressed concern that drivers will be targeted in what is essentially a chain of responsibility matter.
“Why transporters are victimised for an issue that is out of their control is perplexing and an unfortunate backward step from the (NSW) government’s pro-active agreement to deliver a more inclusive and targeted enforcement regime which is largely underpinned by Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Law,” she said.
“If stock isn’t prepared properly effluent loss will still be significant and effluent tanks will overflow causing effluent to build up and leak out of the crate. Proper stock preparation and removing significant effluent discharge will fix road safety risks,” Emma said.
Acting Inspector Jay Tuckwell from Inverell Police told the ABC that effluent deposited onto the road was a safety hazard to other motorists. “Where the effluent gets on the road, if a small amount of rain falls the roadway becomes very slippery,” he said.
The LCBA also cited the lack of an appropriate network of disposal facilities and truck washes as an issue but maintained that correct preparation of animals was the main issue that needed to be addressed.
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