The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding all heavy vehicle operators of the requirements necessary to utilise the Victoria Emergency Drought Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme.
The Victoria Emergency Drought Network scheme aims to streamline and reduce regulatory barriers for interstate operators transporting grain and fodder into drought-affected regions of Victoria.
It was developed in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Planning, Agriculture Victoria, Victorian Farmers Federation and Livestock Rural Transport Association of Victoria.
NHVR Director Southern Region, Paul Simionato, emphasised the critical need for all operators to hold a valid permit.
“The Victoria Emergency Drought Network is a crucial initiative, enabling the swift movement of essential supplies to communities in need,” he said.
“We’ve made every effort to simplify the process, including waiving permit fees under this scheme.
“However, it’s vital that operators understand that while the network is pre-approved, access is still subject to holding a valid permit.
“This is a non-negotiable requirement to ensure safety, compliance, and effective management of our road infrastructure.”
The scheme extends access to two and three-trailer road trains with mass limits of 84.0 tonnes gross and dimension limits of 36.5 metres in length, 4.6 metres in height and 2.83 metres in width.
Eligible vehicles must align with specified reference vehicle mass and dimension limits.
Operators are required to comply with the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) framework using certified vehicle-tracking systems.
According to the NHVR, it is also essential that they ensure ‘strict adherence’ to biosecurity obligations as hay and fodder can carry pests and pathogens into Victoria.
This includes meeting specific entry conditions or obtaining a Plant Biosecurity Permit from Agriculture Victoria which prioritises drought relief permits.
“We’ve observed some instances where operators might be misinterpreting the ‘pre-approved’ aspect,” Simionato said.
“To be clear: this is a pre-approved network for road train vehicles, but operators are still required to hold a permit to access it.
“Our goal is to facilitate essential movements, but compliance protects our road networks, public safety, and Victoria’s vital agricultural sector from biosecurity risks.”
