The Livestock Loading Scheme in NSW has been extended into 15 more local council areas. In making the announcement, New South Wales Minister for Roads and Ports, Duncan Gay, said the NSW Government had worked closely with councils in country areas to identify regional and local roads suitable for the scheme.
“This is a scheme that’s making a world of difference to farmers and processors across NSW and another example of a much needed reform for many years that’s taken a Liberals and Nationals Government to deliver,” said Gay. “I’m pleased to announce the scheme will be extended to include approved B-double and road train routes in another 15 council areas. I thank these councils for their commitment to reducing freight costs for NSW farmers and livestock carriers and ensuring continued access and viability for NSW meat processors.
“The NSW Government introduced the Livestock Loading Scheme in December 2012 to increase freight productivity and protect jobs in the NSW meat and livestock industry. Under the scheme, livestock carriers fitted with certified road friendly suspension may operate at increased mass limits, comparable to those in other states.
“The scheme includes a driver training program to address an industry concern that rollover crashes are over-represented in livestock transport compared to other road freight. I’m delighted that to date, more than 450 drivers have undertaken this course. To further help livestock carriers and their customers take advantage of the extension to the scheme’s approved routes, an interactive map is available on the Roads and Maritime (RMS) website.”
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