LARGER truck combinations will allow quicker delivery of more fodder and grain to south-west Victorian farmers under the Victoria Emergency Drought Network established last week.

The network aims to reduce regulatory barriers and streamline access for interstate operators transporting grain and fodder into the region.

The network complements existing freight networks to provide rapid, flexible support to regions experiencing severe rainfall and fodder shortages. The bulk of fodder transported in Victoria is moved on B-double combinations, and the scheme extends access to two trailer road trains capped at 84 tonnes, 36.5 metres long, 4.6 metres high and 2.83 metres wide.

A road train may be either a B-triple, or a combination other than a B-double consisting of a motor vehicle towing at least two trailers (excluding any converter dolly supporting a semi-trailer).

Sheep Central was told the new scheme includes freight networks that are based on some Performance Based Standard scheme networks; however, the vehicles allowed to operate on the networks do not have to be PBS vehicles if they comply with the conditions outlined – a set of dimensions to protect infrastructure, as well as some biosecurity requirements. The scheme is providing temporary access granted to assist in the drought emergency, rather than opening new networks.

The Drought Network was developed by the Department of Transport and Planning, Victorian Farmers Federation and the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Victoria, in collaboration with the NHVR, to assist farmers impacted by the current drought. These newly created networks provide additional access to certain types of road trains, allowing more feed to be delivered in fewer trips, helping to get vital supplies to farmers more efficiently, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator said.

The NHVR provides more detailed information regarding the scheme (including mass and dimension requirements and biosecurity obligations) on the website: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/law-policies/notices-and-permit-based-schemes/permit-based-schemes/victoria-emergency-drought-network-pre-approved-permit-based-scheme

The Victorian Farmers Federation welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of a streamlined permit system for fodder deliveries and an expanded road train network in south-west Victoria.

VFF president Brett Hosking said the announcement follows the second meeting of the Victorian Government’s Drought Response Taskforce last Friday and the decision will benefit drought-hit farmers.

“Farmers in the south-west can’t get their hands on fodder quick enough.

“This expanded road train network will remove red-tape and allow larger trucks into the region to deliver much-needed fodder for stock,” he said.

“Farmers and transporters have been telling us the barriers around getting fodder into these drought-hit areas in the quantities needed has been one of their major frustrations and this move will go a long way to fixing that,” Mr Hosking said.

The VFF said it has been working closely with the government, industry stakeholders and farmers to deliver targeted relief as Victoria’s record drought continues.

“We’ve been working on the expansion of the road train network and the cut to red-tape for some time.

“Farmers have enough to deal with at the moment and this is a step in the right direction,” Mr Hosking said.

“This is a great example of industry, farmers, regulators and the government working together to get things done.

“The impact of this drought will be with us for some time and we need to ensure all levers are pulled to support those doing it tough,” Mr Hosking said.