A need for more efficient movement of commodities during harvest season was the motivation for Moira Shire’s decision to grant increased access for B-doubles within its road network.
After initial discussions with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), local transport operators and GrainCorp in September this year, the shire developed a scheme to allow B-double trucks to carry commodities to and from rural properties.
The decision eliminated the need for operators to apply and obtain a permit from the NHVR each time they planned to travel on a rural road.
According to NHVR Stakeholder Specialist Simone Reinertsen who initiated the negotiations, a list of roads was initially identified by the Livestock & Rural Transporters Assoc of Victoria (LRTAV).
“The LRTAV approached us with a list of roads for consideration,” Simone said.
“This list included local farm roads, allowing primary producers more efficient access for commodities on and off their properties, as well as access to grain receival sites.
“A priority list was identified and the shire commenced a desktop assessment of the roads. Thirteen roads that were previously available under permit were then moved to pre-approval.
“It was finally decided by September this year that gazettal was the preferred approach, thus removing the need for operators to apply for permits, subject to conditions.
“By October the team at Moira Shire, including the CEO, determined that they’d be interested in offering a ‘Harvest Network’ from October to April each year and would work with the NHVR to achieve this.
“This is a fantastic outcome for operators, primary producers and the local community.
“It’s a great example of what can happen when councils are prepared to work with industry to develop common sense strategies for their local circumstances.”
Find the VicRoads B-double network map here.