Beef producers and processors have welcomed the announcement that Type 1 road trains will have access to Rockhampton abattoirs from July 1.
Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey was in Rockhampton today with Minister for Agriculture and Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne to talk about the benefits of the decision.
The Palaszczuk Government, as part of it’s $500 million State Infrastructure Plan, has invested $10 million to upgrade a number of North Rockhampton intersections to provide the infrastructure necessary to accommodate Type 1 road trains,” Mr Bailey said.
“Following the completion of majority of these works, Type 1 Road Trains will no longer have to stop and breakdown to a semi-trailer configuration west of Rockhampton.
“The move is a huge boost for safety and efficiency for the transport industry and Rockhampton community and an example of our Government’s commitment to enhancing road safety for all Queenslanders.”
A recent trial undertaken by the Queensland Government through Transport and Main Roads confirmed the route was now suitable for Type 1 road train access.
And one of the first to welcome the news was Teys Australia, Livestock Director, Geoff Teys.
“We are very excited by the final announcement, and it will allow access to our facility alot easier,” Mr Teys said.
“We are now looking at our curfews to accommodate the delivery of cattle between 7pm and 7am.”
This decision will have significant benefits for industry and the community, including removing the cross-loading process and overall reduction in the number of heavy vehicle movements through Rockhampton.
Access will start from 1 July, but transport operators are already able to apply for a permit through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
As well as reducing travel times it will eliminate the need for freight operators to cross-load cattle.
Access for Type 1 road trains will be under strict permitting conditions administered by Transport and Main Roads.
These conditions will see permits issued by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to operators restricting operating hours to between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week.
According to Central Queensland manager for AgForce, Sharon Howard, they are happy with the access which has be given.
“On behalf of AgForce beef producers, we welcome the decision and the benefits it will give to beef producers,” Ms Howard said.
“It will help improve beef quality, productivity, and animal welfare and human safety.”
To apply for a Type 1 road train permit, transport operators should contact the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
