Transport can be up to a third or more of the cost of production for grain growers, so it’s vital regulations across the country are streamlined, consistent and in line with modern farming practices.
In Queensland, the regulations governing the movement of agricultural machinery on our roads haven’t changed for 16 years, while the machinery being routinely used on farms has grown in size considerably.
AgForce recently surveyed more than 100 Queensland grain growers and found many had machinery that was longer, higher or wider than current and potential limits.
More than a quarter of growers surveyed had machinery over 5 metres high, 40 per cent had combinations longer than 25m, while 67pc had machinery wider than 5m.
A large number of growers surveyed also said they were delaying upgrading their machinery because of the difficulties in complying with outdated transport regulations.
That’s particularly disturbing, as the last thing we want to do is prevent Queensland farmers from investing in machinery and equipment that improves their productivity and profitability.
AgForce welcomes the fact the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is looking to streamline regulations by developing a single national notice, but it’s critical the new notice takes into account the size of machinery now and the machinery farmers will use in the future.
We want to ensure our members can easily comply with regulations, rather than be stuck waiting months for approvals through unnecessarily bureaucratic processes.
Often farmers don’t know when they will need to move machinery and when it rains don’t want to be twiddling their thumbs waiting for a piece of paper.
AgForce is seeking a system that relates to risk and acknowledges the difference between moving machinery on a deserted back road and travelling down a major highway.
We are keen to work with state and national regulators to help farmers comply with transport regulations so they can focus on what they do best – growing high quality food and fibre for Australian and overseas consumers.