Transport minister says there should be a national ramp design standard for saleyards
By Brad Gardner March 15, 2013
The Federal Government has started looking into the development of a national design standard for livestock saleyard ramps.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has told ATN he has asked his department to look at what needs to be done to make the standard a reality.
He says he intends to raise the matter with his state and territory counterparts when the country’s transport ministers meet in May as part of the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI).
The move stems from a request from Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) President John Beer, who says there is no legal and enforceable design standard for loading ramps.
“ALRTA and livestock transport drivers around Australia have raised with me their frustration that there is no national livestock saleyard ramp standard,” Albanese says.
“I agree with the livestock transport industry that such a standard makes good sense. Such a standard would have safety, efficiency and productivity benefits for the industry.”
Beer raised the matter with Albanese during the recent ALRTA and Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association (LBCA) National Conference.
Following Albanese’s speech at the conference, in which the minister pledged federal funds to improve saleyard facilities, Beer asked him if he would work with the ALRTA before the federal election to create a standard.
“Done,” Albanese responded.
