Council officer training at centre of work program
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has signed a productivity and safety agreement with South Australia’s peak local government body.
The deal with the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) includes an action plan to deliver specific outcomes for the heavy vehicle industry.
“More than 150 million tonnes of freight is moved by road annually in South Australia and it’s important that it’s done safely and productively,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“I’m pleased to be working with the LGA SA and the 68 member councils across the state to improve the permit system and information available at the local level and make sure the heavy vehicle industry is meeting their expectations.”
The work program that makes up the action plan will include information sessions, training in the NHVR’s new Road Manager portal, assistance for local road managers during the transition of Class 1 and Class 3 permit applications and further route assessment training.
LGA SA executive director of public affairs Lisa Teburea notes the agreement will help streamline heavy vehicle access to 15,000km of sealed and 60,000km of unsealed local roads under local government control.
“Many roads within the local government network serve as vital ‘first and last mile’ linkages to strategic freight routes across the state,” Teburea says.
“By continuing to work closely together, freight and logistics system performance, safety and productivity can all be improved and that will deliver greater economic outcomes for the South Australian and national economy.”
The NHVR also has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Local Government Association of Queensland to boost safety and productivity with the 89 councils across Queensland.