Donnellan highlights mass management leeway will be given in first for state
Victoria will have its own Grain Harvest Management Scheme (GHMS), roads minister Luke Donnellan has announced.
The move that will allow trucks other than road trains to transport five per cent more grain helps the state catch up with its northern counterparts.
The change aims to boost safety and productivity by reducing the number of trips between farms and grain receivers during the harvest season from October 1 to April 30.
“This scheme will grant farmers some leeway when loading trucks with grain at their busiest time of year, allowing heavy vehicle operators and other drivers to drive safer and move more of their product on time.
“It is often difficult for farmers to estimate the weight of grain when loading it from paddocks on to trucks and many farmers often under load their trucks as a result.
“While a five per cent loading concession will be allowed, vehicles must not exceed their manufacturer ratings.”
The government says vehicles must also “comply with the uniform national standards for vehicles built after January 1, 2002, that encourages the use of newer and safer vehicles”.
Heavy vehicle operators will need to apply to VicRoads for a label which will be displayed on the windscreen and will need to carry documentation that shows the vehicle’s year of manufacture.
The GHMS will be evaluated by VicRoads after the first year.
Applications can be sent to grainscheme@roads.vic.gov.au.
“We know this is the busiest time of year for grain farmers, that’s why we’ve introduced this scheme to give the industry a helping hand,” Donnellan says.
“This will not only boost safety by giving farmers and drivers more time to move more grain, but boost productivity for an important part of our economy.”