Driver and animal welfare must remain paramount, peak body says
The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) aims to put ramps in the centre of its spotlight in coming months.
The peak body highlights that they are of varying design in the nation’s farms, feedlots, saleyards, transport depots and processors and over the years many incidents have occurred where operators have been seriously injured or killed when loading or unloading livestock.
“These events are unfortunate, however can be prevented through responsible infrastructure design, regular maintenance, clear operating procedures, and routine equipment inspections,” LBRCA president Lynley Miners says.
“When sub-standard loading and unloading ramps or rules regarding their use fail in critical parts of the road transport supply chain, the role of a livestock carrier is made more challenging.
“An unfortunate consequence of our current predicament is that economic self-interest usually drives infrastructure owners to provide only the bare minimum to meet their own operational and legislative needs.
“Any needs outside the bare minimum ‘rule of thumb’ are considered ‘not my problem’ and the responsibility of ‘someone else’.
“This mindset requires urgent adjustment. Welfare obligations of both the driver and livestock must be paramount, regardless of any commercial or other non-welfare or safety related interests.”
This financial year, the LBRCA says it has resolved to collaborate with councils and private owners to implement safer and more modern facilities across the supply chain to meet animal and driver welfare standards, comply with transport laws, enact safety obligations, and maintain processes that are clear and foolproof.
“As a livestock transporter, it’s clear we carry our fair share of responsibility and we must rely on other parties in the chain to do their bit too.” Miners says.
“Responsibility extends to all our supply chain partners, regardless of whether the site is publicly or privately owned and operated.
“Processes and infrastructure must be provided in a way that minimises risk to the welfare of the livestock and driver.”
The peak body’s message is that all in the agricultural supply chain must step up to the Chain of Responsibility mark with the aim to ensure “all parties involved in the transport of livestock do deliver safer and more efficient facilities, including related processes, which do meet industry and community expectations”.