Facility near Roma Saleyards free to use for industry
Diesel provider IOR Petroleum has a new cattle cross loader at its diesel stop in Roma, situated to service the largest livestock saleyard in the southern hemisphere.
The facility is free to use, thanks to collaboration between agricultural peak body AgForce Queensland, Maranoa Regional Council, RyTrans, Roma Transport Services, and the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ).
“It is well known that the traditional method of transferring cattle between road train crates (reversing two trucks together and having the driver manually climb over the stock crate to push along stubborn animals from one truck to the other) is considered one of the most dangerous activities for both drivers and livestock,” AgForce notes.
“The new cross loader, modelled on IOR’s popular cattle cross loader facility in Port Augusta, South Australia, will improve productivity, safety for drivers, and animal welfare.”
The facility enables road trains or B-triples to be driven to the side of a module fitted with gates and unloaded into a B-double reversed onto the other side.
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IOR managing director Stewart Morland says the cross-loader is available for the industry to access for free as IOR seeks to help improve productivity, safety for livestock transport drivers, and animal welfare.
“We would like to acknowledge Maranoa Regional Council for providing materials in-kind from the Maranoa Council Quarry, a significant portion of the overall project costs,” Morland says.
“We would also like to thank RyTrans, Roma Transport Services, and the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland Inc. who were strong advocates for the initiative.”
In a statement, Hale River Transport’s Kenny Kimlin hails the cattle cross loader facilities.
“We have been using IOR’s cattle cross loader in Port Augusta since it was opened in 2018.
“The facility has significantly improved safety for our drivers and the welfare of the livestock they transport.
“Our drivers find it extremely efficient as they also refuel and use the shower and toilet amenities all at the same site.
“It’s great to see IOR demonstrating their continued commitment to our industry by making another cross-loader available in Roma.”