With this year’s grain harvest projected to hit historic highs in some regions across Australia, road safety is of paramount importance in the run-in to the holiday period.
The NHVR is launching a series of operations across Australia to ensure safety and compliance is met by heavy vehicle drivers around the country, including Operation Harvest in South Australia and Victoria, and an increased presence in Queensland’s Toowoomba region.
With National Agriculture Day being held on November 15, the regulator has highlighted the need for safe practices as heavy machinery and bulk loads continue to ramp up across our highways.
“This isn’t just another season,” NHVR Acting Chief Operations Officer Michelle Tayler says. “It’s the result of a year’s hard work for our farmers and the backbone of our food system.
“The NHVR’s core role is to help keep our roads safe and our supply chain strong, which is why our team on the ground, working closely with the industry to make sure drivers, machinery and loads are ready for the road.
“With heavier equipment and trucks loaded to capacity, we’re encouraging everyone to focus on the basics – roadworthy vehicles, safe loads, rested drivers and the right routes.”
The NHVR’s data from last year’s Operation Fusion found common risks such as brake defects, overloading, and aging vehicles often lead to safety issues during high-demand seasons and are a significant factor in heavy vehicle incidents.
Key safety checks this year will focus on ensuring agricultural machinery – such as headers – are safely mobilised and equipped for the road.
You can access the guide and additional regulatory materials here.
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