Truck and machinery safety workshops on EP

July 13, 2023
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Eyre Peninsula producers operating heavy vehicles and who drive agricultural machinery on public roads can learn more about road access, safety, maintenance and compliance at a series of workshops in August.

The interactive workshops, hosted by Grain Producers SA with the support of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), will feature practical demonstrations for producers on their truck maintenance obligations as outlined in the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual, advice and feedback on the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice (Ag Notice), and training on the NHVR Portal.

The portal training will focus on different dimensions, mass, and conditions of access for eligible agricultural vehicle or combinations and how producers can apply for permits to move ineligible oversize and overmass machinery on public roads.

NHVR representatives will be delivering the portal training and will be able to answer questions from producers about safe travel on key freight routes.

GPSA Regional Field Officer Shane Gale said workshops pulled together components from GPSA’s Roadworthy Heavy Vehicles … Made Easy! And Moving Ag Machinery … Made Easy! Campaigns to ensure primary producers share the roads safely.

“From the producer survey we ran last year, we know there is some confusion around when and how to access roads to move machinery which falls outside of the Ag Notice,” he said.

“Moving Ag Machinery is an important project because of the significant benefit agriculture brings to the South Australian economy and to regional communities, but there is a safety and compliance issue that also needs to be addressed.”

Mr Gale said attendees at previous Roadworthy Heavy Vehicles workshops have commented that learning how to assess their current safety management systems and increasing their record keeping capacity were great pieces of advice which they could implement into their business.

Additionally, as part of the Roadworthy Heavy Vehicles campaign, participants can access a free heavy vehicle inspection with a local mechanic to gain practical tips on maintenance checks.

“The Eyre Peninsula workshops, to be held at Cleve, Wudinna and Cummins, will be a worthwhile and engaging day out for all primary producers to help them ensure they are keeping themselves and other road users safe,” Mr Gale said.

The Moving Ag Machinery … Made Easy! and Roadworthy Heavy Vehicles … Made Easy! projects are funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Australian Government.

Registration is essential and can be done online.

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