A new cattle cross loader has been installed in Roma as part of an initiative that aims to help improve safety for livestock transport drivers and improve animal welfare.
Roma was strategically selected as the location for the new cross loader due to it being the end of the triple road train route and home to the largest livestock selling centre in the Southern Hemisphere.
Available for livestock operators to access free of charge, the new cattle cross loader is located at IOR’s Roma diesel stop, adjacent to its breakdown pad.
The traditional method of transferring cattle between road train crates can be dangerous to both the driver and livestock. Research shows that many incidents in this field go unreported.
IOR Managing Director Stewart Morland said the new cattle cross loader in Roma was a collaborative effort, which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of various organisations throughout the region.
“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. 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,” he said.
The Roma facility has been modelled on IOR’s cattle cross loader facility in Port Augusta, South Australia.
Kenny Kimlin from Hale River Transport added, “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.”