Livestock truckies now have a new effluent disposal pit to call on in the Warrnambool region.
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) has partnered with Warrnambool City Council to establish the site at the Warrnambool’s South-West Victoria Livestock Exchange (SWVLX).
Preliminary works on the facility started in December 2021 with operational testing now underway.
The new effluent disposal facility will complement similar sites built in cooperation with Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange and Mount Gambier and District Saleyards.
“The newly installed pit provides an opportunity for transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield,” said saleyards manager Paul White.
“Evidently there are too few locations for transporters to properly dispose of effluent along the road network. The ALRTA offered $50,000 in funding to support planning and construction of an effluent disposal bay.
“Council will deliver this project to effectively provide an opportunity for livestock transporters to dispose of effluent in southwest Victoria.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the effluent disposal site will be a welcome addition to the region.
“This latest site is another positive step towards establishing a network of effluent disposal facilities to keep our livestock and transport sectors moving,” said Buchholz.
“Livestock transporters will be able to access the site, discharge tanks and continue their trip safely and efficiently.”
ALRTA president Scott McDonald said managing effluent in transit is a significant challenge for members.
“Effluent capture tanks installed on purpose-built livestock trailers do a reasonable job of containment, however, there is a consequential need for transporters to access suitable facilities for effluent disposal when tanks become full in transit and at ‘end of journey’ facilities,” said McDonald.
“Livestock effluent disposal facilities benefit the livestock supply chain and the community. They improve safety by ensuring cleaner roads and improved animal welfare outcomes and help to reduce the risk of non-compliance with biosecurity, environment and load restraint laws.
“That’s why the ALRTA is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and governments to develop a national network of effluent disposal points.
“Our association greatly appreciates the support of the livestock transport industry demonstrated by Warrnambool City Council by building an effluent disposal pit in their saleyards.”
The project is funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).