As Australia’s grain harvest season kicks off, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has increased its presence across South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.
The regulator says this has been done to address the challenges associated with grain harvest.
‘Operation Harvest’ has begun in South Australia and Victoria; while in Queensland’s Toowoomba region the NHVR will increase its presence to ensure compliance and provide the right advice and information on enhancing safety across the sector.
NHVR acting chief operations officer Michelle Tayler said, “This isn’t just another season – 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 is 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.
“Together, we’re making sure our farmers’ hard work reaches communities across the country safely.”
Key safety checks will focus on ensuring agricultural machinery, such as headers, are safely mobilised and equipped for the road.
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.
To access the guide and additional material, visit Regulatory Advice – Operating in the agricultural sector.
After a lifetime in transport I have become abit jaded to certain comments by the government. An operation usually means someone has to pay for an operation, because they’re not cheap. Knocking someone off because they’re one tonne over loading out of a paddock, or stinging a driver for something beyond his control, or driving the extra ten minutes to home to save them from sleeping without amenities because they were caught up in something unforeseen. We’ll see how this goes shall we. I hope the NHVR proves me wrong, and it’s not another shakedown.
Good luck with this year’s harvest boys and girls. Be safe, and help each other get home in one piece.