Peak NSW livestock group, the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA), has parted ways from its long-standing national body, the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA).
LBRCA’s resignation from ALRTA will take effect from February 23, 2026.
LBRCA President Wade Lewis said the decision to break away has not been taken lightly.
He said the special resolution vote reflects ongoing and “substantive differences” in approach, priorities, and member interests, which LBRCA considers are no longer capable of being reconciled within the existing structure.
“The decision reflects a clear mandate from members to ensure the association can act decisively, independently, and in the best interests of livestock, bulk and rural transporters operating across regional and rural NSW,” Lewis said.
“As an association, we can now focus squarely on outcomes for our members – both NSW and interstate members – at a state level and on national issues that directly impact heavy vehicle operators transporting goods throughout regional and rural NSW.”
Lewis said the LBRCA will continue to engage constructively with governments, regulators, industry and stakeholders.
“But will now do so independently and with greater agility.”
LBRCA has confirmed that member representation, advocacy and services will continue without interruption, and the executive is working closely with industry sponsors to ensure continuity of member benefits and to negotiate future arrangements.
“These discussions are well progressed and are focused on ensuring members experience no disruption to existing sponsorship-supported benefits,” Lewis added.
As part of this transition, LBRCA is actively recruiting for a Senior Policy and Advocacy role to strengthen its capacity to support members on issues of national significance, while continuing to lead on NSW-specific priorities.
Lewis said the LBRCA will remain a strong and independent state association, while also taking an active role in national policy discussions where outcomes affect NSW members and the broader rural freight task.
“This is about ensuring transporters operating across NSW have a strong, credible voice—one that is informed by on-the-ground experience and focused on practical, deliverable reform,” the president said.
The ALRTA said it was deeply disappointed by news that LBRCA had chosen to withdraw from the national peak body, but remains open to ongoing collaboration and to supporting NSW operators through national advocacy.
ALRTA President Gerard Johnson said as a national federated body, ALRTA must follow sound board processes, including embracing a democratic-based approach to decision-making.
“As a nationally federated body focused on national reforms and harmonisation across the states, we have to be driven by the principle of collaboration, advancing the interests of members throughout all of Australia,” he said.
“To be truly national we need to listen to all the voices at the table, and we’ll continue to stay true to that approach.”
Despite the disappointment of the LBRCA decision, Johnson said it was business as usual as the ALRTA remained steadfastly dedicated to the job of supporting Australia’s $100 billion agriculture sector, and doing it safely, efficiently and with compassion for animal welfare.
“I’m proud of what the association is achieving, making significant progress on a raft of initiatives from biosecurity projects and animal welfare, to national vehicle safety and driver training.
“Members and sponsors will see a continuity of service and a sustained ROI as we’ll continue to deliver our industry positive results.”