Exemption saves canegrowers time and money

Farmers across the Bundaberg region will now be able to spend more time in the paddock and less time filling out paperwork, thanks to a determination by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

NHVR Director of Access Peter Caprioli said the Bundaberg Region Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle Dimension Exemption Notice had been issued today, authorizing vehicles up to 5.0m wide to travel on minor roads across the Bundaberg region without having to apply for a special permit.

“It is also important to understand that there is no requirement to carry a copy of the Notice in the vehicle while making the journey,” Mr Caprioli said.

Bundaberg Canegrowers Chairman Allan Dingle said the decision was a direct result of strong representations by Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Bundaberg Regional Council.

“This exemption shows what can be achieved when industry, local government and an active Federal Member work together,” Mr Dingle said.

Mr Pitt thanked NHVR for heeding Hinkler farmers’ concerns.

“This will enable farmers in Bundaberg and Childers to get on with their job. Cutting time-consuming red tape helps businesses be more productive, which is good for our local economy,” Mr Pitt said.

Bundaberg Mayor Mal Forman said Council had assessed the local road conditions and found that agricultural productivity could be enriched by varying some of the requirements for oversized agricultural vehicles on minor roads.

“Any potential risks to public safety have been considered with this amendment,” Mr Forman said.

“This notice will be very well received by both the agricultural and transport sectors.”

Travel by oversized agricultural vehicles in Queensland is generally regulated by a set of guidelines called Form 14 under which the state is divided into three zones. Each zone is treated separately and although Bundaberg is in Zone 1 these agricultural vehicles will now benefit from the less stringent Zone 2 conditions on minor roads.

Please see the Notice and accompanying Information Sheet ‘Bundaberg Region Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle (5.0m wide) Dimension Exemption (Notice) 2015 (No.1)’ on the NHVR website for further information.