Following an increase in livestock heavy vehicle rollovers, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) will conduct a blitz targeted at the cattle transport industry across Queensland next month.
Running throughout October, the blitz will focus on compliance with fatigue, mechanical safety, loading, and general compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
During the compliance operation, there will be an increased NHVR presence around scheduled cattle sales, abattoirs and road train routes used to transport cattle.
The red meat and livestock contributes significantly to the Australian economy, employing approximately 433,000 people, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). In 2021-22, Australia’s red meat and livestock industry’s turnover was $75.4 billion.
“The livestock industry is one of Australia’s most valuable industries, and the NHVR is committed to ensuring all stakeholders understand their role in ensuring all freight movements are safe, efficient, and sustainable,” said an NHVR spokesperson.
“NHVR staff will provide information, education and guidance where appropriate, whilst ensuring livestock transportation is safe for the heavy vehicle driver, other roads users and the livestock being transported.
“The NHVR recognises the livestock industry can be dynamic, with scheduling and driver rosters often determined by bookings at short notice and deadlines for sale days and abattoir schedules. The correct preparation, safe transport, loading, unloading and management of livestock are all imperative to ensuring the driver, livestock and other road users are kept safe.”
The NHVR says the operation follows recent data on the transportation of livestock, which indicates an increase in heavy vehicle rollovers.
“This operation will help address this increased risk and ensure drivers and operators travelling across Queensland are keeping safety front of mind, and have a clear understanding of the risks associated with non-compliance,” the NHVR told Big Rigs.
Following the transition of heavy vehicle safety services in Queensland to the NHVR earlier this year, the regulator is now able to conduct these sorts of operations at both state and national levels across various industries in the transport sector.
The NHVR has also released new Regulatory Advice aimed at enhancing safety across Australia’s livestock transport sector.
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