A recent breakfast forum hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils has given local transport operators and farmers the opportunity to understand the Level 2B PBS network.
More than 60 delegates from across the region, attended the Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry.
The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the forum had become a regular fixture on the road safety calendar.
“Unfortunately, like so many events, this forum has experienced two years of COVID disruption. So, it was great to be back meeting face to face this year,” she said.
“Events like this forum are essential in providing opportunities to share information, network and discuss local issues,” said Suitor.
“Freight is important – everything we consume comes off the back of a truck, and safety in that sector is vital.”
In addition to local transport companies, truck drivers and farmers, other attendees at the forum included various associations and government agencies.
Effluent load restraint, heavy vehicle access and PBS vehicles were the hot topics discussed.
Presenters included representatives from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, Transport for NSW, Midland Industries, SafeWork NSW and the Councils.
“There were a lot of questions about rest areas, local access and the cost savings that are offered by PBS vehicles,” Suitor said.
Delegates were also given the opportunity to view a 30 metre A-double combination, built to operate under the Level 2B PBS network.
The versatile combination for general and containerised freight was supplied by Midland Industries.
Suitor thanked the guest speakers who made the forum informative and thought provoking for participants.
“Feedback has been very positive. Most people reported that the forum had met their expectations, they would attend next year’s event and have suggested topics to include on next year’s program,” she said.