Queensland eases transport rules for baled agricultural commodities

THE QUEENSLAND Government has introduced a new permit-based scheme allowing freight operators to transport baled agricultural commodities under relaxed dimension limits, a move aimed at improving productivity and reducing supply chain costs.

Under the Queensland Baled Agricultural Commodities Permit-Based Scheme, eligible heavy vehicles will be able to transport rectangular cotton bales, baled or rolled hay, straw, silage and wool up to 2.7 metres wide and 4.6 metres high, subject to permit conditions and road manager assessment.

The reform aligns Queensland's requirements with those already in place in New South Wales and formalises arrangements that have previously been permitted in Queensland during drought relief operations.

Queensland transport minister Brent Mickelberg said the change would provide greater flexibility for farmers, producers and freight operators while maintaining safety standards.

"This is a commonsense reform that will help put downward pressure on fuel bills for those who grow the food and fibre Queensland relies on and the freight operators who get those goods to market," Mr Mickelberg said.

"The reality is these goods can expand or shift over time, which means freight operators can be bailed up when conditions change and the dimensions of their load changes. We're delivering a framework which recognises the nature of transporting these crops."

The Department of Transport and Main Roads said the initiative followed a comprehensive safety assessment that included crash data analysis.

Access to the scheme is to be managed through permits administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), with operators required to meet standard eligibility requirements and operating conditions.

Queensland primary industries minister Tony Perrett said industry had been seeking more consistent transport rules for baled agricultural products.

"This change makes it simpler for truckies and producers to be compliant regardless of whether they are going into or out of a declared drought-affected area or crossing state borders," Mr Perrett said.

"Industry has been calling for this and we have moved on it, because we understand trucking companies and producers need fit-for-purpose limits and consistent rules."

Transport and Main Roads is continuing to work with the NHVR to finalise and publish the scheme requirements.