LIVESTOCK and Rural Transporters Association of SA president David Smith, Tumby Bay, has praised government efforts to identify road transport issues and improve regulations.
"It's probably long overdue, but I absolutely welcome it because it's an opportunity to put some stuff on the table that's been floating around and not really being dealt with properly," he said.
"Well done to DPTI and PIRSA for showing some initiative and getting this going. I applaud the government for being proactive and trying to advance some of these issues.
"I'm hopeful that it'll be a kick-start for the state in getting rid of some of the older rules and regulations or red tape and start afresh. I'm hoping it will address some of these issues that have been sitting around in the background for a long time."
He said there was an array of long-running first and last mile issues that needed attention.
Of particular concern was one of the state's major saleyards not having road train or b-double access approval, despite these large trucks being used at the yards for many years.
He said drivers and vendors were fortunate that law enforcement had so far been willing to overlook regulation breaches to ensure livestock could be safely and efficiently transported to and from the selling centre.
He was also hopeful of achieving blanket access for restricted access vehicles in outer district areas.
"If you're a pastoralist and you do a muster once or twice a year, you can only move animals that distance by road train or b-double at the very least," he said.
"You've got to go through the whole permit scenario, but we're saying that doesn't work for that application."
* Full report in Stock Journal, November 13, 2014 issue.
Jacinta Rose
Stock Journal's online editor.
Stock Journal's online editor.
