CATTLE movement between SA and NT could become easier with news of an upgrade to transport facilities at Yorkeys Crossing Road.
Triple road trains and other combinations up to 53.5 metres long, will soon have access to a decoupling facility, including a livestock transfer tower.
The intersection at Yorkeys Crossing Road and the Stuart Highway, north of Port Augusta, will be upgraded to allow access to the decoupling yard which is part of the nearby IOR Petroleum facility.
Once complete, the upgrade will provide transport operators a facility to reconfigure triple road train combinations to semi-trailers or B doubles – which are approved to travel on roads south of Port Augusta.
The access upgrade comes as part of the state government’s 90 Day Project, for improving road transport in the agriculture industry.
NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive officer Tracy Hayes called the news a “significant breakthrough”.
“Local industry are set to benefit, particularly the agricultural sector – there are rapidly emerging opportunities for the cattle and beef industry to supply organic and premium products to premium markets,” she said.
“Greater collaboration across jurisdictions is warranted to deliver key linkages and opportunities for supply chains, expanding trade relationships, branding and marketing of premium beef and other food products.”
Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said these works would deliver significant benefits to the agricultural industry and industry peak bodies in SA and the NT.
“The upgrades and access improvements are about increasing productivity by building efficiencies in transportation, saving the agricultural industry time and money,” he said.
“The new infrastructure will also reduce the risk of injury to workers and livestock.
“Primary industries are vital to SA’s economy and to remain competitive, local producers need to be able to increase productivity and decrease costs.
“Improving the facilities demonstrates the shared interest and commitment between the SA and NT governments to strengthen the central Australian corridor and streamline freight flows to and from Asia and other key markets.”
NT Primary Industries and Resources Minister Ken Vowles said it would provide a safer, more efficient way of moving cattle.
“Cattle production is the largest primary industry sector in the NT, contributing $750 million annually to the Territory’s economy,” he said.
IOR Petroleum managing director Stewart Morland said it was a great example of government and industry working together.
“We work very closely with transport companies hauling livestock to markets via Yorkeys Crossing and could see the issues facing both drivers and livestock during decoupling and truck to truck stock transfers on the pad adjacent to our site,” he said.
“IOR’s investment in the Port Augusta livestock transfer facility is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting regional Australia and its important industries and we are delighted that this is a perfect match with the objectives of the government of SA.”
