Heavier load scheme ready for harvest

THE state government is helping Victorian farmers move more grain this harvest season by allowing heavy vehicles to transport five per cent more grain in a state-wide first.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan recently announced the Grain Harvest Management Scheme would allow heavy vehicles, except for road trains, to increase their load when delivering grain to receivers who are also participating in the scheme.

The change will boost safety and productivity by reducing the number of trips between farms and grain receivers during the harvest season from October 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said that they know harvest is the busiest time of year for grain farmers.

“That’s why we’ve introduced this scheme to give the industry a helping hand,” Mr Donnellan said.

“This will not only boost safety by giving farmers and drivers more time to move more grain, but boost productivity for an important part of our economy.”

This scheme will grant farmers some leeway when loading trucks with grain at their busiest time of year, allowing heavy vehicle operators and other drivers to drive safer and move more of their product on time.

It is often difficult for farmers to estimate the weight of grain when loading it from paddocks on to trucks and many farmers often under load their trucks as a result.

While a five per cent loading concession will be allowed, vehicles must not exceed their manufacturer ratings.

Vehicles must also comply with the uniform national standards for vehicles built after January 1, 2002, that encourages the use of newer and safer vehicles.

Heavy vehicle operators will need to apply to VicRoads for a label which will be displayed on their windscreen and will need to carry documentation that shows the vehicle’s year of manufacture.

The Grain Harvest Management Scheme will be evaluated by VicRoads after the first year. Applications to join the scheme can be sent to [email protected].