Operators of type one road trains will continue to have access to travel to beef processors situated in north Rockhampton using a restricted permit for another 12 months.
In July last year, the Department of Transport and Main Roads issued the permits for a six month period, and last week made the decision to increase the permits for another 12 months.
The restricted permit allows transport operators to travel between the hours of 7pm to 7am, seven days a week, using a permit issued by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Over the past six months this decision has seen significant benefits for industry including not having to cross-load cattle.
Calliope beef producer and AgForce’s transport committee chairperson, Leo Neill-Ballantine, said it was another win for producers that type one road trains could continue to travel through Rockhampton for another 12 months under restricted permits.
“The most important issue since we’ve had this access, is there has not been any loss of life due to cross-loading, much better animal welfare, and less driver fatigue,” Mr Neill-Ballantine said.
“We were told by TMR last week also there has not been any car accidents or complaints from the general public which is a compliment to the 40 operators who are using these permits.”
A TMR spokesperson confirmed that operators can now apply for a 12-month permit for type one road trains by contacting the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.