PRIMARY producers across South Australia will be able to obtain permits from September 1 to shift oversize or overmass agricultural machinery at night.

To date, 43 Councils have agreed and permits will be available in these areas. Discussions with the remaining 10 Councils are expected to be concluded within the next few months.

Previously, the only oversize agricultural machines and vehicles permitted to travel at night in South Australia were grape harvesters and vehicles used for canola farming. These exemptions were granted as cooler harvesting conditions are required to preserve the crop.

“Night travel on roads for oversize vehicles, particularly for our grain producers, will be welcome news as there’s a requirement for grain harvesting to be carried out at night during periods of high daytime temperatures,” SA regional development minister, Geoff Brock, said.

“This latest initiative will help to reduce any delays in sowing time, spraying and harvesting, providing yet another key efficiency for producers.”

Primary Producers South Australia chair, Rob Kerin, said it was estimated that night movement alone would allow the 3000 grain farmers across the state more flexibility in their seeding and harvesting operations.

“This latest outcome from this transport project has the potential benefit of more than $20 million to South Australian grain growers alone due to more timely seeding and reductions in harvest delays,” he said.

To view the range of conditions and to apply for a permit for night movement of oversize or overmass agricultural machinery (from September 1) visit: www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring/ezyreg

For more information and a list of Council approvals visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/roadtransport

Source: Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.