A NEW National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Notice is now in place across large parts of regional Australia, removing the need for growers and contractors to apply for permits to move agricultural machinery and combinations on public roads.

There are now five zones across the country, with maximum vehicle and machinery dimensions defined for each zone. Previously, there were 26 zones for growers to contend with.

Farmers and agricultural contractors need to move equipment such as seeders, sprayers and harvesters on public roads to get from one paddock or farm to the next.

Having to wait extended time periods to get a road access permit when weather conditions dictate the job was not practical for Australian growers.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has been working through harmonisation of these arrangements through a single Class 1 notice for some time.

GrainGrowers chief executive officer, David McKeon, said he welcomed and supported the announcement of the initiative.

“After more than two years of negotiation with industry, and state and local road managers, the new notice will enable farmers to move most of their equipment without a permit. With the sowing of winter crops underway, the timing of this notice could not be better. We are pleased to see a genuine, common-sense approach realised,” Mr McKeon said.

The notice represents a genuine reduction in red tape and answers the call of one of GrainGrowers’ key election platform priorities for improved access for agricultural machinery on roads.

Source: GrainGrowers

Heavy Vehicle National Law: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/c2019g00390-national-class-1-agricultural-vehicle-and-combination-mass-and-dimension-exemption-notice-2019-no1.pdf