2022
Tougher tests for new drivers under proposed licensing revamp
23/09/2022
A new nationwide framework for licensing heavy vehicle drivers is recommending a broader range of competency elements be incorporated as mandatory skill requirements for new recruits. The proposed competencies are outlined in a detailed licensing system review by Austroads which was tasked by transport ministers into looking at ways of improving the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework. The suggested changes are documented in a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement(C-RIS) which...
NatRoad News Update
15/09/2022
Tell us your policy hot spots Members have the opportunity to outline their policy concerns and propose actions that NatRoad can take to meet those concerns at the upcoming NatRoad conference. We need your member input about issues that you’d like addressed. Please send any proposed motions for the Conference to consider to info@natroad.com.au by 7 October 2022. Include your name, the policy issue you’d like addressed and a motion to be put forward.If you’re not sure how that should...
News from BLRCA
09/08/2022
PRIMARY PRODUCER SOLE USE RULE NOW IN FORCE A Ministerial Exemption Order was published on 1 July 2022 in relation to the requirement that applicants for a primary producer concession prove that at least 50% of their income is from primary production.Under that Order, the period for which primary producers would not be required to provide evidence that 50% of their income is derived from primary producer operations has been extended from 1 November 2022 until 1 November 2023.However, all other l...
NSW approves access for PBS combinations at up to 85.0t
13/07/2022
Under the National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice 2022 Early this week NSW launched its new PBS High Productivity network which allows eligible PBS combinations to operate at up to 85.0t (tier 3 mass) on a pre-approved network. This pre-approved network covers a wide range of roads connecting other states and rural areas to major ports all over the eastern seaboard. This network expands on Victoria's PBS High Productivity...
NHVR seeks industry feedback with livestock discussion paper
13/07/2022
The NHVR has released a Livestock Mass, Dimension and Loading Arrangements discussion paper which provides the first stage of our review of state-based heavy vehicle livestock loading arrangements.The livestock industry is subject to a variety of national, state and territory transport and non-transport laws, including laws around fatigue, vehicle standards, vehicle speed limits and licensing, in addition to animal welfare.It also has its own unique challenges – including vehicle mass,...
National body to regulate heavy vehicles in NSW from 1 August
13/07/2022
Heavy vehicle safety services across NSW will have a new home from 1 August with the transition of key regulatory functions from Transport for NSW to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). Tara McCarthy, Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW said the transition was the next step toward nationally consistent compliance for all heavy vehicle operators travelling across NSW. “Heavy vehicles travelling within and through NSW...
Performance Based Standards access to the road network
13/07/2022
The NHVR would like to remind owners of Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicle combinations to check that their PBS Vehicle Approval (VA) is valid and up to date.Please be aware that the PBS Vehicle Approval is not an authorisation to access the road network. You must comply with the relevant Notice or obtain an access permit. To apply for an access permit, please visit theNHVR Portal.For more information on PBS Notices visit: National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2a Truck and Dog...
R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds
13/07/2022
R U OK? and Healthy Heads in Truck & Sheds have teamed up to ensure those in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries know when and how to meaningfully connect and genuinely ask “Are you OK?”Life’s ups and downs happen to us all, but those working in the road transport, warehousing, and logistics industries can face unique challenges.Tight deadlines, long hours, shift work and isolation are all factors that contribute to feeling less connected.One thing we can all do,...