The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has welcomed the Heavy Vehicle National Law regulating trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles across most of Australia. Sources: Timberbiz, ATN,
Under the new Heavy Vehicle National Law all heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes will operate under one rule book covering Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
“The forest wood and paper product industries are significant users of haulage and heavy vehicles often operating across state borders, and this important area of reform to reduce red-tape has been needed for some time,” said AFPA CEO Ross Hampton.
“This reform will decrease the cost and complexity of compliance for operators of forest industry vehicles that regularly travel from Mt Gambier (SA) to export facilities at Portland (Vic), and from Victoria to the manufacturing centres in Tumbarumba (NSW) and Albury (NSW).
“The ongoing effective coordination, harmonisation and implementation of the different state regulations and processes by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator relating to national vehicle standards, regulating drivers and safety practices is the key to the success of this reform and will be watched carefully by industry.”
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) responsibilities do not include registration and licensing, road rules, dangerous goods or pilot and escort arrangements for oversize loads.
Work is underway on the creation of a national pilot and escort framework. That National Transport Commission (NTC) has proposed giving the NHVR responsibility for regulating pilot and escort drivers.
AFPA represents forest growers, harvesters, and manufacturers of timber and paper products.
