Farm machinery movement to be made easier with harmonised regulation a step closer

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) this week welcomed positive progress on the development of a national set of rules to make it easier for farmers to move agricultural vehicles on public roads.
The progress was announced yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development Minister, Michael McCormack, at the property of sheep farmer Ed Storey near Yass, NSW.
NFF General Manager of Trade & Economics Pru Gordon attended the announcement which she said was about instilling common sense and reducing red tape for farmers.
“The National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Notice while maintaining safety standards, will harmonise state-base notices into a single national notice and update standards taking the pressure of unnecessary paperwork off farmers.
“It’s an issue the NFF and our members have been working with Government on for some time.”
The new notice increases mass and dimensions exemptions meaning many farmers will no longer need to apply for permits; reduces the number of designated agricultural zones and simplifies border movements.
“The overall outcome of the notice will be to help farmers increase the efficiency of their overall farm operations.
“The NFF congratulates the Commonwealth Government and state and territory governments on their successful collaboration in progressing the Class 1 Notice to this stage,” Dr Gordon said.
“We are particularly grateful to the Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport, Scott Buchholz, for championing this issue on behalf of Australian farmers.”
Dr Gordon said the Notice now needed to secure the support of local governments.
“Local governments know the roads better than anyone else and are keenly aware of the red tape tying the hands of farmers who need to move large agricultural vehicles to get the job done.
“We look forward to working with councils to lock down the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Notice and allow farmers to get on with growing food and fibre without the burden of nonsensical regulation,” Dr Gordon said.