New permit system to support transport of baled goods

• The Crisafulli Government has introduced a new scheme to make it easier and more efficient to transport hay, cotton, wool, straw, and silage across Queensland. 
• The scheme will allow vehicles transporting baled or rolled commodities to travel with relaxed dimensions. 
• The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering Queensland's freight future, creating more opportunities for industry, supporting jobs and building a stronger economy for all Queenslanders. 

The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland farmers and freight operators with a new permit-based scheme to support safer and more efficient transport of hay, cotton, straw, wool, and silage across the State’s road network. 

This is another way the Crisafulli Government is slashing red tape to improve productivity and put downward pressure on the cost of production throughout the supply chain.

The Queensland Baled Agricultural Commodities Permit-Based Scheme will allow eligible vehicles to transport rectangular cotton bales, baled or rolled hay, baled or rolled straw, baled silage and baled wool up to 2.7 metres wide and 4.6 metres high, subject to permit conditions and road manager assessment. 

While the former State Labor Government pulled the wool over their eyes and failed to act, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a commonsense reform which will improve productivity, helping keep transport costs down. 

Queensland already permits the new dimensions for drought relief, while the changes bring Queensland into line with New South Wales.  

The change also follows a comprehensive safety assessment, including crash data management, by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.  

Access will be managed through permits, with standard eligibility requirements, operating conditions and restrictions. Operators will apply for these permits through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. 

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the scheme backed Queensland farmers, producers and freight operators, helping put downward pressure on costs throughout the supply chain.

“This is a commonsense reform that will help put downward pressure on fuel bills for those who grow the food and fibre Queensland relies on, and the freight operators who get those goods to market,” Minister Mickelberg said.  

“Labor pulled the wool over their eyes when it was raised by industry, but we’ve been doing this safely for years for drought relief, and it’s already done safely in NSW, so there is no reason to not make it permanent. 

“The reality is these goods can expand or shift over time, which makes means freight operators can be bailed up when conditions change and the dimensions of their load changes – we’re delivering a framework which recognises the nature of transporting these crops.  

“This scheme provides industry with a clear and consistent pathway to seek access for these loads, while ensuring each application is assessed against the conditions of the road network.” 

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said this permanent increase to width and height limits for wool, hay, silage, cotton, and other baled materials was common sense and welcomed. 

“This change makes it simpler for truckies and producers to be compliant regardless of whether they are going into or out of a declared drought-affected area or crossing State borders," Minister Perrett said. 

“Industry has been calling for this, and we have moved on it, because we understand trucking companies and producers need fit for purpose limits and consistent rules." 

Transport and Main Roads continues to work with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to finalise and publish the scheme requirements on the regulator’s website. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Brendan Morris, 0428 962 414