Upper Hunter farmers who've been struggling to transport hay should now find it easier to do so.
The state government has announced an exemption, increasing the amount of hay allowed to be conveyed on trucks, in a bid to reduce costs.
Under the NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice, semi-trailers and b-doubles up to 26 metres long can now carry a load of three-hay-bales tall and two-bales wide.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says the changes will come into effect by tomorrow, not a moment too soon.
"The drought has now been going on for some time," he said, "what that means is that most fodder supplies from across the state are low or exhausted - we're going further and further away to get this very important fodder to keep the livestock in good condition."
On a case-by-case basis, access permits will be provided for trucks transporting hay loads in excess of 4.6 metres high, and for road trains on roads not currently approved for that use.
Scot MacDonald is urging agriculturalists to arrange the changes before hitting the road.
"My strong suggestion is [for farmers] to talk to RMS before they organise the truck. Once trucks are on the road, the RMS and police will be looking at these truck movements...we need to be flexible but the best way to ensure that is to talk to the RMS up-front," Mr MacDonald said.
For more information, head to the RMS website.
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| Image: ABC. |
