Livestock partnership delivers new code of practice for managing effluent

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has registered a new national code of practice developed in partnership with the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) to reduce the hazards and risks associated with effluent spillage during the transport of livestock.

NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said the Managing Effluent in the Livestock Supply Chain Code of Practice had been specifically developed by industry for industry, but would have farreaching benefits for all road users and communities.

“The ‘Effluent Code’ is a practical guide that helps livestock transporters and other parties in the livestock supply chain meet their primary duty and other obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) when managing livestock effluent during road transport,” said Petroccitto.

“It combines industry knowledge and experience in suggesting measures to minimise effluent loss that can be implemented at each stage of a land transport journey – from preparing livestock for transit to unloading – without impacting animal welfare.

“I’d like to congratulate ALRTA and the other parties involved for addressing this difficult issue and helping make the livestock transport task safer for all road users.”

ALRTA President, Scott McDonald, said ALRTA had worked with a wide range of stakeholders – including livestock producers, transport operators and drivers, vehicle manufacturers, agents, saleyards, feedlot managers, processors, regulators, animal welfare advocates, government agencies and the community – to develop a code that was both practical and workable.

“Historically livestock transport drivers have been left solely responsible for managing livestock effluent in transit,” said McDonald.

“This code is a game changer because it makes it clear that Chain of Responsibility applies to off-road parties in the livestock supply chain, and articulates the measures they can take to minimise the risk of effluent accumulation and spillage.

“This is a supply chain problem that requires a supply chain solution.

“While the Effluent Code will help to improve road safety, it will also improve animal welfare outcomes, mitigate biosecurity threats and contribute to the sustainability of the livestock industry.”

The NHVR is currently working with stakeholders to develop further industry codes of practice and welcomes enquiries and suggestions about other new codes.

Major NSW truck wash re-opens

A major truck wash on the Kamilaroi Highway capable of accommodating vehicles as large as road trains and B-triples has officially re-opened.

Located at the Gunnedah Regional Saleyards in New South Wales, the $1.8 million drive-through facility was funded by Regional NSW, Restart NSW Fixing Country Truck Washes Program and Gunnedah Shire Council as part of the Saleyards’ $14 million redevelopment.

The truck wash was designed following consultation with operators and industry organisations, and its realignment and modification now allows more trucks to move forward into the wash bays and exit from the same direction.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the project highlighted the important role truck washes play in vehicle productivity and maintenance.

“The upgraded truck wash facility at Gunnedah Regional Saleyards will provide access for all truck operators, including livestock carriers, and has capacity to cater for modern road trains as well,” he said.

“The new truck wash means drivers no longer need to reverse their vehicle to access and use the facility, creating a safer and more efficient wash-down process.

“Truck washes are essential to reducing the spread of weeds and disease across NSW and I’m pleased to see the new facility opened.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor, Jamie Chaffey, said the completion of the truck wash was great news for the livestock industry.

“It’s fantastic to see this new facility now made available to livestock transporters who rely on truck washes to clean their vehicles,” he said.

“Since the introduction of road trains into this region, it’s great to see that transporters now have the ability to wash their vehicles, no matter the size.”