Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has announced that after a successful trial on the Liverpool Plains, the Farm Gate Access network will become permanent, making it easier for freight to move produce from the farm gate to market.
“I welcome the news from the NSW Government that the Farm Gate Access network now becomes a permanent system, which is fantastic news for farmers and freight operators in the Liverpool Plains Shire Council area,” Mr Layzell said.
“With this network now formally in place, the process for freight to move produce will become significantly easier for our local farmers, freight operators and for local councils.”
In addition to the Liverpool Plains being included in the Farm Gate Access network, the neighbouring Gunnedah Shire Council and Tamworth Regional Council are participants in the program.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said by making the network permanent it will improve access to local roads for heavy vehicles and cut red-tape for farmers and transport operators by reducing the need to apply for access permits.
“The trial of the Farm Gate Access network has been a success for both industry and local government and provides councils better insight into freight movements on their roads,” Mr Farraway said.
“Modern heavy vehicles are fitted with telematics which provides both the operators and councils an accurate picture of their movement and can be used to base road upgrade priorities on.
“For the farmer and transport operators, the scheme significantly cuts the red tape of making a permit application every time they want to use a local road often to the farm’s front gate.
“The network, developed by Transport for NSW, Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association, NSW Farmers and partnering councils is a win-win for everyone.
At present, 12 regional councils across NSW and over 135 vehicles are participating in the initiative.
Further information about the Farm Gate Access scheme can be found at: https://nswroads.work/farmgate
