Victoria Emergency Drought Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme

What is the Victoria Emergency Drought Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme?

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), and the Livestock Rural Transport Association of Victoria (LRTAV), has developed the 'Victoria Emergency Drought Network.' This pre-approved permit network aims to reduce regulatory barriers and streamline access for interstate operators transporting grain and fodder into the region.

The new 'Victoria Emergency Drought Network', initially centred on Southwest Victoria, complements existing freight networks to provide rapid, flexible support to regions experiencing severe rainfall and fodder shortages.

This information is intended to equip heavy vehicle operators with the information they need to operate two-trailer road trains in Victoria under this Scheme.

    Eligible vehicles

    The bulk of fodder transported in Victoria is moved on B-double combinations. This Scheme extends access to two trailer road trains capped at 84.0 tonnes, 36.5 metres long, 4.6 metres high and 2.83 metres wide. While road trains operating under this Scheme do not need to comply with Performance Based Standards (PBS), they do need to meet the mass and dimension limits of one of the three reference vehicles illustrated in Figure 1 and Tables 1 and 2.

    Mass and dimension limits

    Dimension limits

    The maximum dimension limits are detailed in Table 1.

    An 11 axle A-double with axle spacing bubbles under each axle that refer to the table below it for spacing requirements
    Figure 1: Two-trailer road train reference vehicle diagram
    Table 1: Two-trailer reference vehicles – Dimension requirements
    Ref # Height limit (m) Width limit (m) OAL* limit (m) Reference vehicle axle spacing requirements (m)
    Axle spacing measured from the centre of the first specified axle to the centre of the second specified axle
    Limit type 1-11 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11
    1 4.60 2.83

    36.5

    		 Min

    -

    3.0

    1.25

    5.2

    1.2

    1.2

    5.2

    1.2

    5.2

    1.2

    1.2
    Max

    28.8

    -

    1.4

    -

    1.55

    1.55

    -

    1.55

    -

    1.55

    1.55

    2

    		 4.60 2.83

    36.5

    		 Min

    -

    3.0

    1.25

    6.0

    1.2

    1.2

    3.75

    1.2

    6.15

    1.2

    1.2
    Max

    28.8

    -

    1.4

    -

    1.55

    1.55

    -

    1.55

    -

    1.55

    1.55

    3

    		 4.60 2.83

    36.5

    		 Min

    -

    3.0

    1.25

    6.3

    1.2

    1.2

    3.75

    1.2

    6.3

    1.2

    1.2
    Max

    28.8

    -

    1.4

    -

    1.55

    1.55

    -

    1.55

    -

    1.55

    1.55
    * OAL - The overall vehicle combination length.

    Mass limits

    The maximum mass limits are detailed in Table 2. 

    Table 2: Two-trailer reference vehicles – Mass limits
    General, Concessional or Higher Mass Limits Steer axle Drive axle Tri-axle Tandem/Tri-axle dolly  Tri-axle

    Total mass (t)*

    GML

    6.5

    16.5

    20

    16.5

    20

    79.5

    CML

    6.5

    17

    21

    17

    21

    82.5

    HML

    6.5

    17

    22.5

    17

    22.5

    84.0
    * The maximum mass limits of the reference vehicle combination, with its load, is 84.0t. Operators must be accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Mass Management module.

    Telematics

    Operators will be required to comply with the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) framework. RIM is a certified vehicle-tracking systems using telematics to collect road use data with the aim to better inform and optimise the management of road networks.

    To further streamline access, road trains operating under this scheme will not need to be equipped with the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) or have Smart On-Board Mass (Smart OBM) installed.

    RIM uses tamper-evident GPS devices installed in the vehicle that are connected wirelessly to accredited third-party service providers.

    Further information about the TMA and RIM is available on the TCA website.

    Decoupling

    Decoupling of combinations into general access vehicles must occur at approved and safe locations, including but not limited to the designated rest areas shown on the drought network map. These sites must provide sufficient space for safe manoeuvring and staging. Site-specific conditions may be applied to manage when decoupling is permitted, such as restricting it to certain hours or days to minimise local disruption.

    Biosecurity obligations

    Central to the scheme is the need for transport operators to meet biosecurity obligations. Hay and fodder are known hosts and/or carriers of various quarantine pests and pathogens to Victoria. As such, interstate movement of hay and fodder is subject to strict restrictions. Victoria has established entry conditions for hay and fodder movement from interstate origins. Entry into Victoria is only permitted if all applicable biosecurity conditions are met (refer to the table below), or if the material is moved under, and in accordance with, a valid 'Plant Biosecurity Permit' issued by an Inspector. To apply for a 'Plant Biosecurity Permit' to allow the movement of hay and fodder into Victoria from an interstate origin, please complete the Plant Biosecurity Permit application form and submit it to market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au with a request for special consideration of the proposed movement. Agriculture Victoria will prioritise the issuing of permits to support drought relief within two business days.

    Table 3: Biosecurity conditions

    Regulated pest or pathogen associated with hay movement

    Relevant Victorian entry conditions that might apply

    Annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT)

    Condition 20A

    • Testing is required for hay and fodder sourced from any state or territory that does not have a relevant ARGT area freedom certificate.
    • Lucerne hay is exempt from testing requirements where it is the second or subsequent cut of the season.

    Alternatively, importers can apply for a plant biosecurity permit from Agriculture Victoria which will not require testing from source jurisdiction.

    Green snail (GS)

    Conditions 23A and 23B

    • Entry conditions apply when sourcing hay or fodder from properties located within 25km of a known GS infestation site.
    • View the GS distribution map.

    Red imported fire ant (RIFA)

    Condition 36E

    Electric ant (EA)

    Condition 43C

    Biosecurity permit conditions

    In light of the above requirements, the permit holder must meet at least one of the following biosecurity entry conditions before transporting hay and fodder into Victoria:

    1. Transportation is accompanied by an acceptable certificate that certifies the material has been treated in an approved manner to manage relevant biosecurity risks as specified in Victorian entry conditions; or
    2. Transportation is accompanied by a Plant Biosecurity Permit issued by an Inspector and there is compliance with any conditions or requirements set out in the permit.

      Where can Victoria Emergency Drought Network vehicles operate?

      The ‘Victoria Emergency Drought Network’ has been developed in collaboration with the VFF and LRTAV. The network has been designed to reduce exposure to Victoria’s bridge infrastructure while providing access to safe drop-off points where fodder and grain can be distributed directly to farms by smaller vehicles.

      A key aim of the network is to provide access within 24 hours of application to the NHVR, which will be processed within normal business days.

      Access beyond the pre-approved network, including last-kilometre access, will be handled on a case-by-case basis and take longer than 24 hours to process.

      The network will be reviewed over time, with access expanded where deemed appropriate, subject to road and bridge conditions.

      The network can be viewed on the NHVR National Network Map. 

      Are vehicles required to meet Performance Based Standards (PBS)?

      Eligible vehicles under the Scheme are not required to have a PBS vehicle approval, provided they comply with the conditions outlined.

      Will I need to pay permit fees?

      Permit fees will be waived for transport operators who obtain a permit under this Scheme.

      What if my vehicle doesn’t match one of the reference vehicles?

      Combinations that do not match any of the reference vehicles will not be provided access to the network.

      Please note that access is still available via Victoria’s well-established B-double network and the more than thirty PBS networks published on the NHVR National Network Map.

      How to apply for the Victorian Emergency Drought Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme

      To begin your permit application, navigate to NHVR Go login. If you are not already registered, follow the prompts to set up an account.

      Once registered, from the home screen, click on the ‘Application tracker’ tab and select the ‘NEW APPLICATION’ button and enter a reference for your application. So we can correctly identify your application, your reference/application nickname should be 'VIC Emergency Drought Network'.

      Note: Where you have an existing permit for an eligible configuration, select the ‘AMEND' application button, which will require the permit number to be entered. Follow the prompts to add the additional routes required.

      Step 1 - Click the green ‘SELECT CONFIGURATION’ button and select the 'Custom build your own' menu drop-down. Select the ‘Custom Road Train’ as your 'Application type' before you add your components. Select the 'ADD COMPONENT' to create the relevant reference vehicle for which you are applying. 

      Screenshot showing NHVR Go screen with step 1

      Step 2 - Once the correct configuration is selected, click on the ‘OVERALL' tab and go to ‘Configuration, mass and dimensions.' The vehicle type will require the following vehicle details:

      • unladen and laden dimensions - (as per the reference vehicle you are applying for)
      • unladen and laden mass limits - (as per the reference vehicle you are applying for)
      • 'Load type' - select 'Divisible'
      • VIN and registration details, this will be for all components.

      In the component images, you must tick the box ☐ "I confirm selection of the correct component" prior to proceeding to the ‘Travel details’ section of the application.

      These details are required for the road manager to assess your application.

      Step 3 - In the ‘Travel details’ section, enter the requested period. Based on the Scheme, the period cannot exceed 12 months. Input the 'Description of load' as 'Drought commodity.'

      Step 4 - Navigate to the ‘Route’ section of the application. Select the ‘Route type' as 'Area'. 

      • Under the 'Area Road Manager' section, input 'RMVIC9' and select 'Department of Transport and Planning (RMVIC9)' when it shows in the menu.
      • Plot the route required from the network shown on the National Network Map (NNM). 
      • Select the ‘CONFIRM’ tab and add 'Victorian Emergency Drought Network Pre-Approved Permit-Based Scheme' to the 'Route notes' section to support of your application. You must tick the box ☐ 'I confirm that the list of roads and associated route notes accurately defines my route requirements for this application' prior to proceeding to the next step of the application. 

      Step 5 - In the 'Attachments' section of the application, attach any required supporting documents or additional information (for example, a Plant Biosecurity Permit).

      Step 6 - The 'Additional instructions' section allows the nomination of an approved NHVR Go member of your account (if you will not be the relevant contact for the application). Include any additional instructions required for the application.

      Step 7 - In the 'Confirmation' stage, ensure all details of the application have been reviewed and confirmed. The application must be saved before you contact the NHVR. Once you have saved your application, contact the NHVR to exempt the payment fee by calling 13 NHVR (13 64 87) or emailing info@nhvr.gov.au,  Have your case number ready.

      More information

      Please send enquiries relating to Victoria’s new drought network through the following channels:

      www.nhvr.gov.au