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Queensland's peak local government association and the NHVR have signed an agreement to improve the productivity and safety of the state's road freight industry.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Memorandum of Agreement with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) would streamline heavy vehicle access to 150,000kms of council controlled roads throughout the state.
"A total of 2.1 billion tonnes of freight is moved by road annually throughout Australia with 22 per cent originating in Queensland – the second highest amount behind NSW," Mr Petroccitto said.
"Road is the predominant mode for the transportation of freight in Queensland, with freight tonnages predicted to continue to increase over the coming decades.
"I'm pleased to be working with the LGAQ to improve the permit system at the local level and make sure the heavy vehicle industry is meeting their expectations."
The Heavy Vehicle National Law requires local governments, as road managers, to consent to the operation of heavy vehicles on their roads before access permits can be issued.
LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam said the LGAQ and NHVR would work together to provide a standard approach to the way access permits are provided to the road freight industry.
"Under the MOA, the NHVR and the LGAQ will help more than 70 local governments throughout Queensland to fulfil their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
"This will include the formation of a Partnership Steering Committee to oversee the Agreement's implementation and an LGAQ Heavy Vehicle Access Liaison Officer to provide direct support to local governments," he said.
"Both organisations have joint interest in working together to deliver heavy vehicle regulatory services. Collaboration between the Regulator, LGAQ and local governments is critical to improving the safety and productivity of Queensland's road freight network," he said.
"The MOA will encourage local governments to allow timely and safe heavy vehicle access to the vital ‘first and last mile' linkages to strategic freight routes across Queensland."
Contact: Jillian Bagnall | 07 3309 8605