Joint Announcement
A new livestock effluent disposal pit at the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLE) was opened earlier this month and is now available to all livestock transporters.
HRLE Manager Paul Christopher said the project was a joint initiative of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Horsham Rural City Council (Council) and funded under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
“The newly installed pit will provide an opportunity for transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield,” Mr Christopher said.
“Previously, there weren’t enough locations for transporters to properly dispose of effluent along the road network.
“Together, we agreed to deliver this project to effectively provide an opportunity for livestock transporters to dispose of effluent in western Victoria.”
ALRTA President Stephen Marley, said that managing effluent in transit is a significant challenge for their members.
“Effluent capture tanks installed on purpose-built livestock trailers do a reasonable job of containment however there is a need for transporters to access suitable facilities for disposal when tanks become full in transit and at ‘end of journey’ facilities,” Mr Marley said.
“Disposal facilities benefit the livestock supply chain and the community. They improve safety by ensuring cleaner roads and improved animal welfare outcomes and help to reduce the risk of non-compliance with biosecurity, environment and load restraint laws.
“That’s why the ALRTA is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and governments to develop a national network of effluent disposal points.
“Our association greatly appreciates the support of the livestock transport industry demonstrated by HRLE and Council by building an effluent disposal pit on their site at Horsham.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the project will make the heavy vehicle industry safer for all road users.
“This project is a great demonstration of how government and industry working together can implement sustainable, value-for-money solutions to tricky problems in the supply chain,” he said.