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Queensland's sugarcane industry is making positive strides in heavy vehicle safety, with a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) operation finding improved loading practices across the sector while highlighting the need for continued focus on vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness.
The NHVR's Operation Humidity was conducted during this year's crush season to identify safety risks associated with increased cane haulage activity across Queensland.
The operation recorded 140 intercepts across harvesting regions, with a Heavy Vehicle National Law non-compliance rate of 27 per cent, down from 38.8 per cent during the 2025 operation.
NHVR Director Northern Region Kelli Ready said the results demonstrated industry was responding to clear safety expectations and improving their practices.
"These results show many operators are taking safety seriously and responding to the messages we have been delivering across the industry," Ms Ready said.
“In the 2025 pre-season we ran a number of industry information sessions which included loading requirements, and these operation results show industry is starting to make these necessary changes.
"Following our pre-season engagement activities, we are seeing more consistent loading practices, improved cane bins in some operations and greater attention to load restraint requirements.
"Those improvements are encouraging but the operation also showed there is more work to do, particularly in relation to vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness."
Operation Humidity was the first coordinated NHVR sugarcane operation conducted across all harvesting areas of Queensland.
Twelve vehicles were identified exceeding allowable mass limits, while seven load restraint infringements were issued during the operation.
But the operation identified noticeable improvements in load restraint compliance overall, including increased free space between loads and the top of trailers across many vehicle combinations.
While the results highlighted positive progress, Ms Ready said mechanical roadworthiness remained the most significant safety concern identified during the operation.
"Our officers issued 86 defect notices relating to issues such as brakes, lights, reflectors and vehicle condition," she said.
"These findings reinforce a trend we have observed in previous sugarcane operations and highlight the ongoing need for stronger maintenance practices across the sector.
"Many of these defects are preventable through effective maintenance planning, regular inspections and timely repairs before vehicles enter service.
"We encourage operators to carry out thorough pre-season checks and address defects.”
CANEGROWERS Chief Executive Officer Dan Galligan said the improvements in load restraint demonstrated that growers, contractors and operators were taking safety messages seriously.
"The vast majority of people involved in our industry want to do the right thing. They understand they are sharing the road with the broader community and take that responsibility seriously," Mr Galligan said.
"It is encouraging to see improvements in loading practices following the work that has been done with industry. Where issues have been identified, particularly around vehicle maintenance, the focus now needs to be on addressing those and continuing to lift standards."
Ms Ready said the results reinforced the value of combining education, industry engagement and targeted compliance activities.
"Most operators want to do the right thing and get everyone home safely," she said.
"Our role is to support industry to meet its safety obligations while taking action where risks remain.
"The improvements seen this season show what is possible when operators take ownership of their safety obligations. Our focus will remain on reducing the risks that continue to contribute to serious road crashes and harm on Queensland roads."
The NHVR collaborated with CANEGROWERS on their Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide.
If a heavy vehicle driver is concerned about their safety or feels pressured to drive, they are encouraged to contact the NHVR's anonymous Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line or call 1800 931 785.