GRASSROOTS REPRESENTATION
LRTAV represent hundreds of hard-working transport businesses and their drivers servicing the agricultural sector, based in regional and rural communities of Victoria. We are working to achieve a more productive, efficient and safer industry for the future.
Our efforts are directed to;
Policy: we work with members to develop policy positions that are appropriate for the Agricultural Transport sector
Advocacy: we communicate members views to government, trading partners and stakeholders
Navigation: we provide members with information and insights so they can navigate complex industry issues
VICTORIAN LIVESTOCK LOADING SCHEME
The Victorian Livestock Loading Scheme (VLLS) is a voluntary scheme designed to facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of livestock by:
• reducing the chances of animals being injured
• increasing the productivity of livestock
• protect road and bridge infrastructure
• reduce the chances of vehicle rollover
Road safety is enhanced by:
• requiring roll resistant air suspensions
• reducing the ability of livestock to move to one side of the vehicle on masse; and
• the use of more stable low profile semi-trailers
This important initiative was instigated by the LRTAV and now coordinate the only livestock loading training across Victoria to ensure your drivers are compliant. For more information on the scheme or training please contact the LRTAV office on Ph: 0400933713 or email office@lrtav.com.au
ANIMAL WELFARE
Animal welfare is the highest priority for livestock transporters, as they understand that the health and well-being of the animals in their care are paramount to ethical and responsible transport. Transporters are committed to adhering to stringent standards and guidelines and best practices that ensure animals are treated humanely throughout the journey. By prioritizing animal welfare, livestock transporters not only comply with regulations but also foster public trust and contribute to the overall sustainability of the agricultural industry. Their dedication to humane treatment reflects a deep respect for the animals and the vital role they play in food production.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT- LivestockASSIST
LivestockASSIST is a 24/7 national hotline for coordinating emergency responses when heavy vehicles carrying livestock are involved in incidents. LivestockASSIST provides a rapid national emergency response to minimize harm to drivers and animals when incidents occur.
Call 1800 4 ALRTA (1800 4 25782) for assistance in the event of a livestock accident.
Based on NTI’s successful AccidentASSIST service, LivestockASSIST offers vehicle recovery, medical assistance, driver repatriation, trauma counseling, and message referral. This service is specifically tailored for livestock transport and connects to a network of local experts equipped to handle livestock recovery, round up escaped animals, and make veterinary decisions.
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY LIVESTOCK VICTORIAN NETWORK
The LRTAV have been working with Department of Transport & Planning and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to implement the High Productivity Livestock Vehicle (HPLV) Network which aims to enhance the efficiency of livestock transport across Victoria. Central to the success of this initiative is the accreditation process, which ensures that all participating operators meet the necessary safety, compliance, and operational standards.
The LRTAV High Productivity Livestock Vehicle Accreditation Scheme is a compulsory program for operators wanting access to Victoria’s HPLV Network. The Scheme promotes compliance, accountability, and industry best practices, while prioritizing safety, animal welfare, and adherence to regulations for improved access for high productivity livestock vehicles.
For more information on the new network please contact the LRTAV office on Ph: 0400933713 or email accreditation@lrtav.com.au
GRAIN HARVEST MANAGEMENT SCHEME (GHMS)
From 1 October to 31 May each year, a Grain Harvest Management Scheme (GHMS) will operate in Victoria to improve the productivity, safety and efficiency of heavy vehicles during the harvest season.
The GHMS recognises the difficulty of accurately loading trucks on-farm with grain and has been designed to create some flexibility. The scheme allows participants a 5% mass concession above the statutory General Mass Limit for vehicles delivering grain to a participating grain receiver.
The scheme benefits the grain and road transport industries as well as the wider community. It allows for an efficient grain harvest while eliminating overloading on our roads through appropriate administration procedures and compliance activities.
What are the key features of the scheme?
Key aspects of the GHMS include:
- The vehicle must be manufactured on or after 1 January 2002.
- Grain is delivered to a participating grain receiver.
- Participation is not restricted to farmers and is open to anyone transporting grain from a farm to a participating grain receiver.
- Operators of an eligible vehicle no longer need to apply to participate in the GHMS and will automatically opt-in.
Where can I drive?
You’ll be able to drive on most roads, however, some restrictions will be in place. We’ve developed two maps which show the approved roads.
Be sure to check these maps regularly as local councils roads are updated frequently.
How do I join the scheme?
In previous years, operators have completed an online form and been issued with a letter confirming their enrolment in the Victorian GHMS.
From 2022, all eligible vehicles that comply with the conditions set out in the Victorian class 3 GHMS exemption (notice) 2022 that aren’t operating under another mass concession, will be automatically included in the GHMS and eligible for the 5% mass concession.
LIVESTOCK TUNNEL TRIAL
LRTAV have been working with Transurban and the Department of Transport & Planning to better manage livestock movements across Metro Melbourne. The Melbourne Tunnel Trial development is making significant strides, with a projected start date of the trial to be early in 2025.
There will be rules and restrictions to the trial and these will be released closer to the date and must be adhered too.
Main thing to remember at any time IF YOU SET OFF THE LIGHTS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE TUNNEL YOU MUST DETOUR
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY AND SAVE
As a member of a LRTAV you will not only have a voice for rural transport you will receive many cost saving benefits:
Fuel savings include:
Riordan’s Partnership – contact the office for todays On Road price at all sites.
BP with 8.5c discount
AMPOL (previously Caltex) with up to 5c discount on Non NTN sites and up to 7.5c discount at NTN sites
Mobil 9.0 cents per litre discount on diesel fuels at attended & unattended Mobil Diesel stops in Victoria & NSW & zero card fees
Lowes with 2.8c up to 5.8c discount on their network
Tool discounts with Repco Commercial
Insurance discounts with NTI
RIST Training discount on VLLS course
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
We provide members with a NEWSLETTER which includes updates with what’s happening both nationally and in Victoria for transporters. Our newsletter also includes information on industry developments and challenges. Where ever possible we pass on the relevant and timely information regarding saleyards, abattoirs and any other facilities. SMS TEXT MESSAGES straight to your phone on urgent issues that affect your business EG: road closures, change of sale days etc. WEEKLY SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES via LRTAV facebook pages contains important information for livestock transporters to help you in your day-to-day operations and to keep abreast of what the ALRTA is doing and how we are tackling the issues impacting on our industry.
