The Australian, Western Australian and South Australian Governments have worked with the heavy vehicle industry to ensure that recent flooding does not cut off North West Australian communities from food and essential supplies.
Temporary access will be provided to Class 3 vehicles to ensure the delivery of essential goods to North Western Australia and the Northern Territory via South Australia, in response to key freight routes closures caused by the recent flooding.
The National Class 3 Supplementary Access (Western Australia Assistance) Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) will provide temporary access for Class 3 vehicles that are road trains up to 53.5 metres in length to join the Road Train Type 2 network at Port Augusta SA, to deliver essential goods to North Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
The Western Australian Government has also put in place permits allowing road trains up to 53.5 metres to travel between Coolgardie and the South Australian border.
The temporary notice will expire on Tuesday 28 February 2023.
Quotes attributable to Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Madeleine King:
"This temporary access will allow increased freight capacity on alternative road networks to keep essential freight moving and ensure communities in North West Australia have access to food and essential supplies."
"The Albanese Government is working closely with the Western Australian Government to ensure they have all the support they need to during this major flooding event."
Quotes attributable to Acting Western Australia Minister for Transport, Planning, Ports John Carey:
"The impact to the road network from this flooding emergency has been significant but the Western Australian Government has moved quickly to put in place permits that will allow larger road trains to travel between Coolgardie and the South Australian border."
"This exemption notice will ensure those longer road trains can continue their journey on the South Australian side of the border, and I want to thank both the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments for their cooperation on this issue, and the assistance they're providing to the communities impacted by this flooding emergency."
"Allowing for larger road trains means we can move freight more efficiently by road to parts of our state's northwest and the Northern Territory."
Quotes attributable to South Australia Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis:
"The notice will allow Class 3 vehicles to travel from the Lincoln Highway and Eyre Highway to provide a safe and efficient alternative route into Western Australia."
"This is a commonsense solution that will keep freight routes open and operating during this difficult period."
Quotes attributable to NHVR Chief Executive Officer Sal Petroccitto:
"Time and time again, we see the heavy vehicle industry do an incredible job of helping Australians in need."
"We continue to collaborate with government, industry and the community to ensure the supply of essential goods to all Australians, and advocate for a safer, efficient heavy vehicle industry."
"While this notice is in place, I urge road users to be patient and cautious when driving near road trains."
"Road trains are much longer vehicles and road users should only overtake if there is a very long, straight stretch of road where they can see there's nothing ahead."
