Queensland truck drivers hauling for primary producers will gain a work diary exemption next month.
Heavy vehicle drivers who carry out primary production journeys in Queensland will no longer have to carry and record information in a work diary if travelling or working under 160km from their base.
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO Sal Petroccitto says that from June 1, the work diary exemption area will increase from a 100km to 160km radius for Queensland primary producers and their transport providers.
Petrocitto says the NHVR has listened to feedback from the primary industry sector and has moved to quickly and safely reduce red tape for operators and their transporters.
“This means less paperwork for fatigue management without compromising driver or public safety,” he says.
However, the exemption does not extend to other heavy vehicle drivers. The NHVR says all other drivers in Queensland are still required to complete a work diary if they work 100km beyond their base.
The NHVR is also reminding record keepers for primary producers and their transport providers to still keep records of work and rest time.
Record keepers must also keep a copy of payment records relating to the driver, including time sheet records if the driver is paid according to time at work. These records must be kept at the record location for a period of three years.
Industry groups AgForce and the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ) have welcomed the NHVR’s decision.
“This is a common sense outcome for primary producers and will go towards reducing burdensome paperwork requirements for the rural sector,” AgForce spokesman Grant Maudsley says.
LRTAQ President David Scott has also expressed his support for the change.
“I commend the NHVR for listening to industry and for working with us in the development of this exemption. I look forward to seeing the benefits delivered to our members,” he says.
The NHVR has put together a fact sheet on the changes. It says the exemption notice will soon be available on its website.