Livestock transport body says the project will improve efficiency and combat fatigue
The Livestock and Rural Transport Association Queensland (LRTAQ) has welcomed the federal government’s $20 million funding commitment to upgrade roads in Rockhampton.
Part of the federal government’s Beef Roads Programme, the funding involves improving road infrastructure to allow livestock transporters access the meat processors in the region using road trains.
LRTAQ president Ian Wild says the upgrade will help reduce the number of trips required to move livestock, which will save time and money, and also reduce fatigue-related issues among drivers.
“The Beef Capital of Australia has long suffered from the inability for anything larger than a B-double to access the processing plants in Rockhampton and tragically in 2014 the death of a driver whilst cross loading,” Wild tells Owner//Driver.
“The LRTAQ alongside AgForce have been working for many years towards a solution to this undesirable situation and we, the LRTAQ are extremely happy that funding has finally been announced for this to take place.
“As well as much needed funding for other major transport corridors in the north of the state.
“Our members sometimes take twice as long to get to our destination because of the state of some of the roads we frequent.
“The announcement of this funding to upgrade some of the corridors will go a long way to reducing animal welfare and fatigue management issues that affect our industry.”