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Freight operators on alert over fire danger

NSW and Queensland continue to be under siege from widespread fires

 

As NSW and Queensland brace for catastrophic fire conditions, freight operators are also being asked to remain vigilant and ensure protocols are in place to best manage the situation.

A catastrophic fire danger is forecast for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter and Illawarra Shoalhaven areas tomorrow due to worsening weather conditions.

“Large areas of the state are also forecast to experience Severe and Extreme fire danger. This includes in the north coast and northern NSW areas, where there is a large number of fires already burning. These fires will not be contained in time and will threaten lives and properties,” the NSW Rural Fire Service says.

Freight routes New England Highway, Pacific Highway and other major roads have been affected by closures.

Parts of Western Australia are also on alert with an “extreme fire danger” forecast for the South Interior.

In a communique, NSW Police spokesman Philip Brooks tells operators to take note of: “route planning and alternative routes, fire protection measures for your on road staff, counter measures for your perishable/live freight, parking protocols so as to not park up on grassed areas, hydration and general ‘heat’ safety protocols”.


NT WorkSafe recently issed an alert on truck fire risks


The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) urges industry customers and truck drivers to remain patient and safe, with those travelling through bushfire-affected areas to make sure they have checked the latest weather conditions, bushfire alerts and traffic information, and ensure they carry an emergency survival kit with plenty of water.

Fires ravaging the NSW mid north coast region. Photo: Greg Bush

“Parts of New South Wales and Queensland are currently in the midst of a state of emergency as they battle out of control bushfires, with tomorrow’s conditions predicted to be catastrophic,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire says.  

“It is crucial truck drivers travelling through the bushfire-affected areas follow the instructions of emergency services, traffic crews or road closures to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

“It is also important that industry customers are mindful of this situation and exercise patience if deliveries are delayed. It is a serious offence for a customer to cause or encourage a truck driver or business to breach the fatigue rules or speed to avoid late deliveries.”

The NSW Transport Management Centre advises operators to call 131 700 to report an incident and their whereabouts or to seek non-emergency assistance.

Operational safety issues relating to heavy vehicle transport activities can be reported via the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785.

Other links containing relevant information include:

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