August 19th 2009 - Road Trains in Bland Shire

NatRoad, the National Road Transport Operators Association incorporating Australian Road Train Association, welcomed the recent unanimous vote of the Bland Shire Council to allow access to road trains on all rural roads west of the Newell Highway, except residential village streets, for a one year trial.

“The Bland Shire Council’s decision to allow road trains west of the Newell Highway is a recognition of the importance of road trains for the economy of the area, with the transport of grains, stock and other produce.

The role of NatRoad member Allan Clark in achieving this result should be acknowledged”, NatRoad President Rob McIntosh said this morning.

“Allan has worked with the Bland Shire Council to obtain this permission for the operation of road trains, provided that truck drivers satisfy themselves about road conditions and carry out risk assessments. The Shire has requested Allan to arrange for operators to attend a meeting about their obligations and risk assessment procedures to be utilised, and NatRoad will publicise this meeting shortly ” Mr McIntosh said.

The trial period is expected to commence in time for the 2009 harvest.

The Bland Shire Council will also make route MR231- Girral to Lake Cargellico Rd from MR57- West Wyalong-Condoblin Road accessible permanently to road trains.