The Palaszczuk Government has announced it will slash red tape for heavy vehicles in a move set to save industry more than $1 million in fees and 3,300 hours in paperwork.
Permit durations for Class 1 Oversize Overmass (OSOM) load-carrying vehicles will now be extended to 12 months, following a review of OSOM vehicles last year.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had worked closely with industry on the initiative, and to create national consistency for the heavy vehicle industry.
“Our reforms mean truckies can spend less time on paperwork, and more time driving our economy,” Mr Bailey said.
“This change will provide significant benefits to the industry, while also balancing the importance of heavy vehicle safety.
Mr Bailey said the reforms coincided with the Heavy Vehicle Safety Action Plan adopted earlier this year and other initiatives, including better case manager communication, automatic inclusion of return trips, and multiple vehicles on permits without the need for a new application.
“The heavy vehicle industry plays an important role in Queensland’s economy and provides vital employment opportunities.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to improving road safety for heavy vehicles, managing infrastructure risk and cutting red tape to maximise industry productivity.
“These reforms add to our $23 billion commitment to roads and transport infrastructure over the next four years and our 36-point safety action plan for heavy vehicle safety.”
Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) CEO Gary Mahon said the QTA has worked closely with Minister Bailey and the department to make these changes to reduce the administrative burden on industry.
“The QTA acknowledges that this approach to making sensible and practical changes to reduce the burden on industry is welcomed, and supports our advocacy for reform,” Mr Mahon said.
“The cost of processing permits adds to the cost of transporting freight and the industry will welcome this relief in terms of reduction in red tape as well as cost.”
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chairman Duncan Gay said the change would be welcomed by industry.
“This is an important change that will make a big difference to the Queensland heavy vehicle industry,” Mr Gay said.
“We appreciate being able to work collaboratively with the government to support local operators’ productivity while keeping our roads safe.”
