The Australian Government is calling on freight operators to help improve key freight routes by giving feedback on local government infrastructure assets.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said that the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP), administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), was examining bridges and culverts and road assets across the country.
“This project is about working with local governments and industry to identify bridges and culverts that need engineering assessments to improve access for heavy vehicles,” Mr Buchholz said.
“The Phase 1 Pilot is well underway with 100 bridges and culverts across 12 councils now being assessed by engineers.
“Now, we want to hear from industry, operators and drivers about those assets that should be looked at in Phase 2, to make our freight routes more productive for the benefit of the whole industry.
“If there is a bridge on your route that is underutilised or that you would use if you knew it was available, let the NHVR know about it.
“The NHVR is now taking expressions of interest from local governments for the next phase of the project.
“There is an interactive mapping tool for industry to tell us about any bridges and culverts on heavy vehicle routes that currently may have restricted access.
“I urge all in the industry or with an interest in freight transport to get online and let us know about these restricted points so we can keep freight moving,” Mr Buchholz said.
Visit the SLGAAP project site to view the full list of councils and the assets involved in the pilot at https://nhvr.engagementhub.com.au/
