The Queensland Government’s decision to maintain the current Livestock Loading Scheme is a victory for common sense that will keep transport costs down and ensure our primary producers maintain a competitive advantage in the transport of cattle.

AgForce transport spokesman Leo Neill-Ballantine said Queensland transports the largest volume of cattle in Australia by road over long distances for supply to markets, feedlots, sale yards, abattoirs and ports.

“Since the mid-1990s, the livestock transport industry has been afforded mass concessions through the Livestock Loading Scheme, which allows livestock to be loaded volumetrically,” he said.

“The scheme is unique to Queensland and was developed to facilitate the movement of cattle in remote areas, and to provide livestock transporters with assurance they were complying with regulations without the need for on-road interceptions.

“We are pleased that a detailed Department of Transport and Main Roads review has found little evidence of overloading and has now recommended the Livestock Loading Scheme be maintained.”

Mr Neill-Ballantine said AgForce had worked with the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Queensland, trailer manufacturers, trucking companies and other trucking bodies to unify the industry’s voice and demand that the scheme remain.

“Maintaining the current Livestock Loading Scheme has been shown to be the most cost effective, efficient and sustainable method for managing the road transport of livestock in Queensland,” he said.

“This is a positive outcome for all livestock transporters in Queensland and we thank the Department of Transport and Main Roads for the consultative and common sense approach they took while reviewing this important industry issue.”