Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association (LBCA) president, Tamworth carrier Jim Savage said the event was a credit to all involved and showed the importance of working more closely together to promote rural and regional NSW issues.

“We had local primary producers, meat processors and agents all working together with the region’s transport carriers in reviewing the problems we face in key areas such as managing truck driver fatigue and reducing eft1uent loss from trucks,” Mr Savage said.

“They all understand trucks are a critical lifeline for everything to do with living in regional NSW and we all need to do more to support the work they do.

“The debate was fair and constructive and all participants showed a strong willingness to be involved in looking at possible solutions to ensure road safety is improved and rural transport efficiency challenges are addressed.”

Jock Laurie, president of the NSW Farmers Association, and Walcha Mayor Bill Heazlett who opened the workshop, joined other groups in supporting the workshop including the Roads and Traffic Authority, Stock Squad, NSW Police and companies Austbrokers, AEI Transport, Beaurepaires Tyres, Cummins Engines and Elders.

One high-priority issue raised was the urgent need for more truck rest areas in the Walcha area to improve driver safety. In addition, the meeting agreed that the Walcha Council should work towards finding ways to encourage truck drivers to stop and use local facilities while also addressing local community’s needs and concerns.

“Local transport operators have indicated that there is a shortage of truck drivers in Walcha and a win-win outcome is available for the community and local transport companies by co-operatively addressing this issue. We should work together to show that we want to support these companies and their employees being accepted as part of the local community,” Mr Savage said.

“Success in this area could mean more local income and could assist with broader local outcomes like more teachers because there are more local kids at local schools.”

Local LBCA member and Walcha Carrying Co principal Stephen Haslem said the organisation was happy with the response.

“Thanks to those who attended for giving up a day to come along and see what the association is doing for the industry,” he said.

“Graziers who attended now have a better understanding of the new chain of responsibility laws.”