NHVR Unveils Draft Log Haulage Code to Boost Safety in Forest Transport

Robert Heyward

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released a draft Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice (LHC) aimed at enhancing safety across the entire process of transporting logs from forest to mill or port.

Acting Chief Safety and Productivity Officer Paul Sariban explained that the new Code was developed in close collaboration with the Australian Forest Products Association, the Australian Forest Contractor’s Association, and various industry stakeholders. “The LHC is a practical guide that supports all parties in the Chain of Responsibility to understand and meet their primary duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law,” he said.

Sariban emphasized that consulting with industry representatives was essential in identifying operational hazards and developing effective control measures. “Our engagement with industry allowed us to accurately assess how log haulage operations are conducted and to implement strategies to eliminate risks,” he added.

The draft Code is open for public feedback over the next eight weeks. Input from anyone involved in the logging sector—from owners of forestry areas and log harvesters to heavy vehicle operators and mill managers—will be considered in the review process to determine whether the Code is suitable for registration.

In addition to outlining best practices for handling logs, the Code offers guidance on assessing training needs for drivers and other workers. “Log haulage drivers face unique challenges operating off-road or on dirt roads, often with vehicles loaded near maximum capacity. High-quality, ongoing training is crucial for safe and efficient operations,” Sariban noted.

He also stressed that responsibility for safety should not fall solely on drivers. “The Heavy Vehicle National Law makes it clear that the primary duty is shared by all parties involved in the transport task. Forestry managers can mitigate risks through proper road design and signage, while loaders can enhance vehicle stability by carefully selecting and placing logs,” he explained.

The LHC further addresses the impact of harsh operating environments—such as rough, uneven terrain and damage from heavy loading equipment—by providing detailed guidance and control measures. “By working together, everyone in the supply chain can minimise damage and ensure public safety,” said Sariban.

Industry members can access the draft Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice via the NHVR’s consultation portal. Feedback should be submitted using the online feedback form or sent to codes@nhvr.gov.au.

“By collectively embracing a safety-first approach, we can protect lives and infrastructure while maintaining a productive industry,” Sariban concluded.

Minns Government Unveils Funding Boost to Restore Native Fish in Regional Waters

By Ian Rogers

The Minns Labor Government has announced new funding for fishing clubs and native fish stocking groups, aiming to replenish regional rivers and dams with iconic species such as Australian Bass, Golden Perch, and Murray Cod. This initiative is designed to enhance recreational fishing and bolster local tourism, underscoring the NSW Government’s commitment to preserving its unique regional waterways and the communities that rely on them.

Under the program, the state will contribute two dollars for every dollar raised by the community, facilitating the purchase of native fish from accredited commercial hatcheries for stocking into public waterways. The move seeks to counteract challenges such as carp infestations and drought, which have hindered native fish populations.

In addition to improving fishing opportunities, the program supports regional aquaculture ventures that produce high-quality fish stocks, generating local employment at hatcheries and breeding sites. Last year, 70 grants were approved, successfully restocking waterways in regions including Lake Cargelligo, Leeton, Walgett, Bermagui, Nowra, Goulburn, Tumut, and Yass.

Australian Bass, known to breed along coastal rivers from May to August, and Golden Perch, a migratory species following seasonal water flow in the Murray-Darling system, are set to benefit from the program. Murray Cod, another key species, is renowned for its long spawning migrations during the spring and summer months. All stocking activities in NSW are managed under strict fishery management strategies to ensure environmental sustainability and optimal recreational outcomes.

Groups interested in applying for the Community Native Fish Stocking (CNFS) 2025/26 grants can submit their applications online. Funding ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 per group, with only one application allowed per group. Applications to stock Australian Bass close on 28 March 2025, while those for Golden Perch or Murray Cod must be submitted by 9 May 2025.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, highlighted the dual economic and environmental benefits of the initiative. “Our Government is focused on delivering great recreational fishing and environmental outcomes. This program delivers in every way for fishers by populating highly popular native sportfish in regional waterways,” Moriarty said. She added that these stocking events will diversify the native fishery, enhance fishing amenities, and support local businesses—demonstrating the tangible benefits of reinvesting fishing licence fees back into the community.

For more details and to apply for the grants, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

By Ian Rogers

The NSW Forestry Corporation is facing serious scrutiny after it was caught quietly revising three years’ worth of sustainability reports, significantly reducing the reported timber yield from native forest logging since 2021. The revised data shows a 28% decline in yield across NSW, raising questions about the corporation’s reporting practices and the broader sustainability of native forest logging.

The discrepancy was uncovered in 2024 by members of the North East Forest Alliance and South East Forest Rescue. The discovery has prompted Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson to call on the NSW Auditor-General to investigate the Forestry Corporation for maladministration.

“The reported yield from native forest logging is a cornerstone of so-called ecologically sustainable forest management,” Ms. Higginson said. “For this data to be revised down by 28% without any public announcement calls into question the entire justification for continuing native forest logging.”

Misleading Data Raises Alarm

Ms. Higginson described the changes as a case of maladministration, highlighting that the original data—now proven inaccurate—had been tabled in NSW Parliament as part of Forestry’s sustainability reports since 2022.

“The fact that these reports were altered without formal recognition or public explanation is deeply concerning,” Ms. Higginson said. “The Forestry Corporation has a legal obligation to ensure that yields are accurately measured and sustainable. This data revision confirms what we’ve known for decades—that neither of these obligations has been met.”

Industry Losses and Environmental Concerns

According to the Forestry Corporation’s own annual reports, the native forest logging industry in NSW has incurred $73 million in losses since 2020. Ms. Higginson argues that the revised data reflects not only the declining profitability of the sector but also the deteriorating health of the state’s native forests.

“If timber yields are 28% lower than what the Government was originally told, it’s clear that the forests are in a far worse state than the Forestry Corporation is willing to admit,” she said.

Calls for Immediate Action

Ms. Higginson urged the Minns Labor Government to act swiftly and end native forest logging in NSW.

“The writing is on the wall,” she said. “The native forest logging industry is collapsing. We already know what it will cost to transition workers and communities out of the industry, and it’s significantly less than the ongoing destruction of our precious native forests.”

Environmental advocates have long called for an end to native forest logging, arguing that it is both economically and ecologically unsustainable. Ms. Higginson’s call for a formal investigation could further intensify pressure on the government to reconsider its stance.

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3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

By Ian Rogers

Opening Statement by Charlotte Wundersitz, National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Rural Affairs – Date: Feb 5, 2024

Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.

The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.

Since Telstra and Optus commenced the shutdown of their respective 3G mobile networks in October 2024, promising equivalent or improved coverage, Australian farmers remain unconvinced that these major providers have fulfilled that commitment. Three months post-shutdown, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) continues to receive widespread reports of diminished service availability and quality.

Key Issues Raised

• Reduced Service Quality: Farmers are experiencing more frequent call dropouts, inconsistent connectivity, slow download speeds, and, in some cases, a complete inability to access the internet.
• Loss of Fortuitous Coverage: The shutdown has led to the disappearance of ‘bonus coverage’ areas, creating new blackspots in regions that previously enjoyed reliable service.
• Increased Financial Burden: Farmers have had to invest heavily in expensive boosters, antennas, and software upgrades. Despite these measures, many still struggle with basic connectivity.

Impact on Safety and Productivity

This situation presents serious safety and productivity concerns, particularly during critical periods such as harvest and fire danger seasons. The NFF has documented several specific cases:

1. Scott Loughnan (Muckadilla, QLD): Reports significant post-shutdown issues along the Warrego Highway, affecting communication during grain harvest transport—a critical, time-sensitive operation.
2. Southern NSW Farmer: Despite being in a “guaranteed coverage area,” experiences persistent dropouts. Costs incurred from purchasing cel-fi boosters and upgrading farm equipment range between $10,000 and $20,000 due to the shutdown.
3. Knuth Family (Charters Towers, QLD): Reliable call coverage has plummeted from 90% of their property to just 20%. This has severely impacted both operational efficiency and safety, especially during the calving season when immediate assistance is often required.

Challenges in Seeking Resolutions

Despite the severity of these issues, rural Australians are disillusioned with the prospect of reporting problems to their providers, citing long wait times, unhelpful responses, and suggestions to purchase additional equipment without guaranteeing improved outcomes.

A Call for Accountability

This is not the first major telecommunications transition in Australia, nor will it be the last. However, rural consumers must not be treated as collateral damage in a process designed primarily to benefit urban residents and boost providers’ profits.

The NFF remains committed to holding telecommunications providers accountable throughout this transition. We acknowledge the recent launch of Telstra’s 3G hotline, which represents a positive initial step. Nevertheless, we urge all providers to engage directly with rural communities, listen to their concerns, and implement meaningful solutions.

The current status quo is unacceptable. Rural Australians deserve better, and the NFF will continue to advocate fiercely on their behalf.

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NFF Criticises Food Supply Chain Workforce Report for Lack of Actionable Data

By Ian Rogers

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has voiced its disappointment over the recently released final report by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) on the future of the food supply chain workforce. While the report presented 41 recommendations to address workforce challenges, NFF President David Jochinke said it fell short of providing the much-needed workforce data to inform policy and business decisions.

“The Government intended to solve a critical gap in workforce data, but this report has largely restated old problems without delivering meaningful new insights,” Mr. Jochinke said.

Old Problems, Few Solutions

Mr. Jochinke acknowledged that while the report didn’t meet industry expectations, some of its recommendations were encouraging. Key highlights included:

• Working Holiday Maker Program: The report cautioned against changes to specified work provisions within the program, reinforcing its critical role in addressing agricultural labour shortages and safeguarding national food security.
• Labour Hire Licensing: A national approach to labour hire licensing was identified as urgently needed, echoing long-standing industry calls for reform.
• Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme: The report highlighted the need to reduce the costs of placing workers under the PALM scheme to maintain its viability for businesses and ensure maximum benefits for Pacific communities.
• Short-Term Visa Pathway: JSA recommended a targeted, capped visa to address short-term workforce surges in horticulture, a sector particularly vulnerable to labour shortages.

Familiar Challenges

Mr. Jochinke noted that many of the recommendations closely resembled those in the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy, launched by the previous government in 2020.

“The report covers a broad range of issues facing the agricultural workforce, but there’s little here that is groundbreaking. Producers are already acutely aware of these challenges,” he said.

The Road Ahead

Despite its limitations, the NFF sees the report as an opportunity for the government to take decisive action.

“Perhaps the most redeeming feature of the report is that no stakeholder—be it industry, unions, or others—is entirely satisfied with its findings. What matters now is how the government chooses to respond,” Mr. Jochinke said.

With critical issues like labour shortages, visa reform, and workforce mobility still unresolved, the NFF is urging the government to use the report as a springboard for meaningful change.

“All the hardest work is yet to be done. The agricultural sector is watching closely to see whether the government is prepared to back this report with the action and investment needed to address our workforce crisis,” Mr. Jochinke said.

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