A quick update with regards the recent announcement by the Department of Transport (DOT – formerly VicRoads), that Victoria's Permit & Drought Assistance Road Train Network will be “No Longer Accessible” and access will be removed from December 31, 2020.

12 months ago, the Victorian government relaxed the rules regarding non PBS Road Trains, permitting them to travel, unladen, south of Ouyen to Horsham, and later to Charlton to collect Hay and Grain from these areas, to take north to drought declared areas of NSW and QLD. It was always intended to be a temporary “emergency” measure. Normally non PBS Road Trains were prohibited south of Ouyen.      

The decision to end the road train drought relief network was reached via consultation with industry and the VFF. As the drought emergency is passing, and there are now, apparently, sufficient stocks of hay and grain in NSW.

Please Note: Your current Road Train Drought Permit will not be renewed by DOT passed the 31/12/2020. Also, existing drought permits with an expiry date beyond the 31/12/2020 “WILL NOT BE VALID AFTER 31/12/2020”, as the network they reference will no longer exist.

If you have recognised the benefits of road train combinations, Victoria allows limited access for High Productivity Freight Vehicles, including PBS Road Trains (See attached Info Bulletin). These are often the combinations you see travelling on approved networks around the state, heading in and out of Melbourne – with access to Geelong and Portland also achievable.

The Drought Relief network was a great opportunity for Victoria to help QLD and NSW through a tough period – which is no longer deemed necessary. A big thanks to all those companies who got access permits to travel from Vic to far off places, to help those in need, WELL DONE!