Representation and Achievements

Representation

The LTAV is an active organisation that is represented on many committees and working groups:

National Association Saleyard Service Organisations Inc

Consists of Livestock Transporters and Saleyard Representatives.

Formed to bring the key components of the Saleyard system to discuss initiatives and issues that affect all.

Livestock Industry Consultative Committee

This Committee is chaired by the Chief Veterinary Officer. It is a consultative group that looks at any new legislation and national issues.

Victorian Enforcement Liaison Group

A group established to provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss road enforcement related issues as they affect the road freight industry and the community as a whole.

Victorian Road Freight Advisory Committee

This Committee was established to provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss road enforcement issues as they affect the road freight industry and the community as a whole.

Victorian Transport Association

As an Associate member of the VTA we are able to keep up to date of state legislative issues that affect livestock transporters. We are also able to offer our members VTA's extensive resources for human resources, legal, finance and many other issues.

Achievements

Agreed Standard Design for Ramps

How many times have you been frustrated, or even hurt, by loading and unloading facilities?

The LTAV have worked closely with the Livestock Saleyards Association and WorkCover to come up with a set of agreed standard designs for ramps.

These plans are now being used to overhaul loading and unloading facilites at saleyards throughout the State. Whilst they will not suit every situation they are a great guide as to what ramps should have as minimum requirements eg. catwalks and slam shut gates.

Extra Width Exemption from VicRoads

Don Hogben, Manager - Commercial Vehicle Operations of VicRoads announced in 2005 that we have been granted an additional 50mm width, each side, for the purpose of installing working at heights equipment on all trailers registered before 1 January 2006.

This is a major achievement for the LTAV, one that we worked very hard for. Victoria is the only State in Australia to be granted this exemption.

Diesel Rebate

In the late1990s the government looked set to eliminate the Diesel Rebate. The LTAV, in conjunction with ALTA, held a number of truck convoys and rallies at which we had politicians present. The rally at Bendigo was organised by the LTAV and we had over 90 trucks participate and politicians from all the parties attended.

The outcome of these rallies and lobbying was the continuation of the Diesel Rebate for all carriers.

Volume Loading

Volume Loading is now an integral part of our businesses. This legislation is a direct result of members of the LTAV canvassing parliamentarians and VicRoads. We organised weigh-in demonstrations and persistently dealt with politicians and working bodies until this was achieved.

Without the LTAV Volume Loading would not exist in Victoria.

Working at Heights

Occupational Health and Safety (Prevention of Falls) Regulations 2003 came into operation on 31 March 2004. This “Working at Heights” legislation, brought in through WorkSafe, effects all transport operators where employees work at more than 2 metres from the ground.
The LTAV has formed a Working at Heights committee and have worked with designers of harnesses and VicRoads in order to provide Livestock Transporters with options on how to deal with this new Legislation.We also appointed a consultancy group to develop procedures and supporting training packages to aid carriers in complying with this new legislation.

These Operators Guides are available for members to purchase and are an instrumental tool in dealing with this legislation. We have included a flyer and order form for you.The LTAV have held demonstration days and information sessions and intend to maintain a presence in all ongoing discussions with all involved parties.

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