The safe operation of heavy vehicles and oversize over mass (OSOM) vehicles both on and off the farm will be the focus of a busy forum in Walgett next week. 

Transport for NSW’s freight and regulatory operations team will join representatives from NSW Farmers, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Rural Advisory Mental Health, NSW Police, and more as the Heavy Vehicle Farmers’ Forum visits Oberon, Walgett, and Narromine. 

Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the forums would bring together a range of voices with a single aim: to boost heavy vehicle safety for farmers. 



“These forums are a wonderful opportunity for farmers and people living in rural communities to discuss their local concerns and to gain knowledge from experts in their field to help everyone go about their jobs a little more safely,” Lunn said. 

“Heavy vehicle safety and issues such as heavy vehicle and OSOM compliance, chain of responsibility, and permits will be a primary focus on the day. 

“Representatives will also cover a wide range of topics, including safe work practices, fatigue, NSW Police enforcement, and rural mental health. 

Image: nhvr.org.ay 

Organisers say it is suitable for local farmers, contractors, transport industry workers, and other interested parties.

It comes as a number of contentious industry issues have come to the fore and the Transport Workers Union pushes for the Federal Government to set “enforceable standards” to protect workers and users of heavy vehicles. 

Heavy vehicles are part of an essential but often dangerous industry. More deaths occur in the transport industry than any other in Australia.

Last month, Employment Minister Tony Burke announced his intention to empower the Fair Work Commission Job Summit to set enforceable standards for all truck users, which the TWU said will “enable a safer, more sustainable, and viable industry”. 

The Heavy Vehicle Farmers’ Forum will be held at Walgett Sports Club on Wednesday 14 June.