Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange upgrade funded under HVSI
A new Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLE) effluent disposal pit, identified as part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), is now available to livestock transporters.
The project was a joint initiative of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Horsham Rural City Council and funded under the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR’s) HVSI scheme.
HRLE manager Paul Christopher says previously there weren’t enough locations for transporters to properly dispose of effluent along the road network.
“The newly installed pit will provide an opportunity for transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield,” Christopher says.
“Together, we agreed to deliver this project to effectively provide an opportunity for livestock transporters to dispose of effluent in western Victoria.”
ALRTA president Stephen Marley observes that managing effluent in transit is a significant challenge for members and disposal facilities benefit the livestock supply chain and the community.
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“Effluent capture tanks installed on purpose-built livestock trailers do a reasonable job of containment, however, there is a need for transporters to access suitable facilities for disposal when tanks become full in transit and at ‘end of journey’ facilities,” Marley says.
“[The facilities] improve safety by ensuring cleaner roads and improved animal welfare outcomes and help to reduce the risk of non-compliance with biosecurity, environment and load restraint laws.
“That’s why the ALRTA is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and governments to develop a national network of effluent disposal points.
“Our association greatly appreciates the support of the livestock transport industry demonstrated by HRLE and Council by building an effluent disposal pit on their site at Horsham.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto adds: “This project is a great demonstration of how government and industry working together can implement sustainable, value-for-money solutions to tricky problems in the supply chain.”