The WA government has announced that it will allow road trains operating across the vast state to haul heavier loads to regional areas in an effortto deliver more petrol, diesel fuel as well as more fertiliser to key communities.
In the midst of shortages sparked by the current US Military operations against Iran in the Middle East, WA’s, Fuel Security Roundtable has announced it will permit more flexibility for road trains to get more critical fuel and fertiliser supplies out to regional Western Australia.
The WA authorities have announced that they will allow 27.5m and 36.5m road trains to transport an extra ten tonnes per load if they’re carrying petrol, diesel or fertiliser to certain priority regions.
WA transport minister Rita Saffioti said that in times of global fuel uncertainty, that it is now more important for government to work with industry and the community on practical solutions.
“This is a significant decision, which will enable the delivery of more petrol, diesel and fertiliser to regional Western Australians,” said Minister Saffioti.
“Working with industry, we will prioritise key regional areas to support the community and keep our economy strong through any global shocks,” she added.
WA road trains will be able to deliver more petrol, diesel and fertiliser to key regions such as the Goldfields, the South West, Great Southern and the Wheatbelt under the plan.
In order to help distribution, industry will work with the government and fuel companies to triage priority areas for more stock.
Industry will provide the location of these depots to Main Roads, who will adjust existing permits on a case-by-case basis to allow for the new temporary conditions.
The WA authorities say that the new permit conditions will be revealed progressively from this week as it works to identify required travel routes.
The increases to road train loads supports the federal government’s recent decision to relax minimum stock obligations for fuel companies that prioritise sending fuel to regional customers, which will ensure regional WA can more quickly access petrol and diesel.
