New permit system so MC trucks can enter Perth via Greenmount Hill a ‘small win’ for transport industry

WA truckies forced to unhook trailers or detour for hours on “undesirable routes” due to State Government red tape are hoping a new permit system will streamline their journeys into Perth. For years, road trains coming from the east of the State have been unable to get to Perth via the Great Eastern Highway at Greenmount Hill, if they were 36.5m or longer. Those carting hay or other goods have to unhook a trailer in Northam, take one into Perth, come back and do it all over again with the other. Those with livestock — which cannot be left on the roadside — destined for Muchea are forced to divert off the highway at Southern Cross and take a 90-minute detour through a number of Wheatbelt communities. But a glimmer of hope arose at the Livestock and Rural Transport Association annual meeting at the weekend, when WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti announced permits were being developed. Livestock and Rural Transport Association president David Fyfe said it was a “very proud” moment after two years of fighting for WA transporters to use the road. “And livestock transporters have been going around back through Muckinbudin which are somewhat undesirable routes instead of down a major highway.” Kalgoorlie-based livestock transporter Jason Penn — who runs cattle from the Nullarbor to Muchea with his Penn’s Cartage Contractors — loses hours in detours because of the lack of access on Greenmount Hill. At this stage, Mr Penn has to send his drivers — who this year have run nearly 4000-head of cattle in — through Muckinbudin, Bencubbin and Koorda, making the trip from Kalgoorlie about 9.5 hours, when it could be eight. Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said “all transport operators” would be able to apply for the Greenmount Hill Access Permit, which would be made available on September 1. “There have been numerous requests for this access from the transport industry over the years,” he said. “Main Roads is supportive of access that will improve productivity, provided road safety is not compromised.” Mr Fyfe said the “small win” for the industry “came with conditions” which transporters would need to meet to be granted a permit. Finer details are yet to be ironed out but will be made available to industry prior to its’ release. Concerns were raised over the eligibility of WA trucks with drum brakes. For us in Kalgoorlie on gravel roads, we need drum brakes,” Mr Penn said. “Disc brakes don’t handle the gravel as the inner seals are not suitable for the dust. “I’d say about 95 per cent of WA operators have drum brakes, which means they couldn’t get a permit.” Mr Roberts confirmed they would be considered, but all vehicles would require an Electronic Braking System and a Rollover Stability System.