The free breakfast forum will be held at the Forbes Inn on Wednesday, June 20, to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

Now entering its sixth year, the forum has attracted almost 400 attendees, and is part of the annual road safety calendar for Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.  

The Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor, says one of the highlights of this year's forum will be the Chain of Responsibility Master Code workshop.

“On 1 October 2018, the Heavy Vehicle National Law will be amended to provide that every party in the heavy vehicle transport supply chain has a duty to ensure the safety of their transport activities,” Ms Suitor said.

“At last year forum we hosted a workshop, conducted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator about the changes to Chain of Responsibility.  

“This year the focus is on the newly developed Industry Master Code which outlines guidance, procedures and best practice principles for parties in the Chain of Responsibility to implement safety standards.”

The forum will also see presentations about performance based standard vehicles, safety management systems, the Farm Gate Access Project, NSW Police heavy vehicle engagement, the Fatigue Hack-A-Thon results, safety communications as well as updates from Roads and Maritime Services, the Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association and the Councils.

“The NSW Centre for Road Safety will also be attending the forum to present the strategies outlined in the new State Road Safety Plan 2021,” Ms Suitor said.

“Safety Truck will be on display and participants will have input into a new 'sharing the road' safety campaign.

“The forum provides valuable information and a great opportunity to network with other local stakeholders.”

For catering purposes registration is required - contact Ms Suitor on either (02) 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information.