Harvest season is almost upon us, and farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies and agricultural machinery retailers can brush up on requirements at the Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day.
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Set to be broadcast online via Zoom on Wednesday, September 15, from 8am due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' road safety and injury prevention officer, Melanie Suitor, said she is looking forward to the online delivery method being successful once again.
"Last year's online delivery was well received and attended," she said.
"We had 50 attendees on the day and a further 20 people had signed up for the waitlist.
"It was very pleasing to see many of the regulars join us for the online event last year, but there were also a large number of first-time attendees from right across the Central West," said Ms Suitor.
The Virtual Field Day is supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers, Australian Custom Harvesters Association, Graincorp and the Grain Transport Safety Network.
Topics to be discussed will include:
- Access
- Permits
- Fire safety
- Fatigue
- Load restraint
Ms Suitor said she was keen to make sure harvest participants were fully aware of all the safety requirements ahead of what is expected to be another bumper crop for the region.
"It's looking like we are going to have a good harvest again this year, and we realise it is important to refresh people's knowledge about the current rules and regulations for legally and safely moving harvest equipment and trucks on the road," said Ms Suitor.
"Safety and compliance during harvest is very important.
"Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.
"Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what's required before the upcoming harvest period," Ms Suitor said.
All attendees will receive an information pack which includes; an NHVR cooler bag, NSW Rural Fire Service Grain Harvesting Safety Index magnet and sticker, relevant brochures and a 2021 'Moving Harvest Machinery' USB, which contains all the notices and information you need in the lead up to and during harvest.
The Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day has been running since 2010, and usually attracts about 60 attendees.
If any participants have a specific question they would like answered during the event, they can contact Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au so the question can be covered in the presentations.
Registration is free but spaces are limited, so get in quick - register online at www.eventbrite.com and search 'Be Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day'.
