Heavy vehicle permit fees waived and vehicle escorts to help with TC Yasi recovery

[singlepic id=308 w=320 h=240 float=left]Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said people who were donating their time, equipment and effort to the disaster recovery would not have obstacles thrown their way.

Earthmoving businesses, farmers and other companies wanting to assist the disaster recovery efforts in Cardwell, Innisfail and other areas across the far north will get a helping hand, through temporary escorts and free permits.

Mr Pitt said Transport and Main Roads was organising temporary escorts to get heavy equipment where it was needed safely, to assist with the disaster response.

“We’ve already established a one-stop shop for freight to help truckies, freight companies and others that can help with the clean up.

“As part of that, we’re waiving permits for overweight vehicles working directly on the flood recovery effort and providing special access in cases of emergency or great need.

“This arrangement was in place for the floods and is now extended for the cyclone recovery especially in areas like Cardwell and Innisfail hit hard by Yasi.

Mr Pitt said that offers of assistance would be coordinated through the Local Disaster Management Group to ensure things were managed at the local level.

“The department is happy to hear from people who have either specialist equipment or who might be interested in cleanup efforts. They can contact my electorate office on 4056 3175 or toll free 1800 815 743.

“There are representatives from Transport and Main Roads on the local disaster management group and they’ll help coordinate special arrangements needed to get specialist equipment where it’s needed.

“It may be that not all offers can be taken up, everything will depend on what is required at the time.”

Under the one-stop shop, freight operators directly assisting with the flood or cyclone efforts can phone 1300 105 647 to access specific information on alternative routes they can use, load limits, applying for permits that cannot be provided through normal processes.

Mr Pitt said the freight hotline had already received thousands of web hits, calls and emails to the dedicated freight consultants.

A road report for freight vehicles is updated daily on the 131940.qld.gov.au website, providing information on restrictions and load limits, new Flood Recovery Permits and regional road condition updates.

The freight hotline operates 6am to 11pm except Saturday. Email enquiries to floodrecovery_roadaccess@tmr.qld.gov.au.