Funds to finally build truck wash

Cobar is one of 26 towns to be approved for funding for a truck wash out site.

At a NSW Nationals conference in Broken Hill on the weekend NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey announced the successful recipients to share $10million in joint government funding to build new or upgrade existing truck wash facilities across NSW.

Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBCRA) president Lynley Miners said it was encouraging that the government has finally taken notice of the lack of available and adequate wash facilities on key freight routes across NSW.

“As an association, we have stressed time-and-time again that as a state we must be on the front foot and ensure consistent measures are in place to deliver against bio-security, community health and animal welfare requirements, not to mention ensure driver safety and minimise environmental issues,” President Miners said.

Minister Pavey acknowledged the program had been long in gestation but it would now deliver productivity and environmental gains.

“It will help to build a strong, reliable freight transport network by focusing on hotspots where truck washing facilities and effluent disposal don’t currently meet the needs of truck operators, especially livestock carriers,” Minister Pavey said.

State Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries yesterday advised that Cobar Shire Council will receive $475,000 for construction of its truck wash facility.