Transport effluent pit opens at saleyards

Published on 04 August 2020

Transport effluent pit opens at saleyards

A new livestock effluent disposal pit at the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLE) is now available to all livestock transporters.

HRLE Manager Paul Christopher said the project was a joint initiative of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Horsham Rural City Council (Council).

“The newly installed pit will provide an opportunity for transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield,” Mr Christopher said.

“Previously, there weren’t enough locations for transporters to properly dispose of effluent along the road network. 

“Together, we agreed to deliver this project to effectively provide an opportunity for livestock transporters to dispose of effluent in western Victoria.”

ALRTA President Stephen Marley, said that managing effluent in transit was a significant challenge.

“Effluent capture tanks installed on purpose-built livestock trailers do a reasonable job of containment however there is a need for transporters to access suitable facilities for  disposal when tanks become full in transit and at ‘end of journey’ facilities,” Mr Marley said.

“Disposal facilities benefit the livestock supply chain and the community. They improve safety by ensuring cleaner roads and improved animal welfare outcomes and help to reduce the risk of noncompliance with biosecurity, environment and load restraint laws.

“That’s why the ALRTA is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and governments to develop a national network of effluent disposal points.

“Our association greatly appreciates the support of the livestock transport industry demonstrated by HRLE and Council by building an effluent disposal pit on their site at Horsham.”

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO Sal Petroccitto said the project was funded under the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), administered by the NHVR.

“The HVSI invests in innovative projects that will make the heavy vehicle industry safer for all road users,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“This project is a great demonstration of how government and industry working together can implement sustainable, value-for-money solutions to tricky problems in the supply chain.”

Photos: Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria President John Beer, HRCC Co-ordinator Commercial Enterprises Paul Christopher and Gordon Fischer of Fischer Transports Horsham.