SEATS has now followed up in writing to Transport for NSW following additional information from T4NSW regarding the announcement that the load limit reduction on Hampden Bridge.

The position of T4NSW is understandable and given the  statements by T4NSW in more recent times the position of a bridge built for horse/bullock drawn vehicles does require constant monitoring and continual maintenance.

Rather than take a position of “T4NSW can’t do that”, SEATS has offered a suggestion that the most sensible thing is to scope the possible outcomes that business and transport operators need to change to deliver the same or similar service.

The additional distances vary but can be generalised as 100km via Mt Ousley; 60-100kms via Macquarie Pass and -23-81Kms via Braidwood. Over the years most carriers out of Nowra have preferred to use Mt Ousley Rd over Macquarie Pass, considering the Illawarra Hwy to be less beneficial to drivers & vehicles when not familiar with the road, and instructed drivers to use Mt Ousley.

In summary for the freight through Kangaroo Valley, the above distances/freight costs are the impost to businesses. When the full distance to destination consequently grows to beyond the driver’s legal daily time, then additional costs can be incurred. This will differ for each situation but it was felt that Wagga Wagga could be about the threshold for a round trip.

So what are the options for a solution?

SEATS suggests that T4NSW will need to work towards a longer term solution. Is a new bridge crossing in KV a solution? In what timeframe? Will the characteristics of the freight and vehicles have changed by that time to create a different requirement?

SEATS would advocate here that the ultimate solution could be rolled into the need for more resilience in the crossing of the Illawarra Escarpment for all classes of HVs and to provide some surety to industries making significant CapEx decisions within the coastal centres that adequate transport alternatives will be available under  “most conditions” to satisfy the productive transference of freight that is currently moved by the road and rail networks across the Illawarra Escarpment.

In the short term, SEATS has advocated that a scheme of compensation be devised with stakeholder consultation for a time limited rolling forward until a longer term solution is committed to by the NSW Government. This scheme would need to apply to not only through freight, but a permutation of assistance to categories of freight into, out of and withing Kangaroo Valley would also need to be devised. This would allow producers and carriers to reassess delivery options with regard to customer locations and HV configurations. This period for assistance may exceed 12 months.

SEATS offered T4NSW assistance in further consultation on the above matters