To help overcome loading challenges in the paddock, like uneven ground and fluctuating grain moisture content, the scheme provides up to a 5 per cent tolerance above standard truck weights.

This means, for the workhorse of the seasonal grain harvest transport task - a 19-metre, six-axle semi-trailer  - a slight increase in general weight from 42.5 tonnes to 44.63 tonnes.

 Improvements in road freight productivity result in fewer grain truck movements, which in turn mean less wear and tear on state and council roads.

The aim of the scheme is to get grain from paddock to port quickly and efficiently and for state and local governments to help support a NSW grain industry that generates more than $4 billion each year for the state’s economy.

 The scheme also includes 13 participating grain receivers, including GrainCorp, Emerald Grain, GrainFlow, SunRice, The Manildra Group, Mountain Industries, Akazien Hof, Agrigrain and Croker Grain operating 175 sites across NSW.

For 16 years under Country Labor the pleas of farmers, transport operators and receivers for commonsense reforms for hauling grain fell on deaf ears - it took a Liberals and Nationals government to first introduce the scheme in 2012-13.

I am, however, becoming increasingly frustrated with a small number of councils in key grain-producing areas that have not enrolled in the scheme.

 Roads are a conduit for the movement of people and trade, helping to drive economic development and prosperity in country NSW - they are an asset to be used, not to be wrapped in cotton wool.

 With historic levels of government grants flowing to help upgrade and repair local roads (including the Fixing Country Roads initiative), I would encourage councils to help support the grain industries that help support them.

Duncan Gay MLC,

NSW Minister for Roads and Freight