Parkes Phoenix Editor

More than 500 signs rolling out on key freight routes and level crossings across western parts of the State are reminding drivers to take extra care on the road this bumper harvest season.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this year’s grain crop is shaping up to top a record 16 million tonnes, with head-ers already ripping into the task in the north of the state, and some grain receival sites opening for the first time in seven years.

“This year’s expected bumper harvest couldn’t have come at a better time for our farmers, but it does come with additional safety concerns with more activity around silos and stored grain moving off site,” Mr Toole said.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, so we’re rolling out two types of signs to remind drivers to be patient, slow down and take care on the road this harvest. The NSW Government has teamed up with GrainCorp to roll out 27 electronic message signs along key road harvest routes, from Moree to Coolamon, promoting safety around managing fatigue, being aware of trucks and wearing a seatbelt. An additional 18 of these electronic messaging signs will be placed at high-risk level crossings,” he said.

“Long days harvesting and transporting grain can put farmers and drivers at risk, and with fatigue still one of the biggest killers on our roads, it’s important farmers and drivers look after themselves and take regular breaks.”
The extra signage comes as NSW also opens completely to the double vaccinated for the first time.

Residents across the state are expected to travel in large numbers to all parts of regional NSW from this week. Transport for NSW Acting Deputy Secretary, Regional and Outer Metropolitan, Pete Allaway said people are keen to get out and about but should take care on the road.

“Motorists are also reminded they need to be “truck aware” as it’s important to remember trucks can’t stop as quickly as some other vehicles.”

You can learn more about being safe around heavy vehicles by visiting the Be Truck Aware webpage.

A new digital one-stop-shop has streamlined the process for tourism businesses and councils to apply for white on brown tourism attraction signs, creating more opportunities to showcase their destinations.

The Visitor Attraction Signposting Program, a partnership between Destination NSW and Transport for NSW, has been improved according to the guiding principles of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 – putting the visitor first, leading with the State’s strengths, and accelerating digital innovation.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said visibility was key to creating a seamless visitor experience in regional NSW.

“Once visitors arrive in a regional town, or even on their way there, they are much more likely to enjoy their experience if land-marks and attractions are located easily and safely,” Mr Toole said.

“These signs are about encouraging people off the highway to explore some of the best the bush has to offer.”

A range of categories of attractions and tourism businesses are eligible for visitor signs including galleries, museums, national parks, Aboriginal cultural attractions, historic towns or properties, wineries and more.

For more information, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/visitorattractionsignposting.