The recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day, held via Zoom, was a sellout. More than 90 people registered for the event with a further 20 people signing up to the waitlist.
Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations.
The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Farmers, WFI and Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.
It provided information about the current regulations for safely and legally moving agricultural vehicles and combinations on the road.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said it was great to see strong numbers for the Virtual Field Day, especially as the region is expecting a good harvest for the first time in a number of years.
“Unfortunately due to the current COVID restrictions we weren’t able to hold our face to face event at the Central West Livestock Exchange at Forbes, but it was very pleasing to see many of the regulars join us for the online event. There were also a large number of first-time attendees from right across the Central West.”
“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that during harvest all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.”
“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period,” Melanie said.
The Virtual Field Day was recorded and can be accessed on the Forbes Shire Council’s YouTube channel.