“The Victorian Coalition Government has increased road train access from approximately 60 kilometres to 360 kilometres by approving an arterial road route between Mildura, Ouyen and Robinvale.

“Road trains offer a higher payload than other combination vehicles, so the expansion of routes available to these vehicles will provide significant productivity benefits to local industry, especially in the transport of grapes, grain, wine and seasonal produce,” Mr Mulder said.

VicRoads has assessed the new route, including the Calder Highway, Mallee Highway and other roads in the area, to ensure that the roads and bridges can be safely negotiated by 79-tonne road trains.

“To ensure road train operations are safe, access approval is conditional on certain vehicle safety and operating conditions being met,” Mr Mulder said.

“VicRoads will work with industry to ensure access is available immediately, and support the transition from short term to long term access conditions,” Mr Mulder said.

Operators must obtain a permit from VicRoads to access the new route.

Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the extension of road train routes will be extremely beneficial for local agricultural and viticultural industries.

“Regional areas provide a backbone for Victoria’s economy, with local produce being distributed nation-wide,” Mr Walsh said.

“This extension means more efficient transport of goods and that’s good news for industry.”

Member for Mildura Peter Crisp welcomed the road improvements.

“The Coalition Government is fixing the problems in regional Victoria – and that’s good for business and it’s good for jobs,” Mr Crisp said.

Details of this new approved route for road trains are available at vicroads.vic.gov.a u. To enquire about permits or for further information, contact VicRoads on 13 11 71.