A new effluent disposal pit at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange is now available to livestock transporters at the site. 

Exchange manager Paul Christopher said Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association and Horsham Rural City Council had joined forces on the project.

“The newly installed pit will provide an opportunity for transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield,” Mr Christopher said.

“Previously, there weren’t enough locations for transporters to properly dispose of effluent along the road network. Together, we agreed to deliver this project to effectively provide an opportunity for livestock transporters to dispose of effluent in western Victoria.”

Association president Stephen Marley said managing effluent in transit was a significant challenge.

“Effluent-capture tanks installed on purpose-built livestock trailers do a reasonable job of containment, however there is a need for transporters to access suitable facilities for disposal when tanks become full in transit and at end-of-journey facilities,” he said. 

“Disposal facilities benefit the livestock supply chain and the community. They improve safety by ensuring cleaner roads and improved animal welfare outcomes and help to reduce the risk of noncompliance with biosecurity, environment and load restraint laws. 

“That’s why the ALRTA is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and governments to develop a national network of effluent disposal points.”

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator chief executive Sal Petroccitto said money for the project came from the Federal Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, administered by the regulator.

“The HVSI invests in innovative projects that will make the heavy vehicle industry safer for all road users,” he said. 

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