A critical set of heavy vehicle productivity initiatives to support safer and more efficient heavy vehicle movements in South Australia are set to be introduced.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), together with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA DIT) and local governments, have developed access reforms informed by heavy vehicle access permit data after the South Australian government requested the NHVR transition heavy vehicle access permits to notices.
Significant work has progressed on introducing new notices to enhance the safe and efficient movements of cranes across the state, along with initiatives to expand the eligible combinations under the Livestock Transport Notice.
Oversize Overmass notices introduced have replaced the need for the heavy vehicle industry to apply for permits on key routes, with the ongoing access reforms already expected to slash the number of road manager consents needed by more than 1000.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke said the extensive collaboration efforts were focused on “ensuring safer, smarter and more efficient freight movements across South Australia”.
“These reforms represent a major step forward in modernising the way heavy vehicle access is managed in South Australia,” Minister Bourke said.
“They are a win for industry with clearer, more reliable access; a win for government by cutting repeat permits; and a win for the community through more productive freight that helps keep the cost of goods down.”
On 29 August 2025 the South Australia Class 3 Specified Routes Dimension Exemption Notice 2025 (notice) was also published, replacing the South Australia Class 3 Road Train (North of Port Augusta) Dimension Exemption Notice 2024.
The notice is a key development in supporting industries transporting loads, including transportable buildings.
The new notice has substantially expanded existing networks and provides new network access to eligible vehicles.
Notably, B-doubles are now eligible to operate under the notice. However, it is also important for operators to be aware that rigid trucks towing two dog trailers and BA-triples are no longer eligible under this new notice.
Eligible vehicles under the notice will operate on the newly developed set of South Australian networks on the NHVR National Network Map.
“These notices are another milestone in aligning smart regulation with safer, more sustainable freight outcomes,” NHVR CEO Nicole Rosie said.
“By expanding notice access, we are cutting red tape and making it easier for operators to plan their journeys with confidence.
“We’ve worked closely with the South Australian government to ensure these expanded networks meet real-world operational needs, while maintaining strong safety standards.”
Extensive work has progressed and continues on the ongoing access reforms, which ultimately will aim to streamline operations by providing network access under notice and reducing administrative burdens.
Operators are reminded to review the “Heavy Vehicle – Road Operations Access Map (HV-ROAM)” and that travelling with an Oversize Overmass vehicle and load in South Australia is in accordance with the document titled “Escorting Guidelines for oversize and overmass vehicles and loads in South Australia”.
Operators are also reminded to review the Specified Road Manager Network Requirements, contained within the Operator’s Guide for each notice, ahead of travel.
For comprehensive information, including access conditions and details on the routes, operators are strongly encouraged to consult the notices and the accompanying Operator Guides.
