Freight reforms welcome, but regional roads remain the missing link for livestock producers

Livestock SA has welcomed recent freight efficiency reforms as a positive step for the livestock industry but says the real test will be whether changes are backed by meaningful investment in regional road infrastructure.

Livestock SA Chair Gillian Fennell said the reforms respond to a genuine pressure point facing producers.  “This is a practical response to a real problem. The fuel situation and freight costs are biting hard in agriculture, and anything that improves freight efficiency matters right now.”

 “Importantly, this was only one part of what we called for in the lead‑up to the state election.”  Ms Fennell said allowing larger and more flexible truck combinations, delivers clear productivity gains.

“If trucks can carry more per trip, that means fewer trips, lower diesel use, and lower freight cost per head or per tonne,” she said. “For livestock producers, who are price takers, transport is a major input cost we can’t control, so any reduction flows straight back into farm viability.”

Livestock in South Australia often travels long distances. More flexible access gives transporters more options and helps keep stock moving, especially during disrupted or high‑pressure periods.” However, Ms Fennell said the reforms fall short without matching investment in roads. “Increasing truck size without investing in regional road infrastructure only solves half the problem,” she said. “If roads aren’t fit for purpose, producers won’t see the full benefit.”

She said the biggest risk lies in the “last mile”.  “You can have bigger trucks on highways, but if they can’t safely access properties, saleyards or local depots, the system still breaks down.”

The reforms highlight why Livestock SA pushed for a coordinated approach, freight efficiency, road investment and supply chain functionality all need to move together.

“This is a step in the right direction, but for livestock producers the real test is whether it’s matched with investment in regional roads and practical access, because efficiency isn’t just about bigger trucks, it’s about whether the whole supply chain works on the ground."