The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has concluded Operation Fortified, a month-long compliance campaign targeting heavy vehicle safety during the grape harvest season.
The compliance checks took place across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, with more than 270 vehicle inspections conducted. The operation focused on key risks, including driver fatigue, grape spillage, and mechanical faults.
Encouragingly, compliance rates continue to improve, with non-compliance dropping to 38 per cent in 2024, down from 42.2 per cent in 2023 and a significant decline from 61 per cent in 2021.
The South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) said this steady progress reflects the wine industry’s commitment to safer transport practices. However, ongoing challenges remain, particularly in fatigue management and vehicle roadworthiness.
To further support compliance and safety, the Wine Industry Code of Practice was officially registered by the NHVR in December 2024. This marked a major step forward in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of grapes and wine across the supply chain.
Developed collaboratively by the SAWIA, Australian Grape & Wine (AGW), and the NHVR, the Code was shaped through extensive consultation with wine producers, grape growers, transport operators, and other key industry stakeholders.
The result is a practical, industry-specific guide designed to help businesses meet their Chain of Responsibility obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Further strengthening industry knowledge, the Education Phase of SAWIA and AGW’s Chain of Responsibility Project will roll out from mid-year.
Information sessions will be held across Australia’s wine regions, providing businesses with practical insights on implementing the Wine Industry Code of Practice to better manage transport risks.
For wine businesses reliant on heavy vehicle transport, these initiatives reinforce the importance of compliance and safety, helping to ensure the industry continues to reduce risks and enhance best practices during harvest and beyond.