Queensland sugarcane industry sees drop in vehicle non-compliance

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has completed ‘Operation Humidity’, its first coordinated safety blitz across all sugarcane harvesting regions in Queensland. During the current crush season, officials conducted 140 intercepts of heavy vehicles.

The operation reported a Heavy Vehicle National Law non-compliance rate of 27 per cent, a notable decrease from the 38.8 per cent recorded during the 2025 operation. NHVR Director Northern Region Kelli Ready stated that the results indicate the industry is responding to safety expectations and pre-season information sessions regarding loading requirements.

While the regulator noted improvements in load restraint compliance and more consistent loading practices, several issues were identified. The blitz found 12 vehicles exceeding allowable mass limits and issued seven load restraint infringements. Ready emphasized that vehicle maintenance and mechanical roadworthiness remain the most significant safety concerns requiring continued attention.