A new licence will be introduced next year, aimed at curbing freight on heavy-haulage trucks between plantation sites and Bunbury.
From January 2008, heavy-haulage trucks in the South-West will require a Commercial Goods Vehicle Licence to transport logs and woodchips to the Port of Bunbury.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the new licence would help secure the future of rail infrastructure in the South-West.
"The State Government has committed $14.45million for rail associated infrastructure with the intention of working in partnership with industry to ensure rail is competitive with road transport," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Without some regulation, it is impossible to revitalise rail services to support the plantation timber industry in Western Australia's South-West.
"This licence will enable us to ensure that logs and woodchips are transported by rail where this is a viable option."
The licence, introduced following amendments to the Transport Coordination Act earlier this year, will be required by all trucks owners transporting woodchips and timber logs to the Port of Bunbury from the local government districts of: Boyup Brook; Nannup; Bridgetown-Greenbushes; Donnybrook-Balingup; and Manjimup.
South-West MLC Adele Farina said the initiative would lead to fewer heavy haulage trucks passing through residential areas in Balingup, Kirup, Boyanup, Donnybrook, Dardanup and Bunbury's outer suburbs.
