Farmers fear Geelong truck wash’s ‘prohibitive’ price hike is a disease risk
Geelong’s only truck wash is now among the most expensive in the country after a price hike that critics argue could lead to environmental damage and disease outbreak.
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Soaring prices at a Geelong truck wash could result in disease outbreak and “environmental damage”, Victoria’s peak farming body has warned.
From September 1, users of the Old Geelong Saleyards truck wash will be charged $3.41 a minute to use the service, more than triple the previous cost of $1 a minute – making Geelong among the most expensive truck washes in the country.
The rate change was adopted at the Geelong council’s June 27 meeting.
Ahead of the change taking effect, the Victorian Farmers Federation’s livestock president, Scott Young, wrote to the City of Greater Geelong’s chief-executive, Ali Wastie, with his concerns in a letter seen by the Geelong Advertiser.
The federation argued the price hike would have severe ramifications for biosecurity and animal welfare, as it would deter truck drivers from using the truck wash.
“The impact of these price rises will significantly impact producers’ and transporters’ ability to protect the state against exotic animal diseases (EAD),” Mr Young wrote, noting diseases such as foot and mouth and Lumpy Skin disease.
Much of the concern stems from the disposal of effluen - liquid sewage that is collected by trucks as they carry animals to and from saleyards.
There also are fears the price hike could lead to truck drivers avoiding washing in Geelong and improper disposals.
According to the VFF, the cost of cleaning and disposing of effluent in Geelong will increase from $120 dollars for a B-double to $409 dollars under the new system, while a semi-trailer with two decks will increase from $30 to $102 and a semi-trailer with four decks will increase from $80 to $273.
The Geelong rates are markedly higher than nearby truck washes, the VFF said.
Ballarat ($1), Colac ($1.09) and the privately owned Mortlake ($1) all charge less.
While charge rates can be more complex than their base rates, none of the other 131 truck washes in Australia listed by Avdata Australia, charge more than $1.60 a minute.
Mr Young said the federation feared the price hike would be economically damaging for farmers.
Barrabool farmer Ian Kelly said it was an “abdication of responsibility” by Geelong council in not providing the service at a commercial rate.
“The truck wash has been there for 30 to 40 years... it’s an essential service,” he said.
“I don’t think they understand the impact on carriers, and the farmers. It’s just not competitive.”
Geelong council chief-executive, Ali Wastie, said the city had undertaken analysis which showed an annual running cost of $250,000, and argued the price increase was justified.
“The City has reviewed the use of the truck wash and a report advised that 92 per cent of trucks using the facility are from outside of the municipality,” Ms Wastie said.
“Each use had a cost of $148.54, resulting in an average monthly cost to Greater Geelong
ratepayers of $13,926.”
The truck wash facility will remain operational until the Geelong Saleyards Precinct Structure Plan has been adopted.
Originally published as Farmers fear Geelong truck wash’s ‘prohibitive’ price hike is a disease risk
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