Metgasco truck will have to find another way to Bentley
TRUCKING company Heavy Haulage Australia has withdrawn an application to use Lismore council roads to move the drilling rig headed for Metgasco’s Bentley site.
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TRUCKING company Heavy Haulage Australia has withdrawn an application to use Lismore council roads to move the drilling rig headed for Metgasco's Bentley site.
Lismore Council was due to discuss an urgency motion last night put up by Crs Vanessa Ekins and Simon Clough to refuse an OSOM (oversize/overmass) permit on the grounds that it would cause damage to road infrastructure.
But Heavy Haulage Australia withdrew its application before last night's meeting took place.
While council staff advised the truck - which is two tonnes over the weight and one metre oversize - would not cause damage to the road, it seems the motion was driven more by community concern about the industry.
Cr Clough said if the gas industry got a toe-hold, it would lead to tankers, drilling rigs and other heavy equipment on "our already failing road system".
It is anticipated the truck will now have to pass through Kyogle and Richmond Valley Council areas.
Richmond Valley Council confirmed they had received an OSOM permit request and would assess it "as per normal operational matters".
"Council will not refuse any company or individual a permit for political purposes," a representative said.
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