Beaudesert truckie Kris Jennings ‘overwhelmed’ by support after vowing to deliver hay to flood affected Quilpie

A truckie who believed he was risking “a few nights in the tin” to deliver hay to struggling Queensland flood victims has revealed how he wants to inspire residents across the state to create change.

A Queensland truckie who became an overnight sensation after fighting to bring hay into Quilpie has said his actions show “the power of the people to make change”.

Beaudesert man Kris Jennings posted to his business’ Facebook page, Jennings Bulk Haulage, earlier this week offering his services to the residents of southwest Queensland enduring record-breaking floods.

He was quickly shut down by the Department of Primary Industries, who said it wasn’t worth the risk to supply hay from within the Red Imported Fire Ant exclusion zone.

Kris Jennings to deliver hay to Quilpie

Less than 24 hours after the initial video racked up thousands of reactions and comments supporting Mr Jennings, the government ultimately allowed him to deliver the hay.

Mr Jennings said he was blown away the support.

“It’s overwhelming, we didn’t do this for publicity, we just did this because on Wednesday night when we said we weren’t going to do it the amount of people I had calling me crying telling me there wasn’t any hay, I just said I have to do this,” Mr Jennings said.

“I said I’m going to load this hay, I’ll have my correct paperwork and the worst case scenario they sue me and the 300,000 people who shared my story all give me a dollar and my legal bills are paid so I’ve not got much to lose besides a few nights in the tin.

“What have I got to lose compared to the poor b------s out there who are losing everything right now.”

Kris Jennings plans to deliver hay to Quilpie

Mr Jennings said his actions showed everyday people could make a difference when they came together and stood up for what they believe in.

“I am a loud outspoken Australian, I wear my heart on my sleeve, I’ve probably done some things in my life that I’m not proud of, but I say this all the time if everyone got together like they are now big things can happen,” he said.

“Yesterday I was a little transport business with 300 followers on my page now it has 10,000 and I’ve spoke personally with the premier and all these high profile people are in my corner saying they will back me.

“I’ve got a friend on the northside of Brisbane who is delivering hay, there are more people than me who are out there doing the right thing and doing a wonderful job.”

Mr Jennings said the hay was now packed and ready to be shipped out tomorrow.

 “The floodgates are up at Charleville so we have to wait a day, the trailer is all loaded and we will be heading up at lunchtime tomorrow,” he said.

“We have 88 bails on this trip and we are doing a bigger one next week which will be bigger than Ben Hur and while I’m up there we will see how else we can help them.”

Originally published as Beaudesert truckie Kris Jennings ‘overwhelmed’ by support after vowing to deliver hay to flood affected Quilpie