AGOFUNDME page has raised more than $3000 in support of a south-west farmer who was fined for carrying two bales of hay on his tractor forks just 600 metres and across the Henty Highway, to feed a neighbour’s sheep.
Condah farmer, Graham ‘Thommo’ Thompson, was fined almost $400 by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for travelling with an unsecured load.
Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, blasted the regulator, labelling the fine “absurd and unjustifiable” for a man who was “simply trying to help his neighbour during the drought”.
“He used his tractor forks, checked for traffic and posed no safety risk, yet was penalised for not restraining the load,” Ms McArthur said when addressing the Minister for Roads and Road Safety in Parliament.
“This happened during one of Victoria’s worst droughts, on the same day as a farmer mental health day at the local pub.
“The idea every bale must be put on a truck to be transported any distance whatsoever is ridiculous.”
Mrs McArthur is calling for a full review of the case and for sensible reform to ensure regulations serve communities rather than penalise them unfairly.
To help ‘Thommo’, visit www.gofundme.com and search for ‘Help Thommo’.