And the NSW Farmers Association Roads and Maritime Services spokesman Wayne Dunford has welcomed changes to some of the heavy vehicle regulations. 

Many heavy vehicles will now be exempt from permit requirements to cart hay to the growing number of drought-affected landholders. 

Heavy vehicles, including B-doubles up to 26 metres long, 2.83 metres wide on all approved roads and up to 4.6 metres high on the approved 4.6 metre high network will not require a permit to carry hay.

The government has also announced that on a  case-by-case basis, it will allow access permits for road trains on roads currently not approved.

Mr Dunford said the changes will make a difference for thousands of farmers across the state.

“This is a commonsense move by the government that will help drought affected farmers,” he said.

“More hay on trucks will reduce financial costs and increase efficiency at a time when farmers are facing difficult conditions,” he said. 

Mr Dunford said in recent times the NSW Farmers’ Association had been advocating for these measures so it was pleasing to see the government responding and removing red tape.

The Exemption notice will be available from Wednesday, August, 15.

The NHVR has also outlined it is streamlining the application process for trucks that do not meet the conditions of the Notice.

Meanwhile, there are 23 trucks heading north and carrying 2300 bales of hay.

The hay is destined for Condobolin and will arrive on Friday. 

The convoy comes in response to the fact that 100 per cent of NSW is now in drought. 

The  Rapid Relief Team (RRT) and member for Hume, Angus Taylor have launched Operation Drought Relief for NSW farmers. 

The hay is set for distribution to 200 drought-affected farmers at Condobolin, Tullamore, Tottenham, Nymagee and Lake Cargelligo. 

The delivery is being funded by a $660,000 donation from the RRT.