The federal government has proposed a new, draft 'National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Notice' that would standardise legislation across the states for transporting large machinery on public roads.

The draft notice would also exempt vehicles under a certain size and dimension from requiring a permit.

Currently, farmers must apply to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to move equipment along public roads. The cost of a permit is $73 and approval can take up to 28 days, with the NHVR required to seek approval from councils for local roads and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for state and federal roads. The legislation for the permits is also different in every state.

The draft notice would not only save farmers time and money but would also benefit farmers with properties on the border, an NHVR spokesperson said.

It has been approved by the NSW government and now requires the approval of the state's approximately 430 road managers, including councils.

During the announcement of the draft notice in Yass on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said working with councils would be key to ensuring the success of the notice.

“Most heavy agricultural equipment, such as harvesters, tractors and seeders, are moved on local government-controlled roads and the NHVR is working with local councils and road managers to finalise the notice,” Mr McCormack said.

Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport, Scott Buchholz, said moving heavy agricultural equipment on public roads had become too complicated.

“Some of the existing standards date back almost 40 years and it’s time to bring them into line with the modern and dynamic practices of today’s farmers,” Mr Buchholz said.

President of the NSW Farmers Yass Branch and Wool Producers Australia, Ed Storey said it was important that machinery could be moved to allow farmers to get on with their job.