The Department of Defence wants permission to drive heavy military vehicles on civilian roads.

Defence is getting in contact with local government road managers to seek their support to approve access for its new medium and heavy vehicle fleets on local road networks.

The department has already negotiated access to state-controlled roads, working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as well.

It has also reached out to state and territory local government associations to arrange access to connect the ‘first and last mile’ between state road networks and Defence bases and training locations.

The new fleet will primarily operate in Defence training areas and the state-controlled network, and says it need only occasionally access to council roads.

Potentially-affected councils can expect a letter from Defence to their local government road managers.