The logistics of shepherding up to 175 semi-trailers laden with hay through Sydney's outskirts ahead of the Australia Day long weekend was at the forefront of Sergeant Steve Schausinger's mind on Friday morning.
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The Albury Highway Patrol officer has "moved mountains" to help smooth the path for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners convoy as it took to the Hume Freeway bound for Armidale, praised organiser Brendan Farrell.
Sergeant Schausinger, who was part of the 5.30am briefing at Walbundrie Showground, said while there would be "no formal police escort", there would be an extensive highway patrol presence along the route.
"Our job is to keep everyone safe - this is a fantastic cause and we want to keep everyone in one piece," he told those assembled.
All trucks associated with the hay runners convoy were still required to pass through screening lanes at Marulan and Mount White, drivers were told.
Mr Farrell has spent weeks, supported by Sergeant Schausinger "even on his days off", mapping out the route and liaising with traffic services in the lead-up to this weekend.
Trucks were instructed to travel in groups of 20, five minutes apart to ease traffic flow up the highway.
However there were more than a few chuckles as the group contemplated the anticipated spectacle as the convoy approached Sydney and tackled the notorious six-lane Pennant Hills Road, which boasts 22 sets of traffic lights over 9 kilometres.
"Sydney's going to love it," Mr Farrell joked. "(Well) I'm going to love it!
He later said it was vital to "put on a good show" to highlight the plight of farmers:
"That's what we've got to try and do to make sure people in the city areas know the drought hasn't gone away."