Adrian King, of SMS Rural Services in Jeparit, said he and many other businesses are at risk of closing unless the Shire joined the rest of the region and earmarked roads for heavy vehicles.

"It came to our attention yesterday (Thursday) the street in front of our business is not gazetted for B-double or truck use," he said.

"It's not the only street in the Shire - there are lots of businesses affected by this issue, including all the farming communities. Right now, farmers can't actually drive their B-double out of the front gate."

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Mr King said the Hindmarsh Council Shire is the only municipality in the Wimmera-Mallee not to gazette its roads, which mean heavy vehicles should not use them to transport goods.

"We're the only fuel place in town and if we can't get fuel delivery we're out of business," he said.

"I can't get stock deliveries from the farmers, who are coming up to the new cropping period. It is very important time for the community."

Mr King said he met with council staff on Friday to rectify his situation; however, he is concerned about other unwitting community members.

Mayor Ron Ismay said the issue is not as black and white as opening all roads to heavy rigid vehicles.

"Once upon a time B-doubles had to go on designated state roads," he said.

"Now all the farmers have bought B-doubles and want to use them on every road in the Shire. (Our director of Infrastructure) is of the belief that some of our roads aren't up to the standards that they need to be. If someone has an accident, I don't know whether we are liable or not."

Cr Ismay said a farmer could apply for a permit and nominate up to 50 roads they wish to use within the Shire.

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