A COLAC man has died in a car crash in southern New South Wales.

Noel Porter, 57, died after his Ford Ranger utility and trailer rolled north of Jerilderie.

Police are investigating the single-vehicle crash.

Mr Porter was travelling south on Kidman Way when his vehicle crossed onto the wrong side of the road on a bend, slid into a culvert and rolled.

A NSW police spokesperson said a passerby found the wreckage about 6.30am Wednesday and police attended to find Mr Porter dead inside the ute.

The spokesperson said police established a crime scene and forensic officers examined the scene and would prepare a report for the coroner.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are continuing.”

Mr Porter was a veteran truck driver and a Victorian delegate for the National Road Freighters Association.

He led a convoy of Colac and district protesters to Canberra in August to join a Convoy of No Confidence, which disputed the Federal Government’s handling of live exports and the carbon tax.

Mr Porter also managed Geelong-based mining equipment freighting company Porter’s Transport.

NRFA vice president and fellow Victorian member Bendigo’s Rick Finning said Mr Porter’s death had “shattered and deeply saddened” association members.

“We’re all shatte-

red – he was a good bloke, full of life,” Mr Finning said.

“He wouldn’t have changed his life, he would do it all again – he was happy with everything,” he said.

Mr Finning, who helped Mr Porter join the NRFA more than three years ago, said Mr Porter’s trucking experience and positive nature made him a good friend and an asset to the association.

“I’ve known him for three years and he’s made a pretty big impact,” he said.

“We travelled miles and miles together – it’s just the experience, the fun and the good times – we had a lot of them on the road,” Mr Finning said.

“He’s a good man through and through, he’d help anyone.”

Mr Porter is survived by his wife Jill and two sons Allistair and Marc.