WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - OCTOBER 2020 EDITION

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193

100007516 October 2020 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine

Page 2

TRUCK-FRIENDLY CARAVAN PROGRAM With the large disparity between the ‘many’ laws which must be adhered to by the transport sector but seem non-existent for non-commercial drivers who are often pulling the same size/ weight; obviously, problems are going to arise as more grey nomads hit our regional roads. This common sense, simple and self-funded program gets to the core of solving the problem.

IN THIS ISSUE: Leach HWY/Welshpool Road upgrade Skills Shortage – Time to Change Red Dog Highway Driver Behaviour 2020 WATM • October 2020

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By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

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OVID-19 has presented a real challenge to our industry.

It has shown the resilience and importance of transport workers in all aspects of our work - Road, air, and sea.

COVID-19 has also uncovered many pitfalls, many drivers have been aware of for years, but continued working.

One of those pitfalls is the lack of communication between managers and drivers.

It happens everywhere and it happens daily. No matter where you work, it is an issue that is inescapable. But the stronger the union at your site, the more powerful your voice, and collectively workers and their Union can make sure change happens.

FOR EXAMPLE: Recently the TWU was made aware of the condition’s drivers had to put up with at Coles DC at Perth Airport. Coles had reacted to COVID-19 compliance and regulations in a way that impacted on driver’s health and safety.

This DC was asking the truck drivers operating out of it to: 1. Cope with a singular portaloo between all drivers 2. Have no place for refreshments like coffee or tea 3. Have no facilities for drivers to wash their hands 4. And most frustratingly, have their keys taken away from them when they entered the DC, eliminating all use of heating or cooling facilities on their trucks.

While these procedures were put in place because the company did not want to

This is why we need strong unions

risk the spread of COVID-19 and risk having to shut up shop, their reaction was to take away vital facilities and change practices that alienated and compromised drivers’ safety.

Imagine needing to share a single portaloo between 15 to 25 drivers at one time.

Truck drivers are human too and should have the facilities available to us to answer nature's call whenever we need it.

The company did not want to risk the spread of COVID-19 and risk having to shut up shop, their reaction was to take away vital facilities and change practices that alienated and compromised drivers’ safety The company alienated drivers to the point where they were no longer allowed to disembark their trucks and use the lunchrooms to heat their food or make a coffee or tea.

Drivers had to sit in their trucks, distanced from other drivers, which wouldn’t have been that bad if the company wasn’t making drivers hand in their keys at administration first.

Whatever was the logic behind that

decision we did not see any legitimate reason to compromise the health and safety of drivers. It simply shows a lack of appreciation for the work done by transport workers.

They took our lunchroom and they took our freedom. And drivers were not going to stand for it contacting their TWU. Who do you call when you need someone to fix an issue in the transport industry? It is the TWU. So, the union stepped in and answered the calls of drivers.

After hundreds of drivers signed the petition, they forced change such as getting Coles to install adequate lunchroom and toilets that are up and running on the ambient loading docks.

This was a great win; it shows what can be done when standing with the TWU drivers don’t have to stand for third-world conditions.

Congratulations to everyone who signed the petition and collectively united on resolving a pressing issue.

When you stand united you can make a difference and improve to all aspects of our work-life if YOU get organised. You can make a difference.

For over a hundred years the TWU has been making a difference in the fight for workers rights. Annual leave, sick leave, compulsory Superannuation, safer workplaces, it is a never-ending list.

The TWU will continue to improve the lives of transport workers because the fight will never end.

Join your union today. www.twu.com.au/join.

WA Truckies DESERVE BETTER! SIGN THE PETITION & SUPPORT BETTER TRUCK BAYS & AMENITIES FOR WA TRUCKIES đ&#x;“žđ&#x;“žđ&#x;“ž 1800 657 477 ✉ info@twuwa.org.au

đ&#x;Œ?đ&#x;Œ?đ&#x;Œ? www.twuwa.org.au

đ&#x;—¨đ&#x;—¨đ&#x;—¨ www.facebook.com/twuwa

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Our Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is available 7 days a week.

Talk to us about: Permits

Accreditation

OSOM movements

Route Assessments

Trafic Escort bookings

Compliance

The Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is open from: 7am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and WA public holidays.

Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services 525 Great Eastern Highway REDCLIFFE 6104

Tel: 138 486 Fax: 9475 8455 Email: hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au www.mainroads.wa.gov.au 1 WATM • October 2020

Focus

Truck Friendly Caravan Road Safety Program

W

ith more RV and Caravan drivers on our regional roads and the large disparity between the ‘many’ laws which must be adhered to by the transport sector but seem non-existent for non-commercial drivers who are often pulling the same size/weight; obviously, problems are going to arise.

Added to this is the difference in demographics. The holidaymakers on one hand… the quiet Australians who have worked hard and deserve to enjoy our country at their leisure and the transport sector who perform a ‘safety’ on every level regulated job under high-pressure to obtain a profit or keep their boss happy.

This is, however, where the ‘similarity’ between both groups becomes most evident. I don’t think you would ever hear of someone in the transport industry ‘not’ helping a grey nomad if they were in trouble?

Likewise, the grey nomads, factoring in the

2

WATM • October 2020

‘there is the clown in every circus and we have them in the transport industry too.

The grey nomads, in general, want to do the right thing by the transport industry. They just don’t have easy and common sense access to the information.

So enter, Queensland caravaner – Ken Wilson.

In 2016, Ken started lobbying Governments, National and State caravan industry associations, heavy transport industry bodies, and companies for support to help provide more education for the caravanning and RV owners.

From this grew the privately funded ‘Truck Friendly Caravan Road Safety Program’.

“There was very limited free education to help both new and experienced caravan and RV owners on general caravan set up, safety and importantly how to interact with other road users including the heavy transport industry,” says Ken.

“We need to remove the ‘us and them’ mentality that currently exists on our highways. As a caravanner myself, I love the lifestyle, however, I have seen many incidents involving caravans, RVs, and trucks on our highways and urban streets that have put lives at risk. Many have been caused by drivers just not understanding how to work with other road users.

According to NTI’s Major Accident Investigation 2020 Report, 80% of fatal accidents, involving both cars and trucks, saw the car was at fault. In non-fatal crashes, cars were at fault 39% of the time.

“Many people today follow the dream of travelling around Australia or going on holidays towing a caravan or driving an RV. This can sometimes mean those behind the wheel have little or no experience in towing a large vehicle on our highways. There are also limited sources of non-sales based caravan safety advice. Whilst drivers may

believe that they are doing the right thing on the road, most have never experienced being inside the cab of a large semi-trailer and seen what impact inexperienced and inappropriate driving can have on our truck drivers and their lives in general,” says Ken. “The Truck Friendly program is designed to help all drivers understand how they can be friendly to the huge number of truck drivers on our highways so that we all get home safely. We have an “I’m Truck Friendly’ sticker that is placed on the rear of the caravan/RV to alert the transport industry that the driver has read the Truck Friendly Driver Guidelines’ has a UHF radio installed, and is willing to work with you.

The Truck Friendly website carries a wealth of information to assist the holidaymaker to safely set up and operate their vehicle but importantly covers in-depth interaction with trucks and the mistakes that are often made.

This is an excerpt from the type of information available on this website. In this case, being passed by a truck … If you are on a two-way road and you see the truck approaching from behind, call him up on Channel 40 and tell him that, “As soon as you’ve pulled out, I’ll back off”. Do not back off until the whole of the truck is ”out” in an overtaking position. When the rear of the truck has cleared the front of your vehicle, flash your lights or call “You’re clear” on the radio. This will gain a lot of appreciation from the truckie as, if you can slow to 80km/h it will reduce the overtaking time by half, to 10.5 seconds. The truckie will thank you, either by calling on the radio, or by flashing his right turn indicator light, and then the left turn indicator light.

At 80km/h, you will be in a better position to handle the forces of the truck’s bow wave, eddy, and following turbulence.

The website is also backed up with the ‘The Truck Friendly Facebook page’ which was launched 15 months ago and has over 4,700 followers and averaging over 70 new followers each week. One post alone reached over 943,000 people, 5,300 likes/loves, and was shared over 7,400 times since late June 2020, with almost all 5,300 comments being extremely positive,” Ken says.

It is obvious, the quality of the information, its accessibility, and finding solutions (caravaners/UHF radios) plus giving them a sticker that is placed on their vehicle to alert the transport industry what they know and that they are willing to work with you is a win-win for everyone.

“I want to get WA on board with this and I welcome anyone who can call me to

chat about how they can join the program.

It could be as little as letting all your drivers know about the link to the brochure, website, Facebook page to give to any grey nomads that cross your/their paths, or become a collection point or sponsor,” Ken says.

The importance of this program is that the ‘sticker’ has to be earnt. The driving guidelines’ on the website must be read and they must install a UHF radio in their vehicle to receive the sticker.

How the WA Transport industry can help is get let any grey nomads they come across know the website address. We also have a brochure (digital and printed). From there it is the grey nomad's responsibility tap into the resources and gets the radio installed and they can obtain their sticker from Auski Roadhouse in Karijini and New Age in Beckenham,” says Ken. Ken has been clear in his message to the caravanning population and has done it in a way that is educational and informative.

He addresses speed saying, “Being budget and safety-conscious means some caravan drivers travel at slower speeds on the highway but having such a large vehicle combination travelling at lower speeds is a hazard and inconvenience to other road users.

Ken explains to the grey nomads the law in relation to the transport industry and that truck drivers are limited to the amount of time that they are allowed to drive. He explains that ‘time is money’ and the knock-on effect of being caught behind slow drivers that truck drivers can’t pass can have a huge impact on their financial, social, and personal lives.

He acknowledges that many RV drivers and caravanner’s want to help other road users including the truck drivers, but most ‘think they are helping’ when in fact may be making the situation worse by their lack of knowledge and understanding of what is needed.

He educates caravanners on things they may not have thought about such as loading and attaching a heavy caravan to a vehicle that may alter the angle of headlights and the low beam will now look like high beam to oncoming drivers. Ken thinks ahead to advise them that they will not make any friends by clogging up transport UHF channels with long conversations.

“The major benefit of engaging the RV and Caravanning public in this initiative is that by having the ‘I’m Truck Friendly’ large round green sticker on the rear of their vans, transport operators know they are following a vehicle that is happy to work with them.

“Most caravanners don’t communicate with truckies and most truckies don’t communicate with caravanners and this is ‘key’ to fix the issue.” Says Ken. Every caravan tow vehicle (tug) driver has a responsibility to share the road with others, particularly in the area of cooperation with the truckies and helping them to share the road.

For more information and go to www. truckfriendly.com.au and www.facebook. com/truckfriendly.com.au To contact Ken, phone 0429 944 663 or email admin@ truckfriendly.com.au

TRUCK FRIENDLY

TRUCK FRIENDLY PROGRAM Friendly Program is to The purpose of the Truck users drivers and other road help caravanners, RV drivers whose workplace truck many the work with ays. highw and is on our roads htful on the roads and Being courteous and thoug s assist the truck driver understanding what will less ne’s journey safer and will help make everyo

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT TRUCKFRIENDLY.COM.AU

PROGRAM

Ken Wilson m Truck Friendly Progra

stressful.

or behind a slow caravan A truck driver held up his driver missing seeing convoy can mean the g their allotted load / family that night or missin y. g dock. Time is mone unload time at a loadin drivers of all types of There are good and bad be cars, caravans, RV’s vehicles whether they are in the minority, they or trucks. Fortunately, to do the right thing. This and most drivers want help people understand program is designed to er to make our roads how we can all work togeth

SPONSORED BY

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truckfriendly.com.au

WATM • October 2020

3

WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 26 | NUMBER 9

FROM THE PUBLISHER Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd Telephone 0430 153 273 www.angrychicken.com.au ABN: 35 486 530 095

PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 08 9296 4488 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS Karen-Maree' Kaye, Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, Ray Pratt, ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Angry Chicken Head Office T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au DESIGN / PREPRESS Cally Browning | Bare Creative

I

n 2018, 679,378 recreational vehicles were registered in Australia, and ‘one in 13 households’ owned a caravan or camper.

Now, two years down the track, pandemic, border restrictions, etc. and the ‘nomads’ as I am sure ‘they are not all grey’ are hitting our regional roads in force. For as long as I have been doing this magazine, every year, without fail someone complains about them for good reason. Everyone says the same thing.

They need better communication (UHF) and proper education for our holidaying Australians so that they can learn how to share the roads safely with trucks.

Imagine my excitement when I found a program (Page 2) that addresses these

ACCOUNTS T: 08 9296 4488 E: accounts@angrychicken.com.au

Overseas subscribers: Airmail postage will be added to subscription rate.

Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes editorial submissions. Once received they will become the property of the Publisher who reserves the right to edit the or adjust the content to fit with the format of our publication.

West Australian Transport Magazine (WATM) is published by Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd ABN: 35 486 530 095 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted or transmitted in any form by any process (graphic, electronic, mechanical or storage and retrieval system) or sold, resold or otherwise exploited for any purpose without consent of the Publisher.

The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication in regards to consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted, or being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication. No person, organization or party should rely on or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this magazine without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. The Publisher shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by contributor, consultant, editor or related party for content within WATM. The opinions and content within WATM does not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher, editor or their agents. No responsibility is accepted for damage or loss of material supplied to the publisher.

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WATM • October 2020

Karen

CONTENTS

PRINTER Daniels Printing Craftsmen SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions available directly from the Publisher.

T: 08 9296 4488 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au Australia: 1 year $65.95 (inc GST) 2 years $127.55 (inc GST)

issues with a ‘solution’ and a common sense one at that. This program is open to WA and I hope you as the ‘transport industry’ will at least go and have a read of their website.

Is your business in WA feeling the pinch of the skills shortage? Western Roads Federation addresses this giving the reasons why along with a simple, common sense ‘plan’ on how WA operators are going to address it and bring about early solutions.

Welcome to the new readers. If any readers are ever on Facebook if you can like the magazine’s page (WA Transport Magazine) that would be fabulous.

Best,

2............................................... Truck Friendly Caravan Road Safety Program 6............................................... Harvest Mass Management Scheme 10............................................ Win for regional WA with Road Signage Enquiry 11............................................... L ocal contractor to deliver Leach Highway and Welshpool Road upgrade arratha-Tom Price Road officially named Manuwarra Red Dog 12............................................ K Highway

14............................................ WRF: Skills Shortage – it’s time to change 16............................................ 2020 trends on driver behaviour 17............................................. This seems like a good idea egional road works across South-West are underway 18............................................ R

19............................................ Truck fatalities down 20.......................................... Perth’s Smart Freeways switched on

Every Month 7................................................ Questions to WA State Government 8............................................... Fair Go for Owner Drivers 13............................................ Bird’s Eye View 22.......................................... HCVC 24.......................................... WA Transport History

Endorsed by

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ed building’ pro s ‘nationjec increase em ts that will plo establish an yment, help d manufactur increase local ing Australia up , and set for an expo rt manufactur ing future.

Project Iron Bo all these bo omerang ticks xes and thi s project wo uld WA Transpo mean that rt businesses and associate would need grow and de to velop to ca ter to a doubling of it stands no the Pilbara as w

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donga – Co llie is stepp ing up Registratio n fee rise – $223 million Only in WA to unlock sho vel ready pro jects Tonkin Gap project fast tracked WATM • Augu

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News

RAV Mapping Tool Enhancements

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Harvest Mass Management Scheme

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ith the onset of the 2020 harvest season, Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services thought it would be timely to provide a refresher on the Harvest Mass Management Scheme (HMMS).

What is the Harvest Mass Management Scheme?

The HMMS comes into effect between 1 October and the last day of February each year to assist the grain industry with managing the difficulties experienced when loading grain in a paddock. While this is not a concessional loading scheme, with Transport Operators expected to load to statutory mass limits, we acknowledge that there are limited weighing facilities in paddocks and variations in grain densities.

As such, the HMMS allows a vehicle to exceed a statutory mass requirement by up to 10 per cent, to a maximum of 10 tonnes on the gross mass, subject to the conditions specified in the HMMS Business Rules.

Once delivered and weighed at the Grain Receiver, the loads should be adjusted accordingly for the next delivery, which eliminates overloading and works toward achieving fully compliant loading practices for the remainder of the harvest season.

How to participate in the Scheme To participate in the HMMS, Transport Operators are required to register with each participating Grain Receiver that they deliver to during the harvest period.

This must be completed prior to any load 6

WATM • October 2020

being accepted by that Grain Receiver. An application to register a vehicle for use under the HMMS can be obtained and submitted directly to the participating Grain Receiver where deliveries will be made. A written agreement must also be signed stating that the transport operator will abide by the HMMS Business Rules and any additional rules the participating Grain Receiver may have in place to ensure they meet their obligations under the scheme.

What roads can I access?

Transport Operators and farmers operating in the scheme need to ensure the roads they intend to use are approved for the particular RAV combination being used. Road ratings and approvals are available on the Main Roads RAV Mapping Tool. If additional roads are required, the Transport Operator or farmer can apply for a road to be added to the relevant RAV network via the standard RAV route assessment application process. For further information on this, or to obtain an application form, please visit the Access Requirements in WA page on the Main Roads website.

It should be noted however, that a Transport Operator cannot participate in the HMMS if they are operating under the Accredited Mass Management Scheme (AMMS) and their loading controls are relevant to the loading site they are transporting grain from.

ain Roads Heavy Vehicle Services is pleased to announce that a number of enhancements have been made to the Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) Mapping Tool.

The RAV network groups now include Road Train with Long Trailers Networks, Import/Export Containerised Cargo Networks, Platform Trailer Relocation Networks and Oversize Divisible Products Networks. Provision for PBS Networks and Concessional Livestock Networks has also been included, with datasets for these networks to be finalised in the near future.

In addition, the restricted structures lists, previously only available in a PDF document format, are now available as new layers, which will enable operators to more easily locate these particular structures. These lists include the Class 1 RAV Over Mass Restricted Structures, Agricultural Machines Restricted Structures, 2 and 4 Axle Special Purpose Vehicles Restricted Structures, All Terrain Special Purpose Vehicles Restricted Structures, Heavy Lift Tow Truck Restricted Structures and Block Truck Restricted Structures.

Other new features include information on drive over structure locations, drive under structure locations and heights, ability to search via structure number and commonly used over width routes. The enhanced RAV Mapping Tool provides the transport industry the ability to quickly access network information and the associated conditions. Updates to the RAV Mapping Tool, RAV Network Tables and Restricted Structures Lists will continue to be available for viewing every Wednesday.

To access the RAV Mapping Tool look for the quick link at www.mainroads.wa.gov. au/heavy-vehicles/

Further Information The HMMS Business Rules define the requirements which apply to each party involved in the scheme and can be found on the Harvest Mass Management Scheme page on the Main Roads website.

For more information please call Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services Helpdesk on 138 486 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

Over to you QUESTIONS TO THE WA STATE GOVERNMENT

Thank you to our WA State Government for answering WA Transport Magazine reader’s questions. If you have a question that is related to the transport industry please email it to the publisher at: karen@angrychicken.com.au

QUESTION Why hasn’t Main Roads resealed Albany Highway south of Kojonup?

They know we don’t actually drive on the shoulders?

Response from Main Road’s Spokesperson Main Roads delivers a significant resealing program across the Great Southern network every year. The annual program is reviewed to ensure that the proposed sites are a reflection of reseal need and the reviews consider seal age, surface texture, cracking, pavement repair status and the impact of the timing of funded capital works.

Main Roads is currently delivering

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a shoulder reconstruction and seal widening project directly south of Kojonup. It is intended that a full width reseal will be applied at this location within 18 months of the conclusion of the current widening project.

State-wide, Main Roads is delivering a major shoulder sealing program over the next 10 years in order to minimise the incidence of single vehicle run off road crashes across the network.

Response from Main Road’s Spokesperson Main Roads has already identified the pavement defects on this section of Brand Highway and plans to undertake various maintenance treatments including resurfacing and pavement repairs between Gingin and the new Northlink in 2020/21.

Main Roads does not believe the pavement defects are a direct result alone of the operation of PBS vehicles on the network.

QUESTION What is the situation with Main Roads and the damage being done to the Brand Highway around Gingin due to the PBS road trains. Have they looked at this?

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WATM • October 2020

7

Over to you A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

TRUCK DRIVERS ARE HARD WORKERS AND ALSO ARE REALLY QUIET ACHIEVERS…

T

ruck drivers are hard workers and also are really quiet achievers. We are given a job and we make it happen.

Slowly over time, conditions have improved for truck drivers with a big emphasis on managing our fatigue by only working up to fourteen hours per day and after a certain amount of hours then you must have days where no work occurs. It all looks good on paper but in reality, it is not working.

Too often, we front up for work and invariably some problems delay our loading which in turn delays the departure time. It could be necessary to wait for some item that is being delivered late or just waiting for a forklift driver to attend to your loading.

There is nearly always a wait for paperwork and because we are only getting paid for the trip there is not any need for the transport companies to hurry or be more efficient and load you as quickly as possible.

It does not matter how late we leave as we always seem to have to put in a big effort to get the freight to its destination

8

WATM • October 2020

on time thus keeping the customer and the bosses happy. It’s what we do as we feel that we are obligated to deliver our freight on time and consider it all part of the job.

It is not difficult to fill in the logbook showing the correct driving hours per day even though you have spent many more hours loading and driving. The hours spent loading should also be included in your work time but these are also kept at a minimum to allow for more driving time.

The transport companies expect you to show a correct record even though in reality

In effect, we are breaking the law to keep the transport bosses happy and all we get out of it is the opportunity to keep our job

the record is far from being correct. The issue here is that while we keep working under these shonky practices and no one complains then the system will just stay the same. In effect, we are breaking the law to keep the transport bosses happy and all we get out of it is the opportunity to keep our job. Not only are we working for nothing while we are loading and unloading but we are contributing to our own fatigue. It’s no wonder truck drivers have a fatigue issue.

Anytime someone wants to rock the boat and complain then invariably they are shown the gate and someone else will quickly take their place and so the cycle keeps repeating itself. The authorities keep looking at ways to manage our fatigue better and come up with all these devices that monitor when we feel tired but nobody ever wants to consult with a truck driver about ways that he/she feels would solve the fatigue problems. We are quite happy to stand up and speak the truth about what really happens in the transport industry but nobody wants to speak to a truck driver or even take any notice of what we might suggest that would improve our fatigue issues.

It’s no wonder that truck drivers are exiting the industry in droves and there is a shortage of drivers. It’s no wonder that truck drivers are tired all the time and sick of having to do some of the work for nothing. Like most of the issues facing truck drivers the problems are easily fixed if only we had a say.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

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News

First shovelready WA project complete on Great Eastern Highway

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Vince Catania with Lara Jensen

Win for Regional WA with Road Signage Inquiry

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ember for North West Central, Vince Catania, and many tireless supporters are celebrating a big win for regional WA, with the announcement of a Road Signage Inquiry by the Minister for Transport.

Mr Catania said, “This is a step in the right direction in making our regional roads as safe as possible and importantly recognises a desperate call by many from the bush for help to reduce the potential for accidents and tragedies which have already taken too many lives and destroyed families and communities.”

The Minister has discussed how best to proceed with the regional road works signage inquiry with Mr Catania, after presenting a Petition to Parliament, confirming the Government will now establish an independent review with details of the inquiry to be determined over the coming weeks.

Mr Catania said he was pleased with the announcement after seeking Government support for improved road signage procedures for several months.

“We’re now seeing an increased focus on road-trip tourism in WA, promoting must-see destinations across the regions, like Karijini, Mount Augustus, the Kalbarri National Park Skywalk, and the Ningaloo Reef,” he said.

“While we promote and encourage road-trip tourism, we want to make sure it is done as safely as possible so visitors, many new to country driving and local regional road users, all return home safe and sound.”

“Now more than ever, with increasing

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WATM • October 2020

volumes of traffic and many modes of transport sharing our remote roads including heavy haulage mining, livestock and freight trucks, along with caravans and leisure vehicles, the call for having robust safety signs in place warning drivers of the dangers of hazards up ahead is paramount.”

Lara Jensen, a remote pastoralist, northeast of Mount Magnet supports Vince’s comments after fighting hard for better road signage for over twenty years.

Knowing too well of the far-reaching impacts and heartache suffered after losing her brother Christian and his two friends in an accident at a rail crossing without adequate road signage, Lara said, “I’m ecstatic that after years of pushing this empty barrow, finally with an independent inquiry, there may be change – our roads are the workplace for many truck drivers, pastoralists and regional residents who are on the roads day in and day out so safer roads are a must.”

“This is the start of a journey to fulfill a collective goal of many impacted people to ensure lives in regions are saved and noone suffers the same daily pain our families and friends will live with forever,” she said.

Mr Catania said, “I’m thankful the power and persistence of many people have shone a light on this important issue with the State Government agreeing to review and strengthen policies for road works signage.”

“I look forward to working collaboratively towards continuing to ensure we strengthen safety on our regional roads and save lives,” said Mr Catania.

he first shovel-ready project in Western Australia was delivered under the state's recent $223 million infrastructure boost, with upgrades on the Great Eastern Highway Coates Gully Bridge now complete.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Coates Gully Bridge was one of several projects across Western Australia to be identified for fast-tracking.

"The project replaced the existing bridge with a new culvert on the Great Eastern Highway and it was

No matter where you visit in WA you will see hard hats and infrastructure works underway also widened to be a safer, more productive 12-metre formation," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

"These works have improved road safety, saving lives, and bolstering the resilience of the state's road networks.

"Our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and manufacturing industries."

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said, “No matter where you visit in WA you will see hard hats and infrastructure works underway.

"These upgrades will improve road safety for all road users as well as improving the efficiency and network reliability for freight movements across the region."

The Great Eastern Highway Coates Gully Bridge project was jointly funded by the Australian ($2.4 million) and WA ($600,000) Governments.

News

Deliver Safety Through More Rest Areas, Better Technology

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onsistent, mandatory standards for truck rest areas are needed, Australian Trucking Association Chief of Staff Bill McKinley told a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr McKinley was giving evidence before the Joint Select Committee on Road Safety, which is inquiring into and reporting on the impact of road trauma and how to support the Australian Parliament’s resolve to reduce incidents on our roads.

“We still need consistent standards for building rest areas, including basic amenities like toilets, water, and shade,” Mr McKinley said.

“The road is a truck driver’s workplace; they deserve to have access to facilities like any other worker,” he said.

Mr McKinley said progress was being made on rest areas.

“In our submission, we noted that rest areas on Australia’s major highways were not eligible for funding under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program,” he said.

“Under round seven of the program announced in March, those rest areas can now be funded.”

Mr McKinley highlighted the need to accelerate the uptake of proven safety technologies.

“If implemented with an extension of mandatory electronic stability control to new rigid trucks, mandating autonomous emergency braking would save 102 lives and prevent 2,564 serious injuries on our roads,” he said.

Mr McKinley said the ATA submission put forward a detailed plan to address the overwhelming number of certification and customer audits.

Mr McKinley said that while progress had been made in reducing the number and rate of truck crashes, the number of crashes involving trucks was still unacceptable.

"The ATA supports a vision zero target.

Every road user should be able to get home safely, every day,” he said.

“We need safer roads, safer vehicles, better safety systems, and better information to link it all together,” he said.

The ATA appeared before the committee in conjunction with ATA member association NatRoad.

Local contractor to deliver Leach Highway and Welshpool Road upgrade

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n alliance of local WA companies congestion and improve safety at what is a has been named as the preferred notorious intersection. proponent to deliver much-needed "Building a grade separated interchange upgrades to the Leach Highway and will significantly reduce congestion and Welshpool Road intersection. improve vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian The interchange upgrade will improve safety at this critical junction in Perth's the most dangerous and second most major transport network." congested intersection in WA, with 224 WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioto crashes recorded said, “At least between 2015 and 50,000 vehicles 2019, of which pass through this The interchange upgrade 204 were rear-end intersection every collisions. weekday, with will improve the most The $93 million the area servicing dangerous and second upgrade will create key commercial most congested intersection 600 local jobs. activities in in WA, with 224 crashes The final contract the Welshpool recorded between 2015 and is expected to be commercial area, 2019, of which 204 were awarded in December Perth Airport, rear-end collisions and has been fastKewdale Freight tracked six months Terminal, and ahead of schedule surrounding - early works are expected to commence residential areas. before the end of this year.

"Combined with our level crossing The Leach Welshpool Alliance consists removals along the Armadale Line this of local companies BG&E Pty Ltd, Georgiou will completely transform this transport Group Pty Ltd, and Golder Associates Pty corridor."

Ltd and is expected to create and support The project will deliver: 600 local jobs.

• a new bridge taking Leach Highway Federal Minister for Population, Cities, over Welshpool Road to create a gradeand Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said separated interchange; the Morrison Government had prioritised • duplicate the existing Leach Highway infrastructure investment and construction bridge over the railway; and across Western Australia to support local • a shared path along Leach Highway jobs through COVID. from Sevenoaks Street to Orrong Road.

"We're creating hundreds of jobs with The interchange will improve safety this upgrade alone at a time when hardand efficiency, and reduce travel times by working West Australians need it most," Mr alleviating pressure on the local road network.

Tudge said.

This project has been jointly funded "At the same time, this is a targeted by the Australian ($46.5 million) and State infrastructure investment that will bust ($46.5 million) Governments.

WATM • October 2020

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News

Red Dog refers to the famous kelpie who is well known for his travels throughout the Pilbara region in the 1970s and was immortalised in the 2011 film

Karratha-Tom Price Road officially named Manuwarra Red Dog Highway

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remier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti were joined by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel and representatives from across the Pilbara to officially announce the new name for the Karratha-Tom Price Road.

Following consultation, the road will now be called Manuwarra Red Dog Highway.

The name Manuwarra was proposed by the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation.

Manuwarra translates to 'heaps’ or 'masses' and is the Yindjibarndi name for the place known as Red Dog Gorge, which is located inside the Millstream Chichester National Park.

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WATM • October 2020

Red Dog refers to the famous kelpie who is well known for his travels throughout the Pilbara region in the 1970s and was immortalised in the 2011 film.

The name was first flagged by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel in 2017 and has been a popular idea with the local community.

Stage 3 of the Manuwarra Red Dog Highway has recently been sealed, creating and supporting up to 100 direct and indirect local jobs.

The $81.5 million project was jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth and was one of the McGowan Government's key election commitments.

Now complete the new road will improve access to the popular Millstream Chichester National Park and Karijini National Park, helping boost tourist traffic in the heart of the Pilbara.

Stage 4 of the sealing project is estimated to commence in 2022.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said, “Red Dog was a unique Pilbara character and his story is well-known across Australia, if not the world.

“It is fitting this road has been named in Red Dog’s honour and I'm sure it will prove to be a great benefit and drawcard for residents and tourists alike who ‘Wander out Yonder’, and travel out to the Pilbara region.

“Having driven part of the road myself, I'm pleased that Stage 3 of the sealing of the road is now complete to provide better access and improves safety for all road users.

“It’s pleasing to complete this important road project which has a dual name and recognises the traditional land owners.”

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “The Manuwarra Red Dog Highway extends from Karratha to Tom Price and is a rite of passage for many travellers, particularly grey nomads.

“The sealing of 48 kilometres of road will improve safety and slash travel times for the mining and transport industry as well as tourists heading to the popular Millstream Chichester National Park and Karijini National Park.

“The project provided up to 100 direct and indirect jobs during construction and included many opportunities for local businesses.”

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said, “When we first raised the idea of re-naming Karratha-Tom Price Road there was a lot of excitement in the local community.

“I’m pleased we have secured a dual name that recognises the traditional custodians of the land as well as Red Dog, a Pilbara icon.

“The sealing of Stage 3 of this road was one of my key election commitments and I'm pleased to have delivered on this.”

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

“It’s because of COVID you know” Don't blame it on the lack of staff Don't blame it on the profiteering Don't blame it on the bad attitude Blame it on the COVID Are you like me, getting sick of everyone using the excuse, “It's because of COVID you know”, for their lack of service and general lack of interest.

Let's face it, so many businesses are supplying crap customer service and we all seem to accept it because it is prefaced with… it's because of COVID. Australia Post is a prime example. Eight to 10 days to get a letter from Perth to Sydney. It would be quicker if I delivered it myself.

30 years ago, my husband and I used to bring the WA mail out of Sydney late on a Friday night and we would be back in Perth for Sunday night. Yes, we were two-up driving with a single trailer, but the delay ‘now’ is not with the transport sector, although many would like you to believe that.

The delay is because businesses have put off large numbers of staff and expect us the consumer to now accept their subpar service so that they can make more money whilst blaming everything on COVID. My recent trackable letter sat for three days at Melbourne Post Office before moving one hour to the Post Office it was supposed to be at. My complaints fell on deaf ears. “We’re having big delay because of COVID,” I am told'. So I ask, “How is COVID affecting letter distribution?” The

answer, “Well we can't have as many staff on so things are banking up.

Hang on a minute, isn’t the mail (for the most part) machine sorted? You can't argue with them, everyone is so ingrained with COVID that it is the ‘excuse for everything’.

Of the four calls I made to get quotes for a friend for furniture removal from Bateman Bay to Perth, only one answered the call, and it took them a week to get me a quote. “Well we're busy you know because of COVID,” they say. Of the other three, one never called back and the other two took up to four days. All I can say is, I am glad that you are busy now because, with your lousy customer service, you won't be for much longer.

I went to get a globe for a truck marker light. From memory, it was about $2.80.

“Oh no you can't pay cash, we only take card payment 'because of COVID you know.”

No, I didn't know. Where is the COVID in WA and I thought ‘Cash was King’. On principle, I left and took my business elsewhere.

Every year, an old work organisation I was with has a reunion. We pay around $20 each and get a couple of platters of food, whilst we drink and chat. This year we are told, “Sorry, we can't do that because of COVID you know. We would now have to pay the wages for a dedicated person to stand there and put a sausage roll or a sandwich on a plate for us, even though

Of the four calls I made to get quotes for a friend for furniture removal from Bateman Bay to Perth, only one answered the call, and it took them a week to get me a quote we have hand sanitised ourselves to within an inch of our lives - we cannot pick up a piece of food to put in our mouths. Mind you, we can lean on the bar, touch the furniture but not a piece of finger food.

I ‘do’ understand that the world has changed and that there is a ‘new’ normal.

But if you want your business to survive then you have to remember that tiny little thing called ‘customer service’. Unless you are a monopoly, then your customers have a choice whether to put up with you or move to someone more customer-friendly. And we all know, once you have lost a customer it is the devil's own to get them back.

It's ‘not’ all about COVID you know'.It's about what you are prepared to do you look after and grow your customer base .

WATM • October 2020

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Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

SKILLS SHORTAGE – it’s time to change W

estern Roads Federation and others have been in the media highlighting our shortage of not just truck drivers but other industry specialists such as heavy vehicle mechanics and operational staff.

Mining transport operators were the first to feel the pinch when the WA Government announced the borders were shut to FIFO workers from the East. But that shortage has now spread.

Expanding Issue As the Mining Haulage carriers ran short of drivers, they began to attract WA truck drivers from other sectors, including some leakage from Agriculture transport. We are also losing drivers from the East -West run to the mines, as drivers on that run have to get tested every seven days and face the restrictions associated with going interstate.

In fact, just one of our east-west members, reported having nearly half their fleet parked up because they couldn’t get drivers.

Government Stimulus Makes Problem Worse Whilst everyone welcomes the Government spending on road building and maintenance programs to help kick start the economy, it is also making the skills shortage worse.

For example, I have been advised by one agricultural sector transport company that they will be withdrawing drivers from supporting the up-coming harvest as they are prioritising the gravel haulage contracts they won for some road projects.

Their reason is that Government infrastructure and related road projects offer longer term stability. So, they are placing a higher priority on allocating drivers to the infrastructure work over the harvest.

Business Groups I called a meeting of my counterparts in CME, WA Farmers and CCIWA to discuss the issue and explain to them that our 14

WATM • October 2020

shortage impacts them too. They agreed that the skills shortage, particularly drivers is a major issue. Note: Farmers have other shortages of skilled labour as well.

That agreement was important as it gave our industry credibility with the Government that it wasn’t just us complaining, it was a real issue.

Basic Problem Truck driver licensing schools are operating to a government standard that doesn’t produce a driver companies are confident to employ.

What is being proposed WRF is working on a School to Retirement Plan which will cover how we attract students to our industry, train and up skill them through to attracting older workers who can share their hard-won knowledge with current generations.

The two things currently in action are: Medium to Long Term Apprenticeship We have put forward a medium to long term solution. A three-year apprenticeship for the industry. We are supporting a proposal by a member company to pilot this apprenticeship and we are working directly with the Department of Training and Workforce Development on pushing it through. We are quietly confident that this will get up.

Short Term: Solution To fill the short term need we have put forward a 21-day program aimed at making people who have a HC licence, but no experience – employable. Apparently, there are quite a few people in this situation.

Step One: Attraction and Identification of Drivers WRF and its members will market the program. Participating companies will conduct pre-training interviews to determine the suitability of the driver for employment within their business.

Step Two: Licensing Identified HR and HC drivers are put through the existing Driver Training and Licencing Schools to obtain their MC licences. Two days has been allowed for this; however, the Schools have indicated that one day only may be required for HC to MC. However, Licensing by the Schools does not make them suitably employable by the transport companies, as: • Most Schools only teach and train on a B Double combination, not road trains in order to obtain their MC licence.

• There is also a substantive shortfall in knowledge and skills, as evident by the additional training listed in Step Three below.

Step Three: Industry Training to Employability The participating companies or industry accredited trainers will then teach and train the drivers in the following aspects that are either insufficiently or not taught by the Licencing Schools.

• Road Train combination hook up processes and reversing Be able to set up a road train combination. This requires a detailed understanding of the processes and practising of the skills needed to be able to reverse trailers onto other trailers during the set-up process.

• Basic mechanics and fault diagnosis MC Drivers in WA frequently operate in remote and regional areas for prolonged periods. They must be able to conduct basic mechanical maintenance and basic fault diagnosis.

• Tyre maintenance and management The management and maintenance of tyres is a major factor in truck road safety in WA. With up to 80 tyres on a road train, operating in a state where only 30% of the regional network is sealed - maintenance and management

of tyres is critical including how to safely change a tyre.

• Pre-Start Checks The same basic elements of predeparture planning and checking such as vehicle inspections, mechanical checks, route plan submissions, first aid and other safety equipment checks apply in all organisations.

• Braking Systems and Distances Understanding the different braking systems is critical to the safe operation of road trains. Trailer combinations can also have different types of braking systems in combination, each acting differently and impacting braking performance. Correct coupling of the different braking systems, and ‘driver road craft’ - understanding braking distances in loaded and unloaded circumstances.

• WA Main Roads Rules and Routes Full understanding of the numerous WA Main Roads regulations and planning tools impacting road train operations

including RAV routes, signage and WA fatigue management regulations.

• On Road Safety Learn techniques such as hill ascent and descent, how to drive at night, how to identify and correct trailer sway and how to prevent roll overs.

• On Road Safety Around High Wide Loads In WA, it is a common for road trains to come across high wide loads in transit. Drivers need to understand the directions of escort pilots as well as when and how to safely pass.

• Vehicle Passive Safety Technology An identified problem is that older drivers often do not understand nor appreciate the passive safety technology of modern trucks. It is critical that they understand and learn to appreciate the capabilities and limitations of passive road safety technologies.

• OHS and First Responder Drivers are often first on scene at road accidents where they may need to take

control and provide assistance for up to two hours before professional first responders can arrive. Advanced skills and knowledge can contribute to more effective performance when needed as well as reduce post event mental health issues. Note: Federal Funding has been provided to conduct a pilot training course for drivers.

Future The Government has acknowledged we have a serious skills issue in the industry and have been actively working us on developing solutions.

But this is only the first step, we still have to address how we attract people and how we retain and upskill them and how we allow those approaching retirement to start sharing their knowledge back to the next generation.

WRF members and associate members are actively working on this, if you want to get involved become a WRF member.

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION IS THE UNITED VOICE OF WA TRANSPORT COMPANIES Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit.

Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved.

For a membership application form Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 or 0481 064 371 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004

WATM • October 2020

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News

2020 trends on driver behaviour A

recent study commissioned by Verizon Connect has unveiled key challenges facing businesses with small to mid-sized vehicle fleets, around driver behaviour, fuel usage, fuel tax credits, and vehicle maintenance.

The Australia-wide study, conducted

by ACA Research, includes views from over 200 Australian fleet executives operating in various industries including services, construction, production, retail, and education. A separate ACA research recently pegged Australia’s fleet numbers at around 2.5 million, dominated by small to midsize companies.

“The fleet business in Australia is growing rapidly and this has been

prices was tagged as a significant business concern in more than threequarters of respondents. While fuel prices in Australia have seen recent historic lows, smaller businesses continued to be challenged by fuel price fluctuations - in the past 12-months, smaller businesses reported an average increase of 9%-12% in fuel costs.

Fuel Tax Credits (FTCs) When Australian Road Services, a Queensland-based road construction company, found out that their trucks were regularly off the public road network, they realised annual cost savings of over $10,000 in FTCs. “We

Other challenges flagged included increased maintenance costs arising from negligent drivers (77%) exacerbated by the pandemic - we now view fleet businesses and their drivers as providing a critical service. However, as fleets grow, it becomes more difficult to oversee and control the utilisation of their assets. Many executives informally conduct their business, and it is now more timely than ever for businesses of any size to not only improve cost management but also look after the health and safety of a distributed workforce that is often at the coalface of the supply chain,” said Greg Newham, Head of Verizon Connect in Australia & New Zealand.

Driver Behaviour The issue of trust and employee behaviour have dogged fleet businesses for years.

While trust was higher across larger fleet companies with more robust processes and policies, executives generally cited concerns over a lack of visibility over employee behaviour. This included the use of company vehicles for personal work, fraudulent use of fuel cards, and the accuracy of timesheets.

Fuel Usage Unsurprisingly, the volatility of fuel

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WATM • October 2020

can’t always remember where that one truck was and what it was doing five days ago,” said the company’s fleet manager, Dave Watt.

Under the glare of an ever-changing complex regulatory environment, a number of executives outlined concerns around the accuracy of records potentially causing businesses to underclaim on their FTCs. With over 62% of Australia businesses currently claiming FTCs, around 38% of respondents indicated that they continue to struggle with complex data capture, validation, and stringent reporting requirements. Once again, it is smaller fleets that continue to face difficulties due to the lack of internal resources and know-how.

Vehicle Maintenance Regardless of fleet size, managing vehicle maintenance was tagged as a challenge by the majority of respondents. Interestingly, larger fleet businesses reported struggling with tracking maintenance schedules and ensuring adequate replacements during maintenance works. Other challenges flagged included increased maintenance costs arising from negligent drivers (77%).

Preferred contractor named for Bussell Highway duplication

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he Bussell Highway dual carriageway is a step closer, with Raubex Construction Pty Ltd named as the preferred contractor for the first stage between Capel Bypass and Hutton Road.

Fast-tracked to boost the economy post-COVID-19, the $85 million duplication project is expected to support more than 570 direct and indirect jobs during construction and provide opportunities for local businesses.

Works will commence on Stage One of the project in October and involve the construction of a five-kilometre section of carriageway, along with reconstruction works on an existing section of the highway, resulting in two lanes in each direction.

Stage One is expected to be completed

by June 2021.

Plans for Stage Two are progressing and involve construction of the remaining 12-kilometre section between Hutton Road and Busselton, along with the duplication of three bridges over the Abba, Sabina, and Ludlow Rivers.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was partnering with the WA Government to fast-track regional shovel-ready projects to get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible while strengthening the economy in the long-run.

"Our focus is getting people back into work quickly, which is why we allocated $1.5 billion to prioritise shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works that can provide a boost to the economy and support jobs immediately," Mr McCormack said.

"We are continuing to roll out major projects nationwide under our $100 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, laying

News

The west is won for Grays marketplace with Gregsons acquisition

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This seems like a good idea…

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hilst this initiative is not available in WA, hopefully, our state government will agree it seems like a good idea. This information was taken from https://truckfriendly.com.au who we interview on Page 2 of this edition.

Green reflectors are placed on road guideposts and these indicate that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up soon so you can indicate your intentions early and be prepared.

This great initiative was developed by road safety advocate Rod Hannifey as an aid for truck drivers to find a safe place to pull over.

This initiative is presently only in QLD, NSW, and Victoria and how it works is approximately 500 metres from a safe place to pull over there will be three green

reflectors, 250 metres there will be two green reflectors and at the spot itself, one green reflector.

The area itself can be used by all road users (short term), however, on the east coast, they have found this type of communication that all road users can see can be utilised by slower vehicles such as caravan drivers to pull over to let faster traffic pass and discourage risky behaviour and reduce anxiety, improving road safety.

“I do not know of one truck driver who would object to a caravan or motorhome driver using one of these stops to pull over short term to assist a truck driver and others to pass so that they can all get on their way and arrive safely home,” says Ken Wilson from the Truck Friendly Program.

the foundations for recovery on the other side of COVID-19."

Premier Mark McGowan said this was one of the major road projects his government had worked to fast track.

"We estimate we've managed to bring this project forward almost three months," he said.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "We completed $4.5 million worth of pre-construction works for Stage 1 of this project earlier this year, paving the way for major construction works to start before the end of 2020."

"We're committed to supporting regional WA which is why we are spending almost $100 million a month on regional infrastructure projects to boost the local

regional economies."

Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino said between the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project and Bussell Highway the Federal Government has committed $628 million to major road projects in the South West.

"Over 15,000 vehicles use this section of Bussell Highway each day and the upgrades will improve safety for general and freight road users," Ms Marino said.

"I'm focussed on the level of local procurement, local jobs, and local contractors that will be working on both of these projects."

The $85 million project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $68 million and the Western Australian Government $17 million.

rays, one of Australia’s largest online marketplaces, is set for more growth with the acquisition of WA’s market-leading online auction business, Gregsons Auctioneers and Valuers.

Based in Perth, Gregsons is a 91-year-old business that is highly regarded. Gregsons online auctions cover heavy earthmoving, mining, and plant/equipment in its home state of WA and they have a unique nationwide asset valuation capabilities across both new and used equipment.

The purchase brings significant scale benefits to Grays and its Australian customer base of over three million individuals and businesses. The acquisition will strengthen the unique bridge Grays is creating between Australia’s east and west coasts by combining the Grays marketplace and leading eCommerce technologies with Gregsons’ nearly 100 years of state-based knowledge, relationships, and valuations capabilities.

Grays is enjoying a period of significant growth and continues to invest in technology and marketing to make buying and selling easy, efficient, and transparent.

Plans for Stage Two are progressing and involve construction of the remaining 12-kilometre section between Hutton Road and Busselton, along with the duplication of three bridges over the Abba, Sabina, and Ludlow Rivers

WATM • October 2020

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News

Regional road safety works across the South-West now underway

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orks on several South-West projects funded through the Regional Road Safety Improvement Program are now underway across the region, creating and supporting local jobs.

The Commonwealth Government has allocated $80 million to the program in 2020-21, with the State Government contributing its annual $20 million.

The program will be delivered immediately in 2020-21 and will see around 1,400 kilometres of roads treated, with shoulder sealing and audible edge lines being installed in every region of Western Australia.

These treatments greatly reduce the number of 'run off-road' crashes, which can result in severe trauma and are more common in regional areas. Modeling undertaken using roads where the same safety treatments have been introduced shows the strategy could reduce road trauma in regional WA by 60 per cent.

The State Government will continue to campaign for the Commonwealth to allocate funding for an additional eight years of the program, which if funded, would see more than 17,400 kilometres of regional road upgraded with low-cost treatments.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "Single vehicle run-off crashes are a major cause of regional road trauma and the scale of this program is a huge step towards preventing deaths or serious injury on our road network.

Cost

Estimated start date

$190,000

Aug-20

South Western Highway (Donnybrook to Bridgetown) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$1,500,000

Sep-20

South Western Highway (Bridgetown to Manjimup) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$2,100,000

Oct-20

South Western Highway (Manjimup to Vasse Highway) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$840,000

Jan-21

Coalfields Highway (Roelands to Worsley) Install audible edge lines

$460,000

Jan-21

Vasse Highway (Pemberton to South Western Hwy) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$1,100,000

Mar-21

Collie Mumballup Road (Collie to south of Horrocks Rd) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$390,000

Aug-20

Boyanup-Picton Road (Boyanup to Dardanup) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$600,000

Aug-20

Vasse Highway (Sues Road to Nannup) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$2,000,000

Oct-20

Sues Road (Bussell Highway to Brockman Highway) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$3,600,000

Nov-20

Brockman Highway (Steward Road to Wright Road) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

$1,800,000

Apr-21

Project location and works South Western Highway (Harvey to Wokalup) Widen sealed shoulders to current formation and install audible edge lines.

Australia to grow exports by 45 billion by 2025

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n a time of unprecedented uncertainty driven by COVID-19, Australia is projected to increase its total services exports by $45bn by 2025, with transport and distribution responsible for 5.5% according to a report released by Western Union Business Solutions and Oxford Economics entitled The Global Trade Services Revolution.

Before COVID-19 the outlook for international tourism was booming after the industry has been one of the worst affected with billions of dollars lost. A subdued freight transport industry due to slow growth in goods trade has continued to languish with companies shortening their supply chains to improve reliability, lowering the trade intensity of production.

This report found that Australia’s

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WATM • October 2020

services industry is only 1.1% of the GDP, lagging far behind the UK at 9.2% and the US at 2.41%. While the transport of people stays bound by the strictures of governments around the world, freight transport is still a vital part of our economy. The pandemic has taught us that local production in times of crisis is just as important as international services.

This report has found: • The global ‘service trade’ is estimated to contribute over half (55%) of all global trade flows.

• B2B services have become the fastestgrowing export category by industry, with Australia leading the world average in employment in services at 77% compared to 49% globally.

• The value of global trade in services increased by 50% between 2010 and 2019, double the pace of growth in merchandise trade.

• Australia is well-positioned to grow exports in knowledge-intensive services industries as distance becomes less relevant to trade.

Right now, digital services represent 1.11% of GDP in Australia, but as international demand increases, Australia should seize the opportunity.

• There is a potential increase of $890 billion in the global value of services trade by 2025 through trade liberalisation.

It is an interesting report, to read visit drive.google.com/file/d/1lpIoyMBNLkBlltFNbXm6hF5lAX0Qi3s/view

News

ALRTA proposes effluent sites as priority infrastructure

Discount to encourage more classic cars onto the roads

W

estern Australians may soon see more classic cars on our roads, with the State Government introducing a new scheme to encourage car enthusiasts to hit the road in their hot rods more often.

Owners of street rods and vehicles manufactured before 1990 will soon have access to a scheme designed to encourage and enable car enthusiasts to license and use their 'occasional-use vehicles'.

The new Concessions for Classics scheme will reduce licensing costs for eligible vehicles and allow 90 days of road use per annum.

Under the new scheme, participants will receive a 75 per cent reduction in their motor vehicle licence fee, provided the owner of the eligible vehicle is also a financial member of a Department of Transport (DoT) approved motoring club or the vehicle is owned by a DoT approved motoring club.

DoT approved motoring clubs will be required to maintain a record of vehicle use by their members for auditing and compliance with the scheme.

The requirement to be a financial member of a DoT approved motoring club is a fundamental feature of all classic vehicle permit and conditional licensing schemes across Australia.

It encourages club members and DoT

approved motoring clubs to comply with their obligations under the relevant scheme and promotes community engagement and participation.

Additionally, the Veteran/Vintage (404) scheme for owners of unmodified vehicles will be modernised mirroring the vehicle use restrictions and motoring club responsibilities of the Concessions for Classics scheme. Concession entitlements and vehicle conditions for vehicles licensed under the Veteran/Vintage scheme will remain the same.

Following discussions with key stakeholders, the McGowan Government plans to extend the proposal to 90 days per annum of road use - 60 days for participation in club sanctioned events and 30 days for personal use, testing, maintenance, or repair.

The Government expects to be able to implement the scheme early next year.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "We want to cut red tape and see more classic cars out of the garage and on our roads.

Growing up I saw how passionate my own family was about their Monaros and Toranas.

"The scheme is intended to reduce the financial burden on classic vehicle owners and to encourage club membership while stimulating spending in the automotive industries.

Truck fatalities down R ecently released data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) has shown a significant reduction in heavy vehicle crash fatalities over the 12 months to June 2020.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the data was encouraging but that there was never room for complacency.

“Over the past financial year there were 157 fatalities recorded, down 17.8 per cent on last financial year,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“This includes a 30.4 per cent reduction

in fatalities involving heavy rigid vehicles and a 7.8 per cent reduction in fatalities involving articulated vehicles.

“Of course, any death in a crash is one too many and we are always focused on what we can do to make our roads safer for all users.

“We are continuing to remind drivers that we need space to keep you safe – targeting drivers of light vehicles, who are most often at fault in crashes involving trucks.”

A

LRTA has lodged a formal submission to Infrastructure Australia outlining the case for roadside effluent disposal infrastructure to be recognised in Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List.

Infrastructure Australia is an independent advisory body that evaluates and prioritises infrastructure proposals to identify the most important infrastructure investments Australia needs over the next 15 years. When Infrastructure Australia positively evaluates a proposal, it is added to the Infrastructure Priority List. The list guides decision-makers on the most needed investments to secure Australia’s continued prosperity.

ALRTA President Stephen Marley said that it was past time for Australian Governments to prioritise and plan for a network of roadside effluent disposal sites.

“The red meat sector is a growing industry that supports 405,000 jobs with a total value of more than $20 billion – mostly supporting our regions. Most livestock is transported by road on at least one occasion during the production process,” said President Marley.

“In 2018, there were more than one million semi-trailer equivalent livestock movements across Australia with a transport value exceeding $1 billion. One of the realities of livestock transport is that animals can lose up to 5% of their weight as effluent during transit.

“Livestock trailers must be designed to provide ventilation for livestock and so cannot be sealed. Effluent capture tanks can reduce the incidence of major spills, but do not have sufficient capacity to capture all effluent and must be supported by a network of legal effluent disposal sites.

“In New Zealand, National and Regional Governments are jointly funding, building and operating purpose-built livestock effluent disposal facilities on public roads.

“This common-sense approach is exactly what is needed for the Australian rural livestock supply chain to coexist and grow alongside expanding urban populations where livestock sale and processing facilities are typically concentrated.

The ALRTA proposal will be considered for inclusion in the 2021 Infrastructure Priority List.

WATM • October 2020

19

News

Australia’s first electric public transport bus route powered by ABB

T

he Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia has appointed ABB to supply charging infrastructure for WA’s first electric bus trial

Global industrial technology and electrification leader ABB will supply and install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Transperth’s Joondalup Bus Depot to power electric buses along the popular, free five-kilometre Joondalup CAT (central area transit) route. Transperth is the PTA’s metro-area operating arm.

ABB’s EV chargers will provide overnight charging for the new Volvo electric buses to operate this CAT route, ensuring zero-emission transportation throughout the day. These compact, highpower fast chargers can charge two buses simultaneously, ensuring less downtime and improved utilization of the vehicles across the planned route.

Trucking Industry Backs Proposed Payment Times

T

he trucking industry welcomed proposed Labor amendments to the Payment Times Reporting Scheme, which would introduce penalties for big businesses who continue to pay their bills late, Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Chair David Smith said.

Mr Smith was responding to the Labor Party’s proposed amendments to the Payment Times Reporting Bill 2020, currently under debate in the Senate.

The proposed legislation by the Coalition Government would establish a new

Payment Times Reporting Scheme.

“The ATA has been calling for the new Payment Times Reporting Scheme to be backed by stronger action to deliver fair payment times for the trucking industry,” Mr Smith said.

“Without amendments, the new scheme would try to improve payment times by transparently reporting the payment practices of big business.

“In the UK, a similar approach reduced the proportion of big business paying bills late from 30 per cent to 28 per cent over two years.

Transformation complete of Reid Highway upgrade

C

onstruction is now complete on a new four-kilometre westbound dual carriageway on Reid Highway. The dual carriageway between Altone Road and West Swan Road was the final section of the $77.5 million project to be opened to motorists.

The much-needed upgrade removes the last single carriageway section, delivering an efficient east-west route across Perth's north eastern suburbs for residents, commuters, and the freight industry.

The project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth ($56 million) and State ($14 million) Governments, with an additional $7.5 million contribution from the City of Swan towards the Arthur Street Bridge.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities, and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said, "We're pumping billions of dollars into WA as we come out of COVID and you can see the construction activity right across the metropolitan area."

Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said this was an important connection for local Pearce residents.

"The project has eliminated the final section of single carriageway on Reid Highway between Marmion Avenue and Great Northern Highway," he said.

"This will reduce congestion and significantly improve safety at the West Swan Road, Lord Street, and Altone Road pinch points, where traffic was previously required to merge into a single lane."

Perth’s Smart Freeways switched on

P

erth's first Smart Freeway opened with southern suburbs drivers on the Kwinana Freeway northbound the first to experience a faster, safer, and more reliable journey.

The new smart technology allows Main Roads' Network Operations Centre to actively manage the freeway in real-time by controlling the flow of traffic, opening and closing traffic lanes and adjusting speed limits when required.

The $56 million Smart Freeway project is expected to deliver a quicker and smoother journey between Roe Highway and the Narrows Bridge during the morning peak hour.

Historically, traffic entering the freeway from Canning Highway during peak periods was a major contributor to congestion. By converting the existing emergency lane from Canning Highway to the Narrows Bridge into an additional traffic lane, this bottleneck is expected to ease.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure

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WATM • October 2020

Alan Tudge said the smart technology would help ease congestion, improve safety and productivity for people driving into the city south of Perth.

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said, “This is the first time we have used this technology in WA and I thank everyone in advance for their patience while we get used to this new system.

Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons said new traffic signals have been installed on five northbound on-ramps from Farrington Road to Cranford Avenue.

"These will help manage stop/start conditions on the freeway improving congestion and make merging easier and safer during busy periods," Mr Irons said.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and State governments with the Commonwealth providing the majority funding.

Hall of Fame

KEVIN McDOUGAL

Above, 1983 B Model Mack 250hp Cummins engine owner Jon Lor in Canberra ACT Below, 1975 F Model Mack 285hp Cool Power engine in Forrestfield WA.

K

evin McDougal commenced an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic in 1968 at Tutt Bryant in Ashfield, Western Australia. The diesel was already pumping in his veins but Kevin knew he did not want to work on machinery - he wanted to get behind the wheel and drive trucks.

In 1972, he met up with Pat Shine, who had a B model Mack. Kevin became a twoup driver with Pat, driving east/west for a year. Stan Schodde from Dunolly, now a resident in St Arnaud Victoria was also a great mentor to Kevin. When Kevin began driving the Nullarbor was 290kms of dirt highway.

Kevin then joined Jonlor Transport in Belmore, Sydney in his first full-time driving job. While working with John ‘Wrightie’ Wright, he met and married his wife Sandra in Sydney.

Kevin then joined Brian Taylor where he continued to drive Macks. The pull of the

West and his widowed Mum took Kevin and Sandra back to Western Australia.

Norm Smith, a Western Australian icon in transport then called Kevin to Mt Seabrook, a talc mine near Meekatharra WA. Next, Kevin worked for John Norrish driving Volvos all through Western Australia. He was involved in the controversial movement of an oil drilling rig to Nookanbah Station.

The lure of the open road drew Kevin to work with Don Hitchcock, another trucking legend. Kevin drove east-west in Don’s Macks and Whites.

Once Peter and Ross joined the family, Kevin understandably wanted to spend more time with them. While in Perth, Kevin drove Volvos with Des Goudge, tippers and cocky carting with Guy Ioppolo and general freight with Doug Connor.

In 1989, Kevin purchased in F model Mack, realising a goal that he had for

many years. He continued with Skippers Transport as a sub-contractor until 1992 when he joined FCL. 2004 saw Kevin give his knees a break when he bought an auto Long-nose Mack Vision.

Kevin continues to work with his son Peter’s small trucking company Macknsons driving Hino and Isuzu rigids. This allows him to keep the dream alive - getting up early, staying out late and getting the job done.

WATM • October 2020

21

Over to you Delivery of more parts

We had about 25 members turn up for the day. The fires provided plenty of heat.

The Ford LTL is ready for the road.

Lou Sadik has a vast collection of Ford's at different stages of restoration, they all have a safe home at Eddy’s place.

WINTER GET TOGETHER

By Kevin Toovey

T

he HCVC had a BBQ at Eddy and Herb Van Dongen’s last year and it was pouring with rain. We managed to pick a very similar day this year.

However, that is the thing with Eddy and Herb’s place. It is an ideal location for winter gatherings, no need for last-minute changes because the weather is not going to be fine. With big sheds there was plenty of room for social distancing, everyone was

22

WATM • October 2020

able to stay nice and dry, two fires going so it was lovely and warm as well.

Eddy and Herb’s property is used for truck parking and storage for both working and retired trucks. Herb also has his engineering business along-side the truck parking. Herb and staff specialise in machinery manufacture and modification for vegetable growers. There is always something new coming out of the door..

Robert took the Mercedes for a spin this month and HCVC’s Roadside Assist was not required.

Eddy as seen here with his cross country gopher. He works on it on weekends when the workshop is free.

Modifications of machinery is another side of the business. This is a ‘brussels sprout size sorter’ being finished off.

I don’t think that is the name of the machine but that is what it does. I have to say I never thought about the need for such a machine but it would be a tedious job if there wasn't a machine for it

Rod Boyd brought his Fiat to the meet at Eddy’s.

The Ford LTL is ready for the road.

Someone’s project boat is stored along-side the trucks.

The old green 50’s Ford is kept undercover for when the day comes around to restore it.

The Mack Valueliner has been parked up for several years, it doesn't have many oil or diesel leaks as the garden is thriving under and around it.

(right) Lou in centre has his Cummins engine under wraps for when time becomes available. (this picture) The Volvo corner featured an F86 and F12, the F86 was a popular and reliable truck in the ’70s and ’80s and affectionately known as a bubble because of the cab shape. The F12 looks like it could still be working.

Members having a look at the progress on Herb’s Albion truck project restoration. Chassis and diff completed, rims are awaiting tyres. Cab work to start soon.

Old trucks are good for storage, they can be the same as purposebuilt shelving systems. You can store some quite heavy items.

WATM • October 2020

23

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

1966

R

ecent State legislation was introduced for a new transport authority, to be known as the Transport Advisory Council.

The Association has direct representation through President E J Hindle. The Council is headed by John Knox, a former senior executive of an international oil company (He went on to hold the post of Director General of Transport for 15 years until 1982). On his appointment he and the advisory council reported to the State Government: “We are proposing a fundamental change in transport policy and orientation of the WA Government Railways towards a competitive environment. Such a policy will require a restructuring of the WAGR in a planned manner over a period of time. We are in no doubt that if this process is appropriately directed, the WAGR will flourish as a profitable venture, very ably indeed to compete freely with road, and able also to produce for its customers cost/ time/quality transportation of a type it is presently unable to give because of the financial restraints which surround it and the inappropriate duties it finds itself having to perform.”

This proposal, a revolution in WA transport thinking as far as officialdom is concerned, took some years to mature. In the meantime, road transport has still been prevented from competition in areas where it might threaten the Railways. But the Government agreed, cautiously, it might be possible to test the Transport Advisory Council’s claim that fewer overall regulations were necessary by cancelling them in areas where no railway existed.

Efforts to boost numbers at the Bunbury branch and the formation of a special section for tip-truck operators did not progress well, it was reported to the December 14 Executive Council meeting.

1967

A social function was staged at the Association’s premises on March 20 where the Minister for Transport and 10 other Ministers were invited. Three Ministers turned out with departmental 24

WATM • October 2020

officials and it was deemed an excellent chance to liaise.

It was reported to the April 19 Executive Council Meeting that palletising of export fruit has proved successful, especially in the increased volume of fruit handled.

The potential to license carriers was suggested at a special meeting of the Executive Council on May 4 with a Mr Berry addressing the members about the need for “greater stability within the road transport industry”. He talked of how it was applied in Britain and other Commonwealth countries. Discussions were held at subsequent meetings but any action was held in abeyance.

The Privy Council appeal against the Road Maintenance Tax was lost and eventually the Association received a refund of $350.62 from the ARTF. Later, solicitors needed reimbursing and WARTA sent a cheque for $52.50.

Ethics and rate stability reared its head at the May 10 Executive Council Meeting where six points were determined: 1. The Association did not actually represent the transport industry; 2. The Association rules were being violated in some cases; 3. Improved efficiency within the industry was essential; 4. A realistic approach was required concerning the Rate Schedules; 5. Members should accept a responsibility towards each other in order to upgrade the image of the Association to non-members; and 6. The apathetic approach by many members should be lifted (sic).

State Associations contributed a total of $4635 to Tasmanian carriers following the recent bushfires.

Mr R Perkins, who last attended a meeting of the Executive Council on February 15, died in August just before the Annual General Meeting.

There was a move to have the Association insignia placed on windscreens of member vehicles. However, the Police Department would not condone this “as this would conflict with the Traffic Regulations concerning an unimpeded view from the driving position”. However, there were mixed feelings and the July 12 Executive Council meeting scrapped the idea.

The Association premises were broken into on November 4 and the newly purchased tape recorder was stolen.

A 1968 Yearbook was produced and sent to non-members, ancillary users, kindred organisations and Government departments. It was intended to become an annual publication.

A step forward was reported to the December 15 Executive Council meeting on the easing of restrictions on North-West transport. The Association is involved on a working committee to affect this change.

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WATM • October 2020