WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - APRIL 2020 EDITION

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 April 2020 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine

Page 12

THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT - ELECTRIC TRUCKS This month we look at the broad picture of electric truck technology and how it could work or not in Australia for different sectors now, and in the future

IN THIS ISSUE: Veteran union members make WA roads safer Give animals a brake New mobile phone laws explained WA transporters carting away their future WATM • April 2020

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Veteran union members work to make WA roads safer: an initiative from the Transport Workers' Union WA Branch and TWU retired members

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

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the most experienced and most professional road users are truck drivers and heavy vehicle operators This group of experienced veterans believes that by talking directly to these young people they can help them understand how to deal with heavy vehicles on the roads of WA. These veterans want to see fewer deaths on our roads and less blame placed on heavy vehicle operators.

So, they have been visiting schools and speaking to students about heavy haulage vehicles including road-trains, buses and trucks and what makes them different from cars.

High school students, close to graduating age, who are in the process of getting their license are an ideal audience for the program.

The veterans speak to the students about truck blind spots, overtaking heavy vehicles and truck stopping distances.

Plus they give their own perspective and experience of working on our roads.

Toll and Linfox have both expressed interest in supplying trucks to the program.

Some of our Veterans who are still proud Owner Drivers have kindly offered their trucks to ensure the program is successful.

It gives students an opportunity to get up close and personal with Big Bangers and witness firsthand, their size, as well as the dangers on the road if they do not respect their size.

Sharing the roads is something we can all get better at.

Maintaining speed limits, concentration and not getting distracted by phones or various other reasons. That a bit of patience and consideration for other road users will go a long way.

Distraction, speed (both too slow or too fast) and fatigue are the biggest killers on our roads along with inexperience.

This program is a stepping stone to giving new road users a better appreciation and understanding of a truck and other heavy vehicles on the road; from a truck drivers’ perspective.

Most important of all, the program will aim to decrease fatalities of young people on our roads.

If we save one life, it will be worth it.

Something that we can all agree is worth fighting for.

Expressions of interest from schools and transport workers about the program are supported and encouraged. If you would like to see the program come to your children’s school, visit our website www. twuwa.org.au for more details.

Dates are subject to availabilities.

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

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tatistics show that eight out of ten fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks are not the truck drivers’ fault.

That approximately 80% of crashes involving heavy vehicles are caused by inattention and inexperience of passenger vehicles on our roads.

Based on the sheer size and weight of heavy vehicles, of course truck accidents cause considerably more damage than normal vehicle accidents and the consequences are almost always devastating.

But frankly, the most experienced and most professional road users are truck drivers and heavy vehicle operators.

It is usually an inexperienced person behind the wheel who decides to pass unsafely, overtaking on a solid white line or cutting in front of the truck because they’re ignorant about stopping distances.

So, in order to save lives on our roads more must be done, and more education is needed especially for young inexperienced road users.

After discussions with the education department, and some guidance from the Education Minister, the TWU was able to develop an education pack for high schoolaged students.

Spearheaded by TWU Veterans, this dedicated group of transport workers have each had industry experience of over 40 years and believe they can leave the industry safer than when they started by educating young drivers who are about to leave school and get their license, on how to behave on our roads and interact with heavy vehicles.

Government of Western Australia

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Over to you Over to you

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Telephone: (08) 9358 8001 Email: dgsb@dmirs.wa.gov.au

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

WATM • April 2020

WATM • May 2019 @DMIRS_WA

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Over to you LRTAWA by David Fyfe, President, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)

How Would Our Road Network Measure Up in a Job Safety Analysis?

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f our road network and transport system was subjected to a job safety analysis process how would it go?

This was a question posed by one of our members recently and it caused me to stop and think about it for a while.

In our workplaces we are required to analyse jobs and tasks to identify the risks and hazards and implement control measures. In completing this process we are asked to consider the likelihood of the risks and consequences of the hazards and using a hierarchy of controls implement procedures to eliminate or control the hazard.

Let’s take a moment and broadly apply these same principles to some of the most obvious risks truck drivers and transport companies are exposed to on a regular basis and consider whether the control measures measure up.

Risk of a road accident is at the top of the list. Our truck drivers need to be well trained and capable of managing a range of different on-road scenarios. Employers and owner drivers have control of this aspect and are obligated to make sure that only competent drivers are on the road but there are many aspects of this risk that are out of the driver’s hands and indeed the employer’s. Take poorly maintained roads for example.

We know that speed, inattention and fatigue contribute to road crashes but little mention is made in day to day commentary about the contribution of road factors such as poor surfaces and badly maintained shoulders (think parts of Great Eastern Highway), roadside hazards such as trees and the lack of overtaking lanes. All these factors would figure in a job safety analysis but whose responsibility is it to implement control measures?

Put aside road maintenance and consider other factors that sometimes play a part in reducing road safety. According to crash data from 2014 to 2018, driver’s on international licences were 35% more likely to be involved in a head on crash, particularly if the driver comes from a country that drives on the right-hand side of the road. Recent initiatives to introduce multi-lingual, keep left signs on Indian Ocean Drive are welcomed however it

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All we need is a decision maker to take it seriously and develop a strategy to overcome the lack of counter measures for well-known safety risks in our workplace.

Surely that is not much to ask

is a trial with an unknown measurement strategy. It should be rolled out permanently to every major road leading out of the metropolitan area in addition to those tourist routes that already appear in the crash statistics.

More importantly we should focus on the English literacy of international drivers. If a multi-lingual sign is necessary to keep them and other road users safe the merit of allowing a person to drive in our challenging rural terrain surely must be questioned. It is a risk with an obvious control measure.

Heavy vehicle drivers and company owners are quite rightly expected to manage driver fatigue. We have management systems in place to demonstrate that scheduling and rostering provides the opportunity for breaks at the appropriate time and that drivers can manage fatigue. What we don’t have is infrastructure that always enables those breaks to be taken in an environment that is conducive to good, safe rest.

Since 2003, when the fatigue regulations were introduced the LRTAWA has campaigned for more and improved safety bays to allow fatigue to be managed in accordance with the rules. Whilst additional bays have been constructed or existing bays modified, we are a long way

from having a suitable network of safety bays for heavy vehicle drivers.

From time to time Main Roads has allocated this issue to someone as a special project and there is heightened activity for a while only for it to disappear off the radar when that person moves on or is given another project. We need a government to take this matter seriously and see it through until we have proper infrastructure control measures to help manage fatigue.

Another risk that would be identified in any JSA is the challenging but dangerous issue of rocks and other objects being thrown at passing trucks in several towns

mainly in the Pilbara and Kimberley. The police need help to address this issue, but the fact remains there is a serious risk of injury to truck drivers due to this practice which could have catastrophic consequences.

We could go on adding to the list of areas without suitable control measures.

Most of these issues cannot be addressed by industry, but they can be addressed by government. All we need is a decision maker to take it seriously and develop a strategy to overcome the lack of counter measures for well-known safety risks in our workplace.

Surely that is not much to ask.

WATM • April 2020

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TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 26 | NUMBER 3 Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd Telephone 0430 153 273 www.angrychicken.com.au

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ABN: 35 486 530 095

PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 08 9296 4488 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, John Milner, Ray Pratt, Peter Swift, Vince Ziino.

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Angry Chicken Head Office T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au DESIGN / PREPRESS Cally Browning | Bare Creative

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re you like me and have been shaking your head in disbelief as to the state of the world and how much things have changed over the last six months. It all seemed to start going crazy with alarmism caused over the climate change, then the climate change debate that led to two extremes (left and right), then the bushfires in Australia and now the coronavirus.

Then we have the ‘quiet Australians’ and this is where I find myself and the vast majority of our industry. We are just trying to get on with our lives, we are concerned about the economy, we

operate on facts and common sense and we don’t feel the need to hoard toilet paper for financial gain or selfish reasons.

With all of this in mind, and the push by some governments around the world to adopt net-zero emissions by 2050 it prompted me to investigate as fully as I could Electric truck technology and infrastructure and find out if it could work in Australia (Page 12).

Welcome to the new subscribers to the magazine.

Best,

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

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)

Karen

2............................... How Would Our Road Network Measure Up in a Job Safety Analysis?

6............................... Travelling safely on regional roads – give animals a brake

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

7................................Wage theft from the transport industry

Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes

8............................... Wheatbelt secondary freight network upgrades

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.

12..............................The future of transport – Electric Trucks 17.............................. Regional Road Safety Program recognised as high priority 18..............................Wheel clamping banned in WA

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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19..............................WA Transporters carting away their future 21.............................. New road train assembly area and passing lane for Pilbara 22............................ Future battery industry strategy powers economic growth

Every Month 9...............................Questions to WA State Government 10..............................A Fair Go for Owner Drivers 16..............................Bird’s Eye View 20............................HCVC 23............................WA Transport History 24............................Model Trucks

Endorsed by

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Page 2

WA'S TRAILB LA GLEN KENDALZING TRUCKIE L IN INTO HALL OF DUCTED FAME

Outback Tru ck officially rec er Glen ‘Yogi’ Kendall ha og his long-stan nised as a “bit of a leg s been end” ding commitm industry and ent to the tra for National Tra was one of the key winn nsport nsport Insura ers in Transport Co nce’s (NTI) Fa : UEn, mpIS ces of Stio eti where HIS a Hall ofneFame he was honoured IN Tas recipient sto Mile IN THIS ISS UE: Northlink rivers ung d WA drivers s ct yo re ra fi slo e tt wi a ng downer th ft ils to Glenn sSt elp a ack tryerfale – Difoes rh on tr el inchhiosolve Indu all Trail ins ies c er tackrp ing s aulin in Tru a co Dedicatertddriver tr ver mechanism fract ure po course in tru rans ck driver tra WA T ining 20

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WATM • April 2020

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News

Travelling Safely on Regional Roads

The comparison of crash figures shows an approximate 23% reduction in cattle or sheep related crashes in the pastoral regions

Give animals a ‘brake’ SLOW DOWN AT DUSK AND DAWN

You might know the road like the back of your hand, but you don’t know when an animal might suddenly appear in front of your car. Remember to give animals a ‘brake’ and slow down at dusk and dawn. Livestock collisions can be fatal for drivers, passengers and animals.

To find out more, or to report a hazard, visit mainroads.wa.gov.au or call 138 138 LIVESTOCK COLLISIONS CAN BE FATAL

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he issue of livestock wandering onto our roads in pastoral regions, which spans over 890,000 square kilometres, has been ongoing for many years. Whether you are jumping into your vehicle with your family to show them some of Western Australia’s amazing sights or loading your truck for a long journey, there are risks that you need to be aware of. Livestock wandering onto our roads is a serious issue and something Main Roads is actively working to manage.

In 2018, Main Roads convened the Pastoral Animal Hazard Advisory Group (PAHAG) to engage key stakeholders able

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to influence improved outcomes in this area. Membership includes representatives from the: • Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD); • Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA); • RAC; • Road Safety Commission; • Pastoral Lands Board (PLB); • Pastoralists and Graziers Association (WA) (PGA); • Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA); and • Western Australian Police Force (WAPOL).

Key areas agreed for investigation by the group include reflective ear tag options and research; fencing agreements with pastoralists; and education campaigns.

Since 2018, the Group has undertaken extensive analysis of previous work in this space, whilst also researching possible new alternatives. Main Roads has also spent months investigating the road network and mapping cattle strike hot spots.

According to police records, 0.37% of all crashes on the entire state road network between 2014 and 2018 related to crashes involving cattle or sheep in pastoral regions.

Approximately 83% of cattle related crashes occur after dusk according to analysis undertaken on a section of Great Northern Highway in the Kimberley.

Increased numbers of animal related crashes are experienced in the Kimberley region between June and August and Pilbara region between April and July.

Brett Belstead, Main Roads’ Director of Network Management, says that the comparison of crash figures on the state road network from 2014 to 2018 with crash figures from 2006 to 2010 shows an approximate 23% reduction in cattle or sheep related crashes in the pastoral regions.

“The work we’ve done, we’re doing, and will continue to do, is making a difference,” Mr Belstead said.

Another key outcome of the Group is the development of a straying livestock education campaign, targeted towards both local road users and tourists.

The campaign, which launched in March this year, promotes the message to ‘give animals a brake’ with powerful social media imagery plucking at the heartstrings.

“One of the biggest problems we have is that straying livestock on our roads is silent”, Mr Belstead said.

“When you’re driving, especially during peak strike times of dawn/dusk or at night, you can’t hear the animals on the road and, most of the time, you can’t see them until it’s too late.

Another dangerous time to travel on rural roads is at night, most headlights will only illuminate a relatively short distance in front of you. Livestock can be difficult to see at night so if you are travelling at 100km/h you may not be able to react to, and stop, short of whatever is in front of you.

It’s so important for road users to understand the risks of driving within

Over to you YOUR SAY

The comparison of crash figures shows an approximate 23% reduction in cattle or sheep related crashes in the pastoral regions pastoral regions, particularly at night, dawn or dusk. In the event you see just one cow on the road or roadside, slow down and take note of your surroundings.

We are, and will continue working with pastoralists, and other key stakeholders to undertake research and identify opportunities to combat this issue. We just want people to get back to their families, friends and community safely after their journey in this great State.”.

The education campaign will run across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid-West Gascoyne and Goldfields Esperance regions until the end of May. Road users can read more about it, and download the education content at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

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Wage theft from the transport industry

read with interest in the West Australian recently that the Minister for Industrial Relations Christian Porter has put corporate Australia, or as I like to refer to them, the economic managers at the top of the supply chain, on notice, amid more news of wage theft after it was revealed that Coles ripped off more than $15 million from its staff. The Minister warned companies that if they are found to have underpaid their staff, they will face the ‘most vigorous’ wage theft laws “Australia’s ever seen”. This is a good thing for Australian workers.

But it must not stop here. We in the transport industry know that wage theft in this sector has been rampant for years. And has anything been done to hold the economic managers at the top of the supply chain in the transport industry to account? No. If Minister Porter was serious, he would act against clients of transport companies who squeeze the financial living daylights out of the supply chain down.

And do we hear anything from the Federal Government about wage theft from our truckies, owner drivers and trucking companies? No. Wage theft and lengthy payment terms are both results from the dodgy management of those at the top of the supply chain who continue to squeeze everything they can out of the transport industry.

These companies know who they are and I will continue to call them out until they change their bad management habits. ~ By Glenn Sterle

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WATM • April 2020

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News

Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network upgrades trucking along W

orks to improve the MogumberYarawindah road in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia have now started, launching the $87.5 million Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network road upgrade program and bringing improved safety and efficiency to a key freight supply chain.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program would improve road reliability and better connect industry to markets.

"These upgrades will better connect businesses to domestic and international markets via Western Australia's key ports, improving freight productivity and offering greater opportunities for business growth in the Wheatbelt region," Mr McCormack said.

"They are part of the Australian Government's $4.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance initiative - a 10-year investment into the nation's key freight roads."

WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said, "These upgrades will complement our work on the draft Revitalising Agricultural Region Freight Strategy and the McGowan Government has also worked closely with regional local governments to develop the program of Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network's investment priorities.

The network comprises of 4,400 kilometres of roads and the program had identified 53 strategic freight routes requiring an upgrade.

"Most of the roads that large freight vehicles are permitted to use in the region are narrow, unsealed and unsuited for large volumes of heavy vehicle traffic, so the start of works on the MogumberYarawindah road couldn't be timelier," said Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price.

Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network group chairman Rick Storer said the Mogumber-Yarawindah upgrade would widen 2.75 kilometres of road and extend drainage culverts, making it much safer for freight vehicle operators.

"The Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network initiative is a result of a collaborative approach in working together for a common goal. All participants, including the 42 Wheatbelt Shires, are to be congratulated on their active participation 8

WATM • April 2020

in this program that has been recognised as the biggest local government collaboration in Australia," Mr Storer said.

The Wheatbelt group consists of the Wheatbelt North Regional Road Group, Wheatbelt South Regional Road Group, Regional Development Australia (RDA)

is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $70 million through its Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, the Western Australian Government committing $11.67 million and local government bodies providing the remainder.

The network comprises of 4,400 kilometres of roads and the program had identified 53 strategic freight routes requiring an upgrade Wheatbelt Inc, WA Local Government Association, Main Roads WA - Wheatbelt Region and the Wheatbelt Development Commission.

The $87.5 million Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network program

The Australian Government has committed $0.8 million towards the $1 million Mogumber-Yarawindah road upgrade, with the remainder provided by the Western Australian Government and local government bodies.

Tonkin Highway to Muchea expected to open late April

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ain Roads report that it is taking longer than anticipated to finish the works on NorthLink WA northern section.

With the road so close to completion it was decided to complete the final seal on the road surface now, instead of next summer as was originally planned.

Completing it now will avoid extensive disruption to road users next year and will ensure the road is fully complete when it opens.

This extra work means Tonkin Highway to Muchea is expected to be open in late April 2020.

The surface of the northern section is a two-coat seal, which is laid differently to the asphalt that was used in the central and southern sections. Two-coat seal is a surface type commonly used on regional roads. Between now and opening the team will lay the re-seal coat, sweep the road, roll it and apply the line-marking. The sealing crew will

lay more than 680,000sqm of re-seal during this process.

Although this means the opening is delayed, it is better to get it right, rather than endanger lives or inconvenience motorists and the freight industry with an unfinished road.

Main Roads said, “We want you to enjoy the road at the 110km/h speed it was designed for and with the final seal and all the safety features in place. We look forward to rewarding your patience with a fast, safe and fully fit for purpose road”.

Once complete, the new works will have: • A dual carriageway between Maralla Road and Muchea • Interchanges at Stock Road, Neaves Road, and Brand Highway • A deviation at Brand Highway to the north of Muchea, and • Flyovers at Old Brand Highway, Muchea South Road, and Ellen Brook.

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: My question relates to when we have a road closure for ‘any’ reason like resurfacing on Albany highway at Armadale and it says, “No detour for RAV vehicles”.

The intersection at Albany Highway and South West Highway was closed recently at night time for maintenance and trucks were literally scattered everywhere and had to make their own way up every street around Armadale.

Why couldn’t Main Roads have offered a detour for RAV vehicles like they did for cars?

I believe Main Roads had options but chose to close one of the busiest roads out of the city and let trucks pretty much roam Armadale looking for ways to access Albany highway all night. Very disappointed.

Answer from Main Roads spokesperson: Main Roads conducts night time works at major locations, such as Albany Highway

and South Western Highway, to minimise the impact on road users.

Heavy Vehicle travel impacts are published in the “Heavy Vehicles” section of the Main Roads website which includes road works that may impede Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) access.

It is a condition on all Permits and Orders that the Heavy Vehicle Impacts are checked prior to travelling to ensure the required access is not impeded.

The RAV Mapping Tool provided by Main Roads should be used in assisting with planning alternate routes suitable for their type of RAV. Question: It would be nice of our state government to grow a set and bulldoze a new expressway linking Red Hill and the lake. This would solve the access issues and the National Highway through a 50 km an hour

shopping precinct plus give a safer exit for Hills people if a fire starts. What are your thoughts on this suggestion?

Answer from Main Roads spokesperson: Future planning includes the provision of a new major route to replace the existing Great Eastern Highway function as the primary freight and road route from the east. The planned route generally follows the existing Toodyay Road alignment from Roe Highway to east of Gidgegannup, including passing through Red Hill, and then follows a new alignment and reconnects with the existing Great Eastern Highway near Clackline. This route is proposed to be a four lane grade separated standard road from Roe Highway to just east of Gidgegannup and a four lane rural highway to Clackline.

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

Stealing is wrong, and yet every year thousands of Australian workers are robbed

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tealing is wrong, and yet every year thousands of Australian workers are robbed. They are the victims of wage theft. Wage theft is the deliberate underpaying of workers and it is becoming rampant in all walks of life.

In reality, it is employers stealing from workers. We have recently seen major companies like Coles, Woolworths, and Caltex been caught out systematically underpaying their hard-working employees involving many millions of dollars. These are the same companies that bombard our television screens telling us what good corporate managers they are.

One that comes to mind is the slogan, “Good things are happening at Coles”.

There was nothing good when Coles brought into all the Shell roadhouses to get involved with the fuel industry and then closed all the restaurants leaving hardworking truck drivers with nowhere to get a decent meal. There was nothing good for the farmers when companies like these ruined our dairy industry with their cheap milk promotion just to get customers in the front door.

With my way of thinking, if someone has got to go to the trouble of saying how good they are then you can be sure they have something to hide. All these companies should hang their heads in shame for this blatant systematic stealing from employees.

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WATM • April 2020

But will they be punished? I really doubt it.

If workers are caught stealing from their employers they are dealt with very quickly and harshly and so they should be. My guess is these dodgy company leaders will blame everyone but themselves and run for cover as they are investigated, but in my opinion, they are just common thieves and should be treated as such.

We in our industry know that wage theft in the transport industry has been rampant

for loading and unloading or changing tyres or maintenance or washing and cleaning the truck when you have finished the trip.

It may sound good being paid only for the kilometres you drive but you end up doing a lot that nobody wants to pay you for. This is nothing but wage theft and drivers have to drive every hour they can to make up this shortfall. Just think if we were paid for every hour that we worked.

We could have more time with family. We

We in our industry know that wage theft in the transport industry has been rampant for many years for many years. We have been vocal about this for decades and yet our pleas for help have fallen on deaf ears.

Have any of the managers at the top of the supply chain ever been held accountable? These managers are systematically responsible for squeezing the financial living daylights out of the whole transport supply chain and they are getting away with it year after year after year and nobody has ever done anything constructive about it.

For too long many truck drivers have been paid on trip money or a kilometre rate. That means that you are only getting paid while the wheels are turning. No pay

could enjoy a social life. We would not be so fatigued all the time. We would be more financial. We are more likely to stay in the industry instead of looking for alternative employment. It would actually fix more problems within the transport industry than you can imagine but as soon as the word ‘money’ is mentioned you are treated like an outcast.

There are a lot of educated people at the moment trying to work out what is wrong with the transport industry and why we have a driver shortage but as usual, no one is doing the obvious and talking to truck drivers.

Maybe one day the penny will drop.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

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www.khitch.com.au WATM • April 2020

11

Focus

The future of transport – Electric Trucks

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chieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has been a focus; particularly since the bushfires in Australia which put our country under the global ‘climate change’ spotlight even though ‘roughly’ we produce 1.1% of global emission’s compared to the top three: China - 27.2%, USA – 14.6% and India 6.8%.

Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on in the climate change debate, one thing is obvious ‘the large majority’ of us wants to improve our environment – but we ask at what cost and what is the future for the Australian transport industry?

A recently published report by IDTechFx entitled ‘Electric Truck 2020 – 2030’ focused on electrification in the world-wide medium and heavy-duty truck markets.

The report claimed that the days of fossil fuel-powered combustion engines were numbered and governments around the world would take decisive action that will in the coming decades, drive vehicle manufacturers to zero on-road exhaust emission power train solutions.

The report went on to say a much cleaner source of power is required for future medium and heavy-duty trucks and

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the future is either battery-electric or fuel cell electric vehicles that deliver a zero onroad emission solution.

Furthermore, the report stated that diesel and petrol combustion engines are already a technology of the past and those prudent companies in the automotive industry are already transitioning themselves toward the electric and fuel cell supply chain. “All major truck OEMS are now investing in zeroemission trucks projects for fear of being left behind,” the report said.

The report is intended to help businesses across the automotive value chain plan for the future in this rapidly changing market and provides 48 forecast lines for battery electric and fuel cell electric trucks, that include a ten-year outlook for vehicle production, market penetration, and market value, with separate forecasts for both the medium and heavy-duty truck markets and regional segmentation. Also included is an overview of the battery and fuel cell electric truck market with detail about current demonstration projects and efforts by major players in the industry to commercialise zero-emission trucks. To read visit: www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/

electric-trucks-2020-2030/710 The global battery-powered electric commercial transport fleet is expected to expand by three million units by 2024 with government regulations, tax incentives, and improved price parity leading to the increasing adoption of battery-powered electric commercial vehicles (BEV). Initial adopters range from municipal buses to refuse trucks, light-duty service vehicles, and terminal tractors. This strong early adoption will drive the number of BEV commercial vehicles to three million units worldwide by 2024, according to a global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research.

Of all the information we could find on the manufacture of ‘electric’ trucks it became evident that at present world-wide they were only suited to ‘urban’ and shortdistance use.

Recently, Daimler Trucks North America delivered its first Freightliner, eCascadia, to both Penske and NFI, and Amazon ordered 100,000 electric trucks from Rivian. New business models include Volvo Trucks North America’s upcoming VNR semi-truck with an ‘energy as a service package’. Companies such as Peterbuilt are

establishing a BEV market presence.

Ultimately, further growth, beyond initial use cases, requires a significant investment in charging infrastructure and new technology to reduce battery size and weight as well as significantly enhance range. Other factors yet to be fully addressed include battery life and recycling methods. Still, the elimination of fuel costs, second only to personnel, and a significant reduction in maintenance will continue to attract investment and adoption of commercial BEVs throughout the 2020s the Commercial Transport and Supply Chain Disruptive Influencers report says.

In 2018, information that came from a survey conducted by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation claimed that nearly half of Australian fleet managers would consider incorporating electric vehicles in their fleet and that 50 per cent of Australian fleet buyers would turn to EVs next two years (2020).

With 19,000 (2018) Australian fleets comprised of over 20 vehicles or more equaling an estimated 2.1 million vehicles (over 10 per cent of the nation’s vehicles) in total, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics), the figures are significant if they prove correct.

The survey also found that barriers to making the EV plunge were, unsurprisingly, identified as higher upfront costs of electric vehicles, access to charging infrastructure, and also uncertain resale value.

But… and there is always a ‘but’. This is all well and good for urban use trucks ‘but’ what about the heavy-duty segment of the industry including east-west transporters, WA regional transporters, mining, livestock transporters... anyone who can’t be charging up a truck after a few hours of driving?

Another aspect that does not fit with those wishing the world to stop using fossil fuels is Australia's abundant and low-cost coal resources that are used to generate three-quarters of the countries domestic electricity.

The cost of electricity to charge an electric truck, of course, depends on where you live and the capacity of the vehicle's batteries. For example, the average price for electricity per kilo Watt-hour in Australia is about $0.25 and it takes approximately 18 kWh to travel 100kms, so it will cost approximately $4.50 in electricity charges to travel 100kms.

At present, we could not find any evidence of any trucks or technology that could serve the long distance segment of the industry nor the infrastructure to support it.

According to CEFC/ARENA modeling, 90% of vehicles on Australian roads are expected to be electric by 2050, and charging infrastructure requiring $1.7 million in private investment will be required if the switch to electric mobility is to happen with any degree of success.

Freightliner in North America says series production of a fully electric prime mover and a heavy rigid truck will begin in 2021.

The prime mover called the eCascadia and has a fully electric driveline. The rigid truck, called the eM2, is designed for urban delivery applications and boasts a GVM of 12-15 tonnes. Freightliner will be able to turn out up to 7000 electric trucks per year.

The Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are part of Daimler Trucks' global electrified truck initiative, joining the company's Thomas Built Buses all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school bus, the Fuso eCanter, and

At present, we could not find any evidence of any trucks or technology that could serve the long distance segment of the industry nor the infrastructure to support it

the Mercedes-Benz eActros and eCitaro.

The current 6x4 eCascadia is running three motors – two on the rear axle and one on the front axle – and is developing 540hp (400kW). The range is quoted at 250 miles (400km) and charge time is 90 minutes for an 80 per cent charge.

The medium-duty eM2 is currently rated at 360hp (270kW), has a range of over 225 miles (360km) and also has a recharge time of around 90 minutes.

Interestingly, the electric Freightliners are running a gearbox with two forward gears, reverse and neutral. The lower forward gear gives added engine braking and easier take-off while the taller gear gives enhanced cruising.

Head of the Daimler Trucks North America EMG Platform, Michael Scheib, admitted that electric trucks are not for everyone, but they were ideal for urban delivery, waste disposal, and last-mile applications.

Australian potential And as the current Cascadia and M2 rigid are built in right-hand drive, Freightliner will have the wherewithal to build the electric versions in RHD too.

Asked whether the eCascadia would come to this country, a Daimler Trucks spokesman said it would depend on demand.

"If there is solid demand for it and we can order in reasonable numbers, we will get slots on the manufacturing line and we could conceivably bring it here," he said.

Volvo Trucks in North America has developed an eight battery-electric project truck and in Europe, Volvo Trucks recently started sales of electric trucks for urban transport Volvo Trucks in North America will begin the first phase of serial production and commercial offering of the Volvo VNR Electric in late 2020.

Meanwhile, Australian firm SEA Electric has developed electric vehicle drive trains that can be fitted to a number of donor platforms, thus rendering them fullyelectric vehicles. Currently, with three drivetrain models within their SEA-Drive brand, the supported ‘donor’ vehicles include: • 5m to 7m van and minibus • 9t to 13t GVM truck cab/chassis • 14t to 17t GVM truck cab/chassis Each model operates on the same technology but is simply scaled to suit the size of the donor vehicle’s platform.

“SEA’s vision is that every commercial vehicle in the world, that travels less than 200km per day (and has a minimum 4-hour dwell time per 24 hour period) has a zeroemission – 100% electric drive in the future.

Where Fuso’s new eCanter has a range of up to 100km per charge, the SEA version will see small to medium-sized commercial vehicles, travel up to 200km before needing an overnight charge. While the charge time for SEA’s electric system is around seven hours, which is substantially longer than Fuso’s 60-minute charge, the solution offered by SEA is designed to suit transport operators with a number of local, set routes, with dedicated overnight layovers. For this purpose, the SEA-Drive models are ideal.

Some retailers such as IKEA say that they will only sign new delivery contracts with transport companies that are introducing electric vehicles so it can meet its goal of having their home furnishings globally delivered in electric trucks by 2025.

Woolworths has also been trialing trucks made by SEA Electric for home deliveries, while logistics group Linfox has also been testing them.

WATM • April 2020

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Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY IS THE 'CANARY IN THE COAL MINE'

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canary in a coal mine is an advanced warning of some danger.

The metaphor originates from the times when miners used to carry caged canaries while at work; if there was any methane or carbon monoxide in the mine, the canary would die before the levels of the gas reached those hazardous to humans.

Economically, the Transport Industry is the canary in the coal mine because when the transport industry starts showing signs of problems then it’s a reliable indicator that trouble is coming for all other industry sectors and the domestic market.

Twice in less than two months, the West Australian transport industry has been the first to advise the Government and other business leaders that we have problems coming that will affect the wider community.

The first time was during the Eyre Highway Bushfires when Western Roads

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Federation wrote to the WA Premier Mark McGowan to advise him and his cabinet that the highway closure would impact fresh food supply in WA supermarkets and that it would impact Western Australia’s fresh food growers who export to the East.

Whilst we were proven right and many east-west transport operators were badly affected it is going to pale in comparison to the impacts of the coronavirus on not only the transport industry but every other facet of the economy.

Back in the middle of February, well before the impacts of coronavirus had hit Western Australia, I wrote to the WA Premier and WA Treasurer Ben Wyatt MLA and said that the state's exposure to Chinese supply chains means we are going to be hit hard in Western Australia.

In this letter, I stated to both the Premier and Treasurer that, “The impact on multiple sectors of West Australian business will begin to be sharply felt in the

next two to three weeks. “ Unfortunately, as I write this column three weeks later [March 10th], that has proven to be true with members reporting staggering percentage drops in container transport activity.

In my letter to our State Government, I also stated that “Western Roads Federation is forecasting a severe impact on transport industry jobs and also as our industry ‘Drives the West Australian economy’ it is fully expected that our WA business customers may also be forced to shed jobs.“ This, unfortunately, has also proven to be true.

If our warnings were acted on at the time with the suggested actions, we would have had three weeks to prepare both Western Australia and our industry for the impacts. There were a number of actions that we could have taken and Western Roads Federation offered the State Government some solutions and proactive

measures to put in place.

However, we are not paid to give up, so we continue to pursue every line of opportunity to protect our member companies and the broader West Australian industry.

• During the whole emerging crisis, the State Transport Associations have been working together sharing information and putting up ideas. Note at the time writing this (March 10th) there has been ‘no’ calls from any national transport association for a meeting of the State’s to co-ordinate a national response.

• Northern Territory Road Transport Association, Natroad, and Western Roads Federation have united to write a letter to the Prime Minister calling on a major stimulus package to be directed to road maintenance including building rest areas. Road maintenance is quick to deploy, can be spread across all of Australia, creates some transport industry jobs and helps spread some cash into the economy.

• Western Roads Federation is also working with the other industry associations representing every sector of the West Australian economy to push that the transport industry which underpins their sector must be included in any solutions put forward by them.

• Western Roads Federation is working with the Transport Industry Employers Industrial Relations group (ARTIO) on how we manage the staffing impacts of the crisis, including impacts on Owner Drivers.

The economy will recover and it will be the Transport Industry that will be the Canary in the Coalmine to indicate the first signs of the recovery.

So whilst we are focused on trying to reduce the impacts on our members and the WA industry, we also need to ensure that we keep an eye on the recovery to make sure that WA has the capacity and capability to meet the transport demand when the recovery occurs.

If you want to get involved then become a Western Roads Federation member.

If our warnings were acted on at the time with the suggested actions, we would have had three weeks to prepare both Western Australia and our industry for the impacts

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 • April 2020

15

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

New mobile phone laws

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rom July 1, 2020, WA will increase the penalties for those caught using a mobile phone whilst driving. From this date, and on the spot fine of $1000 and the loss of four demerit points will apply to the offences of texting, emailing, using social

media, watching videos or accessing the internet whilst driving.

Touching your mobile phone whilst stopped at traffic lights, or holding the phone whilst taking a call is considered to be a lesser offence but will still incur

ALRTA proposes income smoothing scheme

T News 16

he ALRTA National Council has endorsed a LRTAWA proposal for the Australian Government to establish an income smoothing scheme for rural road transport businesses.

The proposal is based on the existing Farm Management Deposit (FMD) scheme which allows eligible primary producers to make tax-deductible deposits in ‘good years’ that can be withdrawn (and taxed) in later years. The FMD scheme is widely

WATM • April 2020

used by farmers to help deal with unpredictable seasonal or market conditions.

Rural road transport businesses are also subject to seasonal and market conditions outside of their control. In the past 12 months alone, ALRTA members have been affected by droughts, floods, fires and sudden closure of the live sheep export market. Many are hurting and the Australian Government is open to suggestions that can assist in the recovery process and help

prepare affected business for future uncontrollable disasters.

ALRTA has already commenced advocating on this important issue.

David Smith (LRTASA President and ATA Vice Chair) raised the proposal directly with the Federal Treasurer, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, at an ATA dinner held at Australian Parliament House. There is interest in exploring the proposal further and ALRTA is working with members and political advisers to develop a more detailed proposal.

the penalty of $500 and three demerit points. WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts said the higher fines would send a strong message to drivers who engaged in “deliberate risk-taking behaviour”.

The Government says that this is an attempt to cut down on road deaths. There are no figures directly related to using a phone, but in 2019, 19% of road deaths in WA were listed as due to driver inattention and in that year almost 12,000 motorists were caught by WA Police using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

But ‘using a mobile phone’ is not a straightforward term - there are many ifs and buts about what you can and cannot do.

So let’s get a few of them straight because several of the rules are a bit hazy.

Calls: You are ‘not’ allowed to make or receive a call whilst driving ‘unless’ it is a ‘one-touch’ operation ‘and’ it is in an approved cradle. This means that even if it is a one-touch to make the call, you cannot have the phone on your lap, on the dash, in the cup holder or anywhere where else with the exception of being in a phone cradle.

If it is ‘not’ in a cradle you can make or receive a call ‘only’ if it is voice activation, earpiece or headset or in-vehicle Bluetooth (you cannot touch the phone or have any part touching your body - ie in your lap).

Text/Message/Social Media: You cannot send or receive messages, access social media, email, video message or any other whilst driving – even if the phone is in an approved cradle and is no-touch.

There have been a number of reported cases lately where a driver has been fined whilst a passenger is on the phone.

We were all suitably outraged until upon investigation it was found that the

The majority of us are guilty of using a phone whilst driving - you only need to look around whilst you are on the road to see the number of drivers that do it passenger was acting as the ‘cradle’ and holding the phone whilst the driver was watching the screen or making the call.

WA law decrees: “A driver shall not drive a motor vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit in or on the vehicle operating while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked if any part of the image on the screen – (a) is visible to the driver from the normal driving position; or (b) is likely to distract another driver.”

So this brings us to GPS on the phone?

Are we allowed to use it? Yes, phone GPS may be used whilst driving but only as long as the phone is in an approved cradle and that you do not touch the screen – ie, you load the GPS before you start the vehicle and your journey.

The majority of us are guilty of using a phone whilst driving - you only need to look around whilst you are on the road to see the number of drivers that do it. And yes, I have been guilty of it too. I had the Bluetooth in the truck playing through the radio, however, I did not have an approved cradle - until last weekend. So now I have cradles in the truck and in the car, but my car is an old one that doesn’t have Bluetooth so I have to try and remember to take the headpiece and if I leave it in the car it goes flat so it's a juggling game.

I just don’t think these heavy fines are the answer. There are currently tens of millions of dollars of unpaid fines. If you don’t pay your fine, they suspend your licence so then we have drivers driving on suspended licences. So what is the answer?

I really think that confiscating phones is the way to go. Not being totally ruthless I would allow the person to remove their SIM card - thus still retaining all of their contacts and information but confiscate the phone. This would be a major inconvenience to people and would also be a financial penalty as people would have to buy another. It would certainly make them think about it more than a straight fine/ demerit system.

Road Safety Council chairman Iain Cameron says, “If you’re concerned about the penalties, which you should be, just don’t do it.”

Regional Road Safety Program recognised as high priority initiative

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he State Government has secured crucial support for its job-creating Regional Road Safety Program with the country’s independent infrastructure advisor calling it a nationally significant priority.

The nine-year road safety package is among a record number of WA projects listed on Infrastructure Australia’s 2020 Infrastructure Priority List.

At a cost of $100 million a year, the program would see more than 17,400 kilometres of country roads upgraded with low-cost treatments such as sealed

shoulders, audible edge lines and wide centre lines and the State Government is calling for a funding partnership with the Federal Government in order to deliver the program.

IA has noted between 2008 and 2017, more than 60 per cent of fatalities and 35 per cent of serious injuries on WA roads occurred in regional and rural areas.

Premier Mark McGowan said, “I am pleased to see the Federal Government’s own independent infrastructure advisor recognise the Regional Road Safety Program as a nationally significant priority.

“I call on the Federal Government to listen to its experts, take Infrastructure Australia’s advice and join WA in funding this Program in order help save lives on country roads.

“The strategy would deliver more than 500 jobs every year over the nine-year program.

“These regional job opportunities would be available straight away given construction can commence immediately as the works involved do not have significant environmental impacts or require major reconfigurations to the road.

WATM • April 2020

17

News

Trucking industry backs calls for fair payment terms

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Wheel clamping to be banned in Western Australia

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he State Government will ban wheel clamping across WA, with legislation currently being drafted to end the draconian practice.

The new legislation will mean the use of certain vehicle immobilisers, such as wheel clamps, to enforce payment or the collection of parking charges on private property will be banned.

A recent series of high-profile wheel clamping cases across our suburbs and other popular locations, including Scarborough, has led to a rise in community concern that vehicles are being clamped improperly and in a way that coerces payment.

One of the issues raised by the community is 'wheel clampers' sit and wait for an opportunity to clamp parked vehicles in a predatory and intimidating fashion.

The new legislation will protect the rights of land owners and small businesses, to allow for infringements as normal. As a matter of last resort vehicle removal

procedures could occur, but costs will be capped and it will include a requirement for WA Police to be notified.

To prevent potential malpractice, a comprehensive framework will be developed to regulate the steps taken before a vehicle parked on private property can be removed.

This framework will set out rights and responsibilities to ensure vehicle owners are being treated fairly and lawfully, while still ensuring business owners have appropriate turnover of parking bays required for customers.

Prominent signage with the penalties and consequences for breaching parking conditions will be required at the site and every effort must be made to locate the owner of a vehicle before it can be removed.

The McGowan Government is also progressing amendments to regulation that will lift standards in the WA towing industry, which will come into effect in late-2020.

he Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has backed the key draft recommendations of the small business ombudsman’s Supply Chain Finance Review, which calls for fair payment terms and controls on supply chain financing.

The Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, released a position paper setting out the draft findings and recommendations of the review recently.

“We welcome Kate Carnell’s finding that too many big businesses are unfairly extending their payment terms and then offering supply chain financing – at a price – to their small business suppliers,” ATA Chair Geoff Crouch said.

“Reverse factoring does not treat hardworking trucking businesses fairly.

It’s even more unfair when supply chain finance providers use the data they gather to increase their fees when small businesses need cashflow the most, and are therefore the most vulnerable.

“This has to stop. Instead, we should ensure that small businesses are paid in full and in a timely manner,” he said.

The ATA has long advocated for fairer payment terms for trucking businesses, who are often vulnerable to adverse changes in their payment terms and often have little capacity to negotiate them with large customers.

“We’re calling on Government to mandate fair payment terms for small businesses. Small and family businesses incur more of their costs like wages, maintenance and insurance before they can even bill customers,” Mr Crouch said.

Future-ready intelligent mass capability with new OBM system

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ransport Certification Australia (TCA) has announced that Tramanco is the first to be typeapproved for a new generation of smart on-board mass (OBM) system.

Smart OBM systems are capable of collecting and sharing axle mass data with other telematics systems and services, and heralds the introduction of Intelligent Mass through the National

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WATM • April 2020

Telematics Framework.

“The Chek-Way Eliminator OBM system has now been further developed to support the demands for data for a range of purposes across the transport sector, as well as supporting new applications like the Telematics Monitoring Application,” said Roger Sack, Managing Director of Tramanco Pty Ltd. TCA has also announced that Airtec

offers transport operators new options for their type-approved OBM system.

The Airtec 89AXM Series OBM system obtained type-approval in April 2019.

This same OBM system can now be used with an alternate Mass Sensor Unit (MSU) – the part of the OBM system used to measure axle mass loads – offering choice to transport operators..

News

WA TRANSPORTERS CARTING AWAY THEIR FUTURE “Livestock transporters in Western Australia have been busy moving their livelihood out of their own districts to cater for demand on the east coast,” says Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of WA president David Fyfe.

With many producers trying to manage the ‘critical’ level of water and feed in WA, east coast buyers are offering good prices for WA livestock.

Wherein the problem lies, according to Mr Fyfe is that whilst it is OK being busy now, he has concerns that, “we’re carting sheep that would normally go two years from now”.

"Producers and transporters are making hay while the sun shines and will worry about it (not having stock) later on.

Nine water deficiencies have been declared by the WA State government across the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions to assist livestock producers - with the government carting water to local storage tanks for easier access.

Mr Fyfe congratulated the state

government on its efforts to assist producers who were stressed with operating costly programs and said seeing the water storage tanks in place was a huge relief for farmers ‘reliant on the weather’.

Mr Fyfe said transporters were delivering the sheep to feedlots for abattoirs, Eastern States restockers or processors or for live export vessels.

Mr Fyfe said, "It's a busy time for us and operators are making a fairly good living out of it ‘at the moment’ but the worrying thing

Mr Fyfe said the LRTAWA is concerned for those small operators in country towns who rely on livestock transport for a living

is that we are carting away our future.

"In Lake Grace they are so short of water they are unloading breeding stock and when they send breeding ewes east they never come back.

Mr Fyfe guessed at the beginning of March that there are about 6000 head of sheep per day going east but had no way of knowing exact figures other than what the Ceduna Checkpoint declared.

Current figures show that 400,000 head of sheep were transported from Western Australia to the Eastern States in 2019 - the highest number since 2010.

Mr Fyfe said the LRTAWA is concerned for those small operators in country towns who rely on livestock transport for a living.

"We are hoping to find some kind of system like the Farm Management Deposit scheme for transport operators who are exposed at times like the live export ban and the LRTAWA has started to appeal to the Federal Government and has met with the Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenburg to put forward the case,'' he said..

NatRoad rejects proposed heavy vehicle charges increase

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he heavy vehicle charges consultation report released by the National Transport Commission (NTC) in December 2019 sought industry views on the Transport Ministers Council’s preference for an increase in both heavy vehicle registration and road user charges by 2.5 per cent in 2020-21 and a further 2.5

per cent in 2021-22.

CEO of NatRoad, Warren Clark said members opposed the suggested increase.

“We oppose the suggested increase given the current environment. We thank Ministers for reducing the initially proposed increases of over 11% per annum. But we believe the Consultation Report does not

take into account the true devastation caused by widespread drought and the bushfire crisis, let alone the foreshadowed impacts of the coronavirus.

If the call to have a continued freeze on these charges is not heeded, NatRoad recommends that any increase occurs from 1 July 2021 rather than from 1 July 2020.

WATM • April 2020

19

Over to you

Bottom left: Bert driving on his 90th birthday Inset below: The diamond signifies quality and the Diamond T trucks were known as the Cadillac of trucks. Charles Tilt was the founder of the Diamond T Car Co, the T stands for Tilt. As a young man, Charles worked in his father’s shoe factory and the ‘top of the range’ shoe was called Diamond T- that is where the name came from, named after a shoe.

A special Diamond T

By Kevin Toovey

O

n my way back home from Bunnings one Sunday morning, I spot an old truck on the back of a trailer. I make the decision to “follow that truck” (taken from a movie) as it looked rather nice and I would like to have a closer look and take some pictures for the HCVC newsletter.

They must have thought there are some strange people in Perth as it looks like somebody is following us. When they stopped I introduced myself and it turned out that it was a Diamond T that has been restored as a surprise for a ninetieth birthday party that afternoon.

Evan Maddock a farmer from Mukinbudin and fresh out of school in 1978 swapped the Diamond T truck for a Falcon he was driving at the time. The truck was still being used by a fencing contractor in the area but had broken down when the swap took place.

After getting it home to the shed it stayed there until about 16 years ago when Evan’s father Bert bought it off him with the intention of restoring it. It was all pulled apart but then left in the shed.

Then in 2018, with Bert’s 90th birthday coming up the Maddock family decided to restore the truck for the big event.

In an amazingly short period from mid-November 2018 until mid-July 2019, it had a full restoration completed by 92-yearold Roger May and his sons Steven, Darryl, and Andrew from Pinjarra. An excellent job, well done.

At Bert’s 90th Birthday party the Diamond T clocked up 11 km of rides around the block for family and friends. Bert had a drive as well even if he didn’t have a licence, I guess you can’t lose it twice at 90 years of age.

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WATM • April 2020

News

New road train assembly area and passing lane for Pilbara

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onstruction commenced on the 2nd February on a new North West Coastal Highway and Madigan Road - Road Train Assembly Area The new RTAA will accommodate 36 triple road trains with breakdown bays, lighting and include associated widening works on Madigan Road.

To complement this Assembly Area, construction has also commenced on a 2.1km long overtaking lane between Karratha and Roebourne, approximately 16km north of the Madigan Road intersection on North West Coastal Highway.

The RTAA will allow road trains to break down and assemble

Meckering man fined for animal cruelty

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Meckering man has been fined $12,500 in Northam Magistrates Court for animal cruelty while transporting sheep to the Muchea saleyard in May 2017.

One of the sheep jumped off the top deck of the trailer during unloading and fell approximately 4.5 metres and injured its back.

The man concerned observed this happening and dragged the fallen sheep to a nearby laneway where he left it alive and suffering for approximately three hours until someone else found it.

The sheep subsequently had to be euthanised.

The man was fined $4000 for dragging the injured sheep and $8,500 for leaving the injured sheep.

Russell Adams Department regional compliance manager said the conviction was a reminder of the need to comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2002 whilst transporting animals.

“If an animal is suffering, it must be dealt with in a humane manner so as not to cause unnecessary harm,” Mr Adams.

For more information about the department’s role in animal welfare, visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/ animalwelfare

safely and away from residential buildings. It will also ensure that heavy vehicle operators have an opportunity to manage fatigue issues. The passing lane provides a safe opportunity for overtaking, and addresses traffic congestion on North West Coastal Highway.

Main Roads say that there will be minimal impact to road users during the construction of the Road Train Assembly Area as work will be undertaken off the existing Madigan Road alignment. However, road users can expect some disruption during the construction of the overtaking lane on North West Coastal Highway, with some traffic management in place.

The project is anticipated for completion in mid-2020.

HCVC of WA Display Day Saturday 2nd May 2020 9am-3pm Fennell Tyres 169 Kewdale Road Kewdale WA

Come and see our transport history.

Old trucks and commercials, from delivery vans to prime movers, all vehicles over 25 years old welcome.

Sausage sizzle and drinks available.

More information Peter 0408 922 475 Eddy 0419 928 068 Morris 0429 903 220 Kevin 0409 292 582

WATM • April 2020

21

News

Future battery industry strategy powers economic growth and jobs

A

new report has revealed Western Australia's Future Battery Industry Strategy is driving the creation of new and operational jobs.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston released an industry snapshot that reveals the growth in the State's battery industry since the McGowan Government began developing its Future

Battery Industry Strategy in 2018, and then launched it in January 2019.

"While the industry has recently faced challenges, the changing nature of technology and the decisions made by international car manufacturers indicate the long-term importance of the industry," Minister Johnston said.

Western Australia's future battery

industry recorded a 21 per cent increase in employment in 2018-19, bringing the total number of operational jobs to 14,150.

An additional 2,349 new regional jobs were also created.

WA’s battery minerals contributed $6 billion in export revenue in 2018-19; specifically, rare earths has grown significantly and was valued at over $355 million.

Additionally, the state’s nickel represented seven per cent of total global share.

As at December 2019, almost $3 billion has been committed in regional investment in battery industry projects across the State and a further $22 billion in proposed regional projects.

The State Government continues to work with industry, research organisations and the Australian Government to promote economic growth in WA's battery industry.

For more information visit: www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/fbis

DRIVING CHANGE: TRUCKING DIVERSITY PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED

T

he Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and Teletrac Navman have announced the participants of a groundbreaking initiative that will celebrate the industry’s diversity and develop diversity champions.

An industry first, the 2020 Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program has welcomed ten participants from around Australia, nominated by ATA member associations and Teletrac Navman.

“Diversity plays a big role in creating positive workplaces and is proven to develop more inclusive environments, increase productivity and give employers access to a greater range of talent,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.

“Following its launch, the program received overwhelming support from industry and our members who are committed to celebrating and embracing diversity.

“I am excited and proud that the ATA and Teletrac Navman are leading an initiative that will have such a profound effect on the trucking industry and the wider community,” he said.

Program participants will be hosted in Cairns this April for a workshop facilitated

22

WATM • April 2020

Karyssa has a vision to create a more diverse workforce in the trucking industry by employing and encouraging women, young people and people of different cultures into the employment base by program ambassador, diversity champion and comedian Wayne Herbert.

They will learn how to create change and facilitate diversity in their workplace and community, share personal insights, develop a marketing campaign that showcases diversity within industry, and develop a strong professional network with like-minded individuals.

Following the workshop, participants will attend the ATA’s Trucking Australia conference where they will connect with industry and share program outcomes with delegates.

“It has been fantastic to see the response to the program since its launch,

even beyond the transport industry,” Teletrac Navman Director of Marketing Megan Duncan said.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the interesting mix of program participants, who really cover a broad spectrum of diverse backgrounds and roles in the transport industry. The program outcomes will be truly exciting,” she said.

From Western Australia Karyssa Morrell of Transafe WA will be representing our state.

Karyssa is the OHS Manager at Vintage Road Haulage in Wattleup and is well respected by industry peers. Karyssa is responsible for the company’s OHS and industry standards requirements and in her role, she is responsible for designing roles to enable people with disability to join the transport workforce.

Karyssa is also a champion for diversity and inclusion in her community, as well as a highly regarded representative of the Rugby WA State of Mind mental health program.

Karyssa has a vision to create a more diverse workforce in the trucking industry by employing and encouraging women, young people and people of different cultures into the employment base.

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

1963 BP OPENED ITS new £5 million lubricating oil complex at its Kwinana refinery on February 25, with a design capacity of 100,000 tons per annum. It became a step closer to making Australia self-sufficient in refining all its petroleum products needs.

A meeting of Past Presidents of the Association was held on April 9 to discuss rate cutting by members. Six presidents and two Vice-Presidents attended and it was decided to contact members with an appeal for cooperation; approach non-members to join the Association; continue the push through the Committee and ARTF for further consideration of the compulsory licensing and rate control system; and for a letter to be written to Eastern States secretaries expressing WA’s concern and informing them of our intentions, requesting information in each State and what action, if any, they intend to take.

Several members have been quoting for the transport of general goods and materials to the United States Navy radio station at North West Cape.

On an average working day in Australia, one million tons of goods are carried by

road transport and 200 new commercial vehicles take their place on the busy roads.

Road transport accounts for 77 percent of all freight.

The Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company (Aust) Ltd is testing a revolutionary new tyre that would flood the market. It is made of synthetic rubber called Neothane and contains light bulbs that would illuminate it at night. It is claimed to be impossible to puncture, cannot be cut, has greater resistance to road wear, is tubeless and translucent and should be commonplace in the 1970s onwards! (Ed: No comment.)

From the Weekend News of July 20, 1963, comes this report: “The eyes of Australia at present are on the rapid and dramatic developments in our North-West.

Foden diesel trucks from Diesel Motors are playing a valuable part in this development.

Two of these 41ft giants, each developing 150hp and worth £13,000, have been carting specially built cement spheres from Wyndham to Kununurra for the Ord River Scheme and will not be used for general haulage in the area. And as far south as

Albany the same type of truck is being used for wheat haulage. There are three units in operation, each carrying a rigid wheat bin on the prime mover. And between these two areas are seven giant milk tankers covering the miles between dairies in the South-West and process plants in the city.”

It is estimated that three million road vehicles are keeping the nation’s road busy.

An advert in The Transporter of December-January 1963: “Transport business wanted: We have a young client experienced in accounting, who is desirous of purchasing an interest to £5000 in an established transport business.”

The Transport Workers’ Union award claims have been heard and the 35-hour week did not eventuate. Saturdays are ordinary time and on Sundays, time and a half. The union has lodged an appeal while the employers are generally happy.

Safety belts are being considered for fitting on all WA vehicles. Some of the tests were carried out at the Mt Lawley National Safety Council headquarters.

Since the first two road deaths were recorded in Britain in 1896, the annual worldwide figure has hit 100,000 for the first time.

Main Roads and the Police Traffic Department lifted restrictions on the Coast Road to Kwinana. Vehicles using Rockingham Road via Spearwood are now eligible to travel via the coast road.

The Belmont Shire Council has waged a war against phosphate being trucked through its precincts, citing them as “a danger to other traffic as they were overloaded and broke the speed limit”, according to a report in the West Australian. A councillor reported that he heard of a truck driver boasting that he had taken only 45 minutes to cart a load from the wharf to Bassendean.

Commercial goods vehicle licences in force at the end of June 1962 number 2791 compared to 2297 in 1961.

WATM • April 2020

23

Over to you MODEL TRUCKS

WATM welcomes your submissions to our model truck section.

If you have a model truck, trailer or anything else of interest, we want to know about it. Please contact Vince Ziino on 0408 767 755 or email him at ziinos@iinet.net.au to discuss.

WHITE ROADBOSS MARK DEADMAN OF New Zealand built this extensively modified White Roadboss. Mark extended the chassis to accommodate the three long-range scratch built fuel tanks and 60� sleeper bunk, then modified the bonnet to Australian modifications. He also added a scratch built bull bar. The truck was then coated in automotive lacquer and the result is one very impressive model.

COMMISSION BUILDS Vince Ziino is available to do commission builds for companies or a personal model of your truck .

Please contact Vince on 0408767755 or ziinos@iinet.net.au 24

WATM • April 2020

REPAIRS

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18/9 Inspiration Drive Wangara WA 6065 PHONE: NEVILLE BAKER 0419 515 151 www.tyreequipment.com.au sales@tyreequipment.com.au

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08 9296 4488

ON THE ROAD TRUCKS

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Behind the people who keep Australia moving Everything we do, every day, relies on the people who literally keep Australia moving. From the fresh food in our supermarkets, to the petrol in our cars, from the school bus, to the train you catch to work, even your holiday travel. None of it would happen without transport workers.

And behind them is TWUSUPER, the industry super fund for the people who look after you.

1800 222 071 twusuper.com.au SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 MYCHOICE SUPER

SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 PENSION

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