WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - APRIL 2021 EDITION

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193

100007516 April 2021 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine

Page 2

WHY FUEL SECURITY IS DRIVING CHANGE The West Australian road freight industry uses two billion litres of diesel each year and is totally reliant on its import from other countries. With geopolitical tensions rising, the closing of Australian refineries and major truck manufacturers announcing they will stop making diesel powered trucks by 2040 – now is the time for government and industry to start building an alternative ‘home grown’ solution

IN THIS ISSUE: Kingsley Bowley – Always No. 1 Coles and TWU sign charter Crackdown on engine remapping Manufacturing to drive road transport WATM • April 2021

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It was workers who resuscitated the Australian economy

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

t has been 12 months since COVID-19 hit our shores.

And just over 12 months since the National lockdown commenced across Australia.

It was a time of uncertainty.

And speaking first hand to our members in transport, across all our industries - Transport was the lifeline that kept Australia moving.

From fuel drivers to aviation workers, bus drivers to waste, port drivers to long distance drivers, warehouse, and retail to those working in security.

It looked like we were going to have an economic tsunami that would impact the lives of just about every Australian. Never mind the uncertainty about COVID-19 infecting hundreds of thousands of Australians.

Who could forget the panic buying, spurred on by this uncertainty?

Transport workers were the lifeline we needed to restock the shelves, get us to work, deliver our post and collect our rubbish.

Transport workers were the link we needed when we needed stability and normality.

Aviation workers worked at the coal face assisting infected travellers out of the country and rushing Australians back home.

But soon after we saw the aviation industry decimated. The Federal government left tens of thousands of aviation workers behind by not paying them JobKeeper. This was an un-Australian act and a broken promise to these hard-working Australians.

In 2020, Transport Workers Union members had hundreds of Enterprise Agreements (EA’s) expiring at various transport yards

across the country. Our members deferred negotiations on these EA’s. They used up their accrued leave entitlements, and took redundancies, as no one knew how long the uncertainty would last and how long it would be until we returned to normal.

These workers showed leadership and stepped up during uncertain times to help their companies get through the pandemic.

Now, 12 months on, we have a booming economy but a shortage of drivers.

And after transport workers carried Australia through those difficult times, what is the reward? To have this Federal Government ram through legislation in the form of the Omnibus Bill.

We do not need more laws that make life harder for working families.

Instead of rewarding and thanking the workers of Australia they are using COVID-19 to rip away workers’ rights and protections.

Scott Morrison’s Omnibus Bill will turn the clock back on workers’ rights and relax rules protecting pay and safety.

This Bill contains permanent, extreme, and dangerous proposals that will hurt workers, including less security in their work, allowing employers to make wage cuts and make bargaining for better pay and conditions more difficult than it already is.

The TWU are seeing more and more transport workers coming to us with under-employment issues since COVID-19. This includes casual employment only, not being paid for overtime and no prospect of conversion to permanent employment even if they have been working consistent hours. These laws will make it easier for working people to be exploited and their wages ripped off.

If you are concerned or unsure about your pay than you should contact the TWU. It doesn’t cost anything to ask the question am I being ripped off!

I think that there needs to be more acknowledgement on what workers have done to sustain the economy during this global pandemic.

It is time to stop wage stagnation, it is time workers were rewarded with wage increases.

And when this legislation is being brought in that will take even more rights away from workers and their Unions, surely that is a kick in the face of every working man and woman in this country.

It's time to join your union.

When it was workers who resuscitated the economy in its time of need, haven’t we already given enough? Stop wage stagnation not make it easier.

WORK IN TRANSPORT? PROTECT YOURSELF! JOIN YOUR UNION

🌐🌐🌐 www.twuwa.org.au

🗨🗨🗨 www.facebook.com/twuwa

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📞📞📞 1800 657 477 ✉ info@twuwa.org.au

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Transport Workers Union - for the people who carry Australia

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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

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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 • April 2021

Profile

Why Fuel Security is Driving CHANGE Western Australia’s road freight industry uses over two billion litres of diesel every year, according to ABS stats.

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magine what would happen to Western Australia if that diesel supply stopped.

How would we collect and distribute food and medical supplies across the state? How would we collect and dispose of household and business waste, let alone, keep supplies moving to support the construction, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and the myriad of other things our road transport and logistics industry does.

The reality is that there is a scenario within the realms of possibility that could see Western Australia being affected by a lack of diesel fuel.

Western Australia is ‘totally’ dependent on imported fuel.

In October 2020, it was announced that the only WA refinery at Kwinana was closing and being converted into an import terminal.

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WATM • April 2021

All of the imported fuel that drives Western Australia must come thousands of kilometers across the Indian Ocean from refineries in Singapore, India and the Middle East.

The Minister of Defence said last July in a Defence update – “Australia’s strategic environment – across all of our three oceans - is complex, is increasingly contested and is changing rapidly.

It has changed more rapidly than anticipated in the 2016 Defence White Paper. Let me be quite blunt. The world we all grew up in is no more. Major power competition, militarisation, disruptive technological change and new threats - are all making our region less safe.”

Even the USA strategists are publicly discussing the need for the USA to have a more defined Indian Ocean strategy.

The east coast of Australia can’t help WA, even if they wanted to with fuel supplies.

Earlier this year, Exxon announced the Australia’s other big refinery in Altona Victoria was closing -leaving just a small refinery in Geelong and one in Brisbane.

Even if the east coast of Australia had the fuel to share - it is very doubtful they could supply the massive quantities

Western Australia industry requires.

As one of Western Roads Federations large corporate members with rail operations calculated - they could ‘theoretically’ rail over around two million litres every ten days - if they could muster the rail tanks.

The problem is that WA uses nearly six million litres every single day just to keep road freight moving and that does not take into account the fuel needed for non-freight vehicles such tractors, cranes, haul-packs, remote area and back-up power generation plants etc.

So what is the answer?

Some of you could say, “hey, even if it happens this would be years away.” And you could be right.

The problem is even if this issue is years away it will also take years for Western Australia to develop an ‘alternative’ fuel to diesel that works for our industry and its operators. And common sense says we need a fuel that we can produce ourselves in Western Australia so we are not reliant on shipping from other countries in the world.

There are very few options that will work for WA’s transport industry but the obvious choice that will work is hydrogen.

To start with, Western Australia is heavily investing in developing an on-shore hydrogen production and export capability by leveraging our natural resources and existing skills in gas production.

Secondly, hydrogen fuel cell powered trucks are already being used in Europe, South Korea, USA, Japan and China. Albeit, not yet at horsepower that could pull a road train - but it is coming.

Thirdly, hydrogen fuel cell trucks refill in roughly the same time as filling a dieselpowered truck and can have equivalent ranges.

Fourthly, hydrogen (FC) has 236 times the energy density per kilogram compared to a Lithium battery. They also don’t increase markedly in weight when you want to increase the range like battery powered vehicles. Such increases in structural and battery weight decreases the pay load of the vehicle.

Fifthly, European truck manufacturers and one USA have announced that they will stop making diesel powered trucks by 2040.

That might seem like years away, in fact it is a bit under 19 years but think about this - nearly half of WA’s truck fleet is about 17 years old, therefore it takes roughly 30 years to turn over WA’s fleet.

Finally, hydrogen fuel cells only waste out the exhaust as it is basically just water.

Western Roads Federation (WRF) as many of you would be aware had actively lobbying for the last few years for Australia to get up to a 90 day on-shore fuel reserve.

The Federal Government to their credit late last year started that process. However, such a fuel reserve is really just a Band-Aid; it doesn’t fix the strategic fuel security issue for our industry.

So, we at WRF have been actively engaging over the last two years in several groups to learn and promote the road transport industry cause. We were even invited to present at a global conference on transport and hydrogen.

We have pushed the need to have early stage commercial trials on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to prove the technology and to help develop the driver and operational skills needed. We have also instigated discussions with TAFE and manufacturers to get training ready for mechanics.

Importantly, we have also been actively working to get Governments to look at the commercial incentives to encourage our members to adopt these vehicles.

There are several other things in play we are working on but they are commercially sensitive at this point.

But all of this takes time. The question is how much time does the Western Australian transport industry have?

13 Hydrogen clusters secure seed funding

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ore than a dozen hydrogen industry clusters are set to be created across Australia, with seed funding awarded to support growth and industry collaboration within the emerging green fuel industry.

National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) has awarded seed funding to 13 hydrogen clusters, spread across every Australian state and territory, to aid the creation of industry clusters that will foster cooperation, aid the development of supply chains and support the commercialisation of new technologies.

NERA plays an active role in coordinating collaborative opportunities to realise Australia’s hydrogen potential across the hydrogen value chain and ensure that Australian companies are well placed to supply new technology, products and services to domestic and international markets.

Each of the clusters has received between $75,000 and $250,000, sharing in a total of $1.75 million in funding that will aid the required skills and expertise needed to establish a thriving green hydrogen industry in Australia, and to identify the necessary supply chain investments.

NERA expects the clusters could underpin the emergence of a multi-billion dollar hydrogen industry, which has the potential to establish Australia as a leading exporter of zero emissions energy.

“This marks a great step forward in Australia’s capability in developing hydrogen technologies,” NERA CEO Miranda Taylor said. “These regional clusters, all of which have the support of their state and territory governments, have been established around key, existing hydrogen projects and technology supply chains in strategic locations that have a demonstrated capacity to support them.”

“This will ensure long-term local cohesion and sustainable capability across the emerging hydrogen value chain.”

Clusters are set to be hosted in the major cities of Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, and Darwin, as well as regional clusters in Karratha in WA and Clayton and Gippsland in Victoria.

Membership of the prospective clusters has been drawn from a wide range of industry stakeholders, including research institutions, energy companies, government departments, as well as representatives of the manufacturing and technology industries.

NERA will also look to establish a national cluster, which will work to establish a consistent international brand for Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry.

Consultancy Deloitte has estimated that an Australian hydrogen industry could grow to become a $26 billion a year boost to the economy by 2050, employing almost 17,000 people.

The Western Australian government has demonstrated its ongoing support of an innovative and vibrant energy resources sector through the signing of a two-year, $1 million funding agreement with NERA. Commenting on the partnership, Premier Mark McGowan said, “This investment of $1 million by the State Government builds on our previous contributions to NERA over the past four years, and ensures the industry growth centre will continue to be headquartered in Western Australia, supporting jobs and the economy."

“The State Government is also working with NERA to support the development of the hydrogen industry, and the government’s investments in the sector will also fund establishment of Hydrogen Technology Clusters here in WA." NERA CEO Miranda Taylor said, “This arrangement shows the commitment of the Western Australian government in supporting and creating jobs in the energy resources supply chain at the same time as driving a greener, cleaner and brighter energy future for all Western Australians."

WATM • April 2021

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WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 3 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: 0430 153 273 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Karen-Maree' Kaye, Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS 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 ACCOUNTS T: 0430 153 273 E: accounts@angrychicken.com.au PRINTER Daniels Printing Craftsmen SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions available directly from the Publisher.

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ith the WA election over our state is set to buckle down and return further to normality. I hear the comments from those in the east coast that WA residents live in their own little world and whilst I know we are all smart enough to know we are a part of the country as a whole – with our booming resource sector, good economy, and fairly normal way of living regardless of the pandemic - it seems that they are a little jealous of us.

With JobKeeper coming to an end it will be the time for the state to consolidate and I hope that our farmers as always have a good season and that ‘new’ export opportunities are opened for them for their produce.

The old adage of too many eggs in one basket could not be truer for our state and there are huge opportunities arising for us to open up manufacturing and start looking at what we can not only export to other countries but make ourselves self-sufficient.

In this edition (Page 2), we look at our fuel security and why it is one aspect that will drive change in our industry. Truck manufacturers are already talking about stopping production of diesel trucks, and we are completely reliant on imported fuel with many analysts suggesting geo-political instability in our region.

Finally, welcome to the many new subscribers of the magazine and thank you to the readers for your kind comments on the content. The digital editions are becoming the normal now however, if you want the magazine in hard copy posted to you please subscribe to the print editions.

It has always been important to me to honour the past, and remember the people who have paved the way for all of us. If you have a friend, colleague or workmate from our WA transport industry who has passed and would to see them remembered in the magazine, please email me at karen@ angrychicken.com.au Best,

CONTENTS 5............................................... Kingsley Bowley – Always No. 1 at Whiteline Transport 6............................................... Coles and TWU sign charter on standards

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

10............................................ Rio Tinto connects Pilbara to Asia

Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes

11............................................... Mobile Operations Centre hits the road

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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Karen

12............................................ What has Mark McGowan got planned for next four years?

13............................................ Horrific head on crash claims life of WA Transport operator estern Roads Federation – How manufacturing will drive road 14............................................ W transport

17............................................. Brisbane Truck Show – Full steam ahead 18............................................ LRTAWA – We must keep the pressure on for ‘better’ driver facilities 19............................................ A simpler way to calculate fuel tax credits 20.......................................... Some sad statistics on truck driver mental health 21............................................ Rio Tinto spend over A$500 million with WA businesses 22.......................................... Vocational overhaul should encourage future workforce

Every Month 7................................................ Questions to WA State Government 8............................................... Fair Go for Owner Drivers 16............................................ Bird’s Eye View 23.......................................... HCVC 24.......................................... WA Transport History

Endorsed by

News

Kingsley Bowley –

Always No.1 at Whiteline Transport

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ell known and respected transport identity Kingsley Bowley will be greatly missed by everyone at Whiteline Transport and the greater transport community who were lucky enough to know him.

The 67-year-old, affectionately known as Kingy – or No.1 around the Whiteline Transport yard in Adelaide made his final weekly run from Perth on March 3rd and Whiteline Transport director Sharon Middleton says Kingy passed away suddenly and, peacefully.

“His passing has been a devastating blow and has left everyone who knew the much-loved truckie with a heavy heart,” says Sharon.

“For 18 years Kingy has been an important, dependable and much loved team member at Whiteline. His larger than life personality, his sense of humour and enormous heart has left a huge hole in our business and our hearts. We will never forget him and will miss him every day.

“Kingy was integral to our business and

in those 18 years he clocked up over four million kilometres of safe, incident free travel driving solo between our Adelaide and Perth depots.

“He loved trucking and accumulated many lifelong friends on the roads he travelled over the years. He always had a story to tell.

“Prior to working with us at Whiteline, he was one of Georgie’s boys and could always be relied on - he was a true professional.

“Kingy was deeply loyal to Whiteline Transport and anyone will tell you that he loved his role here and it made his day when he was given a brand new shiny silver Cascadia to drive – a truck that he said would see him at Whiteline for another ten years. Every time he climbed into the cab of this truck, you could not wipe the smile off his face,” says Sharon.

Sharon posted the sad news of Kingy’s passing on the company’s Facebook Page sparking an outpouring of condolences from Kingy’s many friends and industry peers.

George Vithoulkas said, “RIP my good friend of 40 years. The road won’t be the same without you.”

Maree Nadi of Mundrabilla Roadhouse said, “RIP Kingy from all of us. Make sure they do your poached eggs the right way up there - a great bloke you will be missed by so many.”

Steve Shearer, head of the South Australian Road Transport Association said, “The tragic news knocked the breath out of me. Kingy Bowley was one of the greats of the industry. A true professional and a great character who looked out for and cared for everyone on the road. His engaging smile seldom left his face and then only briefly.

You will be missed immeasurably Kingy, and for all the best reasons.”

Sharon Middleton concluded with sending love and support to Kingy’s family.

“Rest peacefully Kingy with your beloved wife Pauline – you have earned that. Our love and support are with your sons and their families. RIP 'No. 1' - 25/8/53 – 06/03/2021.”

WATM • April 2021

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News

Under the terms of the newlysigned charter, Coles and the TWU will now establish pilot programs with businesses in the road transport and gig economy sectors

Coles and TWU sign groundbreaking charter on standards in road transport

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oles and the Transport Workers Union have signed a charter on standards in road transport and the gig economy focusing on safety, driver education and mental health.

The charter commits that Coles and the TWU will work collaboratively to ensure high standards on safety and fairness throughout the supply chain as a way to ensure positive health and safety outcomes.

This includes a formal consultation process between the TWU and Coles to ensure an ongoing emphasis on safety and to establish mechanisms through which safety issues can be identified and addressed.

Coles and the TWU will also work together on safe and fair outcomes for workers in the rapidly-growing gig economy.

Coles and the TWU have been working towards the charter since 2018, when they signed a formal agreement to ensure safety and fairness for transport workers within the Coles supply chain. Under the terms of the newly-signed charter, Coles and the TWU will now establish pilot programs with businesses in the road transport and gig economy sectors.

Coles Group CEO Steven Cain said the charter would provide the basis of a formal working relationship with the TWU and transport workers to ensure safety and fairness remain the highest priority.

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“Coles relies on the skill and dedication of thousands of transport workers across Australia, and we have always recognised their right to a safe and healthy working environment,” he said.

“Health, safety and wellbeing are at the core of our culture at Coles, and the processes we will establish through this charter with the TWU will help us maintain that same focus on safety throughout our transport supply chain.”

Coles Chief Operations Officer Matt Swindells said safety was a shared passion for Coles and the TWU.

“We have a common goal of improving safety through the transport supply chain, and by taking a collaborative approach we will be even more effective in achieving safer outcomes that benefit everyone,” he said.

TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said the charter was a major step forward in ensuring the lifting of standards on road safety in Australia.

“This charter is ground-breaking in continuing to prioritise safety and fairness in one of the biggest retail supply chains in Australia. For truck drivers, logistics workers and food delivery riders it means the bar has been set very high in terms of listening to their concerns and investigating issues. For road users it means a major retailer is putting in place mechanisms to make our roads safer. Road transport is a deadly industry and it requires responsible corporate citizens standing up and acting in the interests of the community as Coles is doing,” he said.

While the road transport industry accounts for just 2% of the Australian workforce, data from Safe Work Australia shows that it accounts for 17% of workrelated fatalities and 4% of workers’ compensation claims for injuries and diseases involving one or more weeks off work – around 5,100 claims each year, or 14 serious claims each day.

Lessons learned from automated vehicle trials in Australia

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he National Transport Commission has released a research report on the lessons learned from the last four years of automated vehicle trials in Australia.

Since 2016, automated vehicle trials have taken place in every state and territory. Automated shuttle buses, cars and pods have all been tested on public roads, and thousands of Australians have had the chance to experience the technology

for themselves.

The report provides a national picture of the state of automated vehicle trialling and draws out some of the key lessons learned about the technology, regulatory processes and decisionmaking around trials. The lessons learned should help move us towards the next stage of trialling in Australia.

To view the report visit www.ntc. gov.au/sites/default/files/assets/files/AVlessons-learned-2020.pdf

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 I am a professional transport operator driving on West Australian main roads. I am concerned that the rules to properly ‘secure’ temporary speed signs for roadworks on main roads and highways are not being done to a sufficient degree by Main Roads contractors.

For the safety of all on our roads, I believe that the road signs need to be secured regardless of how long the roadworks take place.

It only takes the gust of wind to topple them over.

I have witnessed speed signs laying done on the sides of the roads frequently (on Main Roads not shire roads) and would like to know what Main Roads can do to address this issue and what ‘industry’ can do to work with Main Roads to alert you to these issues.

Answer from WA Transport Magazine after liaising with Main Roads Spokesperson If you do see any signage down on the network, or any other fault, please contact Main Roads on 138 138 to report the issue with the time, date and location.

On November 25th 2020 it was announced that a reference group made up of key stakeholders and industry representatives would be established to guide an independent review into regional road signage.

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The inquiry will examine whether temporary traffic signage installed in regional areas is properly secured and displayed at roadworks sites, following community concern.

The Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) will undertake the research for the inquiry.

Main Roads are to remain independent of the review.

Question The bitumen road from Dalwallinu to Wubin is a mess, particularly the last 20 kilometres. The damage it is doing to our trucks is unbearable and unsustainable. It is so bad that it has caused the windscreen to come out of my truck.

Answer from Main Roads Spokesperson Great Northern Highway between Dalwallinu and Wubin was last resurfaced in 2013/2014, with pavement works undertaken earlier this year.

This section of highway has been identified as requiring road rehabilitation, which involves replacing the base course. However, this work is not currently funded.

Main Roads will continue to inspect the road, and undertake routine maintenance as required until funding is secured for rehabilitation.

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WATM • April 2021

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

DECENT MEALS AT ROAD HOUSES

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was in Kewdale a few weeks ago and went to one of the major truck stops for lunch. I’m not a fan of takeaways so opted for a sit down meal of fish chips and salad. It looked good on the menu and the price was right so I thought everything would be great.

What a disappointment. One greasy piece of fish and a salad that looked like it had been made several days ago. It was an effort to try and eat it and I left feeling annoyed.

A week later I was in the same truck stop and due to my previous experience I opted for a sandwich and coffee. I can report that the coffee was great but the sandwich was obviously made some time ago and the least I say about it the better.

I scanned around the restaurant and even though it was lunchtime, only a few tables were occupied. Maybe word had got out that the food wasn’t too flash.

When this establishment was built many years ago, come lunchtime you had to get in early just to get a seat. It was very popular and the meals were great and it was a great place to be and meet up with fellow drivers.

How times have changed and what a poor result for truck drivers to get a decent meal in such a busy transport area.

The subject of road houses and poor rest facilities for truck drivers has been a hot topic for many years and whilst the issue is often debated, very little is done to rectify the problems.

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We would have all seen the recent survey done by The Monash University regarding health issues with truck drivers.

It comes as no surprise to learn that most of us are overweight and have a myriad of health issues due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise.

I believe the downhill spiral of our road houses started about fifteen years ago when Coles took over all the Shell truck stops

I don’t think it would hurt them to have a think about their customers in the transport industry as where would their businesses be if fuel and supplies were not transported to them. and closed all the restaurants. It seemed to me that all they wanted was to get into the market of selling fuel.

Coles are not the only major company that has deserted the needs of our truck drivers and it is very rare now to find a truck stop that really cares for our basic needs.

I contacted Coles at the time and was told that restaurants are not our core business and these sites operate at a loss.

The question was raised about caring for the needs of truck drivers and the answer was that we supply a good range

of takeaways. Truck drivers work hard delivering freight to Coles and this is how they are treated.

From their own mouths, these big corporations are only interested in the bottom line. I don’t think it would hurt them to have a think about their customers in the transport industry as where would their businesses be if fuel and supplies were not transported to them.

There is regular debate by various Government bureaucrats and the transport industry about truck driver fatigue, improving rest areas and road house conditions - but it’s always only talk and nothing gets done.

The reality is truck drivers are a very important cog in the transport industry but we are always considered to be at the bottom of the food chain and consequently that is reflected in the way we are treated.

The bureaucrats and high paid consultants can all come together and try to dictate fatigue and driving hours but nobody wants to look at the issues of poor conditions at road houses and the lack of facilities for transport operators.

I’ve always said that nobody wants to listen to the voice of truck drivers yet we are the people who actually drive on the road and put in the hard yards to keep our economy moving. All we are asking for is a decent quality of life while we work.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

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www.khitch.com.au WATM • April 2021

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News

Testing of tyres used on PBS combinations

T Rio Tinto connects the Pilbara to Asia

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io Tinto has secured a new commercial freight shipping service connecting Western Australia’s Pilbara region to the major international shipping hub of Singapore. The service will provide the company with a quicker, cheaper and cleaner alternative to the existing freight delivery route via Perth, helping to drive regional economic development and local job creation.

The regular freight service commenced with the arrival of the MCP Graz at the Port of Dampier from Singapore. The vessel delivered essential maintenance supplies for Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s operations in the Pilbara, including rail wagon wheels, wagon parts, oil and lubricants. Future shipments are expected to include tyres for heavy earth moving equipment, conveyor belts, rail wagon and locomotive parts and mining consumables.

The service is also open for use by local businesses in the north-west of Australia, providing companies operating in the region with better access to international markets and more efficient movement of freight.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore managing director of Port, Rail and Core Services, Richard Cohen, said, “This is an important new service that connects the Pilbara to the rest of the world via the major international shipping hub of Singapore. It will provide a number of benefits by delivering cheaper, cleaner and faster freight to the region.

“It is an important breakthrough not only for our business, but it will also provide a great opportunity for the local Pilbara economy by helping to unlock small business growth and supporting job creation.”

Rio Tinto expects the service to reduce the lead-time for goods in to the Pilbara by six to 10 days compared with freight via Fremantle. Additionally, it’s expected to provide an annual saving of around three

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Over time, Rio Tinto is hopeful that more than 50 per cent of its freight requirements to the Pilbara will utilise this service, increasing the speed of delivery and lowering costs million litres of diesel fuel by reducing road train travel from Perth by more than 3.8 million kilometres.

Over time, Rio Tinto is hopeful that more than 50 per cent of its freight requirements to the Pilbara will utilise this service, increasing the speed of delivery and lowering costs. The vessel capacity of the freight service will be 350 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent) with Toll Global Forwarding and other freight forwarders offering a service for smaller volumes on the vessel.

Peter Stokes, President Global Logistics Toll Group, said, “This dedicated container vessel service from Singapore to Dampier will enable enormous possibilities to deliver more efficient supply chains to the Pilbara region.

“Toll Group is heavily invested in the north of Western Australia and is one of the largest employers in the Pilbara region. We are proud to be partnering with Rio Tinto on this landmark project which will provide businesses in the north with a significant opportunity to access international imports and exports.”

Viva Energy, the supplier of fuels and lubricants and supply partner to Rio Tinto, expects to reduce its road transport travel by 350,000 kilometres a year through use of the new service.

he NHVR has begun extensive testing on a range of tyres used on Performance Based Standards combinations following recommendations by road safety expert Dr John de Pont in his Review of Tyre Management Practices in the Australian PBS System.

NHVR Chief Engineer Les Bruzsa said the NHVR was working with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to undertake tyre testing needed to progress Dr de Pont’s findings.

“In addition to the safety assessment projects being undertaken to investigate potential impacts of the generic tyre approach for PBS assessments, the NHVR has engaged ARRB to conduct tyre testing to consider the effects of varying test conditions on tyre performance,” Mr Bruzsa said.

“The testing will examine the effect of variations in tread depth, vertical loads, different inflation pressures, road surface characteristics and the performance characteristics of different tyres.

“The results will also be used to determine how the performance of heavy vehicle tyres in the Australian market differ from the Michelin XZA tyre used to develop the PBS Standards.

“With almost one in five new heavy vehicles approved under the PBS scheme, we want to take a best-practice approach to the management of tyres on the PBS fleet.

“The testing is another step towards a consistent approach among manufacturers and will give heavy vehicle manufacturers certainty about how we measure tyre performance.

To read Dr de Pont’s Review of Tyre Management Practice in the Australian PBS System discussion paper visit www. nhvr.gov.au/files/201903-1018-reviewof-tyre-management-practice-in-pbsdiscussion-paper.pdf .

The testing will examine the effect of variations in tread depth, vertical loads, different inflation pressures, road surface characteristics and the performance characteristics of different tyres

News

Mobile Operations Centre hits the road

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fter months of design and planning, Main Roads has taken delivery of its new Mobile Operations Centre.

Managed by the Heavy Vehicle Services Compliance Team, the vehicle will assist at roadblock operations across Western Australia. It will also double as a mobile support centre for Transport Inspectors, providing them with a facility to renew equipment, and it will enable additional assistance during patrols.

Fitted with a toilet, fridge and options for water, the Mobile Operations Centre provides basic services to enable the roadblock team better capability for operations in remote areas. When being used at remote locations it will allow

roadblock operations to be selfsustaining and therefore to operate in what can otherwise be difficult, remote areas, for longer periods.

The air-conditioned vehicle has two inspector workstations, a printer and an interview room to allow inspectors to conduct roadside interviews. There is also WIFI and a communications booster to ensure access in isolated locations.

When it’s not on the road, the Mobile Operations Centre will be used at community events where the general public can learn all about the services Main Roads offers. You may have recently seen it at the Wagin Woolorama.

NHVR crack down on engine remapping

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he National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has charged a South Australian company with a primary duty offence for allegedly remapping the engines of heavy vehicles.

The charges stem from a SA Police operation in June 2020.

The NHVR will argue that the checks conducted during the operation indicate the vehicle was not using Adblue, suggesting its emissions control system had been tampered with. Examinations were conducted on other heavy vehicles registered to the company which form the basis of additional charges.

It is alleged that the operator of the vehicles disabled the emission controls on the heavy vehicles.

NHVR Executive Director of Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said, “Engine remapping is inconsistent with the primary duty to ensure safety under the HVNL, and we know that truck drivers, who are constantly exposed to high levels of diesel emissions, suffer higher rates of dieselrelated illnesses, including cancer, heart disease and asthma.”

The Company has been charged under section 26H (category 3) offence for breaching its primary duty to eliminate or minimise the risk of harm to the environment. The company has also been charged with four offences of tampering with emissions controls systems and four offences of operating a heavy vehicle other than in accordance with the manufacturer’s design.

The matter was first before the Berri Magistrates’ Court on 24 March 2021.

In another investigation, a Sunshine Coast transport company has been issued with an Improvement Notice by the NHVR after an investigation uncovered evidence of engine tampering.

A joint investigation between NHVR and QLD Police confirmed that the emissions control system on one of the company’s trucks had been switched off, while the control system on a second vehicle had been ‘remapped’ to allow increased emissions.

The Improvement Notice compels the operator to have the remainder of its fleet checked by inspectors authorised to examine specific engine makes and models.

WATM • April 2021

11

News

In the past six months WA Police had seized nine trucks, nearly $50 million in cash and “a whole stack of meth”

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What has Mark McGowan got planned for the next four years?

obs, jobs and jobs… with a new target of delivering 125,000 more in our state over the next five years and a modest $3.1 billion in election promises.

One of the biggest promises is a $361 million dollar mental health package and one that may affect and inconvenience our transport industry is the $79 million which will go towards combating methamphetamine use. Mr McGowan alluded to an ongoing and increased police presence at the WA border to prevent drug importation during the election campaign.

Western Australia's Police Commissioner wants new legislation to give officers greater powers to stop and search vehicles at the state's border.

The Commissioner said drug trafficking into WA had fallen due to COVID-19 border controls.

Commissioner Chris Dawson said he would like to see police retain greater powers at the state's border checkpoints, because one of the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was that crime had halved.

"With the very vigorous border control, it's actually stopped a lot of drug trafficking," he said.

Mr Dawson said in the past six months WA Police had seized nine trucks, nearly $50 million in cash and "a whole stack of meth".

New police stations will be built in

Baldivis and Forrestfield, while 36 new career firefighters and 18 professional paramedics will be recruited and sent to regional WA. A provision of $218 million will be made to provide more than 1,000 standalone power systems in regional WA, reducing reliance on diesel.

WA’s electric vehicle network will expand with $21 million plus a new e-waste recycling plant to support a ban on e-waste in landfill by 2024.

Attracting new investments in WA projects, particularly local manufacturing and new technologies will receive $100 million boost plus the coal mining town of Collie will receive an extra $20 million to help diversify the local industry and create new local jobs.

The state’s road and rail networks will continue on the government's first-term promises including Metronet.

However, major upgrades to the Tonkin Highway and a further extension of the Mitchell Freeway, as well as a $852 million freeway bypass of Bunbury, are set to get underway WA Labor’s second term.

One big question is will WA Labor reattempt to pass legislation seeking to prevent the future construction of the controversial Perth Freight Link project, a bill blocked by the Liberals and the crossbench in 2019.

Gascoyne Junction needs Government support to capture Hastings benefit

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ember for North West Central, Vince Catania said the recent announcement that Hastings rare earth mine located 250 km north-east of Carnarvon and around 150km northeast of Gascoyne Junction, is one step closer with production earmarked for 2023.

“This is a golden opportunity for Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction to not only support the Hastings operation, but grow and develop and further strengthen the prosperity of our towns and region”.

“With the prospect of 250

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WATM • April 2021

permanent jobs being created we need to ensure our Gascoyne region capitalises on this opportunity, catering for a residential workforce based in both Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction - not FIFO roles from Perth”.

“In terms of regional growth and development, the potential to support the Hastings project with infrastructure in both Gascoyne Junction and Carnarvon, the regional centre is not only a game changer but is critical,” said Vince Gascoyne Junction Shire CEO, John McCleary said “this is an enormous opportunity for our town and the region,

and one the State just can’t afford to miss, providing a platform for both Gascoyne Junction and Carnarvon to take a quantum leap in terms of the development and growth of our towns and the region”.

“I will be calling on the Government to acknowledge the significance of this opportunity for the region and the State, to work with Gascoyne Junction and Carnarvon to ensure this opportunity is not missed and is woven into the Government’s Plan for North West Central and our State. Vince Catania said.

News

FEDERAL BUDGET MUST INVEST IN BETTER ROADS, REST AREAS AND BRIDGES

T Horrific head on crash claims life of WA Transport operator

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ew could have believed what they were actually looking at when 7NEWS aired the aftermath of the horrific head on crash that killed and injured two of our West Australian transport operators.

Mick Goddard, 49 and Hana Reid, 57 were crossing the causeway at Wirraminna on the Stuart Highway, about five hours north of Adelaide on the 6th March just after midday when a Ford ute collided with them head-on sparking a series of massive explosions.

The road collapsed from the force of the explosions.

Hana died in the inferno and incredibly, Mick made it out alive but critically injured.

The 23-year old Australian Capital Territory driver of the Ute was declared dead at the scene.

First to the scene were Kelly Spendlove and her daughters who spent two hours with Mick before help arrived.

“He had a head injury, his hands were burning still at the time, the front of his vest and shirt had gone out, he was basically still on fire,” Kelly told 7NEWS. “He said he could not go anywhere, the car swerved in front of them and they were on a bridge.

“There were loads of explosions ... black smoke everywhere, there were flames. (It was) absolutely horrendous, it was horrible and hot. Just pure panic.”

Mick and Hana are the ‘M and H’ of MHK (WA) Pty Ltd, a bulk haulage transport business in Karnup, south of Perth.

Mick formed the business which centres

around the haulage of raw materials with the removal and delivery of bulk sand, limestone, and road base and the thriving business services major companies such as Australian Civil Haulage, Kalari – Pneumatic Tankers, MGM Limestone, BM & RV Waters and Kleenheat Gas to name a few.

At the time of the accident Mick and Hana were transporting a load of gravel from Adelaide.

It took emergency crews two hours to reach the remote location before Mick was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital to undergo emergency surgery.

Major Crash Investigators flew to the scene from Adelaide to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and said the burning diesel spilled down the side of the causeway - and into pipes melting the road from underneath.

SA Police Assistant Commissioner of State Operations, Ian Parrott, said there was “carnage everywhere”.

“The crash was absolutely horrific. Both vehicles were incinerated and the road damage is catastrophic,” he said.

“When you’ve got a fire of such intensity, associated with a large vehicle and also a secondary vehicle, it’s going to cause some damage.”

The highway was closed for several days due to the damage to the road surface.

WA Transport Magazine wishes Mick Goddard a speedy recovery and our condolences and support are with Mick and Mick and Hana’s family for the tragic loss of Hana Reid.

he Australian Trucking Association has called on the Australian Government to improve road safety and boost industry productivity by investing in safer roads, rest areas and bridges.

The ATA released their 2021-22 pre-budget submission and ATA Chair David Smith said upgrading the road network would have enormous benefits for safety and productivity.

“While we welcome the Australian Government’s existing $110 billion infrastructure pipeline, it should be strengthened with further investment in truck rest areas, freight routes, regional roads and bridge upgrades,” Mr Smith said.

“Studies show that the road is the cause of about 30 per cent of all crashes, and plays a significant role in how severe all road crashes are.

“The Government should ensure best-practice safety and productivity standards on national highways by adopting infrastructure standards for rest areas, safety and High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) access,” he said.

Mr Smith said that investment in safer and more accessible infrastructure for HPFVs would reduce the number of truck movements, reduce congestion, lower freight costs, and use trucks that are safer, quieter, and greener.

“We recommend the Government should support industry and remove barriers to reducing emissions from transport, lead national reform agendas for removing stamp duty and payroll tax, and not proceed with the mandatory super increase," Mr Smith said.

“There should also be investment in extending safetyfocused crash investigations for heavy vehicles.

To view the submission visit www.truck.net.au/advocacy/ submissions/2021-22-federal-budget

WATM • April 2021

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Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

HOW MANUFACTURING WILL DRIVE ROAD TRANSPORT

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oth the Federal and State Governments have recently announced major investments to start the process of bringing manufacturing back on-shore.

Great news but it is even better news for the road transport and logistics industry.

TraumaSim services utilized at RAC’s Annual Bstreetsmart Road Safety event held at RAC Arena, Perth – involves a simulated car accident and emergency response teams with the aim to teach students about risks on the road and safe behaviours

Is it time to upskill our nation and make ‘every’ Australian a First Responder?

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f you found yourself at the scene of a road accident, would you know how to help?

Sadly, many Australians die from severe blood loss relating to trauma related injuries. Given how adventurous we are but how remote our location is, we’re asking – should all Australians learn how to use a tourniquet and haemostatic dressing?

Should someone you know suffer from an injury that is causing severe blood loss, and the haemorrhaging isn’t stopped, the casualty can bleed to death in just five minutes.

However, St John WA’s promise to you is that they will arrive within 15 minutes during a lifethreatening emergency in the metropolitan area or a maximum of 60 minutes in less

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export market.

The skeleton prime mover we used as the base for the specialist vehicle build was made 120 km away. But, it was cheaper for us to ship the prime mover to New Zealand and then re-import it back than it was to transport it 120 km directly to our factory.

Why, well State and Federal Government taxes, charges and policies at the time were the culprit for this insanity.

Point Two: Manufacturing is a Network

25 years ago, I was the GM of a specialist vehicle manufacturing company over East for a couple of years, we even built up an

Let’s take the new rail wagons to be built at Midland. They will be assembled in Midland, with component parts be made elsewhere both locally and overseas.

The Government has set a commendable target of 50% local production but that means the other half will be transported from the East or imported through the port.

The point here is that when you make stuff, you create a series of transport jobs

urgent situations. This is met 90% of the time for a priority 1 (emergency) call.

In 2000, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that globally, severe trauma results in the death of over five million persons annually and was projected to surpass 8 million annually by the year 2020. At that time, haemorrhage accounted for approximately 35% of the mortality from these traumatic injuries, and up to half of the deaths resulting from haemorrhage occurring before reaching emergency care.

Given we are in Australia and have the dangers and risks associated with our great southern land, is it time to upskill our nation and make every Australian a first responder?

Whilst statistics show that road deaths in Australia decline each year, we have still had 1,107 deaths in the past 12 months. And due to the vast uninhabited areas linked by kilometres of highway across Australia, an increasing number of truck drivers are finding themselves acting as accidental first responders, stumbling upon serious crashes in remote locations – often waiting two to three hours before paramedics arrive.

The above has identified that the more civilian bystanders who are trained in managing massive haemorrhage control using tourniquet application and haemostatic dressing, the more Australian

lives can be saved.

In support of this, there are various award winning programs such as Stop The Bleed® and Rider Down for Motorcyclists which aims to teach ordinary people how to keep trauma victims alive whist waiting for emergency personnel, and are greatly assisting to fill the gap on our roads.

A more recent initiative is the collaboration between the NT Road Transport Association (NTRA), Western Roads Federation (WRF) and MedResponse to develop a program around “Industry Response to truck drivers as first responders in remote and regional Australia”.

But can we do more? As quoted by Denise Dagley from Stop The Bleed®, “The only thing more tragic than someone bleeding to death, is if you could have prevented it” Nola Pearce, director of TraumaSim Group says, “At TraumaSim, we’re passionate about realism in training as we know it improves student retention and prepares them for responding in real life situations and hence, we’re just as passionate about training itself.”

If you’re a business looking to upskill your drivers or First Aid Officer(s), please contact the NTRA or WRF for more information on their pilot training program.

I will explain ‘why’ after I do a quick background on a couple of points

Point One: Government Insanity

moving stuff between suppliers and to the final assembly point.

Now here is why it is good For Road Transport Manufacturing is a tight margin business especially in Australia where we have to compete against cheap imports. Even if Government funded, the pressure will remain for the manufacturers to remain on time and on budget.

No Government wants to see a cost blow out and that’s where we have an opportunity, because manufacturing is a network of suppliers and therefore a network of transport activity.

So if those tasks are delayed or made more costly due to Government policy, then we will have Governments willing to hear from us on how we can help fix the problem.

Example: Address Port costs and efficiency One major operator told me that 20% of their cost of transport at the Port is due to

fees and charges. Most of which do not have an off-setting service or productivity benefits - rather they are just simply a cost impost.

Re-building WA’s manufacturing industry means we are going to be importing some components and materials etc. through the Port. Manufacturers are going to want those materials or components imported cost effectively. So they are not going to be impressed to find 20% non-productive transport costs added to their invoice as a line item. Especially, those prime and sub manufacturers building equipment under Government contract.

That means that Port inefficiency and costs are now going to come under the microscope. And we will make sure it does.

That is finally good news for our industry.

Example: Address OSOM Choke Points You have read this before, but the longterm failure to address the Over Size Over Mass corridor issues connecting our WA heavy engineering and manufacturers

with Ports and inland customers seriously risks undermining the retention of manufacturing in WA. The question being asked is, “Is it actually cheaper due to road transport barriers to build overseas and direct ship in to regional Ports?”

That question is not ‘my words’, it is the question being asked by the manufacturers themselves.

So, having Government policy now pushing for on-shore manufacturing is finally good news for our industry, as they will be more open to listening to us on what needs to be done.

No Government State or Federal wants to have policies in place that undermine the bringing back of manufacturing.

It is our job now, to make sure that policies creating road transport barriers are removed in order to help the Government bring back manufacturing.

Bringing back Manufacturing on-shore may well be the transport industries time to shine.

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 2021

15

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

ZOOMED OUT – CONFERENCE IN W

ell 2020 was a tough year and I don’t think anybody is going to disagree with that.

Let’s hope that in 2021, some of the craziness will get back to normal. With the introduction of 'the new ‘jab' it seems that life may slowly be allowed to return to its normal frantic pace. The reintroduction of open travel between states should help get everyone back into the real world and out of our safe little cocoons where we have been dwelling for the last 12 months.

It was always been a bit hard to understand how we could go to the supermarket and be right next to someone you don’t know but you couldn't go to a funeral and stand next to the person that you share a bed with… but I digress.

With all of us in and out of various forms of lockdown and closed state borders, any attempts at getting together have been a no go. No networking lunches, conferences, seminars, training days everything was put on hold - or it was zoomed or skyped.

Let me put it out there - I am zoomed out.

Trying to set up that video camera so it doesn't shoot straight up your nose, or show your turkey neck is a feat in itself.

Making sure your phone is charged, so

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WATM • April 2021

that you make it through the session before you run out of battery and then trying to find the right code just to be able to get into the meeting to start with. Once in, you find that it’s all a bit like the early international phone calls with the delay on each end with you all going to talk then stop as someone else starts, then both apologise to each other, “Oh you first” – “No you go”'. I just crave normality and face to face meetings.

So it was wonderful news for me when ‘finally ‘Australia became reunited again.

Travel between states without quarantine restrictions is currently possible and I hope and pray it continues. The opportunity to attend events, conferences and seminars in other states is possible again - and just in time for me.

Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) is one of the first Transport related conferences on the calendar and is looking amazing.

I declare my interest here by saying that I am the WA Director of TWAL but it will still be an awesome opportunity to network face to face with people from other states and catch up on all the latest news from the transport world. So much work goes into planning a conference - but this year with the big 'will we or wont we be able to travel'

has made it doubly difficult. But I am so happy to advise that we are ON. The Driving the Difference Conference will take place from Friday 28 May to Sunday 30 May 2021 at the Mantra Epping (Melbourne). Packages will be advertised soon but if you would like to be kept up to date with the details please email me at Spartan2@westnet.com.au and I will send you all the info when it comes in hot off the press.

There will be heaps of fabulous speakers, discussions panels, a welcome cocktail party, networking dinner and lots of giveaway goodies.

Please put it on your calendar and try to attend. I always find that I learn so much and come back really inspired armed with new knowledge and ideas.

And just because it is Transport WOMEN, doesn't mean that we don't welcome blokes. We have many male members that attend our functions and they always enjoy themselves just as much as the ladies. So even if you have never attended a Transport conference before, now is the ideal opportunity to broaden your horizons, learn a lot of new info and make some great new contacts and friends.

News

Brisbane Truck Show – Full Steam Ahead Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) has announced that the Brisbane Truck Show will proceed as normal.

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he show will return to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 May, with approximately 300 exhibitors filling the venue across all three levels.

While stressing that the decision was not made lightly and hinged on the vaccine rollout and how this is likely to put an end to border closures and snap lockdowns, HVIA Chairman John Drake was excited to confirm the show will go ahead as planned, confident it will be bigger and better than ever.

“We know how important the Brisbane Truck Show is for the industry, we will use the show to reconnect and celebrate the

achievements of our essential industry.”

HVIA Director and Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific CEO and President, Daniel Whitehead, says his company remains firmly committed to the everpopular show.

Mr Whitehead is confident the Brisbane Truck Show can be held safely.

“A vast amount of detailed planning by HVIA, the venue team, the Queensland Government and the City of Brisbane, has been carried out to ensure it is a safe experience for every exhibitor and every attendee,” he says.

HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking

said, “This is such an important occasion for the industry to get together. It is a reward for the incredible job that has been done keeping Australia moving over the last eighteen months through drought, bushfires and the pandemic.

“I know I speak for all of our exhibitors when I say that we cannot wait to welcome trucking operators to Brisbane.

“The show attracts visitors from the length and breadth of the country representing the pillars of Australian industry – agriculture, construction, mining, retail and of course, freight and logistics.

“Our exhibitors do an extraordinary job of raising the bar every show and I don’t think this year will be any different.

“There will be a fantastic array of product on display from the very latest trucks and innovative trailer designs, to components, equipment and ground breaking technology solutions.”

Tickets for admission to the Brisbane Truck Show at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre have been held at 2019 rates with a full adult day ticket still just $22.00 and accompanied kids under 18 free.

Fully registered tickets will go into the running for the Ultimate VIP Experience Package thanks to the Morris Finance with one lucky attendee set to enjoy corporate treatment at Bathurst and the AFL, hot laps and numerous other prizes valued at over $45,000.

All tickets purchased for the Brisbane Truck Show will also give you access to the Civil Construction Field Days heavy equipment and machinery show. A free shuttle service will also be available, running between the two events.

To purchase tickets visit www. brisbanetruckshow.com.au/tickets/.

Milestone shipment of Bridgestone tyres arrives in Port Hedland

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he first shipment of Bridgestone off-the-road (OTR) tyres from Japan arrived in Port Hedland early this year marking the company’s first direct and recurring maritime freight service in the Pilbara.

“We are delighted with our inaugural direct freight service to Port Hedland which brings several benefits to our customers and the region as a whole,” said Gerry Duffy, Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia (BMSA) CEO. “The direct freight service aims to increase customer value by reducing the time and distance that tyres need to travel

to their sites while improving safety and environmental outcomes”, Duffy added.

Previously, Bridgestone Japan shipped OTR tyres to Fremantle which were then transported by customers to their respective sites in the Pilbara. With the new direct freight service, truck movements between Fremantle and the Pilbara will be reduced.

The milestone shipment includes a range of Bridgestone OTR tyres from 24 to 63 inches in diameter. After clearance, the tyres will be stored at the BMSA Pilbara Mining Solution Centre (PMSC) in Wedgefield.

WATM • April 2021

17

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

We must keep the pressure on for ‘better’ driver facilities

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nless we keep this issue high on the agenda it is doubtful it will receive the attention it needs. Our association has been pushing for better access to toilets for many years and the progress has been slow. Usually our quest is for public facilities to be provided, but the need goes beyond that.

There are many examples in the day to day life of a truck driver where they are denied access to toilets at various sites where they deliver or load from. We frequently talk

of driver shortages and lament the fact that young people are not entering the industry.

Why would you encourage your son or daughter to join an industry where they may not be able to use a purpose built toilet during their working day?

Our members load from grain storage centres and saleyards. In the case of grain transport the loading schedules often require a driver to camp overnight. In many cases there is no option to use a toilet or shower prior to commencing the day as individual CBH sites frequently deny access.

Recently Graincorp was ‘called out’ in the East for preventing driver access to toilets and showers as a fatigue management risk and potential exposure under chain of responsibility laws. What is a driver expected to do in these circumstances? The only option is unhygienic, unpleasant and against the law.

Urinating in public can attract a ‘disorderly conduct’ fine.

In no other workplace or site would denying access to facilities for either employees, contractors or visitors be acceptable. Extra coronavirus restrictions have made the problems worse. Truck drivers around the world have reported problems with access to toilets and handwashing facilities. In the US, truck drivers have taken to carrying a ‘porta potti’ the problem is so bad. Interestingly, it

News

ATO warns 60,000 businesses to file overdue taxable payments reports or risk penalties The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning 60,000 businesses who are yet to comply with tax lodgement requirements under the taxable payments reporting system (TPRS) to lodge their reports as soon as possible.

The TPRS — a measure designed to identify contractors who under-report their income — was extended to businesses outside the construction, cleaning and courier industries in 2020.

Any business that pays contractors for road freight, information technology, security, investigation, or surveillance services may need to lodge a taxable payments annual report in the system.

ATO assistant commissioner Peter Holt said in a statement that businesses in retail 18

WATM • April 2021

and hospitality that pay contractors to deliver goods to their customers may now need to lodge a taxable payments annual report in the TPRS. “These businesses may not have previously needed to lodge a taxable payments annual report. However, if the total payments received for these deliveries or courier services are 10% or more of the total annual business income, you’ll need to lodge,” Holt said.

The ATO estimates that around 280,000 businesses need to lodge a taxable payments annual report for 2019-20.

The reporting system was set up to combat the black economy which costs the Australian community as much as $50 billion — approximately 3% of GDP, the

ATO said.

The system, which was first developed in 2013 for the building and construction industry, was ramped up following the black economy taskforce in 2016 to also include the cleaning and courier industries in 2018.

The ATO announced in November it would continue to conduct regular audits of the TPRS to ensure contractors are meeting their income tax and GST requirements.

The ATO says businesses who have not yet lodged their annual reports in the TPRS should lodge them as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

Penalties for non-lodgment of the taxable payments annual report can be up to $5,550 for small and medium sized businesses.

appears some other countries take a more proactive approach to this problem. Last year the UK Transport Department and the Health and Safety Executive issued a counter-signed letter to all bbusinesses which make or receive deliveries reminding them they have a legal obligation to give drivers easy and safe access to toilets and hand washing facilities to support their health and wellbeing whilst carrying out their important work. The letter noted that preventing access is against the law and that drivers must have access to welfare facilities located in the premises they visit as part of their work. The responsibility in law to provide access rests with the person in control of the premises.

If only our health and safety agency would be similarly proactive. Western Australia’s Health and Safety Regulations require a person having control of the workplace to provide employees reasonable sanitary facilities, convenient access to sanitary facilities; and any other facility if the safety or health of a person working at the workplace would be at risk if the facility were not provided. The definition of ‘sanitary facilities’ includes toilets and washbasins. This obligation extends to contractors as well. The penalty for noncompliance for an individual is $10,000 for a first offence and $12,500 for a subsequent offence. For a body corporate the penalty is

$20,000 for a first offence and $23,000 for a subsequent offence. There is no evidence these provisions have ever been enforced.

Although there may be a technical argument about the contractual status of a transport company driver at third party sites, the fact remains that if a site owner is obligated to provide facilities for employees and contractors, it is a common sense and practical step to make them available to

The disregard a minority of drivers show towards facilities when they are provided makes our advocacy for improvements that much harder a truck driver operating at the site in the same way a visitor would be given access.

It would be nice to think site owners would voluntarily address this issue but past experience suggests this is highly unlikely, so what is the best way of tackling it? Here are a few suggestions.

Any driver that experiences difficulty

gaining access to facilities should report it to his employer who should refer it the appropriate industry association. In the LRTAWA’s case we are compiling a list of problem sites and will take the matter up with the owners specifically. We will also be seeking Worksafe’s support to campaign for better access as a duty of care, health and safety issue.

Finally, our industry can sometimes be its own worst enemy. The disregard a minority of drivers show towards facilities when they are provided makes our advocacy for improvements that much harder. Please try to get the message across to the culprits that if we want respect as professionals, we must act that way.

I’m looking forward to the day when we can showcase best practice examples of driver facilities at third party sites.

On a brighter note the LRTAWA annual sponsor’s cocktail party was well attended on the 12th March.

Guests enjoyed socialising at the new WA Museum and had a walk down memory lane in an exclusive viewing of the Reflections Gallery. The annual conference/industry day will be held early in the next financial year and we look forward to welcoming our sponsors, members and other interested industry representatives.

A simpler way to calculate fuel tax credits

T

he ATO has recently released a simpler way to calculate fuel tax credits for diesel used in heavy vehicles.

If you claim less than $10,000 each year and use a heavy vehicle, you can use the new basic method for heavy vehicles.

The method makes it easier to work out your fuel tax credit (FTC) claim, including your on and off public road use.

As the rate for travel off public roads is higher, you will get more fuel tax credits if you calculate your off public road use correctly.

Travel off public roads includes when you’re idling, loading or unloading your heavy vehicle in warehouses, depots or car parks.

All you need is the distance you’ve travelled and the amount of eligible diesel you’ve acquired for use in the heavy vehicle for the tax period to use the method.

Industry bodies say these changes will

greatly assist businesses with calculating their entitlement for fuel used off-road, which is claimable at the higher fuel tax credit rate, but also prevent them from having to use costly GPS based FTC calculators that larger competitors have access too.

“We welcome this move by the ATO and anything that makes it easier for companies to claim their correct amount of FTCs,” said Chris Sant from FTC advisors, Ryan Tax Services.

“Unfortunately, FTCs has become a very difficult issue for trucking clients and companies can rely upon this and sleep at night knowing they are getting their correct entitlement without having to paying extra for it.

“This is clearly the ATO putting their toe in the water. I wouldn’t be surprised if the ATO expand to larger companies. We

would welcome this as it would reduce the complexity of the system and allow companies to maximum their entitlement.”

The ATO is expected to publish guidance in respect of the use of GPS data to calculate FTC claims which is expected to alert companies to over-claims being made by trucking companies who’ve relied upon advice of certain GPS providers and advisor firms.

ATO tips: • Use the basic method for heavy vehicles when you lodge your next BAS. Follow the steps on the ATO website at ato.gov. au/basicmethod • If you’ve just started using fuel in your business, check if you are eligible for fuel tax credits on the ATO website at ato.gov.au/ftceligibility.

WATM • April 2021

19

News

SOME SAD STATISTICS ON TRUCK DRIVER MENTAL HEALTH

I

n past editions of WA Transport Magazine we have shared with you the Truck Friendly caravan road safety program which endeavours to create a better understanding of the transport industry to RV and caravan drivers throughout Australia.

This understanding is aimed at recreational drivers and holiday makers interacting more safely with the transport industry by giving them the information they need to make better decisions in their driving and build a better understanding for them on how the commercial sector that they share the roads with works.

By joining the Truck Friendly caravan road safety program, caravanner’s and RV driver can find out more about safe towing practices, and how to safely interact with trucks and other vehicles while towing or driving on the highways and recently, another chapter was added to this program which is aimed at building a better understanding of the stresses experienced by many in our transport industry.

This is the message that the program is sharing with recreational drivers…

20

WATM • April 2021

DID YOU KNOW TRUCK DRIVERS HAVE A VERY HIGH SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH RATE? • Suicide is the second highest cause of death in truck drivers under 39 years of age.

• Mr Michael Kaine is National Secretary of the TWU and he also oversees insurance claims made by some 100,000 transport workers to their superannuation fund.

"There are between three and six suicide claims every month — a horrific number," he said.

• A Monash University study found the percentage of drivers aged under 35 suffering severe distress was almost double that of the average Australian male of the same age.

• Truck drivers are 13 times more likely to die at work than any other Australian worker.

• The number of drivers dying on Australian roads has also spiked after a report by the National Transport Insurance company found driver fatalities had more than doubled last year.

• An exodus of truck drivers, fed up with long hours and stagnating wages, has

resulted in a nation-wide shortage.

• Truck driving is the most common occupation for male Australians, employing 1 in every 33 male workers, or approximately 200,000 drivers.

• "Most drivers are on their second or third relationship because previous spouses have said, “I may as well be a single parent. They're doing their job and trying to provide for their families and they're doing that often in the middle of the night, for 14 to 16 hours a day, at huge costs to themselves, their sleep, their relationships and their health,” said, Dr Elizabeth Pritchard, Research Fellow at Monash University in her study into mental health of Truck Drivers in Australia.

• Dr Pritchard said, “Marriage breakdown, dislocation from family life and fears of infidelity were common among drivers and their partners.”*

SO, WHAT CAN RECREATIONAL DRIVERS AND HOLIDAY MAKERS DO? There are several programs trying to help truck drivers including ‘Wave to a Truckie’ etc.

News

Not only does the on-road cooperation help with breaking the negative cycle, but it also assists the truck driver make it easier to make deadlines and help arrive home to family and friends safely and on time The Truck Friendly caravan road safety program not only helps educate on safe caravan towing practices, but it also helps educate on how to build a cooperative and friendly working relationship with other road users including the truck drivers.

The program’s founder Ken Wilson says, “While I am one of the first to point out, no driver, no matter what they drive, is perfect, I have found most people want to help others and do the right thing. We often only hear about the bad ones.”

The ‘I’M TRUCK FRIENDLY’ sticker program is where ‘qualifying drivers’ of RVs or towing a caravan can obtain a free 30cm round green I’M Truck Friendly’ sticker for the rear of their van or RV. Only drivers who have a UHF radio installed, have read and understand the Truck Friendly driving guides from the web site and want to help other drivers qualify for a free sticker.

“When a truck or other driver comes up behind another vehicle, RV or caravan on the highways, ‘life is like a box of chocolates’, you never know what sort of driver you’re going to get. They may be courteous and know how to assist the truck driver. They may think they know what to do, but do the wrong thing, or they may be just plan ignorant, selfish, and not give a dam about road safety and other road users,” says Ken. “These stickers identify the ones who want to help and know how to help. They stand out from the crowd.

“Truck drivers can then call them up on the UHF and work together to safety overtake, making for a less stressful and dangerous manoeuvre. Drivers are encouraged to build a cooperative and friendly relationship via the UHF chat and by their actions with other drivers.

“While there are many aspects and causes of mental health issues with truck drivers, my belief is that a major cause may be that the drivers live a largely solitary life on the road, with more time to think and over-think problems and concerns than is healthy? Without regular distractions or positive reinforcement, the negative thoughts grow to unhealthy levels.

“Helping stop the negative thought

cycle early, before drivers reach the stage of needing help, I assume, must be a positive step in the right direction.

“This negativity can be reinforced by the bad or inconsiderate behaviour of other drivers, holding up traffic, accelerating at overtaking lanes and such like. This can and has, lead to anxiety, aggressive and dangerous driving practices, especially when held up by slower drivers, not enabling the truck driver to gain maximum driving distance from their restricted driving regulated hours.

“The simple act of seeing a supportive sticker (I’m Truck Friendly), and a friendly person on the other end of a UHF conversation offering to help the truck driver, I believe, must help to break the cycle of negative thoughts.

“I know most of the truckies I have helped while towing my caravan, reply with a cheerful, “Thanks mate”, “Stay safe” or “Wish there were more like you.” This will assist in giving the truck driver and you, something ‘nice’ and ‘positive’ to think about for the next few km’s breaking the negative thought cycle.

“Not only does the on-road cooperation help with breaking the negative cycle, but it also assists the truck driver make it easier to make deadlines and help arrive home to family and friends safely and on time. Being held up on the roads as a truck driver can mean spending a compulsory regulation rest break at a truck stop/rest area instead of watching the children’s school concert or family time at home. All factors in mental health causes.

“While there is much to be done to help our fellow road users, and I do not profess to have the magic bullet, there is always something small, that when combined with other small ‘nice’ things may help stop the problem before it grows to dangerous levels. A smile and a friendly wave can work miracles. Every bit helps,” finishes Ken For more on the Truck Friendly sticker program visit www.truckfriendly.com.au * Thanks to the ABC and Dr Pritchard for the above information. www.abc.net.au/ news/2020-11-22/qld-mental-health-crisissuicide-research-truck-drivers/12866904

Rio spends over A$500 million with WA businesses at Tom Price mine

R

io Tinto has to date awarded contracts valued at over $385 million (A$500 million) to local WA and Pilbara Aboriginal businesses to support the latest development of its Greater Tom Price Operations.

Construction of the Western Turner Syncline Phase 2 (WTS2) expansion commenced in early 2020 and to date more than 85 per cent of spending on the project has been awarded to local businesses, directly through Rio Tinto or their principal contractor Mondium.

At peak construction, development will support a workforce of over 1,000 people with the majority employed

by WA businesses, including Guma Warnii, Monadelphous, Mondium, Kerman Contracting, Whittens, North West Mining & Civil, MACA Civil, Linkforce and Aerison.

Rio Tinto approved the $749 million (A$1 billion) investment in the mine in November 2019 to sustain production capacity of its iron ore business in the Pilbara. The investment allows for the mining of existing and new deposits at WTS2 and includes construction of a new crusher and a 13-kilometre conveyor which will help lower greenhouse gas emissions from the mine by 3.5 per cent compared to road haulage.

First production from the new deposits at WTS2 is expected in the second half of 2021.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore managing director of Pilbara Mines, Matthew Holcz, said Rio Tinto’s commitment to Tom Price and regional communities remains as strong as ever.

“Tom Price is the birthplace of Western Australia’s iron ore industry and more than 50 years later this $749 million (A$1 billion) investment in the Western Turner Syncline Phase 2 expansion will underpin the viability of this proud town for decades to come.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore currently employs more than 50 per cent of workers living in Tom Price and this latest development will extend employment opportunities into the future.

WATM • April 2021

21

News

Vocational Overhaul Should Encourage Future Workforce

T

he Productivity Commission's final report into Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector has called for serious overhaul around its confusing and underperforming aspects.

The Commission found that the multi-billion-dollar sector’s funding agreement between the Commonwealth and the states needed major change with lack of transparency, targets not met and poor accountability for monetary allocations.

A peak automotive body said, “This report creates an important evidence base for the reform road ahead. There remain enormous skill shortages across the automotive industry, so it is critical that apprentices and those seeking upskilling are able to access training solutions suitable for their work.

“Many of the current structures of the VET sector have had their day.

Australia needs a system that keeps pace with the rapidly changing skill demands of industry. To remain internationally competitive, the fundamental building blocks of reform need to include genuine industry engagement, targeting of funding to industry and job needs, a qualification system that keeps pace through recognising stackable microcredentials and nationally consistent pricing and contractual terms.

Incentivising and supporting employers to take on apprentices will also create real jobs post government support programs.”

A training provider (RTO) said, “As an independent industry based automotive training provider, we are encouraged by the recommendations to better link funding to high demand job areas that have high growth potential, like the need for specialist technicians to service and repair hydrogen and electric powered vehicles.

High demand job areas that have high growth potential, like the need for specialist technicians to service and repair hydrogen and electric powered vehicles

INSTRUCKTA! will use cutting edge technology in new ways in the road safety space in WA, to educate current and future road users to share the road safely with heavy vehicles. It is a highly visible platform for project partners to champion road safety leadership and contribute to Driving Change: Road Safety Strategy for Western Australia 2020-2030.

INSTRUCKTA! will reach hundreds of thousands of road users each year - directly via access to the truck - and indirectly, via access to the messaging on digital addresses projections that the number of trucks on Australian roads will double in the next 10 years and triple by 2050 alongside the target to reduce the road toll in WA to zero by 2050.

INSTRUCKTA! needs your support and to find out more contact Lara on 0433 165 272 or email project.officer@transafewa.com.au

2021 Sensis Snapshot

S

ensis has revealed its findings from its monthly Business Index Report for January 2021.

First up is the highly topical notion of employees ‘Working-from-Home’ in conjunction with business productivity.

So, how has the ‘new working way of life’ (post-COVID), impacted employee productivity levels since home-life for many Aussie workers have been merged with their and daily place of business?

The January Business Index results show nearly 30% of business owners have seen productivity levels rise due

22

Free bumper stickers now available from Transafe WA The stickers are available in two sizes for HV’s and LV’s. Truck back Posters are also available for your truck/fleet. To organise your stickers and posters email executive. officer@transafewa.com.au Also from Transafe WA is the unique opportunity available to partner with them for WA to get INSTRUCKTA! on the road for 2021.

WATM • April 2021

to employee’s working from home.

Comparatively less than one in five owners claim productivity levels experienced a declined. Yet despite the positive results in productivity, 40% still maintain their preference being employees returning to the workplace on a full-time basis.

The survey of 1,000 business owners/ managers across all states and across 10 business sectors was conducted by data insights platform Glow in the last week of January.

Key Findings (Snapshot): • The Finance and Insurance sector saw

the biggest uplift with 52% of owners saying productivity increased and 36% with the Health and Community Services sector also experiencing similar productivity gains.

• Understandably, the most affected sector was Transport, which saw a 30% reduction in productivity followed by Construction at 29% and Wholesale at 25%.

• The sector where productivity was unaffected the most was Communications, Property and Business Services at 65% followed by Hospitality at 62%.

Over to you Robert Hyde

Our Trucks in Building

By Robert Hyde

M

y love for trucks goes back to when I was 10 or 12 years old and Dinky toys were the ones to collect. Doing any odd jobs to earn money I would then splash out on a boxed Dinky truck or tractor toy. If I worked really hard, I would buy the Super Toy’s which were about one guinea or 21 shillings.

My first Super Toy was a maroon Foden with chains and eight wheels - all singles at the time. I still have two of them in my collection of approximately 500 Dinky’s, Corgis and many other brands. Whilst I don’t play with them anymore – I enjoy looking at them.

One of my favourites is the B model Mack in all its splendour. When I was about 20, I was lucky enough to hitch a ride in a B61 Mack from Bell Bros. in Guildford and go for a trip to Port Hedland.

We have been a building company since about 1922 which was started by my Grandfather Harry and I have never really considered our role in transport only in building. When I sit back and think about it, the building materials needed to be transported to sites somehow. Sometimes this was done by contractors, but also we had to have our own trucks.

My Grandfather started out with a bike and a Gladstone bag tied to his handlebars and did all his work around West Guildford which is now Bassendean where we still reside. We never shifted very far.

When my father was alive he told me they bought a brand new Chevrolet one ton truck which was delivered to our building yard in Bassendean much to the delight of everyone. This was 1926.

The truck came as an engine and firewall and you built your own body to suit your business. My father and his father proudly drove it to Guildford, both sitting on the fuel tank which was where the seat was situated. The body was built by a company named Douglas Jones which was

eventually taken over by Millar’s and then Bunnings - and the rest is history.

The Chev did many years hard work and my Grandfather gave it away about 1960.

When I started my building career in 1962 a bit of nostalgia started to creep in and after I and Lorraine were married I went looking for a 1926 Chevrolet truck to restore. I found one for $50 not realising the work and money that was required to restore old vehicles.

In my early years, you could not get your truck licence until you were 21. I remember another Chev around 1944 with big singles, an Austin with a C cab all wood and no doors and on the metal dashboard the carpenters had scratched their girlfriends’ names - and there were many. The next truck was a Ford Thames which I learnt to drive with its crash gearbox. She never let us down, slow but steady.

The next truck was a Bedford J3 which was my daily drive, but being a young guy

I was always in hurry and it was too slow.

It was sold and that was the start of my Holden one tonnes which I still have one to this day.

Fast forwarding to the 4th generation of Hyde Builders – of our four sons, Scott has been running the company for 16 plus years now which means Lorraine and myself have taken a back seat.

The business has expanded quite a bit since the days of the old 1926 Chevrolet that my Grandfather bought. The business now has five Isuzu’s which have been very reliable and trouble free.

Our grandson, Kristian, has completed his Carpentry apprenticeship and hopefully the fifth generation will continue to be as successful as the past ones.

In summing up, even though we have not really been in the trucking industry as most know it, we have always been around trucks..

WATM • April 2021

23

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon Johhny Cash toured Perth 1973

1972 B

y 1972, the Metropolitan Transport Trust’s annual passenger total had reached nearly 60 million — a 19 percent increase in eight years. The trust had begun to implement a feeder network with area terminals where passengers could transfer from suburban services to express buses for the city. The system was focused on a modern bus station, which was opened near the William Street Bridge in 1973, the same year in which free clipper services around the city centre were introduced.

The Association’s Assistant Secretary, Mr R Hanrahan submitted his resignation at the January 26 Executive Council Meeting and at the February 23 meeting, Mr Ron Tyson was presented as the replacement.

The Owner-Drivers’ Association made an approach to WARTA to join as a separate division, which was cautiously endorsed at the January 26 Executive Council Meeting.

President W Roots and Executive Director W R Pellew accompanied Truck & Bus Transportation Editor J Maddock on an “informative and well worthwhile” sevenday tour of the Pilbara.

Work slowed down on the wharves in July as the Japanese seamen’s strike took hold.

Captain B L Noble took over the reins of the Fremantle Ports Authority in July.

A sub-committee is busy looking into the

24

WATM • April 2021

The Owner-Drivers’ Association made an approach to WARTA to join as a separate division, which was cautiously endorsed at the January 26 Executive Council Meeting possibility of hiring a research officer and assistant because of the heavy workload. The push came from Treasurer J A S Warwick and because of his dealings with the Transport Advisory Council and the need for licensing and everything that entailed.

At the Annual General Meeting on August 24 where only 31 members attended, President W Roots spoke of the economic downturn being experienced in the State and the resultant effect on members’ turnover.

The ARTF Annual Conference was staged in Perth in October with a “satisfactory” result.

A call for a Royal Commission into the Road Transport Industry in WA was unwarranted, according to the Association, stating that the administration of the Road Maintenance Act should be investigated instead, it was reported at the November 1 Executive Council Meeting. Mr R L O’Connor MLA was admitted to the November 22 meeting to explain why he was urging for the Commission, stating that he wished to achieve WARTA’s aims.

The Quarterly Meeting of December 14 was advised that the Association is pushing for the 20-mile free trading radius be expanded to 50 miles.

1973 A Transport and Shipping Division deputation met with the Fremantle Ports Authority’s Captain B L Noble about the restricted hours on the wharf, but he said there was nothing he could do to alleviate the situation. A further meeting was held on March 27 and he undertook to investigate the complaints.

The January 31 Executive Council Meeting resolved to establish subcontractor sections within each of the

Association’s Divisions. However, at the March 14 meeting this matter was deferred because of the lack of interest from many sub-contractors.

Mr W Braithwaite resigned as a VicePresident on May 23 due to ill health. He had earlier stated that he had resigned from his position at Gascoyne Trading Co and Mr T Eastwood named manager of the company. He proposed Mr Eastwood replace him on the Executive, which occurred. Mr I Chandler was nominated to the Vice-Presidency at the June 13 meeting and accepted on July 4.

The May 18 Executive Council Meeting heard that State Parliament was debating the repeal of the Road Maintenance (Contribution) Act, 1973 and amendments to the Traffic Act 1972 to increase commercial vehicle licence fees.

The Quarterly General Meeting of May 24 was advised that the free operating radius extension from 20 miles to 50 miles was rejected by the Government. A move was afoot to extend the radius for building materials, particularly where no rail services were involved.

The changeover to metrics was achieved on July 1.

The July 4 Executive Council Meeting was advised that the Fremantle Traffic Bridge would close for a period of four months once the new Stirling Bridge opens in July, 1974.

Building renovations to the tune of $1400 were made to the Association premises.

J A Gillott resigned as Vice-President of the Association at the August 16 Annual General Meeting and, because of the May 23 resignation of W Braithwaite, also a VicePresident, President W Roots was asked to stay on for a further term.

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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.

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WATM • April 2021