WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - JAN/FEB 2023 EDITION

It is an ‘important time’ to be a TWU member

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

Drivers, with amendments to the Owner-Drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Act of 2007.

By giving more teeth to the Road Freight Transport Industry Tribunal and ensuring owner drivers have minimum enforceable rates to earn a sustainable income and have somewhere to arbitrate unconscionable conduct between owner-drivers and their hirers.

The next big step in this legislation is to rally to cover vehicles under 4.5 tonne under the legislation. The small vehicle, couriers and parcel delivery sector of the transport industry is the fastest growing sector and is most susceptible to companies doing the wrong thing. It’s time for couriers and small businesses to get their fair share of the pie.

Amenities for truck drivers continue to be one of biggest barriers to retaining drivers in our industry. The TWU has been applying a firm pressure on the State Government for the last several years to fund the improvement of truck parking bays, successfully winning millions in State and Federal funding.

There has never been a more important time to be a member of the TWU.

In the last two years the strength and resilience of transport workers has been tested.

If it wasn’t COVID-19, it was flooding of major freight routes, cancellation of flights, understaffing in an industry desperate for transport workers, rock throwing and anti-social behaviour on the buses, cost of living increases and the rising cost of fuel. Issues that affect everyone in the supply chain but having lasting effects on the transport industry with transport workers at the core.

The Transport Workers Union has always been there for the fight.

Backing transport workers in when they need representation and a strong and powerful voice at the bargaining table. This is evident in agreements underpinned by CPI.

In 2022 the TWU won wage increases of 6% in agreements the TWU had underpinned by CPI and 15% super in many agreements after TWU members walked off the job in 2021.

The TWU took Qantas to the Federal court following their illegal outsourcing of 2500 Qantas jobs. Qantas continues to appeal, but the TWU acts in the name of justice and what is right. We want to hold Qantas to account and over the past 2 years TWU members have done exactly that.

In 2022/23 we begin rebuilding the aviation industry from the bottom up and as a TWU member or joining the fight we will ensure we’re negotiating from a place of strength.

The TWU WA Branch is on the precipice of legislating for Owner

Work has commenced at the heavy vehicle rest area in Munjina adjacent to the Auski-Munjina Roadhouse, Newman RTAA, including the sealing of the rest of the area and improved access for heavy vehicles.

The money to improve these parking bays is coming from State and Federal Government, only won through the campaigning of members of the Transport Workers Union and the Transport Workers Union WA Branch.

In the last 12 months we have trained transport workers in Mental Health First Aid training, to recognise deteriorating mental health in their workplace. Transport is a high-risk industry for poor mental health. Every risk factor, from isolation, strict Covid protocols over the last few years, lack of communication, diet, and nutrition when on the road and an industry heavily dominated by males, points toward mental health red flags. Having a dedicated peer-to-peer mental health training initiative will help to change the discussion around mental health and save lives.

We’ve been making inroads in the Gig Economy, signing charters with DoorDash and Uber. These are huge steps to future-proofing jobs and ensuring the future of the transport industry is not vulnerable to exploitation.

In 2022 the TWU has added a Group Accident and Sickness program to our services. An affordable alternative to income protection, the TWU offers cover for when you need it most. Income Cover for a $1000 weekly benefit including capital benefits of $100k costing $16.00 weekly or Income Cover for $1500 weekly benefit including capital benefits of $100k costing $21.00 weekly.

It has never been a better time to join or renew your membership and be a part of the fight.

TransVirtual delivering increased efficiencies and profits to WA fleet owners

Cloud-based enterprise-grade transport management system (TMS) TransVirtual has announced their transport network volumes have quadrupled in Western Australia in the past 24 months.

The expansive growth of this Australian tech company in a single state follows a doubling of transport network volumes nationally in the 12 months after Australia's rapid uptake of e-commerce in 2020; which saw economy-wide online sales grow by 57 per cent year-on-year.

TransVirtual attribute their extraordinary additional volume growth in

WA to a number of factors.

Troy Searle founder and Chief Technology Officer at TransVirtual explains, “In addition to the growth in e-commerce nationally, the transport and delivery industry in WA has faced a labour shortage combined with rising fuel costs, resulting in tighter profit margins and the need for greater efficiencies.

“The best way to achieve these efficiencies has been to ditch clunkier, less user-friendly transport management systems or labour intensive and costly manual processes in favour of a modern TMS – and they have been choosing TransVirtual as the

best system for their needs.

Founded by Searle in 2014, TransVirtual integrates with national carriers such as DHL, Mainfreight, Border Express and Aramex and streamlines the running of a profitable transport and delivery company.

The software enables companies to schedule deliveries through auto allocation and optimise each driver's daily route (saving both time and fuel), provides realtime vehicle tracking, produces instant paperless proof of delivery status via its mobile app and offers fleet maintenance and invoicing capabilities.

TransVirtual has customers across

industries including logistics, courier services, delivery companies, transport, warehousing, distribution and freight brokerages. The company's product is also suitable for companies undertaking any form of dispatch out of their premises or warehouses.

“Companies in the transport and delivery space want full control over their destiny, they want to control their processes, data flows and IT costs, with an overarching goal of enhancing their workflow and raising their profits,” says Searle.

“With TransVirtual, companies can dictate, design and configure an incredible amount of data and process flow, without getting product developers involved and the entire TransVirtual team have extensive experience in the Australian transport industry and know first-hand the challenges, pain points and inefficiencies those in the industry face on a daily basis.

Glen Hunt, Business Systems Manager at TSS Sensitive Freight concurs.

“We had a legacy software system which presented a range of operational challenges, as it was based on old technology. After initial investigations with six vendors, I produced a checklist of things we needed. It had to be a browser based deployment system that provided workflow hooks so we could quickly and easily customise it to add value. We also needed full control over how it ran. TransVirtual allows me to do this.

“I investigated three vendors in depth, including products used by our major competitors, but they lacked the flexibility and customisations I was looking for. Everyone promised they could build it after I signed up, but the list of changes was long, and I was being asked by other companies to take an extreme leap of faith in this way.

“TransVirtual met our requirements exceptionally well and the API and EDI capability out of the box was sensational. Beyond the appeal to my technical requirements, I could see a huge ability to customise it on a customer by customer basis.

“Our business isn’t a standard freight company so that was extremely helpful. You can’t have an off the shelf solution that’s

going to fit everybody, so you must have that flexibility built in from the start. I loved that we had the freedom to make the system what we needed it to be,” finishes Glen.

At Western Parcel Express, a company spokesperson said, “We needed to upgrade our TMS as our previous platform had become dated. We reviewed several products before a major customer recommended we look at TransVirtual.

“TransVirtual has accommodated our varied and sometimes complex rate structures and provided excellent time savings to our accounts and administration staff. The team at Transvirtual understand what we need and help us make it happen.”

Another client who has made the switch to TransVirtual is First Choice Couriers.

Administration Manager Alicia Pleski says, “We began using TransVirtual in 2018 and since then our needs and our customers’ needs have been constantly evolving. TransVirtual are continually the best end-to-end solution with their regular development of new features, combined with the flexibility of customisation

when required. There were three main considerations that we needed to fulfil when looking for a transport management system; visibility, data management and accounting. TransVirtual meets the mark on all three.”

“TransVirtual creates the link between every customer, agent, sender, receiver, depot, driver, administrator and manager to enable them to access the information they need.., providing complete visibility through the entire network. We look forward to continuing to offer our clients is Western Australia the best system to ensure their continuing success, finishes Searle.

TransVirtual's flexible, enterprisegrade software is priced on a pay per consignment model, making it affordable for businesses of all sizes.

TransVirtual has accommodated our varied and sometimes complex rate structures and provided excellent time savings to our accounts and administration staff

TransVirtual team

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Karen-Maree' Kaye, Russell McKinnon

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Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, Ray Pratt

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Happy New Year everyone. I hope you all had some time off over Christmas to relax and be merry with your family and friends.

So what is the year ahead? I can’t see the driver shortage getting fixed quickly, and whilst we are protected to an extent in Western Australia with energy prices, it has been obvious that everything costs more, particularly day to day items. One part of Australia’s demographic; those with a mortgage are already feeling the pressure of the higher interest rates.

This makes me wonder if later this year we begin to see a decline in retail and onlline sales and we will just have to see what effect this has on the transport and gig economy.

In this edition we look at Transport Management Systems technology that is

already working for transport operators in Western Australia with TransVirtual on Page 2 and we also look at the additional protections for Owner Drivers and Small Businesses with the Owner-Drivers Bill passes on Page 6.

On Page 8 Ray Pratt talks about an industry in deep trouble and no matter what well-meaning bureaucrats and politicians promise us, unless we reform the industry and make life easier and better for our hard working truck drivers then we will never see a change.

Hope you enjoy the ‘cool hot rods’ from the HCVC column this edition – Page 22.

As always, welcome to the new subscribers, and thank you to each and every one who supports the magazine.

Best,

ustralian express freight company, Team Global Express, has placed an order for 36 Volvo electric trucks. This is Volvo’s largest electric truck order to date in Australia. The trucks will hit the streets of Sydney during the first quarter of 2023.

The Volvo FL Electric trucks are designed for urban distribution and

have a load capacity of 5,5 tonnes in this application.

Volvo Trucks is the only global truck manufacturer with a full range of electric truck in series production already today. The company´s target is that half of its global total sales of new trucks will be electric by 2030.

Additional protections as Owner-Drivers Bill passes

The Owner-Drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Amendment Bill 2022 has passed Parliament, providing additional protections for small business and independent contractors in the road freight transport industry.

The amendments will enhance operational efficiency, safety and regulation of dealings between owner-drivers and hirers, providing benefits for all road users across the road transport network.

The changes to Owner-Drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Act 2007 (the Act) are the result of years of work and extensive consultation with the Road Freight Transport Industry Council and Road Freight Industry Tribunal.

The Department of Transport (DoT) will be working alongside industry to implement updated changes, which include the below:

• contracts greater than three months will have a 90-day minimum notice period and contracts less than three months a seven-day minimum notice period;

• workplace right of entry for an ownerdriver’s authorised representative for the purpose of investigating suspected

breaches of the Act;

• discrimination will be a form of unconscionable conduct under the Act; • the Road Freight Transport Industry Council publish “guideline rates” to inform industry participants when they bargain rates of pay. Non-compliance with guideline rates will be a factor relevant when the Road Freight Transport Industry Tribunal determines whether there has been unconscionable conduct;

which will come into effect in the first half of 2023.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “The road freight industry is essential to WA’s supply chains and plays a vital role in moving freight throughout our State.

“As owner-drivers play a key role in enabling the efficient and safe movement of freight across WA, changes to the Act will help provide more protections to small business and contractors in the industry.

“It is important there are sufficient and appropriate safeguards and protections for those small business operators and better avenues for dispute resolution between owner-drivers and hirers through improved administration of the Act and Tribunal proceedings.

• changes to the Tribunal’s powers and jurisdiction to ensure they are better equipped to deliver just and efficient outcomes in dispute resolution.

DoT will work with industry to prepare for the implementation of the changes

“The Bill helps simplify and enhance the day-to-day operations of the WA OwnerDrivers laws and contributes to safer and more sustainable operations across the WA road freight transport industry in years to come.

“Industry will continue to be consulted with in the coming months to ensure they are ready for the changes that will come into effect in the first half of 2023.”

and

Industry will continue to be consulted with in the coming months to ensure they are ready for the changes that will come into effect in the first half of 2023

A

Volvo receives record order for electric trucks in Australia

Rio Tinto plans further investment in renewable energy in the Pilbara

Tinto is planning to invest a further $600 million in renewable energy assets in the Pilbara as part of the company’s efforts to decarbonise its Western Australian iron ore operations. The investment will fund the construction of two 100MW solar power facilities as well as 200MWh of on-grid battery storage in the Pilbara by 2026. This is in addition to the 34MW of solar power installed at the recently commissioned Gudai-Darri iron ore mine.

Initial funding for Rio Tinto’s first

major stand-alone solar farm on the Pilbara coast has been approved, a 100MW solar photovoltaic system and associated transmission infrastructure. Construction, which will involve the installation of approximately 225,000 solar panels built to withstand the Pilbara’s cyclonic conditions, is expected to start next year ahead of project commissioning in 2025.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said, “The Pilbara is extremely well-positioned to take

Government Considers Fuel Standards

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) say the Federal Government is seeking views on improvements to Australia’s fuel quality standards. A draft regulation impact statement has been released which canvasses various options. The primary focus is on petrol

standards to pave the way for the introduction of Euro 6d emissions standards for light vehicles. Improved fuel quality might ensure better air quality, improve health outcomes, latest and cleanest technology and greater access to more efficient vehicles.

The regulation impact statement has found that a change to the diesel standard

advantage of renewable power with land, access to people, and abundant wind and solar resources. Our Pilbara electricity grid is the largest privately-owned grid in Australia, ensuring that we have the initial infrastructure required to enable a transition to renewable energy.

“We expect to invest around $3 billion to install renewable energy assets as well as transmission and storage upgrades in the Pilbara as part of our commitment to halve our emissions from the Pilbara by the end of this decade.”

is not required.

Current standards vary significantly across the globe and Australia’s diesel quality is already very close to the European Union standard. There is no evidence of any potential operability issues with Euro 6 trucks in Australia.

“A change to the Australian diesel standard would simply be another regulatory cost we do not need,” says the ALRTA.

An Industry in Deep Trouble

Read any transport magazine or watch any news report involving trucks and it becomes very obvious that we have an industry that is in deep trouble.

We still have a shortage of truck drivers and that shortage is not going to change until conditions improve for truck drivers. I’ve said this a hundred times that no matter what well-meaning bureaucrat’s and politician’s promises us, unless we reform the industry and make life easier and better for our hard working truck drivers then we will never see a change.

Forget about thinking that industry issues will be solved by fast tracking truck licenses, having cameras in trucks and vibrating seats.

Forget about bringing in foreign truck drivers just to get bums in seats. The industry is such that the consequences of putting unqualified people in truck seats is a recipe for disaster.

The real issues are poor wages, poor working conditions and the expectation that drivers will push the boundaries of fatigue management and endurance just to get the job done.

I have been bombarded with calls from older truck drivers over the last couple of years saying that they have had enough and are exiting the industry in droves. These are people who love trucks and wanted to keep driving until retirement as they all have diesel in their veins but the job has all

become too hard. The valuable experience and knowledge that these drivers are taking with them is a huge loss to the industry but the industry has failed them.

There is no point whatsoever in enticing new people into our industry just to have them become disenchanted and leave.

The reform of the transport industry must start at the top with the large multi nationals. These are the ones that are socially irresponsible and calling the shots with the push for cheaper rates and unrealistic time schedules - knowing full well that it is not sustainable, but at least they keep their shareholders happy.

The transport companies are next in line and need to get their house in order. For too long transport management have become experts in exploiting their workforce and keeping wages down. Loyal drivers have given their soul to these companies giving their time and life at the

expense of a normal family lifestyle.

When I think about the time and effort that drivers dedicated to some of these transport companies only to find out at the end of the day we were just a number in their books that could be used and then discarded at their discretion.

We often joked that these transport managers all went to the same school where they learnt how to be rude and exploit truck drivers. I was lucky as I had a couple of good managers that were good to work for.

The time has come for a complete reform of the transport industry so that we can attract good people and to reward them for a job well done.

It’s not hard to pay a fair wage for a difficult job.

It’s not hard to provide good clean amenities at roadhouses for truck drivers.

It would not be too difficult to provide good parking bays with shade and toilets.

It’s not hard to recognise the importance of our truck drivers and treat them accordingly.

The pool of good drivers is well and truly exhausted and it’s the fault of everyone in the supply chain who have taken our truck drivers for granted.

I make no apology for constantly writing about this issue because it needs to be said and we need to see change. Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

There is no point whatsoever in enticing new people into our industry just to have them become disenchanted and leave

Over to you

A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

Structures Engineering presentation to industry

During our scheduled regional workshops and information sessions, HVS received queries from industry in relation to increasing OSOM vehicle axle spacings range, the bridge assessment process for OSOM vehicles and why certain permit conditions are applied by Main Roads Structures Engineering Branch (SEB). In response to these requests, HVS hosted a specific industry information session

during June where SEB Engineers attended to provide greater insight into their OSOM vehicle bridge assessment processes. It was well supported by industry with attendance both in person and online.

At the session, SEB Engineers provided a series of presentations commencing with a summary of the various construction types used for bridges in WA, bridge design life, the common bridge defects found in WA, and the role of SEB in managing bridges to ensure vehicles crossing are not overloading

them. The presentations also provided a detailed look at the specific criteria SEB is required to use when assessing OSOM vehicles crossing a particular bridge. Ahead of the session, attendees were invited to submit any questions they had relating to the SEB bridge assessments process, which provided the opportunity for them to be addressed as part of the presentations and/ or have them directly answered by SEB Engineers.

SEB engineers explained the reasoning why single trip permits can only be issued for a single trip and up to one month, which is due to the safety factors and currency of the bridge information considered in the bridge assessment process. Allowing more than one trip and/ or extending the timeframe would see an increase in the safety factors applied and would likely require a reduction in the allowable loads for a particular bridge.

Feedback received about the session was very positive, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to have their questions answered directly by SEB Engineers.

SEB has since published a revised guide for bridges on common OSOM routes. The new guide, which is available on the website, is based on the previous table published under HVO Update 33-2008 but is a more user-friendly version and includes many common routes.

HVS and SEB worked together to develop a new 8 Tyre Per Axle Low Loader Period Permit to allow access on an approved network of roads, which has been developed using historical permit data. Using a network approach allows operators to apply to have additional roads added to the network, subject to the necessary bridge assessments.

CCTV at Forrestfield and Greenmount

CCTV cameras are being installed at the Forrestfield RTAA on Abernethy Road, and the stopping bay on Great Eastern Highway at Greenmount Hill. The Forrestfield RTAA is well used by the road transport industry and availability is often limited due to vehicles, trailers and equipment being parked for excessive periods of time. Following a number of complaints from industry, it is hoped that the cameras will help deter transport operators who park their vehicles and equipment contrary to the RTAA’s terms of use, and improve the availability of parking spaces within the RTAA. The cameras should also provide greater assurance for transport operators around the security of vehicles within the RTAA.

The CCTV will monitor the RTAA 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and will retain the footage for a 72-hour period. Should an incident occur within the RTAA, the transport industry will need to report the incident to the WA Police and obtain an incident number.

The transport operator must provide the incident number to Main Roads, along with the date and approximate time of the incident so that if the footage is requested by WA Police, Main Roads can provide a copy to assist in their investigation.

Similarly, CCTV cameras are

being installed in the stopping bay on Greenmount Hill to monitor the compliance of vehicles with their access conditions. As per the existing signage, all laden Permit and Notice vehicles are required to stop in the mandatory stopping bay. Transport operators are reminded not to use this as a parking bay as there is limited space available and it will affect other operators’ ability to comply with the requirement to stop.

Installation of CCTV cameras at both sites is anticipated to be completed in 2022.

Road Train Signage Trial

HVS is trialling new road train warning signs that provide road users with a better visual indication of what type of vehicle is actually in front of them. This safety initiative is designed to help road users make more informed decisions about how they share the road and interact with road trains.

The existing “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signs are vague in terms of what type of vehicle is actually in front of you. The new signage being trialled will replace them and provide an illustrative example of the vehicle combination, and an indication of the length of the vehicle combination it is fitted to. The signs also align to the “road train route” signs that are often seen on regional highways.

A suite of signs have been developed to cover the standard 27.5 metre, 36.5 metre, and 53.5 metre combinations, as well as Performance Based Standards (PBS) Scheme 30 metre, 32 metre and 42 metre combinations. A special sign is already in use for 60 metre PBS road trains.

Centurion Transport and Qube Bulk are participating in the trial by fitting the signs to some of their vehicles. Other operators are welcome to participate in the trial and require an approval letter from HVS. All operators will need to supply their own signage.

Feedback is welcome via our survey available on the trial page on My Say Transport or via the QR Code. We’re particularly interested in feedback from the general public to see if the signs are more informative and meaningful.

If the trial is successful, HVS will implement the new signage for all Class

2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) in Western Australia, including B-doubles, road trains and rigid truck and trailer combinations. HVS will also liaise with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to share the feedback received and encourage them to adopt the same signage.

It’s important to note that interstate operators will not be disadvantaged or penalised. HVS will continue to recognise and accept “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signage requirements specified in other jurisdictions when RAVs travel across the border into Western Australia.

Undergrounding Power Lines

Throughout 2022 HVS worked with Western Power to develop a program of work to underground power lines, predominantly along Great Eastern Highway and Great Northern Highway. 14 work packages have been identified to be delivered over a period of five years, with the first package expected to commence in early 2023.

Planned work will be detailed at mainroads.wa.gov.au and industry will have the opportunity to nominate power lines not listed in the program for consideration.

Show Time

You may have seen us at any one of a number of Community or Agricultural Shows, where we were on hand to discuss all things Heavy Vehicle. Our crew recently attended the Dowerin Field Day, where there was significant interest in the Bindoon Bypass and Eastlink Projects. We also participated in the Kununurra Agricultural Show, Newdegate Machinery Field Days, Wagin Woolorama and the Perth Boat Show.

State-wide Information Sessions and Workshops

There was keen interest in our consultation with many operators taking the opportunity to highlight what is working well and collaborate with us by contributing ideas on potential improvements to assist the industry. Free sessions were held in the Metropolitan area, Northam, Broome, Port Hedland, Karratha, Katanning, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Bunbury and Albany.

Some of the key themes to emerge from these encompassed economy-wide issues affecting the industry and HVS such as the general shortage of workers. The aspects specific to HVS included communication of changes, website navigation, permit timeframes, MOVES potential, Pilot training, Accreditation administration, Access issues and Compliance enforcement.

improvements, construct ablution block ($170,000)

• Great Northern Highway at Karijini Drive - Upgrade rest area, construct ablution block ($1.2 million)

• Great Northern Highway at Bell Street - Minor Road Train Assembly Area improvements, construct ablution block ($280,000)

• Great Northern Highway, NewmanConstruct new Road Train Assembly Area and ablution block ($12.2 million)

• Great Northern Highway, MunjinaConstruct new rest area ($3.4 million)

• Great Northern Highway, Redmont - Minor rest area improvements, construct ablution block ($170,000)

Mid-West and Gascoyne

• Great Northern Highway, Wubin - Minor rest area improvements, construct ablution block ($200,000)

• Great Northern Highway 115 kilometres north of Wubin - Minor rest area improvements, construct ablution block ($200,000)

• North West Coastal Highway, Northampton - Minor rest area improvements, construct ablution block ($200,000)

• Minilya Exmouth Road - Minor rest area improvements, construct shower and ablution block ($400,000)

Wheatbelt

• Great Eastern Highway, Northam - Minor Road Train Assembly Area improvements, construct ablution block ($100,000)

Goldfields Esperance

RTAA

improvements State-wide Important upgrades to rest area facilities for heavy vehicle operators were announced across 13 locations in WA as part of the $50 million Freight Vehicle Productivity Improvement Program.

The program, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Government, includes improvements that will allow for safer turning movements, improvements to parking and breakdown areas for combination vehicles reducing noise and dust, and the construction of ablution blocks at some locations.

Pilbara

• Marble Bar Road - Minor rest area

• Main Reef Road (Goldfields Highway), Leonora - Extend Road Train Assembly Area, construct ablution block ($1.6 million)

South-West

• Willinge Drive, Bunbury - Minor Road Train Assembly Area improvements, construct ablution block ($200,000)

These priority projects were identified through extensive consultation with peak industry groups, including the Transport Workers Union (WA Branch), the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of WA and Western Roads Federation.

Consultation with industry is continuing to ensure the appropriate priority areas for drivers are identified for forward works planning.

If the trial is successful, HVS will implement the new signage for all Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) in Western Australia

Australia’s fuel reserves boosted to strengthen resilience and supply

The Australian Government say they are ensuring the nation has a reliable and available stockpile of fuel to protect consumers from major disruptions to supply.

The guaranteed minimum stock levels of transport fuels will improve domestic fuel reserves. This will protect motorists, businesses and industries from future market turmoil and the crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

From 1 July 2023, the Minimum

Stockholding Obligation will require Australia’s two refineries, and our major importers of refined fuels, to hold baseline stocks of:

• petrol; 24 days, increasing to 27 days in 2024 for importers

• diesel fuel; 20 days, increasing to 32 in 2024 for importers

• jet fuel; 24 days, increasing to 27 days in 2024 for importers.

Refiners and importers will be required to report stock levels fortnightly, then weekly from 1 July 2024.

Construction begins on WA EV Network

locations on Western Australia's main electricity grid, the South West Interconnected System, throughout 2023.

The contract for the installation of the standard and fast chargers will be awarded to several local WA companies over the duration of the project.

The WA EV Network will stretch from Kununurra in the north, to Esperance in the south and east to Eucla. The $20 million project extends more than 6,600 kilometres with 98 chargers across 49 locations.

Did you get your Director ID?

Were you one of the many thousands who only became aware close to the deadline that ‘you’ were required to get a Director ID number by November 30th 2022?

Under the Corporations Act 2001, individuals who failed to apply for a Director ID when directed by the Registrar face a maximum criminal penalty of $13,200, with civil penalties extending all the way to $1.1 million.

Some 700,000 company directors within Australia were yet to secure a Director ID number as of November 30, the ABRS declared it would not enforce compliance measures against directors who applied before December 14, 2022.

Given the ABRS’ promise of a “reasonable” approach to compliance, and the high likelihood that thousands of directors will miss the deadline, Oliver Jankowsky, partner and head of international practice at Hall and Wilcox, says it is unlikely regulators would immediately penalise business leaders.

“I think there will be a progressive increase of pressure,” Jankowsky told SmartCompany.

Australian regulators may be more inclined to pursue criminal penalties over missing Director IDs when company directors are also accused of more significant breaches like insolvent trading, Jankowsky added.

If a director is “being pursued by the regulator for the breach of the director’s duties, and then it’s discovered they also didn’t have a [Director ID number], they’ll also then be prosecuted for that,” he said.

Construction started in December 2022 on the world's longest electric vehicle highway, with the town of Kalbarri being the first location to receive a charger on the WA EV Network. Northampton and Geraldton were next to follow.

The sites are expected to be operational early 2023 with works on the remaining

The EV Network is part of the State Government's Electric Vehicle Action Plan.

Energy Minister Bill Johnston said, "There will be no more than 200 kilometres between each charger, reducing range anxiety and allowing electric vehicle owners to explore our amazing State. To view the Electric Vehicle Action Plan, visit www.wa.gov.au

However, some company directors have criticised the ATO and ABRS for not informing business leaders of their obligations by mail in the first place, a decision they say left them in the dark about their Director ID obligations until the last minute.

The ATO has defended its decision not to post Director ID alerts.

“A bulk mail out would have been a very costly and inefficient mechanism to use in the first instance,” an ATO representative said.

Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

Transport Safety Event February 2023

There has been a rise in the number of road transport industry accidents and near misses (anecdotal).

The investigations depending on the incident could be conducted by the Police, Worksafe, WA Regulator (HVS) or internally by the company.

However, what did they find? Are there common trends or issues; are there things we should know as an industry in order to

Women breaking the statistics to become truck drivers in WA

avoid such things happening again?

How can we improve if we do not learn from our incidents or accidents as an industry?

To address this issue, Western Roads Federation (WRF) are finalising details for an industry event in February 2023 at which each of the investigative authorities and our industry will come together to work out:

* How can lessons learnt be shared?

* What are the barriers to sharing information and how do we remove them?

* Agree a key point action plan to make it happen.

WA Business News

The industry round table hosted by Business News and WRF led to a 8 page article on supply chain and logistics issues impacting the state in this fortnight’s edition.

Assessment and licencing costs are $500 for concession students and up to $1,250 for non-concession students.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said, "This program provides participants with real hands-on experience and practical hours in heavy haulage to help them become job-ready, and get more skilled drivers on our roads.

"It's also great to see such a high number of women taking part and those delivering the course supporting more women into an occupation that has traditionally had very low numbers of them."

The WA State Government's $6.1 million Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set has hit a key milestone, with more than 230 Western Australians now employed following the completion of the program.

Developed in collaboration with industry and in response to the truck driver shortage emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australianfirst program provides theoretical and practical hands-on truck driver training at the state-of-the-art Driver Risk Management facility located near Perth Airport.

The program aims to train 500 new workers in Heavy Rigid (HR) licences and upskill 500 existing workers from HR licences to Heavy Combination and/or Multi-Combination licences, to combat skills shortages and support the transport and logistics industry.

Since the program began in April 2021, 232 graduates of the program have gained employment following their completion, with more set to secure employment in the transport and logistics industry this month as they receive their licences.

Significantly, around 30 per cent of participants in the course have been women, when compared to female representation among truck drivers in WA being of less than four per cent.

The six-week metropolitan course is available through Central Regional and South Regional TAFEs - in collaboration with industry - and is free for eligible participants.

Due to the critical program's success, the course has been expanded to regional areas with a 10-week program now running in the South-West.

Free for eligible students, the Practical Driving Instruction Training and

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "Western Roads Federation and the Transport Workers' Union approached the Premier, the Minister for Education and Training, and myself in 2020 asking us to create a dedicated training course for truck drivers, and it's fantastic to see that this program is exceeding expectations.

Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny said, "This program has provided a much-needed boost to the transport industry and we're incredibly grateful for the WA Government's support of our essential industrybecause the only thing we don't deliver are babies.

"We're seeing a strong interest from women wanting to join the industry and the trend is very welcome news, as so many employers are keen to employ more female drivers because of the different skills and positive attributes they bring."

For more information, visit www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/courses/ heavy-vehicle-driving-operations-skill-set or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64.

Aside from having me on the front cover, the most important thing is it demonstrated that our industry can actually play a leading role in the State’s economic discussions.

That leadership comes from showing how issues that impact us, impact every sector of the economy. So, our issues are not just our problem they are every WA business sectors problem.

Do that and we start to generate real industry influence.

Local Government's on the Band Wagon Again

It's Christmas as I am writing this and some Local Governments are on the wagon again pushing for the Transport Industry to pay more for roads.

Facts:

* The Transport Industry already pays $Billions in Fuel Excise to the Federal Government for Roads but basically doesn’t own any roads, and;

* The WA Transport Industry pays a high vehicle registration fees, contributing $ hundreds of millions to the State Government who only has 12% of the state roads.

The problem is that the Feds and State collect the $ from Transport but its Local Government that has responsibility to maintain over 85% of our state’s roads.

Local Government needs to stop trying to pick fights with the Transport Industry as we serve their local communities and businesses AND instead grow a set and take up the fight for fair funding with the Feds and State.

PS: Many extractive industries already pay levies and/ or royalties so that's more money being paid out for the theoretical road maintenance by local Governments.

PPS: Finally, they should also try building the roads properly in the first place.

Workforce Strategy

The ATA General Council supported the proposal put forward by Western Roads Federation that we need a Transport Industry Workforce strategy.

Driver Apprenticeship

While the establishment of an apprenticeship will not solve all the current supply chain workforce challenges facing the road transport sector, Western Roads firmly upholds that an apprenticeship for the heavy vehicle driver occupation represents one critical step towards professionalising and attracting new entrants into the industry. Yes, there are issues and yes it won't suit everyone BUT you have to start somewhere.

Hope you all had a great Christmas and Happy New Year.

Cam Dumesny CEO

Western Australian Transport Industry Association Inc. trading as Western Roads Federation

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

They should also try building the roads properly in the first place

The elephant in the room

Hardly a day goes by these days without someone in our industry complaining about a near miss or an incident on the road caused by a perceived lack of driver competence.

This is partly the reason given by companies that are withdrawing from work

WA council calls for Heavy Haulage Road Tax to compensate for damage

Agroup of South West Regional Councils are going to lobby the WA Local Government Association to update its guidance on the levy, which would mean Councils could charge extractive industries more for road maintenance –specifically, trucks from mining and logging industries.

The Capel Shire raised the issue and President Doug Kitchen told ABC South West WA the levy had not been updated for years.

“The price index has not kept up with the reality of road maintenance cost increases,” he said.

“The Shire of Capel has advocated for

that requires travel on some of the main freight routes such as the Great Eastern Highway - road condition being the other reason.

It is true that our peers are our worst critics and there is no shortage of gratuitous advice in the world of transport,

but it must be said that something is not right about the licensing regime if it allows drivers on the road behind the wheel of any kind of heavy vehicle if they are not fully competent. We even have apps that coach drivers on fatigue, load restraint, coupling and uncoupling whilst they are on the road.

the South West local government zone to have that reviewed and updated so local governments can have a fairer return on those maintenance upkeep costs.

“We’d like to see an improvement so there's less of a direct impact on ratepayers in the district to look after those roads and more of that onus is put back on the extractive industry while it's operating.”

Craig Carbone runs a heavy haulage company in WA’s South West and said trucking companies already paid a road levy for each of their extraction licences.

He told ABC South West WA, "We pay a levy now and we think it's fair and equitable.

“Obviously this is just another money grab.

Mr Carbone, a Shire of Harvey councillor, said local governments received funding from the state and Commonwealth to pay for road maintenance.

“They [Shire of Capel] need to get their act together and go back to their State and Federal politicians and get the funding from

where it should come from” he said.

Shire of Nannup President Tony Dean told ABC South West the council attempted to impose extra rates on heavy logging trucks about ten years ago.

“It was a little bit messy, it was too widespread, we abandoned that,” he said.

This year the Shire of Nannup came across the issue again and placed a differential rate on the blue gum plantation industry.

“We’ve raised some money,” Mr Dean said.

“It goes a long way in covering the difference between what we collect in rates and what we actually spend on our road system.”

He said while it was an extra cost, the road transport industry would also benefit from improved roads.

“We’ve found a way in the Shire of Nannup to get that money so that we can put it back in to the roads,” Mr Dean said.

“So we can improve the life of not only the haulers, but the people who live on those roads as well.”

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

Seems to be a classic case of putting the cart before the horse.

At the outset I want to stress that these comments are not directed at any particular race. I know that will be the first claim. These comments apply to any driver regardless of where they were born. As an industry we desperately need drivers from countries with similar transport regimes to our own. Ironically, we have examples of competent international drivers being unable to obtain MC licences within a reasonable period of time because of an inflexible system and at the same time we have a perverse situation where some drivers are on the road who most of us think should not be.

Is it too much to ask that our drivers understand the culture on the road, have driving skills that go beyond steering a vehicle and can communicate competently with other drivers and authorities?

This problem has been building for some time and has gradually worsened along with the driver shortage as people who would not have been employed in the past, are now seen as the only option – the option of last resort and perhaps even a cheaper option. It is also not just a problem experienced in Western Australia, as the same issue is mentioned in national meetings, with the same level of frustration being expressed.

There is a pressing moral dilemma

here. How can we as industry leaders and government allow this situation to continue simply because there is a fear of public backlash. We all must accept a level of responsibility for every incident, near miss or serious accident that is due to an incompetent driver because we all know what the problem is and yet seem unable to deal with it.

It is true that governments are the only ones who can confront this issue headon, but they need to know they have the support of industry when they do. I for one am happy to line up beside them when, and if, that day comes.

The recent national review of the heavy vehicle driver competency framework has made a number of recommendations with regard to competencies and supervision of training bodies. Not all those recommendations will make the difference we are seeking and that is a discussion for another time, however there is a recognition that the driver training regime and subsequent licensing, needs reform.

Be that as it may, we have the ability at our disposal now to intervene and make sure that only competent drivers are on the road. Unfortunately the urgency of this issue is not being grasped. It would be a tragic outcome if the only way it is brought to a head is through the legal system with a bereaved family pressing the point.

Before the Challenger space shuttle blew

up 37 years ago, engineers were pleading with NASA to delay the launch because they knew the rubber seals on the booster rockets would not seal in the temperatures during the launch. NASA ignored the pleas. All seven crew were killed in the disaster. The lead engineer lived with the guilt his entire life taking responsibility for the loss of life.

We know there is a problem on our roads with incompetent heavy vehicle drivers and we need to avoid a Challenger disaster of our own making.

Livestock Associations respond to proposals to change Horse Transport standards

The ALRTA has lodged a submission in response to a consultation regulation impact statement proposing changes to horse transport standards. The proposals were recently considered by their National Driver and Animal Welfare Committee.

ALRTA’s submission is supportive of targeted changes to the horse standards. This will mean new legislation and new or modified rules specified in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines –Land Transport of Livestock 2012 as it applies to horses.

Specifically, the ALRTA support new standards requiring:

• a written record of last access to water;

• a transporter to manage welfare risks and take corrective actions due to heat stress;

• horses with poor body conditions score (0 or 1) not to be transported without vet advice;

• foals with unhealed umbilical stumps not to be transported except to foster mares;

• transporters to ensure horses have sufficient space to maintain a comfortable standing position and balance (instead of adhering to loading density tables);

• a prohibition on transporting horses in multi-deck trailers (except where only the lower deck is used and there is sufficient vertical clearance);

• a prohibition on transporting mixed loads of handled and unhandled horses; and

• removal of hind shoes where horses are travelling to slaughter.

The ALRTA has strongly opposed a

proposal to move from a 24 hour time off water limit to a 12 hour journey time limit. This proposal is inconsistent with standards for all other species and introduces unacceptable operational / regulatory risks. They have however supported a reduction in the time off water limit to 15 hours to align with BFM fatigue rules.

In Western Australia, the LRTAWA will be talking directly with Horse Transporters in our state to find out their thoughts on the proposed changes – in order to lobby for them. If you would like to be involved, please email Chief Executive Officer Jan Cooper at jan@lrtawa.org.au with your contact details.

A decision regulatory impact statement on the refined proposal is expected to be released in 2023.

It must be said that something is not right about the licensing regime if it allows drivers on the road behind the wheel of any kind of heavy vehicle if they are not fully competent

WA holds half of the Lithium global market

There has been an increased demand for Western Australia's spodumene concentrate. The Greenbushes deposit is recognised as containing the highest grade, is one of the largest hard rock deposits of spodumene in the world and output accounts for approximately 22 per cent of the global lithium market.

Greenbushes Lithium Operation has experienced an increase in global demand, driving record production - resulting in an uplift of 190 new jobs in the past year - and bringing the local operations workforce to over 900.

In the September 2022 quarter, Greenbushes achieved record production of 361,227 tonnes of spodumene concentrate - an increase of seven per cent from the June 2022 quarter.

Spodumene concentrate - from which lithium is derived - is used globally to manufacture various products, including

lithium-ion batteries used to power green energy technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs).

The Greenbushes Lithium Operation is a significant local employer recruiting people who predominantly live in and around the local communities of: Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Donnybrook, Nannup, Boyup Brook, Manjimup, Balingup, Mullalyup, and Kirup, which helps support regional towns in the Warren-Blackwood region, and continues to employ in line with its growing production demands.

WA is the largest lithium supplier in the world, accounting for 52 per cent of global supply in 2021, and accounted for 100 per cent of Australia's lithium production in 2021.

Greenbushes alone contributed 50 per cent of the 267,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalents mined in Australia in 2021.

Construction is underway, and further

plans are in place - which are subject to State approvals - to expand the existing mine, increasing its production capacity by approximately a further 50 per cent, and maintain a production life of more than 20 years, and is estimated to support an additional 680 permanent jobs over the next five years - in addition to the 450-550 construction jobs which will be created.

Expanding the Greenbushes mine will help increase the State's participation in global battery and critical mineral supply chains, and job-creating manufacturing opportunities.

WA has begun producing lithium hydroxide and is expected to start exporting it later in 2022, with the newly built Kwinana and Kemerton processing plants each having capacity to produce around 25,000 and 50,000 tonnes respectively of lithium hydroxide a year, supplied by lithium concentrate from the Greenbushes mine.

Additional trains are also being built at these plants which will double their production capacities, and the expansion of the Greenbushes mine will provide the feedstock needed to grow these two separate facilities.

The Greenbushes mine supplies lithium feedstock to Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia's lithium hydroxide facility in Kwinana - which supports 250 operational jobs, and a further 650 construction and operational jobs to be created for train 2.

The Albemarle Corporation-operated lithium hydroxide plant in Kemerton near Bunbury also receives lithium feedstock, currently supporting 470 operational jobs, with an additional 1,300 construction and operational jobs to be created with the expansion to trains 3 and 4.

Talison Lithium is a joint venture (JV) arrangement owned by Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia (a Tianqi Lithium Corporation / IGO Limited JV) and the Albemarle Corporation.

How transport stacked up in the Working Capital Report

Leading restructuring and advisory firm McGrathNicol has launched the tenth edition of its Working Capital Report, which recorded the largest deterioration in working capital performance since the report’s inception.

The research, which surveyed 139 ASX-listed companies across seven capital-intensive sectors (with a combined market capitalisation of $1

trillion) found that average working capital cycles lengthened by 5.3 days in 2022.

Their findings for the Transport and Logistics sector were a significant growth in 2022, with sampled companies increasing revenues by 23%, though 82% of firms reporting reduced margins.

The Transport and Logistics sector also experienced a small reduction in day’s working capital, giving it the shortest net working capital cycle of all sectors.

Approximately 75% of operators that were able to lower their DWC did so by collecting from their customers more quickly, though 73% also paid their suppliers faster.

For 2023, McGrathNicol predict that while international headwinds are easing, the domestic market is likely to still suffer supply side constraints, including driver shortages and increasing fuels costs.

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

COWBOYS IN THE INDUSTRY

Cowboys are the scourge of every industry but are particularly bad within the Transport Industry. They are a physical danger to themselves and everyone else on the road but are a real financial concern as they cut rates to the bone, run heavy, wide, unlicensed and unpermitted.

For the customers who unknowingly have their freight on these trucks there is no comeback. If there is an accident –worse still if they cause damage, injury or death to others then there is no insurance cover – that is if they even had insurance in the first place.

From time to time we hear of some of these incidents. Some incidents you would classify as simple – excess weight/excess size which (if caught) are subject to a fine and sometimes a grounding order until the issue is rectified and brought back into the legal limit.

But sometimes the extent of the breaches blows the mind of even the more experienced operators.

Late afternoon on 11th October, Police from the South Australian Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit stopped two road trains near Oodla Wirra when they noticed that the trailers weren’t displaying.

Officers then conducted inspections

on the trucks and trailers only to find that the speed limiters on the trucks had been removed, ‘none’ of the trailers or dollies were registered or had number plates attached and there were no permits in place allowing them to be used on the road or in combination– but this was just the start of their problems.

The Officers then turned their attention to the drivers who were both from Western Australia – aged 56 and 58 (so no chance of pleading youth and inexperience). Both drivers were drug tested and both returned a positive methamphetamine result.

Neither driver was operating a log

book or work diary and from what little paperwork the officers could locate they found that both drivers had exceeded the maximum permitted work limits in the previous seven days.

So we have two drivers, under the influence of drugs, driving unlicensed vehicles, at speed and overtired due to excess working hours – so very lucky for everyone that they weren’t involved in an accident.

So how the hell does this happen? OK, the drivers may not know whether the vehicle registration is up to date, but they would certainly notice that there were no number plates and this might give a bloody big hint. They would also be more than aware that the speed limiters were disabled and that they were working excess hours. The employer would also have been aware that these guys were running illegally. Chain of Responsibility makes then just as liable as the drivers.

The sad thing is that although caught, prosecuted and fined, the company can just close the doors and wipe the debt. They can restart the next day under a new name, with all the same owners and equipment and have a fresh start. Until provisions are made to prevent this from happening we will all continue to suffer due to these cowboys in the industry.

So we have two drivers, under the influence of drugs, driving unlicensed vehicles, at speed and overtired due to excess working hours – so very lucky for everyone that they weren’t involved in an accident

The impact of the fuel excise on business and what can be done to alleviate costs

By Matthew Arthur | Vice President - Fleet, WEX Asia Pacific

As countries globally grappled with the cost-of-living crisis, brought on in large parts by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflict in Europe, businesses and consumers have had to rethink how and what they spend their money on. This has led to Governments both locally and abroad implementing tax relief to offset some of the costs people have been facing.

In March 2022, the Australian government acted by announcing a temporary, six-month tax cut to lower fuel prices. However, with the excise expiring in October and full taxes on fuel being reapplied, there’s no clear end in sight for business owners when it comes to rising fuel costs. For businesses, particularly those who operate fleets, the financial burden could prove significant. This has led them to examine what can be done to ease the associated costs.

Whether it’s a small business with a handful of vehicles or a large operation with hundreds or thousands in their fleet, the decisions they make now could have a profound impact on their bottom line.

As WEX’s new Vice President for fleet business across the Asia Pacific region I understand that the rising cost of vehicle ownership, unpredictable fuel prices and emerging technologies means fleet customers need solutions now more than ever to help them simplify their operations.

A flexible approach to fuel price management is key

One important step is to incorporate flexibility into operating models because so much of what affects fuel prices is outside of a business’ control. This will allow organanisations to quickly adapt as gas prices rise and fall, natural disasters strike, or pandemics hit.

And it is innovation and the adoption of technological tools that are at the heart of this flexibility. ACCC research, for example, encouraged customers to shop around and continue to look at information about price cycles in capital cities and consult fuel price apps and websites to compare petrol prices. The ACCC’s analysis shows that motorists should adopt a flexible approach to fuel suppliers using the real time data available from these apps to ensure getting the best deal possible. These apps can not only save individuals money but also businesses operating fleets.

The WEX Motorpass Driver App, for example, allows fleet vehicle drivers and employees in sectors including construction, retail, manufacturing, and transport to find the best fuel prices closest to them - in realtime and at the touch of a button.

The case for EVs

With fuel prices set to remain considerably lofty, companies operating fleets would do well to consider a model of adopting

electric vehicles – running mixed fleets to begin with and having a long-term goal of going fully electrical. This trend is already beginning to take shape. In fact, worldwide, electric vehicles (EVs) are in higher demand than ever before. In May 2022 it was reported that 52% of consumers worldwide seek out EVs, according to the latest EV Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), a spike from 30% just two years ago.

Moving forward as an industry Transitioning to an EV fleet isn’t an overnight fix. The shift from pumping traditional fuel to charging an electric vehicle requires a new type of tracking: one that allows fleet managers to account for charging costs from various public and private chargers. Solutions are in place today that allow businesses to pay for public charging and technologies are evolving to offer a seamless experience for the management of mixed fleets.

It is important that businesses source the right technologies and find innovative ways to monitor and reduce their gasoline expenses. This includes apps that allow drivers to find the cheapest fuel closest to them and tools and resources that allow for the most effective and efficient path to EV adoption.

Innovation in fleet management technology and shifts towards a more sustainable are well underway, and there’s a lot to be excited about.

Heavy vehicle rest areas initiativeExpressions of interest opened for drivers

The Federal Government’s first Budget delivered an additional $80 million for new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas across the country, bringing dedicated heavy vehicle rest area funding up to $140 million over 10 years.

Heavy vehicle drivers in Australia deserve access to the facilities they need when they need them, just like every other worker.

A steering committee will be established to guide the process and give truckies a voice in shaping the projects which are funded through this initiative.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, is thrilled to announce Senator Glenn Sterle as the Chair of the committee.

The committee will share strategic advice and set priorities for heavy vehicle rest area projects, as truck drivers themselves know more than most about the missing gaps in our rest area network.

Senator Sterle bought his first truck at 20, after spending time as a furniture removalist offsider during the school holidays. Senator Sterle then spent 12 years

Woodside Delivers North West Shelf LNG to Europe

Woodside Energy has shipped an LNG cargo to Europe on board the Woodside Rees Withers from Australia’s North West Shelf and delivered it to Uniper Global Commodities SE.

The cargo of approximately 75,000 tonnes of LNG (100 million cubic meters of natural gas) was delivered on 27 November 2022 to the Gate Terminal located on Maasvlakte in Rotterdam, and will contribute to natural gas supply in Northwest and Central Europe.

Uniper’s Director LNG Andreas Gemballa said, “We continue to work on securing the much needed gas supply into Europe from reliable sources like Australia and thus helping to strengthen security of supply during the ongoing crisis triggered by the Russian war.

driving road trains between Perth and Darwin.

Senator Sterle is well known around Parliament for delivering the very chairs he now sits in while representing the people of Western Australia in the Senate.

The selection of Senator Sterle as the Chair is a fantastic first step in delivering this $140 million package.

Senator Sterle will be joined on the committee by five long-haul truck drivers and four representatives from industry organisations.

The drivers will be selected through an expression of interest process.

The Government are looking for drivers with long-haul experience and who know what drivers need. Anyone with an interest in rest areas and a desire to improve conditions for themselves and fellow drivers is encouraged to complete an expression of interest.

Funding for the package will be delivered through the existing Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program. Interested long-haul drivers can express their interest via: HVSPP-eoi.docx (live.com).

South Korean drivers strike over minimum rates

5000 South Korean truck drivers refused to return to work and called on their government to make permanent a minimum freight rate system for shipping containers and cement that was due to expire at the end of 2022.

Drivers are also demanded that the minimum rates system be expanded to include oil and chemical tankers, steel and automobile carriers and package delivery trucks.

Their government offered to temporarily extend the current system for three years and issued a return-to-work order for cement drivers - a breach of which can result in three years jail or a fine of $34,000.

The Australian Federal Government has committed to reintroducing minimum freight rates and conditions for owner-drivers in Australia.

Managing the risks when

noncompliant heavy vehicle arrives at your premises

Whilst this information is relative to the NHVR, it is something that all of industry deals with and in order to protect your business – a procedure and good communication between all parties must be established.

So what do the NHVR suggest you do if a non-compliant heavy vehicle arrives at your premises?

They actually say a lot about what not to do saying, “Turning a truck away does not absolve your responsibilities as a CoR party and could be a breach of your primary duty obligations. Refusing entry to a non-compliant heavy vehicle, without good reason, could potentially increase the risk of danger to the public and other road users, damage to infrastructure, and contamination of the environment.

The NHVR’s latest Regulatory Advice tackles this complicated issue, taking a look at how to determine what to do

when a non-compliant vehicle arrives at your premises, how to manage the risks associated with non-compliant heavy vehicles arriving at premise and obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

The NHVR say, “Your business can contribute to improved safety in the industry by developing your own procedures for dealing with non-compliant vehicles, discussing these procedures with your business partners, and implementing them at your premises. This regulatory advice will help you navigate your way through this.

To view managing the risks associated with non-compliant heavy vehicles visit: www. nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/ chain-of-responsibility/regulatory-advice/ managing-the-risks-associated-with-noncompliant-heavy-vehicles-arriving-atpremises

a

100 MILE CLUB

By Kevin Toovey

The HCVC recently accepted an invitation to the Cunderdin 100 Mile Club event and we were advertised as ‘special guests’ on their promotional flyer

Before any of you get the wrong idea, the name 100 Mile club is derived from the distance from Perth - so not too far to drive.

We were all offered free camping overnight on the oval where the event was held, a big grassed area where we had access to both toilets and showers. In the evening a roast dinner was available for exhibitors and spectators and live music could be enjoyed long past the bedtime of most of our members.

It didn't stop there as breakfast was served in the morning to make sure that everybody hit the road on a full stomach. Thanks to the Cunderdin 100 mile club for a great weekend away.

We had nine of our members bring their vehicles, a few more came along for a look. There is a bit of an overlap of interest between the clubs as quite often the hotrods are based on an old vintage trucks or cars with a few modifications, some more than others.

The use of the bright colour can sometimes distinguish the hot road, the missing bonnet and the chromed pipes taking its place is another. You can see the passion in all of them. Over 70 vehicles and 500 spectators came along for the event and it was definitely worth the 100 mile drive out there.

Over to you

The well-known Cunderdin "Ettamogah Pub"

Garry West's Ford in a John Deere colour scheme

Ford rear view

Dave Lindsay's Ford F 500

(laft and right) Classic cars and caravans

GT Falcon from the 70s

Terry Bates Buick and Colin Blackburn’s Dodge

HCVC members' trucks

This image, above and above right: All Fords on show

Chevrolet with BIGNBAD numberplate

Custom Junkyard Rat

Colin Blackburn's TEA 20 Massey Ferguson with Ford V8 and dual wheels in front of Rod Boyd's Fiat

Straight from the Lake Perkolilli racetrack Ford with flames

This Chevrolet was the cars original colour. There is no clear coat, the owner only used beeswax on it to preserve the finish. The interior and chrome work was fully restored and it looked great

Kevin Lockyer brought the Inter and the 1970s caravan along

Studebaker Ute

Loading up the Dodge Power Wagon Classic Valiant Ute

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

1997

The important topics as seen by President Viv Hall at the Annual General Meeting of August 21 at the Association offices were: Industrial relations; Road Transport Forum; National Road Transport Commission; Driver fatigue management; High Court decision.

Mr D J Ford spoke of the changing membership structure of the Association, saying that there was a decline in freight membership while school bus members had increased in recent years. He asked that staff resources be addressed concerning time allocation between the two divisions.

1998

At the Annual General Meeting on August 21, President Viv Hall mentioned the following important topics: Industrial relations; Trucksafe promotion; Mercedes Benz Bus/Coach Driver awards; School bus review; Road Transport Forum; NRTC.

Mr Viv Hall, in chairing the WA Branch of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation meeting on October 29, stated the poor service levels being experienced at Patrick Stevedores by members, a situation the Association was attempting to remedy. He noted that the TWU also involved itself in the issue.

Two public meetings were held, in Denmark and Albany — as they were elsewhere in the State —to discuss the major implication of proposals and recommendations raised in the recently released review of school bus transport in WA. The committee highlighted five major areas of concern — safety, choice, cost, equality of educational opportunity in rural WA and viability of education in rural areas. It came after a reform package was aired by the Government, which in part, recommended charging fares to students attending schools of their choice more than 4.5km from home. There were claims that the review was “discriminatory, unfair and devious in its timing”.

1999

The National Director of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation, Mark Carter, addressed a packed meeting of WARTA’s Freight Division on January 20, explaining the main features of the new Transport Workers’ Award 1998.

Association representatives Viv Hall, Ian Thomson and Alan Layton successfully met with Minister for Transport Murray Criddle on January 28 to gain his support on two key issues: Not support the increase in vehicle registration charges being proposed by the National Road Transport Commission and the Hampton Rd,

Fremantle issue. Fremantle City Council was contemplating trafficcalming the road, making it inaccessible to trucks. He had advised the council that it should not progress with the traffic calming until the Eastern Bypass was available to the transport industry. Viv Hall, Dick Sudlow and Alan Layton also met Fremantle Mayor Richard Utting on February 23. WARTA representatives told the Mayor that Stock Road was not the answer and that the industry needed the bypass before the traffic calming occurred. The trio then met with Minister Criddle again on March 25 and he gave the assurance that that the bypass would be built, but “it was a matter of when”. The April Road Runner stated that the Association would go to the media to try and “flush out” supporters of the bypass who had remained “relatively silent” on the issue. Alan Layton said the issue was “too important to be decided by “sensitive, new-age cowpersons”.

The “Road Runner” was published in February for what could have been the first time (Ed: Copies are kept by the Battye Library for February 1999 until April 2000). The title was “Road Runner Incorporating Owner Drivers News” — a monthly newsletter of the WA Road Transport Association, Owner Drivers’ Association and School Bus Division.

From the February Road Runner: “Association President Viv Hall and Executive Director Alan Layton have met with John Baguley to discuss the problems members are experiencing at his Fremantle container park. Members are experiencing delays up to 90 minutes and trucks are having to queue dangerously on Tydeman Rd. John Baguley took a most constructive approach at the meeting and is resolved to work with the Association to solve the problem.”

Tina Murtha started with the Association on February 1 with duties to provide membership and administrative support with an initial task of getting the database up to scratch.

Alan Layton said the issue was “too important to be decided by “sensitive, new-age cowpersons

We are looking for a person who would like to work their own hours from home talking to our ‘long established client base’ to secure sales.

If you like communicating with people, the WA Transport Industry is full of genuine people who will benefit from the magazine.

If you have never done anything like this before, all you need is computer, basic computer literacy (email, word etc) and the want to talk to people.

If you, or any of your friends are interested, please contact Karen Maree Kaye at karen@angrychicken.com.au

Behind the people who keep Australia moving

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

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