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Industry election platform
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Linfox launches first electric truck for Coles
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ustralian supply chain leader Linfox Logistics has introduced the first electric truck for iconic Australian retailer, Coles. The electric vehicle is an important step towards Linfox and Coles’ shared sustainability goals, highlighted by Linfox’s ‘Act Sustainably’ strategic promise, along with Coles’ ‘Together to Zero’ strategy. The Fuso eCanter is servicing several Coles stores in New South Wales. Based on anticipated usage, at least 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e) will be avoided annually with this vehicle compared to the same size Euro 6 diesel powered truck. The emission-free Fuso eCanter is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity. “As a leading logistics provider that has traditionally relied on fossil fuels to transport goods, Linfox has made a commitment to find alternative sources of energy to power our customers’ supply chains,” said Executive Chairman Linfox Pty Ltd, Peter Fox. “Working in partnership with a trusted Australian retailer such as Coles, that connects customers with products from thousands of farmers and suppliers, is where the switch to electric vehicles can make the biggest difference.” David Clark, Coles Head of Transport Safety and Sustainability – Supply Chain, said Coles sought supplier partners who aligned with its sustainability values, and noted Linfox was a natural fit for the electric truck project. “We are proud to be working with Linfox Logistics to deliver Coles’ first electric truck. We are excited to see how 12
WATM • June 2022
electric truck technology evolves and are eager to continue working with Linfox to discover ways to reduce emissions in our supply chain through alternate fuel technologies.” As a major supply chain partner, Linfox will use findings from this trial and its other electric vehicle trials to better understand how further scalable solutions can be integrated across the distribution network in Australia to keep Coles stores stocked with essential goods in a sustainable way. 2 Linfox now has six electric vehicles in operation for major customers.
efore the election, both the ATA and ALRTA provided the government and opposition with position statements on key issues. The ATA was seeking a 25 percent reduction in truck crashes annually with several goals including: • the Australian Government funding and operating all major freight roads; • a ten year, $5 billion truck roads and rest area program, so truck drivers always have a safe place to stop; • continued full expensing for trucks and trailers to increase the use of newer and safer trucks; • air crash style investigations of truck crashes where there are lessons to be learned; and • a dramatic improvement for the road access system. The ALRTA has additionally sought: • a commitment to model a rural transport management deposit scheme; • specific funding for roadside livestock effluent disposal infrastructure; • faster roll-out of low-cost safety measures such as rumble strips, green reflectors, wider medians and improved road shoulders; and • bi-partisan funding commitment to national building road infrastructure investments such as The Outback Way and Inland Freight Route.
Construction begins on new rare earths plant in Western Australia
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ines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston attended a sod turning ceremony today to mark the beginning of construction at Lynas’ Rare Earths Processing Facility in Kalgoorlie. Lynas will process rare earth concentrate from its Mt Weld mine, which is one of the world's highest-grade rare earths deposits and the largest outside of China. The new facility will create 290 construction jobs and up to 128 operational jobs. The project supports the State Government's vision to grow the State's battery and critical minerals sector. The Future Battery and Critical Minerals Industries Strategy is helping to boost exports, increase investment, diversify the economy and create thousands of high-quality, wellpaid jobs for Western Australians. Lynas Rare Earths has committed to
supporting the local economy during the construction phase, using local trades and purchasing building materials from nearby suppliers. The Mt Weld mine accounted for around 10 per cent of global production in 2021. Minister Johnston said, “This is an exciting moment for Kalgoorlie and the Western Australian economy, as we take an important step in diversifying our economy and creating new jobs. “Western Australia is in a prime position to establish our place at the centre of the global critical minerals supply chain for generations to come. “The McGowan Government and Lynas Rare Earths have worked with local contractors and workers to bring this vision to fruition for the benefit of our State and to benefit communities in the Goldfields.”
