WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - APRIL 2022 EDITION

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193

100007516 May 2022 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine Page 4

BALDY –

LOSS OF A LOVEABLE LARRIKIN WHO DID IT HIS WAY Syd Matthews sadly passed away on the 17th March and was laid to rest in Kojonup. As the blue and yellow balloons were released to the sky accompanied by the West Coast Eagles theme song, we were left to lament the early loss of one of life’s characters, who gave an enormous amount to the transport industry.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Image for illustration purposes only

Transport could be an election issue Fuel Levy or increase rates?

Overhead damage to infrastructure Tow Truck industry to be reformed WATM • May 2022

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Tel: 138 486 Fax: 9475 8455 Email: hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au www.mainroads.wa.gov.au 3 WATM • October 2021

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he 2022-23 Federal Budget was announced by the Morrison-Joyce Government on Tuesday the 29th of March, ahead of the usual ‘First Tuesday of May’ deadline.

As is convention, the long-awaited ledger was presented to Parliament and the media by current Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

Frydenberg was gleeful and supercilious as he outlined the extensive projects the Coalition had planned for the upcoming year.

However, if you take a closer look at the Government’s carefully curated piece of propaganda, you’ll find that the credibility of their promises are as weightless as the very pieces of paper they are printed on.

In the past decade that the Liberal-National Coalition has been in Government, at every Budget release Australians have been promised that wage growth is ‘just around the corner.’

However once again, the Wage Price Index remains bogged down at 1.4%, while inflation hits record highs upwards of 3.5%, resulting in a real wage cut.

Instead of directly addressing the issue, the Coalition Government instead offers ‘one-off’ payments of $250 or $420 for concession card holders and low–middle income earners.

When the average worker is losing the equivalent of $800 in real wages, these halfway attempts at consolation are insubstantial and inadequate.

To make matters worse, in addition to ignoring the crushing weight of the increasing cost of living that burdens millions of Australians, the Government continues to put money in the pockets of the wealthy.

Bank CEOs, politicians and mining moguls will receive tax cuts of $9,075, on top of their already inexhaustible seven-figure salaries.

Meanwhile, supply chain and transport workers continue to face the challenge of increasing prices across the board, and struggle

The Morrison-Joyce Government ignores transport and supply chain workers in the 2022-23 Budget

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

to put food on the table.

The out-of-touch bureaucrats are oblivious to this struggle, as senior Members of Parliament such as Josh Frydenberg himself are entitled to nearly $300 per day for travel and meal allowance.

In 2021 when TWU members walked off the job at major transport companies, they did so with job security in mind. The tenacity of the workforce secured provisions in their agreements that would lock in a reliable job for thousands of transport workers. But the workers also won wages that keep up with the cost of living – locking in CPI increases in their pay packets that couldn’t have come at a better time. This would not have been made possible without the TWU and without workers getting organised at their workplaces to demand the conditions they deserve.

The TWU has also successfully lobbied the State Government for upgrades to truck stops, rest areas and amenities on WA roads winning close to $20 million in the 21/22 budget and a further $36 million in the 22/23 budget. These upgrades include construction of ablution facilities in regional locations on key freight routes and sealing of parking areas for long haul truck drivers.

Anthony Albanese recently announced an

$80 million budget allocation for upgrades and construction of fit for purpose truck bays Australia-wide. An initiative that only an Albanese Labor Federal Government will come good on.

Yet, in the release of the current Federal Government’s 2022-23 Federal Budget, transport workers go unnoticed.

Further, in August 2021, Senator Glenn Sterle tabled the Without Trucks Australia Stops Inquiry, which remains unanswered and not enacted by Morrison’s Government.

Morrison’s Government shows no interest in investing in the improvement of what continues to be Australia’s deadliest occupation.

At the time of writing, just over one hundred innocent men and women have lost their lives in truck-involved crashes, and 38 truck drivers have been killed since Senator Sterle presented the inquiry to the Government. The lack of attention this issue has received in the Budget is indicative of the Government’s cold disinterest.

This Government continues to be out of touch with Australians and their day-to-day experiences. This Federal Budget blatantly ignores transport and supply chain workers, as it has done so for the past decade.

We know that without trucks Australia stops, and yet the Coalition Government does nothing to refuel the livelihoods of our drivers and workers.

This May, we will have the opportunity to have our say at the Federal Election. Elect a Government that represents your best interests, and supports transport workers.

The only way to change this is to change the Government. Vote out the Morrison Government for a safer and more sustainable transport industry and if you are not already a member, join the TWU and be a part of improving the industry from the inside-out.

WORK IN TRANSPORT?

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PROTECT YOURSELF! JOIN YOUR UNION

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Transport Workers Union - for the people who carry Australia 🌐🌐🌐 www.twuwa.org.au

🗨🗨🗨 www.facebook.com/twuwa

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📞📞📞 1800 657 477 ✉ info@twuwa.org.au

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Tribute LRTAWA by Jan Cooper, CEO, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)

Syd and Robert Hardwicke at LTA conference

BALDY – LOSS OF A LOVEABLE LARRIKIN WHO DID IT HIS WAY

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WATM • May 2022

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f our preferred TV shows shine a light on our personalities, Syd (Baldy) Matthews’ favourites of the 1960’s staples, Bonanza and F Troop speak volumes. It’s easy to reason why Bonanza with its rich vein of family commitment, and F Troop whose characters didn’t take themselves too seriously, struck a chord with Baldy.

The words that most often spring from people’s mouths when referring to him are cheeky, funny, strong and loving family man. Aside from family, his other passions were fishing, farming, the West Coast Eagles and of course the transport industry.

Syd’s introduction to the transport industry came at an early age. He was the fourth child of Vi and Syd Matthews who owned Matthews Transport in Kojonup.

Baldy and his siblings had to help out in the business. School had to be wedged in between 4am starts carting bagged sand, grain and bales of wool. When he was a little bit older, he would finish his morning jobs early so the local police didn’t catch

him driving the truck without a licence and would then head off to school where he often fell asleep at his desk.

After completing Year 8 at Bindoon Boys Town, Baldy returned home and got an extraordinary licence to drive a truck so he could help his father who was unwell.

It’s not surprising that Syd was motivated to join the Livestock Transport Association as it then was. He had spent many hours delivering sheep to the wharf, saleyards, abattoirs and feedlots.

He experienced firsthand the need for a strong industry body. The conditions that transporters were expected to endure fell short of ideal and excessive regulation stood in the way of productivity and efficiency.

Matthews Transport was one of the early members of the LTA with Syd’s brother Neville being an active executive member, as was sister Colleen in later years.

In 1993, Syd was elected to the executive and his contribution is still being felt today.

Although the LTA had been around for 13 years it was yet to cement its financial future.

Syd set about changing that. With a mixture of his natural charm and good old-fashioned determination he became something of a breadwinner for the association and no potential sponsor was safe.

He established a loyal group of sponsors, many of whom continue to support the association to this day. It is believed that Syd started the tradition of building dollies for auction at the LTA conference.

He invested considerable time in organising companies to donate the components and labour. As a result there are many who believe the LTA success was built on the back of Syd’s fundraising efforts.

In 1998, Syd was formally recognised for his service to the LTA when he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.In 2004 he was made a life member of the association, a fitting reward for someone who had given so much to the industry.

Four years later in 2008, Syd took a step back from the family business to concentrate on one of his other passions – farming his property, Westcourt.

He was known amongst family as a perfectionist and spent many hours replacing fences, gates and water tanks, building sheepyards and feedlots and sinking dams. So good was he at mending things that his family jokes that wife Lynne could never buy new appliances because Baldy mended everything.

His mantra of ‘do it well or don’t do it at

When he was a little bit older, he would finish his morning jobs early so the local police didn’t catch him driving the truck without a licence and would then head off to school where he often fell asleep at his desk

Above: Syd Matthews being presented with life membership by LTA patron Max Cameron AM Right: Syd being presented with his certificate of appreciation by Frank Marley, LTA President

all’ was applied to everything he turned his hand to.

Westcourt was sold in 2016 and Syd devoted his time to fishing and marroning in Peaceful Bay where family and friends joined him on many occasions. He loved nothing more than gathering his people together for fishing trips and later enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Fishing trips were sometimes drawn-out affairs for others in the boat. His daughter, Toni quipped at his funeral that he would say ‘and put some sand in your pocket because you won’t see land again for a while.’

Top bloke, life of the party with a healthy irreverence for authority, especially fisheries inspectors is how many described Syd. He was the master of his own RUOK phone calls before they became popular.

His family recalled that he would often be making calls to friends throughout the evening asking after their welfare.

Anyone not travelling too well would be subjected to further probing until he got to the bottom of the issue and talked them through it.

For those wondering, the mystery of the nickname ‘Baldy’ has been solved.

Apparently, as a child, he fell asleep one night chewing gum. When he awoke it was stuck in his hair and pillow. Syd cut the pillowcase and gum from his hair and his father shaved what was left. He has been known as Baldy ever since.

Syd sadly passed away on the 17th March and was laid to rest in Kojonup. As the blue and yellow balloons were released to the sky accompanied by the West Coast Eagles theme song, we were left to lament the early loss of one of life’s characters, who gave an enormous amount to the transport industry. We appreciate that Lynne and children Tracey, Toni, Todd and Trent shared him with us.

WATM • May 2022

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WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 4

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 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.

T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au Australia: 1 year $76.45 (inc GST) 2 years $152.90 (inc GST) Overseas subscribers: Airmail postage will be added to subscription rate.

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

W

hen you think things can’t get any worse... I know many of you are now dealing with the Coronavirus Omicron variant ripping through your businesses making it challenging with staff off from work. Let’s hope any future variants are weaker and thank goodness we do not live in China where they are locking entire cities up in their homes.

Added to that is rising inflation, and most worrying to the industry the increase in fuel prices. Throughout this edition we touch on this subject with ‘how’ some businesses are handling increasing their rates through to the tax implications from the cut in fuel excise and how that will affect you at tax time.

Now with a Federal Election looming there is more uncertainty amongst many, including myself and all I can say is just hang in there and look after each other.

On a positive note, it is obvious Australia needs to become energy

independence and pleasing that the Santos Dorado oil project off the Port Hedland coast is one step forward to becoming a reality.

Sadly, we are also losing many great people… from our own lives to sports heroes, identities and of course the devastation in Ukraine which is already seeing turmoil due to food and energy losses.

My sincere condolences to all of the Matthews family for the sad loss of ‘Baldy’ who we tribute here on the front cover and Pages 2 and 3. With his sparkling blue eyes you can see that he was a huge character and is sadly missed by all who knew him.

Thank you to Jan Cooper from the LRTAWA for writing his tribute and to Colleen Matthews for helping us put this together.

Welcome to all the new subscribers, and as always thank you to ‘everyone’ who supports this magazine.

Best,

Karen

CONTENTS 2............................................... LRTAWA: Baldy – Loss of a loveable larrikin who did it his way ext step for Westport with Anketell-Thomas Road concept released 6............................................... N uilding better rest stops for Australia’s truckies 7................................................ B pdates to Main Roads customer service portal, MOVES 10............................................ U

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

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

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WATM • May 2022

A State Government returning road maintenance jobs in house 13............................................ W estern Roads Federation: Why transport could be an election issue 14............................................ W roduction license moves Santos Dorado Oil Project forwards 17............................................. P

18............................................ Industry calls for urgent fuel excise fix 19............................................ Overhead damage to infrastructure ork underway to improve safety at regional roadwork sites 20.......................................... W est Australian Tow Truck Industry to be reformed 21............................................ W

Every Month 8............................................... Fair Go for Owner Drivers 16............................................ Bird’s Eye View 22.......................................... HCVC 24.......................................... WA Transport History

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News

Next step for Westport with Anketell-Thomas Road concept released

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reliminary plans for the AnketellThomas Road Freight Corridor have been released for the State Government’s Westport program.

The early concept design shows how the future container terminal in Kwinana’s Outer Harbour will connect with Tonkin Highway, providing an efficient Western Australian freight and supply chain network.

The concept includes four traffic lanes and grade-separations at key intersections to provide uninterrupted movement for freight vehicles, and better safety for drivers.

While the final concept is subject to further planning and consultation, the road corridor has been identified and a Planning Control Area (PCA) will be put in place to ensure proposed developments in the area support the future road freight corridor.

Under a PCA, any proposed developments will be referred to the WA Planning Commission for approval to consider how it interacts with the future freight corridor.

All landowners who may be affected by the proposed PCAs will be personally contacted by the Westport Office for further discussions, with this engagement being undertaken as early as possible.

The Westport team are engaging with stakeholders, landowners and the local community to progress the design and are seeking feedback at mysaytransport.com.au.

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While planning and design of the road corridor is ongoing, Westport is continuing to consider how goods can move as efficiently as possible through a Landside Logistics Opportunity Study.

Working with industry stakeholders, the study will identify and recommend a shortlist of options to consider in the supply chain and integrated design process.

Westport is the State Government’s long-term program to investigate, plan and build a future port in Kwinana with integrated road and rail transport networks.

The 2021-22 State Budget included $400 million for the Westport program for strategic land acquisition and enabling works required for the development of a new port in the Kwinana industrial area.

The transformation of Tonkin Highway is already underway, with major construction works on the Tonkin Gap Project through Redcliffe.

Funding has already been allocated to upgrade three intersections - Hale Road, Welshpool Road and Kelvin Road - as well as to extend Tonkin Highway from Byford to Mundijong.

A number of interim upgrades are also planned for Thomas Road, over the next three years, to improve traffic safety and efficiency for the current traffic demands, while work continues to plan for the future freight corridor.

Details of further investment on Thomas Road, as outlined in the Federal Budget are said to be revealed shortly.

These including duplicating the road from Kwinana Freeway to Bombay Boulevard, installing street lighting from Bombay Boulevard to Kargotich Road, constructing dual lane roundabouts at the Thomas Road intersections with Nicholson Road and Kargotich Road and the already completed shoulder widening between Kwinana Freeway and Cumming Road.

Transport and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said, “Westport is a once-in-a-lifetime project to deliver a new container port in Kwinana - it’s important we get it right.

“The Anketell-Thomas Road freight corridor will be a key link, connecting the new container terminal in the Outer Harbour with Tonkin Highway and meeting the needs of the Kwinana industrial area as it continues to grow.

“The transformation of Tonkin Highway is already underway, with the Tonkin Gap project under construction, and funding allocated for upgrades to three key interchanges and the extension from Byford to Mundijong.

“Now that we have a preliminary road design, the Westport team will be out and about talking to the community, local residents and businesses about the next steps.”

Building better rest stops for Australia’s Truckies

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atherine King MP, Shadow Minister for Transport and Glenn Sterle Shadow Minister for Road Safety have said that a Labor Government will deliver new and upgraded rest areas for Australia’s truck drivers, supporting the productivity and safety of this essential workforce.

Truck drivers travel day and night to keep Australia moving but despite their importance to our economy and our way of life, drivers are too often forced to put up with a serious lack of suitable rest areas.

We wouldn’t accept this in any other workforce, and we shouldn’t accept it for truck drivers. Quality rest is essential for safe trucking, but in order to get quality rest, you need quality rest areas.

A Labor Government will invest $80m to develop new, top class rest areas across the country and specific projects will be selected in close consultation with the men and women who have their hands on the steering wheel day in and day out.

Catherine King says, “I have nothing but total respect for Australia’s truck drivers.

Day in, day out they travel across our continent to keep our economy moving.”

“Providing quality rest areas is the least we can do to support this essential workforce and a well-rested truck driver is a safe truck driver.

Glenn Sterle said, “‘This is an exciting announcement for the truck drivers of Australia.

“I have been in and around the road transport industry for more than 40 years and this is the first time that I have seen a Federal commitment like this that will

go directly to improving the safety and productivity of our truckies.

‘It is imperative that our truck drivers have quality rest. The only way they can do that is if they have access to and can rely on fit for purpose rest areas where they need them.

‘As the Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety, I have spoken with hundreds of truck drivers as well as road safety stakeholders, academics, transport associations, the TWU and employers about this important issue and I look forward to working with them to making this commitment a reality.’.

“I have nothing but total respect for Australia’s truck drivers. Day in, day out they travel across our continent to keep our economy moving.” ~ Catherine King

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A SECURE LOAD

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t never ceases to amaze me the amount of times I’ve witnessed poorly secured loads on trucks, trailers and utilities.

The consequences of losing a poorly restrained load can result in accidents, injuries or even death.

Restraining a load is not complex but does require training and knowledge.

Truck drivers should be fastidious with the process of correctly restraining a load because it’s their chosen occupation and it’s a most important part of the job.

In saying that, it is not hard to find loads on trucks that are inadequately restrained. Truck drivers have a very busy work schedule to keep to but there is no excuse for poor load restraint as they rush to secure a load.

We have in place laws regarding ‘The Chain of Responsibility’ and it is definitely the driver who is responsible for the load on their vehicle.

I’ve spent most of my working life driving trucks and machinery and I’ve heard all the excuses for poor load restraint which include, “It will be alright mate, I’m just going down the road and I’ve never lost a load yet or… “It’s too heavy to fall off”.

For the most part, these comments

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WATM • May 2022

demonstrate a lack of understanding of the principles of load restraint and a lot of luck on the part of the individual. The importance of load restraint is obvious when you consider the consequences of incorrect load restraint can mean injury or death. Too often I’ve witnessed where poorly restrained loads have fallen from trucks resulting in accidents with other motorists. The consequences hardly bare thinking about and certainly something that I would hate to have on my conscience.

Load restraint is not limited to just trucks. Anyone who owns a vehicle such as utilities and box trailers are just as liable and responsible for the correct restraint of their loads.

Not many people in this category would have done a load restraint course and it shows when you witness the lack of correct restraint applied. You only need to observe utilities and trailers used by trade people to get an idea of how casual they are with any knowledge of restraining a load.

Anything unrestrained can become a missile in the event of an accident. Imagine a heavy toolbox in the tray of a utility that is not secured. Any heavy braking or an accident and goodness knows what damage

that unrestrained toolbox could cause.

A friend of mine rolled the truck he was driving onto its side. His Engel fridge that was between the two seats was not secure and landed on top of him making it very difficult to exit from the wreckage. A valuable lesson was learnt.

It is obvious with the current truck driver shortage that a lot of new drivers are coming into the industry. One has only got to wonder what sort of training they receive in securing loads before being let loose on public roads.

Driving and loading trucks is a highly skilled job contrary to what a lot would have us to believe. It takes many years of being involved with the transport industry before you have the knowledge to be called a professional driver.

When some over educated bureaucrat with little knowledge of how the transport industry works wants to fast track bums into seats within our industry then there is real cause for concern. Truck driving is a highly skilled and dangerous occupation and there should be a Duty of Care applied in only allowing competent drivers loose on our roads.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt

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www.khitch.com.au WATM • May 2022

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Main Roads News

Updates to Main Roads Customer Service Portal, MOVES – what you need to know

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ain Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) has recently introduced several new features and enhancements to its self-service customer portal, MOVES. The enhancements and new features aim to improve efficiency and streamline HVS services by allowing customers to manage their applications and payments in one place.

upload them after submitting your permit application.

Submit traffic escort amendments and cancellations Customers who use the HVS Traffic Escort Service can submit Traffic Escort booking amendments and cancellation requests online via MOVES.

Additional MOVES users WHAT’S CHANGED? Payments Permits - customers can now pay for up to twenty permit fees in a single credit card transaction, meaning you can make bulk payments as often as it suits you/your business.

Traffic Escorts - bookings can now be paid via credit card within MOVES. Accreditation - accreditation application fees and renewals can now be paid via credit card within MOVES.

Submit supporting documentation Customers who undertake high-risk Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) movements can now upload OSOM Transport Management Plans as part of the MOVES over size over mass permit application process.

If your OSOM Transport Management Plans are yet to be finalised, you can now 10

WATM • May 2022

The primary contact of an operator now has greater flexibility to: • Change email addresses and other operator information; • Allocate a new primary contact person in the list of registered MOVES users.

Once the initial contact has logged out, the new primary contact person will take on the role; • Remove a MOVES user from the list of registered users; and • Nominate a primary contact for permits which can authorise anyone wanting to apply for permits through MOVES.

Are there any benefits to Heavy Vehicle Licensed Pilots?

Yes! Heavy Vehicle Licensed Pilots can now: • Make license fee payments; • Upload and submit medical certificates

and training records; and • Pay for replacement Heavy Vehicle Licensed Pilots cards.

Don’t have a MOVES account yet?

You can register at any time!

Follow the steps below or view our ‘Howto’ video at https://www.mainroads.wa.gov. au/heavy-vehicles/moves/ 1. Create an account on the ‘Create an Account’ page.

2. Link your account to MOVES by sending an email to moves.enquiries@ mainroads.wa.gov.au which includes your • operator name and number; • physical address; and • email address used to create your account.

Note: only the ‘primary contact’ (which is the person nominated on the RAV Operator Registration Form) can nominate other users to access their MOVES account.

Once your request has been actioned, a confirmation email with the details to access your MOVES account will be sent.

For further information or help to set up your account, contact the HVS Helpdesk on 138 486 or email hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au

WATM • May 2022

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News

The Federal Election – What each major party is promising At a glance…

An Albanese Labor Government has said they will: • Deliver $80m for new rest areas for truck drivers • Invest in key road and rail projects • Give the Fair Work Commission the power to be able to deal with minimum standards for gig economy workers • Legislate to make wage theft a criminal offence • Rebuild our proud manufacturing industry, and build a future made right here in Australia • Take our national freight and supply chain task seriously, including through getting Inland Rail back on track • Strengthen Australia’s economic sovereignty and national security by building an independent Strategic Fleet to secure our ongoing access to fuel supplies and other essential imports. **No clear outlines or costings were available before this edition went to press.

From the Liberal Party 2022/2023 Budget The macro-economic picture is strong. Our economy is growing faster than our peers with an expected GDP increase this year of 10.75 per cent. Since December 2021, the Budget’s underlying cash balance has

improved $103.6 billion.

Unemployment is now at 4 percent and expected to reach 3.75 per cent later in the year. While this sounds like good news, it also means skills shortages and labour force gaps that will need to be addressed.

It also means inflation is likely to peak around 4.25 per cent.

Key highlights include: • Fuel excise halved for six months • A one-off $420 tax off-set for 10 million Australians • A one-off $250 payment to 6 million Australians • Cheaper medicines for 2.4 million Australians • $9.9b for cyber-security • 35,000 more apprenticeships and 800,000 trainee places • Tax deductions for businesses investing in training and cybersecurity • $120b for infrastructure – including a QLD inland freight route and upgrading the Outback Way • $480m to upgrade NBN in regional Australia • $1.3b to improve mobile coverage in regional areas • Supply chain resilience measures, including urea production for Adblue.

• Tax deductible RATs from 1 July 2022 • Lower PAYG and GST tax instalments.

ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP IN WOODSIDE’S SCARBOROUGH JOINT VENTURE

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inister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, has welcomed the announcement from Woodside that it has received key primary state and federal approvals for its Scarborough Joint Venture off Western Australia.

Minister Pitt said the approvals are another important step forward for the vitally important project.

“The approval for a pipeline licence through state and Commonwealth waters along with the Scarborough Field Development Plan are significant for the US$12 billion project, which will provide a huge jobs and economic boost for WA and the nation,” Minister Pitt said.

“Apart from unlocking enormous gas reserves, it’s estimated the project will

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WATM • May 2022

have a peak construction workforce of over 3,000 and 600 jobs once it’s operational, including around 230 in the Pilbara.

“Given the current uncertainty around the world, and an energy crisis throughout Europe, it’s projects like this that build Australia’s capacity to ensure long term energy and national security,” Minister Pitt said.

“It will also support our international neighbours to secure their own energy needs.

“It’s a key reason the Coalition Government is such a strong supporter of our oil and gas sector, which will continue to contribute to jobs and economic growth across the country for decades to come.”

Hydrogen Highway beginning in East coast

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t an estimated cost of $20 million, four massive hydrogen refuelling stations will be built between Sydney and Melbourne along Australia's busiest freight routes and will link the Hume Highway, the Pacific Highway and the Newell Highway by 2026.

NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean said the hydrogen highway will pave the way for decarbonisation of the heavy transport industry to reduce the effects of climate change.

“Renewable hydrogen will increasingly become a competitive zero emissions fuel option for our heavy transport sector, giving our trucking industry the opportunity to decarbonise their fleets,” Mr Kean said.

News like this could not come at a better time when fuel prices are soaring on the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and obviously it is in Australia’s best interest to achieve energy independence, and have a commodity to offer the rest of the world.

However, when WA Transport Magazine investigated this further we found that whilst overseas truck manufacturers are heavily invested in producing new trucks with this technology it is a different story if you want to convert your current models to take this fuel.

Pricing we could find for conversion was around $139,000 AUD for a Ford Ranger, so imagine the cost for a prime mover.

Two of Hyzon Motors’ hydrogen fuel cell-powered prime mover trucks are to be delivered in 2022 to Coregas, a Wesfarmers company. The Hyzon Hymax-450s will be the first hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles to operate in Australia and they will be refuelled at Coregas’ facility at the BlueScope Port Kembla Steelworks in New South Wales.

So how much does a new hydrogen powered truck cost? We are still yet to be given a concrete price which makes us wonder how expensive they are and how many businesses will invest in this new technology.

On the other hand, in our journey on the subject we have found some Australian manufacturers of fuel technology that seem cost effective and proven and will share with you in future editions.

News

WA State Government returning road maintenance jobs in-house

T

he McGowan Labor Government is returning up to 660 maintenance workers back in-house to Main Roads.

In 1985, Main Roads employed 2,605 employees, however throughout the 1990s, road maintenance was contracted out and the agency lost hundreds of employees.

By 2001, the number of Main Roads employees had dropped to 819, with the greatest impact felt in the regions.

This had a direct impact on regional towns, with Main Roads losing the ability to train local regional people and employ local workers.

This decision also saw the State Government lose control of assets and in-house expertise, as Main Roads was no longer an 'informed purchaser' for many of the services it procured.

Since the election of the McGowan Labor Government, changes have been made to contracts to try and regain a position as an 'informed purchaser', including a directly managed model in the Kimberley.

The State Government commissioned a detailed analysis by Ernst & Young in 2021 regarding the future of road maintenance contracts to determine if an in-house delivery model would be value for money, and enable delivery of wider objectives such as increased Aboriginal employment and regional economic growth.

The analysis concluded an in-house delivery model would: • drive jobs and economic growth in the regions; • enhance Aboriginal employment and engagement outcomes; • improve education uptake; and • increase capacity and capability of Main Roads.

It also found the in-house model of delivery would save more than $25 million a year, producing major economic benefits

and increased employment opportunities for regional Western Australia, including increasing gross regional product by up to $335 million over the next 10 years.

Based on this advice, the McGowan Government has determined road maintenance and minor road improvement projects will be delivered by Main Roads employees.

This will create 660 permanent jobs within Main Roads, with 490 in regional WA and 170 in the Perth metropolitan area.

Road workers employed directly by Main Roads will receive better pay and conditions, including increased paid leave and long service leave after seven years, as well as additional

In addition to road maintenance, this decision will cover the delivery of incident response services by Main Roads on the Perth metropolitan road network

training opportunities.

Aboriginal participation will improve, as Main Roads will be able to engage directly with Aboriginal people and businesses to build on previous successes.

This will also mean four new offices and depots being established in regional WA, including Manjimup, Esperance, Karratha and Broome. Existing depots and offices will also be expanded and improved.

In addition to road maintenance, this decision will cover the delivery of incident response services by Main Roads on the Perth metropolitan road network.

Existing workers employed by the contractors will be offered direct employment with Main Roads, with their previous service recognised for long service leave and parental leave purposes, and a transition team is being established in Main Roads to facilitate this.

Operations will be brought in-house progressively as contracts conclude, with a majority of the work to be completed by March 2024.

The last region will be the Kimberley which will be brought in-house when the current contract ends in January 2026.

Broun Avenue Bridge demolished

T

he METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line has reached a major milestone with the Broun Avenue bridge, over Tonkin Highway, demolished and new Morley Station designs released.

The bridge has been removed to make way for a new longer and wider structure, which will accommodate traffic lanes and a bus interchange.

At more than 60 metres wide and 6.5 metres high, it will be one of Perth's widest roads and bus interchange bridges, and accommodate 12 bus stands.

Removal of the 38-year-old Broun Avenue bridge required a complete closure of a section of Tonkin Highway with crews working around the clock to remove the bridge structure, including central piers and footings.

WATM • May 2022

13

Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

Why Transport could be an election issue?

W

ith a 21st May Federal Election begins a six week period of baby kissing, silly election stunts, endless photo ops, social media spam… interrupted by the odd serious policy debate.

Before proceeding, let me make it very clear. I do not believe in any industry association telling people how to vote.

We live in a democracy where each of us has our own issues, our own priorities, our own concerns so therefore our own right to choose who we vote for. So in my article, I will simply outline some of the issues relative to transport.

Will Transport be an Election Issue?

Neither of the two major parties has listed transport as a major centre piece of their election policies.

But, I think that can change and here is why… Elections are usually always about the hip pocket nerve.

14

WATM • May 2022

Post war Prime Minister, Ben Chifley is credited with creating the term ‘hip pocket nerve’. Saying that this is ultimately what motivates many voters, i.e. which party is going make me and/or my family financially better off.

Inflation and Cost of Living The March Quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures will be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics probably just after ANZAC day.

My amateur forecast is that it could well be a big number that will focus the Election attention on to inflation and the rapidly rising cost of living.

The Media will be demanding to know what the major parties are going to do to help relieve pressure on the voter’s cost of living.

Backing up my amateur forecast is the increasing rate of calls I am getting from State and Federal treasury officials wanting insights into transport issues.

Last quarter (ending December 2021) the CPI rose 1.3%, meaning that annually the CPI was 3.5%. One of the most significant contributors was fuel up 6.6%.

It doesn’t take Einstein to work out that since fuel alone has skyrocketed up 60 Cpl since January, it is going to be a big number. Along with other factors, Western Roads Federation members have generally agreed that the operating costs for a Transport Company have risen around 20% since the start of the year.

Since we move nearly everything in Australia if our costs have risen then so has the cost of living.

We ‘must’ connect ‘our’ issues to the voter’s hip pocket But we must make it clear that whilst freight costs are driving up the cost of living (and business) our industry is not making money as our costs are rising even faster.

When the media starts hammering the Politicians about what they are going to do about the Sky Rocketing cost of living, we

‘must’ be ready to make the connection that our issues are driving up the cost of living.

We must make a strong public connection that our transport issues are a key driver of the rise in the cost of living.

• Food Costs More - because transport costs more • Housing Construction Costs More because transport costs more • Over the Counter Medicine Costs More – because transport costs more • Regional Living Costs More – because transport costs more etc.

Therefore, we ‘must’ have politicians publicly stating that they will help relieve pressure on the cost of living by fixing the Transport industry issues.

What are Our Issues and Solutions?

Number one immediately fix the Fuel Tax credit issue. Regardless of whether it was an unintended consequence of the Federal budget decision, the impact on our industry is harsh.

Number two fix the skills shortage. We simply do not have enough skilled people

to meet demand. But we don’t want a band aid fix, we need a comprehensive plan that covers: • Attracting more people to the industry; • Effective training that makes people genuinely job ready; • Effective upskilling training that enables people to move up the truck combination levels and/or into other parts of our industry; • How we can better retain people in our industry, through better on-road facilities and conditions (e.g. rest areas etc.).

• Knowledge transfer such as finding ways to allow our experienced drivers to share their knowledge with the next generation of drivers; and • Addressing on-road culture, such that all drivers regardless of where they come from understand the unsaid rules and courtesy that exists between drivers to make the roads a safer place.

Number Three – Fix Productivity.

Productivity has declined over recent years in multiple areas.

Quite simply, every delay in a permit, in

loading/unloading, restriction on access or type of combination etc. is a cost to the industry and the economy.

Can Transport Be An Election Issue?

Well, it depends on how well we as an industry can publicly connect our issues to the voter’s hip pocket nerve?

Louise Bilato Executive Officer of the NT Road Transport Association agrees and said, “We know that Australians are very sensitive about changes in fuel prices but the decision to reduce the fuel excise thinking that would be a way to balance between the objective of collecting revenue from fuel taxes and ensuring that transport costs don’t hurt businesses and households has backfired.

Businesses don’t have assurance of stable freight costs and transport operators are going backwards fast. The Federal Government is still collecting the GST on the high fuel rates and as Cam has stated you don’t have to be Einstein to know that the big fuel suppliers will report obscene profits after EOFY 21-22.

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 • May 2022

15

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

Fuel Levy or increase rates?

Y

ou would have to be living in a cupboard (and a very dark one at that) if you hadn’t noticed the huge increase in the cost of fuel.

Fuel is such a big component of a transport business so any increase in diesel price can have a huge increase in our bottom line. Not only just the obvious fuel to make the engine run but so many other things too, the cost of tyres, the cost of parts, the cost of transport of those parts.

There has been lots of discussion about if rates should be increased, when, by how much, and/or should it be a flat increase or add a fuel levy.

Now every business is different and so naturally costs for one are different from

News 16

Production licence moves Santos Dorado Oil Project forward

WATM • May 2022

M

inister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, welcomed a significant step towards the development of a major new Australian oil project off Western Australia.

Minister Pitt said Santos and its partner Carnarvon Energy have accepted a production licence offer covering the Dorado oil field in the Bedout Sub-Basin in Commonwealth waters, about 150 kilometres north of Port Hedland.

“At a time when Australia needs energy security more than ever, it’s great to see a new Australian oil project, discovered

by Australian companies Santos and Carnarvon Energy, moving closer to being production ready,” Minister Pitt said.

“The original Dorado-1 discovery made in 2018 represented the most significant new oil play offshore Western Australia in

the last decade and opened up the Bedout and Beagle sub-basins as a major new oil and gas province for Australia.”

This was followed up in February 2022 by the successful Pavo-1 exploration well, drilled 46 kilometres east of the Dorado field.

With that success and now the acceptance of the production licence offer, the Dorado project is moving towards a final investment decision and production.

Initially the project will concentrate on oil production and reinjection of the associated gas.

Later production will recover natural gas for use in Western Australia. Dorado is a low emissions intensity development.

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said the Production Licence was an important step on the path towards a final investment

What’s the point of working your guts out to lose money? You might as well stay home and go broke than bust your guts up the road and still go broke costs for another but with these massive increases – it just is not possible to keep rates the same and still stay in business.

But so many solo or small operators are scared to put up their prices – they fear that they will lose their customers so they struggle along and get further and further behind.

So let’s answer those questions I posed earlier. Do we need to increase rates – yes absolutely – no doubt at all. You cannot run a business and still make money with the cost of diesel skyrocketing the way it has.

When should they be increased? Well hopefully you did it three months ago but if not then ‘now’. Anyone who thinks that they don’t need to is just deluded. You cannot possibly absorb these extra costs and still remain on the positive side of the ledger.

So how much should you increase rates by? All operators need to know their bottom line – your cost per km or per hour to operate your equipment. The sad thing is so many don’t. I know a number of Owner Drivers who just accept whatever a job is paying. They have no idea what the job will cost them to do so don’t know if they will come out in front or behind.

What’s the point of working your guts

out to lose money? You might as well stay home and go broke than bust your guts up the road and still go broke. Do that calculation with the new diesel cost in and see how much extra it is costing you per day or per week – spread that over the hours or kilometres worked and that’s the cost of your increase in rates.

For some – who haven’t had a rate increase in five years - then that increase is going to be a lot bigger than someone who has been adjusting their rate regularly. For someone who works around town with a lot of loading/unloading time where the engine is turned off, the rate increase will obviously be very different to someone who is running long distances with the engine running all the time. You need to work out what it is costing ‘you’ – not Bob or Carol (or Ted or Alice).

So, then I guess the last question is flat increase – hourly/km or fuel levy? Many of the larger companies just use a fuel levy.

They have a formula whereby they just input the current diesel cost and it works out their new running costs and produces a fuel levy price. This used to be altered monthly but I have noticed that for some companies, this has changed to fortnightly

and even weekly in these uncertain times.

Fuel levy is good for the operator as it is easily changed and the price of a job can be changed quickly.

For the customer though, it is not so easy or popular – it makes a job very uncertain – they have to quote a set price for transport and with a fuel levy it can make a big change very quickly. It also seems to go up very quickly but is very slow to come back down.

The other option is a flat increase in hourly or kilometre rate. This is easier for the customer as they can work out exactly what a job is going to cost them and personally as an operator I prefer it as well.

(The downside for your customer is that if fuel prices dip, then you are still charging the higher rate).

It is much easier for me to quote a job if I don’t have to add in a fuel levy. It also saves that argument with the customer ‘you didn’t tell me there was a fuel levy’.

So you need to work out what is best for you (and I guess your customer). But make sure you take the time to get it right. Leave yourself the option to adjust it if rates start climbing again.

decision on the Dorado Project.

“The Production Licence builds on recent momentum for the Dorado Project following the significant Pavo-1 discovery last month that has the potential to add further material value to the development,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Global oil and gas markets are seeing increased volatility and western countries are looking to diversify their supply sources away from Russia which, according to the International Energy Agency, currently produces 18 per cent of the world’s gas and 12 per cent of its oil.

“In this environment, Dorado and Pavo have the potential to bolster Australia’s national energy security while Australian LNG projects help to meet the energy needs of our allies.”

Minister Pitt said given current

uncertainty around the world we must maintain our focus on developing our traditional oil and gas along with new energy metals and materials.

“I want to congratulate Santos and Carnarvon on their success with Dorado.

This multi-billion project will enhance our oil security for the future,” Minister Pitt said.

“There is no doubt Australia needs new oil projects if we are to maintain our energy security and ensure our long term national security. These projects bring new jobs and new investment into our oil and gas sector.

“Australia’s security and that of our friends, allies and trading partners will be founded on our ability to continue to attract new energy and resources investment, and our success in bringing on new projects like Dorado.”

Global oil and gas markets are seeing increased volatility and western countries are looking to diversify their supply sources away from Russia which, currently produces 18 per cent of the world’s gas and 12 per cent of its oil

WATM • May 2022

17

News

Further $1.6 million to support learner drivers in Pilbara and Kimberley

Overhead damage to infrastructure U

nderwriting Agencies of Australia is aiming to increase awareness around the incorrect loading of machinery, which is contributing to significant damage to overhead infrastructure such as bridges.

In her tenure as National Claims Manager at UAA, Michelle Morrissey has witnessed a wide range of insurance claims which she says is becoming more frequent throughout the industry – namely, damage inflicted on overhead infrastructure. These incidents commonly involve damage to power lines, bridges, overpasses, and other vehicles.

Morrissey says that there are some commonalities between the claims incorrect loading and damages incurred in such incidents are not limited to the insured machinery, but also impact the infrastructure and other third-party assets and vehicles.

Morrissey reports that the reason they are concerned is about the potential cost

of damages, not just to the loaded asset but also to the infrastructure, which can range from $500,000 upwards to $5 million in the case of bridges.

In the case of power lines, the cost of the powerline itself is relatively low, however, the energy company seeks legal liability for potential loss of revenue or potential incentive bonuses called Service Target Performance Incentive Scheme (STPIS) and some of these matters have been worth millions of dollars.

Unfortunately, the greater the loss, the greater are the overall premiums for industry so it is imperative that more awareness is created surrounding preventative measures for overhead infrastructure damage and it all comes back to correct loading which boils down to operator skillset and training and working within industry and road authority specifications.

GUIDELINES FOR STEVEDORE CHARGES

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he NTC has published new national voluntary guidelines for applying landside stevedore infrastructure and access charges at Australia’s container ports.

Developed in the wake of industry outcries over opaque and unfair charging practices, the voluntary guidelines aim

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WATM • May 2022

to provide greater certainty and transparency for both stevedores and landside transport operators and improve understanding of the benefits of investment in terminal facilities.

The new guidelines can be accessed at www.ntc.gov.au

S

ix projects in the Pilbara and Kimberley will share in $1.6 million of funding from the Driving Access and Equity pilot program.

The program supports initiatives to improve access to a driver's licence and employment opportunities for young people in regional WA, with $900,600 allocated to projects in the Kimberley and $689,000 allocated to Pilbara projects.

The additional funding brings total investment in the program to more than $3.4 million, and will be used to employ more qualified driving instructors and supervisors, increase access to safe vehicles and provide culturally appropriate education and mentoring.

Work is also underway with Aboriginal translation services to produce publications for learner drivers who speak English as a second language, or for whom literacy is a barrier.

The Kimberley and Pilbara regions were prioritised for program support after being identified as having a high concentration of disadvantaged drivers.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "We know how important access to a driver's licence is - not only does it lead to more opportunities for employment, but also provides a sense of achievement and pride.

"This project has so many real benefits for people living in the Pilbara and Kimberley, and has already doubled the number of officers employed to deliver driver and vehicle licensing services to remote Kimberley, Pilbara and MidWest communities."

News

Industry calls for urgent fuel excise fix I

n the wake of unintended consequences arising from the Australian Government’s decision to reduce fuel excise by 22.1 cents per litre (cpl) for six months, the ALRTA has made representations to key politicians recommending that the road user charge also be immediately reduced by 22.1 cpl.

The impact of this change would be to reinstate the fuel tax credit of 17.8 cpl. Any change or indexation of fuel excise or the road user charge should also be delayed until after the temporary relief period.

ALRTA National President Scott McDonald said that the lack of consultation and poor understanding of the impact of the fuel excise cut on trucking businesses has short-changed the industry and produced a red-tape nightmare.

“The National average price of diesel has increased by 58.0 cpl since December 2021.

Trucking businesses have limited capacity to pass on such dramatic increases,” said McDonald.

“ALRTA appreciates the Australian Government’s attempt to provide temporary relief from soaring fuel prices.

Given that transport costs are embedded in almost all Australian goods and services, reducing fuel excise by 22.1 cpl has potential to reduce business costs and costof-living pressures for all Australians.

“However, the effective net benefit for heavy vehicle operators is just 4.3 cpl, not 22.1 cpl.

“This is because trucking businesses pay an effective fuel duty rate of 26.4 cents per litre, not the full rate of 44.2 cpl paid by other motorists. Our normal 17.8 cpl fuel tax credit for on-road fuel use will be reduced to zero.

“On the surface, it would seem that a 4.3 cpl net fuel discount is better than no relief at all. However, this perspective does not appreciate the contracting chain and cash flow implications within the trucking sector.

“Firstly, most customers have heard that fuel excise has been reduced by 22.1 cpl.

Many are now demanding a commensurate reduction in their freight rates.

“Secondly, operators with agreed fuel levies in place are now at the mercy of contracting parties. This is because fuel levies are adjusted with reference to bowser prices. When such contracts are enforced, the transport operator must accept lower freight rates, cutting into profit margins or perhaps even resulting in a loss.

“Thirdly, explaining the current

situation to customers and attempting to renegotiate contracts on a temporary basis for the next six months is time consuming and frustrating for all parties. Most operators feel it is simply not worth the effort for such a small net cost reduction.

“Fourthly, trucking businesses use fuel tax credits as a cash flow management tool to offset other government taxes for which they are liable. With the previous 17.8 cpl fuel tax credit now effectively reduced to zero, businesses will now need to accumulate and set aside cash to pay taxation liabilities.

This is a ticking time bomb for many road transport businesses that do not as yet fully understand this element.

“Lastly, ALRTA is aware of members who have approached their accountant for advice, only to be told that fuel tax credits will continue to apply. In one such incident, a member made three separate

The only way to fix this problem is to immediately reduce the road user charge by 22.1 cpl and reinstate the fuel tax credit approaches before their accountant finally provided correct advice.

“Consultation with the trucking sector prior to the fuel excise reduction announcement was severely lacking.

Consequently, the real impact of the change was poorly understood by policy makers.

“As I understand it, neither the ALRTA nor the Australian Trucking Association was contacted by Treasury to discuss the proposed measures. Further, our associations have established that Treasury did not even consult with the ATO. “This is a significant consultation failure given the obvious taxation implications and operational impact on trucking businesses.

“The last time our trucking associations were not properly consulted, Australia experienced empty supermarket shelves for the first time in decades. No one wants that repeated.

“Australian truck drivers have carried the nation through drought, fires, floods, COVID-19 and now soaring prices for fuel and Adblue. The last thing Australia needs is further pressure on our road transport supply chain via ill conceived, albeit well intentioned, taxation changes.

“The only way to fix this problem is to

immediately reduce the road user charge by 22.1 cpl and reinstate the fuel tax credit.

“If the ALRTA recommendation was implemented, trucking operators would receive an effective fuel cost reduction of 22.1 cpl that would remain stable during the temporary relief period. They would be able to honour contractual fuel levy obligations and maintain current cash flow arrangements.

“Importantly, trucking operators would be able to pass on savings by way of lower freight costs to customers, and ultimately, consumers to achieve the government’s intended cost-of-living relief.

The Australian Trucking Association and all the member associations have united against the federal government's cuts to the fuel tax excise.

The ATA has told the Prime Minister that the federal government’s decision to halve fuel tax from 44.2 to 22.1 cents per litre for the next six months is causing chaos for trucking businesses.

Until 29 March, trucking businesses paid an effective fuel tax rate of 26.4 cents per litre. This rate, the road user charge, is set by the federal government.

Trucking businesses normally receive the difference between the fuel tax rate and the road user charge as fuel tax credits on their activity statements. But trucking businesses will not receive fuel tax credits for their on-road fuel use during the period of the reduction.

As a result, the effective fuel tax reduction for trucking businesses is (26.422.1) = 4.3 cents per litre, which has created the following issues: • customers are expecting to see a reduction in freight rates based on the 22.1 cents per litre headline figure, not the actual figure of 4.3 cents per litre • fuel levy formulas in industry contracts may need to be renegotiated • trucking businesses will need to manage their cash flow. They will pay less tax at the pump but will not receive on-road fuel tax credits on their activity statements to offset their other tax liabilities.

In the ATA’s view, there is only one way to resolve these issues cleanly.

The Government should reduce the road user charge by 22.1 cents per litre, so trucking businesses get the same benefits from the fuel tax reduction as light vehicle operators.

The charge is set by an instrument made by the federal minister for transport. There is no need for legislation.

WATM • May 2022

19

News

Work underway to improve safety at regional roadwork sites

T

he State Government, through Main Roads, has delivered on seven of the immediate actions identified through the Regional Roadworks Signage Review.

The comprehensive review completed in late 2021 was led by an industry-based stakeholder reference group who looked at how temporary traffic signage at roadwork sites are installed, secured and managed in regional areas.

The Regional Roadworks Signage Review report identified 13 recommendations, underpinned by 21 specific actions, to help improve the safety of both construction workers and road users in and around regional roadwork sites.

The actions already completed include: • a review of all Main Roads tender documentation and evaluation criteria to ensure temporary traffic management

requirements are given increased focus and consideration; • the establishment of clearer lines of traffic management accountability and responsibility on all roadwork sites across the State; • updating Main Roads’ standards and specifications to expand the use of Portable Traffic Control Devices to improve the safety of traffic controllers; • ongoing training and education campaigns to highlight the safety risks at regional roadwork sites for workers and all road users; • the assessment and implementation of new or alternative sign-mounting solutions to enable signs to remain visible and upright; • focused questions about roadworks to be included in driver theory testing; and

Driver Distraction Key Findings Engagement in secondary tasks which take a driver’s ‘eyes off the road’ are considered to be particularly hazardous

2x crash risk when a driver glances off the forward roadway for more than 2 seconds1

Every

of drivers

agree that talking on a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of being involved in a crash

seconds

over

16%

drivers are engaged in a non-driving activity3

of serious crashes on Australian roads2

A significant number of Australian drivers engage in distracting activities prohibited by road legislation while knowing that it could increase their risk of crashing4

79%

21%

The impairments from using a mobile phone while driving can be as profound as those associated with driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent5 The three most common types of driver distraction are:

of drivers

admitted that they use their mobile phones for non-driving activities e.g. internet browsing, texting, taking photos or using applications

Visual Cognitive Manual distraction distraction distraction

NTC identified problems with:

NEXT 5 MILES

Outdated road rules

The emergence of new sources of distraction

Footnotes: 1 2 3 4 5

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Klauer, SG, Dingus, TA, Neale, V.L., Sudweeks, JD, & Ramsey, DJ 2006 Beanland, V, Fitzharris, M, Young, K & Lenné, MG 2013 Young, K, Osborne, R, Koppel, S, Charlton, J, Grzebieta, R, Williamson, A, Haworth, N, Woolley, J & Senserrick, T 2018 Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities 2018 Strayer, DL, Drews, FA & Crouch, DJ 2006

WATM • May 2022

Developing technology neutral road rules for driver distraction

96

Driver distraction is a factor in

?

A lack of clarity in the road rules about unlawful driver behaviours.

• updates in the Drive Safe and Ride Safe handbooks incorporating roadworks material.

Main Roads will continue to work closely with the Traffic Management Association of Australia to raise public awareness of incidents on roadwork sites.

A series of community public education campaigns focusing on roadwork awareness and how the public can report missing signs, such as the ‘Be roadwork aware, slow down and take care’ and ‘Be our Eyes on the Road’ campaigns, will continue to be a priority.

Road users are encouraged to ‘Be our Eyes on the Road’ and report missing signs, traffic signal faults or road issues to Main Roads.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “I am really pleased with progress that has been made in addressing the first seven action items identified as part of the Regional Roadworks Signage Review.

“The work undertaken by the reference group has helped focus attention on this key area of safety, so it is important we build on that momentum and continue to engage with industry and stakeholders to ensure safety at road construction sites.

“I look forward to seeing more of these implemented during this year, with the committee now focusing on the remaining 14 recommended actions, which will be implemented over the next 12-18 months.”

T

he NTC was asked to explore technology related Australian Road Rules (ARR) to reflect the introduction of new devices (such as smart watches) to address safety risks, while also encouraging the use of technology that supports safety.

The NTC focused on addressing high-risk interactions with technology proven by research to significantly increase crash risk while driving.

In November 2020, ministers agreed to work towards amending the road rules in line with the NTC's recommendations.

The endorsed recommendations seek to address all sources of distraction while driving and provide a technology-neutral approach to regulate interactions with technology in the ARRs. The recommendations also amend the ARRs to adopt a hybrid policy approach (using both prescriptive and performance-based rules) to clarify what the public can and cannot do safety when interacting with technology while driving.

News

T

West Australian Tow Truck Industry to be reformed

he McGowan Government is reforming the tow truck industry in Western Australia to protect people involved in traffic accidents and combat bad behaviour and price gouging.

Consumer Protection invited more than 6,000 stakeholders to engage in consultation on reforms for the industry, which received 37 formal submissions and more than 400 survey responses from industry participants, consumers, insurers and government agencies.

About 90 per cent of survey respondents agreed the industry should be regulated.

The following suggested reforms have received strong community support: • tow truck businesses and drivers to be licensed, with criminal background and association checks as part of the application process; • control access to the road network with powers to suspend and cancel licences for breaches of road laws, safety and fees; • setting price caps and registering depots being used for storage to manage the issue of excessive towing and storage fees being charged; and • additional requirements on 'Authority

to Tow' forms signed by consumers before a vehicle is towed to increase transparency about what the consumer is authorising.

Responsibility for executing changes has moved to the Department of Transport, who will present reform options to the State Government by the middle of this year.

Depending on reform options, this may include legislative changes.

While this work is ongoing, the Department of Transport is also preparing amendments to the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 to update technical standards and begin rolling out a communications campaign to advise drivers of their rights.

This will require maximum tow and storage fees to be recorded on the 'tow truck driver's statement', which is given to the person authorising the tow at the roadside.

The consultation report that summarises the feedback can be viewed at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/node/9597 WA Commerce Minister Roger Cook said, "The views expressed as part of the consultation process indicated widespread community concern about the tow truck industry in WA.

"Ethical operators report that they are disadvantaged by the tactics of some unscrupulous drivers who threaten, mislead and harass people to get business.

"The consensus is that this behaviour needs to be stamped out."

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "Western Australia and Tasmania are the two States with the least regulation of the towing industry.

"Regulation in WA is long overdue and is essential to ensure that consumers are properly protected whilst improving safety and confidence in the industry.

"The community consultation has identified a host of concerns that we want to address through the reform process.

"This work will now be given to the Department of Transport to continue and I look forward to receiving options for how we implement this reform later this year.

"The reform and associated regulation will bring WA in line with most other Australian States and ensure that we have legislation in place that serves the needs of the community whilst supporting an honest towing industry that encourages fair competition."

WATM • May 2022

21

Over to you

Classic Holdens

CURTIN RADIO CLASSIC CAR SPECTACULAR 2022

A very early Holden Torana

By Kevin Toovey

O

ver 600 vehicles made their way to the Curtin Radio Classic Car Spectacular 2022 (WA) on a fine and very humid day early in April 2022 which compared to last year when it was pouring with rain.

Thousands of people came through the gate to see the cars, trucks, motorbikes, bicycles, classic speedway and even old restored outboard motors.

I don’t think the HCVC could have asked for a better spot on the ground, green grass, big trees for shade and all the cars drove past us as they were leaving. It was as like we were sitting in the first row during the grand parade but at the end of the day.

I had been tasked with driving Peter and Wendy Collins 1946 Dodge to the show.

We made it there ok but the freeway run home got a bit much, and there was some

22

WATM • May 2022

overheating and smoke. It was a tow and rescue for the last few kilometres. Our HCVC Club President Kevin Lockyer and Peter had a look at the damage the following day and told me it was, “Not too bad”.

One of the feature vehicles was the open top 1938 American La France 30 metre Turntable Ladder truck. It is very long and has been lovingly restored and maintained by former Firefighters and volunteers. This beast is powered by a V12 side valve petrol engine with twin distributors and 24 spark plugs. On the instruction plaque I found an interesting guidance note that read, "Safety First, There is no hard and fast rule to cover fully the use of ladders. The common sense judgement and experience of the men handling them must be depended on”.

It made me wonder how that Safety Instruction would go in these modern times.

Above & below: 1938 American La France 30 metre Turntable Ladder truck

Early veterans

Diamond T

Chrysler and Crown

Original Ford Mainline Ute

Dennis Fire Truck

Eddy's new Chev Ute

The Veteran Car Club Military Section

The crowd enjoying the day

Members trucks with buses in the background

Custom Ute

Working Kombi coffee van

WATM • May 2022

23

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

1983

A

t the 1983 Annual General Meeting of the South West Districts Branch, there were 22 attendees, including six members of the Executive Council and Executive Director W R Pellew. Deregulation of the road transport industry was high on the agenda. Officers elected were: Chairman: R Palmer. Vice-Chairman: J Kelly.

Committee: H Alday, R Bedford, J Bovell, G Brooks, G Goff, S Hitchcock, R Knight, D McNair, P Norrish, C Pizzino, W Shine, W Sterle. Mr Palmer reported to the July 20 Executive Council meeting that there was some resistance at joining the Association so the Council decided to offer a reduction of 66.66 percent for operators between Waroona and Manjimup for the 1983-84 year.

Executive Director W R Pellew was elected to the road transport industry management committee of the Confederation of WA Industry.

Mr W H Brain reported that success had been achieved in convincing the Minister for Education that the Government should withdraw its decision to introduce a fully competitive tender system when school bus contracts were renewed. An alternative system had been negotiated, which would satisfy the requirements of the members.

After a lengthy selection process, Mr A J

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WATM • May 2022

Australia 1983 Ford Falcon reigns

Layton was selected as the candidate to fill the shoes of the retiring Executive Director W R Pellew, starting on August 1, 1983 at a salary of $28,000 plus $2000 travelling allowance. Mr Layton attended his first meeting of the Executive Council on August 10 as the Executive Director Elect.

The introduction of a 38-hour week by the TWU caused much angst with the Association in the previous two years and it was reported that there was a problem with introducing this at Bell Basic Industries. The company was working seven hour 36min days in accordance with the Commission’s decision and with the overwhelming majority of the employees, but the TWU was seeking a State Reference Committee decision over this method.

The Association supported the Primary Industry Association of WA in its opposition to the Federal Government’s proposal to replace vehicle registration fees with a fuel levy.

The Association protested the significant hike in stamp duty payable on the registration of new and used commercial goods and passenger vehicles. A letter was sent to the Premier, who was also the State Treasurer and Minister for Tourism.

A Furniture Removal Industry Training

Course was established at Thornlie Technical College, it was reported to the Furniture Removers’ Division Meeting of November 28. The initial 19-week course had enrolled 15 unemployed persons with members considering using the students for work experience during the Christmas period.

The Waste Management Association was under stress from lack of keen membership and the December 12 meeting appeared to be the last recorded.

The Furniture Removers’ Division held its Christmas function at the Westrail Centre on December 14 with non-members invited.

By the early 1980s, a total of nearly 800 school bus services were operating in the State, carrying 25,000 students a total daily distance of about 132,000km, equal to more than three journeys around the world. The overall annual cost to the State Department of Education had risen to more than $16 million.

Fremantle firm Temple Freights, which commenced business in the late 1950s as a one-man band, won the 1983 Company of the Year award, according to the Fremantle Gazette of November 16.

The original contract was to cart grain for the Barley Board, but by 1983 it handled a major share of the State’s market in grain feeds, live chickens, sheep fodder and fodder storage. “For the carting of wool between the high-density dumps and the wharf, they designed eight-wheel, three-axle transporters able to carry two container loads and thus drastically reduce costs, and, as a by-product, created spare capacity, which enabled them to enter the live chicken market in a substantial way. Temples have also made innovative changes, which have eliminated handling delays at Fremantle wharf — they designed and built a special computer-controlled container depot, which reduced turn around times from under half a day to under five minutes. This depot is acclaimed as the finest in Australia and among the world’s top ten for efficiency.”

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WATM • May 2022

News

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

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

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

SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 PENSION

TWU Nominees Pty Ltd, ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163, is the trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. 55621

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WATM • May 2022