WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - APRIL 2022 EDITION

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 April 2022 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine

Page 11

COUNTDOWN UNTIL WE FAREWELL THE INFAMOUS BAYSWATER BRIDGE Although it was built at only 3.8m high, there was nothing in the early days that would foreshadow the almost cult-like following that it developed over the last few years. There are other bridges even lower than this but none of them ever gained the notoriety of our beloved Baysie Bridge.

IN THIS ISSUE: Is our Supply Chain secure?

Australia – Self Sufficient Outback Way to be sealed Skills shortage – What’s being done Image for illustration purposes only

WATM • April 2022

Our Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is available 7 days a week.

Talk to us about: Permits

Accreditation

OSOM movements

Route Assessments

Traffic Escort bookings

Compliance

The Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is open from: 7am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and WA public holidays.

Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services 525 Great Eastern Highway REDCLIFFE 6104

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

TRAN SP

UN

IO

T

WO RK

S‘ ER

T OR

N

he recurring headlines that are splashed across newsfeeds the past few months include terms like “The Great Resignation”, “Skilled workers shortage” and “Falling real wages”.

How can these headlines exist in the same economy, where there is a shortage of workers, but a relatively deflating wage index?

We are taught that when goods or services are in high demand, the value of it increases, however that very simple principle is not being bolstered by Josh Frydenberg, the RBA or the Liberal Government regressive policies.

The figures tell the story. In 2021, the annual headline CPI was 3.5%, exceeding the national RBA target band of 2-3%. This would not have been possible if it was not for the work of the TWU and transport workers negotiating wage increases into our agreements that protect against CPI increases above higher CPI (X% or CPI which ever is the highest).

December 2020 to December 2021 Perth recorded an annual inflation rise of 5.7%1, one of

Want a pay rise?

Join your union!

the highest of any capital cities in the country.

Throughout the 12 months of 2021, Perth households lost the State Government funded ‘electricity credit’ scheme provided during the pandemic, and fell victim to the sky-rocketing expenses associated with the automobile and petroleum sectors.

Living in Perth is becoming increasingly expensive, and as the prices of goods and services rise indefinitely, workers must be compensated financially.

However, this is not the case. The Wage Price Index (WPI) in WA sits at just 2%, compared to the national average of 2.3%.

Consequently, we are existing in an economy wherein prices are increasing at an unsustainable rate, while wages are remaining relatively stagnant.

The ACTU Secretary Sally McManus describes this phenomenon as “The worst real terms wage cut in 20 years” and asserts that “Scott Morrison has no answers”.

The shortage of transport workers in spite

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

of the increasing demand for their roles has been just another side-effect of COVID-19 and borders. We have seen transport workers heralded as heroes by Australians throughout the pandemic, as supply chains tug on one another. Again, Western Australians saw this more than anyone, during the breakdown of the Trans-Australian Railway Line.

Western Australians are constantly reminded of the essential service transport workers play in our society and living in the most isolated city in the world. It is time transport workers demanded adequate financial recognition for their service. It is time transport workers that are not receiving wage increases or have agreements that doesn’t include CPI protection to stand up and fight.

This can only be achieved through ongoing bargaining, hard fights and by leveraging our positions.

In the December 2021 period, Enterprise Bargaining Agreements accounted for nearly 40% of contributions to the increase in WPI, as unions, like your TWU, continue to set the standard for wage increases in the transport industry.

It is evident of the important role unions play in increasing and sustaining working conditions for all Australians. Now, in this warped economy, we cannot afford to rely on the flailing and unreliable policies from the Government.

As union presence continues to grow in yards and workplaces, the TWU will continue to support your fight in achieving pay rises and wage increases and contribute to an overall increase in national WPI. Only when you unite to fight will you achieve what you rightfully deserve, a welldeserved increase.

Join the TWU today and unite your workplace for better standards of living for all. Join today: www.twu.com.au/join 1. www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/priceindexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-indexaustralia/latest-release

WORK IN TRANSPORT?

100 95

PROTECT YOURSELF! JOIN YOUR UNION

75

25

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

🗨🗨🗨 www.facebook.com/twuwa

UN

📞📞📞 1800 657 477 ✉ info@twuwa.org.au

IO

N

WO RK

S‘ ER

0

T OR

TRAN SP

5

WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 3

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

A

s I was putting together this edition it was hard not to be thinking of and watching what was happening to the good people of the Ukraine. Normal people like you and me… people who live in a democracy where everybody had the same rights, people who do jobs like us… drive trucks, run transport companies, love their animals and family…

At the time of writing this, our Federal Government had opened 3000 visas for people escaping the war. I would imagine this would help get the family and friends of those already in Australia somewhere safe. I hope that some forward thinking is applied to our staff shortages, mainly transport and produce picking/harvest etc. and we can welcome many people and they can call Australia their second home.

ACCOUNTS T: 0430 153 273 E: accounts@angrychicken.com.au

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.

Best,

Karen

CONTENTS

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)

In this edition, much seems to be about failed supply chains, becoming more selfsufficient and obviously all these things along with Scott Morrison coming to WA and spreading some mining/manufacturing cash tells me regardless of what happens, we are still live in the best place to be.

Page 21 – The family of the three men who were killed at Boorabbin in the fire have asked if people can please water the tree/s around the memorial for Trevor Murley, Lewis Bedford and Robert Taylor. I know we are coming into winter, but if you think it needs water and you can do it, it would be wonderful for the tree to flourish.

1................................................. TWUWA – Want a pay rise?

4............................................... LRTAWA – Is our Supply Chain secure? aving lives with new technology in heavy vehicles 6............................................... S ustralia’s road and rail supply chain resilience 7................................................ A etting WA’s massive harvest from bin to Port 10............................................ G

11............................................... Farewell Baysie Bridge 12............................................ Toll Group leads the industry in hydrogen-fuel accessibility and adoption 13............................................ Remainder of Outback Way to be sealed 14............................................ Operation Regional Shield – A crack down on Kimberley youth crime

West Australian Transport Magazine (WATM) is published by Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd

15............................................ Important OSOM requirements that are sometimes overlooked

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.

16............................................ Western Roads Federation – The Skills Shortage and what’s being done

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.

20.......................................... Record-high petrol prices see Australian companies add fuel charges

2

WATM • April 2022

18............................................ Location-Tech the ‘new normal’ for supply chains 19............................................ Road train permits extended to help resupply WA supermarkets

Every Month Every Month 8............................................... Fair Go for Owner Drivers 11............................................... Bird’s Eye View 22.......................................... HCVC 24.......................................... WA Transport History

Endorsed by

Presents

SUNDAY 22ND MAY 2022 QUARRY FARM, PERTH 1475 SOUTHWEST HWY, WHITBY (BYFORD)

Purchase Tickets & Register Truck Competition ONLINE

www.mackmuster.com.au

All proceeds go to:

• November • April 2022 2021 Find us on:WATMWATM

3

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

IS OUR O SUPPLY CHAIN SECURE?

ne thing the last couple of years has taught us is that Australia’s isolation is a double-edged sword.

On the one hand our island status arguably gave us a comparative advantage in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

It enabled us to close off from the rest of world and bought us time to prepare. That very same isolation however, highlighted our vulnerability to global and domestic supply chain disruptions.

The AdBlue shortage that came to a head in December last year is a case in point.

China, the major supplier of the technical grade granular urea which makes up AdBlue, halted exports of the product leaving Australia with an estimated five weeks’ supply. As we all know, without Adblue most of our trucks would grind to a standstill. Food would not be delivered, medical supplies would not be delivered,

4

WATM • April 2022

fuel could not be supplied and supermarket shelves would soon empty.

The urgency of the situation initially seemed to fall on deaf ears, but it was eventually recognised as a crisis and the federal government moved into action.

Interim supplies were secured from other countries as a short-term fix and a deal was made with Incitec Pivot to manufacture technical grade urea in Queensland. Whilst a lifeline was found and supplies flowed again, it did not happen without a huge price spike and shortages in many regional centres.

Prices in many areas have not reduced significantly since the crisis and as a nation we are no closer to secure supplies. What happens if Incitec Pivot decides it doesn’t fit their business plan to continue to manufacture technical grade urea, or the manufacturing process is cost prohibitive

or the plant goes down for some reason?

The AdBlue shortage is another stark reminder of the precarious nature of our fuel reserves not only in Australia but Western Australia in particular.

The federal government has announced a fuel security package which includes construction of new diesel fuel storage for 780 megalitres of diesel. Fuel importers and refiners will be required to maintain a minimum stockholding at strategic locations which will be 40% above the minimum 90 day reserve by 2024.

The package will also enable Australian owned oil to be stored in the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Currently this reserve is around 1.7 million barrels.

Australia is said to currently hold around 100 days of fuel including the volume on the water at any given time.

Most of our fuel products come through the hotly contested South China Sea – an area that is particularly vulnerable to geopolitical upheaval.

Where does this leave Western Australia? Our only surviving refinery at Kwinana has ceased refining oil and relies on imported fuel. It provides around 70% of WA’s fuel needs. BP is required to co-operate with the state to ensure that the supply of fuel within WA is not adversely affected by the reliance on imports, however all the agreements in the world will not help us in the event of a disaster that impacts on imports. It has previously been recognised that WA’s ports and processing sites are potential military of terrorist targets. If WA was suddenly without a ready supply of fuel we would be reliant on supplies from the Eastern States, but even that is easier said than done. It is not easy to transport fuel into WA. We have seen the impact on supplies recently when a 300-kilometre stretch of rail track on the Nullarbor was damaged during the floods. Major supermarkets resorted to shipping products by sea to address major food shortages but the journey took around 10 days. Would there be ships with fuel carrying capacity available for the job and could we hold out for 10 days without fuel in WA? Whilst it is clear the federal government has implemented a number of strategies to address potential fuel shortages I remain concerned that it is smoke and mirrors and we’ll discover the reality doesn’t match the rhetoric in the middle of a crisis. We surely must avoid putting all our eggs in one basket and ensure we have reliable onshore

Given the positive experience of the last few weeks there isn’t a good reason for the ongoing prohibition on 36.5m road trains using Greenmount. At the very least they should be allowed to go up the hill

manufacturing and a supply of key ingredients for products such as AdBlue that keep the supply chain running. WA’s isolation should be recognised as part of the planning.

in and out of Perth. The driver shortage would be relieved, and drivers would not be using unfamiliar roads to avoid the need for shuttling trailers from Northam.

Productivity

Looking after our drivers and vehicles

Congratulations to the WA Government for allowing 36.5m road trains to enter Perth via Greenmount Hill to address the shortage of essential items caused by the damage to the Trans-Australian railway between Port Augusta and Kalgoorlie. It is doubtful that an escort by a Main Roads inspector made any difference to the safety of this manoeuvre, however what it demonstrates is that 36.5m road trains can safety travel up and down Greenmount Hill.

There were no problems with the swept path at the bottom of the hill, not that we expected any given heavier B Doubles requiring more room have been safely using the hill for some time.

Given the positive experience of the last few weeks there isn’t a good reason for the ongoing prohibition on 36.5m road trains using Greenmount. At the very least they should be allowed to go up the hill.

It seems the problem is more about competition with rail than engineering concerns. Opening Greenmount has many potential benefits such as fewer truck movements (six movements would be reduced to two), less pavement wear, reduction in fatigue and a huge reduction in costs. Access to Greenmount Hill would get trucks back onto funded roads and give local shires and back roads relief from companies finding alternative routes

We are making progress on facilities for drivers including ablution blocks with both the WA and federal governments agreeing to a rolling funding program to lift the standard of rest areas at key sites which in some cases includes the construction of toilets and showers.

After urging from industry, the southern areas of the state are starting to receive more attention with agreement for toilets to be built at the Bunbury Road Train Assembly Area and toilets and showers at an expanded area at Main Reef Road, Leonora.

Our thanks to Main Roads for agreeing to install cameras at the road train assembly area in Kewdale.

It is hoped cameras will contribute to better security for equipment legitimately parked there. Unfortunately, some companies continue to abuse the area and use it for their accumulation yard or long-term parking. There are even people camping on the site and for some inexplicable reason the authorities find it hard to move them on. We continue to seek support to expand the area as demand is outstripping available space.

The surrounding land is owned by different government agencies and it takes time to cut through the bureaucracy. We’ll keep at it!

WATM • April 2022

5

News

Saving lives with new technology in heavy vehicles

T

he Australian Government has mandated two life-saving vehicle technologies for new heavy vehicles – Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

AEB systems detect likely forward collisions, provide the driver with a warning and, if the driver does not respond, apply the brakes automatically.

ESC systems detect the risk of a rollover and automatically decelerate the vehicle in response. They can also detect when a vehicle diverges from the driver’s intended course, and take corrective action to bring the vehicle back on track.

These new standards will apply to all categories of heavy vehicles, from buses and coaches through to heavy goods trucks.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said mandating both technologies will help save lives and prevent injuries on the nation’s roads.

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety through strong investment and national leadership.Vehicle technology has an important role to play in saving lives and livelihoods on our roads, which is why we have introduced new standards requiring

AEB and ESC systems to be installed in all new heavy vehicles. Mandating this technology for heavy vehicles is expected to save around 100 lives and avoid over 2,300 serious injuries over 40 years. As well as saving lives and giving a bit of extra peace of mind to our hard-working heavy vehicle operators and their families, the new standards are expected to return a net benefit of around $140 million to the Australian economy,” said Assistant Minister Hogan.

AEB and ESC systems must be installed from 1 November 2023 for all new models of heavy vehicles “Crashes involving heavy vehicles can be particularly severe due to the size, loads and trips these types of vehicles are taking, having a devastating effect on the individuals and families involved.

Our heavy vehicle operators work hard to keep our economy and nation running by getting produce to plates and goods to

markets, and the Australian Government is committed to doing our part to help keep them safe on our roads. We have listened and we have acted on the calls by road safety advocates, the states and territories, and Australians directly affected by these types of heavy vehicle crashes, to mandate this technology to prevent tragic outcomes." - Assistant Minister Hogan said these technologies would have significant benefits for the heavy vehicle sector, from bus operators through to those driving our biggest trucks.

AEB and ESC systems must be installed from 1 November 2023 for all new models of heavy vehicles.

For existing models already in circulation, these life-saving systems must be installed in new buses from 1 November 2024, and new goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from 1 February 2025.

You can view the final Regulation Impact Statement, new Australian Design Rules and Explanatory Statements at www. legislation.gov.au/Details/F2022L00211/ Download (AEB systems), and www. legislation.gov.au/Details/F2022L00213/ Download (ESC systems).

Countdown on until we farewell the infamous Bayswater Bridge

A

s you will read on Page 11 of Bird’s Eye View, the clock is ticking for the infamous Bayswater Bridge, with work now under way on the taller, bigger bridge being delivered as part of the METRONET New Bayswater Station upgrade.

The bridge, which currently has a 3.8 6

WATM • April 2022

metre clearance and a well-known appetite for trucks, will be removed by the end of the year and replaced by a new structure with a 4.8 metre clearance.

To commemorate the infamous bridge, the McGowan Government is asking the community to have their say on how the

structure should be farewelled.

The structures for the new bridge are taking shape with two large beams already installed to support the new lines and longer platforms, with 50 more beams to be installed in coming months.

To have your say on how the Bayswater Bridge should be farewelled, visit www. mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/bayswaterstation-bridge/survey_tools/farewell Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "Truckies will breathe a sigh of relief with the news that we will wave goodbye to the old Bayswater Bridge before the end of the year.

"The Bayswater Bridge is an infamous icon of Perth and we want to give it the farewell it deserves - so I encourage community members to have their say on what sort of goodbye they think we should host

Australia’s road and rail supply chain resilience

T

he Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development has commissioned a review into road and rail supply chain resilience.

The review will be led by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DITRDC) supported by independent advice as required.

The review will:

1. Define and determine key risks to critical supply routes – routes that transport large quantities of freight or are critical to supply of essential goods or services across Australia; 2. Identify key risks to critical supply routes in the short, medium and long term — including weather events or natural disasters, limited alternative routes, and limited and difficult to access alternative transport modes; 3. Assess the potential vulnerabilities in critical supply routes; 4. Complete a stocktake of recent relevant

work by government and industry intended to identify and mitigate Australian domestic road and rail supply chain risks; 5. Identify data generation, capture and use requirements necessary to assess, inform best practice and improve road and rail supply chain resilience; 6. Determine the critical routes at highest risk of failure; and 7. Develop and present pragmatic options for governments to mitigate or address risks to critical road and rail supply chains, in alignment with the Government-agreed framework to identify and mitigate critical supply chain risks.

The focus of the review is on Australia’s road and rail infrastructure and linked infrastructure. Matters such as international supply chain vulnerability, costs of freight, the transport workforce and critical inputs to the transport sector are outside the scope of the review.

To find out more visit: www.bitre.gov.au/roadrail-supply-chain-resilience-review.

WA OWNED AND RUN 24 HR / 7 DAY ACCESS

WA’s premier brake and clutch specialists proudly servicing the states industrial clutch and brake applications.

From major truck workshops, heavy haulage, cranes, the mining industry and more… our team of knowledgeable and qualified technicians share over 100 years combined experience and focus on delivering prompt service alongside the supply of top name brakes and clutches throughout Australia and Asia.

With over 20 years in the industry we have a well-earned reputation for the development, manufacture and supply of quality standard and customised designs to suit a wide range of applications.

For the best advice and friendly service contact us today. +61 8 9353 4411 ■ sales@knightbrakeandclutch.com.au knightbrakeandclutch.com.au

3 MINUTE EXPRESS WASH

• • • •

Road train friendly Full chassi rinse standard Credit card facility Fleet accounts available

QUICK DRIVE THRU FULLY AUTOMATED TRUCK WASH www.twepicton.com.au Roadtrain / truck & dog $140 inc gst Semi $110 inc gst 6 Wheel Trucks / Bus $88 inc gst 2 Nicholson Road, East Picton T: Darren 0417 909 128 | E: info@twepicton.com.au

4 Hopetoun Place, Welshpool, WA 6106

WATM • April 2022

7

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

AUSTRALIA MUST BECOME SELF SUFFICIENT

T

ruck drivers are really working in very difficult times. Restrictions still make life difficult with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic with poor testing facilities and time wasted at border crossings.

Fuel prices have gone through the roof which is being blamed on Russia invading Ukraine.

The AdBlue shortage seems to have sorted itself but for how long? It is encouraging to see the NT governments $255 million to upgrade infrastructure for the $43 billion Perdaman Urea Project in the Pilbara – but that is not now.

8

WATM • April 2022

With all that is happening, surely it is a wakeup call that Australia must become self-sufficient and quickly. We should be producing our own AdBlue.

The recent flooding that took out our only rail link with the east also put pressure on truck drivers to help with our supply chain to keep supermarket shelves full.

It came as a surprise to me to learn how much freight comes into our state from the east and how vulnerable we are when things go wrong.

All these issues highlight the importance that trucks play in supplying us with our

everyday needs. The old saying that, “If trucks stop then the country stops” is so true.

Truck drivers as usual are the quiet achiever’s that go about their work and are always stepping up when the need arises.

We have kept Australia moving through the pandemic with very little help from Government or anyone else.

The job of being an Owner Driver has become more difficult with each additional obstacle that is placed before us. Very few of us get paid extra to match rising fuel costs. Very few are paid for time spent getting tested for COVID-19 or waiting at border stops. It’s always been expected that we absorb the cost and keep plugging away at trying to keep our heads above water and supplying a service to the country.

There comes a time when we cry that enough is enough and we need help but nobody wants to listen to truck drivers. We are promised the world every time we have to step up to each crisis but it is quickly forgotten about once everything settles down again. It’s been over six months now since Senator Glen Sterle conducted his extensive inquiry into road transport and it’s problems and presented it to the Federal Government. So in six months nothing has changed and it looks like nothing is going to change.

I know the government is busy and has a lot on its agenda but it just highlights what priorities it places on the transport industry.

Truck drivers are becoming frustrated and tired as we keep stepping up to problems within our industry. They are vacating the industry in droves and it’s next to impossible to recruit new drivers.

The industry is in crisis and it needs help. This cry for help has been going on for years but no one listens. We watch the wealthy retailers and supermarkets turn over huge profits and yet they fight and resist any attempt we make to get a fair days pay for a fair days work. If fuel prices rise then we must be compensated. We are already at the bottom of the food chain and are trying to exist on very tight margins.

Putting the industry in the too hard basket and ignoring the recommendations from Senator Sterle’s inquiry means that the long term sustainability of the transport industry is in jeopardy. There is an Election coming soon so vote wisely and make your vote count for a more sustainable transport industry.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt

SERVICE BULLETIN News

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMER

In our continuous effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information, without loading you up with unnecessary documentation (paper), please go to:

WWW.KHITCH.COM.AU SERVICE INFORMATION IMSB PARTS INFORMATION PV SALES INFORMATION SSS

BRINGING INNOVATION DOWN UNDER. TRAINING & INFORMATION

WARRANTY FORMS

ORDER FORMS

If there is any additional information you need, please do not hesitate to call:

FOR PRODUCT SUPPORT CALL:

MELBOURNE

BRISBANE

PERTH

03 9369 0000

07 3372 2223

08 9350 6470

WWW.KHITCH.COM.AU UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT WHEN PRINTED! BULLETIN NO: KPM-010-0610 REV4 1 WATM • April 2022

9

News

Getting WA’s massive harvest from bin to Port

D

ilemmas ensue after Western Australia’s bumper harvest with multiple supply chain issues resulting from the 21.3mt record, which was 30 per cent higher than its previous record.

This means there is the need to ship at least another two million tonnes of grain, more than has ever been done before.

CBH have a significant export task ahead in 2022 with 17mt of shipping capacity from their own system fully booked by exporters of WA grain.

The most CBH had ever shipped previously was 15mt and to date this year it has already exported 6mt.

The other problem is getting the extra harvest from bin to Port and the farmers have been called to help – however, the reality is that most of them are short of staff themselves.

CBH CEO Mick Daw outlined in a letter sent to growers that four options were available to them to help solve this problem.

1. Growers can subcontract to a CBH road contractor and receive retention incentives paid directly by CBH 2. Growers could take grain from a CBH site to Port and back haul their lime or fertiliser to farm

3. Farmers could lease their prime mover or trailer to Cropline Haulage and would be guaranteed minimum revenue and agreed profit share per net tonne kilometre (NTK) 4. Growers can directly contract to CBH and cart grain for select routes There is no quick fix here however it is a matter obtaining the best price which usually means selling it quickly. Hundreds of millions of dollars can be lost if the grain is not sold at the right time.

Thankfully our Ports have more than enough capacity however, it is expected with improved farming practices, including new drought tolerant lines that another huge season is a reality.

CBH has also talked about storage which may be a good idea for WA farmers getting the best prices considering the global situation. Russia and Ukraine account for a quarter of the global wheat trade. Ukraine face the battle of planting their crops through an invasion and purchasing Russian products is off the card. It is expected that global agricultural commodities will increase in price.

Some feel that the state problem of moving the extra crop from bin to Port will end up being sorted out by the WA Transport industry.

The other problem is getting the extra harvest from bin to Port and the farmers have been called to help – however, the reality is that most of them are short of staff themselves

10

WATM • April 2022

26th TRANSAFE WA Road Transport Safety Forum

W

ith another successful ‘Transport Safety Forum’ under their belt, 26th to be precise TRANSAFE WA bought together nine presenters who provided thoughtprovoking and informative content that was well received by the forum participants.

Some of the forum highlights included Dr Vanessa Bowden, a human factors researcher and lecturer from The University of Western Australia who had participants wowed with the statement, "You cannot multi-task".

Dr Bowden went on to prove this in her presentation.

Paul McGuire from Nationwide Training covered the latest on Chain of Responsibility (CoR). Niomi Hurley from Get Up and Grow presented on The Importance of Psychological Safety and touched on risk management and duty of care amongst other valuable areas.

Teresa Williams shared a very moving and thought provoking presentation called IF which left antendees all to reflect on their own 'what if' questions. Mick Wainwright from the Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services provided us with the latest HVS updates.

Dr Laura Fruhen from The University of Western Australia gave a presentation on Leading for Safety that highlighted that for a safety culture to be successful it needs to be led from the top.

Engel Prendergast who represented Injury Matters spoke about Investing in Mental and Physical Health and had the participants partake in a breathing and relaxation exercise.

Leigh Farrow from Teletrac Navman shared the latest developments in Driver Electronic Work Diary Solutions.

Nick Fox from Alcolizer Technology presented on Managing Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Workplace and shared some interesting statistics.

A great variety of fresh topics were covered at the forum and looking after our mental and physical health emerged as a common theme amongst the presentations. For more information on Transafe WA visit transafewa.com.au

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

Farewell Baysie Bridge

I

n the words of Andrea Bocelli, "It’s time to say goodbye".

Goodbye to the iconic 'Baysie Bridge’.

In news just recently, it has been announced that the 100 year old piece of real estate that draws cheers every time that it claims another victim, is to be no more.

Although it was built at only 3.8m high, there was nothing in the early days that would foreshadow the almost cult-like following that it developed over the last few years. There are other bridges even lower than this but none of them ever gained the notoriety of our beloved Baysie Bridge.

Opened on Valentine’s Day in 1910, there was nothing remarkable about the structure in its early days. Although it was a major transport route, vehicles were a lot smaller in those days and so they slipped under the bridge easily.

Fast forward to March 2006 and a small pantech becomes the first modern victim as

this siren was just waking up.

The next four years saw just three more trucks succumb to her spell. Fooled by the optical illusion and drawn in like mice to a trap, the trap snapped shut in a cacophony of grinding metal as these new victims joined the register of the infamous.

The next three years the bridge slept peacefully, traffic flowed freely and local residents and business owners assumed that the drivers had finally learnt their lesson.

Oh how wrong they were - this was just the start of the slaughter inflicted by this vicious metal crumpling, vehicle eating monster.

One incident in 2015, jumping to four in 2016 and then her appetite increased, and she was gobbling down vehicles like there was no tomorrow.

11 trucks fell victim to her wiles in each of 2017, 2018 and 2019, nine in 2020,

and ten in 2021. She was crushing more vehicles than Sims Metal.

A website was dedicated to her victims and a cheer would erupt as another scalp was added to her substantial belt.

But like all good things this too is coming to an end.

As part of the planned upgrade of the Bayswater rail precinct scheduled for later this year, the height of the bridge will be raised around a metre which will hopefully put an end to all of these incidents.

Mind you, a little intelligence and due diligence on the part of the drivers could also have had the same effect but hey when you pay peanuts you get peanuts.....

Or monkeys...... or incompetents.

So with the current score Bridge 36 trucks zero does anyone want to make a prediction of how many more will add themselves to this notorious register before she breathes her final breath?

WATM • April 2022

11

News

Toll Group leads the industry in hydrogen-fuel accessibility and adoption

O

n March 1st this year, Toll Group today announced the company’s partnership with Viva Energy Australia to launch Australia’s most ambitious hydrogen mobility project.

The demonstration project will see the development of a New Energy Service Station in Geelong, Victoria. The station will be Australia’s first publicly accessible, dedicated heavy vehicle hydrogen refuelling station and is expected to commence operations in late 2023. Viva Energy’s new facility will also offer battery electric vehicle recharging, bringing together zero emission technologies to support Australia’s energy transition.

Toll Group will provide two hydrogenpowered prime movers deployed for the delivery of Viva Energy liquid fuels to its customers across South Western Victoria.

Toll Group envisions that this project will be a catalyst for a network of hydrogen refueling stations from Geelong to Sydney and onto Brisbane. “We’re proud to lead the industry and partner with Viva Energy to develop the future of zero-emissions transport for heavy vehicles. We believe in the potential for hydrogen to deliver a carbon free energy solution for the transport industry and this project is our first step on this journey,” said Thomas Knudsen, Toll Group’s Managing Director.

The project received a $22.8m grant from the federally funded Advancing Renewables Program through ARENA. In addition, the Victorian Government contributed $1 million to the infrastructure build of the project via its Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund.

“We’re grateful for the hydrogen vehicle funding support provided by the federal government through ARENA and for the Victorian Government’s contribution to the project. Collaboration between government and industry is the best way to advance Australia’s renewable energy goals and for industry to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Mr Knudsen.

The new station, located on the corner of Station Street and the Princes Highway at the entrance to Geelong Refinery, will be Australia’s first publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling location for heavy vehicles.

12

WATM • April 2022

INDIA PARTNER WITH AUSTRALIAN IN CRITICAL MINERALS SECTOR

A

new investment partnership with India is set to unlock mutual benefits for both countries from Australia’s world-leading critical minerals sector.

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the Government has allocated $5.8 million to the threeyear Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership.

“Australia and India are natural partners sharing mutual strategic and economic priorities and this Partnership will support further Indian investment in Australian critical minerals projects,” Minister Pitt said.

“It is the first of its kind and represents a step-change in how countries can work together to support key industries and pursue growth

opportunities.

“Our combined capabilities will take on the challenge of resourcing the emerging technologies used in sectors such as defence, aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, telecommunications and agritech.

“India is forecast to become the world’s most populous country within two years. Its fast-growing economy will create more trade and investment opportunities, so it is important Australia continues to build close ties with India.

“With our vast quantities of development-ready critical minerals projects and reputation as a reliable trading partner, Australia is a logical choice as India looks to secure its supply chains,” Minister Pitt said.

News

Remainder of Outback Way to be sealed

T

he WA State Government has partnered with the Commonwealth to seal the remainder of Outback Way as part of a $678 million project to deliver a new strategic transport and tourism route with the Eastern States.

The Federal Government has allocated $400 million to complete the 872 kilometre seal through Western Australia, with the McGowan Government committing a further $100 million towards the project.

The remainder of the funding will help seal the road in the Northern Territory and Queensland.

The State Government put a proposal to the Federal Government late last year for the joint funding arrangement which will see the WA section of the highway sealed by 2030.

Outback Way extends 2,720 kilometres from Laverton in WA to Winton in Queensland.

The WA section of the route is formed by the Great Central Road and extends 872 kilometres from Laverton to the WA/ NT border, with 736 kilometres currently unsealed.

In WA, about $52 million has so far been spent to upgrade the route, with an additional $112 million already allocated for works over 147 kilometres through to 2025-26.

The funding announcement means there is an additional $500 million to complete the final 589 kilometres over the next seven years.

The road is critical in providing access to remote Aboriginal communities, with sealing to improve access to health and other services, while opening up rich mineral deposits east of Laverton.

The project will also see a new road link to the Eastern States, which will provide a

new freight and tourism route.

Work on the project is providing ongoing employment and training opportunities for local Aboriginal people.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "Outback Way is also known as 'Australia's longest shortcut', linking Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia by road.

"When complete, this project will see 872 kilometres of road throughout WA fully

sealed, providing better access to remote communities, better links from east to west and exciting new tourism prospects.

"With the recent flooding of the Trans-WA rail line, we know how important it is to have alternate routes for freight to come into WA. "The SA floods demonstrated the need for more resilient transport options into the future and Outback Way is clearly one of them."

Helping farmers in WA affected by natural disaster

A

group of Esperance based farmers have helped their wider community with much needed hay and feed donations for those affected by drought and natural disaster.

An estimated 40,000 hectares of West Australian land including feed, stock, fencing, homes and sheds have been lost due to the recent bushfires.

Sam Starevich, President of Farmers Across Borders told Australian Broadcasting Corporation the notfor-profit charity has access to large quantities of donated oaten, wheat and barley straw.

Farmers Across Borders coordinated a convoy of road trains as part of its Corrigin Hay Run which rolled out from Esperance late February with a load up to 1500 bales According to the hay run organisers, 13 road trains headed off on Saturday 19 February from Esperance and the fleet travelled along the South Coast Highway

through Ravensthorpe, Lake King, Hyden to Corrigin.

One company who made a huge donation to the bushfire recovery was Rio Tinto who donated 2000 bales.

As always, WA transport companies helped with moving the feed – the organisers thanking Pilbara Transport and Matic Transport.

In addition to calling on volunteers and supporters to donate feed, time, trucks and fuel Starcevich also called on the Government of Western Australia to contribute.

Shire of Corrigin President, Des Hickey, told Fairfax Media he was humbled by offers for help following devastating bushfire which impacted the region.

In addition to the hay run Hickey said people have assisted with euthanising livestock and helping with the general clean-up.

“It’s fortunate, as the recovery period is going to take a lot longer than any of us initially envisaged, so it will take many hands,” he said.

WATM • April 2022

13

News

Work on final section of Albany Ring Road underway

W

ork on the final six-kilometre section of the Albany Ring Road project, between South Coast Highway and Princess Royal Drive, is officially underway.

The Australian Government has committed $140 million toward the $175 million Albany Ring Road upgrade, with the

Western Australian Government providing $35 million.

When complete, the project will establish an 11-kilometre, free-flowing connection between Albany Highway and Princess Royal Drive, improving freight efficiency and reducing congestion on

Operation Regional Shield to crack down on Kimberley youth crime

M

ore police officers and operational police assets have been deployed to the Kimberley as part of a massive crackdown on juvenile crime.

Police Minister Paul Papalia today joined Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch in Broome to detail the new measures aimed at tackling high risk offending by juvenile offenders.

The Department of Education is supporting the operation with a dedicated regionally-based attendance officer as a key point of contact for police to help transition students back into schools.

The police operation is one part of a comprehensive, cross-Government response being rolled out in the region over coming weeks and will include

The police operation is on a scale not previously seen in regional Western Australia, targeting the ringleaders of violent crime to suppress and disrupt further juvenile offending Code-named Operation Regional Shield, a police strike team made up of specialist officers from the Regional Operations Group and Regional Investigations Unit will be based in Broome and dispatched to Kimberley locations as required.

The operation also includes support from the Police Air Wing, Canine Section and State Intelligence Portfolio.

Police have identified a disturbing social media trend known as the TikTok Challenge which encourages groups of juveniles to 'better' one another by increasing the volume and seriousness of criminal offending.

The police operation is on a scale not previously seen in regional Western Australia, targeting the ringleaders of violent crime to suppress and disrupt further juvenile offending.

14

WATM • April 2022

further initiatives from the Department of Justice and Department of Communities to support at-risk youth.

Police Minister Paul Papalia said, "This operation will not only significantly increase the visible police presence but it will provide tactical support to disrupt this very disturbing social media challenge.

"It will be supported by other Government agencies, including the Department of Education and Department of Communities as part of a multi-pronged Government response to juvenile crime across the Kimberley, Pilbara and other regions.

"Importantly for now, this police response will provide the community much needed respite from criminal offending by some of these hardcore repeat offenders."

existing routes.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said we are focused on getting the job done for Western Australians through our record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan".

"The Albany Ring Road will improve connections between major freight infrastructure, including airports and commercial and industrial areas, which will help industries grow and support more jobs.

"This will drive new and expanded economic opportunities in the local area and beyond."

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said this was the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the Great Southern region.

"When complete, the Albany Ring Road will take heavy vehicles away from the town centre, better support local businesses and improve commute times through the city," she said.

"It will provide certainty for Albany Port users and open up new economic opportunities to the north and west of the city, while also taking heavy vehicles out of residential areas and away from the centre of town.

"We anticipate the first stage of the project will be open in April."

Federal Member for O'Connor Rick Wilson said the project complements other commitments being delivered in the local region.

"The Australian Government has committed more than $17.7 billion for transport infrastructure funding across Western Australia since 2013," Mr Wilson said.

"We've already delivered a new heavy vehicle bay at the rest stop on the Albany Highway near Cranbrook, with the Australian Government contributing $242,500 under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

"We're also delivering $630,914 toward the Chillinup Road upgrade in Gnowellen, which is currently under construction.

Construction of the first grade-separated interchange in the Great Southern Region - at Menang Drive and Albany Highway - is making good progress, with the bridge and road ramps anticipated to open in April.

Vehicles heading north from the Menang Drive intersection will cross over the new bridge and utilise a new loop ramp to access Albany Highway.

Main Roads News

IMPORTANT OVER SIZE OVER MASS (OSOM) REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE SOMETIMES OVERLOOKED

T

here are a number of requirements relating to the movement of Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) loads that are sometimes overlooked by transport operators and/or drivers. These include checking Heavy Vehicle Travel Impacts, reducing speed when crossing bridges, and using Traffic Guidance Schemes.

an OSOM load, they can have one prepared by an accredited traffic management company and submit it with their permit application.

A new Traffic Guidance Scheme can be prepared and published by Main Roads, if it is determined that it will be used regularly and benefit the wider industry.

Traffic Guidance Schemes

Speed Restrictions Crossing Bridges

Traffic Guidance Schemes cover manoeuvres that require traffic management, including contraflow movements, facilitating movement through narrow road sections, facilitating the clearing of built-up traffic, and using crossovers, such as the Military Road crossover in Midland and the Chisholm Crescent crossover in Kewdale.

Twenty-six Traffic Guidance Schemes are available at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au The Schemes, which cover metropolitan and regional areas were developed in consultation with industry and formalised by Main Roads for consistency.

If a Traffic Guidance Scheme is specified in permit conditions, it is essential that the Traffic Guidance Scheme is followed. If an operator needs to conduct a contraflow movement that is not covered by an existing Traffic Guidance Scheme, or if the operator believes another Traffic Guidance Scheme is required to assist with the safe movement of

Various speed restrictions apply to OSOM loads crossing bridges depending on the size and mass of the load. These speed restrictions have been implemented for the safety of the bridge structures.

There is a 25 km/h speed restriction which applies to OSOM loads crossing bridges under a single trip permit. More severe speed restrictions are in place for heavier loads, which are also subject to Bridge Video Supervision. Where Bridge Video Supervision is specified on a permit for a particular bridge, the OSOM load must only cross the bridge at a maximum speed of 10 km/h, or for an OSOM vehicle consisting of a platform trailer with more than 16 axles and/or more than 12 tyres per axle, a maximum speed of 5 km/h.

Failure to comply with these speed restrictions may result in the bridge being downgraded due to structural fatigue or damage, which will mean some OSOM loads

will no longer be able to cross the bridge.

Heavy Vehicle Travel Impacts Where roadworks or events impede access for OSOM loads, these are published to enable operators and drivers to ensure their route is clear for travel. It is a requirement under an OSOM permit for drivers to check the Heavy Vehicle Travel Impacts prior to commencing their journey.

Often the Heavy Vehicle Travel Impact will specify a maximum width and/or minimum ground clearance that can be accommodated through a particular work site. There may also be a requirement for the driver or operator to contact the site supervisor prior to travelling through a particular work site, to ensure the OSOM load can be accommodated. This must be done via email or text message to ensure there is evidence that contact was made.

Traffic Escort Wardens will need to see this evidence before they escort a load on a route with this requirement.

It is important that operators and drivers are familiar with all the permit operating conditions before they commence travel to ensure road safety and prevent damage to the road infrastructure.

For further information please contact the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486 or email hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au WATM • April 2022

15

Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

The Skills Shortage and what's being done

T

he last few years we have all been struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic but as 2021 wore on, I realised there was another, much more serious pandemic that we are dealing with right across the world.

The Situation 1. The Western Australian Transport and Logistics industry continues to suffer a severe shortage of skilled staff from drivers, mechanics to operations personnel.

2. These shortages are directly contributing to economic impacts/ losses which are being reported daily in the media across multiple WA business sectors.

3. WA is beginning to approach the levels of COVID-19 case numbers that severely disrupted the supply chains on the East Coast.

HV Driver Training Program With record levels of low unemployment, we will have increasing difficulty attracting 16

WATM • April 2022

people to train in the extraordinarily successful HV Driver Training Course.

Noting that we now have 87% of all graduate students in jobs and employers demanding more.

Actions Item Update Working with Employment Facilitators: We are developing a great relationship with Federal funded local employment facilitators to help identify and attract people into our

industry via the training program.

Regional Expansion: Is being rolled out to Albany, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury but requires significant industry investment and effort to replicate Perth employment results.

Western Roads Federation is attending Jobs Fairs around the state to promote our industry to people considering their career options.

There’s potential for more regional training programs.

However, it will require support from our members to ensure that regional courses have the same degree of industry engagement and participation to ensure that we have in Perth.

Family Friendly Training Course: It has been realised that we can attract more students from different target groups if the training course was res-structured to be on weekends or after hours. Three significant potential groups have been engaged: • Migrants and Refugees • Principal Careers • Indigenous Fast Track Competency Based Course: Building on the needs identified

above for family friendly and the need to accelerate building a labour force to cope with COVID-19 related staff shortages, it is proposed to conduct a Fastrack course.

• Competency assessment up front: E Pass- put into fast track program E Fail - put through whole program • Create a Fast Track Course E Restructure the course to accommodate full time workers E 8 units are essential - 4 Saturdays E VOC of the drivers • Action Required is to define the course, its delivery model and cost.

Migrant and Disadvantaged Group Training: We are partnering with a major humanitarian agency to provide funding to cover the additional costs that migrants and disadvantaged groups incur when doing the HV Driver Operations course.

This is planned to be piloted in WA and rolled out nationally.

International Drivers: It has been an

agreed position that international drivers should be trained in the HV compliance laws, local road culture and be subject to a verification of competency before being engaged by industry.

With the expected flood of international drivers coming to meet demand, a modified course will be required, and a funding model provided.

The current TAFE based cost model is not acceptable, we need an acceptable industry solution.

Member Led Training: A number of members have or are developing in-house driver training programs. There must be a subsidy provided direct to members for this, which we continue to actively push with the Federal Government.

Professional Development: It has been recognised that there is a need to have professional development training for industry, government and related stakeholder executives. To that end, Western Roads Federation are finalising the development of an Executive Development program with Curtin University.

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION IS THE UNITED VOICE OF WA TRANSPORT COMPANIES Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit.

Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved.

For a membership application form Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 or 0481 064 371 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004

WATM • April 2022

17

Focus

Location-Tech the “new normal” for supply chains

By Daniel Antonello | General Manager, Australia and New Zealand at HERE Technologies

W

hat does coffee have in common with toilet paper? Or, indeed, Vegemite and most types of meat? The answer is that they’re all items that have been missing from Australia’s supermarket shelves at some point in the last two years.

For manufacturers, delays have been even worse. From couches and car parts to computer chips and coal, COVID-19 has not just been wreaking havoc on our immune systems, it’s been crippling supply chains all over the world.

With the Omicron variant surge in recent months, you could argue that disruptions are getting worse, not better.

Two full years after the pandemic began, we’re still seeing closed borders, restrictions, and a staggering number of workers falling sick and forced to stay home. Consumers long accustomed to convenience and speed are becoming all used to delays.

Surely there’s a little bit of light on the

horizon and the pandemic’s worst days are behind us? Let’s hope so. But unless this virus goes away, we shouldn’t expect that supply chains will just snap back to “normal”.

Shifting consumer expectations driving supply chain congestion The world has changed since COVID-19 began, not least due to online shopping.

People are turning to e-commerce more than ever before, with HERE Technologies’ latest research revealing that at least 44% of Aussies have become more reliant on e-commerce since the pandemic began.

The fierce competition to get more goods moving more quickly has already unmasked the fragility of supply chains.

We’re seeing backlogs in ports, traffic congestion on roads, overflowing warehouses and a shortage of drivers.

According to a research map developed

by HERE Technologies, the roads around Melbourne’s port were more congested

than average last November, while container ships were also spending close to two days at the port – more than twice the global median (0.69 days) in 2019.

Emerging macro trends presenting new supply chain challenges The growth in e-commerce is also resulting in a need for more warehouses worldwide – as well as a need to find supply chains that link them.

Experts are predicting that the number of warehouses around the world will grow by 20% between 2018 and 2025 to reach about 180,000. The continuing development of rural areas worldwide is not just resulting in more inconveniently located product manufacturers, it’s also producing more inconveniently located people to buy them.

Factor in trade wars, a looming European energy crisis, and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, the already-complicated world of logistics

Road train permits extended to help resupply WA supermarkets News 18

T

he McGowan Government extended the Flood Relief Permit system to March 27 enabling 36.5-metre double road trains access to Perth freight depots under escort from Northam and down Greenmount Hill to Roe Highway.

So far, 188 convoys of up to four road trains involving a total of 282 vehicles have accessed Roe Highway from Northam since the special conditions were implemented on February 2.

In the past, 36.5m road trains

WATM • April 2022

have had to break down to single trailers or 27.5m combinations at Northam to complete the journey into Perth.

The new measures were put in place to help mitigate impacts caused by the January floods in South Australia which severely disrupted road and rail freight movements.

At the same time, the State Government is allowing the movement of 36.5m road trains up Greenmount Hill, carrying fresh fruit and vegetables for the Eastern States market.

The special permit is open to any transport operator carrying refrigerated perishables only, with one SA-based company having expressed interest and likely to begin eastbound haulage next week.

Permits will be issued under strict regulation, including: • trucks drivee up Greenmount Hill only between the hours of 10am and 2pm; • they carry product that does not compete with rail freight; and • the prime movers are equipped with the latest in safety technology including in-

looks like it’s becoming more challenging than ever.

Bottom line: things probably won’t be returning to “normal” any time soon.

Anticipating, monitoring, and mitigating risks may be what managing a supply chain is now all about. Sustainable operations will be ones that can pre-emptively identify a potential disruption, or at the very least respond the moment that it occurs.

Investment in technology key to solving business’ supply chain woes Digital transformation is heralding the next era in supply chain management.

Research by HERE and Frost & Sullivan found that a third of logistics companies in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region are considering warehouse automation (33%) and electric vehicles (32%) as key investment priorities in the next two years.

However, far more are investing in digital technologies that are designed to achieve end-to-end visibility. Today, logistics companies require fleet, logistics asset tracking, and shipment monitoring solutions that address unique logistics challenges. So there has never been a better time to digitalise and harness the power of location. With location intelligence, you can help streamline operations, reduce the costs of running a business, increase revenue channels, and gain efficiency within supply chain and fleet management.

This approach also delivers a more sustainable way of doing business.

Cloud-based logistics software provider, Yojee, is one such company that is offering innovative solutions along the supply chain.

As the company’s Managing Director, Ed Clarke, recently put it, “What the pandemic did to the logistics industry as a whole is basically wake everyone up and move

cabin fatigue monitoring systems.

Since February 2 Western Australia has allowed 53.5m road trains to operate from the SA border to Kalgoorlie, where they are off-loaded onto rail or broken down into 36.5m combinations, again as part of the Flood Relief Permit system.

This will cease on March 13 following a decision by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to end these operations in SA on that date.

Early March, McGowan Government announced the establishment of a taskforce to examine the State's shipping industry and supply chains, following the disruption caused by the flooding of the east-west rail line.

technology and agility to the most urgent agenda item. Everyone realised we need to have visibility and control, whether we're at home or at the office.”

A significant step-up from GPS and radio-frequency identification when it comes fleet tracking and shipment monitoring, Internet of Things (IoT)-based location technologies have been gaining a great deal of traction.

Map-based services are proving even more popular and will likely be considered essential within one or two years. Ideally combined with IoT, their key benefit is better route planning and real-time notifications – helping to reduce costs and increased efficiency. A speedy, smooth, and comparatively cheap supply chain can make or break a company’s financial performance.

Consumer benefits also a critical consideration for tech investment That said, real-time tracking doesn’t just smooth out a supply chain, it appeals to the customer who is waiting at the end of the delivery journey. Today’s consumers want, and tomorrow’s customers will demand, total visibility on every one of their orders.

They will want to be able to glance at a map, and know exactly where their goods are, as they make their way through the supply chain – all the way from the factory right up to their front door; the latest trend is knowing where raw materials are sourced.

Digital investment isn’t just about minimising risk. It can also help to maximise your competitive advantage. A company that delivers a precise estimated time of arrival (ETA) – rather than a “maybe eight to 12 weeks” – will be a company that customers will return to. In

What the pandemic did to the logistics industry as a whole is basically wake everyone up and move technology and agility to the most urgent agenda item.

Everyone realised we need to have visibility and control, whether we're at home or at the office fact, HERE Technologies’ latest research revealed that just 9% of Australians would be happy to wait more than five days for a delivery, with just 6% saying they will return to a retailer despite having a poor delivery experience.

Pressure on last-mile delivery is increasing as supply chains try to meet the cost and time expectation of consumers.

This is where location intelligence tools such as ETA notifications, and last-mile delivery applications can help alleviate supply chain pressures and give consumers their ideal delivery experiences.

We are living in fast-moving times but there is no reason not to feel optimistic.

As always, the winners will always be those that embrace change the most effectively.

With the right technology in place, supply chain operators give themselves the best possible chance of success.

For more information visit: www.here.com

At the same time, the State Government is allowing the movement of 36.5m road trains up Greenmount Hill, carrying fresh fruit and vegetables for the Eastern States market WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "We have allowed these longer road trains access to Greenmount Hill eastbound for the first time after carefully considering the safety of the heavy vehicles involved and the safety of all road users.

"The reasoning behind the 10am to 2pm operating period is to limit the number of lighter vehicles mixing with these road trains, which will be travelling very slowly as they climb Greenmount Hill.

"It's an important step to assist the

transport industry delivering perishables to WA supermarkets and then being allowed to backload WA grown produce to SA and other Eastern States markets, particularly in light of the new flood crisis in parts of Queensland and New South Wales.

"The exemptions are aimed at further assisting industry in the re-supply of WA supermarkets following the destructive floods in SA early this year and to assist local growers in getting their product out of the State swiftly.".

WATM • April 2022

19

News

New taskforce to examine Western Australian shipping industry

T

he State Government is establishing a Taskforce to examine the state's shipping industry and supply chains that link Western Australia with the east coast and international customers.

The taskforce comes in response to the recent significant disruption to the supply chain into WA, a result of the east-west rail link being closed for 24 days due to unprecedented flooding.

The impact of the disruption, which is still being felt on WA supermarket shelves, raises questions about what else can be done to strengthen the State's supply chain.

In addition, severe weather events in the north-west have also caused significant disruption and costs to the community, which means now is the time to explore all options in securing freight and supply chains.

The taskforce will examine: • the role intrastate and interstate shipping can play as an ancillary route for freight movements in the event of natural disasters and disruptions to other supply chains;

A

report back to Cabinet by March 31, 2023.

The ability to deliver these outcomes will be reliant on assistance and coordination with the Federal Government.

Transport and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said, "We saw firsthand the disruption to our supply chains the oncein-a-200-year flooding in South Australia caused when it washed away parts of the Trans-Australia railway.

"We see this as a national issue, and we are keen to work with any Federal Government willing to help us to better strengthen our east-west supply links.

"It's important we examine other supply chain options in the event of future natural disasters and disruptions - having better access to a local shipping fleet would be one option to future-proof our freight supply chain.

"The taskforce will speak with the shipping industry, customers, port authorities, unions and the broader community, and I look forward to receiving the report early next year."

Record-high petrol prices see Australian companies add fuel surcharges

ustralians are paying more for Ubers and postage as record-high petrol prices prompt big businesses to slug consumers with painful new fuel surcharges.

A run of rapidly rising petrol prices has worsened with the war in Ukraine, sending average rates on mid-march to well over $2.10 a litre across major capital cities.

And it has pushed Australia Post and rideshare firms Uber and DiDi to impose fuel surcharges on consumers. What’s more, the most recent increases in global oil prices have yet to flow through to

2 50

20

• potential support for a national approach to the agile use of interstate shipping to strengthen critical supply chains; • the sustainability and resilience of WA's on-water maritime labour force, including any emerging skill gaps, training requirements or critical worker shortages; • opportunities to develop multi-modal responsiveness towards disruptions in vital WA freight supply chains; and • opportunities to improve supply chain co-ordination and service quality at WA ports.

The taskforce will be chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Ports Jessica Stojkovski MLA, and the Hon. Kyle McGinn MLC. Engagement will be undertaken with the shipping and transport industry, customers, port authorities, unions and the broader community.

The taskforce will identify and recommend implementable options to improve shipping industry utility and will

WATM • April 2022

Australian bowsers, with CommSec senior economist Ryan Felsman saying prices may hit $2.50 a litre.

Companies impose fuel surcharges In response to the surging cost of petrol, Uber said it would introduce a 60-day surcharge on Australian rides, equalling about 6 cents per kilometre.

It said this meant the average trip would now cost about 50 cents more.

“We’ve heard from driver-partner feedback that the recent sudden spike

in petrol prices is having an impact,’ Uber Australia’s Emma Foley said in a statement.

DiDi soon followed suit, confirming to The New Daily on Monday it is also introducing a 6-cent-per-kilometre fuel surcharge for 60 days. The surcharge will come into effect on March 21, DiDi said.

It comes after Australia Post imposed a record 3.1% fuel surcharge on its services for April — up from 2.3% in March — on the back of higher petrol prices.

Even Australia’s largest businesses are feeling the pinch, including food canning giant SPC, which told the AFR on Monday that its prices will go up 10 to 20% on the back of higher input costs including petrol.

That news comes after earlier warnings from grocery suppliers and the big supermarket bosses that their prices will rise substantially in 2022.

It all points to higher headline inflation over the next six months amid speculation about when the Reserve Bank will raise interest rates from a record-low 0.1%.

This article was first published by The New Daily.

News

TREVOR MURLEY, LEWIS BEDFORD, & ROBERT TAYLOR - BOORABBIN MEMORIAL

Photographs by Derek Graham / Michael Kuilboer

HELP NEEDED

By Carol Messenger

15 years on we need your help.

We need your help in watering the tree/trees that surround the memorial for the three truckies that died in the Boorabbin bushfires.

The area is a dry desolate place and whilst many of us give the triple toot as we go past, the families are asking if from time to time, we could take a few minutes to stop and water the tree. With a bit of TLC this tree could grow big and strong and provide some beautiful shade.

It's not much to ask to remember these blokes.

December 30th 2007 was a black day for the Transport Industry in Western Australia.

The weather was hot, there were raging winds and in the Goldfields region there were blazing bushfires that had closed the roads to all traffic for three days.

Trucks had been held at Southern Cross and Kalgoorlie as it was deemed too dangerous to proceed.

But then at 7.45 on that fateful day, a DEC led incident management team re-opened the highway, and allowed vehicles to travel east from Southern Cross despite weather forecasts of a wind

The area is a dry desolate place and whilst many of us give the triple toot as we go past, the families are asking if from time to time, we could take a few minutes to stop and water the tree change that would push the blaze into their path.

Just an hour into their journey, a sudden wind change brought the fire back across the highway and trapped those that were unable to turn around. With no support and no way of escape, Lewis Bedford, Robert Taylor and Trevor Murley died in their trucks.

A short time after the fire, a memorial with three white crosses was erected close to the point where the men perished.

It is a lovely memorial, and we are just asking truckies to take five minutes now and again to water the tree and pay their respects.

THE MEMORIAL A shelter, monument and garden commemorate three truck drivers who perished in the Boorabbin bushfire of 2007. Located in the Boorabbin National Park about 100 kilometres east of Southern Cross, the memorial is a short walk from a truck bay on the southern side of Great Eastern Highway.

Truck drivers Trevor Murley, Lewis Bedford, and Robert Taylor perished as they drove into the path of a bushfire on Great Eastern highway on 30 December 2007 after being allowed through a roadblock. Shortly after the fire, three white crosses were erected by the highway at the point where the men died. Three years later, the Department of Environment and Conservation, in consultation with the families of the three men built a permanent memorial consisting of a granite monument and an information shelter.

Behind the original white crosses on the highway, three permanent bronze plaques have been placed.

Address of Memorial: Great Eastern Highway, Boorabbin National Park, Boorabbin, 6429 WATM • April 2022

21

Over to you

A Ford alongside an old BHB crane that is still working. Looks like the blue Ford needs a few more repairs

LUNCH AT VAN DONGEN'S

By Kevin Toovey

T

he HCVC Annual Inspection Day was held at Kevin's Water Cartage in Kewdale this year, and was well attended. People got talking and socialising straight away.

The HCVC has been lucky to be invited to Eddy and Herb Van Dongen’s place over the last few years. This time around it was a hot summer’s day, last time it poured with rain.

Just an informal get together with a sausage sizzle lunch and an opportunity to chat to everybody without having a meeting or anything else to attend.

With events being put on the back burner these get togethers are important to all of us.

Eddy and Herb's place is home to working and retired trucks with lots of stories behind them.

With events being put on the back burner these get togethers are important to all of us 22

WATM • April 2022

Above: Nobody is going to drive away with the red car, it is secure, and it doesn't take up much room when it is parked on top of the shipping container Left: Trevor and Sue Tough brought their Dodge along with a load on

Lunch in the shed was a welcome relief from the hot day outside

Awaiting some restoration work

The Ford LTL above has been resting for a few years now and is awaiting some action Above: Eddy's homemade trucks and machinery parked on the shelf

Below: The Pink Kenworth road train on the fence is a landmark in the Oakford area

A Nullaboring Ford that is parked up for a short rest after many miles

The red International fire truck is a permanent resident at Eddy and Herbs place

Another space saver is the grain top between the shipping containers and I suppose with the roll tarp it acts as a bit of a roof at the same time

Eddy’s latest project a three wheeler, watch this space for progress reportsa

WATM • April 2022

23

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

In February 1983, WARTA did agree to the naming of the Road Transport Industry Training Committee, Western Australia.

The road transport industry in WA is responsible for more than 13,000 employees with a wages bill totalling more than $150 million. Its annual operations are worth nearly $750 million.

From $20,000 for a 10-tonne truck in the 1950s, rigs by the 1980s were costing up to $250,000.

1982

O

ne of the biggest loads shifted in WA happened in Geraldton.

Brambles Manford moved a helipad-topped accommodation block built for a production gas rig from its construction site to a barge, which would tow it to its destination on the North West Shelf. The block was 20m high and the overall weight 1454 tonnes. The load was jacked on to towing units totalling 448 wheels, then winched to the barge by two 400hp Mack prime movers. It was technically an off-road move. The record for the biggest load moved in Australia was claimed by Bell Freightlines. It was a deep-sea plough, also destined for the North West Shelf gas field, which was moved two kilometres to a testing area from its construction site at Jervoise Bay, south of Fremantle. The total weight was 555 tonnes. The plough was carried on three trailers totalling 192 wheels, hauled by four Kenworth prime movers and assisted when necessary by two Hough bulldozers.

The inaugural meeting of the Waste Management Association of WA (a division of WARTA) was held in the

24

WATM • April 2022

1983 After the Ash Wednwsday bush fires / Wikipedia

Association boardroom on August 26 with 12 people attending, including Association Vice-President D N Gilham. W Rees of Western Waste was elected Chairman and Cleanaway’s M Hanlon Vice-Chairman. The committee was elected at the September 21 meeting: D Keen, K Finnimore, L Knight, R Webster, M Young.

Mr Frank Legena stepped down as Chairman of the Transport and Shipping Division at the Annual General Meeting of May 12, being replaced by R Hind. Mr Legena held the position for three years and was Vice-Chairman for two years before that.

The speed limit on Eyre Highway for vehicles in excess of 4.5 tonnes (gross) was lifted to 90km/h for a 12-month trial period.

The West Australian Road Transport Industry Training Committee was attempting to register under the Associations Incorporation Act but the Corporate Affairs Office checked with WARTA for its consent. WARTA objected, saying the name was too closely related to its own name and that people would misconstrue that it was an arm of WARTA.

By the 1980s, some triple bottoms have convertible multi-deck layouts, enabling them to carry 140 large steers or more than 1000 sheep. With the Meekatharra railhead now a distant memory, the 450hp prime movers haul their loads direct from as far as Broome and Derby to the Midland saleyards, just outside Perth. Driven virtually non-stop by a crew of two, they complete the 2500km journey in 36 hours.

The Association opposed the proposed 20 percent sales tax on retread tyres. Soon after it was reported that due to the efforts of the ARTF and the Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, the proposed tax was withdrawn. However, it reared its ugly head again midyear with the Government deciding to start it on June 1. The Australian Automotive Chamber of Commerce took legal action against the Commissioner of Taxation.

The South West Districts Branch reported that local carriers expressed “strong feelings against the Perth-based companies who were now operating within the district”. With the expected downturn in the export of mineral sands, it was anticipated that more vehicles would be available than the volume of work that existed.

YOUR SPACE

LIVESTOCK AND RURAL TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION OF WA THE VOICE OF WA RURAL TRANSPORT SINCE 1980 - PROMOTING SAFETY, PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY

This space could be your spot to reach over 12,000 readers in the Western Australian transport and associated sectors.

Contact Karen at Karen@angrychicken.com.au or

Membership Enquiries

Ph

T: 08 9478 3655 TYRE EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA

JOB OPPORTUNITY

ASSOCIATIONS

TRADER

YOUR ONE STOP TYRE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER

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

0430 153 273

WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE NEEDS HELP 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

ON THE ROAD TRUCKS

Now infor transport The available ‘must have’ book operators giving you the locations DIGITAL format $30

(distances) of Transport Parking HARD the locations (distances) of transport parking bays, bridge information, Bays, Bridge information, roadside COPIES NOW roadhouses and their facilities and dirt tracks suitable for parking throughout facilities and their services AVAILABLE ~ mainland Australia. throughout mainland regional $ 40 EACH PRINT or use on your TABLET Australia.

Hurry Limited copies left On the Road - Trucks is now available in high resolution PDF format which means you can use it on your TABLETOnly as well as$30 print it. plus You will postage be sent an invoice with EFT details, and once payment is received the book The ‘must have’ publication for anyone in the transport industry requiring

(6mb) will be emailed to you.

To order: Email this form to karen@angrychicken.com.au

ace in rest areas?

Having trouble finding sp in this edition WA GRAVEL TRACKS

TO ORDER visit www.angrychicken.com.auCompany Name karen@angrychicken.com.au • Ph 08 9296 4488

Name........................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................

Address (for invoice) ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email Address (to email book)..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone / Mobile....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd T: 0430 153 273

WATM • April 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

26

SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 PENSION

WATM • April 2022

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