WA Transport Magazine December 2023 edition

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA | Since 1994

WA

TRANSPORT ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 December 2023 | price $7.95

magazine

Main image Matt Hayes

PAGE 8

Main Roads congratulate Camp Quality on a terrific response to their first Convoy. HVS Senior Traffic Escort Warden Matt Harston led the way, escorting the whopping 135 trucks safely through Perth IN THIS ISSUE: Insulate WA from Amazon effect • GPS in goods transport BA-Triple combination permit • Ammonium Nitrate – A reason concern WATM •for December 2023

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

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new Amazon fulfilment centre in Jandakot the size of a cricket ground puts WA workers on a losing wicket.

With predictions of local turnover more than doubling to $5.5 billion this financial year, Amazon is set to expand the cavern between mega profits and workers’ wages.

Amazon Flex brought the gig economy to traditional transport. Couriers engaged on low pay are forced to bear all the risk. When their cars are overloaded with parcels, they’re pushed to drive unsafely and finish deliveries on their own unpaid time.

Overseas, Amazon drivers have shared that they urinate in bottles because they’re so rushed. In 2019, a New York Times and ProPublica investigation found Amazon escaped accountability for 10 deaths in four years, while poor safety management and unsustainable work intensification had led to 60 serious accidents.

Amazon is a double-edged sword for the transport industry. As a monopolising retail client, Amazon can dictate low-cost contracts with traditional operators, while simultaneously undercutting them with its own exploitative gig model.

Every time governments try to shift the balance back towards working people, big business says the sky will fall in. But for many workers and businesses, the sky is already falling in.

Working people are battling a relentless cost of living crisis, while responsible businesses can’t compete with the likes of Amazon, Qantas and BHP. When loopholes are exploited by some, the rest are faced with an impossible choice: get squeezed out of the market or pass the squeeze on to workers.

In road transport, these pressures cost lives.

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Close loopholes to insulate WA from the destructive and deadly Amazon effect

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

Vehicle maintenance and repairs are inevitably delayed, while drivers are pushed to drive faster and longer in a deadly race to earn a living.

Already in 2023, 194 lives have been lost in crashes associated with the transport industry.

A quarter of those killed were transport workers. Seven of those transport workers were West Australians. WA has seen the second highest increase in fatal truck crashes over the last three years.

We have too much skin in the game to ignore the loopholes that are literally killing us.

Right now, there’s no balance. There’s only

Amazon is a double-edged sword for the transport industry chaos. When there are cracks in the system, the most vulnerable are first to suffer in a crisis not of their making.

Business insolvencies are on the rise, and shockingly so in WA - jumping nearly 50 per cent in the year to June. In transport, WA lost 23 local businesses, and suffered great losses from the collapse of national operators.

Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics and Rivet Mining Services were leading operators in critical sectors to our economy – retail and mining. They collapsed within a month of each other, impacting hundreds of WA jobs.

Despite their overwhelming market share, the operators couldn’t survive in an industry with no accountability for wealthy clients

slashing transport costs to deliver record profits.

Transport workers go to extraordinary lengths to keep supplies moving in our vast state – throughout the pandemic, catastrophic fires and devastating floods.

Closing loopholes will ensure operators and drivers are paid rates that mean they can work safely and sustainably.

The industry recognises this. Clients like Coles and Woolworths, transport employers, associations, workers and even gig companies support reform.

It’s the companies arguing against the legislation that prove we need it.

The master of these loopholes, of course, is Qantas. The airline split its workforce across 38 different companies to obliterate good, secure jobs and drive down wages and conditions.

Illegal mass outsourcing and the creation of lower-paying subsidiaries has ripped off workers to line executives’ pockets. And we’ve all suffered the consequences.

In WA, when aviation is decimated, we feel it. We feel the sky-high airfares and rock-bottom standards. We feel it deeply when we’re cut off from our interstate family and friends.

Closing loopholes is critical to restoring balance after years of wage stagnation and soaring profits.

A crisis in the eyes of Qantas management is paying themselves a few million less.

A crisis for a transport worker is not making it home to their family.

Closing the loopholes will be good for workers, good for industry, good for the community, good for levelling the playing field.

Working people having safer and more decent jobs, far from causing the sky to fall in, will strengthen our economy and enhance our great state.

FOR THE PEOPLE WHO CARRY AUSTRALIA Join today: www.twuwa.org.au/join-now 6313 3000 | info@twuwa.org.au | State Secretary TIM DAWSON

Focus

The important role of GPS technology in goods transport

By Roy Moody | CEO of vWork

About the Author: Before joining vWork in 2017, Roy was the CEO and Executive Director of export technology company, Phitek Systems Limited. Roy led the turnaround of Phitek and subsequently managed its sale to NYSE-listed Amphenol. Roy was part of the 2015 Stanford University Executive Program for Growing Companies and won the Prime Minister’s Business Scholarship in 2016.

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ransporting goods to an address might sound failsafe enough, but when delivery precision is a crucial part of the sales process for your business, sole reliance on an address can bring a host of hidden challenges. Transport operators across Western Australia – especially those in country regions – have long been wearing the costs of drivers who are unable to identify premises from the roadside when they near their destination.

It’s important to keep in mind that navigating to a postal address makes the most sense in the context of dense urban areas where the ‘system’ is relatively plain to see. By contrast, goods transport drivers operating across sparsely populated areas frequently experience roadblocks at the final stage of their journey. A lack of signage at the roadside, hidden entrances, a lack

of local knowledge and unfamiliarity with the geographical area, and even newly developed zones that aren’t yet reflected in navigation systems are all common hurdles to reaching an exact destination.

The costs of falling at the last hurdle When drivers have difficulties locating an address, various complications can result which are detrimental to businesses in the road transport space. Delays to deliveries or even missed deliveries, especially where the timely arrival of goods is key, can have a negative impact on customer satisfaction and therefore the likelihood of repeat business. The additional time spent locating premises or rescheduling missed deliveries can also bring about increased operating costs due to higher fuel

consumption and the extended working hours of drivers. Stress and increased workloads among drivers might affect job satisfaction and potentially lead to higher turnover. And then, of course, there’s the risk of dropping off goods at the wrong location altogether which inevitably carries costly consequences, financially and reputationally.

Pinpoint GPS – a game changer Using pinpoint GPS data when dispatching goods for delivery can iron out many of the familiar problems faced by transport operators when it comes to dropping off goods at the right location. When accurate GPS data is coupled with dispatch technology that integrates mapping capabilities, bulk goods can be delivered to precise locations agreed upon by the customer, simply because dispatchers can drop a pin on the map location for drivers to follow. And the time is ripe for transport companies to recognise the growing benefits pinpoint GPS data can bring to their operations.

As part of a $260 million project, the Australian government is currently rolling out the Positioning Australia program which will see huge improvements to the country’s positioning (GPS) infrastructure and location accuracy. The advances in GPS accuracy are expected to be a gamechanger for several industries including construction and bulk goods transport, generally. Eventually, the project will support more precise positioning services and mapping applications to within 30mm accuracy.

Meeting customer expectations When it comes to the idea of recognising delivery precision as part of the sales proposition, the Positioning Australia project comes alongside a seismic shift in customer expectations which are centred around goods being delivered on time and at exact locations based on practical and logistical convenience – going beyond generalised address information. Bulk goods being delivered to the wrong location, or even becoming lost on large-scale sites, creates complex logistical problems to resolve leading to operational disruption, delays, and ongoing disputes with suppliers and transport operators. Technology tells us there is no longer an excuse for these outcomes, and customers know it.

Furthermore, the use of pinpoint GPS data when dispatching goods negates the need for drivers to accurately follow written or verbal instructions, and it enables goods

to be delivered to the right spot without necessarily requiring customers to ensure there is someone present to receive goods.

The integration of pinpoint GPS capabilities in the dispatch and transportation of goods can also improve service quality and customer satisfaction through real-time tracking. When transparent communication is becoming increasingly valued and vital across the industry, everyone involved in the process including dispatchers and customers can enjoy precise visibility over the status and location of the delivery en route. With the potential to give transport operators a competitive edge in the market, providing real-time tracking and updates enables customers to monitor their deliveries closely, so they can manage their schedules more accurately and make necessary arrangements such as meeting the driver.

Transport operators across WA have long been wearing the costs of drivers who are unable to identify premises from the roadside when they near their destination What does it take to make the transition?

Many transport operators may be using legacy dispatch systems that have been ingrained in their operations for decades.

Moving away from these systems to more sophisticated technology-enabled solutions can undoubtedly bring about a unique set of challenges and perceived risks.

Companies will inevitably experience a transition period as staff embark on the learning curve of integrating new systems and features into their daily workflow.

Meanwhile, migrating data from old systems to a new dispatch solution can be time-consuming and disruptive, which can be problematic for transport companies operating in a time-sensitive environment.

Employees who have become accustomed to existing dispatch systems, such as dispatchers and drivers themselves, can sometimes even be resistant to change, which affects the speed of adoption and increases instances of disruption.

Despite the challenges, the benefits of

adapting to market changes by embracing more tech-focussed solutions will nearly always outweigh the difficulties. A successful transition starts with a clear idea about the long-term advantages that upgrading to a more modern solution can bring to the business, followed by an effective and well-planned change management process.

There are a few core principles to consider before jumping into a new dispatch system. For example, introducing new systems and processes to your staff without warning or consultation can be bad for morale and lead to low commitment when it comes to learning about new features and processes. Before reaching a decision, ensure those who will be required to use the new system have been given the opportunity to provide input or feedback.

In the case of using pinpoint GPS data as part of the dispatch process, questions will need to be addressed around how the required information, such as location coordinates, will be gathered from customers and how dispatchers and drivers can be upskilled to input and use this data most effectively. Consider whether you have someone in the business who can lead the implementation from an onboarding and training perspective.

Suddenly switching to a new way of doing things can be disruptive to operations, so setting out a structured implementation plan is likely to be crucial to success and a smooth transition. A structured plan might involve an initial partial rollout, rather than implementing the solution immediately across the board putting a strain on teams and resources.

In the same way that GPS-enabled solutions reshaped taxi services as we once knew them, pinpoint GPS technology can drive positive outcomes for road transport operators. While traditional systems and processes have typically focussed on the journey from A to B, businesses can finally boost their customer experience and performance by addressing the familiar last-mile conundrum of “what happens – exactly – when you get there?”

About vWork Founded in New Zealand, vWork is a job scheduling and dispatch software solution with more than 5,000 active users across ten countries. vWork’s technology uses integration to create game-changing links between job scheduling and dispatch processes and other value-add business applications creating an enhanced last-mile experience for dispatchers, drivers, and customers.

WATM • December 2023

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October 2023 WATM • December 2023

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he first Camp Quality Convoy for children facing cancer is still being talked about and my thanks to photographer Matt Hayes for sharing with WA Transport Magazine the magnificent photos he took of the WA trucks that attended, as pictured on the front cover and pages 16 and 17.

You may remember a while back our Bird’s Eye columnist Carol Messenger spoke about the difficulties of delivering goods when businesses do not clearly identify their premises from the roadside.

In this edition we explore this subject more with the important role of GPS technology on Pages 2 and 3.

New legislation begins on November 1st in WA that gives the Department of Transport the power to remove vehicles from our roads that display offensive advertising on them. It will be interesting to see what the public deem as offensive and

if you are ever affected please contact me to tell your story.

You may not think that the decision makers listen to you, but the good news is Main Roads do. Following an independent assessment, the BA-Triple combination fitted with a roll-coupled drawbar coupling connection can now operate under the Roelands Hill Permit – Page 9.

The subject of transporting Ammonium Nitrate is a hot topic and our columnist Ray Pratt (Fair go for the Owner Driver) gives his personal experience on this subject – Page 10.

On Page 13 we look at the infrastructure projects that have been axed from federal funding in WA. Sadly, the majority of them affect the heavy haulage industry.

Merry Christmas to you all, be safe and wishing you all success and happiness for the New Year.

Best,

Karen

Contents 1................................................ T WUWA – Close loopholes to insulate WA from the destructive and deadly Amazon effect

2.............................................. The important role of GPS technology in goods transport 6.............................................. Letters to the editor 7............................................... Offensive advertising banned on WA vehicles 8.............................................. Main Roads News – Christmas/New Year Curfew reminder 9.............................................. R oll-coupled BA-Triple Combination now allowed under 36.5 metre Roelands Hill Permit

12........................................... A new partnership between NRSPP, NTI and MUARC 13........................................... $317 Million axed in federal infrastructure cuts for WA 14........................................... New advanced braking calculator 15........................................... Potential implications of Closing Loopholes Bill 16.......................................... More from the 2023 Camp Quality Convoy 18.......................................... LRTAWA – The Swiss cheese of mobile service in our regions 20........................................ Safer Vehicles Package 21........................................... Best year on record for CBH supply chain

Every Month 10........................................... Fair go for the Owner Driver 22........................................ HCVC 24........................................ WA Transport History

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T 0430 153 273 www.angrychicken.com.au WATM • December 2023

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Over to you YOUR SAY

Letters to the editor

Dear Editor In reference to your article from the November edition of WA Transport Magazine entitled ‘Paint lines instead of putting curbing in Parking Bays’ by Cliff Graham.

Section 4.4.6 (Unidirectional Flow) of the Austroads Research Report AP-R591-19 Guidelines for the Provision of Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Facilities Edition 1.1, stipulates that ‘A unidirectional vehicle circulation movement should be adopted to minimise the risk of traffic conflicts for vehicles entering and exiting the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area.

On freeways and major roads, Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas should be provided in pairs, or staggered in the direction of approaching traffic, to encourage left-in left-out operation, discourage right turns across opposing traffic, and to deter drivers from parking on shoulders and walking across the carriageway’.

Of the two Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas on North West Coastal Highway which have been referenced by Mr Graham: 1. Rest Area 1, located between Rewell Road and Wells Road in White Peak is situated on a downhill grade, on the right-hand side of North West Coastal Highway. This bay is curbed on one side of the southern exit to direct water flow into the drainage system and prevent scouring due to the slope of the bay.

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2. Rest Area 2 (pictured in your November edition) near Ogilvie, has been designed in accordance with the Austroads Heavy Vehicle Guidelines, to minimise the risk of traffic conflict for vehicles entering and exiting the rest area.

Main Roads and the State Government remain committed to working with the Heavy Vehicle Industry to ensure safe, appropriate, and suitable facilities are available across the state road network, for all road users.

Mr Graham may be interested to know that there are two additional northbound rest areas suitable for safe entry/exit by heavy vehicles operators near NabawaNorthampton Road in Northampton and just north of Chilimony Road in Baddera.

Additionally, there are two southbound rest areas suitable for safe entry/exit for heavy vehicle operators near North Road in Alma and at the 440 Roadhouse in Geraldton. A rest stop at Binnu also provides for safe entry/exit for both northbound and southbound heavy vehicle operators.

As Mr Graham would be aware, heavy vehicle operators are required to comply with heavy vehicle driver fatigue management requirements by recording their rosters and trip schedules, which would typically include their proposed

stopping locations.

Main Roads’ dedicated RAV Mapping Tool which can be found at mrwebapps. mainroads.wa.gov.au/hvsnetworkmap supports this industry requirement by allowing heavy vehicle operators to view RAV access conditions for all roads across Western Australia. The tool also provides a list of all Main Roads’ Road Train Assembly Areas, Major Rest Areas, Minor Rest Areas and Roadhouses to ensure that industry can plan for a safe journey.

With regards to ablution facilities on the State Road Network, I can advise that there are 1,650 rest areas on the State Road Network, with ablution facilities provided at approximately 150 of these sites. In accordance with Main Roads Policy and Guidelines for Rest Areas, these stops are generally located at least 50 kilometres between towns so as not to conflict or compete with local towns, commercial businesses or civic sites easily accessible from the network. In addition, Main Roads works with its Local Government partners to ensure rest areas within their boundaries complement the current network.

As you can appreciate however, the capacity to provide and maintain toilets is limited due to the remote nature of the WA network and the considerable distance between some of the current roadside rest areas and Main Roads’ maintenance depots.

Notwithstanding, Main Roads is currently assembling a comprehensive database that includes roadhouses, towns and fuel stations, to better identify sections of the network where toilets are not available, or where access is limited.

In the interim, Mr Graham may like to make use of Main Roads’ Travel Map that can help in the planning of trips on the WA state road network, along with the National Public Toilet Map which provides a list of toilet facilities in areas that road users may be unfamiliar with. travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Home/Map toiletmap.gov.au/ MAIN ROADS SPOKESPERSON

News

Offensive advertising banned on Western Australian vehicles

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ew legislation commenced on 1 November 2023 that will provide the Department of Transport with powers to remove vehicles exhibiting offensive advertising from Western Australian roads.

The Road Traffic (Vehicles) Amendment (Offensive Advertising) Act 2022 aligns WA with other jurisdictions that have implemented similar legislation to prohibit offensive advertising on vehicles. The types of advertising that will be prohibited include language or images portraying discrimination, sex, nudity, violence, exploitation or degradation.

From 1 November 2023, Western Australians who believe advertising on a vehicle to be degrading, obscene or insensitive can lodge a complaint with Ad Standards.

The Ad Standards Community Panel will assess the advertisement against the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Code of Ethics, and if the advertisement is found to be in breach, the advertiser will be given notice

This sends a strong message to business owners who choose to display degrading, obscene or insensitive advertising or slogans on their vehicles

by Ad Standards to modify or remove the advertisement.

If a vehicle owner fails to comply, Ads Standards will refer the matter to the Department of Transport who is

empowered to suspend, cancel or refuse to grant or transfer the vehicle licence.

The Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael said, “The community deserves to feel safe while using WA roads and not be subjected to crude slogans while going about their daily business.

“This sends a strong message to business owners who choose to display degrading, obscene or insensitive advertising or slogans on their vehicles, by giving the Department of Transport the authority to remove offending vehicles from the road if they are found to be in breach of the advertising code of ethics.”

Whilst this new legislation is understandable if the content is truly offensive, it will be interesting to see ‘what level’ of offence is taken, if any, by the general public on the naming of trucks and vehicles and funny decals.

For more information, visit www. transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/offensiveadvertising-wa.asp.

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WATM • December 2023

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Main Roads News

Image (above & below) by Matt Hayes

Camp Quality Convoy for Kids RTC and TEW at Camp Quality Convoy Perth

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he inaugural Camp Quality Convoy for Kids was recently held, raising money and awareness for children with cancer with help from Main Roads WA. At 8am on 8 October, the convoy departed Perth Hockey Stadium and travelled 54 kms around Perth, before returning to Perth Hockey Stadium for more fun and activities for all.

Originally, the organiser’s target was to raise $60,000 and register around 40 to 50 trucks. However, WA does not do anything on a small scale, raising an impressive total of $191,239 with 135 trucks travelling in the convoy.

Main Roads led the convoy with Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) Senior Traffic Escort Warden Matt Harston escorting the whopping 135 trucks safely through Perth.

HVS Transport Inspectors Brad Wakefield and Jock Duthie also participated, driving the Compliance Unit's command vehicle and a Transport Inspector vehicle.

Congratulations to the organisers on a terrific outcome..

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WATM • December 2023

Christmas/New Year Curfew Reminder

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s we head closer and closer to the end of the year, it’s timely to remind industry of the curfew period.

As per the Single Trip OSOM Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions and the Class 1 RAV Oversize Period Permit Operating Conditions, a RAV exceeding 2.7 metres in width and/ or 30 metres in length must not travel on Forrest Highway and Lakelands Lake Clifton Road (this includes the Mandurah and Dawesville Bypasses), between the intersections of Pinjarra Road and Peppermint Grove Road, during the period from sunset on 18th December until sunrise on 4th January.

This is detailed in Appendix 6 of the Operating Conditions.

Also, a RAV exceeding 4.5 metres in width and/or 30 metres in length must not travel on any of the following roads during the periods from sunset on 23rd December until sunrise on 27th December, and from sunset on 30th December until sunrise on 4th January:

(a) Albany Highway (Bedfordale Road Train Assembly Area, to Albany); (b) Brand Highway; (c) Eyre Highway; (d) Great Eastern Highway; (e) South Western Highway (Armadale to Bunbury); (f) Great Northern Highway (Roe Highway to Mt Magnet).

Oversize vehicles exceeding 5.5 metres in width and/or 40 metres in length, requiring a Traffic Escort Warden, will be subject to the following curfew restrictions: The movement must be completed by sunset on 18th December. The curfew period will finish at sunrise on 4th January. Operators are to ensure they plan their movements with sufficient time margins to accommodate any unforeseen delays, as Traffic Escort Services will not allow Oversize vehicles to proceed beyond this curfew time.

Night movements within the Pilbara Region will be assessed on a case-bycase basis during the curfew period.

New HVS Visitor Management System

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he next time you visit the HVS office, you’ll notice that our reception has gone digital. We have adopted the latest technology to streamline the way we interact with our customers.

The newly installed system is aimed at providing a more effective approach to the traditional pen and paper sign in sheet on the front counter, and has various benefits beyond reducing paper consumption. Replacing the paper sign-in book has improved security by assigning an ID visitor badge available from the kiosk printer, easily identifying guests.

It enables the pre-registering of expected guests by staff and the receiving of notifications when guests arrive on site, as the software integrates with HVS systems to automatically alert staff when visitors arrive.

The benefits of having visitors

sign in when entering the building include improved security, safety, and compliance. Although we have relied on a pen and paper system for many years it no longer provides a comprehensive, confidential, and accurate record.

The new system is easy to navigate

and there are clear instructions next to the sign in kiosk.

As always, our staff are keen to assist you to the greatest extent we can and we look forward to seeing you when you next visit HVS.

Roll-coupled BA-Triple Combination now allowed under the 36.5 metre Roelands Hill Permit

I

n October, HVS announced that following independent assessment, the BA-Triple combination (Category 7B) fitted with a roll-coupled drawbar coupling connection can operate under the 36.5m Roelands Hill Permit.

Previously, the BA-Triple combination was excluded from this higher risk access, due to poorer stability performance when compared to the AB-Triple, resulting from the dog trailer being at the rear of the combination.

In response to requests from industry to reconsider the BA-Triple combination under this access approval, HVS commissioned an independent vehicle performance assessment to establish how

the safety performance of the BA-Triple combination will improve if fitted with a roll-coupled coupling connection between the middle trailer and the rear dog trailer.

The outcomes of the assessment demonstrated the BA-triple had improved safety and stability performance over the AB-Triple when fitted with the roll-coupled drawbar coupling connection. As such, we have updated the permit conditions to allow the BA-Triple combination fitted with a roll-coupled drawbar coupling connection, with no more than ±2° of lash (maximum 4° total lash).

As part of the updated pre-permit requirements, an operator applying for the

BA-Triple combination under this permit must provide video evidence showing the fitted roll-coupled drawbar coupling connecting, and written confirmation from the trailer manufacturer or coupling manufacturer that it meets the maximum lash requirements.

The updated 36.5 metre Roelands Hill Permit Eligibility & Supporting Evidence Checklist and permit application form are available on the Specific Access Permits at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/ permit-order-scheme/specific-access-permits/ For further information, please contact the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486 or email hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au

WATM • December 2023

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

Ammonium Nitrate – A reason for concern

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n Western Australia the mining industry uses over 1.2 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate yearly.

Ammonium nitrate is a hazardous chemical that is used as a fertiliser or as an explosive in mining operations.

Truck transport is used to cart most of the ammonium nitrate and it is loaded out of Kwinana with some also being loaded at various ports around the state. Generally speaking, ammonium nitrate is very safe to transport and very few incidents occur considering the amount of ammonium nitrate that is consumed by industry and the long distance’s travelled for it to reach its destination.

Mostly, ammonium nitrate is carted in bulk in specially made tankers but some are carted in large bulky bags that are placed on ordinary flat steel trailers.

The concern is that occasionally if the truck has a mishap and has an accident or catches on fire then under certain circumstances the whole load can explode.

If we go back in history we find that this scenario has occurred in Australia several times. The saving grace in these incidents is that they have all occurred in remote

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I am concerned that one day one of these trucks has the potential to explode in a heavily populated area locations on lonely stretches of road.

In my career as a truck driver I carted a lot of ammonium nitrate in bulky bags on normal flatbed trailers. I never had any apprehension about carting ammonium nitrate as it was considered a very safe product to transport.

I’m not into scaremongering and believe in getting the job done but I am concerned that one day one of these trucks has the potential to explode in a heavily populated area. Just the fact that loads are transported through our city and also many major towns is a reason for concern.

There have been several accidents with trucks carting ammonium nitrate where they have caught on fire and no explosion occurred. The usual procedure is to create an exclusion zone of about two kilometres around the fire and wait several days for it to burn out and hope it does not explode.

The last one to explode was about a

year ago 1000 kilometres from Perth on the Great Central Road. A wheel caught on fire on the trailer at the rear of a road train. The driver tried to put the fire out with several fire extinguishers to no avail. He then disconnected the rear trailer from his road train and drove a safe distance away before the flaming trailer of ammonium nitrate exploded.

He was very lucky to escape with his life.

The explosion blew a huge hole in the middle of the road and debris from the trailer was strewn hundreds of metres away.

The shock wave was felt 40 kilometres away from the accident. If this had occurred in a more populated area or near a town then the outcome could have been a lot worse.

Wind the clock back to 5th of September 2014 when a 52 tonne load of ammonium nitrate ran off the road 30 kilometres south of Charleville in Queensland on the Mitchell highway. Briefly, the truck a prime mover caught on fire and so two fire trucks and the police attended the accident site. There was a small explosion and the decision was made to evacuate the site. While in the process of evacuation a second larger explosion occurred. Luckily there were no fatalities however eight people were injured - some seriously with burns, internal bleeding and bruising.

The truck transporting the ammonium nitrate, two fire trucks, a police car and both the road and rail bridges over the nearby Angellala Creek were destroyed or sustained significant structural damage.

The state government then sued the transport company and the truck driver claiming $7.8 million in damages.

Ammonium nitrate is safe to transport until something goes wrong. Either mechanical failure such as a wheel bearing, brake drum that creates a fire or a vehicle accident that creates a fire could be a recipe for disaster.

Many years ago I seem to recollect that ammonium nitrate was transported by train to Meekatharra and then loaded onto trucks for delivery to mine sites. I suppose the closing down of the rail line put an end to that but at least it minimised the danger and kept it away from our major towns and cities.

I really think that with the amount of truck movements needed to shift 1.2 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate we should be looking at ways to keep it out of our city and major towns. Keeping our hard working truck drivers and the public safe should be our priority. ~ Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

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www.khitch.com.au WATM • December 2023

11

News

NTARC 2.0 a New Partnership Between NRSPP, NTI and MUARC

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he National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) and NTI have announced the formation of a new collaborative partnership – NTARC 2.0.

For over two decades, the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) Major Accident Report has provided an independent snapshot for industry and policy makers based on their claims data.

NTI is the leading provider of insurance for the Australian heavy vehicle transport sector. This provides them with a unique market position which they use to produce the NTARC report to inform the entire heavy vehicle industry with better information.

Since its establishment, the NTARC report has continuously evolved and over the past five years, it has provided unparalleled industry insight, annually.

NTARC 2.0 partnership represents an evolutionary step for the report looking beyond the annual reporting on incidents, to a broadening of its reach, and development of supporting resources and deeper insights on heavy vehicle incidents through the partnership.

The new iteration of the NTARC report will be developed in collaboration through NRSPP’s partnership host - Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) - and will involve direct sponsorship funding of the report and the in-kind secondment of NTI’s Transport Research Manager Adam Gibson to the partnership.

Adam is the current author of the NTARC reports and is the lead on NTI’s

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WATM • December 2023

dairy tanker safety program – a national crash reduction initiative.

Adam will take an active role in mentoring the MUARC research team who will take on the role of evolving the report.

The new partnership will open the door for an important new research theme for MUARC and for other potential research institutions to draw on the NTI incident data. The research initiative will be approved, delivered and governed through the NRSPP and a newly created Research Governance Council.

“The new NTARC 2.0 partnership represents an exciting opportunity to improve safety in the heavy vehicle sector; providing deeper insights on trends identified within the incident data and

expanding the Report’s reach and impact,” said the NRSPP Independent Chair Emeritus Professor Jude Charlton.

“This new partnership with NTI is industry leadership at its best, as we like to say there is no competitive advantage in road safety, it’s a shared advantage that we achieve together,” said Jude. “Our aim with NTARC 2.0 will be delivering greater insights to drive policy and research but also enhance its industry reach and impact”.

“For NTI, NTARC is a point of pride as we know how much the transport industry and government draw on it,” said Chris Hogarty, NTI’s Executive General Manager – Strategy & Supply Chain. “Our aim is for NTARC to continuously evolve, to keep it relevant, independent, and its insights improving safety within the heavy vehicle sector.”

“NTI looks forward to partnering with NRSPP in driving the NTARC 2.0 reach and supporting resources, and with MUARC’s inclusion we hope to attract new leading researchers into the sector as they analyse the safety of the transport sector through our data,” said Chris. “By also including Adam, he will be able to provide the practical guidance for researchers in truly understanding the data and what it means.”

The new partnership will release the next NTARC report in April 2024.

“To support and expand the reach of NTARC, the partnership will also generate new resources and insights for industry and government to draw on,” said Jude.

“We want to start a continuing conversation on safety within the transport sector, anchored around NTARC 2.0.”

Update on HV rest area proposals

F

ive or six heavy vehicle rest area proposals were assessed as being ‘very worthy’ by the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee and have been put forward to the federal Transport Minister Catherine King for funding according to Senator Glenn Sterle.

The Australian Government has committed $140 million over 10 years to support new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas.

The steering committee will meet again in January 2024.

You can still have your say on where heavy vehicle rest areas should be upgraded or newly constructed by completed the online survey at survey123.arcgis.com/ share/9da6627fb06f4fadbc 489431be7c4c48?portal Url=https:// spatial.infrastructure.gov.au/portal

News

$317 Million axed in federal infrastructure cuts for WA

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he Albanese government’s review of infrastructure spending was released mid-November with a massive 50 projects nationally worth $11.6bn being axed across Australia.

The rationale behind the loss of federal funding for these projects was attributed to them not demonstrating merit, lacking any national strategic rationale and not meeting the government’s national investment priorities, according to federal Labor.

The axed projects have lost a total of about $7bn in federal government funding and that saving will be put forward to other “nation-building” projects, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said.

The $120bn infrastructure pipeline was facing $33bn in cost blowouts and delays, an independent review released wby King found.

Following consultation with the States

and Territories, the Federal Government now have a forward plan of projects over the next ten years with more than 400 individual ongoing projects expected to be completed or substantially developed, including: • North South Corridor - Torrens to Darlington • Logan - Gold Coast Faster Rail • M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace • METRONET • Tanami Road in Central Australia • New Bridgewater Bridge The independent review found while local government programs are a critical funding mechanism for local roads and infrastructure; they are administratively burdensome and lack sufficient funding or certainty.

The Government has also acted on the review recommendations to improve efficiency and flexibility in project

deliverability on nationally significant road and rail corridors.

Many projects located along strategic national freight routes are now grouped into corridors. This approach will allow State and Territories to more flexibly manage project delivery schedules according to their priorities.

However, for Western Australia nearly all the cuts all seem to affect the heavy haulage sector of the transport industry with freight networks being affected most. $527m in projects have lost $317m in federal funding in Western Australia including: • Future road and rail connections for Perth • Great Southern Secondary Freight Network • Marble Bar Road upgrade • Moorine Rock to Mt Holland Road upgrades • Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation – stages 1 and 2

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WATM • December 2023

13

News

New advanced Braking Calculator

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he ARTSA Institute (ARTSA-i), formerly known as the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association, has been established to respond the challenge of the rapidly changing heavy vehicle industry. It undertakes collaborative independent research in the domain of heavy vehicle transport. The outcomes of the research are intended to inform the development of future policies of relevance to the heavy vehicle sector.

ARTSA-i is also a leader in gathering and analysing information on the Heavy Vehicle Transport industry in Australia.

The ARTSA Institute has developed an advanced Braking Calculator to assist vehicle technicians, engineers such as Accredited Vehicle Examiners (AVEs), and regulators to assess and potentially improve the braking performance of multiheavy vehicle combinations.

The Brake Calculator project has been funded by the National Heavy Vehicle

Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which is supported by the Australian Government.

The beta version of calculator is user friendly and free to use for accredited users and can be used to design and check heavy vehicle service-, emergency- and parkingbrake systems. A feedback button will allow users to make suggestions on how to improve the calculator.

Benefits of using the ARTSA-i calculator: - predicts wheel lock-up during braking mass transfer between vehicles, and axle groups is indicated - allows pneumatic controls to be modelled so brake wear can be considered. - can be applied to designrule, VSB 6 modification code, PBS or inservice brake performance checks.

Because of the complexity of brake design, only accredited users that have been through two half day web-based training and assessment sessions will be given access.

The training will provide detailed

Changes to Unfair Contract Clauses

W

ith the changes to Unfair Contracts terms now in place NTI have put together some material for their customers. This includes an overview article on Unfair Contract Terms which can be found on the NTI website at: www.nti.com. au/news-and-resources/articles/ understanding-the-unfair-contractterms-law-change-november-2023 There is also a short explainer video members should find useful.

The direct link to the video itself is on YouTube here: youtu.be/G5w5aG_ Ct5U?si=VEkHJuMctcWJPKdS

information about heavy vehicle braking systems and be of great benefit to industry personnel involved in maintaining, developing and regulating heavy vehicle braking systems. To register for the course, go to www.artsa.com.au/training.

New Main Roads Pilbara depot to be established as maintenance returns in house

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oad maintenance in the Pilbara will be bolstered with the delivery of a new depot in Onslow and the establishment of 31 new positions within Main Roads Western Australia (Main Roads).

The 31 positions will be filled by new and transitioning employees as part of the State-wide return of road maintenance to Main Roads.

Road maintenance was outsourced from Main Roads by the Liberal National Government in the 1990s.

The new depot will be built on a 2,656m2 property on Beadon

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WATM • December 2023

Creek Road, Onslow and will be the fourth major base for Main Roads in the region. The new Onslow depot will replace the existing Nanutarra depot, which is no longer serviceable due its remote location.

The Onslow depot, which includes two large sheds, a small office, staff amenities area, and a one-bedroom dwelling, will help reduce operational costs, improve the attraction and retention of employees, along with improving serviceability to the road network in the southern coastal and western areas of the Pilbara.

The 31 new employees in the Pilbara region join more than 270 current employees who have already made the move to Main Roads in the Wheatbelt, Mid-West Gascoyne and Perth metropolitan area.

The new Onslow depot follows the recent purchase of a new depot in Jurien Bay to service the Mid-West Gascoyne Region, the lease of a new depot in Welshpool for the Perth Metropolitan Region's Incident Response Service and Bridge Maintenance Crew, and the lease of a new office in Manjimup, to help service the South-West.

Further improvements to depots and offices around the State are planned to support the transition process.

The Wheatbelt and Mid-West Gascoyne regions transitioned to Main Roads in late 2022, with the Goldfields Esperance region and the Perth metropolitan area transitioning this year.

The Great Southern, South-West and Incident Response services will transition in early 2024, with the Kimberley region in late 2024.

News

Potential Implications of Closing Loopholes Bill

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awyer, IR Consultant and Writer Richard Calver says that currently, contractors may challenge their contractual terms under either Part 2-3 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), or Part 3 of the Independent Contractors Act 2006 (IC Act).

“Substantial amendments to the ACL came into effect on 9 November 2023 but the cause of action is fraught because it is likely to be costly to challenge the drafter of the contract,” Mr Calver explained to Natroad members.

“The second is unduly expensive to run. The new Bill, Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill, would provide a third option, one that blurs the distinction between employees and contractors. This option would facilitate an application to the Fair Work Commission to obtain an order relating to the finding that there are unfair contract terms (UCTs) in a contractor’s contract with a principal

or head contractor.

“The first step would be for the Commission to find a contract to be a “services contract”. It would then, as a second step, have the power to make orders relating to any UCTs within that contract.

“The test is the issue; the finding would be made by relating the provisions of the contract in play with similar terms in

Commission does not feature as a relevant court or tribunal in the other legislative instruments,” finishes Mr Calver Meanwhile, ATA CEO Mathew Munro met with the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown to talk about the Closing Loopholes Bill and other key transport issues.

“I advised Assistant Minister Brown that

Contractors may challenge their contractual terms under either Part 2-3 of the Australian Consumer Law, or Part 3 of the Independent Contractors Act 2006 an employment relationship. The types of considerations for unfairness are in essence about harshness and where there is a significant imbalance in rights and obligations.

“The Commission has the power to order that the contract be set aside or varied to cover any impugned terms. The

ATA broadly supports the transport specific sections of the Closing Loopholes Bill and discussed the importance of our proposed amendments,” Mathew said.

“Our amendments would broaden the membership of the Road Transport Advisory Group and extend the safeguards in the bill to contractual chain orders.”

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 • December 2023

15

Focus

More from the 2023 Camp Quality Convoy WOW! We have some amazing looking trucks in Western Australia and many ‘kind hearts’ in our industry as was evidenced at the 2023 Camp Quality ‘first’ convoy. Thank you to the photographer Matt Hayes who kindly shared his photographs with WA Transport Magazine. It was difficult picking them as they all looked fantastic.

You can find Matt Hayes on his Facebook group called ‘Matt’s – If it moves, I’ll shoot it’ at: facebook.com/ groups/661624743905024

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WATM • December 2023

Focus

WATM • December 2023

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LRTAWA by Darran Bairstow President, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)

The Swiss Cheese of Mobile Service in our Regions

24 HR / 7 DAY ACCESS 3 MINUTE EXPRESS WASH

W

hen Alexander Graham Bell patented the first telephone in 1876 he may not have envisaged the extent to which the world would become dependent on future generations of the device. That expansion has only been possible by the development of networks – first through the telephone exchange to the modern day cellular network. But have we really come that far?

As a society we have progressively become more dependent on having immediate communication at our fingertips. A large proportion of our transactions are made via mobile phone or internet. According to a study by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, nearly 60% of regional and rural Australians rely on mobile only for their voice communications and regional people are more likely to rely on mobiles for internet access.

Despite the sophistication of the systems we use in 2023, the network has more holes in it than Swiss cheese. Truck drivers know only too well that mobile phone coverage is hit and miss in the regions with phone calls frequently dropping out. ‘I’m right

• Road train friendly • Full chassi rinse standard • Credit card facility • Fleet accounts available underneath the tower,’ they say with that 1,229 new base stations in regional and familiar tone of frustration in their voice.

For transport operators, access to good mobile reception is not a nice to have – it is essential. For owner drivers in particular, their truck cab is their office. It is the place where they do business, making arrangements for loads and communicating with consignors and consignees. Transport companies need to be able to contact their drivers for safety and commercial reasons.

As we all know, truck drivers are often the first on the scene of an emergency. The inability to make contact with emergency services could be the difference between an accident victim living or dying; or saving precious minutes in responding to a fire.

The 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit agreed that mobile services in regional, rural and remote areas can be costly and poor quality, and that coverage gaps affect community safety, liveability and productivity.

In response the Australian Government is funding remote and regional mobile telecommunications improvements through the $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program. The first five rounds of this program are funding the delivery of

remote Australia, of which 925 have so far been built. More than 200 small cells for regional community connectivity have been installed by Telstra. As well as the Black Spot program $400 million is committed to boost multi-carrier mobile coverage on regional roads, improve mobile coverage in under-served regional and remote communities, and increase the resilience of communications services and public safety communications facilities.

On top of that $200 million has been allocated for two additional rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) to invest in place-based digital connectivity infrastructure projects in regional communities.

With all this investment however, it is surprising that the level of connectivity remains poor and by some accounts, is getting worse.

In March last year the former Minister for Communications, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP directed the ACCC to conduct an inquiry in relation to, amongst other things, access to towers and associated infrastructure in regional, rural, remote

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WATM • December 2023

and peri-urban areas within Australia. The ACCC was further directed to look at the feasibility of temporary mobile roaming services to be provided during natural disasters and other such emergencies. It found this was technically feasible, but further work was needed to design and develop the capability.

The ACCC noted that their report was specifically related to tower access but acknowledged there is clear demand in regional, rural and remote areas for better mobile coverage and more choice of network operator. They also reported concerns about the impact of the looming 3G shutdown in 2024 and whether there will be equivalent 4G or 5G coverage.

According to the ACCC report, the sale of mobile towers by Australia’s three mobile network operators (Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom) to large specialist tower companies has changed the structure of

the mobile telecommunications industry and made the regulatory regime for tower access no longer fit for purpose.

Maintaining and gaining market share is a key driver for mobile network operators to expand coverage in regional and remote areas. Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom still decide where they want to provide geographic coverage, although the separate tower companies build and own the physical infrastructure.

The combination of Telstra’s enduring competitive advantage in regional areas and generally lower population density raises barriers for Optus and TPG Telecom to expand their networks in regional areas.

According to the ACCC, mobile network operators have little incentive to invest in greater or improved mobile coverage in regional areas if doing so would not increase their market shares in the national mobile market.

In total the ACCC when it released its report on October 23 this year, made 20 findings about access to towers in regional Australia.

In response, the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said, "The Government will work with industry to scope a new emergency roaming capability so that Australians can stay connected during disasters, regardless of who their carrier might be.”

"Making sure we have the right regulatory settings is also critical to deploy mobile infrastructure in regional communities, including considering infrastructure sharing between carriers".

Let’s hope there is serious interest in overcoming the current lack of mobile service in regional areas as the impact on regional business is too significant to ignore as depicted by the ACCC survey results below.

WATM • December 2023

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News

WA’s resources sector delivers remarkable results

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estern Australia's resources sector delivered record sales of $254 billion in 2022-23 and supported the sixth consecutive year of jobs growth.

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety data revealed resources sales were up $20 billion on 2021-22, smashing the previous record of $251 billion set in the 2022 calendar year.

The sector also broke employment records with more than 126,480 full time workers in WA. Iron ore continued its dominant position with historically high sales of $125 billion supported by record production of 861 million tonnes.

Lithium (spodumene concentrate) achieved all-time high sales of $21 billion on the back of record prices and expanding production, making it WA's second most valuable mineral.

The value of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) surged to $56 billion, almost $18 billion more than 2021-22, and $2 billion more than the previous high set in 2022.

Gold (a record $18.6 billion), nickel ($5.7 billion, among the highest levels in the past 15 years), domestic gas (an all-time high of $2.5 billion) and salt sales (a record $714 million) all reflected the strength of the resources sector.

The value of some other major commodities remained steady including condensate ($8.6 billion), alumina ($6.7 billion), and mineral sands ($1.4 billion).

Investors poured more than $27 billion into mining and petroleum projects, the highest level of investment for a calendar or financial year since 2015-16.

Mineral exploration expenditure in WA was valued at $2.5 billion, a new financial year high. Gold, iron ore and critical minerals were all popular targets.

For more information on the latest statistics, visit www.dmp.wa.gov.au/ About-Us-Careers/Latest-StatisticsRelease 20

WATM • December 2023

Grants available to grow small WA businesses

E

ligible small businesses can now apply for a Small Business Development and Diversification Grant (SBDD) with the second round of funding now open.

Businesses transitioning away from the commercial native forest industry can apply for grants of up to $400,000. $7.8 million is available for businesses in Western Australia which can demonstrate a minimum 50 per cent reliance on the commercial native forest logging industry to transition their activities and protect or create jobs.

The previous round of SBDD grants saw 20 businesses across Perth and the South West region approved for a total of $7.2 million.

The decision has preserved approximately 400,000 additional hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo (hardwood) forests, which ensures nearly two million hectares will be protected into the future.

For more information head to www.wa.gov. au/government/publications/native-foresttransition-small-business-developmentand-diversification-grants

I

ATO seeks to recover even small debts

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he Australian Tax Office has told small businesses that it will now seek to recover even small debts it had previously put on hold, according to a national accountancy publication.

Accountants Daily says the ATO has written to 28,000 tax agents to warn that it will offset clients’ tax refunds or credits against debts on hold that had been written off as “uneconomic” to recover.

Tax agents say many of the debt recovery efforts will date back decades, be directed to deceased taxpayers or defunct businesses, and are a waste of time and money to reconcile.

The publication quoted an accountant as saying, “The ATO told me I’ve got someone who owes 33c, someone who owes 55c, two people who owe 5c. So out of 20, I’ve got four that are less than a dollar.”

Under the relevant Act, the ATO puts debts on hold when the amount is “uneconomical to pursue” but may revive it if it thinks a taxpayer’s circumstances have changed. There is no statute of limitations.

‘Safer Vehicles’ package

mplementation of the Federal Government’s historic decision to increase the overall width of new trucks is moving apace, with fresh guidance materials published.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts published updated guidance materials to reflect the ‘Safer Vehicles’ package unveiled recently.

Announced on September 28, the package increases the overall width limit from 2.50 to 2.55 metres for new trucks that are fitted with several safety features.

Following the release of new and revised Australian Design Rules necessary to support the landmark change, the Department has issued a guide that

provides details of the new and amended ADR’s and the vehicles they apply to.

It also explains how to apply for a vehicle type approval or vary an existing vehicle type approval for NB2 and NC category vehicles that meet the national road vehicle standards required for Safer Freight Vehicles; and adds a Safer Freight Vehicle to the Register of Approved Vehicles.

The Department advises it will also be publishing updated versions of the Guide to the RAV for vehicle type approval holders and RAV submission template in the near future to reflect changes.

Once these are all available, it will send an email to all vehicle type approval holders with links to these resources. It also plans to cover off the changes at the next RVSA Industry Webinar.

The package increases the overall width limit from 2.50 to 2.55 metres for new trucks that are fitted with several safety features

News

Best year on record for CBH supply chain

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he CBH Group has achieved its best shipping performance in its 90-year history, out turning more than 21.9 million tonnes out of the supply chain in 12 months.

Between 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023, CBH shipped 19.7 million tonnes from its four export terminals, 1.7 million tonnes in domestic outturns, and 560,000 tonnes of container and other outturns.

CBH set nine new monthly state-wide shipping records over the year. Breaking this achievement down by port zone: - Albany shipped 4.1 million tonnes and broke seven monthly records in the year - Esperance shipped 3.5 million tonnes and broke three monthly records in the year - Geraldton shipped 3.5 million tonnes and broke two monthly records - Kwinana shipped 8.7 million and broke ten monthly records in the year.

Over 10.9 million tonnes were moved on rail for the 12-month period, setting ten new monthly records for rail movements.

Road movements for the year were 11.4 million tonnes and resulted in seven new monthly records. Roads moved to port (including depots) was 8.3 million tonnes and set an impressive nine new monthly records.

CBH Group Chief Operations Officer Mick Daw said this was huge achievement for everyone across the co-operative that demonstrates the resilience and determination of those working in the supply chain.

“I want to thank all of our employees, contractors and growers for the role they played in delivering this result safely and demonstrating our ability to rise to the challenge.

“It is important to recognise the extraordinary lengths that everyone has gone to, to keep grain moving through the system.

This feat has never been achieved in our co-operative’s 90-year history and deserves to be celebrated.

“Most importantly, this was achieved safely. While harvest was challenging, an increased focus on field leadership through the back end of the year saw a solid decrease in the number of injuries.”

“This milestone demonstrates the hard work and effort across the supply chain to build a solid foundation for the CBH Strategy and reach our end goal of 3 million tonnes by 2033.”

The record-breaking supply chain performance has reduced CBH’s carryover to 5.5 million tonnes at 30 September 2023. With sustained supply chain performance throughout October, CBH is aiming to reduce this further to 4 million tonnes at the start of November 2023.

Cyber Security Tool available

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he Australian Government is used Cyber Security Awareness Month to remind businesses to ensure they have defences in place to protect their IT assets.

Cyber threats can strike at any business of any size and that’s why the Australian Cyber Security Centre has developed a tool to assess if a business is ready to defend itself.

The Exercise in a Box Tool will help you develop and test your cyber threat response and understand how they can and improve their cyber practices.

To access the tool visit www.cyber.gov.au/resources-businessand-government/exercise-in-a-box#atid=e821a9acaa940339

WATM • December 2023

21

Over to you

York Motor Show – Motoring through the ages

Bus tours around town

Dennis Loakes 1976 Dodge D5n 600 with his 1960 Massey Ferguson 35 petrol tractor on the back

By KEVIN TOOVEY

Y

ork being the oldest inland town in WA has some very nice buildings and is an easy and comfortable 100 km drive from Perth. This is probably one of the reasons for the continual success of the York Motor Show which has now been running for thirteen years.

Good to see HCVC members Rod, Phil and Phillip bring their trucks out for the day.

Ex Army International AS 161

Rolls Royce huge headlights

Bandana Earthmoving

Morris van

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WATM • December 2023

Morris van

Holden Kingswood ute and Bedford truck

This Chev truck was driven across the Nullarbor as a new truck in 1928

Two door Ford

Chev Highway Patrol

Chev ute

Ready for holidays

A small group of HCVC members made it out to York

Parking outside the town hall

Immaculate Diamond T

WATM • December 2023

23

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon Cutts Transport Western Star

2005

T

he Forum was progressing in its Centre of Excellence move, looking at airport land (30 hectares at $4 million) or Railways land for a peppercorn rent, it was reported to the February 22 Board of Management Meeting. Because of the office space shortage, the Forum was looking at purchasing the property next door.

The Forum budget for employment was increased to $1 million at the March 23 Board of Management Meeting.

A new Division was proposed at the June 30 Board of Management Meeting — Transport & Distribution.

Transport Forum again organised the Transport Expo — the third — and there was much discussion at the September 29 Board of Management Meeting regarding keeping a close eye on spending and not “exposing” the Forum in any way.

The Forum registered the name Convoy for Kids, with the blessing of the TWU. Truck drivers were starting to be booked for not wearing seat belts, it was reported by the Freight Division.

A recent school bus accident highlighted the need for compulsory seat belts in buses.

Transport Forum was issuing a stand on belts and retro fitting, once all the zone representatives had been consulted.

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WATM • December 2023

The October 26 Board of Management Meeting moved that Viv Hall be awarded Life Membership for his valuable services.

Because of a restructuring of the Training Department, the position of Training Manager was to be advertised.

Senator Glenn Sterle, a former Transport Forum Board member, addressed the School Bus Division Annual General Meeting on October 7, encouraging members to keep a connection with the TWU and Transport Forum.

The Gala Awards Dinner was held on November 4.

The November 28 Board of Management Meeting heard that the year surplus was in the region of $189,000, a huge turnaround from recent woes.

In 2004-05, 75 percent of all Australia’s domestic freight was carried by the trucking industry — 2148 million tonnes. The rail system carried 664 million tonnes, or 23 percent, with air and sea carrying the remainder.

2006

Former WARTA President and Acting CEO Howard Croxon was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day awards announced on

January 26. He was recognised for “service to the transport industry, particularly through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and a range of honorary roles in the road transport section in Western Australia”.

February 11 saw the passing of modernday haulage pioneer Douglas George Cutts, of Cutts Transport. Douglas recorded 10 million kilometres in 60 years of professional driving with his last haul being 22 tonnes in the South-West on November 15, 2005. He loved being on the highway in his 1970 custom-made Diamond T, “The Ace of Diamonds”. Sons Julian and Terry will maintain the tradition.

Two Transport Forum members — Hampton Transport Services and WA Freightlines Group of Companies — were acknowledged at the recent BP Global Choice Dinner for their contribution to the environment.

The Federal Government made available $8.4 million to WA local councils for the coming four years to be used for bridge projects. This was in addition to the Roads to Recovery programme. The money would be used for the repair of 13 bridges in the South-West.

The Building Committee reported to the Board of management on April 27 that Transport Forum should stay at Cohn Street for the next 10 years and extend the current facilities. An amount of $10,000 was set aside in the budget for development of plans and building estimates.

The August 31 Board of Management Meeting was advised that two staff members were about to head off on maternity leave while a third was returning from same.

Seven changes to the constitution were made at the Annual General Meeting of October 26, including the introduction of the position of Immediate Past Chairman on the Board of Management.

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