THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA | Since 1994 ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 January/February 2024 | price $7.95
1994 - 2024
WA Transport Magazine is thrilled to announce an exciting milestone – we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary in 2024 This home-grown independent publication is proud to support the Western Australian Transport Industry and sincerely thanks each and every one of you who read, support and contribute to the magazine
IN THIS ISSUE: New ablution block for Wubin RTAA • The Zero Emission Vehicle Chasm Truck drivers’ top workers comp claims • Positives for WATM live •sheep export January/February 2024
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
WO RK
S‘ ER
T OR
N
2
023 was a huge year for transport workers. As we enter 2024 the Transport Workers' Union (TWU) can proudly reflect on a year filled with victories that have significantly impacted the lives of our members and reshaped the transport industry. These achievements have not only strengthened the bargaining power of our members but have also set the stage for a vision that aims to create a fairer, safer, and more sustainable future for all transport workers.
Wins Through Negotiations: One of the core functions of the TWU is to negotiate agreements that directly benefit our members. In 2023, we scored significant wins through these negotiations. Bus drivers, for instance, secured a Wage Price Index (WPI) increase every six months, guaranteeing a 4.3% wage rise in 2024. Across various transport sites, member-led bargaining teams achieved wage rises keeping pace with inflation and improved working conditions, showing our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our members. Thousands more members now receive 15% superannuation, providing a path to a retirement with dignity. Additionally, our focus on mental health through programs like Steering Healthy Minds underscores our dedication to the holistic well-being of transport workers.
Fighting for Fairness: The TWU has been at the forefront of the fight for fairness, achieving victories that have farreaching implications. The High Court victory against Qantas marked a historic moment, holding the airline accountable for the largest illegal sacking in Australian corporate history. This win set a precedent for workers' rights across the nation and reinforced the protection of these rights in the Fair Work Act.
100 95 75
25 5 0
2023 was a huge year for the TWU and we’re setting an Ambitious Vision for 2024 By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary
In Western Australia, legislative changes through the Owner Driver (Contracts and Disputes) Amendment Bill 2023 empower owner-operators to stand up against unconscionable contracts. Advocating for change, we are actively pushing for tap-and-go and credit card payments on buses, enhanced mobile security, better amenities, and safer workplaces for all drivers.
Monumental Progress in Transport Reform: Transport reform has been a central focus, and this year marked monumental progress towards our goal. Transport workers united in a number of convoys across the country, raising awareness and advocating for legislation that will significantly impact the lives of transport workers. On November 30th, the “Closing the Loopholes Bill” passed the House of Representatives, a crucial step towards introducing minimum standards in road transport. This achievement is a result of decades of relentless efforts by workers advocating for change. Importantly, the entire industry, including transport operators, major retailers, and gig economy companies, stands united in our fight for a fairer and safer industry.
The Significance of Lifesaving Legislation: The "Closing the Loopholes Bill" represents a lifeline for an industry that one of the deadliest, addressing key issues and ushering in transformative changes especially for transport workers: 1. Safe Industry Standards: • Combatting rampant undercutting by establishing minimum standards. • Eliminating incentives to compromise safety.
2. Supply Chain Accountability: • Holding clients accountable for safety and fairness throughout their supply chains. • Ensuring cost recovery for owner drivers and gig workers. • Involving the entire supply chain in investigations into road transport accidents. 3. Same Job Same Pay: • Ensuring equal pay for the same job. • Elevating industry standards and securing job stability. 4. A Voice for Transport: • Providing workers with a seat at the table during industry decision-making. • Shaping legislation with insights from those who understand the industry's needs best—its workers. The urgency of this legislation cannot be overstated. Change is needed at the source to address these pressures and create safer, fairer industries.
Our Vision for 2024: As we look ahead to 2024, the TWU envisions a future where transport workers enjoy even greater protections, fairer conditions, and improved standards across the industry. The "Same Job Same Pay" campaign is a testament to our commitment to equality, aiming to ensure that workers doing the same job are paid equally, regardless of employment status. Our union's commitment is to continue building on the successes of past years and continuing the momentum of 2023. We will challenge corporate giants, advocate for minimum industry standards, and negotiate for better wages and conditions. Every TWU member is a crucial part of this vision, and your ongoing support is instrumental in our pursuit of a fairer, safer, and more sustainable transport industry. All transport workers win when the TWU and its members win.
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO CARRY AUSTRALIA Join today: www.twuwa.org.au/join-now 6313 3000 | info@twuwa.org.au | State Secretary TIM DAWSON
WA
TRANSPORT
magazine
FROM THE PUBLISHER
VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 1 Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd Telephone 0430 153 273 www.angrychicken.com.au ABN: 35 486 530 095
PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 0430 153 273 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Karen-Maree' Kaye, Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, Ray Pratt ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Angry Chicken Head Office T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au DESIGN / PREPRESS Cally Browning | Bare Creative ACCOUNTS T: 0430 153 273 E: accounts@angrychicken.com.au PRINTER Daniels Printing Craftsmen SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions available directly from the Publisher. T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au Australia: 1 year $130 (inc GST) Overseas subscribers: Airmail postage will be added to subscription rate. Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes editorial submissions. Once received they will become the property of the Publisher who reserves the right to edit the or adjust the content to fit with the format of our publication. West Australian Transport Magazine (WATM) is published by Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd ABN: 35 486 530 095 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted or transmitted in any form by any process (graphic, electronic, mechanical or storage and retrieval system) or sold, resold or otherwise exploited for any purpose without consent of the Publisher. The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication in regards to consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted, or being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication. No person, organization or party should rely on or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this magazine without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. The Publisher shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by contributor, consultant, editor or related party for content within WATM. The opinions and content within WATM does not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher, editor or their agents. No responsibility is accepted for damage or loss of material supplied to the publisher.
2
2024 WATM • January/February 2023
A
s I write this we are a few weeks off Christmas and my attention is drawn to Australia Post and their latest announcement of increased postage pricing and even less service to their business clients. As WA Transport Magazine this year celebrates 30 years of publishing, which is no small feat for an independent publisher, my wish is to continue supporting the industry and the good people within it for as long as I am able. It has always been important to me to make the magazine available to as many people as possible and six years ago I employed a lady to help me move the magazine to a digital platform. Being old fashioned, I was unsure about this but looking back now and especially seeing my current statistics showing within hours of publication of the digital editions (11 per year) the magazine receives a minimum 1600 clicks and increases steadily as people have the time to read it. This has made me realise that my readers have moved on to the digital era as well.
It is important to me that I make the magazine ‘free’ to readers (digital editions) but when I crunched the numbers of just the printing and postage I was horrified to see just those two costs alone were $130 to send 11 editions per year by Australia Post. I will of course continue to offer hard copies of the magazine mailed to readers, but I have had to increase the pricing to ‘part’ of (not all) of what it is costing me. Talking about people reading the magazine, it is when you make a mistake that you realise how many do. In the last edition, in Ray Pratt’s column Ammonium nitrate was spelt incorrectly. I take full responsibility and due to people who reached out to me, I was able to organise my designer to rectify it and relaunch the magazine. I appreciate those who did so in ‘kindness’. Here’s to a great 2024, I wish all the best for all of you and please contact me if you want me to research a story or if you have something you would like to say. Best,
Karen Contents
1.................................... 2023 was a huge year for the TWU 4.................................. Western Roads Federation – The Zero Emission Vehicle Chasm 6.................................. Preferred design and location for new container terminal unveiled 7................................... NTC validates the need for 500kg steer axle mass increase 8.................................. Expressions of interest called for Tonkin Highway extension 9.................................. Main Roads News 12................................ Rolling Stock lighting and visibility Australian Standard – additional review
14 .............................. WA Premier joins farmers in supporting live sheep export 15................................ Pinjarra Heavy Haulage deviation project to go ahead 16................................ WA Mack Muster 17................................. LRTAWA – It’s a new year and the glass is half full 19................................ Rio Tinto progresses Rhodes Ridge to next phase 20.............................. Truck drivers top workers comp claims 21................................ Hall of Fame – Glen Wallace
Every Month 10........................................... Fair go for the Owner Driver 18.......................................... This is the Outback 22........................................ HCVC 24........................................ WA Transport History
Endorsed by
WA Transport Magazine has always endeavoured to make the publication ‘free’ to readers.
DIGITAL EDITIONS ~ (11 per year) FREE OF CHARGE Our digital editions (11 per year) are available at ‘no cost’ and to subscribe please email karen@angrychicken.com.au You will receive a monthly email from us and be given a link to a high quality Flip Book that you can download and access any links within the publication.
HARD COPIES ~ (11 per year) $130 We do not make any profit on our subscriptions. Due to the rising costs of postage and producing the magazine we charge only ‘what it costs us’ to print and post your publication to you. To receive the hard copies, please email karen@angrychicken.com.au with the following details and you will receive an invoice with EFT details: Name ................................................................................................................................ Company ...................................................................................................... Postal Address ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................... Phone............................................................................................................................................ Email......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
WANT TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD? Visit www.isubscribe.com.au/wa-transport-magazine-subscription.cfm Note, this option costs $166.56 (one year) and the price includes ISUBSCRIBE fees on top of $130 base cost (printing and postage only). Thank you for your understanding and support of an independent publisher who has been producing the WA Transport Magazine for 30 years
Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd WATM • January/February 2024 T 0430 153 273 | www.angrychicken.com.au
3 3
Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO
The Zero Emission Vehicle Chasm
A
ustralia’s Government has committed cut CO2 pollution to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030. What should be noted is that the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water states, “Without intervention, the transport sector is projected to be Australia’s largest source of emissions by 2030.” (Source: DCCEEW website). Whilst passenger and light commercial vehicles are the major contributors to transport sector emissions, truck emissions will inevitably be a target.
But which Vehicle Technology? The US Department of Energy has identified several alternatives to Diesel such as Electric, Hydrogen and Renewable Diesel, plus four new emerging fuel types. But as the Truck Industry Council has identified none of the diesel alternatives are currently commercially viable for Truck operators. Australian Government’s appear to have tried to pick a winner so as to be seen to be doing something by focusing on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).But are BEV’s the winner or will our industry be the loser? I will focus just on BEV for the rest of this article.
Trucks (BEV) cross the proverbial Chasm? (Note: Yes, there are potential alternative technologies for BEV’s, however these are less developed).
We do need to change If for no other reason, Australia must have fuel/energy security for our transport industry. We can’t achieve that whilst we rely on importing 85% of our Diesel paying ever higher prices as Global Oil markets react to an increasingly uncertain world. Regardless of the reason, we need to change how we are moving towards alternative diesel solutions. Because if we stay on the current path, BEV and potentially any successor technology could fall into the “chasm”. Whilst the focus of this article is on BEV, it however could apply to alternatives.
4
WATM • January/February 2024
Early Adopters – The Visionaries (Current Stage) There are people in our industry already who are trialling or testing BEV. They accept that its expensive and high risk, but they are seeking an early competitive market positioning advantage by being seen by customers as progressive. They can also be compelled to adopt it by their customers who see it as part of their ESG strategy. Politically, this is still a photo opportunity stage with a local transport company taking delivery of its first BEV. However, it is also the stage when Minister’s start tasking their departments to develop a “Plan”. BEV is at this stage now.
The Chasm To cross the Chasm, BEV is going to need to be commercially attractive to the Pragmatists (the Early Adopters). However, there are issues that need to be addressed that can’t be solved by ideological preaching and geeky excitement.
What’s needed to cross the Chasm
But will BEV cross the Chasm? In 1991, Geoffrey Moore wrote an iconic book titled, “Crossing the Chasm” In a much distilled way, it explained how some technology products and companies never go beyond the hype and successfully enter the mainstream market. They fall into a chasm. The question is will Battery Electric
“The Road Transport industry contributes around 5 to 7% of total Green House Gas domestic emissions (source European Union and Australian Climate Works Centre). People in this category therefore include both the ideological and the technological enthusiasts. They are people driven to make it a better world, and in so doing are either prepared to tolerate the glitches or in the case of the ideological - ignorant of the practical realities. Politically, this is the photo opportunity stage. No plan just an intense desire to be seen in front of the BEV from a truck manufacturer.
Innovators/Agents of change The first thing to accept is that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) is part of the broader Government and Advocacy push to move towards net zero emissions.
The transport industry is by its very nature is a practical industry. An industry comprising of people from drivers to executives - who daily deal with a myriad of problems and challenges and solve them. Pragmatists don’t buy ideological sermons or technology for its own sake; they want commercial benefits for their purchase. Therefore, Government bureaucrats tasked with implementation policy and those preaching ideology need to consider policy development that addressed benefits such as:
Productivity Improvements: Pragmatists want productivity improvements. How will BEVs enable my company to improve productivity? Western Roads Federation members are acutely aware of the need to balance the competing forces of the triple bottom line but until the “environmental” aspect starts to support the “economic” aspect - overall business sustainability is threatened. The state’s road transport fleet is comprised of 72% small businesses. With current fuel prices, labour shortages and the cost of borrowing, business growth and adaptation to new ways of operating are nearly impossible to achieve for so many small businesses. Currently, BEVs have no productivity benefits. In fact, one WRF member company said that they needed two BEV to replace just one Diesel truck on the same local delivery task. Given that BEV are more expensive than a Diesel-powered truck that makes it a very difficult business. But there are productivity benefits especially in the local delivery freight task that could be leveraged to provide a business case for BEV. Our members have identified productivity offsets that would improve the business case and hence accelerate adoption. Reliability: Pragmatists are averse to disruptions in operations and so want proven technology and reliable service. Unfortunately, the perception is that BEV is not there yet. In an industry where bad news rumours spread faster than a ‘virus on a cruise ship’, stories on BEV truck issues are widely known. Especially from the HV Towing sector which describes BEV as the gift that keeps on giving. To cross the chasm, a greater emphasis needs to be placed on addressing the reliability perceptions. Trusted Industry References/Advocates: Pragmatists will generally rely on a “trusted” person or source to explain how BEV can work for their business. It will be necessary to identify the “trusted’ people and sources and help enable them to spread their knowledge. Regulatory Barriers/OSH: One relatively easier issue to address is regulatory barriers. The most obvious is to allow the higher axle weights. Victoria has recently allowed this, but currently there is no national consistency. There will also need to be a broader approach to issues such as Dangerous Goods transport and to general safety matters. Whilst WA doesn’t operate vehicle ferries, the general lesson of concern over BEV risk can be extrapolated. A Norwegian
Ferry company banned BEV in February 2023 with Lasse A. Vangstein who is in charge of communications at Havila Kystruten to NRK saying, "An electric car fire gets very hot, and there may be a risk of explosion where toxic gases will be released. This can mean that you have to evacuate the ship immediately and in the worst case you can have a total breakdown of the ship.” The extrapolation is to general risk including OSH. The risk issue needs to be addressed and/or managed in collaboration with industry. Infrastructure and Power Reliability: Reports in WA Today, Aug 23 stated that, “The Australian Energy Market Operator has sounded the alarm over a looming shortfall in electricity supply, warning that urgent investment in big new electricity generation projects on the Perth and south west power grid are needed to meet the forecast shortfall.” Reports like this combined with concern from members over the lack of and cost of BEV charging stations undermine the confidence of pragmatists to adopt BEV. Major infrastructure projects need to engage the transport industry more effectively to determine implications for BEV. For example, members have identified an opportunity to use BEV as block trucks to transport trailers out the RTAA at Muchea. However Muchea RTAA is dependent on the completion of the Bindoon bypass. General Issues: There are several other issues that need to be considered. These may be more difficult and may pass as the technology improves and include: • Addressing the whole of life cost, including battery life and disposal. • Dealing with negative media, not just the BEV fires but comments from some major global manufacturers that BEV is not meeting sales expectations and are currently unprofitable to produce. • Investigating the insurance issues, relating to drivers who take home company BEV. Insurers can oppose the installation of at home battery chargers due to the insurance risk. • Repairs and maintenance capability will need to be developed within WA. Whilst OEM currently provides that service, inevitably there will need to be a local capability independent of the OEM. • Communication of incentive programs offered by State and Federal Government to the Transport
industry needs to be improved. The vast majority of our industry is completely unaware of such programs. Swift Adoption: If these BEV issues can be overcome and that is a big ‘if’, then a characteristic of the pragmatist market segment is the want rapid and easy transition. It is also why this segment can take off very swiftly. As once easy transition is achieved, the segment will move as a herd. This also raises the issue of BEV lead time. Some WRF members are reporting the lead time for BEV can be 12 months plus. At the end of 2022, Europe had just 4,000 registered Electric trucks out of a total fleet of 6.2 million trucks. By 2030, it is forecast to have 600,000 electric trucks which is still less than 10% of the total truck fleet. (Source: Forbes 2022)
Strategy of change I have ignored the late majority and laggards segments as these will inevitably follow once the early majority/pragmatist market segment has been successful. If we wish to successfully transition the industry to net zero, and assuming BEV is the technology platform; then we need a more expansive strategy that currently being considered. The strategy must not only consider the technology and infrastructure but also how logistics processes and community expectations can be changed and most importantly how people can be brought along for the journey. Bringing people along for the journey will involve delivering “wins” along the path. Those “wins” can be commercial productivity gains that move towards to zero emissions target. To identify those wins and other requirements, engagement and collaboration with industry is critical. Our industry has practical knowledge and ideas that should be an integral part of Government policy development. Involving industry will not only improve Government policy but also give a greater sense of inclusion and ownership of the outcomes. Fundamentally, the move to net zero is not a just technology problem it’s a change management challenge and that will be fundamental to crossing the chasm, once a capable technology solution has emerged. I wish to thank the following for their assistance in writing this article. • Associate Professor Liz Jackson Curtin University and • Kylie Johnson – BrightSpark Consulting WATM • January/February 2024
5
(as soon as it becomes economically and commercially viable to do so) as per Option B, or transitioning all freight to Kwinana gradually while operating two ports in parallel for a period, as per Option D2. Further work needs to be done to definitively answer the remaining questions around the transition models, stages, timings and costs – this will be Westport’s immediate focus in the next phase of work.
News
Diagram 1: Preferred design and location for new container terminal unveiled
11 | Westport Stage 2 Outcomes | Public Report | 2020
Artist’s impression of the high-level design and location of Perth’s future container port in Kwinana
An artist’s impression of the high-level design and location of Perth’s future container port in Kwinana
T
he WA Government has unveiled the preferred design and location for a new container terminal in Kwinana, marking a major milestone for the project that will help to keep Western Australia's economy strong for the next century. Planning for a new container terminal has been ongoing for a number of years, with modelling consistently showing Fremantle Port and its surrounding roads will reach capacity within the next two decades. Fremantle Port currently imports and exports around 800,000 containers annually, but this is expected to grow to more than three million containers over the next 50 years. Ensuring WA has a terminal and freight network capable of supporting the projected growth in container trade is critical to the State's economy over the next century. The preferred design and location have been established following 18 months of detailed design and consultation with key stakeholders, and the outcomes of the 2020 Westport Independent Taskforce Stage Two Report. The preferred design includes: • a container terminal adjacent to the shoreline of the current Kwinana Bulk Terminal; • a new breakwater to provide enhanced protection to the port and docked ships;
6
WATM • January/February 2024
• major upgrades to key freight roads leading to and from the new container terminal including Anketell Road, Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway; • duplication of the freight rail between the container terminal and Cockburn; and • upgrades to key intermodal terminals (IMT) at Kenwick and Forrestfield, and the delivery of a new IMT at Kewdale - establishing a key logistics hub east of Perth where existing industrial land can support significant business activity. The design of the container terminal will allow it to cater to larger ships than the existing Fremantle terminal and incorporates redevelopment of the ageing Kwinana Bulk Terminal jetty. The location will also avoid impact on other critical public infrastructure including Water Corp’s desalination plant and Synergy’s power plants. Design concepts were assessed against a range of criteria including environmental, long-term sustainability, efficiency of the supply chain network and port, and financial value to the State and local economies. Westport engaged extensively with leading experts in engineering, marine science, sustainability, and transport to develop and review design options.
Planning has also been informed by the State Government funded $13.5 million Western Australian Marine Science Institution Westport Marine Science Program, which has led a number of studies aimed at mitigating and offsetting the impacts of a new container port. Planning and engagement with stakeholders on the appropriate location for non-container trade based at Fremantle Port is continuing. The project business case, including the recommended development timings and costings, is expected to be finalised in mid-2024. Moving container trade away from Fremantle Port will also unlock around 260 hectares of prime inner urban land in Fremantle, which will support WA's growing population. Fremantle Port will retain its status as a working port for cruise, visiting naval and recreational vessels. WA Premier Roger Cook said, "This is economic infrastructure that sets our State up for the long-term. “A world class port in Kwinana is critical for our State to remain a global economic and industrial powerhouse for decades to come, supporting thousands of local WA jobs. “Through this design, we can ensure WA can continue to meet trade demand long into the future – while strengthening
News our supply chain lines and improving road safety in the southern suburbs. “Only our plan will futureproof WA’s container trade and economy for the next 100 years, and transform communities in Kwinana and Fremantle.” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “The development of a new container terminal and supporting freight network would represent one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in WA. “Over the past 18 months, the Westport team has undertaken detailed options analysis and engaged with dozens of key stakeholders and experts to develop this preferred design for the port and freight network. “The modelling over a number of years has been consistent and shows Fremantle Port and its surrounding road network will become significantly constrained within the next two decades. “Having a port and freight network that can support the expected growth in Western Australia's container trade is absolutely essential to the long-term health of our economy. “Any restrictions on our capacity to meet future demand for container trade
NTC validates the need for 500kg steer axle mass increase
T
he NTC has validated the need for a 500kg steer axle mass increase for Euro VI trucks, its Regulatory Reform Executive Leader, Aaron de Rozario, told the ATA's 2023 Technology and Maintenance Conference. The government has mandated Euro VI or the equivalent US/Japanese standards for all new model trucks from November 2024 and all new trucks from November 2025. Aaron said the NTC had validated the industry’s proposal for an
additional 500kg in steer axle mass to take into account the weight of the emissions technology and other requirements such as ESC, AEBS and reversing technology. He said the NTC was still considering possible steer axle mass increases for road train prime movers and twin steer trucks. The ATA has provided the NTC with detailed technical case studies supporting the need for a 500kg increase for road trains and a 1,000kg increase for twin steers.
would place a significant handbrake on our economy, push up the price of household goods, hurt local businesses and reduce our capacity to create jobs. “We believe this preferred design addresses the core objectives of providing
value and benefits to WA's economy, society and environment. “The preferred design will inform a Business Case which is currently in preparation and will outline detailed delivery timelines and costings.”
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 $150 inc gst Semi $125 inc gst 6 Wheel Trucks / Bus $95 inc gst 2 Nicholson Road, East Picton T: Darren 0417 909 128 | E: info@twepicton.com.au
4 Hopetoun Place, Welshpool, WA 6106
WATM • January/February 2024
7
Main Roads News
Heavy Vehicle Industry Information Sessions and Workshops
I
n 2023 Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) again rolled out a series of opportunities for the road transport industry to have their say in regional areas across the State. Thank you to all the operators who came to one of our industry information sessions and workshops during the past 12 months. It enabled us to meet and hear some of the matters faced by industry and provided a forum for attendees to identify and discuss potential solutions to the issues. Approximately 300 people registered
to attend the 2023 round of industry workshops held State-wide. Building on the success of the 2021 and 2022 series, the Region that hosted the session generally gave a brief presentation on local projects at the workshops. These updates were well received and comments from participants indicate information on local developments is welcome. This was followed by an information session relating to a specific HVS product or service as detailed in the table below. The interactive workshop then focused
News
he extension of Tonkin Highway to provided at Abernethy Road and Shanley Expressions of South Western Highway is another Road, and a bridge over Wright Road. step closer with an Expression of Thomas Road will be duplicated from interest called Interest just released for contractors to Kargotich Road to Wungong South Road tender for the project. to address traffic congestion, improve road for Tonkin The $1 billion investment will see safety, and cater for the growing population Highway extended 14 kilometres east, north and south of Byford. Highway Tonkin south to South Western Highway, as well as The works are expected to support upgrades to Thomas Road. around 2,020 direct and indirect jobs extension The Australian and Western Australian during the construction phase.
T
Governments have committed $768 million and $315 million respectively. The surrounding roads will be connected to Tonkin Highway with grade separated interchanges at Thomas Road and Bishop Road, and roundabouts at Orton Road, Mundijong Road and South Western Highway. Underpasses will be 8
on what functionality attendees expect in a customer portal provided by Main Roads HVS. The event concluded with an opportunity for a one-on-one with HVS staff where attendees could meet with HVS representatives from Access, Accreditation, Compliance, OSOM movements and Permits to discuss particular matters. These sessions were in addition to HVS attendance at several community events State-wide such as the Perth Boat Show and regional shows like the Dowerin Field Days where we met with hundreds of visitors to answer questions about heavy vehicle operations and upcoming road projects. Visitors also got an opportunity to speak to regional representatives about issues on the road network. The Department of Transport was also represented at some of these. The staff handled enquiries about road conditions and maintenance, road projects and timeframes, caravans, the RAV Mapping Tool and agricultural equipment. If you see us at an event or expo in 2024, come over to our stand and say hello. At the time of preparing this information a further session was planned for Albany in December 2023. Information about the 2024 schedule will be provided by Main Roads in due course.
WATM • January/February 2024
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, "The Australian Government is pleased to be partnering with the WA Government to enhance Perth's south-west corridor with the delivery of the Tonkin Highway Extension and upgrades to Thomas Road,
MONTH
LOCATION
HVS PRESENTATION
April
Geraldton
Class 1 RAV 8 Tyre Per Axle Low Loader Overmass Period Permit (100 tonne permit)
May
Albany
Submitting your Single Trip permit application & supporting documents (e.g. vehicle forms)
June
Bunbury
AMMS- Overview of Scheme and Mass Management Module Requirements
July
Karratha
PBS Scheme - Overview & Application Process
Auqust
Kununurra
Applying for RAV access - what you need to know
September
Geraldton
MOVES
September
Metropolitan
Structures Engineering, Bridge Video Supervision & Traffic Escort Services process
October
Kalgoorlie
WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation - Know your responsibilities including 3rd Party Accreditation arrangements
November
Northam
Heavy Vehicle Licenced Pilot Scheme Review - overview & next steps
Wubin Road Train Assembly Area (RTAA) - new ablution block
A
new ablution block has been installed at the Wubin RTAA and opened for use from 9 October 2023. The new block contains four toilets and four separate shower cubicles for male users. The existing block containing two combined toilet and shower facilities will become designated as female only use and unisex accessible use. The new facilities, which are funded through the Freight Vehicle Productivity Improvements Program (FVPIP), have been installed to meet the needs of the heavy vehicle industry.
which will reduce traffic pressure and improve connectivity. "The project forms part of a package of infrastructure works set to transform the Tonkin Highway corridor, providing a high standard north-south transport link from Muchea down to Mundijong. "These include the upgrade between Collier Road and Great Eastern Highway – known as the Tonkin Highway Gap, the upgrade of the intersections south of Roe Highway at Hale, Welshpool and Kelvin roads and the Tonkin Highway – North Ellenbrook Interchange project." WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said, "This long-awaited southern extension of Tonkin Highway represents the largest investment this corridor has ever seen,
and has been planned for several years, to ensure the project delivers maximum benefits for road users and the broader community. "Extending Tonkin Highway will improve efficiency of truck movements and ensure heavy vehicles are diverted away from growing residential areas like Byford. This will enhance safety and improve the amenity of local communities. "The project will complement the nearby METRONET Byford Rail Extension, METRONET Thomas Road Over Rail, and Thomas Road Safety Improvements between Kwinana Freeway and South Western Highway, to provide communities in our south with greater access to our transport network."
The $1 billion investment will see Tonkin Highway extended 14 kilometres south to South Western Highway, as well as upgrades to Thomas Road
WATM • January/February 2024
9
Over to you A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt
The wheels of government turn a lot slower than the wheels in transport
H
appy new year everyone and as we enter 2024 it amazes me how quickly the years fly past. I find it’s always good to reflect on the year just gone by and see what improvements have been made to our industry; to see if the life of our hard working Owner Driver’s and truck drivers was made any better. Sadly, like most years there is very little to report. The only glimmer of hope for the future is the promise the government gave to the transport industry that when they came into power they would put a system in place for the proper recovery of our costs. They had better get a ‘crack on’ as there is roughly a year and a half until the next election. Sadly the wheels of government turn a lot slower than the wheels in transport. Every year the costs of operating a truck escalates and 2023 was exasperated by rising inflation which is carrying into 2024. The ‘cost of living’ has affected everyone and every aspect of owning and operating a truck became more expensive. Fuel costs were at the head, insurance, labour, running costs… right down to buying a meal at a roadhouse. Trying to recover these rising costs are difficult for many operators as they compete against those who reduce their rates to get the business. This has forced some to skimp on maintenance and drive longer hours in an effort to keep in front – or risk losing everything they have worked so hard for. It is no wonder hundreds of small and large
10
WATM • January/February 2024
transport companies go broke or shut their doors in this country. Meanwhile, the government takes its time in helping our Owner Driver’s and the industry is spiralling downhill at a fast rate. Owner Drivers are exiting the industry at a faster rate than ever before. Experienced truck drivers are also exiting and they are often replaced with younger inexperienced drivers or overseas drivers who are trying to come to terms with their new career choice. This change of guard is being reflected daily as industry standards get lower.
We are tired of being exploited by the big companies who pocket huge profits at the expense of the industry as a whole The obvious answer is the industry needs to change. Big business has got to stop driving down our rates and they need to be held accountable for their part in the supply chain. The transport industry will remain an undesirable career without some regulation that makes the job safer and more worker friendly. For many years I’ve maintained that truck driving is an important specialised career. They are people who have the ability
to drive large vehicles and deliver freight safely that benefits every person in the country. What could be more important than providing food, fuel, and every other commodity that we need for our daily lives? Truck drivers put up with tight schedules, motorists who know very little of how to interact with trucks, poor working conditions and long driving hours – alone and away from family and friends. For years we have cried out for reform in our industry and for years we have seen small token gestures - but really I do not think anyone is listening. Truck driver’s work extremely hard to maintain their schedules and deliver freight all over our vast state and all we ask for is a fair deal and for Owner Drivers to recover our costs and have a return for the excessive hours we work. We are tired of being exploited by the big companies who pocket huge profits at the expense of the industry as a whole. We can only hope that in 2024 someone will listen and help our ailing industry.. ~ Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.
EDITOR'S NOTE Thank you to all the people who ‘kindly’ pointed out the incorrect spelling of Ammonium nitrate in the December edition of Fair go for the Owner Driver. This enabled us to immediately rectify the mistake on the digital version.
FUWA K-HITCH RUNNING GEAR FOR ALL APPLICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS
FOR ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT AND OE SPARE PART REQUIREMENTS, YOU CAN TRUST KHITCH MELBOURNE
13-21 Bliss Court Derrimut VIC 3030 p: 03 9369 0000 f: 03 9369 0100 melb@khitch.com.au
PERTH
5 Freight Road Kenwick WA 6107 p: 08 9350 6470 f: 08 9350 6570 perth@khitch.com.au
BRISBANE
41 Moreton Street Heathwood QLD 4110 p: 07 3372 2223 f: 07 3372 1022 qld@khitch.com.au
www.khitch.com.au WATM • January/February 2024
11
Focus Lara Jensen, image by Stephanie Coombes
Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility Australian Standard to undergo an additional review By LARA JENSEN
A
recent announcement by rail industry standards development organisation (RISSB), confirming 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility Australian Standard will undergo an additional review and consultation period in 2024 came as little surprise to the group of families of rail crash victims around Australia I represent. We have experienced multiple setbacks, delays, and disappointments in our long journey lobbying for train lighting and visibility improvements that has been as exasperatingly frustrating; as it is emotionally exhausting. Although the latest announcement signals yet another delay in the grudgingly slow process towards train illumination reform by the rail industry in Australia, it does signal some hope that this minimal and voluntary lighting standard that governs train and rolling stock lighting (AS 7531) is finally receiving the public scrutiny required to achieve what we hope will be a satisfactory outcome for all road users that interact with trains at unprotected railway crossings.
12
WATM • January/February 2024
The painfully protracted process of lobbying both the rail industry and the government for train lighting improvements has been punctuated by immense low points for our families because of the completely lacklustre appetite for any meaningful change by the rail industry or any insistence that change to train lighting standards be enforced or legislated by the State Governments responsible. In the last two decades our families have looked on in complete disbelief as the rail industry has ignored the findings of transport safety investigators, numerous committees, enquiries, and the recommendations of three State Coroners that have all called for improvements to train lighting and level crossing safety after
several high-profile crashes. One of these high-profile crashes was a horrific accident at an unlit crossing in the WA Wheatbelt that claimed the life of my youngest brother and his two friends in 2000. This tragic triple fatality resulted in recommendations by WA State Coroner Alastair Hope in 2001 for all locomotives to be fitted with external lighting in addition to ditch lighting to effectively warn motorists of their approach as inadequate train lighting was considered a factor in the crash and resulting deaths of my brother and his two friends. For many years our families have been lobbying for flashing lights (the accepted indicator of a hazard on our roads) to be fitted to locomotive roofs in line with other high risk hazardous
Focus industries to alert the motorist on close range to a level crossing in a bid to prevent further loss of life. In recent years we have been incredibly fortunate to have had the assistance of independent rail and road safety researcher Dr Brett Hughes, in addition to the public support of peak farming lobby groups such as the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and WAFarmers, road transport groups including the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Western Roads Federation (WRF) and the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of WA (LRTAWA) as well as the RAC in WA, West Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and the Country Women's Association of WA who are all supporting our push for better lighting on trains. This nationwide backing by prominent national organisations and the support of the media has turned the spotlight on railways - a hazardous industry that has the power to control its own standards that are minimalist, voluntary and completely inadequate for high-risk rail operations. Recently, the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) closed four weeks of public consultation on a draft set of standards 7531 designed to “modernise” the Australian standard that governs lighting and visibility requirements for locomotives and rolling stock nationwide. Following the public consultation period, RISSB has confirmed the standard will undergo an additional review and consultation in 2024. The Standard AS 7531 was first developed and published by RISSB in 2006 and last reviewed in 2015. Alarmingly though, despite rail operators interacting with 491 passive crossings (controlled only by signage in WA alone) and level crossing safety impacting many different people including road users and train drivers, no road safety interest groups or road user groups were involved in the AS 7531 Standards Development Group. This was a completely unacceptable oversight at best. But most concerning for our families was the omission of flashing beacons in the latest redraft. Astonishingly, beacon lighting was included in the 2022 draft of AS7531 for public consultation and then subsequently deleted in the 2023 draft. It is difficult to comprehend why such an essential safety improvement such as beacon lighting that had attracted substantial public support and was accepted by rail operators in 2022
But most concerning for our families was the omission of flashing beacons in the latest redraft. Astonishingly, beacon lighting was included in the 2022 draft of AS7531 for public consultation and then subsequently deleted in the 2023 draft was then deleted just a year later. The omission of beacon lighting by the RISSB Standards Development Group also underpins what appears to be the board’s complete rejection of the overarching finding of the of the most recent national train lighting report in the Monash Institute of Rail Technology report released in March 2022. The finding of the MIRT Report was that additional lighting on trains, specifically additional beacon lighting, does improve their visibility and that a beacon lights’ effect is significant when the level crossing is obtuse and when the road user is in close range to the level crossing. The findings of the MIRT report again reinforce the importance of auxiliary lighting on locomotives for improved visibility in line with coronial recommendations made by WA State Coroner Alastair Hope in 2001 after the triple fatality that claimed the lives of my brother and his friends. The rationale for the rail industry’s apparent inability to fit beacon lighting to their locomotives is an argument that has been considerably weakened by the fact that rail track machines that rail operators use for track maintenance are all fitted with flashing beacons, as are their own road vehicles for transporting personnel and their trucks (Aurizon runs a heavy transport road service). Multiple submissions were received on the draft AS7531 with many suggesting the improvements our families and supporting organisations are promoting such as beacon lights on locomotives, brighter livery, and wagon side lighting. RISSB has acknowledged the number and strength of submission regarding side lighting and flashing beacon lights on locomotives and has indicated that following yet more testing, beacon lights are intended to be included in a revision to the standard next year. In addition RISSB
has also stated that road user groups will be included in the forthcoming Standards Development Group. This is certainly not before time though. In complete contrast to trains, all trucks require side lights and heavy trucks must be fitted with flashing lights. Trains are about one hundred times bigger and heavier than trucks. They can’t swerve or brake quickly, yet their lighting is far inferior to that of trucks. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that trucking operators in WA by law need to be familiar with 1,117 pages of Federal Australian Design Rules (ADRs) that clearly spell out the requirements for truck lighting in addition to 366 pages of the Western Australian Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations, that are both mandatory and enforceable. One of the most concerning aspects of AS 7531 is that it is a minimum standard that doesn’t account for different levels of hazard. Higher risk industries should automatically have higher standards, this includes high use rolling stock that operate in poor visibility situations (night, dust, fog) and interact with mainline operations or cross high-volume roads and interact with the travelling public at unlit crossings. Improved train lighting and visibility represents the best value for money improvement that can be made to level crossing safety in Australia. It is high time the multi-billion-dollar rail industry adopts the highest lighting and visibility standards to their locomotives and rolling stock in line with all other high risk and hazardous industries like road transport, mining, and construction in Australia. LARA JENSEN is the nominated spokesperson for the Improve Train Lighting and Level Crossing Safety Lobby Group). WATM • January/February 2024
13
News
2024 Daimler Truck Future Leaders’ Forum
T
WA premier joins farmers in supporting live sheep export
F
armers have backed in the WA Premier, Roger Cook, following his strongest comments yet calling on the Albanese Government to abandon its controversial plan to phase out live sheep exports by sea. Speaking in the WA Parliament in December, Premier Cook said the ‘unnecessary’ policy should be reconsidered. “We believe the welfare arrangements that are in place, the checks and balances that have been put in place as a result of the reforms around that are sufficient,” Mr Cook said. “We believe this will be an unnecessary burden and one that [the Federal Government] should reconsider. “We are on a single ticket here. Western Australian government and Western Australian farmers believe that the decisions the Federal Government is currently negotiating over are unnecessary. “We stand by the farmers and the community of Western Australia in relation to this issue,” the state Labor leader told Parliament. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke welcomed the support of the WA Premier in standing up for farmers and said it was time for the Albanese Government to listen. “The evidence coming in continues to show there is no way to do this without destroying jobs, worsening welfare outcomes and testing our trading relationships. “It’s appropriate now for the Albanese
14
WATM • January/February 2024
Government to say that putting an end date on the trade just isn’t responsible. The industry has improved and there is no longer a need for this policy,” Mr Jochinke said. Premier Cook’s comments were in response to a report by the North Eastern Wheatbelt Region of Councils (NEWROC), which found that damage from the ban would exceed $128 million just in those seven council areas. NEWROC representatives were in Canberra in December and met with the NFF, but were denied a formal meeting with Agriculture Minister, Murray Watt. “It’s so important that the Government hears from people impacted by this on the ground, not just the inner-city activists from the Eastern States. “Now’s the time to be working with industry on a better path forward that can help restore confidence to the WA sheep industry,” Mr Jochinke said. A local farmer told the ManjimupBridgetown Times that WA Premier Roger Cook’s comments on the live sheep export ban being an “unnecessary burden” and saying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “should reconsider” the ban, was “too little too late” but it was good that he was “finally standing up and doing his job”. Charles Caldwell, a farmer from Boyup Brook welcomed the WA premier’s response, especially his statement regarding the economic damage it would cause the Wheatbelt however he said it was a “too little too late”. “He should have made that statement
he ATA and Daimler Truck have announced the launch of t he 2024 Daimler Truck Future Leaders’ Forum. This is a great opportunity for individuals engaged in the trucking industry to join a transformative career development program aimed at cultivating their leadership potential within the industry. Throughout the Forum, participants will receive mentorship from experts in leadership, media, and political training. Program information, key dates, eligibility criteria and the application form can be accessed at www.truck. net.au/public/awards-and-programs/ daimler-truck-future-leaders-forum Nominations will only be accepted from ATA member associations or TruckSafe. The first part of the 2024 Daimler Truck Future Leaders’ Forum will take place in Canberra from 7-8 March 2024, with a take-home leadership project to be presented at the ATA’s Trucking Australia Conference in Canberra from 17-19 April 2024. The closing date for member associations and TruckSafe to receive nominations from interested participants is Friday 19 January 2024.
when he first became Premier,” he said. Meanwhile, the 60 Minutes televised footage in 2018 showing sheep suffering severe heat stress aboard Awassi Express vessel that was the catalyst for Labor’s preelection pledge to end the live export trade has taken another turn with Fazal Ullah who shot the video mysteriously disappearing – robbing the WA Government of their star witness in their legal action against the industry’s largest exporter. As reported by the Australian newspaper, Mr Ullah was paid more than one-hundred thousand dollars by activist group Animals Australia. The case for banning live exports has now collapsed due to the missing witness. Rick Wilson MP Federal Member for O’Connor who has been fighting for farmers says he will take this fight to the next level in 2024.
Consultation regarding Aboriginal Heritage started in 2008 to ensure the project minimised impacts on the Pinjarra Massacre site and the Murray River heritage site. Main Roads undertook community consultation from July 2020 to early 2021, whichNews included:
Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation project to go ahead •
•
D
espite the cut in Federal funding, • The Cook Labor Government has confirmed it will proceed with delivery of the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation. The project was part of a recent Federal Government review of Australia's infrastructure pipeline. The decision by the Federal Government to withdraw its support will see $200 million cut from the project. The State has already allocated $50 million towards the project. The Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation will improve the efficiency of truck movements on the South Western Highway and improve safety in Pinjarra by diverting trucks around the township. Before the construction of Forrest Highway, South Western Highway through Pinjarra carried nearly 10,000 vehicles per day (VDP). Once Forrest Highway opened in 2009, traffic volumes reduced to around • 5000 VDP.
•
Meetings with landowners, businesses and residents adjacent to the proposed works, and with key interest groups, including the Peel Chamber and Murray Business Support Group. A community drop in session on 10 December 2020 for the wider community. What However, we heard: the renewal of the town and industry expansion haswhole seen o centre The community asked whether the increases in local and heavy project could be built rather vehicle than just Stage One. movements through Pinjarra. In February o 2022, Pinjarra Williams Roadat the intersection of traffic recorded Western Residents were concerned aboutRoad South Highway and Pinjarra in truck per noise and traffic. averagedincreases 15,852 vehicles day during Driver behaviour - speeding vehicles weekdays. and overtaking in 60kmh zones. The project is currently going through Safety for schoolchildren regarding environmental and heritage approvals. bus stop locations. Once these processes are completed, the General pedestrian safety. State Government will assess funding and o Pinjarra Williams Road and South Western delivery options. Highway intersection WA Minister Rita Saffioti Transport Safety concerns. said,"WeCurrent see thecongestion Pinjarra Heavy Haulage at peak times due toas train operations, commuter Deviation a very important projecttraffic both and school and pick up and for the efficiency ofdrop our off supply chains times, of and associated on for the safety people livingimpact in Pinjarra. emergency operations. "This decision by the Federal Business impacts during construction. Government to remove $200 million from Is there an opportunity to improve the this project is disappointing but we remain entry to town (landscaping). committed to seeing it delivered, with $50 In April 2021, Main Roads met with Aboriginal million already allocated by the State. community representatives who expressed concern regarding impact on cultural heritage values, resulting in a commitment to undertake further engagement. Construction of stage one was to commence in late 2021 and was deferred.
PHHD Locality Chart (alignment subject to review)
PHHD Locality Chart (alignment subject to review)
Murray Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said, "This project is twenty years in the making and the State Government is committed to delivering it for Pinjarra. "Not only does this project complement the Shire of Murray's vision for our area, but it will also take heavy haulage away from our town centre and create a more vibrant What’s next?
Aboriginal engagement will start in April 2023 and will be coordinated by Aboriginal Land Services. Wider community and stakeholder engagement will follow. We encourage community members to subscribe to project email updates by visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects
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 • January/February 2024
15
FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF TRUCK! FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF TRUCK!
Presents... Presents...
PERTH'S PREMIER PERTH'S PREMIER TRUCK SHOW TRUCK SHOW ALL DO PRO ALLNATECEED DO PRO D TO S NA CEE TED DS TO ENTRY $20 Kids un d e 12 RY $r20 yEeNaTs FREE Kidsru nder 12 years FR EE
SUNDAY, 24TH MARCH 2024 SUNDAY, 24TH MARCH 2024 QUARRY FARM, PERTH QUARRY FARM, PERTH
PURCHASE TICKETS AND REGISTER TRUCKS ONLINE PURCHASE TICKETS WWW . M A C AND K M UREGISTER S T E R . CTRUCKS O M . A UONLINE W WW.MACKMUSTER.COM.AU The 2024 Truck Show is proudly sponsored by our generous partners The 2024 Truck Show is proudly sponsored by our generous partners
16
FIND WAMACKMUSTER ON: WATM • January/February 2024FIND WAMACKMUSTER ON:
LRTAWA by Darran Bairstow President, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)
It’s a new year and the glass is half full
I
t’s a new year so I thought we would start the way we hope to finish – full of positivity and confidence in the future. Gloom can be contagious so let’s hope promise is as well. Looking ahead this year there is much to be up-beat about. The perennial issue of safety bays and driver facilities is continuing to gain traction. The combined industry Main Roads working group is working through a long wish list of sites identified for improvements. Some improvements have already gone ahead as part of this program, including up to nine new ablution blocks in the North West, in addition to new toilet facilities at the Northam and Bunbury Road Train Assembly Areas and at Main Reef Road in the Goldfields. There is still more to be done, especially in the South West, but the progress so far is good news for industry. We’ll start the new year with a brand new bridge over the Fitzroy River. Not only is that great news for the freight industry and local communities by re-establishing that vital transport link between west and east Kimberley, the bridge is testament to what can be achieved in a short space of time when necessary. It was completed within less than a year, six months ahead of schedule notwithstanding heavy rain during the project. Hopefully it can be a blueprint
for future urgent projects. Main Roads is to be congratulated for its innovative approach to construction and quality of the end result. The new bridge will be 100 metres longer than the previous structure at 270 metres and carry dual lanes. The piles supporting the bridge have also been driven to a depth of 40m, compared with 15m for the previous piles making it a more resilient structure. The LRTAWA has been campaigning
good news for the industry. 2024 is a pre-election year which always sharpens the focus of politicians and bureaucrats alike. It is a welcome opportunity for industry advocacy groups to be well prepared and put forward their preferences to the key political protagonists. Expanding the heavy vehicle network, improving access and removing barriers to productivity are likely to be high on the list of issues to pursue.
Main Roads is to be congratulated for its innovative approach to construction and quality of the end result for a reasonable number of high standard truck washes in Western Australia for many years. The current network of nine truck wash facilities in a state the size of WA is woefully inadequate and would not serve us well in the event of a significant biosecurity or disease outbreak. In comparison, New South Wales has around 52 facilities listed on the Avdata payment system. There are moves afoot however to seriously investigate further investment in a larger network of facilities which is more
The continuing push towards a low or zero emissions future may put the spotlight on policy responses that result in productivity improvements in transport such as better access leading to fewer emissions. Last but not least, high fuel prices have finally started to subside, which is a welcome boost to transporters’ bottom line and may even help ease inflationary pressures. Here’s to starting the year with a glass half full. WATM • January/February 2024
17
This is ‘The Outback’
A message to WA holiday makers from a truck driver By Cliff Graham
H
appy new year to all the WA Transport Magazine readers and as I write this it is just before Christmas 2023. Hard to believe how quickly the year goes when you are busy. Whilst many throughout Western Australia will still be on holidays when this edition comes out I am going to dedicate my column to the WA holiday makers who travel on WA main roads. With most of us in the transport industry having to work during this time, we see a fair amount of traffic and witness the ‘driving behaviour’ of those getting around our state to reach their holiday destination. To say that I am astounded would be an understatement – shattered is a better word of the amount of adults and teenage children I see from the truck who have their feet up on the dash where the airbags are deployed from at point of an accident or collision. How do we educate people of the ramifications if an airbag is deployed with your feet on the dash? Parents and guardians really must take responsibility foremost for this and I have had conversations with police officers who attended such accidents and they relay that the physical damage sustained is devastating - resulting in sometimes amputation of limbs. Serious and permanent damage that will affect that person for the rest of their life. I would also like to draw attention to overtaking lanes. I know this has been said by all in the transport industry ‘over and over and over’ again, but unless you are overtaking – keep left. This should be one of the simplest and
18
WATM • January/February 2024
most common sense road rules there is but I am astounded by the sheer amount of people on WA roads, which after they have overtaken a vehicle remain in the right hand lane without any consideration for anyone behind them. Is it really that hard to use your mirrors? Another grievance which I find especially bad during the school holidays in the winter months is the amount of older generation caravan drivers who travel at 75 to 80 kilometres per hour regardless of the road’s speed limit (usually 110 kph).
I'm also aware it is against the law to tailgate and I wonder how many infringements are given to those holiday makers who tow vehicles tail gating each other at a lower than gazetted speed limit? This is not limited to caravans. Anyone who is towing a boat, camping trailer etc.… they seem to be oblivious to anyone behind them and travel at their ‘own speed limit’. You all know how frustrating it is to a truck driver when you come across a convoy of caravans travelling well below the speed limit – all tailgating each other and leaving no room or safe opportunity for
anyone behind them who is actually doing the correct speed limit to pass them. They show no regard or acknowledgment of the traffic build up behind them and again, is it that hard not to use your mirrors? Quite often they are travelling so close together that road trains can't overtake them one at a time and there's not that many long straight stretches of road without traffic coming towards us that is safe enough to overtake three or four caravans at a time so we have to rely on overtaking lanes which are not a dime a dozen. When we finally get to the overtaking lane again there seems to be someone who after they have passed other traffic continues to drive in the right-hand lane until the end of the overtaking lane further blocking the path of everything following along behind. Unfortunately, most overtaking lanes aren’t long even if they are all in the left hand lane. I've said it before and I'll mention it again when some slow moving vehicle comes into an overtaking lane respect the traffic behind you that is doing the correct speed limit. A bit of common sense and some consideration and manners would not go astray. Unfortunately, that isn't the case and nowadays it is becoming more of a problem on WA roads with holiday makers not having any consideration for other road users – especially those trying to do their job. I have seen these instances time and time again, where there is so much traffic built up behind them that once you get to
an overtaking lane and have some chance of passing them safely the traffic actually doing the speed limit feels the need to speed up just to get past the long and slow moving convoy, especially the road trains. Personally, I think it is a real shame that speed cameras are set up in overtaking lanes as the reality is you will get a speeding infringement just trying to get past them. And yes, I'm very aware that is against the law to speed even through overtaking lanes and I am not condoning it, but I'm also aware it is against the law to tailgate and I wonder how many infringements are given to those holiday makers who tow vehicles tail gating each other at a lower than gazetted speed limit? Do they not understand that travelling in a convoy so close together causes a dangerous situation for all concerned? Yet, there seems to be no interest in policing this aspect – only those who try and pass them. In the September school holidays, I travelled the Brand highway and Northwest Coastal Highway many times. Not once did I see a police car working that stretch of road. Sure, there was a speed camera in the usual spots including the overtaking lanes, in the 90 kph zone however, the speed cameras don't pick up the convoy of tailgating caravans or campers nor the feet on the dash. So, in actual fact there's more chance to get a speeding ticket in a controlled safe environment of overtaking lanes than there is if you're overtaking on single lanes.
I do not think the overtaking lanes in Western Australia are not long enough to accommodate this holiday convoy traffic as well as the road trains. From my experience, there does not seem to be enough straight stretches of road for safe overtaking considering the amount of traffic that is now on our main roads - especially during school holidays.
Lastly, I would say to all holiday makers that you should check your kayaks and surf boards are secure. I’ve seen a few vehicles on the side of the road re-strapping or restraining surfboards and kayaks. Let’s all work together as considerate human beings to ensure everyone gets home safely from holidays or their job. Considering others, shouldn’t be that difficult.
Rio Tinto progresses Rhodes Ridge to next phase
R
io Tinto has approved a A$110 million pre-feasibility study to progress development of the Rhodes Ridge project, one of the world’s best undeveloped iron ore deposits, in the East Pilbara in Western Australia. The PFS is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and will be followed by a feasibility study. First ore from the initial development is expected by the end of this decade. Rio Tinto is planning to spend more than A$400 million on exploration over five years from 2024 to 2028 as part of the ongoing study phases. Study work to date indicates a staged development with an initial hub likely to be located in the northern part of the project, adjacent to existing rail infrastructure.
Last year, Rio Tinto (50 per cent) and Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd (50 per cent) agreed to modernise the joint venture covering the Rhodes Ridge project, located 40 kilometres north-west of Newman. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said, “The size and quality of the resource base at Rhodes Ridge has the potential to underpin our iron ore business in the Pilbara for decades to come. Longer term, the resource could support a world-class mining hub with a potential capacity of more than 100 million tonnes of high-quality iron ore a year. The joint venture will utilise Rio Tinto’s existing rail, port and power infrastructure, including the planned instalment of renewable power assets in the Pilbara.
WATM • January/February 2024
19
News
While fatalities were largely attributed to heavy vehicle incidents, the most frequent injury was Body stressing (38.5% of claims) followed by Falls, slips and trips (26.5% of claims)
Truck drivers top workers comp claims
S
afe Work Australia recently published an interactive data set (based on the Beta Occupational Hazards Dataset analysis report) that shows road transport is an industry with a high rate of workplace injury incidents. In the financial year 2021-22 the road
transport industry had 4,477 workers compensation claims. On average the work category ‘truck drivers’ has the largest number of claims in Australia (4,787 annually). The median time lost has increased over the last 12 years from 5.8 weeks to 12.7 weeks; the median
compensation paid in 2020-21 was $23,307. While fatalities were largely attributed to heavy vehicle incidents, the most frequent injury mechanism for workers compensation claims was Body stressing (38.5% of claims) followed by Falls, slips and trips (26.5% of claims). Three percent of workers compensation claims in the road transport industry related to Mental stress. If you’re a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in road transport then it’s important to manage physical work health and safety risks around driving, loading and unloading and working around vehicles in general, as well as identifying and addressing psychosocial hazards - the risks to mental health. Safe Work Australia has helpful information and resources on their website at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safetytopic/managing-health-and-safety/mentalhealth/resources and for WA legislation visit www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/
WA Government to crack down on dodgy practice of insurance claims harvesting
T
he State Government is cracking down on the dodgy practice of insurance claims harvesting for injuries sustained in car crashes. New legislation has been introduced to the WA Parliament that will make it an offence to solicit and receive payments for claims referrals. Anyone caught breaking the new laws will face fines of up to $10,000 depending on the offence. Claims harvesting covers a range of practices designed to persuade or entice people involved in car accidents to make injury claims. It often occurs through cold-calls to find out if members of the community have been in an accident, and then enticing them to make a claim. Targeted calls also occur after the personal information of people involved in a car accident has been traded to another party.
20
WATM • January/February 2024
Victims of this behaviour have reported being harassed by these third-party operators, who are motivated by a financial reward if the person makes a claim. Apart from this misuse of personal information and harassment, the practice costs all Western Australians in the administration of all insurance claims made, and diverts resources from genuinely injured car crash victims in our community. The Claims Harvesting legislation will: • make it an offence to pay or receive consideration for claim referrals; • make it an offence to personally approach or contact a person to solicit or entice them to make a claim; • oblige lawyers representing motor injury insurance claimants to certify via statutory declaration that they are not aware of referral fees being paid or solicitation taking place; • oblige claimants and the Insurance
Commission to participate in preaction conferences and exchange offers of settlement before a writ can be issued; • provide for information sharing with, and an effective means of investigation and enforcement by, relevant agencies - including the Legal Practice Board, Consumer Protection, Department of Transport, and the Insurance Commission; and • introduce an offence for providing false or misleading information to the Insurance Commission. It is estimated 28 per cent of all claims are the result of claims harvesting, adding to compulsory third party insurance premium fees paid by all WA vehicle owners. These claims are estimated to incur a cost of about $14 for every registered vehicle.
Focus TRANSPORT HALL OF FAME
GLEN WALLACE
G
len Francis Wallace was born on the 7th November 1967 at Ferntree Gully, Victoria. Glen started his life in the trucking industry at a young age as his father Frank owned trucks, during these years he was washing, maintaining and learning the basics of running a transport business. After finishing year 12 in 1985 at Swan Hill Technical School, he went to Mingenew near Geraldton, Western Australia to work on a wheat farm. After coming back to Victoria he drove a semi for his parents company, who contracted for Greenways Transport carrying refrigerated goods all around Victoria, and this included some interstate work. Greenways were later sold to Cleelands Cold Storage as they did not want contractors with more than one truck. Glen moved on to Melbourne to work for Tip
Top Bakeries for a while, then to Cleelands and drove local for a few years before deciding to join Lake Boga Transport in Footscray, run by Wes Pickering. Glen carted fruit and veggies out of the Victoria Market to country Victoria, sometimes carting salt from Sea Lake to Sydney or Bathurst, then back to Melbourne. He did this for approximately four years. In 1995 Glen transferred to Kelly & Young in Mildura, a division of Pickering Transport. He drove for a while, and then became the Office Company Representative. In all he spent eight years at this depot. In April 2004 Glen started as Regional Territory Manager for Armstrong Packaging covering an area of 500 kilometres, preparing budgets etc, until January 2006. Glen, wife Janene and family lived in Mildura for 10 years before moving to Geraldton, Western Australia in 2006,
where Glen became Logistic Manager for Giacci Bros Transport, overseeing and liaising with the main customers regarding haulage five years. In November 2010 Glen started with BIS Industries as Operations Manager to set out their Depot in Geraldton. After two years and five months Glen became the Manager of the day to day running of the Nickel-Cobalt Haulage, Logistics, and the workshop business’s at the Murrin Murrin Mine site. In all, one year and eight months until October 2014. After leaving BIS Glen has been the Mid-West Manager for Catalano Transport Pty Ltd working out of Geraldton since October 2014. Following on from his father Frank, and Grandfather Fred Wallace, Glen has contributed to the Transport Industry for 30 years plus. WATM • January/February 2024
21
Over to you
Tandem Inter 686 tractors
A long combination here with an Inter Snoopy and PTO header
Wagin Hay Day By KEVIN TOOVEY
Wagin's Giant Ram
M
any country towns have a giant of something, Wagin has the ram and wool and sheep have really become something that you associate with the town. The statue was erected in 1985 and is built from steel coated with fiberglass. Weighing in at four ton, the ram is 13 metres long and nine metres high – making it truly a giant ram. Wagin is also the home to Spurry’s Transport where the Tracmach Annual Hay Day is held. The Wagin Hay Day is a Tracmach event to showcase the machinery and tractors that were used on farms in years gone by. Peter Spurr, a Tracmach member plants an oat crop on his property specifically for the hay day. Some of the machinery and tractors appeared very old but they were still
22
WATM • January/February 2024
Peter Spurr's oldest and newest trucks
being used on farms not all that long ago. There were plenty of people who said, “We had one of them on the farm” or “I used to drive one just like that”. Hay making was always a very physical and dusty job, especially considering the warm and sunny days. It is still done on sunny days but the size of bales has changed and there is not so much physical handling of the hay as in the past, however nowadays the comfort of the tractor cab has improved considerably. Peter has also just purchased an International R 200 prime mover from over east and it was on display next to one of his near new Volvo road trains. Which one would you prefer to drive? A big thank you to Peter Spurr and Tracmach for the day out.
Raking hay with a dump rake
McCormick tractor with a roof extension to keep the sun off the driver
Part of Peter Spurr’s International tractor line up
Steel wheels all round
Cutting sheaf hay with an Inter A 554 tractor and ground drive Binder
International crawlers
Peter Spurr's International R200 prime mover
WATM • January/February 2024
23
History
The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry
By Russell McKinnon Heather Jones
Transport Woman of the Year award in 2005 and in 2006 was one of Western Australia’s top 40 business professionals under the age of 40. She was runner-up for the 2006 Outstanding Contribution to the WA Road Transport Industry award. The annual Gala Dinner and Awards Evening was held on November 3. Up to $20,000 was set aside for front-office refurbishment at the December 18 Board of Management Meeting.
2007
2006
T
he Board of Management Meeting of October 26 downgraded the Recovery Division to a sub-committee of the Freight Division. It also renamed the School Bus Division to Passenger Services Division. Two other motions were passed at the same meeting — one that no alcohol was to be consumed prior to or during meetings on Forum premises; and, more importantly, that Len Della, formerly Sadleir’s Transport, be elevated to Life Membership. Len has been involved in many Transport Forum committees as well as ARTIO WA, the Freight Division, Training Committee and Sea Freight Council. He is the third recipient behind J R Callow (1986) and Viv Hall (2005) and was officially farewelled by Transport Forum at a function in Cohn Street, Carlisle on March 23. WA Freightlines Group of Companies won the national industry award for training and was pipped by John Holland for Australia’s medium employer of the year. Success Transport’s Heather Jones was named winner of the Westpac Business owner Award for owners with a 50 percent share or more in the business, with responsibility for key management decision-making. Heather is the owner and director of the company. She established the company in 2004 with just one truck and has now grown the business to 17 trucks. She won the WA
24
WATM • January/February 2024
The Forum purchased two cars in February, to be used by the Business Development Manager and the Training Manager. Most of Australia’s arable land is now drought-affected with the driest August-October since 1900 across many regions of Australia. 2006-07 is the worst on record. Summer crop production was predicted to fall by 33 percent. Chairman Derek Nathan was re-elected for a further two years on the ATA Board. Forum CEO Debra Goostrey tendered her resignation to the March 22 Board of Management Meeting. A committee of three was appointed to find a replacement. By the April 26 meeting, Ian King (no relation to previous WARTA Chairman of the same name) was appointed CEO in Debra’s place. Debra said farewell in the Friday Fax of Thursday, April 26, stating she had “absolutely loved my four years as CEO of TFWA and I look forward to maintaining my contact with many of you — the one thing that I have learnt over the years is how small this State is in terms of networks and how often you bump into people again and again over the years”. Ian King had been involved with member-based organisations for the past 25 years. Main Roads WA commenced work in April on the Great Northern Highway near New Norcia and Bindi Bindi. The Freight Division has managed to negotiate a two-hour window for triples through Paraburdoo-Marandoo Hill. Leighton Beach redevelopment is an ongoing concern for re-routing, it was reported to the April 26 Board of Management Meeting. At the meeting, Debra Goostrey was farewelled and thanked for her hard work of the past four years and it was reported in the minutes that: “Board members were crying at this stage”. However, while Derek Nathan said she would be “greatly missed”, he also said that Ian King would surely carry on from Debra’s great work. Gibb River Road gained another $2.3 million in funding to upgrade sections in the Kimberley, bringing to a total of $12.5 million in improvements to 105km of the road.
TRADER TYRE EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA YOUR ONE STOP TYRE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER
TRUCK TYRE CHANGER
The Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc) is the only transport association in WA specifically representing rural transporters. We are a strong voice for rural WA, ensuring that policy decisions support the viability and safety of rural transporters, primary industry and the communities they service.
This close proximity between transporting operations and the advisory role means that representatives of the Association are at the coal face and as such are able to provide that all too rare practical hands on advice in committees, consultative forums and meetings.
YOUR SPACE
Members of the Management Committee are hands on business people, most of whom would drive a truck weekly and travel on nearly every road in WA’s 150,000 km road network in the course of a year.
18/9 Inspiration Drive Wangara WA 6065 PHONE: NEVILLE BAKER 0419 515 151 www.tyreequipment.com.au sales@tyreequipment.com.au
This space could be your spot to reach over 10,000 readers in the Western Australian transport and associated sectors.
Contact Karen at Karen@angrychicken.com.au or
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES Ph 08 9208 0320 or email admin@lrtawa.org.au www.lrtawa.org.au
Ph 0430 153 273
ON THE ROAD TRUCKS
INDEX
Midlan
ndham Great Km Peg
Great Norther n Hwy
nO
orough
O Maryb
chydore O Maroo ngo O Miles O Nana O Caboolture O Roma ne Dalby O Brisba h mba O O Ipswic Toowooan Heads Millmerr O O Tweed OSt George Warwick O a OO Ballin Lismore indi O U¿HOG Goondiw O 7HQWH O Hebel O Moree O Innes O Grafton Glen Harbour O Coffs OWalgett bri O Narra Bourke O Pedy orth O Tamw O Coober rie O Port Macqua an O Coonanarabr dra ia NynganO O Gilganunedoo Wilcann ellbrook O Musw O era ne O O OD O Woom astle Narromi n O Newc Dubbo O O Singleto Broken Hill O Mudgee w Yunta O Lithgo O O O Ceduna O Forbes O Sydney O rough Bathurst Port Augusta Peterbo O O O Port O Goulburn O Burra ld Wyalong Wudinna Pirie k Balrana Wagga O Renmar O O Hay Wagga Elliston O O era O Canberra r O Narrand Swan Hill ans O Gawle O O Batem roo Tumut O Port Lincoln Bay O Pinna OHopetoun AdelaideO al O Tocumw a O Albury O O Coom Murray Bridge Keith Bordertown O Shepparton O OO Wangaratta Corryong O Hoesham O O Mallacoota Kingston rne Melbou dale O Bairns O O rO Sale Mt Gambie O Geelong Portland O bool Warrnam
West East
East
288
East
300
Tuckanarra
Mt Gibson
East
357
r
Shelter
Mt Gibson
West
Mt Single
T.
ton
East
O Kulge
ra
O Marla
rook
O Cranb O Albany
O Katan
F = food
& drink.
East
East
West
East
Park
Hills t/o
Wogarno
Meeline Park
Iowna
Jumbulyer Hills BP Mt Magne t Roadhouse
Fu
Fu.T.S
Lake Austin
Mainland
t Roadhouse
8.6m
)
Station
Dairy Flat
S = shower
s.
A = accomm
odation
. W= worksh
op
3 On the
On the
Road Trucks
5
Road Trucks
22/11/10
OTR 2010
Gravel Pit
Mt Magne
t Creek
Wandarrie t/o Austin Towns ite ( Ute Park
East
West
West
West
T.S
Hills
Mt Magne
606
Pass
Oudabunna
Narndee
Cooladar
Kirkalocka
Cooloaloo
Swagman
Both
609
617
624
T = toilets.
Thundelarra
West
West
571
pO Manjimu
an O
O Lake King horpe Ravenst O O ce Esperan ning
Norsem
Fu = fuel.
hO
s:
Perth
O Laver O Leonora
ton
orlie O Kalgo alda O O Kamb die Coolgar
service
O Merredin
Souther Cross O
Key to
Paynes Find
East
West
522
524
551
552
Hills
Mt Eden
West
East
548
n
LeinsterO
arra O
O
Meekath
rvon O Carna
O
O
Exmouth
Mt Magnet
Tom Price O O doo Parabur
O
dd 5
Mullewa O nO Geraldto O Dongara O Wubin
an
O Newm
O Marbl Bar
11:13 AM
Final.in
Coral Bay
22/11/10
Karratha O
Road Trucks
OTR 2010
Onslow
1 On the
438
484
553
O Bunbury nO Busselto
Border Village Eucla O O
on
Warburt O
O Telfer
e
Port Hedland O
120
1
West
West
502
New Norcia
Mandura
Tennant
eO
Katherin
Fitzroy Crossing O
Great Northern Hwy
O Derby
O
Broome
Final.indd
407
478
Wubin
Dalwallinu Pithara Miling Walebing
Nyounda
Mt Harry
East
420
463
95
NORTH
a O Pithar Moora OO Bindoon
Springs
O Alice
Three Ways O Creek O
O Daly Waters astle Waters O Newc
Wydge e Oudab unna Paynes Find
Ninghan
West
East
402
446
Halls Creek O
Darwin
O Kununurra
mO
Wyndha
OTR 2010
386
398
t
Iona
e
Wubin Shelter Shelter
Park
t/o
(distances) of Transport Parking Australian Parking bridges roadside Bays, BridgeBays, information, and roadside facilitiesfacilities and their services throughout mainland regional Australia. HARD Hurry COPY Limited POSTED TO YOU copies left Last published in 2010 (note, no updates – this is a reprint only), On the Road – Trucks gives you the distances (pegs) Only $30 plus postage Great Norther n Hwy
Mt Magne
Kirkalocka
Fu.F.T.S.Phon Fu.F.T.S
The Wells
East
370
Cue
Goodlands
West
316 337
T Shelte
Road
Wegners Jimberding Roadhouse Wubin Wubin Road Train Area Symes Crossi ng Jibberding
North East
275
95
Katalundie
Nannine
s
BP Wubin
N/East
260
Meekatharra
Nugudong
West East
254 255
nts & Service
Fu
Neill Road Pithara Grain Solo Courtlea Road Dallwallinu
East
233
248 253
Kumarina Roadhouse
WA
Comme
Arkell Park Piper Mc
West
241 Great Norther n Hwy
NORTH
Barringu
ndo
220
Hwy 95. 1.
Miling Hotel
East
228
Caprico rn Roadhouse
Northern
Place
Bindi Bindi Colvins Road
Both East
204
Newman
Name /
West West
184 190
Munjina Roadhouse
ulla O Cunnam
O Mackay
ont ampton od Westwo O Rockh tone O O O Glads Emerald a O Biloel re O O Clerm
O Belya
Springsu O
Blackall
ville O Towns
ne
Barcaldi ch O O
O Lynd Junction
Longrea
Winton O
Towers O Charters O d Richmon
nO Mossma O O Cairns Mount Molloy
anton
O Norm
eal Camoow Cloncurry O O Mt Isa O
Side of Road
167 177
95
lla O Augathe O Charleville
page Midland Route to Wyndh am 3 Wyndham NSW/Vic Border Albury to WA/NT border (Victori 4-12 page to Sydne Muchea Sydney to y a Hwy) to Gerald Tweed Heads ton 74-75 13 NSW/Qld Geraldton Tocumwal Border to Port Hedla NSW/Vic border to 13-15 76-77 nd Bindoon Dubbo Dubbo to to Donga Barringun ra NSW/Qld 15-18 78-79 Wubin to Border NSW/SA border Mullewa Mildura to 19-20 Cooma 79 North West Narrabri to Bourke Hwy to Onslow 20-21 80 North West Ballina to Hwy to Exmou Boggabilla 21 th 81 Nanutarra Gilgandra to Tom Price to St Georg & Parab 21 e Queen 82 Tom Price Bathurst urdoo sland Ring Road to Hay 22 83 Great Northe Albury to Wyalong rn Hwy to Paraburdoo 22 84 The Lakes Batemans to Merred Bay to Yass in via York 23 85 Northam %HUHVÀHOG WR to Pithara 7HQWHUÀHOG 23-24 NSW/Qld 85 Geraldton Lithgow Border to Gilgan to Leinste dra r via Mt Magne 25 86 Newman NT/WA Border t to Gt Northe to Kather 26-27 rn Hwy via ine 87 Marble Bar Darwin to Nullagine to Telfer NT/SA Border via Wood via Alice 28 88 Perth to Three Ways ie Wood Springs Kalgoorlie ie to NT/Qld Border 89-90 28 Order Form Mount Isa to Rockha for OTR mpton 29-32 91 Coolgardie Camooweal to Espera Qld/NT nce border to 32 92 Norseman Coolangatta Cloncurry to WA/SA Qld/NSW Border, Border 93-94 border to 33 Kambalda Brisbane Brisbane Village to Cairns to Meeka tharra 34 95 Leonora Brisbane to Warbu to Townsv rton via Laverto ille 35-36 96-97 Kelmscott Cloncurry n to Raven to Townsv sthorpe ille 37 98 Roelands Charters Towers to Lake King to Emeral via Collie 37-38 d 99 Free Updat Caboolture es for OTR to Nanan 39-40 go 100 Perth to Barcaldine Albany to Brisban e 40 100 Northam Goondiwindi to Cranb Qld/NSW rook 41-43 Border to 101 Albany to Barringun Toowoomba Esperance Qld/NSW Border to 43-45 102 Rockingham Augathella Nanango to Rockh (Perth) to 46-47 ampton Bunbury 102 Armadale Lynd Juncti via Mandu to Alban on to Mount rah y via Pinjarra 47 103 Molly Border Village Gladstone & Bunbury to Spring SA/WA Border 48-50 sure 104 Ceduna to Port Augus Goondiwindi to Port Lincoln ta to Westw 51-53 ood 104 Port Augus Clermont ta to Port to Macka Lincoln 53-54 y 105 Port Augus Cairns to ta to SA/NT Mossman Border via 54 106 Port Augus Dalby to Coober Pedy ta to Adela St Georg e ide 55 106 Warnertown Dalby to Goomeri to Monas 56-57 h Renmark 107 Warnertown Wallangarra SA/NSW Border to Peterb to Nanan orough via 57 go 107 Gawler to Cloncurry Jamestown Cockburn to Norma SA/NSW nton 58 108 Adelaide Dinmore Border to Paring to Goond a SA/Vic iwindi 59-60 109 Tailem Bend Border Mungindi to Roma to SA/Vic border Pinnaro 61 110 Adelaide Cunnamulla to SA/Vic o to St Georg Border Mt 61-62 111 e Tailem Bend Vic/SA border Gambier to SA/Vic via Warma border Border 62 111 mbool to Keith to Mt Vic/SA border Geelong town Gambier via Horsha 63 112 m to Melbo Cockburn Melbourne urne NSW/SA to Wodo Border to nga Vic/NSW 63 113 Nevertire Nyngan Melbourne Border to Coona to Tocum barabran 64-66 wal Vic/NSW 114 Nyngan Melbourne Border to Narrom to Bairnsd ine 67-68 ale 115 Coonabarab Vic/NSW border via ran to NSW/Q Genoa 68 116 ld Border Singleton Portland to Bairnsd Goondiwindi to Dubbo to Sunray ale sia Hwy Junctio 69-70 117 Cobram n via Hopeto to Swan wn Hill 71-73 118 Cobram to Corryo ng 119
FRESH OFF The ‘must have’ book for transport giving you the locations THEoperators PRESS
d to Wy
Continued
Route Route Guide
22/11/1
0 11:13 AM
11:13 AM
d 3
Final.ind
of truck parking facilities, bridges and roadside facilities nationally plus suitable dirt tracks in Western Australia. st areas? e incanrekeep acyou spso ding on finwritten trou Printed with a hard cover, wire bound A4 format, the internal beble easily your own notes. ving can Hapages ition
EL TRACKS in this ed GRAV WAWestern $50 plus TO postageORDER within Australia * Can be picked up from Henley Brook, Australia.
visit www.angrychicken.com.au karen@angrychicken.com.au Ph 08 9296 4488 Can be printed or stored on your phone and is emailed to•you in PDF format ALSO AVAILABLE IN DIGITAL FORMAT – $30
To receive either option, email karen@angrychicken.com.au with your name, company name and postal details (hard copy), or nominate the PDF copy and you will receive a tax invoice with EFT details Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd | M 0430 153 273
WATM • January/February 2024
25
Bridge Size
News
Behind the people who keep Australia moving Behind everything you do, are transport workers - delivering our food, fuel and online shopping, as well as taking us to school, work and on holidays. And behind them is TWUSUPER, the industry super fund for the people who keep the country running.
Join the super fund for people who work in transport
Strong long-term performance
Transport ready insurance
Service tailored for TWUS 7267 transport workers
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. *
Prepared and issued by TWU Nominees Pty Ltd ABN 67 002 835 412, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 239163 (‘Trustee’) on 18/08/2023 as trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307 (‘TWUSUPER’ or ‘the Fund’) and the issuer of interests in it. Before making any decision to invest you should consider the PDS and TMD which are available at twusuper.com.au. * Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and should never be the sole factor considered when selecting a fund. TWUS 26 WATM • January/February 2024 8988