WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - MARCH 2022 EDITION

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 March 2022 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine

IN THIS ISSUE: Autonomous Roadtrains for Pilbara Adblue Production Up 800% $255 Million Pilbara Urea Project Coupling Strength Investigated

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SUPERQUADS: HOW MANY IS TOO MANY? WA Transport Magazine’s resident Bird’s Eye columnist Carol Messenger has discussed before the issues with Super Quads that are so prevalent in numbers on the Great Northern Highway between Newman and Port Hedland… On a recent ‘hotshot’ Carol counted them… Do you want to know the number?

WIN

a TWU WA Monopoly board in this edition WATM • March 2022

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

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n 2021, transport workers from major multinational companies stood together, to secure the future for thousands of workers in road transport while achieving improvements to pay, superannuation and employment conditions.

For the first time, workers came together as an industry and fought as one against great adversity: a once in a century global pandemic, supply chain pressure from wealthy clients, an insecure work crisis, and threats to jobs, pay and conditions posed by undercutting players like Amazon Flex.

Bargaining in this environment meant that maintaining wages and conditions would be tough, let alone locking in job security. But the TWU did.

Maintaining and enhancing Job Security was at the heart of the 2021 Industrial Campaign.

Without comprehensive job security provisions ensuring protections such as maintaining access to overtime and preventing jobs from being outsourced, good pay rates and conditions are next to meaningless.

Early October, the TWU reached a deal with Toll and Linfox that incorporated an industryfirst 15% superannuation rate and enhanced job security protections such as the same pay for outside hires as for direct employees.

The success of the union’s campaign meant Toll dRivers will get an initial pay rise of 2.75% and a second wage increase in line with the inflation rate up to 4% before mid-2023.

Linfox drivers won a similar package with an initial increase of 2.5% back paid from July 2021 and a second wage increase in line with inflation of up to 4% before mid-2023.

In just two years, the TWU aims to build on this strength and pull more transport workers into the industry fight to lift standards with the aim to make transport safer, fairer, and more secure.

The gains are job security provisions including full utilisation, ratios in distribution centres and company fleet levels plus

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The Transport Industry Needs to Unite Against Gig Economy Behemoths By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary minimum, sustainable rates for fleet operators and owner drivers in many of these major agreements.

These Union agreements, forged from collective action, will make a huge difference in the lives of our members and of owneroperators trying to make a quid in the transport industry.

It’s the Amazon-effect that is driving rates down. Through exploitative sham-contracting arrangements which operate outside our industrial relations system, that that undercuts the industry and forces other operators to attack their workers to remain competitive, leading to an unsafe transport industry.

These union agreements, forged from collective action, will make a huge difference in the lives of our members and of owner-operators trying to make a quid in the transport industry Trucking is already Australia’s deadliest industry – on average, one truck driver dies on the job every 10 days.

Our roads will only get more deadly if the job security and safety conditions transport workers rely on are ripped out from under them by the Amazon Effect.

We cannot allow this system to keep dragging down standards in the transport industry.

Right now, there’s a blueprint for our industry that comes from the Senator Sterle inquiry sitting on the Prime Minister’s desk.

A landmark Senate report recommending an independent body to create and enforce minimum standards in transport, which would also tackle the ‘Amazon Effect’ that is crushing the industry.

Already, in the early days of 2022, the industry continues to be tested as the ripple effect of the pandemic impacts global supply chains. Whether its absenteeism due to COVID over East, shortages of AdBlue, panic buying, or the flooding on the Trans-Australian rail-line that has disrupted grocery supplies into WA from the Eastern States.

If consumers didn’t already have an appreciation for the work of transport workers, they should well and truly be aware of just how much impact these essential workers have on the supply chain.

Transport Workers need secure jobs, safe and sustainable rates, and minimum payment times.

Transport worKers need to be confident in their health and first in line for free and accessible rapid antigen tests.

Our industry needs to join forces like the Transport Workers from every multinational company did in 2021 to keep those in power honest and take on these gig-economy behemoths before its too late.

Only when transport workers stand together will we change the industry.

You should never undervalue your skills or your worth to the Australian economy. It has never been a better time to stand up and fight for a better transport industry.

Transport workers should be some of the best paid employees in Australia.

You are the driving force behind the economy so why shouldn’t you lead it when it comes to your wages and conditions.

Join the TWU and join the fight to make your industry the leader in wages and conditions.

ENTER TO WIN a custom TWU Transport Monopoly Set Go in the draw to win 1 of 5 TWU Transport Monopoly Sets.

To enter:

1. Locate the ‘hidden word’ in Tim Dawson’s article 2. Scan the QR code and complete the form to enter 3. Go in the draw to win a custom TWU Transport Monopoly Set

Become a member today and protect your rights as a worker

www.twuwa.org.au

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

SUPER QUADS – How many is too many?

I

have previously discussed the issues with the Quads, (or Super Quads as they are sometimes known) that are so prevalent in numbers on the Great Northern Highway between Newman and Port Hedland.

These great huge lumbering beasts are 60 metres long with a gross weight of up to 200 Tonne and are used to cart the ore from the mines around the Newman region to the Port Hedland Port.

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WATM • March 2022

Whilst many of the Quad drivers are great and can keep the trailers tracking true, too many of them I have found, have the back trailer wagging like an excited dog when his master returns home. The flick on that back trailer sends it whipping side to side from the edge of the road to well out over the centre line.

A recent ‘hotshot’ north has me really concerned that the number of these vehicles on this stretch of Great Northern Highway seems to be increasing exponentially.

Heading up on a Saturday afternoon earlier this year, I was amazed at the continual stream that I was passing so coming back the next day I thought that, just out of interest, I would count them.

In counting I ‘only’ counted the number coming towards me, this did ‘not’ include any that were parked up, nor the ones

heading in the same direction as me. I only counted the ore Quads and did not include any of the fuel tankers triples or other semi's that we normally share the road with.

I kept a tally system on my con note book cover, marking it off every time one passed me. I started getting alarmed at how fast my tally was rising, every few minutes there would be another one, and sometimes they were in a convoy of two or three or more.

So before I give you the number why don't you take a guess? How many of these monsters do you think would be travelling on that road between Newman and Port Hedland in a continuous stream? Forty, fifty, sixty, seventy perhaps?

Let me tell you, that on a Sunday afternoon on that approximately 450 kms stretch of road that is a four and a half hour trip I passed 92 of these 'trailers of terror'

Having said that, every time I passed one of these Quads, I was hanging out there on the ‘hospital side’ of the road for around 500 metres

snaking their way up the highway towards me.

Ninety two of them! On average, that's more than one ‘every’ five kms for 450 kms…more than one ‘every’ three minutes for four and a half hours.

Is this sending warning bells to anyone else and where to start?

I have found that the Quads travel closer to 90kph than 100. My current truck of choice is a rigid six Tonner and is fairly zippy with good acceleration so that when the way is clear I can get out and past and back in again a lot easier than some. This is assuming that I have timed it right and arrived at his back corner just when there is a long straight section with no double white line and more importantly not one of those (one every three minutes) incoming Quads heading towards me.

Having said that, every time I passed one of these Quads, I was hanging out there

on the ‘hospital side’ of the road for around 500 metres.

And this is me - a zippy nine metre (total length) rigid. How other Semi's and Road trains manage? It doesn't bear thinking about.

To be fair, a number of the Quad drivers will back it off and indicate that it is clear to come around, but I found that few of them use their CB's to communicate maybe the trucks aren't fitted with them?

Another serious issue I found was when it was raining. Coming up behind a Quad to pass him, I called him to tell him that I was coming round and pulled out. You would expect a bit of road spray from the rain but as I was passing the gap between the trailers the turbulence and swirling spray made me totally blind. Until I got clear of the front of his truck I couldn't see more than two feet in front of me and had to trust the other driver with my life.

Truly a terrifying experience and one that thankfully I did not have to repeat that trip, These Quads are a hot topic in the industry especially for people who travel this stretch of road regularly and they tell me that the majority of the Quads are 'hot seat' trucks. The driver drives from the mine to Port and then hops out for his fatigue break whilst another driver hops in and heads back. The first driver, at the completion of his fatigue break, then gets the next truck that comes in before he heads back. This in itself has huge inherent safety risks as every truck is different with different strengths and weaknesses and chopping and changing vehicles adds more risks due to this unfamiliarity.

Quads are used as a money making exercise - there is obviously more profit in pulling a Quad than three trailers and

billions of this money goes to our economy through royalties.

Over the next four years, WA is expecting to collect $28 billion from resources royalties, mostly from iron ore. It collected $11.3 billion from iron ore miners in 2021 and expects to collect $9.1 billion this financial year.

This is great for WA’s economy, great for Australia’s economy but what about the people who have to risk their lives travelling that stretch of road during this.

Sadly, it seems that safety and human life comes in a poor second and you have to ask if there is any investment being made by the Government/s into ensuring the safety and integrity of the road itself. You can’t tell me that a continuous or even intermittent trips (with return) of 92 x 200 tonne vehicles is ‘not’ causing any damage to the road over a continued period.

There are more questions than answers here and we will be following up with the relevant bodies to find out what we can about the future of this stretch of road and its use by the Super Quads.

Many in our industry believe that safety is already being compromised for all users on this stretch of road… The ‘general consensus in industry is that about one Quad per week or five per month is being lost to rolling, flipping, falling over or being involved in an accident.

Many truck drivers will no longer use the Great Northern Highway - instead driving the extra few hundred kms to go up and down via the North West Coastal Highway instead - thus reducing their interactions with these vehicles.

What are your experiences along this stretch of road? Email karen@angrychicken.com.au to share what you think.

WATM • March 2022

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WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 2 Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

T

he magazine would not be possible without the advertisers and to you all, thank you. Readers please utilise them because these are the people who care about our WA industry too.

In this edition (THIS IS IMPORTANT) on Page One, TWUWA are running a competition for WATM readers and you have to find the special word in their article on Page 1. It’s easy. Then click the link or QR Code to enter to win a WA transport themed Monopoly Board.

Please enter for me and the magazine but most of all for your kids and grandkids… they will love it if you give them a WA Truck themed Monopoly board. Go to Page 12 to read more about what’s in it.

Lastly, thank you to the readers. I am grateful when you reach out to me and this week I received a lovely email from Narelle Capponi the Compliance Officer for Bishops Transport and we later talked about the massive staff shortages everyone is experiencing. Narelle shared with me that she had been reading the magazine for six years from a previous employer to now and was very kind. That call put a little spring in my step because you don’t often hear when you are doing anything good.

Here’s to the heat ending soon and keep safe.

Best,

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

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PRINTER Daniels Printing Craftsmen SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions available directly from the Publisher.

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

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

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

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

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WATM • March 2022

Karen

2............................................... Super Quads – How many is too many?

6............................................... New tech speeds up receivals for WA’s bumper 21.3 million tonne harvest 7................................................ Autonomous Roadtrains announced for the Pilbara 8............................................... Clear information for those travelling interstate 9............................................... Construction underway on new Hotham River Bridge 12............................................ WIN a TWU WA Monopoly board in this edition 13............................................ Adblue Production Up 800% 14............................................ Government Support Of Future Fuel Fleets 15............................................ A Glimpse Into The Role Of A Main Roads Traffic Escort Warden 16............................................ Western Roads Federation – No Political Will 18............................................ LRTAWA - Vale Jim Cooper OAM 19............................................ Landmark $255 Million Pilbara Urea Project 20.......................................... Industry Investigates Coupling Strength 21............................................ Boom year for Australian truck market

Every Month 3............................................... Bird’s Eye View 10............................................ Fair Go for Owner Drivers 22.......................................... HCVC 24.......................................... WA Transport History

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WATM • November • March 2022 2021 Find us on:WATM

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News

Boost to Kimberley police resources to tackle youth crime

New tech speeds up receivals for WA’s bumper 21.3 million tonne harvest

W

ell done to everyone involved in achieving a whopping 21.3 million tonnes harvest for Western Australia.

In a move to cut waiting time at receival points, License Plate Recognition (LPR) was trialled by CBH in the Esperance Port zone this harvest.

LPR captures and identifies computerreadable images of license plates on trucks at unmanned weighbridges.

Drivers were able to pull their truck onto an unmanned weighbridge, have their number plate and weight registered through the CDF App, which they then accepted and drove on - all within a matter of seconds.

Mick Daw CBH Acting Chief Operations Officer said the technology was trialled this harvest in an attempt to improve the efficiency at sites with unmanned weighbridges and sample-first sites.

He told Farm Weekly, "CBH has previously tested other technology at our unmanned weighbridges, however we have been looking for more accurate technology to improve the number plate recognition and speed up the weighing process.

"Between the start of October and the end of December, 19,413 weighing events were successfully processed over the trial weighbridges helping to improve site cycle times.

"This is a great example of how we are implementing technology solutions to improve efficiency at harvest and get 6

WATM • March 2022

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olice Minister Paul Papalia has announced 12 additional police officers have been sent to the Kimberley to help tackle juvenile crime.

The extra officers arrived in Broome and were then deployed throughout the Kimberley by the District Superintendent according to operational needs.

The additional support has been made available from the State Government's $3.5 million Operation Heat Shield.

It will boost current police efforts to target property and vehicle related crime by identifying, locating and arresting active offenders, as well as providing a visible police presence at times when volume crime is occurring.

The McGowan Government is recruiting 950 additional police officers over four years - the biggest single injection in police

growers back to their paddocks faster,” said Mr Daw. A few things were learnt during the trial including the need for drivers to dim their head lights on the weighbridge at night time. Overall the trial was deemed a success and CBH will look at other ways to utilise the technology in the future.

Accurate and time saving technology like this could not have come at a better time WA growers delivering 50 per cent more than the five-year harvest average.

Over 90 records were smashed across the network, all culminating in the total tonnes growers delivered reaching 21.3 million tonnes. This surpasses the previous record in 2016/17 of 16.65 million tonnes, and the five-year average of 14.2 million tonnes.

Of the 130 sites that received grain, 40 set new highs for tonnes delivered in one day and 54 exceeded their previous record for total tonnes delivered to the site in one harvest.

CBH opened 130 sites this year, including the two new sites of Meenaar and North Kojonup. They also added a record 2.4 million tonnes of emergency storage across 33 of these sites.

At the peak of harvest, a new record was set with CBH receiving almost 585,000 tonnes in one day. Altogether, there were 11 days where more than 500,000 tonnes were delivered on each day. A feat that has only been achieved ‘five’ days in CBH’s 88year history.

The WA Transport industry will be grateful if part of this initiative can be directed towards fixing the huge problem of objects being thrown at trucks numbers in the State's history.

Police Minister Paul Papalia said, "I want to commend police officers in the Kimberley for their dedication to tackling crime and protecting the community in what has been a challenging environment of late.

"These extra officers will support local police efforts in addressing youth crime issues.

"I want to thank the local member who is a strong advocate for her local community and has been working with the local superintendent on these matters.

"We must work together as a community to reduce youth offending and divert young people away from a life of crime in the first instance.

"The McGowan Government remains strongly focused on supporting programs like PCYC and other initiatives which engage young people in a positive way."

It goes without saying, the WA Transport industry will be grateful if part of this initiative can be directed towards fixing the huge problem of objects being thrown at trucks whilst they are passing through some Kimberley towns.

Autonomous Roadtrains announced for the Pilbara

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ineral Resources (MRL) has announced a partnership with automation specialist, Hexagon, to develop an autonomous road train solution as part of their mining services infrastructure supply chain solution that is key to unlocking stranded tonnes in the Pilbara.

MRL is renowned for providing innovative and low-cost solutions across the mining infrastructure supply chain and the autonomous road trains will form an essential part of the cost-efficient supply chain for the Ashburton Hub Iron Ore Project.

To support the development of the 30Mtpa Ashburton Hub, MRL plan to run a fleet of 425 tonne Gross Combination Mass (GCM), triple-trailer road trains operating across multiple convoys, with each road train convoy consisting of up to five prime mover trucks, with three trailers each, hauling the ore from the mine-site to the Port of Ashburton.

The autonomous road train solution

integrates Hexagon’s drive-by-wire technology with an autonomous management system to orchestrate vehicle movement. A successful pilot project is underway at their Yilgarn operations using 385 tonne GCM triple-trailer road trains, which have been tailored for the specific economic constraints of iron ore and other bulk commodities.

During the next two years, the testing will continue, ramping up to 425 tonne GCM in

solution to their large Tier One customer base, further growing MRL’s mining services business.

Mike Grey, MRL’s Chief Executive – Mining Services, said, “MRL has always been at the forefront of providing innovative and low-cost mining services solutions.

“In recent years, we have implemented a number of new technologies which have enhanced the safety and operational efficiency

A fleet of 425 GCM, Autonomous triple road trains, across multiple convoys (five prime mover with three trailers each per convoy) hauling the ore from the mine to the Port of Ashburton time for the Ashburton Hub Project.

An autonomous road train configuration of this scale is a world-first and reflects MRL’s approach to continuous improvement and innovation. MRL will initially adopt the technology for their own operations, with a view to offering the

of our long-distance road train haulage fleet, reducing the risks of driver fatigue and increasing fleet availability. The autonomous road trains will take us to the next level again.

They provide a safe, cost-efficient solution for hauling ore, which is key to unlocking stranded tonnes in the Pilbara.”

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WATM • March 2022

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News

WA Police move into electronic infringements

A

fter more than half a century of handwriting traffic infringements, police will do away with their carbon copy pads and pencils and move to electronic infringement capability.

Since the 1970s, officers have handwritten traffic infringement notices on carbonated P140 General Infringement Notice books.

After issuing an infringement at the roadside, officers had to further submit a copy once they returned to the base so it could be manually uploaded to a central infringement processing system.

Currently this occurs for up to 180,000 handwritten traffic infringement notices per year.

From now on, Police will introduce the electronic traffic infringement application on their personal mobile devices.

This will allow an officer to retrieve person and vehicle data from their mobile devices and populate the required fields on the electronic infringement notice.

The roll out of electronic infringements will bring Western Australia into line with other jurisdictions including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania, who all have electronic infringement notice capability.

Motorists will continue to receive their

infringements in the mail and will still have 28 days to pay.

The McGowan Government has invested more than $40 million in digital policing initiatives including the roll out of personal mobile devices, bodyworn cameras, automatic number plate recognition cameras and drones.

Police and Road Safety Minister Paul Papalia said, "This is a giant step forward in policing and will result in significant efficiencies.

"It's hard to imagine in this day and age our police were still using the archaic manual process of handwriting infringements.

Clear information for those travelling interstate

T

he NHVR has updated its website with guidance on close contact worker requirements that covers each state or territory, so drivers understand their obligations if they have been identified as a close contact.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said it is important that drivers and operators have a one-stop shop for information.

“Heavy vehicles operate across all Australian borders thousands of times a day and it’s vital that they are able to find clear information to assist in them,” Sal said.

“The NHVR will continue to provide updates on changing conditions and requirements across all jurisdictions, such as truck access-friendly COVID-19 testing facilities, roadhouses and service centres.”

To view the close contact worker requirements etc. visit www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/ coronavirus-response?

PRIORITY SKILLS MIGRATION LIST

T

he ALRTA has written to the Federal Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon. Stuart Robert MP, seeking support for amendments to the Priority Migration Skilled Occupations List (PMSOL). The Australian Government can adjust the PMSOL in cases where the National Skills Commission (NSC) provides advice of an urgent need to support our economic recovery.

ALRTA says to Minister Robert, “Across the nation, Australians are currently confronted with empty supermarket shelves. Critical supplies of food staples and household products are simply unable to be delivered. This is also affecting a diversity of businesses throughout the supply chain with many waiting longer for transport services and paying higher prices.

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WATM • March 2022

“Despite obstacles including fires, floods, drought trade wars and the pandemic, the rural trucking sector is experiencing unprecedented demand for road transport services. At the same time, we are experiencing an acute lack of skilled workers to support this growth. In some cases, trucks are idle because there simply are not enough drivers or support staff.

“ALRTA appreciates that there are

We are experiencing an acute lack of skilled workers to support this growth. In some cases, trucks are idle because there simply are not enough drivers or support staff

initiatives being progressed such as a new National Driver Apprenticeship and a move towards experience-based heavy vehicle licencing (rather than time-based licencing), however it will be some years before new skilled workers are delivered.

Our transport businesses need access to skilled workers now. As these persons cannot be sourced domestically, the most practical solution in the short term is skilled migration.”

ALRTA has advised Minister Robert that the most critical skills shortages are: • Truck drivers (top priority) • Forklift drivers • Schedulers/logistics professionals • Diesel motor mechanic • Fitter (general) • Automotive electrician • Welder (first class) metal fabricator

News

Construction underway on new Hotham River Bridge

Albany Highway – Kelmscott to Williams. Pavement Rehabilitation and Hotham River Bridge Replacement project. Image: WA Government

C

onstruction is underway on a new Hotham River Bridge near Crossman in Western Australia's Wheatbelt, with works being delivered by BMD Construction Pty Ltd. The $15.2 million bridge replacement is part of the $25 million Albany Highway - Kelmscott to Williams Pavement Rehabilitation and Hotham River Bridge Replacement project. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments on an 80:20 basis.

The existing bridge, which was built in 1928, is now no longer serviceable and will be closed when the new structure is complete.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Australian Government was partnering with the State Government to fast-track regional, shovel-ready projects.

"Infrastructure projects such as this one get money flowing into jobs and businesses, strengthening the economy and making roads safer," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

"We are continuing to roll out major projects nationwide under our $110 billion infrastructure investment plan, which is laying the foundations for recovery on the other side of COVID-19."

WA Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the project would improve road safety.

"Albany Highway is a key distributer road in our Wheatbelt

region and this bridge alone accommodates almost 3,000 vehicles per day, 19 per cent of which are heavy vehicles," Minister Saffioti said.

"We are continuing to deliver major regional road improvements throughout WA, in particular through our Regional Road Safety Program that will upgrade 7,000 kilometres of roads."

Federal Member for O'Connor Rick Wilson said the new, 88-metre-long Bridge will accommodate one traffic lane in each direction.

"The new bridge will be constructed approximately 30 metres to the east of the existing bridge," Mr Wilson said.

"About 1,700 cubic metres of concrete and 600 tonnes of steel will be used to build the new bridge, which is expected to support about 100 local jobs."

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9

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

You only have to look at the roads in the Pilbara where the so called Super Quad trucks operate just to see how quickly roads will deteriorate

FALLING ON DEAF EARS

W

e all hope as a New Year starts that we will have a better outcome than the previous year.

It’s only human nature, especially if you have a passion for the transport industry, then you like to see improvements made to make our life on the road better and safer.

With this in mind, based on previous years there is not a lot that Owner Drivers can look forward to from what I can see.

We have constantly lobbied Government for as long as I can remember asking for help within the transport industry for safer roads, better facilities at our truck bays and having safer sustainable rates.

This lobbying of the Government by various groups of the industry falls on deaf ears. We see different Governments come and go and we are always promised help but very little changes that makes life easier for our hard working truck drivers.

We are constantly bombarded with safety and fatigue issues everywhere we go and are happy to comply but stop in a truck bay for a well-deserved rest and if you are lucky you will find a bin and a tree to hide behind if you want a toilet break.

This is hardly acceptable when you are only a few metres from a busy Highway. For example, I recently went down the south west and near Bunbury was a nice sealed truck bay with no bins and no toilet and a sign saying that fines apply for littering.

The area was covered in used toilet paper

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WATM • March 2022

to the point it was not safe to get out of the vehicle. The next truck bay we stopped at was near Margaret River on the fairly new bypass road around the town. Same thing as the previous truck bay - a nice big sealed area but no bins or toilet facilities.

What is going on?

Several trucks were parked up while drivers had lunch as it was a very busy truck bay.

It may have been considered acceptable thirty years ago not to have any facilities for truck drivers but busy roads and times have changed.

Really does anyone in the Government ever think about the requirements for truck drivers? I know it’s expensive to build toilet facilities and shelters however, what other industry would be expected to operate under these poor conditions?

What do we have to do to just fix this problem? It is a disgrace and should be an embarrassment to the Government.

On the other side they [Government] must be given some credit for safer roads as we have witnessed a huge increase in money spent on our major highways over the last ten years. The new roads are world class and driving on them is so much easier and safer.

There is however a big problem in the way our secondary roads have not received the same attention and they have deteriorated considerably. With the

increase of bigger heavier trucks using our road network the cost of road maintenance will be high. You only have to look at the roads in the Pilbara where the so called Super Quad trucks operate just to see how quickly roads will deteriorate.

Safe rates for truck drivers - what a massive problem trying to fix this issue.

It is a problem that has been with us for a long time but no one has been brave enough to make the multi-national companies put their hands in their pockets and pay the true cost of transport so that we can have a safe and sustainable transport industry.

Simply, while we have truck companies putting in cheap prices to obtain work then this issue will never be resolved. We need to break this cycle.

Governments have proven that they don’t want to rock the boat and any change will make goods carted more expensive but we need the industry to be Sustainable.

We can dream of life changes for truck drivers but I’m not sure it will happen this year. Just imagine how much your life could change if you were to get a fair pay for a fair days work. It would take the pressure off our truck drivers. It would make life easier for our families. It would make it easier to recruit more drivers. We owe it to the future of the transport industry to fix these problems once and for all.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt

SERVICE BULLETIN News

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

11

Competition

WIN a TWU WA Monopoly Board in this edition ...

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o go in the draw to win a TWU WA Monopoly board go to Page One of this edition and find the hidden word in Tim Dawson’s article.

A hint… it starts with T and rhymes with luck.

Scan the QR Code on Page One (or the one here for your convenience) or if you are on a mobile device click this link www.surveymonkey.com/r/QBKTY9K and complete the form to enter.

This game is Western Australian flavored and has something for the whole family… everyone including the kids and grandparents are welcome to enter to win one.

The game is packed with loads of Western Australian iconic locations such as Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and the Port of Fremantle – play the game to own them all.

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WATM • March 2022

You’re going to need ‘The Driving Force’ to make it back to ‘Go’ when you’re playing five of your friends or family and racing against the traffic.

The original Monopoly board game was designed to teach players about the economic market and this has never been more relevant than it is today.

At the start of the game, players receive their inaugural $200 salary.

As you progress into the intermediate stages of the game, players receive small pockets of rent from their properties which can be used to compensate for any expenses incurred when they themselves land on opposition properties.

In the more advanced stages of the game, the original $200 has much smaller value.

In order to pay for expensive hotel rents

that you might be dealt, the player requires increased salary from their own properties.

The measly $200 simply does not cut it.

Likewise, we see the same phenomenon occurring in real life. As our expenses rise due to external economic factors, we must compensate for that increased expense with an increased salary.

**If you are on a mobile device click this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/QBKTY9K

News

Trans-Australia railway – Open for Business

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n January 21st after a once in 200-year flooding event, the Trans-Australia railway which links Western Australia with the east coast via Adelaide was damaged at multiple locations along a 300 kilometre stretch of the track.

Crews worked around the clock to fix the damage, while the State Government worked with industry, retailers and the Commonwealth to ensure the continued supply of freight and essential goods into Western Australia.

The track reopened February 15th.

Measures undertaken by the State Government included: • Working with Pacific National and Linfox to create a 'land bridge' with

freight transported by triple road trains from Adelaide to Kalgoorlie via the Eyre Highway. Once at Kalgoorlie, containers were loaded onto freight trains and hauled into Perth.

• Worked with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to allow triple road trains to use Eyre Highway and access Kalgoorlie directly. As of Sunday, 55 triple road trains (53.5 metres) have used these exemptions to bring essential goods across the Nullarbor.

• Allowed double road trains (36.5 metres) to travel directly from Northam into Perth via Greenmount Hill with a safety escort - 43 double road trains have entered Perth via this route.

Woolworths also utilised the option to

DID YOU KNOW – SLOMO

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he Slow Down, Move Over or SLOMO law applies to all emergency service vehicles and first response personnel who need to attend to roadside incidents in Western Australia.

The SLOMO law requires drivers to slow down to 40 km/h when approaching specific stationary emergency vehicles which are displaying

flashing lights while attending an incident.

Drivers in ALL lanes travelling in the same direction as the lane where the emergency or incident response vehicles with flashing lights are stopped are required to safely slow down and travel at no more than 40km/h when passing. $300 and 3 points for failing to do so.

ADBLUE PRODUCTION UP 800%

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he Transport Industry has welcomed news that domestic production of AdBlue has increased by 800% in the past month, after the Federal Government supported Brisbane company Incitec Pivot to boost production.

The Federal Government move followed strong lobbying by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and their member associations. The result is considered this result a win.

However, the ATA are concerned about what will happen if Incitec Pivot continues with its plan to close

by December this year and AdBlue is sourced offshore.

The ATA also noted the high price of AdBlue despite the boost in supply and are continuing their conversations with government over this issue.

ship goods to Western Australia, with the first ship having left Sydney on February 8 and arriving Fremantle Port by February 22.

The shipping option was anticipated to bring in more than 3,500 additional pallets of goods into Fremantle.

Deliveries will be able to be made to supermarkets 24/7, under planning law changes made in 2020, which will help ease some of the backlog of supply.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "I'd like to thank the Australian Rail Track Corporation, retailers, industry and in particular our truck drivers for helping keep our freight and supply moving through this unprecedented event.

"I'd also like to thank the community for being so supportive and only buying what they needed at the supermarket, making it much easier for us to manage the supply chain issues.

"It will take some time to clear the backlog of supplies, so I encourage everyone to remain patient and to continue to only buy what you need over the next few weeks.

"We are continuing to allow truck deliveries to supermarkets 24/7, under changes to planning laws in 2020, which will mean we can get more essential goods and supplies back onto our supermarket shelves quicker."

WATM • March 2022

13

Focus

A GLIMPSE INTO THE ROLE OF A MAIN ROADS TRAFFIC ESCORT WARDEN

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raffic Escort Wardens play a critical role in the movement of high-risk, Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) vehicles throughout Western Australia.

The use of a Warden is required where the dimensions of an OSOM vehicle and its load exceed 5.5 metres in width and/or 40 metres in length.

Wardens are either employed by Main Roads’ Heavy Vehicle Services, or engaged on a contractual basis to enable resources to fluctuate with industry demand. Each Warden is provided with a vehicle which is specially fitted out with emergency vehicle lighting (red and blue flashing lights),

signage and in-vehicle bedding, for those times where accommodation is not an option while working in remote areas of the State. A Warden can be away from home for up to ten days at a time.

What does a Warden do?

Prior to a scheduled move, Wardens contact the transport operator to confirm job details including the departure time and driver(s) names. It’s important that loads are ready to leave at the time specified, as time delays can have a significant flow-on effect for the Warden’s next scheduled job.

The preparation of a journey management plan, for the entire return trip, helps Wardens pre-plan where the load might park up at the end of each day, book accommodation and manage fatigue.

The plan also provides a record of where the Warden will be during the OSOM movement, in case of an incident.

Where required, Wardens will submit a Green Light Corridor request to Main Roads’ Road Network Operations Centre (RNOC). When a Green Light Corridor request is approved, an RNOC officer will remotely monitor the OSOM movement through the Metropolitan Area and switch the traffic signals to green to allow safe and continuous passage for the OSOM vehicle.

This enhances safety and efficiency for the OSOM convoy and reduces congestion on the road network.

On the day of the OSOM move, the Warden arrives at the departure location approximately one hour before the load is due to leave. This is to ensure there is enough time for the required pre-checks to be completed. Pre-checks include, but are not limited to, measuring the overall width, height, length and axle spacings of the OSOM vehicle to ensure compliance with the permit requirements. The Warden will also check the pilot’s drivers licence and Heavy Vehicle Pilot licence, as well as ensure the pilot and their vehicle comply with the permit conditions, code of conduct and roadworthiness requirements.

At the end of a shift, the Warden conducts a post move toolbox meeting with the drivers and pilots. This is a debrief of the day’s events and an opportunity to

Government support of future fuel fleets

News 14

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ustralian electric truck manufacturer SEA Electric supports the Federal Government’s latest funding program for future fuel technologies for businesses.

Announced at SEA Electric’s Melbourne manufacturing facility by the Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reductions, the program will see the additional funding of up to $127.9 million made available to support the integration of electric vehicle technologies into both light and heavy vehicle fleets.

WATM • March 2022

The program will be managed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), with the support also extending to the commercialisation of hydrogen as a transport fuel in fleets.

From SEA Electric’s perspective, government assistance to industry is essential in aiding the transition to EV technology, and subsequently for the country to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goals.

“Australia’s road freight sector accounts for 38 per cent of country’s total transport emissions, so political policy related to the conversion in this area to zero-emissions technology should be a priority.

“Here at SEA Electric, we provide to the market a suite of solutions that are currently available, with credentials proven by millions of kilometres of real-world data.

“Best of all, with the manufacturing of these trucks taking place right here in Australia, we are keeping jobs on these shores.”

Founded in Australia in 2012, SEA Electric now features a global footprint, with products deployed on five continents.

Locally, the company in 2021 launched the production of new electric trucks at its base, with the offering the first true range of electric trucks available globally.

SEA Electric-badged vehicles are available in various configurations, from 4.5

discuss any issues which may have arisen during the OSOM move. This process is repeated daily throughout the move.

Once at their destination for the day, Wardens complete their daily occurrences report, vehicle logs and any other administrative paperwork that is required.

Upon completion of the job, a final post move toolbox meeting is completed and contact is made with Main Roads’ Traffic Escort Schedulers to advise the job is complete. The Warden then departs from the drop off location to their next job or to their booked accommodation.

At the end of a job, Wardens check their mobile app to see if they have another job scheduled. If there are none, they will commence empty travel and return to home base, breaking up the journey by staying in overnight accommodation where necessary, to ensure they comply with Main Roads policies and fatigue management requirements.

What are some of the most unusual loads that have been escorted?

Wardens have dealt with 10 metre wide patrol boats out of Henderson, and 15 metre wide loads out of Port Hedland.

The Port Hedland loads are moved at night under a rolling road block, which is where the road is closed in sections of approximately twenty kilometres at a time, allowing the OSOM vehicle to travel with the exclusion of all other traffic.

Under a similar rolling roadblock arrangement, Wardens have escorted wind blades from Henderson with three blades per convoy, with each OSOM vehicle up to 85 metres in length.

Wardens often describe the incredible trucking community and the diverse characters they meet What are some of the interesting experiences Wardens have had, or sights they’ve seen, while on the road?

Wardens often describe the incredible trucking community and the diverse characters they meet.

Some of them say one of the best things about a Warden’s job is simply the fact that it is in Western Australia, the best State in Australia, with an outstanding countryside.

They start off in summer when is everything is parched and bone dry, harvest finishes and there are empty paddocks everywhere. A bit further up into the Pilbara, the heat sets in and the flies are big and friendly. It’s hot and humid for eight months of the year, but then it starts getting back into winter and everything changes again. In parts of WA the paddocks are either a deep green or bright yellow with canola. The North cools down to a pleasant heat and it’s not a bad place to be.

Every day is different as a Warden – trouble-free when all goes to plan, or “one of those days” when the truck breaks down, or they are caught up with a fire or flood.

What advice do Wardens give to road users who encounter an oncoming Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) load?

If you encounter an OSOM load you should

slow down at the sight of flashing lights, move left and be prepared to stop. Always follow the directions of the Warden and Pilots and, if you have a UHF radio, tune into channel 40.

Remember, Wardens are doing their best to safely facilitate the movement of the OSOM loads and keep the public safe, so make sure you know what to do when it’s #BiggerThanYou. What are some of the previous occupations Wardens have performed?

We have an ex-plumber, a wharfie, vegetable gardener, Police officer, pilot, traffic controller, truck driver, transport inspector and office worker, to name a few.

On the job training is provided, both in the field and in the office. The training generally takes approximately six weeks to complete before the Warden can escort OSOM vehicles on their own.

How many Wardens are there, and how does someone become a Warden?

As at January there were 23 Wardens on the network, two were in training and an additional three were due to commence training in early 2022.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a Traffic Escort Warden, contact Integrity Staffing, Hays Recruitment or Indigenous Managed Services and make an appointment to discuss the role and your suitability further.

As vacancies arise, the employment agency will forward your details to Main Roads where your application will be assessed, and if considered to be suitable, you will be interviewed.

SUPPLY CHAIN BENCHMARKING tonne car licence vehicles through to 22.5 tonne three-axle trucks, suitable for a massive array of final applications.

Australia’s road freight sector accounts for 38 per cent of country’s total transport emissions

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ew data is available in the Government’s Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard, further helping freight operators and the businesses they support to improve their operations and save on costs.

The dashboard, developed with the CSIRO enables industry to compare supply chain performance over road and rail and across different locations.

A further 12 commodities are now available, including cement, asphalt, bitumen and molasses, giving industry insight into the supply chains of 150 commodities to help them compare

performance by: • freight task costs and value, including cost per payload tonne or kilometre • travel distances and durations • geographic areas, including states and local government areas It's hoped the Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard will help freight operators to improve their operations, save on costs and grow on the other side of the pandemic.

To find out more and access the dashboard visit www.freightaustralia.gov.au/a-closer-look/ international-supply-chain-benchmarking WATM • March 2022

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Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

No political will

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

Over the last month, Western Australia has experienced its first taste of serious supply disruptions, as the east-west rail line was closed for nearly a month due to flooding.

The Road Transport industry stepped in to immediately help.

Sea freight was organised, albeit the first ship comes in about a month after the rail was shut.

Air freight was a limited option, as air flights (hence belly cargo) had already been severely cut, with most air freight already moving by road between the east and west.

These disruptions will increase as COVID-19 related labour shortages bite in the next month or so.

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WATM • March 2022

National Crisis Both WA and the NT were severely impacted by the SA floods. The NT lost both road and rail connections to SA for a couple of weeks (rail still not online).

Meanwhile, WA lost the east-west rail connection.

But the East Coast was already stretched with COVID-19 related supply disruptions and hence had little spare capacity to assist supplying WA and the NT. Oh, and don't forget the Great Northern Highway connecting Perth and Darwin was cut due to flooding in the Kimberley. And we still have an ongoing global shipping and international airfreight problem.

Government Interest Clearly, a crisis on this scale against the backdrop of an on-going global supply chain challenge would be a call to action, for immediate coordinated planning

between State and Federal Governments.

Culminating it being the lead and dominant item on the agenda of the twice a year meeting of the State and Federal transport Ministers.

No Prizes for Guessing No, the issue was not on the agenda, it wasn't even raised. Nor was the on-going skills shortage mentioned.

Rising Inflation Should Attract Ministerial Interest?

Rising freight costs and supply disruptions are one of the key factors in driving Australia's increasing rate of inflation.

For those of us old enough to remember high inflation and high interest rates ( I remember locking in a two year fixed housing rate at 16.25% and being consider a genius - which we all know I am not). The inflation rate at the time ranged between 7 to 9%.

Whilst I believe our industry should

receive far better rates for our services.

Rising rates in an inflationary environment is not good, as often costs are rising faster than you can lift prices.

So, you would think Minister's would have been actively engaged in discussing how they could put in place measures to reduce inflationary pressures across all modes of transport.

Short answer, nope they were not.

So, What Things Could Be Done?

Here are just some things that could be done:

High Wide Load Movements Unfortunately, the lead time to book Main Roads Escort Wardens required for the mid-sized and above high wide loads is now six months. It used to be six weeks, so you can expect significant delays on projects and other sites where HWL equipment needs to be moved in.

Inevitably this impacts WA's heavy engineering and related assembly businesses.

Fremantle Port Fremantle port remains an on-going

concern particularly regarding both costs and reliability.

Evidence of this is that a couple of members have begun to arrange direct shipping of containers in to NW ports and then road training 1500 km to Perth to improve customer reliability

Skills Shortages The number one issue facing our members is the on-going critical shortage of labour, drivers, mechanics and specialist staff.

It is now not uncommon to have MD's of mid to large companies driving trucks or working in the warehouses.

Costs Our members are facing surging costs for labour, repairs, parts and fuel (both diesel and Adblue) Noting Adblue costs are still sitting at over 250% higher than pre-crisis period. Diesel has risen about 40% in the last 12 months.

Productivity There is an on-going problem in translating productivity improvements to relieve pressure on our industry from

These supply chain issues, particularly for the road transport sector have been building over the last two years.

Our member's are increasingly expressing exasperation and understandable fatigue from trying to satisfy their customers, but trying to do that in an ever increasingly difficult set of circumstances.

Circumstances which Governments' at both State and Federal level fail to truly appreciate and address.

All Mode Challenges Whilst our membership is predominantly road, we do collaboratively work with the other modes: rail, sea and air.

But each of those modes are facing their own challenges as well. This is not a tribal mode fight, every mode is under pressure.

Political Will Lacking In speaking with the other states, there is near universal agreement that there is no political will or interest in addressing the issues.

The question is how do we create the political will?

State/ Federal discussions to actual implementation.

The reality is that social policy still overrides the economic necessity to improve freight productivity to compensate for the on-going skills shortages and cost rises.

Noting we have put forward productivity improvement proposals that also deliver social policy benefits but these have largely been treated as shelfware.

Fatigue and Lack of Support

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 • March 2022

17

Over to you LRTAWA by Jan Cooper, Chief Executive Officer

Vale Jim Cooper OAM Image: Cummins Commentary.wordpress.com

Jim Cooper with wife Jenny (2010)

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here are few people in Australia’s road transport industry who will not have heard of Jim Cooper or benefitted from the reforms he passionately and successfully advocated for, especially in rural and remote areas.

Jim was New Zealand born and bred.

Prior to moving to Australia in 1972 with his wife Jenny and four children, he owned a transport company at Tapanui near the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand, operating 10 trucks.

From all accounts the environment was

not sympathetic to transport companies.

He was quoted in a 2010 Cummins magazine as saying, “I had to get away from New Zealand because of the heavily regulated transport industry”.

“At that time you had to have a licence to operate a truck and were restricted to a specific area… to protect the railways.

“We couldn’t run more than 35 miles in competition with any railway line. We did more work after dark than during the day.

But the police were always out there trying to nail you and trying to protect a rail system

that was highly inefficient,” said Jim. Darwin was chosen as the Cooper family’s destination in Australia because it didn’t have a railway and the climate was warm.

On arrival in Darwin, Jim purchased a small company, Gulf Transport which had a fleet of two AEC Mammoth Majors and a Volvo G88 along with a few worn trailers.

He eventually built the company into a large and respected business with well over 100 road trains across Australia.

The Northern Territory distributorship for White and Autocar trucks provided an added bonus to the Cooper business activities until the early 80’s.

In 1988,Gulf Transport secured a contract for 15 triple road trains to cart concentrate from the Cadjebut zinc and lead mine near Fitzroy Crossing to Wyndham Port and then later to Derby until 2003.

In 1993 Gulf Transport and Flynn Petroleum purchased Road Trains of Australia (RTA) with Jim taking full ownership two years later. Gulf Transport became Gulf RTA. Seizing the opportunity the mining industry presented, Jim and his team established Powertrans in 2001 with the goal of providing lower cost, higherproductivity alternatives to conventional large mining trucks. They began designing and manufacturing a unique underground mine truck and eventually the above ground Pit Hauler which gave Gulf

Landmark $255 Million Pilbara Urea Project

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News

he Western Australian Government has welcomed Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility's (NAIF) decision to invest $255 million in upgrades to commonuser infrastructure that will support the proposed $4.3 billion Perdaman Urea Project.

The project, located 20 kilometres north-west of Karratha, will convert Western Australian liquefied natural gas into about two million tonnes of

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WATM • March 2022

urea per year. Urea is a widely used form of fertiliser for food production.

It is estimated the Perdaman project will create around 2,500 jobs during construction and 200 operational jobs.

The two loans are the first NAIF investments into WA Government entities and include: • $160 million to the Pilbara Ports Authority for a new multi-user wharf and facilities at the Port of Dampier; and • $95 million to the Water Corporation for

the expansion of the Burrup seawater supply and brine disposal scheme that will connect to the Perdaman Urea Plant once built The NAIF loans build on WA Government support for the project, which has provided $47.6 million for road relocation costs, the detailed design of a new Dampier Cargo Wharf and upgrades to seawater supply infrastructure.

Any WA Government financial contribution is subject to a number

Transport a major advantage in mine haulage.

By 2006, Jim and Dave Jones from Hampton Transport Services realised that both companies’ livestock divisions were servicing the same routes with similar fleets and it made sense to amalgamate. Jim sold the RTA section of Gulf Transport to the Jones family to create Road Trains of Australia in its current form.

Running a transport business takes its toll on leisure and family time. Gulf Transport was certainly a family business involving both Jim, wife Jenny and son Jamie, but after years of never-ending commitment the family decided it was time for a break and the company was sold to BIS industries in 2010. At the time Jim said the toughest part of the decision, “was leaving 600 people behind, many of whom I’ve had a lifetime of involvement with.”

‘It’s the people who give a company character and make it happen and the Gulf Group was a good example of this.’

Jim later returned to his native New Zealand and became the owner of Devon Dairy Farm. Again his entrepreneurial flair stood him in good stead as he steered expansion of the operation to milk 4000 cows and be lauded as one of the best dairy farms in New Zealand. Transport innovation was never far from Jim’s mind and he developed modified milk trailers to enable back-loading of feed.

Whilst Jim Cooper’s business activities are well documented his influence on the transport industry from a policy perspective has also been significant. He felt strongly that the industry should have a collective voice. He was the inaugural president of the Northern Territory Road

Transport Association and served on the ATA board and council. The ATA honoured him with the National Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry in 1999. In 2008 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to the transport industry.

Always concerned about the impact of excessive regulation on transport companies, Jim was concerned about the tendency for decisions to be made in NSW, Victoria and Canberra that impacted remote transport without any thought for the consequences.

He was instrumental in establishing the Remote Areas Group which still meets biannually to discuss and promote specific policies for remote transport. According to Frank Marley, from Marley’s Transport, Jim was full of energy for the industry and was often frustrated by regulation.

He apparently remarked when discussing forming the Remote Areas Group that

of conditions, including the project reaching financial close and all statutory and regulatory approvals being met.

WA State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook said, "Recent international supply chain issues have highlighted just how important urea is to industry sectors such as agriculture and transport.

"Western Australia has the potential to supply these sectors with the urea they need.

"As the first new gas manufacturing project in the Pilbara for more than a

decade, the Perdaman Urea Project will play a role in helping diversify Western Australia's economy and create local jobs."

Transport and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said, "The development of a new multi-user wharf at the Port of Dampier will maximise the use of this important piece of infrastructure by facilitating the Perdaman Urea Project, as well as accommodating bulk carriers, cruise ships, and general cargo vessels.

"This investment in the new wharf will also encourage trade diversification by opening up access to worldwide markets for urea from the Perdaman Project."

‘Paramatta Road was never going to be replicated in Darwin.’ This comment has become something of a catch cry in rural transport circles.

The National Transport Museum is another legacy of Jim’s who together with other transport representatives, including WA’s Frank Marley and Lew Couper, lobbied for space to house historic collections of vehicles eventually being given a hangar in the Alice Springs airport.

The museum later became the National Transport Hall of Fame with Jim being inducted in 2003.

Jim Cooper leaves four children behind – Robyne, Jamie, Erynne and Allison and many grandchildren. His wife Jenny passed in 2014.

He also leaves behind a lasting legacy in outback trucking with his name forever being synonymous with innovation, pushing the boundaries and questioning excessive and unnecessary regulation.

The remarkable 1,520 HP Pit Hauler is powered by twin 760 HP Cummins QSK19 engines

Image: Cummins Commentary.wordpress.com

Recent international supply chain issues have highlighted just how important urea is to industry sectors such as agriculture and transport

WATM • March 2022

19

News

Industry Investigates Coupling Strength

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n an industry and world first, the ARTSA Institute, Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Truck Industry Council (TIC) and Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are investigating dynamic loads on the couplings on heavy high productivity freight vehicles (HPFV) and PBS combinations vehicles.

The safety of couplings project is funded by the Commonwealth Government through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, and will fill a gap in knowledge and provide evidence to update relevant Standards and Rules.

Chair of ARTSA Institute, Martin Toomey said the current Australian Design Rules cover heavy coupling requirements but they do not provide any guidance beyond a road train GCM of just 125 tonnes. As increasingly higher productivity vehicle combinations enter the Australian heavy vehicle fleet, evidence- based guidance is required to support engineers, regulators and fleet managers, so that couplings can be safely specified, inspected and maintained.”

HVIA CEO, Todd Hacking said, “Coupling failure on high productivity vehicles has the potential to lead to death and injuries, major traffic disruption and reduced public confidence in heavy vehicle safety. It is important for regulators and industry to be confident in the relevance and integrity of the Standards that guide the safe selection of components.

TIC CEO, Dr Tony McMullan said, “Australia has always pushed truck

equipment to its limits, doing what no one else does anywhere in the world. Couplings are a prime example with quad trailer Road Trains exceeding 150 tonne GCMs. This project will help define coupling safety factors and requirements for multi trailer configurations around the world.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the joint investigation will help accelerate the introduction of new safety technologies to support safe and securely loaded heavy vehicles.

“The NHVR is proud to support this project that will help mitigate the safety risks posed by non-compliant couplings and enhance the safety of vehicles operating under higher productivity schemes,” Mr Petroccitto said.

The project will conduct investigations of coupling dynamic forces using on road testing and follow-up laboratory testing to confirm the strength of the couplings.

Couplings to be validated in the project include 5th wheel and automatic pin couplings used in heavy combination road trains including the various innovative Quad road train combination types.

Because of the complexity of the project, Wayne Baker has been appointed project manager as he has significant subject matter expertise and extensive industry experience. A working group from ARTSA-I, TIC, ATA and HVIA has been formed to provide project guidance.

The project is expected to be completed

by June 2023.

For further information contact Greg Rowe, Project Manager, ARTSA-i on 0407825132.

Road safety grants to support community initiatives

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oad Safety Minister Paul Papalia has announced a series of grants to promote road safety initiatives through locally based programs and events during National Road Safety Week.

The Road Safety Commission and RAC have partnered to provide funding for the dedicated National Road Safety Week grant round.

Local community groups and organisations are encouraged to get behind road safety efforts and apply for funding to support community involvement in National Road Safety Week.

The grants are available in two categories: Events - up to $5,000 available for community events or road safety initiatives carried out during National Road Safety Week; and Legacy projects - up to $25,000 available to community groups who are activating a road safety initiative within regional communities to recognise 10 years of National Road Safety Week.

Minister Papalia said, "Road safety really begins with every individual road user. That's why we are offering these grants to fund programs and events which promote the road safety message at a grass roots level.

More information on how to apply visit /communityconnect.rsc.wa.gov.au/ community-grants-portal

Boom year for Australian truck market

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he Truck Industry Council has reported that sales for trucks and heavy vans totalled 41,404 units for 2021.

An increase of 6,928 vehicles, or 20.1 per cent, over COVID-affected 2020 sales, it marks something of a triumph for the Federal Government financial incentives, that were applied throughout calendar year 2021, and are recognised as having been a significant contributing factor to the market’s stellar sales performance last year.

While December 2021 sales were a new record, with 3,528 truck and van sales for the month, the overall tally for 2021 fell a mere 225 trucks short of a new Australian heavy vehicle sales record.

That sales record is still held by 2018, when 41,628 heavy vehicles were sold.

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However, when the numbers are analysed in a little more detail, there are some notable differences between 2021 sales and those of 2018 according to the TIC. The split between segments is one notable example.

In 2018, the market was very much driven by the sale of Heavy trucks.

By 2021, however, the Heavy truck sector was much weaker with sales largely driven by Light trucks and Vans last year with e-Commerce and last mile deliveries trending up.

Heavy truck sales in 2021 were almost 10 per cent lower than in 2018, as were Medium truck sales.

Conversely, Light truck and van sales were up by more than 10 per cent last year,

when compared to sales from 2018.

“This shows that while sales last year were at near record levels, the growth was at the bottom end of the heavy vehicle market, not at the top end,” said the TIC in a statement.

The result, in part, derives from supply chain issues impacting Heavy truck production, but was more likely an outcome of wary businesses lacking confidence in renewing the greater value assets in their organisations.

Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the economic climate generated by government responses to COVID-19 justified this cautious approach.

After the struggles over the past two years, it was pleasing, according to Tony McMullan, TIC Chief Executive Officer, to see 2021 finish with near record sales.

Port of Port Hedland development plan reviewed to maximise exports $1.8 million allocated to improve access for regional learner drivers

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undreds of learner drivers in the Kimberley and Pilbara will benefit after six projects were awarded a share in $1.8 million of grants from the Driving Access and Equity pilot program.

Three programs in the Kimberley received almost $1.17 million, while three Pilbara recipients will share in $711,000.

The funding will increase the number of qualified driving instructors and supervisors in the Kimberley and Pilbara, increase access to safe vehicles, and provide culturally appropriate education and mentoring to help people gain their driver's licence.

The Kimberley and Pilbara regions were identified for the first funding round of the Driving Access and Equity pilot program as they have a higher concentration of disadvantaged learner drivers due to remoteness and limited access to licensed vehicles and driving supervisors.

The second round of grants for organisations in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, worth a further $1.9 million, have now closed and are being assessed.

The program was established last year following the McGowan Government's Skills Summit where lack of access to driving services, instructors and eligible vehicles was highlighted as a key barrier for youth employment in regional areas.

As well as grants, the program has doubled the number of officers employed to deliver driver and vehicle licensing services to remote Kimberley, Pilbara and Mid-West communities from five to 10, with all of those officers now working.

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he State Government has endorsed a revised Port of Port Hedland development plan to support proponents' throughput aspirations and maximise exports from Australia's busiest bulk export port.

The comprehensive review, undertaken by Pilbara Ports Authority, will enable the growth of iron ore exports to 660 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), allowing port proponents to invest in landside infrastructure upgrades and advance their investment and growth strategies.

The amended port development includes: • the development of an additional iron ore export berth, Stanley Point Berth 3; • a future bulk liquids berth in South West Creek; • the development of a second general cargo berth at Lumsden Point; • increased capacity allocations of approximately 25 per cent for existing port proponents BHP,

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) and Roy Hill; • new allocations for the future development of Stanley Point Berth 3 - which, subject to all necessary approvals to develop being obtained, would be allocated to the recently announced joint venture between Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd and Mineral Resources Limited; Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said, "The Port of Port Hedland Plan was last reviewed in 2012, when it set a total throughput of 495Mtpa.

"We have well and truly exceeded this, with the port achieving a total annual throughput of 546Mt last financial year - of which 523 million tonnes were iron ore exports by port proponents.

"This in part was made possible by investing in world-leading maritime technologies to maximise port efficiency and safety, which has seen a 6.9 per cent increase in potential shipping capacity at Port Hedland.

WATM • March 2022

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Over to you

Peter ‘Swifty’ Swift having a chat with mates. Swifty has a 1995 Kenworth and came dressed in his 1970's transport outfit

HCVC ANNUAL INSPECTION DAY

Rod and Giulio checking inspection sheets

Michael D'Amicos 1995 Kenworth alongside Phil Baileys 1980's Kenworth

By Kevin Toovey

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

There was so much talking that the tap was left on in the sink and the kitchen got flooded and this is even before the nine o'clock start.

Not too much damage and it was mopped up pretty quickly. There were groups of people both inside and outside and more kept on arriving the whole time.

This is a good social event and members are genuinely taking advantage of having another couple of people casting their eye over their vehicle and looking for those niggling issues before they become major problems and before somebody with more authority finds them. HCVC thanks our sponsor Kevin's Water Cartage for hosting the event.

We had members with and without vehicles attending and enjoying the day.

This year we also had a few new vehicles that we had not seen before which makes it a bit more interesting.

Eddy has sold his big ute and replaced it with a smaller Chev ute. It has the number

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WATM • March 2022

plate Truckin 2 and was the first vehicle to go over the pit.

Another truck we haven't seen before was Eli Cazzoll’s green Fargo. Phil Bailey brought his 1980’s cabover Kenworth along for the inspection, unrestored but drives really well. Peter Johnston usually brings his smaller truck to events but had his bigger red Chev along for the day. Giulio hasn't been well over the last few months but is well on the way to recovery, he arrived a bit later after attending an early morning Ford breakfast. Giulio was then seen down in the pit helping out Rod and Nelson.

It was also good to see Swifty and his Kenworth back out on the road.

Peter Johnston brought the big Chev along

The Volvo looks good from behind too Classic Ford

Kevins Water Cartage trucks

Rod Boyd and Nelson Palmer inspecting Eddy's new Chevrolet ute

Daniel Ridolfo's Kenworth

Members relaxing at the lunch table

The BBQ crew Daniel, Peter and Brian

Mel Taylor discussing paper work with Elio Cazzolli in his Fargo

Pete Haynes Volvo and Rod Boyd's Fiat

Kim Martin's Dodge

Members Michael, Eddy, Swifty, Kim and Kevin having a yarn

Phil Taylor’s F100

WATM • March 2022

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History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

1982

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After persistent lobbying by WARTA, the State Government awarded the big rigs their specialised assembly area at Upper Swan, only 20km from the centre of Perth.

WARTA assisted in planning the assembly area, which is the first of its kind in Australia. It covers 6.4 hectares and is the road transport equivalent of a marshalling yard, where up to 25 road trains at a time can collect or shed trailers on runs to and from all corners of the State. When it is completely bitumened it will be able to handle twice that number of vehicles.

The Transport Department lifted the open-road speed limit to 100km/h, “but emphasising the need for increased policing of the new limit”. At a meeting of the Executive Council it was decided to send a letter, stating the Association’s support for: 110km/h for all two-axle vehicles; 95km/h for all other trucks; 5km/h tolerance in each case; a three-month trial

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WATM • March 2022

on Eyre Highway, Great Northern Highway and the North-Western Coastal Highway; realistic penalties for exceeding these limits.

The road train assembly area in Upper Swan was slated for opening on April 30, 1982 with a double-bottom road train and the Minister for Transport at the helm driving through a ribbon as the main event.

By November there were reports of thefts of vehicle equipment and cargo at the assembly area.

Road trains were not allowed to operate on Great Eastern Highway westward of Coolgardie, according to the Minister for Transport.

On July 1, the Land Freight Transport Policy was extended to all areas of Western Australia, south of the 26th Parallel. Since the region north of the Parallel had been virtually free of restrictions since 1968, this meant almost the entire State was now open to unrestricted competition between transport methods and companies, except for special bulk cargoes, which included mineral ores, grain, timber, wool, fertiliser and oil and some franchised areas. The result of this deregulation was a rush to provide service and recruit customers, which was unprecedented in the State’s history. A total of 170 road transport operators successfully applied for licences for 542 vehicles, with an overall freight capacity of more than 8000 tonnes.

Twelve of the companies launched linehaul operations, including a joint venture between one of the State’s biggest hauliers and Westrail by which convenience and economy would decide whether goods received should travel by road or rail. The $5 million joint venture, the first of its type in the world apart from a Canadian project, involved mail as well as freight and had as its inaugural chairman the WA Commissioner for Railways, Ian McCulloch.

Westrail reported that after deregulation, it took the opportunity to simplify its operations by concentrating on bigger wagon-load consignments, enabling it to reduce rates for general goods by 42 percent for short hauls and by 60 percent for longer journeys.

Road hauliers claimed even more dramatic economies. Taking Westrail’s new rates as a base, they quoted new rates from 10 to 52 percent lower still for such basic commodities as groceries, hardware and, of course, beer. Some of these rates soon proved uneconomic, but even when raised by 15-20 percent they were still substantially lower than previous rail rates.

Customers appreciated the reduced rates, obviously.

Apart from supplying food and almost every other commodity for towns in the Pilbara and North-West, road trains are used to haul cargoes, which range from Goldfields nickel to Carnarvon vegetables; from northern livestock to South-West timber; from Esperance wheat to ammonium nitrate. They regularly cover the 1900km between Perth and Port Hedland in 24 hours.

It was reported that the Minister for Transport would be attending a meeting of South-West Carriers in Bunbury on July 21.

The Executive Council agreed to send the President and Executive Director. A question was raised about the possibility of assisting country carriers who had been seriously affected by the de-regulation policy.

Traffic authorities issued permits for nearly 900 road trains in 1982 alone. The total outlay for a 450hp prime mover, hauling three trailers at $60,000 each, can exceed a quarter-million dollars. The average load price per tonne for road train cargoes in 1982 was almost still the same as that charged for conventional trucking more than 15 years before.

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News

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