Pictured is the 1985 W Model Kenworth owned by Ross Cunningham who for the second year has fund-raised for the convoy.
A STRONG & POWERFUL VOICE FOR TRANSPORT WORKERS’
At the TWU, we are relentless in the pursuit of building and exercising worker power, guided by clear, strong principles. We are committed to earning and keeping our members’ trust and bargaining collectively. We aim to hold corporations to account, empowering the workforce with a strong and powerful voice.
The TWU has a number of Enterprise Agreements in a myriad of transport companies. If you work for a company that has an EA with the TWU, you, along with all transport workers benefit from the years of struggle and collective action of union members before you.
And set the standard for transport workers into the future.
TWU Members also benefit from a range of services available only to members
Legal Services
Wage increases and improved conditions through collective bargaining
Enforcement of your agreement and workplace rights
Representation for incidents or disciplinaries
Job Security and protection
$5,000 Funeral benefits
Free Wills
Extraordinary Driver’s License
Income Protection and Group Accident and Sickness cover
Collective purchasing power of UnionShopper to provide members with discounts on a range of restaurants, gift cards, white goods and more
You should be a member of your union, the TWU if you enjoy these benefits like:
Annual Leave
Maternity Leave
Long Service Leave
Sick days
Leave loading
Penalty rates
Superannuation
Health and safety and workers’ compensation
Allowances (meal allowances, shift allowances)
Rest breaks
Unfair dismissal protection
Becoming a member of the TWU ensures you can maintain these rights into the future.
Low cost way to track your freight as it passes through the transport system
Agrowing number of businesses in Australia’s transport industry are utilising the latest technology in asset tracking and sensor monitoring to help monitor inventory and prevent expensive losses.
Whilst traditionally this technology has been reserved for the likes of global giants like Amazon, a new low-cost offering from Digital Matter is changing the way smaller supply chains operate.
“We want businesses to know their goods and assets are safe for any journeys that they have to make,” says Digital Matter CEO Ken Everett.
“Our new Barra range empowers businesses to be able to operate with the efficiency and accuracy of industry giants like Amazon, but at a fraction of the cost,” he says.
“A huge problem for Australian business owners is keeping tabs on inventory and
this is an easy to use and DIY solution.”
The newly released Barra Core tracker allows owners to track items indoors and outdoors allowing businesses to keep tabs on machinery, expensive tools, rental equipment, pallets and inventory. Previously, many companies have struggled with their assets being untrackable when undercover.
“It provides a great solution for businesses who store products and use equipment on the road and in warehouses,” Mr Everett.
“We’ve designed this with a lower price point in mind so all Australian businesses can have access to this technology and manage their assets more effectively,” he says.
The device is built to last more than 10 years on just two AA batteries, is waterproof and is specifically designed to weather rugged conditions.
Individual devices cost less than $85 per unit and the Barra Core can also sense how many hours equipment has been running, can be switched to recovery mode in case of theft and also detect if an item has been dropped or manhandled during transit.
Other forms of Digital Matter tracking technology are already widely used within the transport industry, specifically for fleet tracking and management. The GPS devices for vehicles and trucks help companies capture real-time, actionable data points, driver behaviour monitoring, geofencing and temperature monitoring.
Some devices also have the capability to monitor driver safety and behaviour like speeding, harsh acceleration, braking, cornering and idle times. Businesses are using it to help enforce safety protocols and track vehicle wear and tear.
Other businesses use the devices to monitor items that move along supply
Digital Matter CEO Ken Everett
chains and travel across regional and international borders; including bins and containers, trolleys, pallets and machinery.
West Australian company Battery Rescue, which services BHP and Rio Tinto, is using the tracking technology to monitor the lead acid batteries it collects from mine sites across the Pilbara for recycling.
Battery Rescue arranges for the containers to be delivered on mine sites in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, companies pack them with used acid lead batteries and they’re then shipped back to Perth for reprocessing. The tracking process is vital to ensuring the efficiency and profitability of each job.
“For us the technology is critical to making sure delivery has been made to the correct location and for notifying us when a container has been returned so we can arrange the immediate shipment of a replacement. It ensures containers don’t get stuck in the transport system,” says Battery Rescue General Manager David Bush.
“An important thing for us was battery life as our battery containers could be at a mine site for two to 12 months so we had to make sure the batteries would last. We also had to make sure they were robust enough to handle the extreme temperatures that can be experienced in the north west of Western Australia,” he says.
For Battery Rescue, the devices allow them to strategically track assets as they move through the supply chain, giving the company a critical business advantage.
The increased control and visibility as items travel long distances helps increase operational efficiencies.
“Being able to ensure the efficiency of supply of our containers is critical to our mining customers. They don’t want to find themselves in a situation where there are no containers onsite to place their waste batteries in. An email alert generated when a full container has left site enables us to prepare and ship a replacement immediately, rather than wait for the container to be delivered to our Perth yard,” adds Mr Bush.
Digital Matter technology is also being used by a growing number of Australian businesses to address asset loss which is particularly prevalent in the supply chain, logistics and equipment sectors where the high number of assets and their frequent movement make them vulnerable to theft, misplacement and damage.
“We find this type of technology is extremely beneficial for companies wanting to reduce loss and theft whilst also
A huge problem for Australian business owners is keeping tabs on inventory and this is an easy to use and DIY solution
improving operational efficiency allowing goods to be monitored from production to delivery,” says Mr Everett.
“Whether it be keeping tabs on machines, tools, rental equipment or pallets, we want Australian businesses to protect the items that matter to them,” he says.
“We’ve already seen this technology embraced by larger companies, but we could see that there was a gap in the market for small and medium sized businesses who have products of value that they need to track.”
The wide range of tracking devices are also used to determine how their assets are performing and what condition they are in - with sensor technology used for temperature, tamper detection, vehicle monitoring and asset mishandling.
For larger equipment like earthmovers, attachments, bobcats, loaders, and tractorsthe technology can help reassure management that safety protocols are being followed.
The wired and battery-powered devices capture run hours to help schedule preventative maintenance.
“Our goal is to provide cost-effective tracking solutions that empower smaller companies to operate with the same level of efficiency and precision as larger corporations, ultimately helping them achieve greater success and growth,” says Mr Everett.
Digital Matter are pioneers in batterypowered asset tracking with more than three million devices designed and manufactured and sold in more than 130 countries around the world. The company has expanded from having one batterypowered outdoor device in 2016 to now offering more than 20 battery-powered devices which allow indoor and outdoor visibility and Bluetooth integration. For more information you can visit www. digitalmatter.com
VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 10
Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd
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Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Cliff Graham, Carol Messenger, Ray Pratt , Lara Jensen
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CFROM THE PUBLISHER
an you believe it is nearly Christmas? I swear the years go quicker the older you get.
As Cam Dumesny from Western Roads Federation points out early next year we will have not only a state election but a federal one as well. So now is the time to ensure that we as an industry are clear on what we want from our governments. This is where transport industry associations such as Western Roads Federation are so important as it is they who lobby the politicians for the good of the industry. So what do you want to see happen? I know the Western Australian farmers want the live export ban lifted and we all want to see the cost of living decrease. It has been a hard year for so many in our country.
This month, after the sad passing of Kris Kristofferson I asked our two columnists Carol Messenger and Ray Pratt to write about what they listen to whilst they
are driving. I have often wondered what drivers listen to, whether it is the hum of the engine or do you have favourite music, radio stations or listen to audio books.
This month’s column, ‘This is the Outback’ from Cliff Graham will no doubt get some of the caravan drivers a bit upset, but with the magazine’s ability to reach thousands of them through social media I think it is important that they can put themselves in the seat of a truck driver.
Finally, congratulations to everyone who participated in the Camp Quality 2024 Convoy. What a huge amount raised for the kids and their families facing cancer diagnosis. I would not be surprised if next year it cracks the half million. My thanks to Ross Cunningham for sharing the picture of his awesome truck for the front cover.
Best,
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Opportunities available in WA’s wind energy industry
The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) has appointed Matthew Cronin as its new State Director WA. Matthew will be charged with overseeing the delivery of an $8 million collaborative program to accelerate the participation of advanced manufacturing in the State’s growing wind energy industry.
The appointment follows a collaborative agreement signed by the WA Government and AMGC in May to co-design and deliver co-investment funding that aims to enhance the capacity and capability of the State’s manufacturers to participate in wind energy supply chains.
Cronin brings over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, focusing on critical infrastructure, utilities, energy transition, and resources.
The program consists of an $8 million commitment from the Western Australian Government under its Wind Turbine Manufacturing Initiative, and acts on recommendations from an independent
Bfeasibility study by Aurecon on wind energy manufacturing and servicing opportunities.
“AMGC is excited to build on our record of supporting the best manufacturers across Australia, leading to new economic opportunities and jobs, and lifting the industrial complexity of the nation,” said Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director, AMGC.
The Aurecon report notes WA’s existing engineering capabilities and transferable
skills from existing industries. Needs that could be met include wind turbine componentry by contracting for or partnering with Original Equipment Manufacturers as well as in the provision of maintenance, construction, and end-of-life services.
Manufacturers operating in WA seeking to establish a manufacturing base in the state can register their interest in wind energy supply chains participation via www.amgc. org.au/news/wind-energy-supply-chain/
Following registration, manufacturers will be kept up to date with news including events and potential funding opportunities.
AMGC is an industry-led organisation focused on transforming Australia’s manufacturing industry by supporting innovation, commercialisation and collaboration. AMGC has an establish presence in Western Australia and leverages its extensive experience to support WA businesses.
Over the past seven years, AMGC has facilitated more than 400 national collaborations and co-funded over 161 industry projects, while creating more than 4,300 jobs across the country. It has invested over $137 million of combined industry and Government funds into manufacturing projects, resulting in an estimated $1.62 billion in additional national revenue.
$81 million upgrade to Thomas Road complete
oth heavy vehicle drivers and regular commuters are now enjoying safer and smoother travel along Thomas Road, south of Perth, thanks to the completion of an $81 million upgrade.
The south-east is an important and fast-growing area, with large volumes of heavy vehicles and other through traffic travelling to and from the South West and Wheatbelt regions.
Both projects were jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
The program of works commenced in early 2022, with a range of improvements delivered including:
• dual carriageway between Kwinana Freeway and Bombay Boulevard;
• construction of a roundabout at Bombay Boulevard and a four-metre-wide pedestrian and cyclist path with lighting;
• construction of a dual lane
roundabout at Thomas Road and Nicholson Road and upgrades on approach to the intersection;
• construction of a dual lane roundabout at Thomas Road and Kargotich Road;
• additional street lighting between Bombay Boulevard and Kargotich Road; and
• added safety measures between Kwinana Freeway and Cumming Road including shoulder widening, new line markings, raised reflectors and resurfacing.
The final package of works involved the construction of new two-lane roundabouts at the intersections of Nicholson and Kargotich Road.
The new roundabouts will improve safety and traffic efficiency for the more than 19,000 vehicles that pass through the intersections daily.
Further upgrades are planned for the road through the Tonkin Highway Extension, which is expected to
commence construction next year.
The State and Federal Governments have also delivered a new traffic bridge over the rail line on Thomas Road as part of the METRONET Byford Rail Extension project, removing a level crossing and significantly improving road safety in the area.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “Thomas Road is a critical route for both the movement of freight and for local communities, which is why we implemented this program of works to make the road safer for all.
“The safety upgrades have included additional lanes, more street lighting and roundabouts - all of which will provide a safer and smoother journey for road users.
“These upgrades will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion while making it safer for heavy vehicles, including oversize, overmass loads, to traverse this key freight route.”
Matt Cronin AMGC State Director WA
Main Roads WA introduces new technology to enhance road safety and improve heavy vehicle compliance
Following its successful launch in September 2024, Main Roads Western Australia’s Transport Inspectors are now using a state-of-the-art mobile application which supports real-time heavy vehicle analytics.
Main Roads partnered with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Motorola to develop the Regulatory Compliance Mobility Solution WA (RCMS WA) app.
RCMS WA enables Main Roads to target high risk offenders, access a central database in real time with driver and vehicle information, and administer digital and hard copy notices during a heavy vehicle intercept.
By leveraging heavy vehicle compliance and enforcement data, Main Roads WA can focus on recidivist offenders to keep road users safe and prevent damage to
WA OWNED AND RUN
infrastructure and aims to deliver improved road safety across the State.
RCMS WA will transform the approach to roadside inspections, with the end-toend technology removing the need for paper-based forms. It is anticipated there will be up to a 60% reduction in the time spent per heavy vehicle intercept.
With the introduction of RCMS WA, Main Roads can now collaborate with the NHVR in real time and be alerted to unsafe, high-risk operators travelling between WA and the Eastern States, and vice versa.
This enforcement approach rewards safe operators with quick roadside intercepts, as the Transport Inspectors prioritise unsafe drivers, operators and vehicles.
The RCMS WA app provides a single central system to store and analyse compliance and enforcement data in real time.
The RCMS WA app also connects with over 115 fixed cameras located across Australia, providing Transport Inspectors with immediate alerts on vehicles flagged for non-compliance, supporting swift identification of unregistered vehicles, compliance breaches, and defect notices.
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Two new upgrades to WA heavy vehicle rest area announced
Six new projects including two for Western Australia have been announced under the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative.
The projects are supported by a more than $6.85 million joint investment between the Australian and state, territory and local governments, with the Australian Government contributing $5.48 million. They are funded through the third tranche of the HVRA, which will provide $140 million in federal funding over ten years.
The projects include the construction of new rest areas with facilities such as toilets
Steering Committee extended to drive heavy vehicle safety
The work of the Steering Committee for the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative has been extended, with the Committee’s terms of reference updated to extend its work through to 30 June 2025.
Truck drivers play a crucial role in Australia’s economy and require access to rest areas with facilities such as parking, toilets, showers, drinking water and shelter. These facilities are also critical for combating driver fatigue, improving road safety and increasing productivity.
Since 1 July 2024, the Australian Government’s $140 million HVRA initiative to construct and upgrade heavy vehicle rest areas is being delivered through the new Safer Local Roads and
and picnic areas, resurfacing, line-marking and bitumen sealing.
The funded projects are:
• Wollondilly Shire Council – Ted “Greendog” Stevens Truck Parking Bay Renewal (New South Wales).
• Walcha Council – New Pindari Tops Rest Area on Thunderbolts Way (New South Wales)
• Bourke Shire Council – New Heavy Vehicle Rest Area on the Bourke to Milparinka Road at Goonary (New South Wales)
• Shire of Mukinbudin – Mukinbudin
Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).
To deliver this commitment, the government will continue to work with truck drivers and the wider trucking industry through the HVRA Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee was set up to use the expertise of heavy vehicle industry members to ensure that rest areas delivered under the HVRA initiative achieve the best outcomes for truck drivers.
The Committee’s main role to date has been to assess the strategic need of applications for funding under the HVRA initiative, you can find out more information here.
Senator for Western Australia, Glenn Sterle said, “I welcome the news that the work of the Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee will continue
I
Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (Western Australia)
• Shire of Coolgardie – Asphalt surfacing of Road train / truck stop area at intersection of Bayley Street / Great Eastern Highway and Ladyloch Road in Coolgardie (Western Australia)
• Northern Territory – Five Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas on Buntine Highway to be upgraded
Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm said, “I would like to thank the HVRA Steering Committee for their work in identifying these strategic projects, which are essential for the safety of all road users.”
Chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, Senator Glenn Sterle said, “These projects are another example of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative boosting heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through new and upgraded rest areas.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to keeping our freight operators and communities safe.
“These new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce truckie fatigue as they work hard keeping our country moving.”
More information on these projects and on the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative is available at https://investment.infrastructure. gov.au/about/local-initiatives/safer-localroads-and-infrastructure-program
following the extension of the committee’s terms of reference.
“This group was established to ensure that those who have the steering wheel in their hands or who know the challenges drivers face have a seat at the table when making important decisions about where funding is directed to support vital rest area projects.
“I am extremely proud of the current committee and look forward to continuing to work with them as we work to deliver more rest areas for our essential truckies to help with them manage their fatigue.
“I encourage truck drivers to engage with the committee as well as local and state governments so we can continue to identify priority locations for rest area projects which could be funded through this program.”
encourage truck drivers to engage with the committee as well as local and state governments so we can continue to identify priority locations for rest area projects
Over to you
BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger
Connections
For those of us who are single operators, life can get a bit lonely on the road. You are away from friends and family with only the flies and dead roos for company for days or weeks on end. It can get a bit boring.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love the solitude of the long trips and it’s where I solve the problems of the world and where I can quieten my mind and my soul but… Even your own company gets a bit much after a while.
We all have our favourite forms of entertainment whilst driving. I love audio books – there are some great storytellers out there and I have whiled away many a kilometre listening to the likes of Bryce Courtney, Thomas Keneally or John Marsden. Such great stories and before you know it an hour has passed and you need to change the disc.
Intermittently I listen to music but my entertainment of choice is talk back radio and in particular 6PR.
I have been listening to 6PR for around 25 years since the days of Gary Carvolth and Jenny Seaton. Now those two really were magic on air together.
What I like about talk back radio is that not only does it keep you up to date with all of the news and current affairs of the day but it lets you hear other peoples’ opinions and then you form your own – and you can argue with them in the privacy or your cab – or as I often do, ring up the radio station and express your own opinion.
During the day I usually have to use the app to get a signal if I am out of Perth but night times for some magical reason to do with airwaves and magnetic fields and reduced outside noise I can usually pickup 6PR in most places. I have even picked it up clear as a bell at Tom Price.
Anyway, why night time is good is that with no scenery to look at except staring into the blackness, so the radio is great company. I am not a sports fan at all so 6pm to 8pm I am usually listening to something else but for the 6pm to midnight slot I love to listen to 6PR Nightshift with Tod Johnston – four hours of wacky, upbeat, great music and catch up with the regulars and I’m usually in phone range for some of that time to call up and have a quick chat.
It was therefore with great sadness that I heard that 6PR announced the demise of this show to be replaced by an extended version of the sports show and then switch over to Tony Mac “live” from Melbourne. What the hell?
I know that there are many drivers who listen to the Nightshift program. His joy, optimism and ‘good news’ stories are uplifting when you are out there alone in the dark
I know that there are many drivers who listen to the Nightshift program. Tod is an incredible presenter who reaches out and makes you feel that you are chatting to your best friend. His joy, optimism and ‘good news’ stories are uplifting when you are out there alone in the dark.
He is a home grown Aussie Boy – a self-confessed ‘dag’ who has no delusions of grandeur. The regular listeners become ‘a family’ reaching out to each other in times of need. I listen, I chat and suddenly my home and my family are not so far away. He gets us through those late night hours where we are chomping up the miles and sets the mind at ease for when we knock off for the night.
I had a little weep when I heard the news that he was finishing up. Ok so I am a wuss, but the thought of those long nights without this important destressing tool has left me feeling a little on edge. For me, it’s like losing a friend – or friends – as you get to know the regular callers to the show and know them like your real friends. Just like that call out on the CB, that few minutes when you connect with someone as you pass like ships in the night - it centres your soul. – and all is right in the world again.
Carol Messenger and Tod Johnston
Smart listening decisions
Over to you
A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt
The recent sad passing of American singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson brought back to me memories of driving long and lonely hours listening to the music of great singers such as him, as a means of staying alert and filling in time.
The music of Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and even our own Slim Dusty all made for good truck driving music.
The trucking lifestyle is often portrayed as long hours on the road, endless kilometres of highway and a sense of adventure and freedom.
While this may sound idyllic it has its challenges being isolated from family and friends for extended periods of time. As a result we often immerse ourselves into a world of music and talk back radio.
The radio and music has the power to entertain us and keeps us connected to the outside world offering us relief during long hours of solitude.
Many truck drivers are happy not to have the radio on at all and just enjoy listening to the sounds of the truck as they engross themselves in their lives of solitude. There is nothing like the sound of the big diesel engine working away and knowing that the trip is proceeding smoothly as planned.
Eventually though boredom sets in and the radio is switched on to stimulate the mind and drive away fatigue.
When I started truck driving we just had an AM radio with a cassette player and a CB radio to communicate with each other.
Mostly the AM radio would only get the ABC and many times coverage was limited to areas around major towns so it was out with a box of our favourite tapes.
If you were driving long distances away from home for a week or more then you soon got tired of hearing the same stuff all the time.
A big game changer for us was the introduction of audio books on cassette so we could go to our local library and arm ourselves with several books on tape which was an excellent way to combat fatigue and while away the hours. You
Some audio books can become very monotonous and boring and so instead of being relaxed you tend to move to being tired and fatigued
could get books on any topic and some would last for many hours.
I remember listening to a book that lasted for 18 hours and I was so engrossed in it that the day went so quickly.
While the tapes were great there was nothing worse than being immersed into a good book and having a tape jam or break.
We then progressed to CD players and
that was a big improvement to the quality of sound and the reliability of the discs.
Fast forward to our current devices available for entertainment while driving and the options are endless. Mobile phones and various apps are something that I struggle with but when I get my head around it and with lots of help from my kids I’m amazed at what is available.
Something that nobody considers is that while the benefits of audio entertainment can be an excellent tool for truck drivers there is a negative impact to consider.
Some audio books can become very monotonous and boring and so instead of being relaxed you tend to move to being tired and fatigued.
Very loud music does reduce reaction times. It has the ability to ramp up your adrenaline levels and change how you react to changes in your environment and road conditions.
Alternatively gentle music can actually improve driving performance.
I always found that when I arrived at more populated areas I would turn the radio off.
We must remember that we are in control of a vehicle that is very big and heavy and we owe it to ourselves and other road users to be one hundred percent alert and responsible. It’s critical that all drivers being truck drivers and passenger vehicles make smart and safe listening decisions.
No matter where you are your number one priority is to be focused on the road. Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.
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A resource for the container industry to improve safety
Aguide designed to help overseas suppliers safely pack containers has been released, with figures showing around 50 per cent of incidents while shipping freight in containers is caused by poor or incorrect packing.
Logistics specialists CoRsafe – part of Australia’s leading transport and logistics specialist insurance provider NTI, have partnered with Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) to create the CoRsafe Safe Container Loading and Transport Guide. It’s for Australian companies to distribute to their overseas partners, to provide an understanding of the standards they must meet when loading containers bound for Australia.
Executive General Manager – Strategy & Supply Chain, Chris Hogarty, said it is a resource designed to help protect Australian companies and improve safety for the entire industry.
“Improperly loaded containers can cause financial loss, reputational loss, injury, and in some cases, death. It’s important that everyone in the chain know their individual part in keeping everyone safe,” Mr Hogarty said.
“Our Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws provide that an Australian importer could be held accountable if it causes or encourages their overseas partners to incorrectly pack containers which breaches the laws – the maximum penalties can be
as much as $3.9 million for corporations, and $390,000 or five years jail or both for individuals.
“This resource was created to help educate supply chain partners and meet the need for a guide with short, concise explanations, free of legal jargon that could easily be understood by frontline staff. Given our organisation’s focus on transport, it is also designed to reduce roll-overs, to eliminate loss and injury when containers are loaded onto vehicles after arriving in Australia.”
The guide covers important topics, such as: an overview of CoR laws in Australia; load preparation and process; load restraints; dimensions and weight; receipt and unpacking; transport of shipping containers; pests and water damage.
“We’ve also included a Container Packing Checklist produced by the Cargo Integrity Group as a go-to reference.”
CTAA Director, Neil Chambers said “Heavy vehicle accident data compiled by NTI shows that container-laden heavy vehicles are 36% more likely to be involved in a truck rollover compared to vehicles carrying general freight.
“A common factor in these incidents is vehicle instability caused by unbalanced or inadequately restrained loads inside the shipping container. For the free download visit https://logss. com.au/container-guide
MTAA applauds ACCC
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) welcomed the recent action taken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against Honda Australia for an alleged breach of the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS).
MTAA CEO Matt Hobbs stated, “This enforcement action demonstrates that while the scheme is relatively new the ACCC is watching and willing to take action to make sure the scheme is successful and there is an even playing field for independent repairers across Australia, no matter the brand of car.”
Key Points:
• Honda Australia paid an $18,780 penalty for allegedly violating the MVIS by only offering its diagnostic software through annual subscriptions, rather than providing daily or monthly options as required.
• This marks the ACCC’s first infringement notice under the MVIS, which came into effect on 1 July 2022.
• The scheme ensures independent repairers have fair access to diagnostic software and technical data needed for servicing and repairing modern vehicles.
“Whilst we’re pleased to see the scheme functioning effectively, there is still room for improvement,” Mr Hobbs added.
“The Australian Car market is continuing to evolve - new technologies including driver assistance as well as great numbers of hybrids and EVs going on sale and the MVIS will need to evolve with it.”
The MTAA emphasises the importance of all manufacturers adhering to the provisions of the Act to maintain a level playing field among data providers. This ensures that independent repairers can compete fairly in the automotive service and repair market.
The MTAA are pushing for the inclusion of heavy vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and farm and agricultural machinery in the scheme to further support our diverse automotive industry.
For more information on the scheme visit //aasra.com.au/
PETER PARKINSON
Peter (Pancho) Parkinson was the youngest of three boys who grew up on a farm in Naracoorte, South Australia.
Peter knew from a young age that he was destined to become a truck driver.
His first job was driving a harvester for AJ Moore and Company before he went on to work for SF Crisp Transport driving a D-Series 20 foot tray.
In 1972, Peter bought a new 1830 Acco to cart sheep and cattle but after just 18 months he sold up and went back to Crisp Transport driving a Ford F750 all over Australia, with 2½ deck sheep and 1½ deck cattle crate. After Sid Crisp stepped down, Peter went into a partnership with Sid's son Barry; together they ran SF Crisp Transport
with three Mack's and two Louisville's. In 1985 the company went bankrupt.
Peter's next venture was driving for Peter Burns carting grain, super, wool and general in a cabover Kenworth until 1989 when he moved to Western Australia and drove a K100 carting containers off the local rail.
In 1993 Peter bought a B-double and went to work for Fife Distribution in Western Australia carting containers of grain, malt and barley which was used to make beer in Japan.
In 1995 he sold the Kenworth and bought an LTS carting paper off the Fremantle wharf.
Selling the LTS in 1998 Peter bought a 112 Freightliner with a drop deck trailer carting farm machinery interstate.
In 2011 Peter headed up north to Port Hedland to drive a 904 Kenworth with four side tippers carting iron ore from Wodgina mine to Utah Point
In 2003 he was pulling a side loader for Sadleir's Transport and then carting prefabricated steel for Ital Steel in a Scania.
In 2011 Peter headed up north to Port Hedland to drive a 904 Kenworth with four side tippers carting iron ore from Wodgina mine to Utah Point.
Peter has seen technology change over the years, especially MT data recording all speed and time movements which also tells him when he has to have a break.
Peter is presently driving a 909 Kenworth with quad side tippers for McAleese Resources on a fly in, fly out roster, he looks forward to going back home to his wife Suzanne and even after 46 years in the transport industry Peter still has a love of driving.
Over to you
WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION
Election Time, So What Do We Want?
The Western Australian State and Federal elections are around the corner with the Western Australian Electoral Commission advising that the next State Election will be held on 8th March 2025.
The Federal Election is due in 2025
Nby Cam Dumesny, CEO
separate elections. Secondly, it would be a very gutsy Government that sent West Australians (the critical battle ground state) to the polling booths three times in six months.
Political reporters are also suggesting as the budget is set for late March, it clears the way for an election late March or early May.
What Do We Want?
What are the things we as an Industry want because we need to be lobbying to the various political parties now, if we want their support?
We need to clearly identify what we have the need for, provide a justification and sales pitch for them and then start meeting the various political parties to advocate our case.
So, what do you want?
Update on some current Western Roads Federation activities
Fremantle Port
The closure and demolition of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge will lead to traffic congestion on the Stirling Bridge and surrounds.
This has provided an opportunity to push forward the road transport productivity solutions our members have.
and the latest it could be held is mid May 2025. For election tech heads; only a half senate election must be held by mid-May as the House of Representatives could run through to September before an election. But it is my understanding that no Government has ever split them into two
Western Roads Federation is currently working with specialist consultants to help build our case to support these measures.
Western Australian Training and Logistics Centre
Progress is being made on a Western
Troubling trend of surging late payments
ew findings from CreditorWatch reveal a troubling trend of surging late payments impacting multiple sectors across Australia.
An alarming 92 per cent of businesses in Construction and 87 per cent in both Distribution and Business Services are reporting overdue invoices in the past 12 months.
This growing trend of delayed payments is affecting businesses of all sizes, with 96 per cent of large businesses and 74 per cent of small businesses experiencing late or overdue payments.
The biggest challenges businesses face
when chasing late payments include ‘not wanting to upset clients/customers’ (35 per cent), ‘concerns that clients/customers will do less business or no longer want to do business’ (34 per cent), and ‘not wanting to be seen as rude’ (26 per cent).
Key insights:
• Eight per cent of businesses in Distribution had over half their invoices overdue, compared to six per cent in Construction.
• Distribution was the worst category for payments 30-plus days overdue,
with 51 per cent of payments overdue by 30-plus days and 18 per cent by 60plus days.
• Small businesses saw 11 per cent of payments overdue by 60-plus days, compared to one per cent for medium businesses and six per cent for large businesses.
Common strategies to reduce late payments include avoiding clients with a history of late payments (39%), requiring advance payments (35%), and imposing late penalties (28%).
Australian transport and logistics industry training centre that is jointly managed and directed by the industry itself.
There is a lot of work going into this and it is far more comprehensive than you can imagine.
Once established it will enable our industry to go to Schools, Job agencies etc. to showcase what our industry does, the types of roles and the training available to achieve each one.
Rest Area Investment
There is work going on to increase the number of full-service rest areas. This also includes trying to lobby a similar case to public artwork.
In some states, a defined percentage of every major road project has to be allocated to roadside public art. It is not a small amount of money.
So Western Roads Federation is arguing that all major road projects must include that a percentage of the project value is allocated to heavy vehicle rest areas.
The Inevitable Freight Disruption
Western Roads Federation has developed a plan for the management of interstate freight disruptions. The objective is to
Progress is being made on a Western Australian transport and logistics industry training centre that is jointly managed and directed by the industry itself
ensure that our drivers can operate safely and to be protected from bushfire hazards.
There is a lot more to the plan, but that is the gist of it.
Net Zero and Productivity
Governments at all levels are obsessed with Net Zero (de-carbonisation). To date they have focused just providing public subsidies to enable companies to buy some type of diesel alternative vehicle.
The blunt reality is that most of these vehicles will be operated for a while,
usually after the photo opportunity then parked up.
Yes, there are such vehicles already parked up in Western Australia.
The low hanging fruit that Governments could do now is to focus on productivity.
Productivity is not about working harder, it’s about working smarter.
There are lots of things, such as working to allow the right combinations to get closer to pick up and delivery points, without having to break up and shuttle in and out. Plus, a hundred other common sense things...
Western Roads Federation has found a global expert who supports this belief with actual research. We are now working to develop the arguments to support our case for industry.
Kalgoorlie Rail Re-Alignment
Western Roads Federation has spoken to the consultants to put our member views forward.
A key point of our position is that companies can acquire land beside the Intermodal Terminal.
We oppose a single mode operator owning all the land.
I made a sign for the lighter towing vehicles
By Cliff Graham
There was a lot of feedback from my August column on caravan traffic and some [caravan drivers] said that not all light vehicle drivers are inconsiderate and there were some bad attitudes and driving behaviour from ‘some’ heavy vehicle drivers as well.
That is true, and interestingly Western Australia heavy drivers were said to be the most professional in the country.
The fact is the heavy vehicles are the
Community to help shape the future of orrong road
most scrutinised, regulated and policed industry there is. Driving hours, equipment roadworthiness, load restraint, driver training and licensing is only the start of the equation and nothing is less scrutinised than light vehicles towing caravans, boats, camping trailers… or even the box trailer doing its six monthly run to the tip.
Where is the driver training, licensing, road worthiness including tyres, level loading and load restraint requirements for
The community has been invited to help set a vision for the future upgrade of Orrong Road between Great Eastern Highway and Leach Highway.
Main Roads is leading the community engagement process which also includes a deliberative panel of 70 community members. The panel will come together over four and a half days in late 2024-early 2025 to explore the future needs of Orrong Road.
This section of Orrong Road is vitally important to the metropolitan road network, connecting the Perth CBD to the industrial areas of Kewdale and Welshpool, as well as providing a key link to Perth Airport via Leach Highway.
The panel will review a range of possible options and consider other factors such as social, heritage, environment, cost, and
light vehicles including those towing boats?
After having to share the Brand and North West Coastal Highways day and night over the recent school holidays with these other road users – I constantly saw dangerous driving.
By the end of the holidays, I was sick of downloading dashcam footage for my own records of the ‘arrogance’ of drivers including some heavy vehicles as well.
Along the sides of the road I see many
technology and innovation in transport.
It is expected that a preferred option will be recommended at the conclusion of the deliberative panel process, incorporating wider community feedback. This option will then be further developed by Main Roads, culminating in the preparation of a business case for an investment decision.
Project Director David Goodram said while the trigger for this planning project was road congestion and safety, the planning process will also seek and consider stakeholder-raised issues, such as adjacent land use planning, amenity, local connectivity, and other social outcomes.
“We are after a community-led solution and one that may not be primarily focussed on the needs of private road
tyres from light vehicles and there is always a holiday maker pulled up to change tyres or the odd wheel bearing that has collapsed. Surely checking these things before the trip should be a priority.
As I drive along I wonder if they consider the heavy vehicles that are working – transporting food, livestock and pretty much ‘everything’ that people need on a daily basis.
I don’t understand the ‘have to get in front of that big truck mentality’ when leaving roadhouses or after being pulled up on the side of the road.
I don’t understand the overtaking the loaded road train at the top of the hill whilst its going 50-60 kph only to have the caravan or Winnebago travel at 80 kph completely oblivious that they are holding up the road train once it’s caught up to their travelling speed.
This has all led me to make a sign… ‘How long since you looked in your mirrors’. Whether it is a blown tyre on their own trailer/caravan or a kilometre of accumulating traffic build up or loaded road trains that are slowed down by those going below the speed limit.
This last point is particularly important for transporting livestock over vast distances. Some livestock road trains have already had the animals on their vehicles for 20 plus hours so they are keen to get their livestock to their destination as soon as safely possible and unloaded to prevent stress.
It is not fair on these animals when you get stuck behind holiday makers travelling at 75 – 80 kph for 80+ kilometres.
vehicles,” he said.
“We also understand that Orrong Road plays a vital role as a major route for freight and logistics, so any solution needs to reflect that.”
The Orrong Connect planning study leverages the previous Orrong Road study but widens its scope to provide the community and stakeholders with additional opportunity to investigate current and future land and transport uses around the corridor.
This engagement process follows the award of an Integrated Project Team (IPT) contract to the Arup-Jacobs Joint Venture (AJJV), who will help complete the planning study for the transport corridor. More info can be found at www. mainroads.wa.gov.au/orrong-connect/
I don’t understand the overtaking the loaded road train at the top of the hill whilst its going 50-60 kph only to have the caravan or Winnebago travel at 80 kph completely oblivious that they are holding up the road train once it’s caught up to their travelling speed
Not being aware of what is happening behind you is a contributing factor to motorists taking unnecessary risks to overtake. I wonder if these drivers realise heavy vehicles are speed limited to 100 kph and it takes time and distance to build back up to speed and to overtake safely.
When you consider the extra traffic during school holidays plus hardly any overtaking lanes or those long enough to clear traffic behind slow moving vehicles plus add in those drivers who are not willing or prepared to work with other road users and stay in the left lane until the traffic behind them has cleared. I’ve seen first-hand many slow moving vehicles make
absolutely no effort whatsoever to clear all the faster traffic build-up behind even on overtaking lanes.
I was in a kilometre long line-up of traffic, including road trains behind a slow moving caravan and when traffic tried to overtake them I saw the only police car on the road during the whole school holidays. If the police aren’t interested in road safety enough to deal with the slow vehicles driving without consideration of other road users - no wonder there’s dangerous driving.
I don’t understand why many slow drivers don’t move into the left lane on overtaking lanes. I followed a caravan who continued travelling in the right lane. About halfway through the overtaking lane I overtook in the left lane. The shocked look on their face as I went past and I thought how can anyone drive into an overtaking lane without looking in their mirrors. As the law states, “Have mirrors adjusted correctly and be aware of your surroundings”.
Whilst I won’t be showing the dashcam footage of this with the hand gestures out the window, I had a line of traffic overtake me in an overtaking lane only to have the front vehicle passing remain in the right lane blocking off all the traffic behind them. One of the following vehicles overtook in the oncoming traffic lane.
My last gripe is I saw an illuminated sign saying, “Be aware of road workers –Their safety depends on your speed”. May I suggest speed cameras are set up through road works. Perhaps that would be better than some of their current placements.
Farmers don’t want compensation, they want their industry
The recent announcement that the federal government would provide a further $32 million in additional funding to help Western Australia’s sheep industry who are the only state that does live export by sea transition away from live export has not been met with positivity.
As part of the decision to end live export by sea in May 2028, former agricultural minister Murray Watt outlined a $107 million transition support package. This was dismissed as ‘inadequate’ by not only the farmers but the WA State Government
New payment options now available for WA traffic infringements
who estimated ending live exports could cost the agriculture industry up to $123 million annually.
The federal government has tried to justify their ban by continually stating that live sheep exports had declined being worth $411 million in 2002-03 compared to $77 million in 2022-23.
National’s leader David Littleproud has been a regular visitor in Western Australian, meeting with farmers to condemn the ban. He has stated should the coalition be successful at upcoming federal election,
The Department of Transport (DoT) is offering new payment options to assist those who may have difficulty paying traffic infringements by the due date.
Starting from 7th October, a range of online payment options and infringement services are available on the DoT website and DoTDirect as part of a more modern, customer-focused online traffic infringement management system for Western Australia.
The new payment options and services include direct debit payment instalment plans; payment extensions; identifying the driver of the vehicle; and electing to have the matter heard by a court.
The new DoTDirect infringement
ending the ban would be his first job as Agricultural Minister and he would travel to the Middle East to bring back confidence and restore trade relationships to those who seek our world-class live sheep from Australia.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, who took the agriculture portfolio in July, visited WA for the first time in mid-October to announce the additional $32.7 million and visited a processing facility in Bunbury.
LRTAWA President, Keep the Sheep spokesperson and Ravensthorpe truck driver Ben Sutherland said the support funding would not go far enough.
He said, “It’s a little too late. They're just hoping to buy silence now with a little bit more money.”
“They could've come and consulted industry a lot better than they did. I wouldn't have sent around a panel to just tell us how we were going to transition out.
“The extra stress it puts on small businesses like myself who are geared up around live export”.
Mr Littleproud called the funding announcement ‘disingenuous’ and ‘a mere PR exercise’, saying it did nothing to help farmers whose livelihoods had been taken away.
“Farmers don't want compensation, they want their industry,” he said.
“If they’re not in the industry, there will be the senseless death of millions of sheep from those countries who take up this market, that don’t have our animal welfare standards.
Farmers in WA are in unison – they are not looking for a handout, they want to keep the live export industry alive.
services make it easier to submit the identity of the person behind the wheel at the time of an alleged traffic offence.
The community can also log into DoTDirect to view traffic infringement images or request a review or a court hearing.
The changes have been implemented as part of the Infringement Management Reform Program (IMRP), a whole-ofgovernment solution to address WA's outdated traffic infringement system.
The reform, led by the Road Safety Commission and supported by DoT and WA Police Force resulted in infringement administration and management transfer from WA Police Force to DoT in 2024.
RAIL FAIL CAMPAIGN
By LARA JENSEN
Last month the families of rail crash victims around Australia I represent launched a social media campaign we named ‘Rail Fail’ to coincide with the lead-up to the federal election.
Collectively we are calling for train and rolling stock visibility lighting to be made mandatory and for improved safety standards at unlit regional crossings to be made an immediate priority for regional Australia. These collisions at level crossings disproportionally affect regional road users, and those impacted by these tragedies are those living in regional communities, just like our families.
The last two decades have been marked by a complete failure to improve level crossing safety despite the recommendations of three State coroners (WA, NSW, and Victoria) to improve train visibility and safety measures at level crossings after high profile crashes in addition to the findings for corrective actions by numerous safety reviews and committees.
And the crash statistics speaks for themselves.
collisions by first responders.’ This being the case we have every reason to suspect that the 7,839 near hits tallied between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2022 could realistically be revised upwards.
The ATSB and ONRSR reports also note many active level crossing protection equipment failures. ONRSR reported 169 wrong-side level crossing equipment failures/defects were notified in the five years to 2022 - 231 where equipment failed in an unsafe way and not in accordance with their fail-to-safe design principles.
In 2017-18 ONRSR was notified of 231 reportable railway crossing equipment failures and defects. These involve significant equipment failures or defects such as complete failure of active warning devices, including lights and/or booms, late activation of warning devices, or premature deactivation of warning devices.
The ‘Rail Fail’ campaign was borne out of our sheer frustration with decades of inaction, constant stonewalling by the rail industry and a reluctance by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, (ONRSR) to drive the safety improvements required to bring the rail industry in line with all other hazardous high-risk industries.
In the last three years we have also seen the release of three national train lighting reports commissioned by the ONRSR that have all recommended better train lighting, yet the rail industry still refuses to act, the government fails to legislate and as a result, staggeringly, there is still no legal requirement for trains to be lit to a particular standard in Australia in 2024.
A federal petition launched by our families in collaboration with politicians Melissa Price MP and Merome Beard MLA three months ago garnered over 6600 signatures in a month calling for mandatory train illumination standards, yet there remains no political appetite for action.
In the last three years we have also seen the release of three national train lighting reports commissioned by the ONRSR that have all recommended better train lighting, yet the rail industry still refuses to act and the government fails to legislate
Data extracted from the National Level Crossing Portal, NLCSC (assessed Jan 2023) show exactly why change is needed. Between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2022 across Australia’s level crossings (involving either pedestrians or road vehicles) there were 7,839 near hits, 322 collisions, 39 fatalities and 49 serious injuries in Australia. The strategy goes on to say one of the challenges is limited and inconsistent reporting and that ‘rail operators lack a consistent method for defining and recording near hits and there is a general lack of causal information recorded for level crossing
Normally, this sort of situation would have been resolved by the media covering the story and shining a light on the issues.
However, there has been extensive media on this subject and nothing has changed so our families decided to take matters into our own hands using social media to tell our stories of rail industry failure in a bid to prevent further senseless loss of life and get this extremely serious safety issue firmly on the political agenda.
Join us in our fight against #RailFail and help us send a very loud message to the rail industry that enough is enough, and we demand better rail safety standards for regional Australia.
You can follow our campaign on RailFail
Western Australian transport industry again shows its generosity
The second Camp Quality Convoy Perth again showed the kindness and generosity of Western Australia’s transport industry when it comes to supporting a good cause.
With a goal of raising $250,000 WA’s transport industry exceeded that goal resoundingly by raising a whopping $411,648.
Camp Quality’s Convoy Perth is a fun way for anyone who drives a truck to show their support for kids and families experiencing the challenging realities of a cancer diagnosis.
On Sunday 13th October 180 trucks took part in the convoy which departed from Perth Hockey Stadium at 9am, driving 53km around Perth City and Osbourne Park, before returning to the stadium for a Family Fun Day with Camp Quality families, volunteers, supporters, and special guests Sludge and Yogi from television show ‘Outback Truckers’.
The Family Fun Day kicked off at 10am with food vans, rides, face painting, roving entertainment, live music and an awards ceremony. The families and public had a chance to check out all the trucks at the ‘Show and Shine’ and take photos with Sludge and Yogi.
The battle for the ‘lead truck’ was a nail biter.
Congratulations to Shayne Coyne who raised $23,278 and took pride at the head of the convoy. Shayne was followed by Tracie Donaldson from WA Fuels who raised $18,109 and Mitchell Bishop who raised $13,550.
Campbell Transport raised an incredible $53,639 and Team Kalynda raised a
massive $38,528.
Without doubt, one of the favourite rigs at the event was the 1985 W Model Kenworth owned by Ross Cunningham.
Ross and his 400 horse power beast have supported the Camp Quality Perth Convoy since its inception in 2023.
“This year I managed to raise $8,567.00
a little short of my 2023 effort of $9,489.31 and I want to send a big thank you to all the people and businesses who donated to my page,” says Ross.
“I would also like to congratulate the huge effort that the leading individuals/ teams put in - the amounts they raised make us all proud.
Funds raised by Convoy Perth will support families going through the trauma of cancer like Gus’.
Gus was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 4 years old. The toughest part of the cancer experience for his family was needing to isolate in hospital or at home while Gus was immunocompromised after treatment. Camp Quality was able to arrange a Family Getaway at a cabin less than 30km from their home.
“We desperately needed a break, but Gus couldn’t leave Perth. Camp Quality provided us with a cabin right on the beach, and it meant more than I could have ever imagined,” mum Lindsay said.
Camp Quality General Manager of Revenue, Sandie Hall said, “Convoy Perth is a true testament to the values of the Perth trucking community. The event is filled with fun, excitement and laughter all while raising vital funds that change the cancer story for kids and their families.”
Perth Classic Car Show
By KEVIN TOOVEY
The HCVC of WA attends the Perth Classic Car Show every year. Shannons Insurance are a major sponsor of this event and we appreciate their ongoing support.
The show was held at Ascot racecourse in Spring this year, in previous years it has been held in the Autumn. You can really tell the difference as there were small
lakes of water about. I suppose that’s why they don’t have the races there during the winter months.
Hundreds of cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles were on display. Six HCVC members brought their trucks along, not a large number but there are multiple car shows every weekend throughout September and October.
Chev Stylemaster
Classic Valiant
Landrovers
Mel Taylor and Peter Johnston’s trucks both Chevs
A Dodge with different paint work to the ones we have in the club
Colin Day’s 1968 R model Flintstone Mack, showing that he is a HCVC member
Colin Day’s 1968 R model Flintstone Mack, showing that he is a HCVC member
Holden Overlander 4X4 Dennis Fire Engine
Cadillac with a horse in the background
Rod Boyd brought two of his trucks to the show Baby Austin van
Brian Brooks has an unusual miniature truck made partly out of a gopher on the back of his truck
EH Holden with pricing
The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry
By Russell McKinnon
The Owner-Drivers’ Cost Calculator came into being in early May to replace the WARTA Fuel Levy Guide. The Microsoft Excel spreadsheet-based, interactive calculator allows owner-drivers and their employers the facility to calculate rates appropriate to their circumstances and to negotiate mutually and agree on appropriate levels of remuneration, taking into account all the true costs associated with operating a particular vehicle type. There were 21 vehicle types covered in the Cost Calculator model, from five tonnes GVM through to pocket road-train combinations. Nine years earlier, WARTA created the first calculator that later became the WARTA Fuel Levy Guide. Then in 2009, when State Government legislation was finally passed into State law, a new Act was introduced — The Western Australian Owner-Drivers’ (Contracts and Disputes) Act 2007. Thereafter a Code of Practice subsequently followed this and was introduced as The Owner-Drivers’ (Contracts and Disputes) (Code of Practice) Regulations 2010.
The May and June Committee of Management Meetings were recorded, but the recorder lost before the minutes could be typed. Therefore the minutes were never passed.
The State Government’s Budget showed a $3.9 billion investment in WA transport. There was $105m to address traffic congestion in Perth and a $97m injection in road safety projects throughout the State. The Perth City Link project was to soak up $609m; $241m Joondalup rail line extension to Butler and $267.3m upgrade of Great Eastern Highway from Kooyong Road to Tonkin Highway. Other funding went to the Swan Valley, the Coalfields Highway between Wellington Dam turnoff to Collie; the Esperance Port access; upgrading of the Dampier Highway; Bunbury Outer Ring Road; Gibb River Road improvements and Great Northern Highway realignment at Port Hedland.
The use of profile line markings (such as rumble strips) can reduce run-off road crashes by as much as 40 percent, according to a report released by Austroads. Profile markings were also shown to reduce head-on collisions by 30 percent when used to mark
the centre line of a road. Sealing shoulders has a crash reduction factor of 30 percent, with one of the individual Australian studies referenced in the report finding as much as a 60 percent reduction in crashes when an already existing shoulder is sealed. Regulatory signs were shown to have crash reduction factors of between 15 and 60 percent, with the installation of four-way stop signs at X intersections, as used in the United States, and the banning of U-turns the most effective options. A 50km stretch of Albany Highway from Bannister to the Pinjarra turnoff has just been completed and this extension to the rumble strip network was regarded as another piece of worthwhile expenditure by the State Government.
Main Roads WA reviewed the permit conditions requirements for police escorts within the Perth metropolitan area. Oversize loads with an overall length not exceeding 40 metres and a width not exceeding 5.5 metres, were now able to travel with an additional accredited pilot in place of a police escort.
The June 2011 until June 2012 national road toll had 1286 deaths, three fewer than the year prior.
The Labor Government’s controversial Carbon Tax was introduced on July 1.
Nigel Hallett MLC read the address from Minister for Transport Troy Buswell at the BusWA School Bus Annual General Meeting at Greyhoundswa, Cannington on July 10. Some of the key points included:
• Introduction of an allowance for public liability insurance;
• Introduction of monthly fuel indexation;
• A simplified “cents per km” payment for R & M;
• A significant uplift in unsealed running — lifted to 9 percent on R & M for all vehicles operating on unsealed roads regardless of the percentage of unsealed kilometres driven;
• Return on investment banding adjustments;
• A five-yearly cycle of payment allowing for adjustments to components that fall out of sync with indexation provisions found within the contract.
He also alluded to a demerit point system for ongoing performance linked to the Minister’s Evergreen Contract policy.
A Charter and Tours Division was officially formed on July 10 as part of Bus WA.
Cost savings were being made with agreed renovations to the Star Street premises not being made. This meant that rentals were being withheld.
WARTA’s training in the Kimberley and Pilbara is still in huge demand and for the first time WARTA conducted a training course in Darwin in conjunction with the Northern Territory Road Transport Association.
Bindoon 2012
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.
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.
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.
