Lee has strong personal roots in the transport industry and with rural Australia. He says, “It’s unacceptable that there is still no legal requirement for trains to be lit to a particular standard in Australia and it’s high time the government legislated mandatory train lighting standards.
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.
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By LARA JENSEN
You may wonder why Australian country music legend Lee Kernaghan is on the front cover of a transport magazine. In addition to providing the celebrated soundtrack for countless truckies following ‘the white line’ around Australia, Lee has strong personal roots in the Australian road transport industry.
Lee’s father, distinguished country music songwriter and performer Ray Kernaghan was a truck driver / Owner Operator.
Ray’s long career in road transport included everything from carting sheep, hauling bulk cement for the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme in the early 70s to being an Owner Operator. He also sold prime movers and raced trucks.
At the same time Ray and his wife Pam raised a family of four - Lee, Greg, Tania and Fiona who all developed an
appreciation of the long hours truck drivers work, the often tough and demanding nature of the job and the hazards on the road that tragically meant some of Ray’s friends and fellow truckies never made it home to their families.
Lee Kernaghan – standing up for rail safety reform since 2003
I first met Lee in 2003 at his concert at the Doodlakine Tavern in the Western Australian Wheatbelt.
It was on the third anniversary of one of the worst rail crashes in WA’s history, an accident that claimed the life of my youngest brother Christian Jensen and his friends Jess Broad and Hilary Smith.
Lee knew about the accident because it was a high-profile crash that triggered the involvement of WA State Coroner Alastair Hope. He knew that all recommendations
from the Coroner urging immediate action be taken to fit locomotives with appropriate lighting to effectively warn approaching motorists at unlit crossings had been completely ignored by the rail industry and the government.
Lee dedicated the Doodlakine show to the memory of my brother and his friends and said to the crowd gathered that lighting on trains should be uniform with that of larger road transport vehicles and that ‘motorists simply have to be able to see trains coming.
We have been lobbying for this reform since 2000 and this was ramped up again in 2021 following the tragic deaths of Ethan Hunter and Mark Fenton in a completely preventable train versus truck crash near Bribbaree in New South Wales. Now there are twelve families of rail crash victims involved in the campaign – and we
have been joined in support from more than 20 organisations including national peak agricultural and transport bodies, community groups and independent road and rail safety experts.
Through sheer frustration after decades of unconscionable inaction and constant stonewalling by the rail industry and its regulator we started a federal petition this year and Lee again threw his hat in the ring and promoted the petition on his social media and spoke about the issue to the media.
“I have travelled literally hundreds of thousands of kilometers touring Australia, and I have seen first-hand these trains in the dark approaching level crossings, and they literally come out of nowhere…they’re just not adequately visible and they need to be, no different to our trucks and their trailers on the road,” Lee said.
“It’s unacceptable that there is still no legal requirement for trains to be lit to a particular standard in Australia and it’s high time the government legislated mandatory train lighting standards so these completely preventable tragedies that disproportionately affect rural people are avoided.”
Lee and I are both from hardworking rural families I couldn’t be prouder to be working with him to promote the need for visibility standards to improve safety in the rail industry.
Our message to the rail industry and the government comes from one of Lee’s major hits – ‘The Outback Club’ – “We don’t back down and we don’t give up,’ and we won’t be until this glaringly obvious safety issue is addressed once and for all.”
Since Lee’s first album in 1992, The Outback Club, he has captured the essence of what it is to be Australian through his meaningful lyrics and his signature style of rhythm and rhyme. Yet as a man Lee gives back so much more to the bush than his music.
Floods, droughts and fires are some of the most serious challenges people on the land face and Lee Kernaghan has responded to all these natural disasters with incredible kindness, generosity and compassion. He’s been the ‘hand upon the shoulder’ and the first to ‘pass the hat around’, for countless Australians doing it tough for decades.
When the rural township of Moora in WA was battered by floods in 1999, the “Pass the Hat Around” appeal was launched and Lee’s Moora concert raised in excess of $140,000 to help the community recover from the damage and devastation that swept through the town.
When widespread drought ravaged rural
Australia, Lee’s tours raised the spirits of countless farming families faced with the everyday reality of dying stock, empty dams and financial hardship. The Farmhand appeal raised $25 million nationwide for those desperately in need and Lee Kernaghan was a major part of its success.
An Australian we can be proud of Since Lee shot to fame following the release of his first album he has gone on to win four ARIA awards, three APRA Music Awards, 38 Golden Guitars and has sold well in excess of two million albums. He was awarded Queensland’s Australian
of the Year in 2007 and Australian of the Year in 2008 for his outstanding support of rural Australia.
Lee and his father Ray were chosen to represent Australia at the International Fanfare Show in Nashville Tennessee in 1986. They were two of only ten artists from around the world who were chosen to represent their country.
Lee is currently touring Australia and has released his new single Who I Am, a duet with rising country star James Johnston and has a new album due for release in 2025.
Iwent from driving the slowest, most gutless truck on the Hume Highway between Melbourne and Sydney to owning and racing the fastest truck on earth when I bought ‘Waltzing Matilda’,” Ray Kernaghan laughs.
The retired truck driver and Owner Operator with more than four million kilometers under his belt, half of which were clocked up in ‘some sort of truck’ purchased ‘Waltzing Matilda’, a Ford Louisville LNT 7000 prime mover in 1981.
“Matilda was the world’s first jetpowered truck and was built to race against Tyrone Malone’s Super Boss, the world’s fastest truck at the time which was touring Australia,” Ray said.
Matilda was powered by an ex-RAAF Rolls-Royce Avon Mark 1 jet engine taken from a Canberra Bomber and was the first
truck ever to exceed 200mph (322km/h).”
Ray, his wife Pam and their young family took Matilda on their country music tours around Australia and she even went with them to New Zealand where Ray displayed her at air shows and raced the truck in high-speed runs. Waltzing Matilda’s record as the fastest truck in the world remained unbroken until 1982, when its record was taken by “Black Thunder”, another Australian jet-powered truck (this time Peterbilt based).
“Being an Owner Operator had its highs and its lows and owning Matilda was definitely a high point,” Ray reflects.
I recorded a song to this effect that I think many Owner Operators out there will still relate to this day. It was called “You’ve Had Your Share of Hell” from the album “Me and Louie on the Road” and it goes like this…
He stood before the pearly gates; his face was scarred and old.
He stood before the man of faith for admission to the fold.
What have you done, Saint Peter asked to gain admission here?
I’ve been an Owner Operator, Sir, for many, many years.
The pearly swung open wide, Saint Peter touched the bell,
Come in and choose your harp my friend, you’ve had your share of hell
had no idea until now that Lee Kernaghan’s dad Ray was an Owner Driver and that his four children grew up with an understanding and appreciation for the transport and the rural industries. This explains why Lee has got behind the rail safety fight and I am grateful to our writer Lara Jensen for her story on that along with the Kernaghan families ties to transport on Page 2 and front cover and Ray’s Waltzing Matilda truck – powered by an ex-RAAF Rolls-Royce Avon Mark 1 jet engine taken from a Canberra Bomber – the first truck ever to exceed 200mph (322km/h).
Last edition our ‘This is the Outback’ columnist Cliff Graham wrote about his experiences with caravan drivers not having extended mirrors, not communicating via radio and driving in slow convoys. It may seem a bit like preaching to the converted; however thanks to WA Transport Magazine’s social media presence we were able to get this story directly to in excess of 20,000 caravan drivers in Australia. All in
all, it was well received and understood. Many were worried that the truck drivers hated them and did not want any bad feelings. It was a great opportunity to get your message to them in a nice way and in the end the general consensus was understood that at least they need to invest in UHF radios. One interesting point they made was that Western Australian truck drivers were amongst the most polite and helpful of all the drivers in Australia on the radio.
Our valued supporters TWUSuper (back cover) are 40 years old this year. They are looking for images of the transport industry and its operators from the 1980s onwards in order to represent our industry over the four decades. If you have anything you can share please email me at karen@angrychicken.com.au
As always, thank you to everyone who supports the magazine.
Best,
2 Lee Kernaghan throws his hat in the ring for rail safety fight
From the slowest to the fastest truck in Australia
Results of ‘roundtable’ to improve road safety in
Main Roads News – National Roadworthiness Survey
Farmers just want a return to common sense 9 New terminal will take 135,000 truck movements off Perth’s southeastern suburbs roads
Have your say on truck rest locations
Western Roads Federation – Another Christmas of disruptions
More than 100 road improvements across state
LRTAWA – Standing up to be counted
30th Road Transport Industry Safety Forum and 30,000 participants through iNSTRUCKTA! 20 Law enforcement drone trial underway in Perth 21 Who will inherit your super when you die?
VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 9
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The WA state government will spend an additional $32.5 million over the next four years to boost safety on regional roads across Western Australia.
The funding allocation, through the Road Trauma Trust Account (RTTA), involves a range of initiatives covering improved road infrastructure, enforcement and data gathering.
It follows a roundtable of road safety experts and advocates convened by Premier Roger Cook to examine new and innovative ways to improve safety on WA roads after the State this year registered its worst year-to-date road toll since 2016.
The funding includes an additional $20 million towards the Regional Road Safety Program (RRSP).
The additional funding from the RTTA takes the total allocation towards the RRSP over the next four years to $241.5 million, and boosts the total amount invested or allocated to the program since 2020 to more than $1 billion.
The additional $20 million investment will be used by the Cook Government to expand the RRSP to local government roads, with the focus of the program to date being on the State road network.
The RRSP was launched in 2020 to specifically target single vehicle run-off road crashes.
To date more than 9,000 kilometres of the State's regional road network has been upgraded with safety treatments such as shoulder widening and sealing, and the installation of audible edge and
Police visibility in regional areas will be boosted with $2.1 million for increased police traffic enforcement plus high-visibility police car livery
centre lines. By the middle of next year, it is expected 10,000 kilometres will have had safety treatments installed.
Another $8.6 million has been allocated for two new breath and drug testing buses, plus operating expenses, for deployment in country WA.
Police visibility in regional areas will be boosted with $2.1 million for increased police traffic enforcement plus highvisibility police car livery.
Traffic data gathering to provide intelligence on potential road safety treatments and the deployment of safety cameras will be improved with a $1.8 million allocation.
The initiatives have been designed to target regional areas of WA, which have recorded a sharp spike in road deaths in the year-to-date.
Premier Roger Cook said, “We cannot be complacent when it comes to road safety.
“As part of my Government's immediate response to our recent Road Safety Roundtable, we are committing an additional $32.5 million in funding to initiatives designed to help keep more Western Australians safe on our roads.
“We will continue to roll out the latest technology and ideas to improve road safety across WA, and I encourage all drivers to do their bit by driving to the conditions, slowing down, putting on a seatbelt, not driving drunk or tired, and avoiding distractions.”
Road Safety Minister David Michael said, “While the Cook Government continues to review and consider ideas generated by the recent Road Safety Roundtable, these represent more immediate measures that we can implement to improve safety on regional roads.
“I am pleased that funds from the Road Trauma Trust Account, which pools the fines from speed and red-light camera infringements, can be used in such an effective and targeted way.”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “This additional funding will help us to deliver the landmark Regional Road Safety Program to even more parts of the State, including on local government roads for the first time.
“The Regional Road Safety Program is the largest road safety initiative we’ve ever undertaken and is playing a critical role in reducing the number of single-vehicle runoff-road crashes, one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on regional Western Australian roads.
“Since we established the Regional Road Safety Program in 2020, we’ve upgraded more than 9,000 kilometres of the State's regional road network, with 10,000 kilometres expected to be completed by the middle of next year.
“Since 2020, we have invested nearly $1.3 billion towards targeted road safety programs around the State, while we continue to make record investments on upgrading and delivering new road infrastructure that will make our network safer and more efficient..”
Police Minister Paul Papalia said, “This funding will see more police patrolling regional roads and it will ensure those officers have greater visual presence.
“The two new breath and drug testing buses will give police additional capacity to test motorists for drink and drug affected driving outside of the metropolitan area, further boosting safety throughout Western Australia.”
Main Roads Western Australia collaborates with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the Northern Territory Government to participate in the National Roadworthiness Survey.
The latest Survey commenced in July 2024 and spanned approximately three months across all jurisdictions and concludes in October 2024.
This extensive survey provides a thorough health check of the mechanical condition of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet, gathering millions of data points to support
key safety initiatives and compliance activities.
The survey results aim to offer valuable insights to the roadworthiness of the heavy vehicle fleet.
The findings of the 2024 Survey will be compared to previous surveys conducted in 2016 and 2021. The NHVR will announce the results in due course.
For more information about the survey visit www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditationcompliance/vehicle-standards-andmodifications/vehicle-safety-initiatives/ national-roadworthiness-survey.
The Main Roads WA Remote Audit Trial, which concluded on 1 July 2024, aimed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the auditing process while upholding the integrity and standards of the WAHVA scheme. This innovative trial introduced a remote auditing method, significantly reducing the need for physical site visits. Auditors were able to assess compliance with requirements through digital platforms, conducting document and record reviews, interviews, and inspections remotely.
The primary goal of this trial was to explore whether remote auditing could offer benefits to both the industry and auditors while maintaining accreditation standards.
The Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services Compliance team is set to share the trial results with industry by October 2024. Stay tuned for more updates.
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Amassive demonstration and truck convoy organised by the National Farmers Federation, whose last protest was in 1985 and spearheaded by Western Australia’s Keep the Sheep campaign rallied outside Parliament House to demonstrate their displeasure as what they see as the Governments ‘anti-farming’ ideology in September.
The Keep the Sheep campaign amassed thousands of their supporters to protest the government’s ban on live sheep exports.
The campaign celebrated people joining the rally from across Australia, coming
came out to address the crowd. “People are hurting already as a result of this policy and no Government representatives turned up to listen to their concerns…..even when we came right to their doorstep,” he said.
With approximately 2000 people in attendance, the rally demonstrated the frustration that farmers have felt about many aspects of the government’s antifarming policies and added to the nearly 100,000 signatures on the petition.
Mr Sutherland said the day was a success and the campaign wouldn’t stop.
“We have demonstrated in Perth,
People are hurting already as a result of this policy and no Government representatives turned up to listen to their concerns… even when we came right to their doorstep
from as far afield as Darwin, Broome, North Queensland and Adelaide to show their frustration.
Armed with a 50 strong convoy of trucks including trucks who had travelled from WA, Keep the Sheep spokesman Ben Sutherland celebrated the excellent turn out saying, “It’s a busy time of year for farmers, but people feel so strongly about the government ruining our livelihoods, they came out in force today.”
Mr Sutherland said that attendees were ropeable that neither the Prime Minister nor the Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins
Muresk and now in the capital of Australia. The Government should know we won’t rest until either the policy or the government is overturned – whichever comes first.”
The key issues of concern to farmers include the live sheep export ban, water buybacks, emissions reporting and destruction of agricultural land.
Nationals leader David Littleproud expressed his support saying his party stood ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ with the protesters and also demanded the abandonment of Labor’s ‘truckie tax
Workplace violence and aggression is any incident where a person is abused, threatened or assaulted at the workplace or while they are working. These incidents can present as both psychosocial and physical hazards to workers and others and can harm the person they are directed at as well as anyone who witnesses the behaviour.
Under the model WHS laws, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must manage the health and safety risks of workplace violence and aggression between workers and from other people at the workplace, like customers and clients.
Safe Work Australia has examined the upwards trend in workplace violence and aggression to provide a view of the prevalence, causes and impacts of violence in Australian workplaces, as well as a deeper understanding of where there are opportunities for better risk management approaches to prevention.
To read more visit safeworkaustralia. gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/workplaceviolence-and-aggression
and vehicle efficiency standard’ and the scrapping of harmful emissions profiles.
Regarding the live sheep export ban, the NFF argues the $107 million in transitional support offered by the government will be insufficient to address job losses and disruptions within the industry.
NFF president, David Jochinke told the Weekly Times, “We just want a return to common sense. We want policies informed by farmers’ lived experience and designed to grow the industry, not diminish it to appease activist agendas.”
Coalition politicians joined a rally of farmers and Liberal leader Peter Dutton said he is committed to overturning the live sheep export ban if elected at the next election.
The number of truck journeys will be cut and congestion eased with the opening of a new $25 million freight transfer terminal in Kenwick.
Around 200,000 containers will move annually by rail between Fremantle Port, the future Westport and Kenwick, meaning an estimated drop in truck journeys by 135,000 a year.
It will also boost freight productivity and supply chain efficiency.
The Kenwick Intermodal Terminal (IMT) is funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments ($5 million each) and Arc Infrastructure ($15 million).
Located within Arc Infrastructure’s rail freight facility, the terminal allows the safe and efficient transfer of container freight between rail and road by connecting to the Roe Highway Logistics Park, industrial warehouse precincts and major road freight routes.
All fully loaded containers that move between Kenwick IMT and Fremantle Port are eligible for the State Government’s current $50 per twenty-foot equivalent unit container rail subsidy to make moving freight by rail more cost-competitive.
The project supports the State Government's target of moving 20 per cent of container freight via rail, and Westport’s plans for a new container port to facilitate the State’s long-term economic growth and diversification.
Released in November last year, the preferred Westport design includes a new port in Kwinana, supported by an upgraded road and rail freight network and intermodal terminals at Kenwick, Kewdale and Forrestfield.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said, “Improving the efficiency and resilience of our supply chains, particularly in Western Australia, is a priority for the Albanese Government.
“Western Australia continues to be a big driver of the national economy, and ensuring freight movement is as efficient as possible will continue to grow the economy and create new jobs for Western Australians.
“The new Kenwick IMT will support the movement of up to 200,000 shipping containers each year and play a critical role in Western Australia’s future freight logistics network, alongside Westport."
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “The opening of the Kenwick IMT is a great step forward in our Government’s plans to build an efficient and resilient supply chain that can stand up to future demand.
“We have made it a strategic priority to increase the volume of freight on rail because we know it improves efficiency and safety, while reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.
“Our Westport planning has shown that
containerised freight will grow significantly in the coming decades and the Kenwick IMT gives us a welcome capacity injection into our network.
“Together with other hubs in Kewdale and Forrestfield, it is an important part of our landside logistics that will complement a world-leading and sustainable port in Kwinana.
“Hundreds of thousands of shipping containers can be moved via rail through this facility, freeing up our road network and establishing a logistics hub to support our State’s long-term freight transport needs.”
Arc Infrastructure CEO Murray Cook said, “Arc Infrastructure has collaborated with the WA State Government over many years in developing a shared intermodal strategy.
“Kenwick is the first new IMT in line with that strategy and will have an immediate and profound impact on the capacity to move containers through Fremantle Port and onto rail and support the future Westport."
State Member for Forrestfield Stephen Price said, “Our Government continues to invest in the expansion of the Roe Highway Logistics Park, which has been a big driver for our local economy and jobs in Forrestfield.
“The opening of this new IMT is another important step in driving the creation of new jobs, and will also improve road safety and congestion by getting more trucks off our roads.”
Last December I wrote about my concerns with the transport of ammonium nitrate by truck on public roads and built up areas.
I was met with comments suggesting there was nothing to worry about regardless that it has happened already on multiple occasions.
A decade ago a road train carrying ammonium nitrate at Angellala Creek, Charleville left the road, rolled over and caught on fire triggering two explosions and an earthquake. The second explosion recorded a 2.1 on the Richter scale.
Thankfully it was in a remote area and there were no fatalities however, eight people were seriously injured and the road was severely damaged.
Now in mid-2024, a B Double loaded with 42 tonnes of ammonium nitrate has collided with a utility vehicle and hours later the truck exploded leaving a five metre deep crater on the Bruce Highway about 55 kilometres south of Gladstone.
The explosion was heard 50 kilometres away and damage to the road was significant. Shockwaves were felt for kilometres and a 2.5 kilometre exclusion zone was put in place. Residents returned to twisted and buckled doors, smashed windows, cracked ceilings and walls and rubble.
Residents in downtown Bororen said it was lucky the close-knit community was not wiped out.
The utility driver did not survive and the truck driver from NSW was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition.
The QLD Government copped a fair
deal of criticism about the poor condition of the Bruce Highway and indicated it will look at minimising the risk of carting dangerous goods by looking at rail and any other options.
Here in WA we have also had our share of incidents. The most recent occurred on October 24th 2022 on the Great Central Road around 440 kilometres north east of Kalgoorlie.
A road train consisting of a prime mover, dolly and two aluminium trailers had been travelling for some time on an unsealed road when the driver noticed smoke coming from the rear wheels on the rear trailer. He stopped and tried to extinguish the fire with two nine kilogram dry powder fire extinguishers and a nine litre water extinguisher.
This failed so he disconnected the rear trailer and dolly from the road train and drove several kilometres away to safety.
About two hours later the fire exploded the ammonium nitrate emulsion leaving a huge crater in the road, flattened nearby trees and sending shrapnel fragments from the trailer for hundreds of metres.
Fortunately this incident occurred in a remote area.
I believe the authorities were of the opinion that the fire and explosion could have been prevented if the driver had been equipped with better fire-fighting equipment.
Most trucks carry dry or chemical type fire extinguishers which are fine for most fires; however these are not suitable for tyre or wheel bearing fires. Pressurised foam or
water based extinguishers are more suitable for their ability to cool the fire and prevent reigniting.
Most truck fires are the result of tyre or bearing failures so it would make sense to have these types of extinguishers in all trucks.
We have also had two incidents near Newman and New Norcia where trucks loaded with ammonium nitrate have caught on fire and not been able to be extinguished so an exclusion zone has been put in place and the fire is left to burn out. Luckily an explosion did not occur and these were again in remote areas.
There appears to be a need for training drivers to be aware of how to fight fires and for trucks to have the appropriate fire extinguishers.
I’m afraid if I was put in this position I would be taking big steps towards getting far away as quickly as possible.
Considering the mining industry uses over 1-2 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate every year equates to a lot of truck movements and whilst ammonium nitrate is stored in a non-reactive state as an emulsion and is always stable to be transported… it is fine… until fire heats up one of the vessels and in time that explodes.
My concern remains that most of these loads pass through towns or even our city. With the deteriorating standards of driving on our roads the potential for an accident in a built up area whilst small, can’t be ruled out.
Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.
Victoria 13-21 Bliss Court, Derrimut VIC, 3026
Tel -(03) 9369 0000
Queensland 1/15 SeeanaPlace, Heathwood QLD, 4110
Tel -(07) 3372 2223
Western Australia 5 Freight Road, Kenwick WA, 6107
Tel -(08) 9350 6470
The WA State Government has broken ground on a major road project which will provide critical access to the future Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area.
The Oakajee SIA will become a major hub and job-creator for Western Australia's clean energy future.
The $20 million project will include a new intersection at North West Coastal Highway, construction of the first stage of the access road, and around four kilometres of highway widening in the area, with new acceleration and deceleration lanes.
The new access road is a major milestone for the Oakajee SIA, which will position WA as a global renewable energy powerhouse.
The upgrades will support heavy freight movements in and out of the industrial area and are due for completion next year.
The Oakajee SIA is located around 20km north of Geraldton and is recognised for its world-class wind and solar potential, making it ideal for clean energy industries.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “Ensuring we have the road infrastructure to support our strategic industrial areas is
absolutely critical.
“Without the infrastructure to support the efficient and safe movement of freight, these industrial areas simply wouldn't function, which is why our Government is investing in these types of projects and unlocking private sector development.
“The new intersection and access road will be vital for our heavy freight vehicles operating in the area. The State Government remains committed to freight productivity and road safety and we're pleased to be part of a project which will bring so much to the Mid West region.
“With an abundance of solar and wind energy in the surrounding region, Oakajee represents one of the most import strategic industrial areas, as the State seeks to harness its enormous renewable energy potential and create more long-term jobs.”
Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said, “The Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area is one of the most important economic projects being delivered in the Mid West and will create long-term employment for the Geraldton community long into the future.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics should recognise the skills of Australia’s truck drivers by going ahead with changes to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
The ABS is reviewing the classification and the Australian Trucking Association has made a submission to the review.
ANZSCO has five skill levels, ranging from skill level 1 (you need tertiary qualifications) to skill level 5 (you need to have finished school).
Currently, ANZSCO classifies truck driving as skill level 4, equivalent to a Certificate II or III, or a year of experience.
The ABS has proposed adding a new occupation, articulated truck driver, which would be classified at skill level 3, equivalent to a Certificate III with at least two years of on the job training.
The skill level of tanker drivers would also be recognised in the classification as level 3.
In its submission, the ATA said it strongly supported the ABS proposals.
“It is not possible to become an articulated truck driver with just one year of experience,” ATA CEO Mathew Munro said.
“Under Australia’s licence progression system, it takes a newly licensed car driver at least two years to get an articulated truck licence.
“In any case, a heavy combination licence is the minimum legal requirement for working as an articulated truck driver. It does not deliver the skills needed to work competently.
“Articulated truck drivers need additional skills such as work health and safety, chain of responsibility, fatigue management and load restraint.
“These skills are consistent with holding a Certificate III,” he said.
Mathew said that designating articulated truck and tanker drivers at the right skill level would help build the case for adding these occupations to the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List.
“Apprentice and trainee truck drivers, and their employers, should be able to get training incentives – but that will only happen if truck driving is on the priority list.
“Setting these skill levels correctly will also help build the case to bring truck driving into the skilled migration system,” he said.
By Cliff Graham
With increased population, government and mining infrastructure projects and tourism added to the mix - there are more vehicles on our roads than ever before.
As I have said previously, not too many people get passionate about anything in general unless it involves them personally and unfortunately for those in the transport industry we do not have a choice on what we will find around that corner.
Truck drivers are quite often the first responders to accidents, especially in rural and remote areas where there is limited traffic and quite often no mobile phone coverage. Not many of us are prepared for coming across a fatal accident.
I recently attended a pre-harvest road safety heavy vehicle workshop in Geraldton. I travelled for two hours to get to this workshop and I was one of only three people to attend. Considering the amount of accidents in that area alone, you would have thought more people would attend.
I strongly believe the road safety initiative should be led by government. Or at the least, involve them as it is government managed roads we drive on.
Each accident carries a high financial and personal toll.
For over 40 years I have been driving on
outback roads in various conditions. Some of the roads are in shocking condition. With the economics alone who’s paying the wages for the drivers who must travel 20 or 30 kph slower because of poor road conditions? Who is paying for the repairs and damage to the vehicles due to the poor roads? The transport companies of course.
And whilst travelling these roads I see far too many light vehicles and caravans travelling too fast on gravel roads –however, it is the heavy vehicles, especially when they get back onto the bitumen roads, that are intercepted by Main Roads transport inspectors who check the truck is compliant with government standards.
This is why it is so important every government department involved in our roads should be involved and working ‘with’ the transport industry.
I often wonder where the money goes that mining companies contribute to roads they use for their sites when many of these roads are still gravel. Surely if these roads were sealed it would boost government coffers through tourism alone.
The shires also have a responsibility. I have driven over roads that I don’t believe have been graded for years. Just where are our road maintenance taxpayers dollars going?
Fixing the roads and making them safer will help save lives. However, we are told to ‘drive to the conditions’.
I will though give credit where credit is due. Driving through Dongara one afternoon I see a police officer working a radar to keep the traffic travelling through town compliant with the speed limit. A few days later I am pulled up by police (in Dongara again) doing Random Breath Tests. This is what we need to see a police presence where they are actively keeping our roads safer.
I have seen too many stupid inconsiderate driving incidents that only because of evasive actions of other road users could have been more serious. You only have to look at some video footage on social media to read some of the comments to see that there are too many road users (including heavy vehicle drivers) with the mentality of - I’m in the right so I’m not going out of my way for any other road users. As a wise old truckie once told me, “It’s not that hard to do our bit to avoid any accident. We just might be saving a life”.
So instead of saying I have every right to be on the road. Let’s consider it’s actually a privilege to be able to share the road with others.
Over to you
by Cam Dumesny, CEO
Are we in for another Christmas New Year period of interstate freight disruptions?
The Australasian Fire And Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) have published a report stating that there’s a high risk of an early bushfire season with high fuel loads
in the Northern Territory and Western Queensland and even parts of North Western Victoria.
Bushfires in the Northern Territory periodically closed the Barkly and Stuart Highways over nearly a month during October 2023.
Given these forecasts, there is a risk of this happening again on the Barkly, Stuart and Victoria Highways.
TBushfire Risk to Eyre Highway and East-West Rail
Reports from locals and drivers are that there is a significant fuel load surrounding both routes due to the abnormal flooding in February this year.
It is our understanding that DFES will undertake large scale back burns in October to try and reduce the risk.
However, it is reasonable to assume that the road or rail closures over Summer would remain high.
As I write this, we are organising to have a briefing from DFES and BoM on the risk to this route. Our east -west operator members and regulatory authorities will be invited to attend the briefing; which will also include what actions will be undertaken in the event of a disruption.
As you will remember, the route was closed for 12 days in 2020.
Currently the forecast predictions are that the wet season in Northern Western Australia will be later than usual; whilst in the eastern parts of Northern Australia it is expected to be earlier.
There are conflicting reports regarding the intensity of this year’s wet season.
What is not conflicted is the state of the
he 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 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. Their main role to date has been to assess the strategic need of applications for funding under the HVRA initiative.
The Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm, said that using the shared knowledge and experience of truck drivers as members of the committee would continue to deliver better rest areas in the best locations.
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 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.”
To have your say on truck rest area locations visit - https://investment.infrastructure.gov. au/about/local-initiatives/safer-local-roadsand-infrastructure-program
transnational Highway network across Northern Australia.
The Barkly Highway remains severely degraded from damage sustained during the last wet season; whilst the Victoria Highway is only ‘just’ in better condition.
Western Roads Federation are already working with our interstate associations, regulatory authorities and emergency services on preparatory activities to try and help reduce the disruption to drivers and improve support to them in the event of a disruption.
In early September, I was invited to speak at two major Road Safety meetings. The Western Australian Premier's Roundtable and a transport meeting on road safety at which the Prime Minister also spoke in Federal Parliament.
Following both meetings, Western Roads Federation have reached out to multiple road safety stakeholders proposing short term pragmatic actions to help make an immediate impact on reducing the road toll.
Western Roads Federation members and the broader road transport industry in
Federation are already working with our interstate associations, regulatory authorities and emergency services on preparatory activities to try and help reduce the disruption to drivers and improve support to them in the event of a disruption
WA have a strong leadership role to play in helping to improve road safety.
I will continue to push to have Drivers and Companies involved in discussions on road safety.
Governments at all levels and their endless number of agencies pushing climate action
seriously need to get on the same page.
On one hand they are subsidising Electric Trucks whilst another agency is opposing the increased steer axle weight of the same trucks.
Go further and it is a common occurrence to see photos of politicians and others standing proudly next to an Electric Truck. But what’s not being shown is that many of these Electric Trucks are now parked up due to operational or other issues.
Don’t get me wrong, I support the transition, but I want it done in the traditional Australian way of solving a problem which is to find a practical solution. Now, the solutions being currently pushed by Government and Green Activists are not practical they are ideological.
If the Government is serious, then the road map forward is a journey.
Starting with productivity, there are hundreds of easy wins that will reduce truck movements and delays, hence reduce emissions.
These can be done allowing time to be given to enable the technology and regulation of Electric Trucks or other alternative fuel vehicles to be properly developed.
Afurther $52 million will be injected into the State towards improving road safety with the 2024-25 State Black Spot Program and Safer Roads Program.
More than 100 locations across the State will receive road safety upgrades, including 63 in regional WA. The funding will deliver both upgrades and critical planning and pre-construction works.
A total of $22 million has been allocated to the State Black Spot Program and $30 million for the Safer Roads Program. A further $6 million will be contributed by local governments from around WA to support safety projects on local roads.
The major funding injection takes the total amount invested into specific WA road safety programs since 2020/21 to almost $1.3 billion.
Critical upgrades such as widening roads, new safety barriers, sealed shoulders, roundabouts, traffic signals, extending and constructing passing lanes will be built across the state and along many of the major highways.
On the Goldfields Highway - (Shire of Coolgardie) a left hand turn lane to Durkin Road will be installed and right turning movement from Durkin Road to Goldfields Highway will be modified and widened. The road train parking at the intersection adjacent to the service station will be widened and sealed to formalise it and pedestrian crossing facilities will be improved from the road train parking to the service station.
On Toodyay Road - Bindi Bindi Road, superelevation of curves will be reconstructed and new alignment sealed,
For more than two decades, NTI has produced the National Truck Accidents Research Centre (NTARC) Major Incident Report to give a snapshot into claims data and provide an annual benchmark for how the transport sector is tracking in road safety.
The 2024 Report marks the first of “NTARC 2.0”, now produced in collaboration between NTI, the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP), and the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
The 2024 Report is the first step in an Australian-first approach to sharing data and researching, which will see future NTARC reports incorporate an expanded
range of data sets, better reach road users, and encourage more partnerships, to provide further analysis into the causes of major incidents involving heavy vehicles in Australia.
The report can be accessed at nrspp.org.au/ntarc/
The key findings from the report are:
1. The overall incident rate in 2023 has increased by 27% since 2022, marking a concerning trend that has been accelerating since 2020
2. Losses have risen across almost all cause codes, with crashes related to Human Factors seeing a 42% increase since 2022
3. Inattention/Distraction incidents were the most prevalent cause in 2023, with
the batter slopes on embankments will be reduced, culverts extended, drainage improved and pavement markings, delineation and signs installed.
Some passing lanes will be extended on Brand Highway south and north bound plus a southbound passing lane will be constructed north of Gingin.
Great Northern Highway (Wubin to Paynes Find) will see a widening of culverts plus sealing of two parking bays.
A southbound passing lane will be constructed for South Western Highway (Harvey North).
A full list of the projects funded through the 2024-25 State Back Spot and Safer Roads Programs can be found at www. wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/ Cook-Labor-Government/Major-fundingboost-to-deliver-safer-roads-across-theState-20240827
These projects come on top of a $1 billion Regional Road Safety Program, which will deliver safety upgrades to 10,000 kilometres of the State’s road network by mid-2025 since it was established in 2020.
Road Safety Minister David Michael said, “This funding highlights the Cook Government's commitment to improving safety on roads across our State.
“Unfortunately, deaths on regional roads are again over-represented in the fatalities data for the year-to-date, but we are working hard with road safety improvements such as these along with the Regional Road Safety Program to make our roads as safe as possible.”
incidents doubling the rate of any other cause and increasing 75% since 2022.
Over the past five years, there was a 2.6fold increase
4. Over five years, incidents due to Inappropriate Speed increased by 41%.
In 2023, 89% of these incidents involved a single vehicle, with 85% resulting in vehicles going off the path on curves
5. Inadequate Following Distance incidents have increased by 73.5% over five years. These incidents mainly resulted in collisions with the rear of third-party vehicles, occurring predominantly in major cities and involving heavy vehicles and cars travelling in the same direction
The new president of the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of WA (LRTAWA), Ben Sutherland, is known for standing up to be counted by proudly, and publicly, supporting Western Australian agriculture and more particularly rural transport businesses.
Mr Sutherland was born in Hamilton, Victoria where he grew up around farms and rural activities. His grandparents owned the historic Koorine Farm at Coleraine and he spent many hours helping on the property before it was sold, so it is no surprise that his adult working life has been based around primary production.
In 1996 Ben moved to Western Australia where he worked on farms for several years before transitioning to livestock transport in 2000. His experience with livestock came to the fore where being a good stock handler is an absolute pre-requisite for the job. Intermittent farming and livestock transport driving ensued over the next few years until 2015 when he started his own company, 5K Livestock & Bulk, carting rural commodities such as livestock, grain and fertiliser.
Starting with one truck, 5K Livestock and Bulk has gradually built up to a small fleet with each truck having a unique name with an entertaining back story. There’s The Quarter Pounder for example – the truck you buy when you can’t afford a big Mack. The Last Straw – is a family joke, as wife Lisa had decreed that no more trucks would be purchased and according to Ben, the ‘end was nigh’. Other trucks are called All Stocked Up which as the name implies is a dedicated stock truck and Not Legit – so named because the drivers at the saleyards reckoned the driver at the time ‘didn’t look legit’.
In 2015 Ben joined the Livestock & Rural Transport Association of WA and has been a committee member since 2019, becoming livestock vice president in 2023. He is committed to improving outcomes for rural transporters through working constructively with stakeholders to identify areas for reform.
The Federal Government announcement that live sheep exports by sea would end in May 2028 was a hammer
blow for Mr Sutherland, and many other LRTAWA members, with estimates of a 30 -40% reduction to their bottom line. Through his advocacy for the industry, he has become the public face of the Keep the Sheep campaign aimed at maintaining the trade. The campaign has brought him into contact with many decision makers and political identities from the Prime Minister down. Mr Sutherland said he expects the relationships and goodwill he has built through this process will be very useful in gaining support for some of the priority issues he wants to pursue such as improved infrastructure at saleyards, abattoirs and feedlots which will help drivers and animal welfare.
Making a tangible difference to road safety is high on his ‘to do’ list including better amenities for drivers. He believes we have made some very beneficial
advancements with amenities through a constructive relationship with Main Roads, Western Roads Federation and the Transport Workers Union but there is more to be achieved especially in the southern areas of the state.
Mr Sutherland is a passionate supporter of rural communities. His business sponsors the Lake Grace Pingrup Football Club, the Newdegate Lions and Ravensthorpe Tigers. He frequently points out that rural communities will suffer from the ban on live sheep exports, including from the loss of this type of sponsorship which helps keep small clubs viable.
Ben is married with five children, who are the five kids referred to in the business name 5K Livestock and Bulk. In his spare time, not that there is much of that these days, he enjoys driving and restoring classic cars and fishing.
TRANSAFE WA has reached a couple of impressive milestones recently when they hosted their 30th Road Transport Industry Safety Forum in August 2024.
Coincidently the 30th Forum was held at the same venue The Rise, as their Inaugural Forum way back in March 2014.
Forum 30 featured a diverse line-up of speakers from across the transport industry, covering the latest advancements in road safety technology, a presentation from their Diamond Safety Partner BCI Truck, updates from Main Roads WA, case studies from DMIRS, updates on rest stops and reporting of incidents, presentations on drug and alcohol deterrence in the workplace and safety in roadworks, an insurance and market update as well as a powerful personal story from a road trauma survivor. These forums are an opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with others in the road transport industry and to contribute towards a safer road transport industry.
Forum 31 is already in the planning stage and will be held in Kalgoorlie late October 2024 so keep an eye out for this one.
TRANSAFE WA’s other thirty milestone was their 30,000th participant to complete
our iNSTRUCKTA! safety trucks virtual reality heavy vehicle awareness experience.
That’s 30,000 people in Western Australia who now have a higher level of awareness and a better appreciation for trucks and heavy vehicles on our roads.
This milestone was achieved when Greta Butcher visited iNSTRUCKTA! while attending the Newdegate Field Days in early September.
“I found the safety truck tour incredibly insightful and engaging. It really opened my eyes to the importance of road safety, especially from a truck driver's perspective.
The interactive elements were a fantastic way to learn, and I think initiatives like this are crucial for raising awareness” said Greta.
TRANSAFE WA’s safety truck has now attended over 100 events since launching in January 2023. The 100th event was the Narrogin Agricultural Colleges Open day held in the Wheatbelt region of WA on the 13th of September.
If you would like more information on TRANSAFE WA or if you can help support a road transport industry safety initiative like iNSTRUCKTA! please reach out to Rob Sharpe via email info@transafewa.com.au
I found the safety truck tour incredibly insightful and engaging. It really opened my eyes to the importance of road safety, especially from a truck driver's perspective. The interactive elements were a fantastic way to learn, and I think initiatives like this are crucial for raising awareness
The Western Australia Police Force has begun trialling Drone in a Box technology to improve safety and enhance intelligence gathering for officers responding to emergencies.
Footage captured by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be live streamed to the mobile phones of frontline police, as well as officers and other agencies at the State Operations Command Centre (SOCC).
Stored in a transportable drone dock, the aerial asset can be deployed in strategic locations, launched remotely and have its battery automatically recharged.
To date, 80 flights have been completed as part of the Yanchep Drone in a Box trial, including successful use during simulated public safety scenarios such as missing person searches and the tracking of wanted vehicles.
The year-long pilot program will progress through three phases to thoroughly test the technology and its application in a range of weather
conditions. Under appropriate approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the trial will see Drone in a Box operator’s transition from line-of-sight control to remote operation.
The trial comes after similar programs in other countries reported successful outcomes.
Police Minister Paul Papalia said, “Drone in a Box technology could mean WA Police have eyes on an incident before responding officers arrive.
“Having a bird’s-eye view of a situation in real-time could give police important intel they otherwise wouldn’t have had, allowing officers to make informed decisions on the ground.”
Police Commissioner Col Blanch said, “Every second counts in an emergency, so I’m excited to see if Drone in a Box technology can better protect my troops and potentially help them to make lifesaving decisions faster.”
Qube has acquired the Western Australian integrated transport, logistics and storage business, Coleman’s Transport for $119 million late August.
Coleman’s specialise in the Security Sensitive Ammonium Nitrate (SSAN) supply chain, with assets including highsecurity storage sheds located in the key WA mining centres of Wyndham, Port Hedland, and Karratha.
Founded by brothers Robert and Henry Coleman, Coleman’s Transport was a family owned and operated business. The business was first put on the market in 2015 but failed to secure a buyer.
Qube Managing Director Paul Digney highlighted the strategic significance of this acquisition, noting that it positions
Qube to enter the WA SSAN supply market and drive further growth. The acquisition is expected to deliver operational improvements and synergies within 24 months, providing a platform for future expansion in the region.
“The acquisition of Coleman’s includes over $90 million of assets, including high security storage sheds in key WA mining centres,” said Mr Digney.
“These facilities are close to transport infrastructure, SSAN manufacturing and processing facilities and meet all regulatory and compliance requirements.
The Coleman’s truck fleet includes around 40 double road trains and it is believed that Qube will retain the existing Coleman’s workforce.
The new (IR) changes will affect the rights of casual employees, contractors, and certain employee rights.
Under the Closing Loopholes No.2 Act, the following changes started on 26 August 2024:
• Changes to casual employment including:
o New definition of casual employee
o Casual conversion rights
• Changes to the definition of employment
• Right to Disconnect – For employers with 15 or more employees
Other changes also commenced on 26 August 2024 that only affect certain categories of employers. These include laws about unfair contract terms, workplace delegate’s rights, road transport regulation and the regulation of employee-like workers.
The Australian Government has funded a free online program to assist small business to understand and implement the changes. Called Small Business Peak, the program has free downloadable toolkits and step-by-step guides in plain English that explain the latest workplace changes, with timelines, implementation checklists and some case studies to help simplify the complex nature of these changes.
To learn more about Small Business Peak, small businesses are encouraged to visit smallbusinesspeak.org.au
Telstra and Optus will extend the closure of their 3G networks, setting a new shutdown date of 28 October 2024, to ensure all Australians are informed about the necessary actions they need to take ahead of time.
The telecom providers will use this additional time to execute a final push for mass public awareness of the impending closures.
“It is critical customers check their devices are compatible with the 4G or 5G network,” a spokesperson for the companies said.
In 2004, specialist insurance provider
NTI launched its Premium Repairer Network to introduce industry standards to help streamline repairs, while giving business owners, customers, and NTI the tools and transparency to get work done in a fair and more efficient way.
“Before the network, the industry largely comprised of small, family-owned shops, which weren’t established for heavy vehicle repairs, and there was a lot of a mistrust between repairers and insurers,” NTI CEO Tony Clark said.
“The goal of the Premium Repairer
Network was to complete repairs quicker, more cost effectively, and with fewer reworks. For customers, we wanted consistency so they could get a quality repair while controlling the cost and, crucially, get back on the road in a reasonable and fast timeframe.”
Reworks have plummeted from 28 per cent (%) of jobs to just three, ultimately reducing costs, while customer satisfaction has skyrocketed, with 99% of customers saying they would recommend NTI to a friend.
Mr Clark said working with industry was key to changing the face of heavy
vehicle repairs.
“The Premium Repairer Network first began with a project team comprised of owners and managers of about 30 truck repair shops from around Australia. We learned that equipment, approvals processes, and payment schedules stood out as key factors needing to be addressed,” he said.
NTI created minimum equipment requirements as well as ‘real money, real time’ where we paid for the hours worked, within 48 hours of an invoice being submitted, compared with up to eight weeks that had been the norm,” Mr Clark said.
If something unexpected happens and you pass away, you want to know that your loved ones – your spouse or children – will be looked after financially.
Even if you have a valid Will, without a ‘binding’ beneficiary nomination, the decision of who receives your super and any attached life insurance (known as your ‘death benefit’) will be made by your super fund trustee.
When deciding who to pay your death benefit to, trustees must follow a specific process – including taking applications from potential beneficiaries into account.
The importance of nominating a ‘binding beneficiary’
There are two types of beneficiary nominations you can make:
• Binding
• Non-binding
If you have a valid binding beneficiary nomination, it cannot be
contested and the trustee must pay your super to the person or people you have named as your beneficiaries.
When choosing your beneficiaries, you can only nominate your dependants – who are your spouse, child or someone who is financially dependant on you –or the legal personal representing your estate.
For a binding nomination to be valid, it must be signed and witnessed by two people who are not your beneficiaries, and updated every three years.
The reason most super funds (including TWUSUPER) put a limit of three years on binding nominations is because your life changes. For example, if you divorce or have another child, you might change your mind about who your beneficiaries should be.
A non-binding nomination means the trustee will consider your wishes but will make the final decision about who receives your super based on your personal circumstances at the time of your death.
How to make a binding nomination with TWUSUPER
To make a binding nomination, complete and return a Binding death benefit nomination form. You can download this form and find more information using the QR code below.
If you need some help completing the form or have any questions, call our Member Service Team between 8am and 8pm (AEST/AEDT) weekdays on 1800 222 071.
By taking the time to nominate your beneficiaries, you can help ensure the financial security of those who matter to you most. Don't leave their future to chance – take control of your super today.
This document was prepared on 6/8/2024 and issued by TWU Nominees Pty Ltd ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163, the trustee of TWU Superannuation Fund (TWUSUPER) ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. This document is of a general nature only and does not take account any of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. A copy of the current Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination (TMD) can be obtained from visiting twusuper. com.au/pds or by calling us on 1800 222 071. You should consider these carefully before you make any decision in connection with TWUSUPER.
By KEVIN TOOVEY
Six HCVC members took their trucks out to York on a very nice first day of spring which also happened to be Father’s Day. Lots of Dads got taken to the motor show for a day out.
With the theme of “Roll and Rock on to Route 120”,York provided some colourful dancers to fifties and sixties rock music in the main street in front of cars of the same era.
The town of York has recently been in the news as it has been the backdrop for the movie Runt and the television show The Twelve. The town was chosen because of its architecture and well preserved buildings and as we all know it lends itself well to showcase vintage cars and trucks.
By Russell McKinnon
The Work Health and Safety laws came into effect on January 1. WHS replaced the term Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
The Transport Forum WA Annual General Meeting of 2012 was held at Star Street, Welshpool on January 30. Vice Chairmen Ian Harrower and Ray U’Chong were re-elected unopposed, as was Treasurer Rob Kelly. Peter Beach was elected from the Corporate Services Division and Alan Herbert from the Freight Division. Dennis Sutton, from the Passenger Services Division, would also join the committee. Chairman Derek Nathan touched on the Chain of Responsibility and the recently introduced fatigue management regulations in his annual report. CEO Ian King’s major points were: Issues relating to the MRWA over permitting and the impact on the industry; ongoing serious issues relating to Fremantle Inner Harbour; and the changing face of the Corporate Services Division.
The February 22 Committee of Management Meeting was advised that a letter had been received from Vic Roads regarding pilots who have been trained
by WARTA being acknowledged as the only pilots allowed to work in Victoria, as the training WARTA offers includes the necessary traffic control management standards (TLIS6007). WARTA was in a position to take over Stirling Skills Training, which was winding up. WARTA would negotiate to see if an agreement could be reached. CEO Ian King reported that WARTA’s Alliance Partners totalled four — BP, Castrol, NTI and Beaurepaires/ Goodyear — and that a fifth was in the discussion stages.
The Committee of Management was tentatively moving on an offer to sell the Cohn Street premises. The CEO was to negotiate to fulfill certain caveats placed by the Committee.
Updated medical standards for assessing whether private and commercial drivers were fit to drive safely came into effect on March 1.
WARTA Chairman Derek Nathan retired from the Australian Trucking Association in April after 11 years. He was lauded for his contribution to skills and training in the industry and mentioned that he was a founding member of the Australian Furniture Removers’ Association and a Life
Member from 2003.
Main Roads WA’s “One Stop Shop” opened for business where it became easier to gain permits for oversized loads. This meant making only one application to Main Roads in order to obtain an Oversize Load Permit, book a police escort and get a referral to Western Power for power line clearance. Eight power lines, which crossed Great Northern Highway between Perth and Newman were undergrounded in the same initiative.
On April 16, Tom Maughan, WARTA’s Freight Operations Manager, stood down and was replaced by Graeme Sinden, who had an extensive background in the transport industry.
Passenger Services Manager Wally Gargano reported to the April 22 Committee of Management Meeting that meetings with the Public Transport Association were ongoing and that he and BusWA Chairman Ray Gannaway were having fortnightly meetings with the Minister’s key staff and the PTA to move issues forward. The Minister is seeking a non-complicated approach with clear KPIs and covering the essential services that form part of the operation of school buses.
The Freight & Logistics Council of WA has been given a makeover with the Minister cancelling the membership and reducing the number of Council members.
WARTA CEO Ian King was invited to remain a member of the Council, chaired by Professor Fred Affleck. The Council has been the driving force on Port of Fremantle changes.
It was reported to the April 22 Committee of Management Meeting that the school bus contracts were now known as “Evergreen Contracts” in that they no longer needed to be tendered for. This had taken some nine years to achieve and special thanks were given to Ray Gannaway, Ian Harrower and Wally Gargano.
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.
