WA Transport Magazine

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 January/February 2019 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine PAGE 8

TRUCK DRIVING Is this an attractive career choice?

It is now widely acknowledged that we have a truck driver shortage. Transport companies and the Government are concerned and are making efforts to fix the problem with talk about ways to encourage newer and younger drivers to get behind the wheel of a truck

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Stay safe with fuel containers • Safer bridges for Albany Highway • Payment time’s review • $2.6 Billion Koodaideri iron ore mine

Count on Delta to deliver Over to you

Manufactured to precise tolerances, Delta purpose build its telescopic hoists to suit every application under the sun.

There is nothing stock standard about our range or our quality.

Micro finished hard chrome plating on all stages

Delta delivers 100% integrity, finished within a 1000th of an inch.

177-199 Stoney Rise Rd Devonport, Tas 7310 Phone: 03 6420 6900 Fax: 03 6424 6983 Email: jfwhite@delhyd.com.au

02

Australian engineered, Australian precision

WATM • January/February 2019

Over to you

Our Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is available 7 days a week.

Talk to us about: Permits

Accreditation

OSOM movements

Route Assessments

Trafic Escort bookings

Compliance

The Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is open from: 7am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and WA public holidays.

Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services 525 Great Eastern Highway REDCLIFFE 6104

Tel: 138 486 Fax: 9475 8455 Email: hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au www.mainroads.wa.gov.au 1 WATM • January/February 2019

WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 1

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd Telephone 0430 153 273 www.angrychicken.com.au ABN: 35 486 530 095

PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 08 9296 4488 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, John Milner, Ray Pratt, Peter Swift, Vince Ziino.

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Angry Chicken Head Office T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au DESIGN / PREPRESS Cally Browning | Bare Creative

H

appy New Year everyone. I hope you had a lovely Christmas and were able to take a well-earned break with your family and friends.

Thank you so much to all the people who have responded to me from the December edition where I told you of the magazines move to become digital as well as printed.

This is the first month that the digital copy is available and for all of you that have filled in my form (another one is on Page 21 of this edition), plus those of you I already had email addresses for, or have been able to find through the internet you will have received an email from watransmag@angrychicken.com.au with the link to the ‘interactive’ digital copy plus a link where to download the ‘free’

app reader for your device.

Please put the domain angrychicken. com.au in your ‘safe senders list.

In the meantime, I have a lovely lady helping me next year who will be ringing readers to get your email addresses, but if you can please fill in the form (Page 21 of this edition :o)) and return to me at: karen@angrychicken.com.au I would greatly appreciate it.

In this edition we cover the topics that are of concern to industry - payment times, lack of drivers, worries for subcontractors but on a positive note; the new Rio Tinto $2.6 Billion investment in Koodaideri iron ore mine in the Pilbara (Page 20) as well as straight from Minister Sterle’s mouth regarding the now defunct RSRT. Best,

ACCOUNTS T: 08 9296 4488 Email: accounts@angrychicken.com.au PRINTER Daniels Printing Craftsmen

Karen

CONTENTS

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions available directly from the Publisher.

T: 08 9296 4488 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au Australia: 1 year $65.95 (inc GST) 2 years $127.55 (inc GST)

3............................................... Letters to the Editor

Overseas subscribers: Airmail postage will be added to subscription rate.

11............................................... Sharing the road with Oversize vehicles

Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes

12............................................ Fatal heavy vehicle crashes Australia – At a glance

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

4............................................... NatRoad talks RSRT with Senator Sterle 10............................................ New International standards to increase driver safety

13............................................ Western Roads Federation – Its only 10 kilometres of road 14............................................ Safer bridges for Albany Highway 16............................................ New year resolutions and the future for transport

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

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

2

WATM • January/February 2019

17............................................. Payment times review will identify Australia’s worst payers 18............................................ Potential solution to fuel crisis 19............................................ Australian subcontractors in crisis 20.......................................... Rio Tinto approves $2.6 Billion investment in Koodaideri iron ore mine

Every Month 5............................................... Questions to the Minister 6............................................... Bird’s Eye View 8............................................... Fair Go for Owner Drivers 14............................................ `Dangerous Goods 19............................................ The Lone Wolf 22.......................................... HCVC 23.......................................... WA Transport History 24.......................................... Model Trucks

Endorsed by

Over to you YOUR SAY

Letters to the editor Dear Karen It is great to see that the magazine is going digital.

I read my newspapers where ever I am in the State and occasionally overseas so your magazine will be gratefully accepted on my tablet. Where ever I am on the road, I have access to my favourite publications.

I love the articles and it keeps me abreast of what is happening in the industry. This is such an important part of the WA transport landscape that I trust you will continue to flourish at a time when transport is being hit the hardest by the economic times.

Fantastic that you have ridden the ups and downs of the economic cycle. Long may it continue.

Name and address supplied.

From the Editor: Many thanks for this and the other positive messages, calls and feedback I have received from readers about the magazine going forward. I believe in this magazine and in this industry and aim to hang in there.

As of this edition, WATM will be available in ‘interactive’ digital format as well as print.

I have realised that not only will the magazine be able to reach a much larger demographic but there are so many people that work away and by doing this they have access to it whilst they are on the road.

The most surprising thing to me has been how ‘internet’ savvy many of my seasoned readers are and it seems that I am the one needing to catch up with technology.

In order to make the digital magazine available to existing readers I need your email address. Please go to Page 21 of this edition and fill in and return the form to me to: karen@angrychicken.com.au This is a ‘free’ service and you can add your work colleagues, sub-contractors, drivers or anyone you think would benefit. This would be a great help to me if you could do this please.

Traditionally, the magazine has always gone out to the decision makers within the industry – Directors through

Hi Karen Please see attached form to receive the transport magazine digitally - great step and innovation.

Can I also ask that you can now ‘not’ send a hard copy - I am thinking of stopping my PO address as I receive most things these day electronically - also would save you some mailing. Other magazines I subscribe to have gone this way and do not

News number of causes in many truck accidents.

Overloading can also result in severe penalties and prosecutions of up to $15,000 for an individual and $75,000 for a corporate entity.

The mass limits for vehicles are prescribed in the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 and further defined in RAV permit operating conditions. If you are travelling overloaded and you are stopped by a Main Roads Transport Inspector, the Inspector may undertake an inspection which will generally include: a gross and axle mass assessment using portable scales; vehicle and load dimension checks; and a check of your over size and over mass permit compliance.

For non-compliant vehicles, the Inspector will advise the driver what action will be taken and depending on the severity of the offence, the matter may be treated by a caution, infringement, or summons for a court hearing.

To help ensure your vehicle is not overloaded you should know the weight and weight limits of your vehicles. On Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services website, under Tips and Guides is a guide to helping you understand your vehicle ratings. Drivers of heavy vehicles must be aware of the maximum loaded capacity of their vehicles in order to operate safely, legally, and prevent

The Hidden Consequences of Overloading

I

f you’ve ever overloaded your truck thinking “She’ll be right, mate” – think again. An overloaded truck can cause significant damage to the State’s road network, whilst also putting your vehicle under additional pressure.

Vehicles will react differently when the maximum weights they are designed for are exceeded, affecting vehicle performance.

In an emergency an overloaded vehicle can be harder to control and more unstable,

6

making it difficult to stop; the braking distance increases and this can lead to the driver misjudging the stopping distance.

Additionally, tyres run hotter and the centre of gravity of the loaded vehicle is raised leading to higher rates of tyre failure and risk of rollover. When a load is overweight, unbalanced, or shifts while moving, the chances of the driver losing control of the vehicle increases. Improperly loaded and overloaded trucks are one of a

Overloading can also result in severe penalties and prosecutions of up to $15,000 for an individual and $75,000 for a corporate entity damage to both the vehicle and the road network. As weight distribution is important, ensure the load is distributed properly.

Part of the WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (WAHVA) Scheme requires accredited transport operators to comply with the Dimensions and Loading Management Module Standards. The non-compulsory module Accredited Mass Management Scheme (AMMS) provides operators with loading control guides and loading plan templates to assist transport operators in developing their own loading plans.

Further information on Accreditation and Load Restraint can be found at www. mainroads.wa.gov.au or by calling the Heavy Vehicle Services Help Desk on 138 486.

WATM • October 2018

Dear Karen, I read with interest the article “The Hidden Consequences of Overloading” in the November issue of the WA Transport magazine.

The article talks about performance, road damage and penalties applied to any operator that fails to comply with regulatory or permit load levels.

While these are all valid points, a most important issue is missing from this article, highlighting the general ignorance of the implications of noncompliance with the loading standards laid down by the Traffic and its Regulations.

Back in 2002, I was discussing overloading issues with a senior manager employed by the fertilizer manufacturer CSBP. Patrick’s question

to Operations Managers but with the digital model on board it will mean your employees and sub-contractors can also receive it. I would hope that this brings together industry as a whole, and assists

publish hard copy at all any more Again thanks for the great work you do with the magazine and best wishes for safe and joyous Christmas and Happy New Year.

Regards, John Park Regional Manager WA Custom Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia Inc

to me was, “What is the situation if CSBP permit an overloaded vehicle to leave the premises”.

My response to that question was that there is potential civil liability if an organisation permitted an overloaded vehicle onto the road network and it was involved in an accident.

The protection afforded by complying with regulatory limits does not apply if the vehicle is noncompliant.

Damages could be sought in a civil court and depending on injuries arising from the accident could be over six figures.

CSBP had weighbridges and the ability to determine if a combination was exceeding limits, however, everyone has a Duty of Care to try and observe legal or permit limits.

Failing facilities to observe such limits, compliance with a code of practice offers some protection.

As any operator hauling fertilizer out of CSBP facilities would know, the Company is very careful to ensure that load limits are not exceeded.

Operators should be aware that non-compliance with load limits and stability requirements puts their business at risk should they be involved in an accident on the road network.

Ian Tarling

everyone who has trucks on the road with access to the latest information on regulations, safety as well as the ‘culture’ of our industry.

Best Karen WATM • January/February 2019

3

News NatRoad President Allan Thornley with Senator Sterle

NEW APP LINKS OPERATORS TO HEAVY VEHICLE REGO INFO

H

NatRoad Talks RSRT with Senator Sterle

N

atRoad President Allan Thornley and NatRoad CEO Warren Clark met with Senator Sterle, Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety late 2018.

Discussions encompassed the abolished Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, the industry’s payment terms and working together to get more young people into the road transport industry.

Allan Thornley said, “It’s critical that political parties of all colours support the toughening of chain of responsibility laws.

We can never have another RSRT which was ill-conceived. Any future regulation in this space needs careful consideration to achieve bipartisan political and industry support.

“Senator Sterle was keen that the industry work with him and other members of the Australian Labor Party to change the face of our regulation,” said Mr Thornley.

Senator Sterle said, “I will always be a champion for the transport industry. The RSRT as a model didn’t work. We won’t rush into a new model that doesn’t work.

I’m going to bring in safe rates, I’m going to do this and I’m going to do it properly,” he said.

Discussion encompassed a number of areas where NatRoad and Senator Sterle

4

WATM • January/February 2019

were in agreement. These matters included • Making 30 day payments a mandated minimum • Introducing a trade recognised skill of heavy vehicle driving • Establishing a plan to get more young people to join the industry and increasing the industry’s diversity • Setting up a working group to look at any mandated rates scheme before a new system is put in place.

Allan Thornley said, “We also reached agreement on the fact that enforcement of the law is critical.

The industry must hold regulators to account. Parties must know that enforcement up the chain is likely and therefore regulators must allocate enough resources to enforcing the new COR laws and any new regulation.

Truck drivers should be able to report breaches of laws which impact on their safety without adverse consequences.

“We want to continue to engage with dedicated industry supporters like Senator Sterle,” Mr Thornley concluded.

eavy vehicle operators and supply chain parties can now check the registration status of their fleet on a mobile phone app, no matter which state their vehicles are located.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the free NHVR Registration Checker app enabled drivers and supply chain parties to check that a vehicle is registered before loading or hopping behind the wheel.

“This is the first national rego app specific for heavy vehicles, allowing checks no matter in which state the heavy vehicle is registered,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“Simply check a vehicle’s registration by entering the rego number or by taking a picture of a registration plate before downloading the vehicle’s registration status.

“This is yet another step to provide uniform services across state borders.”

The NHVR Registration Checker app is free to download and use and is compatible with Android and IOS versions. To download visit https://itunes. apple.com/au/app/nhvr-registration-checker/ id1440247127?mt=8 or https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=com.au.gov.nhvr.apps. regochecker Users will also be able to dial the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line from within the app.

The app would support the transition to a national registration system, which began earlier this year when rego data from all Australian states, except the Northern Territory was brought into one portal.

The scheme already allows: • a new national heavy vehicle plate and nationally consistent plate fee in participating states and territories • more jurisdictions removing heavy vehicle registration labels • fleet operators across all jurisdictions to set common registration expiry dates.

“This is the first version of the app to support the data that is now utilised by the NHVR,” Mr Petroccitto said. “It will allow operators to check registration plate numbers, registration status and expiry, year of manufacture and other vehicle details.

“We’ll continue to work with heavy vehicle operators on additional information they require in future versions.”

Payment or queries regarding heavy vehicle registrations should be directed to the relevant state government body.

Over to you QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTER with Hon. Rita Saffioti | B Bus MLA | Minister of Transport Our West Australian Minister for Transport has kindly agreed to answer your most pressing questions for publication in the WA Transport Magazine. Our thanks go to the Minister for her time and we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. Please send your questions to the publisher at karen@angrychicken.com.au

Minister: Can the Minister please tell me what is happening with the Perth / Darwin Highway?

Answer: The Perth-Adelaide National Highway (PANH) links Perth to the Eastern States.

• The existing Great Eastern Highway (GEH) climbs the steep grade of Greenmount Hill and traverses residential areas and town sites between Perth and Northam.

• This constrains east / west heavy vehicle movements and therefore a fit for purpose freight corridor is critical for efficient access connecting Perth with the Eastern States.

• A planned route (Orange Route) follows the existing Toodyay Road to Gidgegannup and then connects with the existing GEH at Clackline.

• The Federal Government anounced

that it would allocate $10M to progress the planning and project development work for the Eastlink WA proposal which includes the planned (Orange) Route.

• Eastlink WA extends the PANH corridor to tie into the Northlink WA investment, incorporating upgrading of Reid Highway, the Orange Route alignment and upgrading GEH tying back to the Northam Bypass.

The proposed route includes: • Grade separation of the signalised intersections along Reid Highway / Roe Highway at Altone Road, Lord Street, West Swan Road, Great Northern Highway, Toodyay Road and Morrison Road.

• Construction of the planned PANH along Toodyay Road to east of Gidgegannup to freeway standard • Construction of the PANH from Toodyay Road eastwards to GEH at Clackline to a 4 lane rural highway • Upgrading the existing GEH from

Semi Trailer Rentals

Clackline to Northam town site turnoff (Mitchell Street) to 4 lanes.

Current situation • Main Roads recently reviewed the planning for the future Perth-Adelaide National Highway in relation to future interchange and intersection locations and configurations.

• Significant detailed planning and project development funding is required for the project and it is anticipated that there will be extensive environmental approvals that need to be sought.

• With the Federal Government $10 million contribution for further planning and project development, State funding contributions will be provided towards further planning and project development subject to normal State Budget processes and further federal funding may be sought from existing federal Government infrastructure programs.

QUICK DRIVE THRU FULLY AUTOMATED TRUCK WASH 24 hr / 7 day Access

3 Minute Express Wash

Flattop Trailers A Trailers

Dropdeck Trailers TAG Trailers Skel Trailers Extendable Trailers Dollies Short, Long Term OR Hire to Buy Options

• Road train friendly • Full chassi rinse

standard

• Credit card facility • Fleet accounts

available

Roadtrain / B Double - $125 inc gst Semi / Truck & Pig - $99 inc gst 6 Wheel Trucks / Bus $88 inc gst

222 Maddington Road, Maddington WA 6109

Contact Murray on 0415 955 607 or murray@trsrentals.com.au

www.trsrentals.com.au

2 Nicholson Road, East Picton T: Darren 0417 909 128 E: info@twepicton.com.au

www.twepicton.com.au WATM • January/February 2019

5

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

Good news to start the year off on

S

o here we are in the New Year.

Another year flown by in the blink of an eye. I swear that it was March 2018 only last week.

Some of the topics I covered in 2018 were: drivers on international licences causing problems, fatigue management, truck safety, Slowmo Laws, changes to cycling laws and the Baysie Bridge - and yes it has been hit again and again since writing that article.

Not 'good news' topics unfortunately, but to be honest it is hard to come up with a good news story these days.

So to start of the new year on a positive note I thought it would be nice to find some happy news - just so that you know that I am not ‘always’ a whiney, complaining grump.

So my first positive bit of news was a lovely surprise I received at the end of last year. Valentine (my truck) broke down. She had a fuel problem to which we found out later that when she had had her service the week before, they had crimped the O Ring when putting the new fuel filter in.

Anyway, there I was, cab tilted, trying to prime the fuel through when a lovely bloke in a truck stopped to check if I was ok and see if he could do anything to help. And we are not talking about out in the bush - it was metro Perth.

He couldn't stop long but did his best

6

WATM • January/February 2019

Another thank you to someone who is always willing to help is a lady known to many in the Transport Industry as Miss Tiffany Jewels Farlow

to get me going again and left with my very grateful thanks. And this was repeated again and again - a total of seven knights in shining armour stopped to offer help to this damsel in distress before the truck repair wagon finally turned up and managed to get me going long enough to get back to the repair shop.

To each of these gentlemen (and they were all gentlemen) who stopped to assist I want to say a big thank you. We are all in such a rush and on such deadlines these days that it is hard to be able to stop, but each one of these men took time to try and help me and I am very grateful to them all for their thoughtfulness and their willingness to help.

Another thank you to someone who is always willing to help is a lady known to many in the Transport Industry as Miss Tiffany Jewels Farlow.

Miss Tiff is the font of all knowledge and the warner of all breakdowns, accidents, road closures and storm warnings plus anything else that might affect us on the road. She can be found posting all day and all night on the Western Australian Truck Warning Facebook Page. Miss Tiffany your dedication to road safety is outstanding and is also greatly appreciated by so many.

Another snippet of good news has just hit my desk. Well good news but still tempered with sadness.

The latest statistics regarding fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles for the year ending September 2018 has reduced again this year. It is down from 169 in 2017 to 152 in 2018. This is still a horrific number of our community that haven't come home but it means that there were 17 more truckies not there to celebrate with their families at Christmas.

And so as I sign off I wish you all prosperity and happiness for this New Year.

I thank you for supporting this magazine and for your feedback on my columns.

Until next month, keep the wheels right side up on the black stuff and take care of yourselves and your families.

FUWA K-HITCH BRINGING THE WORLD DOWN UNDER.

Heavy duty suspension MELBOURNE

13-21 Bliss Court Derrimut VIC 3131 p: 03 9369 0000 f: 03 9369 0100 melb@khitch.com.au

FEATURES:

• Maximum axle load: 11T • Double leaf trailing arm 1st: 100x35mm 2nd: 100x45mm • Available ride heights: Underslung systems: 195-350 Overslung systems: 390-570 • Rear mount shock included • Parabolic Trailing arm offers controlled vertical deflection due to the elasticity of the spring steel

PERTH

77b Kurnall Road (cnr Kurnall & Dowd Street) Welshpool WA 6106 p: 08 9350 6470 f: 08 9350 6750 perth@khitch.com.au

• Absorbs road shocks and severe oscillations of running gear • Free of horizontal movement • Minimum deflection due to specially designed pivot bush • Easy alignment through hanger plates which are then welded after alignment

BRISBANE

41 Moreton Street Heathwood QLD 4110 p: 07 3372 2223 f: 07 3372 1022 qld@khitch.com.au

www.khitch.com.au

WATM • January/February 2019

7

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

Truck Driving –

I

Is this an attractive career choice?

t is now widely acknowledged that we have a truck driver shortage and it’s going to get a lot worse.

Surprisingly, transport companies and Government are concerned and are making efforts to fix the problem with talk about ways to encourage newer and younger drivers to get behind the wheel of a truck.

This is surprising as it’s not very often either of these groups have ever shown any interest or have had the inclination to fund any training scheme.

The suggestions have been about introducing truck driving at a school level as a career choice and the other thought is about setting up an Apprenticeship Scheme to help mentor younger people to choose truck driving as a career.

Both are great ideas except it will not work. The image and working conditions of truck drivers are at an all-time low and until we are able to make the industry more attractive; then enticing new people into the transport industry becomes a pointless exercise.

In fact, I would suggest that we have enough qualified experienced licensed truck drivers in Australia who have already exited the transport industry because they do not wish to drive unless working conditions improve.

Truck drivers are tired of long hours, poor food choices and the pressure they are placed under.

There is no question that truck drivers have to be a special type of person as it’s a hard and difficult job. As a long distance truck driver you really give up your life for the job and so your family and social life suffers.

If we wish to attract people into the transport industry then we have to change the working conditions.

It’s always been that truck drivers work excessive hours and are never home. It’s definitely a difficult problem to solve and the transport companies have a lot to

8

WATM • January/February 2019

answer for here.

New truck drivers have an enthusiasm and energy that is unbelievable and all they want is just to succeed and do the best they can. These are the drivers the transport companies love and want because they can push them and exploit them for every hour of the day and for every day of the week.

They then pay them ‘just’ enough to survive on and so we work harder and longer trying to survive on this endless treadmill.

It takes quite a lot of years of being squeezed to breaking point for the penny to drop about how we are being exploited, but by then, we are disillusioned and our enthusiasm has waned and we battle to survive after putting in such a big effort.

It will to be a massive effort to try and turn the industry around and make it attractive for any newcomers.

Firstly, truck drivers are very professional and experienced operators

and need to be shown respect for the job we do. We are valuable people in the food chain and we deserve recognition for our effort in getting the job done.

This includes being paid for every hour of work we do including the time we spend waiting to get loaded and unloaded.

Whoever came up with the idea that we only get paid when the wheels are turning certainly has never walked a mile in the shoes of a truck driver.

We need to have regular access to good food and showers and toilets. Just because truck bays have always just only been a bit of a gravel road with a rubbish bin does not mean that it’s an acceptable standard and remember we are also trying to attract ladies to drive trucks.

The call for action is now. If we fix the problems then we solve the driver shortage.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

The image and working conditions of truck drivers are at an all-time low and until we are able to make the industry more attractive; then enticing new people into the transport industry becomes a pointless exercise

JOST Fifth Wheel

Technical data Type King pin

JSK 52 3.5” / 90mm

Imposed Load

75T

D-value

400kN

CRN

46422

JSK 52 • Highest rated ADR 62/02 compliant Fifth Wheel

• JOST E-Coating for state of the art corrosion protection

• Designed for extreme applications, such as mining and side tippers

• Weight 450kgs, height 196mm

• Pivot bearing for ease of oscillation

• Replaceable wear ring and adjustable locking mechanism

• Weldable pedestals for mounting

Toll Free: 1800 811 487

www.jostaustralia.com.au WATM • January/February 2019

9

News

Sharing the roads with oversize heavy vehicles

S

panning more than 2.5 million square kilometres, Western Australia’s vast size and rugged nature often means that large or bulky items, which can be up to 8.5 metres in width, must be moved by road.

The vast majority of transport operators are conscientious and well informed of their responsibilities when travelling on WA roads. However as we head into the New Year, it is a good time to recap on how as drivers, we can share the roads safely with oversized loads ensuring that all road users return home safely. Whether you’re driving a truck, an oversized vehicle or in your private car.

Vehicles in excess of 3.5 metres wide or 25 metres long are required to be escorted

by Heavy Vehicle Pilots. Similarly, loads in excess of 5.5 metres wide require a Traffic

New International Standards to increase driver safety

News

F

orklift users across the country stand to benefit from intended safety improvements outlined in several International Standards recently adopted in Australia with more to come over the next 12 months.

A number of International Standards governing industrial trucks (forklifts) have recently been adopted as Australian Standards following extensive stakeholder consultation. The International Standards adopted have benefited from heavy influence of Australian experts ensuring their application in Australia, underpinned by international best practice.

10

WATM • January/February 2019

“Industrial trucks (forklifts) are used right across Australia for many different applications, and these new publications will focus on those areas that prioritise driver safety,” said CEO of Standards Australia, Dr Bronwyn Evans.

“The industrial truck industry in Australia is one deeply committed to safety, and these standards which are supported by international best practice are excellent tools to help drivers, operators and those maintaining these vehicles to do so at the high standard expected by the Australian community,” said Ms Sue Hart, Executive

Officer of the Australian Forklift and Industrial Truck Association.

ME-026 Industrial Trucks, the relevant Technical Committee of Standards Australia, has been working tirelessly to publish a number of standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on industrial trucks (forklifts). Several have been delivered recently, with multiple standards still underway at various stages of development.

“Australia is leading the way in improving safety of industrial truck standards in part due to our robust WHS/ OHS legislation. These improvements include the sequential seatbelt now required to be fitted to all sit-down counterbalance forklifts to ensure the operator is using the seatbelt, as well as the slow-down of electric forklifts when the mast is elevated reducing the risk of tip-over,” said Mr Stan Palmer, Chair of the Standards Australia Technical Committee responsible for the work in Australia.

“Australia has participated in the development of ISO standards for industrial trucks since 2002 and where possible, the committee will continue to adopt ISO standards rather than developing Australian Standards in relation to industrial trucks ensuring international guidance is brought into the Australian community.”

Escort Warden. Pilots and Wardens have a responsibility to alert road users to the presence of large, slow-moving loads. If you encounter a Heavy Vehicle Pilot or Traffic Escort Warden on your travels, please: • Slow down • Move to the left • Follow the directions provided; and • Be prepared to stop.

Remember, under the Road Traffic Code 2000 Heavy Vehicle Pilots and Traffic Escort Wardens have the same powers as WA Police officers in relation to directing traffic for the purpose of facilitating the movement of an oversize load.

If you’re unsure about what’s happening in front of you, you can use UHF channel 40 to communicate with the Heavy Vehicle Pilot, Traffic Escort Warden or the other truck driver.

Last year, Main Roads Traffic Escort Wardens escorted more than 1,250 oversize over mass loads through the Perth metropolitan area and across regional Western Australia. The team facilitated the transport of items including steel and

concrete for infrastructure projects over some of the longest routes in the world – sometimes taking days to reach their remote destination.

Whether you’re on the road in your car or traversing the State in a big truck, we want you to come home safely. Please

be mindful of Heavy Vehicle Pilots and Traffic Escort Wardens and be patient on our roads. Sharing the road safely requires courtesy and patience from all road users.

For more information on sharing the roads with oversize loads visit www.mainroads. wa.gov.au.

Vehicles in excess of 3.5 metres wide or 25 metres long are required to be escorted by Heavy Vehicle Pilots

When you need high durability and a good performance brake lining is youR besT opTion A Medium to high friction coefficient asbestos free brake lining. Made with the base of fibreglass is adequate for high brake performance when necessary. Recommended for aftermarket application as well as hydraulic use. This lining has a good resistance to fade, high durability and good compatibility with the drum. The performance and durability characteristics have been extensively evaluated in our testing laboratory as well as on the roads, demonstrating to be cost effective by giving increased lining and drum life.

4 Hopetoun Place, Welshpool, WA Tel: (08) 9353 4411 Fax: (08) 9353 5922 WATM • January/February 2019

11

Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

IT’S ONLY 10 KM OF ROAD

W

• During the 12 months to the end of September 2018, 169 people died from 152 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks. These included 93 deaths from 84 crashes involving articulated trucks, 86 deaths from 76 crashes involving heavy rigid trucks and 10 deaths from 8 crashes involving both a heavy rigid truck and an articulated truck.

• Fatal crashes involving heavy trucks: decreased by 10.1 per cent compared with the corresponding period one year earlier (from 169 to 152 crashes) and decreased by an average of 2.2 per cent per year over the three years to September 2018.

• Fatal crashes involving articulated trucks: decreased by 16.0 per cent

12

WATM • January/February 2019

Quarterly counts of fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles, Australia, with trends

News

Fatal Heavy Vehicle Crashes Australia – At a glance

compared with the corresponding period one year earlier (from 100 to 84 crashes) and decreased by an average of 1.6 per cent per year over the three years to September 2018.

• Fatal crashes involving heavy rigid trucks: were unchanged compared with the corresponding period one year earlier (from 76 crashes) and increased by an average of 0.3 per cent per year over the three years to September 2018.

• Fatal crashes involving buses: decreased by 42.9 per cent compared with the corresponding period one year earlier (from 28 to 16 crashes) increased by an average of 9.4 per cent per year over the three years to September 2018.

hat can 10 kilometres of road mean for the WA and NT Transport industry?

In December 2018, we ran a joint transport industry forum with the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce.

Which for the transport companies that came along, was a total bonus as they got to chew the fat and network with business and industry leaders they normally wouldn’t meet. And from the sounds of the conversations that went on, they were generating business leads for their transport companies.

How a Project Creates Multiple Transport Jobs Project Sea Dragon is a $1.45 billion prawn aquaculture project which will involve the construction of up to 10,000 hectares of land into a black tiger prawn farm. This will be located on the NT / WA border on Legune Station just over the NT border from Kununurra.

In total there will be 1500 jobs across all locations involved in the project, but our focus is on Kununurra.

In Kununurra it is forecast to create 125 long term jobs at a processing plant. Ok, processing jobs are transport jobs, but here is another way to think about it.

At full production there will be a 100,000 tonnes of prawns produced and processed. That means • Transport of 150,000 tonnes of prawn food to the Keep River prawn farms; • Plus transport from the prawn farms to Kununurra; • Plus transport from processing plant in Kununurra to Darwin or Wyndham harbour.

But it also means that up to 600 additional jobs are created based on a four times multiplier that economist use.

Quite simply, the employment multiplier measures the amount of direct,

indirect and induced jobs created (or lost) in the area. Direct jobs are related to the specific industry, while indirect jobs are those that support the industry. Induced jobs are those that are a result of direct/ indirect employee’s spending money in the community.

So what does that mean for Transport?

Well, all those additional jobs are going to need supplies to be transported in to Kununurra, either from Darwin or Perth.

That means opportunity for you.

• Jobs create population growth that means construction – good for construction transport.

• That also means more groceries and retail items being transported to the shops.

• More coffee, milk, bread etc. deliveries to support cafes and restaurants.

• It also means more courier deliveries as regional people seem to enjoy online shopping.

• Also more removals of families in and out.

Well, all those additional jobs are going to need supplies to be transported in to Kununurra, either from Darwin or Perth. That means opportunity for you.

• And it also means more waste collection and disposal • And the list goes on, you could know doubt think of a lot of transport tasks that I have missed. Including all the freight and transport tasks needed to support the growth of prawn food (maize etc.).

So Where Are We Now? The NT Government is keen on the project and have invested $56 million to support infrastructure, including $17.5 million for the upgrade the Keep River Plains Road to ensure year round access between Kununurra and Legune Station.

However, the WA Government has not committed to upgrade the 10 kilometres of road on our side. But before getting to critical, it is actually fair enough as the

investors have not yet given final sign off to the project.

But if and when the project is signed off, that 10 kilometres of road on the WA side will create a large road transport task for multiple sectors of our industry.

The Point The point of this whole article is to make you think, about how one project can create so much opportunity for everyone in the industry, not just the headline acts of bulk haulage out.

It is worth noting, that increasingly we are being brought into projects much earlier as companies and governments look to the transport industry for advice and assistance in planning. That is a good thing for our members of Western Roads Federation.

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION IS THE UNITED VOICE OF WA TRANSPORT COMPANIES Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit.

Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved.

For a membership application form Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004

WATM • January/February 2019

13

Focus DANGEROUS GOODS By Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS)

Stay safe with fuel containers and LP gas bottles this summer

Charred remains of a truck that was ravaged by a fire involving flammable good IMAGE Eric Shewchuk

With Australia Day just around the corner, you can almost hear Sam Kekovich’s distinctive voice on the TV again. It’s also time to mow the lawn for some backyard cricket and bring our BBQs out of hibernation.

While we may find ourselves transporting dangerous goods all year around in a professional capacity, do we still keep that same level of care when transporting LP gas or fuel for personal use?

Image One demonstrates the devastating consequences of fires involving flammable

News 14

Safer bridges on the way for WA’s Albany Highway

WATM • January/February 2019

dangerous goods.

Here are a few reminders to help you stay safe this summer.

1. Keep ignition sources away from fuel containers If CCTV footage from petrol stations is anything to go by, fuel containers, such as jerry cans and LP gas cylinders, can cause significant harm if not refilled correctly. Petrol fumes create a flammable environment where even static electricity is enough to start a fire, so consider these

W

orks have started to replace two ageing bridges on the Albany Highway in Williams, Western Australia.

The $12.2 million project, jointly funded by the State Government ($7.2 million) and Federal Government ($5 million) also includes improvements to Albany Highway and intersection improvements at Richardson Road.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals' Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $12.2 million project would replace two bridges located at the northern end (over Coalling Creek)

tips: • When filling a fuel container, take it out of the vehicle and place it on the ground. This earths the container and helps prevents static build-up.

• Keep your mobile phone away – it might be another source of ignition if you drop it. If you must use a phone, remove yourself from the hazardous environment first.

• Avoid spilling any petrol when filling.

It will evaporate and can create a flammable environment. The flammability of petrol vapours is only 1% to 8% by volume of air, so it does not require much vapour to start a fire.

If you do cause a spill, always clean it up. Otherwise the fuel will contaminate the immediate surroundings and may cause or contribute to an incident further down the track.

• Only use approved containers for transporting petrol and diesel, as these containers are designed to shed static electricity.

Being on a boat with fuel containers can present additional hazards, but these precautions will assist: • Have approved firefighting equipment located near exits or controls. If a fire starts on your vessel, it is important to locate your firefighting equipment where you and your passengers are easily able to reach them.

• Isolate any potential ignition sources

and southern end (over Williams River) of Williams.

"The Australian Government recognised the significance of these bridges, so we fasttracked the funding to ensure works began this spring," Mr McCormack said.

"The replacements will improve driving conditions for local residents and freight operators, delivering safer and more productive bridges that are fit-for-purpose.

"With the replacement of these old bridges, we will also see a reduction in maintenance costs, saving taxpayers' dollars."

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project would also

when refuelling. Even if you turn it off, the motor will remain hot for several minutes and can cause the petrol to ignite. It is safer to let it cool before refuelling.

• Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of flammable vapours.

Being heavier than air, petrol vapours can accumulate on the boat and may cause a spark if an ignition source (e.g. starting a motor) is present.

• Ensure the vehicle has adequate ventilation in case there is a leak – in a trailer or the back of a ute is ideal.

Winding windows down will help dissipate the vapours.

• Avoid carrying incompatible goods together e.g. oxidising agents (such as granular pool hypochlorite) with fuel containers in the boot at the same time, as they will contribute to a fire if one was to start.

2. Separate and ventilate while transporting Confined spaces and flammable fumes are a recipe for disaster. If there is an ignition source nearby and the conditions are right, it can result in an explosion. Keep in mind these points: • Ensure that the fuel container is properly sealed and securely restrained in an upright position during transport. For LP gas, the pressure release valve will not work if the cylinder is transported horizontally and any vapour formed in the cylinder will not vent.

3. Staying safe with LP gas cylinders In 2005, there was an incident outside a Perth home where static discharge from a man caused the vapours from an LP gas cylinder to ignite. The man involved was seriously injured and the damage bill exceeded $200 000. To prevent something similar happening to you, here are some steps you can take to minimise the risk: • As with jerry cans, ensuring that your vehicle is ventilated while transporting LP gas cylinders will prevent a build-up of flammable gas. Like petrol, only a small amount is required to mix with

A ute involved in a LP gas fire that ignited due to static electricity.

IMAGE Eric Shewchuk

Jerry can stored correctly for transport - restrained and well ventilated.

IMAGE Alex Blackman

include upgrading the Albany Highway and intersection improvements at Richardson Road.

"When the Western Australian Government was successful in getting funding from the Bridges Renewal Program earlier this year, we looked at what other Williams traffic improvements we could include," Ms Saffioti said.

"As a result, the project now includes social amenity improvements, such as additional street lighting and pedestrian connectivity, as well as the two bridges that will improve safety and reliability for all road users on Albany Highway.

air to create a flammable environment, with the flammability range of LP gas being between 2% and 9% by volume of air.

• When carrying gas cylinders, ensure that you discharge your static as it can build-up while sitting in the car. There is always a chance that the discharge is sufficient to ignite the flammable vapours, as it only requires 0.25 millijoules of ignition energy to ignite a LP gas/air mixture.

• To prevent the LP gas cylinder from leaking during transport, ensure that the cylinder valves are closed.

• Testing for leaks in the connections of your cylinders is also a good way to stay safe. Spraying soapy water onto the connection and looking for bubbles forming can identify leaks.

Summer can be a great time for everyone, but we need to be aware of the dangers associated with our activities.

Before you start preparing for the festive season, please keep in mind these points and stay safe.

"The construction of temporary crossings over the waterways occurred in 2018, and were also funded by the Australian Government, ensuring local, tourist and freight traffic can continue using Albany Highway during these important bridge works."

The new bridges will have higher load limits, which are increasing from 20 tonnes to 166 tonnes, providing a major benefit to the heavy vehicle industry on one of the State's major freight routes.

Approximately 4,500 vehicles use the bridges in Williams each day, with 17 per cent of them heavy vehicles.

The replacements are expected to be complete by the end of 2019, weather permitting.

The Australian Government has committed $5 million to the project under Round 3 of the Bridges Renewal Program and the WA Government will fund the remaining costs of $7.2 million to deliver the approved project scope.

More information on the Bridges Renewal Program is available at http://investment. infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_ investment/bridges_renewal.aspx or https:// project.mainroads.wa.gov.au/home/regional/ south/Pages/williamsbridge.aspx.

WATM • January/February 2019

15

Over to you LRTAWA by Andy Jacob, President, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS AND THE FUTURE FOR TRANSPORT

News 16

Payment times review will identify Australia's worst payers

WATM • January/February 2019

T

he Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), Kate Carnell announced a review of payment times, to measure the effects of late or extended payment practices on the cash flow of small businesses and family enterprises in Australia.

“In our 2017 Payment Times and Practices Inquiry, we found Australian payment times were the worst in the world, with invoices paid on average 26.4 days late,” Ms Carnell said.

A

s the sun has set on another year its time to turn our attention to the future and consider what might lie ahead for WA transport and the economy.

There aren’t many certainties in life but one thing we know is that we will have a federal election this year. If the pundits

“We identified a growing trend for large Australian and multinational companies to delay and extend payments from 30 days to 45, 60, 90 or 120 days.

“More recent research involving 1600 businesses identified the biggest cause of business disputes is payments (44%), with either the full amount not being paid (26%) or not being paid on time (18%).

“Partial and late payments, seeking discounts to pay in 30 days, offering loans to cover extended terms, all place stress on the cash flow of

are correct, we’ll also have a change of government. What does that mean for transport and agricultural policy and regulation?

The issue of ‘safe rates’ has already been placed on the agenda with a legislated minimum rate being suggested as part of the equation.

Although the Opposition said it will handle things differently this time around, it is hard to forget the emotion and divisiveness last time a minimum rate was regulated. Whilst we all know there are circumstances where rates and payment terms are an issue, the labour relations system is not the appropriate regime to deal with them.

Single truck operators who have established themselves as a business should be able to seek redress for unfair or unconscionable conduct through the same processes as any other business and if that is not the case the law can be modified.

A good starting point in supporting small businesses would be to invest more resources in ensuring a fairer approach to compliance and our elusive level playing field. Every day we hear of an operator who has managed to ‘fly under the radar’ and those people put pressure on the ones who invest in compliance.

Heavy vehicle national law is currently being reviewed by the National Transport Commission (NTC). Fatigue regulation will receive close attention as part of the review and it seems clear there will be close consideration of how to bring the WA system closer to the national system or vice versa. If both WA and Federal governments are from the same team there may be inducements offered that are difficult to

resist. If this comes to pass, we need to make sure that WA transporters are the winners.

The role of emerging technologies in transport are likely to receive closer attention from policy makers both in how they could enhance safety and also reduce the human resources required for monitoring compliance.

In 2019 we are likely to see Infrastructure WA develop its role in providing government with expert advice on the State's infrastructure needs and priorities including a 20-year strategy. On the face of it this is a positive move, but like many things, its success or otherwise will depend on the extend of industry consultation and whether those on the ground have input.

The $3.2 billion road infrastructure and maintenance initiatives announced in the last state budget will commence. Some of this funding will go towards upgrades on roads where there is a high risk of run-off road accidents. The northern and southern sections of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, widening a 58 kilometre section of the Indian Ocean Drive, upgrading the Great Northern Highway from Muchea to Wubin, upgrading the South Coast Highway between Albany and Jerramungup and

continuing to upgrade the Great Eastern Highway on priority sections identified in the Wheatbelt Safety Review will all feature in works programs next year and are welcome initiatives.

For many rural transporters the future of live export under a changed political climate will be foremost in the mind.

Agriculture may restructure to address market changes and demand. This will have an impact on rural transporters and we need to make sure we are prepared for it. The LRTAWA will be seeking to help members through the transition if necessary.

It looks like 2019 will be a year to stay engaged with your industry association.

Transport businesses can have their say about many of the issues outlined in this article by contributing to their association and supporting their efforts.

There are many positive signs for the future however we need to make sure the needs of WA transporters are at the forefront of the policy makers minds when decisions are made. The best way to do that is to participate in your industry association.

Best wishes for a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.

small businesses. It forces the business to find ways to finance the short fall in their working capital.”

ASBFEO has a five minute survey for small and family businesses to fill out so we can get a better idea of the state-of-play on payment times and practices in Australia.

The survey questions are straightforward: • What payment times are in your contract?

• Do you have to provide a discount if you want to be paid in 30 days or less?

• Are you paid later than the contract states?

“We have also written to large corporations requesting a copy of their payment terms and conditions to suppliers,” Ms Carnell said.

“Extended payment times for suppliers effectively uses the businesses in the supply chain as a cheap form of finance. Too many small and family businesses are being crippled by slow payments and the national economy suffers as a result.

“When a business experiencing extended payment times is also hit

with late payments, it stresses the business further, which can easily put them out of business. Poor cash flow is the primary reason for insolvency in Australia.”

The results of the survey will be used to provide advice on how late and extended payment practices might be improved to better protect the cash flow of small businesses.

Although the Opposition said it will handle things differently this time around, it is hard to forget the emotion and divisiveness last time a minimum rate was regulated

NEXT STEP: Complete Survey at -www.asbfeo.gov.au/paymenttimes WATM • January/February 2019

17

News

Potential solution to fuel crisis available for under one cent per litre

A

potential crisis caused by the nation’s lack of strategic fuel reserves and over-reliance on foreign petroleum supplies which happened in December 2018 could be addressed by restoring a fleet of Australianowned tankers, according to a new report.

Written by maritime consultant John Francis, former Director of the Maritime Transport Policy Centre at the Australian Maritime College, Australia’s Fuel Security: Running on Empty examines solutions to the risk of the nation grinding to a halt if fuel supplies are impacted by a global economic shock or conflict along major trade routes.

Commissioned by the Maritime Union of Australia, the report provides a detailed estimate of the number of tankers required to maintain supplies, along with the cost, per litre, of using Australian-owned and crewed tankers.

“The cost of addressing this risk is comparatively low: even carrying Australia’s entire import volume on a fleet of Australian tankers would cost less than one extra cent per litre.”

The report outlines major industry and policy shifts that have seen Australia go from producing and refining most of its fuel needs at the turn of the century,

NatRoad Supports Government on Small Business Funding

N

atRoad supports the Commonwealth Government’s move to enhance access to funds for small businesses through the introduction of a $2 billion Australian Business Securitisation Fund.

“Small businesses are a feature of the road transport industry and predominate in NatRoad’s membership profile,” said Warren Clark CEO of the National Road

to an overwhelming reliance on foreign imports. Last financial year, 91 per cent of Australia’s refined petroleum was imported or produced from imported oil, while more than half involved “just-in-time shipments” on vessels carrying finished petrol, diesel, jet fuel and other products. Of the 677 tankers that visited Australia in 2017, not one was owned, managed or crewed by Australians.

It also highlights the fact that Australia is the only International Energy Agency member country that fails to meet its 90-day fuel stockholding obligation, which has been the case since early 2012, with Government statistics showing fuel reserves are generally less than three weeks.

Mr Francis produced detailed costings, per litre of cargo, for a range of scenarios involving the use of tankers owned, managed and crewed by Australians, finding this additional cost could be spread across the entire import volume to provide

Transport Association.

“The road freight industry has a low market share concentration. The four largest companies account for around 15% of industry revenue,” he said.

“The industry is characterised by tight margins and fierce competition. Access to finance can be difficult especially in an environment where the capital cost of heavy vehicles is increasing. Even when small businesses can access finance,

a “very modest cost per litre.”

“The cost of five Australian ships spread across the projected import volume ... in 2018-19 results in a cost of less than onetenth of a cent per litre.

With more than 90 per cent of petroleum products shipped to Australia on foreign tankers — much of it through potential conflict zones — MUA deputy national secretary Will Tracey said Australia was sleepwalking into a major fuel security crisis.

“The Government’s own statistics show that across Australia in early December we had less than three weeks of fuel reserves,” Mr Tracey said.

“In the worst case scenario, a major economic crisis or a conflict that disrupts the supply chain — such as in the South China Sea — could cut fuel supplies, leaving us with just three weeks in reserve before transport systems collapse, food supplies are impacted, and essential services cut.

Over to you THE LONE WOLF by John Milner

The life of an Owner Operator

T

he company you work for, the boss comes up and asks if you would like a trip.

Of course you would – you are still paying the truck off.

You load up and go home to see your family and collect your gear if you are lucky or some only have time to phone and let their partner and disappointed kids know you won’t be home for dinner.

Some drivers are lucky and are able to

18

WATM • January/February 2019

take some of their family with them when they work away but most companies have a strict policy of not allowing passengers to travel with them.

So being a truck driver does have its draw backs as you lose a lot of family time and also have the pressure of trying to make ends meet.

Owner operators do have a lot more costs than the average contractor and everyone wants a bit of your pie.

So you do your best to keep your bottom line as low as possible which means using products you would not normally choose if you could afford to.

For example, I had a Starter Motor go on my Jap junk truck.

To purchase an original one was $2400 which I felt I could buy quite a few American Iron Starter Motors for that price.

So, I got a Chinese cheapy and got my Auto Electrician to find an original Japanese

funding costs are high.

“Government has announced a measure to address this issue. The Australian Business Securitisation Fund will invest up to $2 billion in the securitisation market, providing additional funding to smaller banks and non-bank lenders to on-lend to small businesses.

“When you combine this measure with the current payment times inquiry, we see a pattern of assisting small business which can only benefit all Australians.”.

Australian subcontractors in crisis unless governments act now THOUSANDS OF AUSTRALIAN subcontractors continue to be forced into insolvency due to building and construction companies that are failing to pay, despite government attempts to address the issue. The Australian Subcontractors Association (ASA) is calling for the Federal Government to step up and take responsibility before it’s too late.

It follows the latest company collapse of one of Australia’s oldest engineering firms - RCR Tomlinson, which will have a major impact on thousands of subbies.

“When it comes to the collapse of

one which he did - an old stock one for $400.

The Chinese import lasted three months. Same as I have found with the tyres.

The tyres were a big cost not that long ago but I have noticed that imports have reduced in price recently.

With the tyres, I found that I went through a few brands before I found ones that the truck liked.

I worked it out that it was costing me around a cent per kilometre which I classed as ok but with cheaper imported truck tyres I think that amount would have changed by now.

Hey, I am not saying they are all bad, some are ok.

Fuel… well that’s another big cost.

companies that rely on subcontractors to undertake the work, the domino effect can be devastating. Unfortunately, the subbies are often left to fend for themselves,” says Louise Stewart, Australian Subcontractor Association (ASA) spokesperson. “When companies fail to pay subcontractors for work done, the subbies still have to pay employee entitlements and taxes.”

A 2015 Senate inquiry into insolvency found that the industry is burdened every year by an estimated $3 billion in unpaid debts, including subcontractor payments. In 2018 alone there have been 1,642 construction businesses that have become insolvent. A high percentage of these are attributed to misconduct.

“Sadly, non-payment issues have long plagued the industry – as evidenced by the subcontractor to RCR Tomlinson that has lost $9 million due to the company not paying for work done,” says Ms Stewart. “We have been advised by subbies that RCR has been delaying payments as far back as 12 months in order to prop up its own cash flow. And it’s unlikely any of these subcontractors will see their money.”

Ms Stewart recounts the story of one of the subcontractors, a family-owned business, that has lost millions of dollars because of RCR delaying payments for over a year. “The two couples are devastated,” she says. “It has decimated their business, meant hundreds of employees will be laid off, and both couples stand to lose their family homes.”

TIME TO TAKE ACTION The ASA has called on the Federal Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack to take action to protect subcontractors “all the way down the supply chain in the event of an insolvency”.

“The Federal Government review

by John Murray* has already made recommendations for cascading statutory trusts to be rolled out across the industry; however, there has been no further action,” says Ms Stewart.

“When Craig Laundy was Minister for Small Business, he said if state governments did not act before the end of the year, the Commonwealth would take action. We are still waiting for that to happen.”

Ms Stewart says national legislation is needed and either cascading statutory trusts or cascading project bank accounts must be mandated. “The Queensland government is certainly taking the lead on this and has made project bank accounts a legal requirement.

“However, greater responsibility needs to be taken at all levels.

Governments need to act to legally impose these solutions and ensure contractors pay subcontractors rather than spending their money.”.

You can visit the Australian Subcontractors Association at: www.asaonline.org.au *Review of Security of Payment Laws

I ‘was’ bullet proof.

Smoked too much, drank too much coffee and working around 100 or more hours a week

I ‘was’ bullet proof. Smoked too much, drank too much coffee and working around 100 or more hours a week.

Result, two major heart attacks and three to four Angina attacks plus diabetes.

My message to you - watch your health.

Go for walks around the trailers. Plan your meals and the most important thing is try and keep your meals at as normal times as possible.

Be careful of what you eat out on the road. I know a lot of people who have got food poisoning from vehicle stops around WA. Lastly, make sure you have a wellstocked medical container full of everything you may need. I always did.

Please keep it safe, get home to family and friends.

I remember the times when you could fill up enough to get to close to Port Hedland and for the return trip the fuel was cheaper in Port Hedland than Perth.

I ran a few different fuels and found that the BP and Caltex were the ones I remember giving back the best results and that was running American Iron.

The rest ran a bit short on the total trip.

Then on top of all of this you have to watch your health.

WATM • January/February 2019

1919

News

RIO TINTO APPROVES $2.6 BILLION INVESTMENT IN KOODAIDERI IRON ORE MINE

R

io Tinto is to develop its most technologically advanced mine following the full approval of a $2.6 billion1 (A$3.5 billion) investment in the Koodaideri iron ore mine in Western Australia.

Koodaideri will deliver a new production hub for Rio Tinto’s worldclass iron ore business in the Pilbara, incorporating a processing plant and infrastructure including a 166-kilometre rail line connecting the mine to the existing network. Construction will start this year with first production expected in late 2021. Once complete, the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 million tonnes, underpinning production of the Pilbara Blend, Rio Tinto’s flagship iron ore product.

Koodaideri Phase One will help sustain Rio Tinto’s existing production capacity by replacing depletion elsewhere in the system.

The operation has been designed to utilise an increased level of automation and digitisation, helping to deliver a safer and more productive mine which is expected to be Rio Tinto’s lowest cost contributor to its industry benchmark Pilbara Blend product.

Through the use of digital assets, advanced data analytics and automation, Rio Tinto expects to significantly enhance the operation and maintenance of this new mine.

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said, “Koodaideri is a game-changer for Rio Tinto. It will be the most technologically advanced mine we have ever built and sets a new benchmark for the industry in terms of the adoption of automation and the use

20

WATM • January/February 2019

of data to enhance safety and productivity.

“As we pursue our value over volume approach, targeted high quality investments such as Koodaideri will ensure we continue to deliver value for our shareholders and Australians.

“This further investment in our iron ore business is also a multi-billion dollar vote of confidence in Western Australia.

The project will also deliver significant opportunities for local companies and we expect more than A$3 billion will be spent with Australian-based businesses, with opportunities for about A$2.5 billion of spending for Western Australian-based businesses during its development.”

The investment is underpinned by an ore body3 of high-quality Brockman ore more than 20 kilometres long and three kilometres wide. In addition to mine infrastructure, an airport, mine support facilities and accommodation for employees will be built.

Throughout the construction period Rio Tinto expects to employ over 2,000 people with 600 permanent roles created once the mine is operational.

Since completion of the pre-feasibility study in 2016, additional capital has been included for productivity enhancements to increase capacity to 43 million tonnes from the 40 million tonne base case. The project scope was also broadened to incorporate significant safety improvements and the development of additional infrastructure such as an airport and site access roads.

Cost inflation for labour and materials also

contributed to the capital increase.

A $44 million pre-feasibility study into Koodaideri Phase 2 has also been approved. The expansion could increase annual capacity from the Koodaideri production hub to 70 million tonnes and beyond. A final investment decision is subject to study outcomes and Rio Tinto’s value over volume approach.

Technology and Innovation

Koodaideri will feature technology already in use across Rio Tinto, such as autonomous trucks, trains and drills, and implement systems connecting all components of the mining value chain for the first time. The development will consolidate everything Rio Tinto has learned from its studies into finding advanced ways to extract minerals while reducing environmental impacts and improving safety, known as the Mine of the FutureTM programme.

Koodaideri has more than 70 innovations in scope including: • a digital replica of the processing plant, accessible in real time by workers in the field; • fully integrated mine automation and simulation systems; • advanced automation including an automated workshop, and; • numerous data analytics capabilities and control loops to optimise production and reduce downtime.

To receive your FREE digital copy of WA Transport Magazine please fill in the form below and return to us ASAP.

T

o meet the needs of our readers who are requesting for their convenience that the magazine to be ‘also’ available in digital format - we will add this FREE service as of January 2019 edition.

The digital version of WATM will be ‘interactive’ so you will receive a higher level of information by simply clicking on stories and advertising. You will also receive a free App to view it on your selected device.

Over 25 years, WATM has remained the highest reach to the WA Transport Industry and has given

‘industry’ a place to have ‘your say’ as well as a direct link to have your questions and concerned addressed

by WA policy makers .

With the expansion to digital we will be able to further assist you by helping educate and inform your drivers and sub-contractors on regulation changes and safety and more… as well as bringing a ‘unity’ to this industry between all facets of operation.

The digital version will allow me to make the magazine available to ‘more’ people within your business including management, staff and contractors.

Please add me to the mailing list to receive the WA Transport Magazine in digital format.

Your name: Company name: Your email address: I wish to add the following to receive the magazine: Name: Email Address: Name: Email Address: Name: Email Address: Name: Email Address: Name: Email Address: Name: Email Address: Name: Email Address:

Return form to karen@angrychicken.com.au or mail to: Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd, PO Box 1387, Morley WA 6943 Don’t forget to add angrychicken.com.au to your safe senders list WATM • January/February 2019

21

Over to you

UNUSUAL LOAD Destination Dowerin field day “GOOD DOG “ AND his owner Mel Taylor were called on to carry this unusual load on the return trip from North Dandalup to Dowerin for the 2018 annual machinery field days. I think the sight would have turned a few heads and had a few people reaching for their mobile phones to take a picture. It is not every day that you will see a vintage Mack with a tank on the back travelling down the road. This is a tank with a cannon at the top, even if the cannon was covered up with a bit of plastic to stop any rain from getting into the hatch on the journey.

The 1942 Tank Light M3 (Stuart Tank) is owned by Tony Breeze , who got it from a farmer out at Pingelly. Journalist Aidan Smith wrote a full two page story about the tank that appeared in “Ripe” a lift out section of the Farm Weekly after the Dowerin show. Tony has been working on restoring the tank for several years. He believes it is the only Stuart tank in working order currently in WA. During the war Stuart tanks were stationed at Mingenew, Morawa and Nungarin and after the war the tanks were auctioned off, sometimes very cheap.

Farmers bought them and used them for spare parts for their trucks and tractors and with a few modifications, used them for clearing land. There isn't that many alternative uses for army tanks.

Apparently a Stuart tank fully loaded with crew and gear weighs in at around 11 ton so not a full load for the truck, but an unusual load.

22

WATM • January/February 2019

www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-19/tinkering-with-tanks-and-preserving-australian-farming-history/8017194

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

1954 F

rom the West Australian of January 9: “No Bribery’ Of WA Transport Men. PERTH, Evidence of bribery and corruption in Western Australia's Transport Board was inconclusive, Mr A G Smith, SM, said today. Mr Smith was appointed a Royal Commissioner to inquire into allegations of corruption among board officials. Two members alleged in Parliament last August that at least one transport official had accepted bribes to grant permits for load haulage of superphosphate. Mr Smith said evidence against officials was inconclusive and sometimes unsatisfactory. Allocations of superphosphate carting contracts had not been impartial, but he could not say they had been made through bribery and corruption, he said. He recommended that Mr R B McPherson should be transferred to other work because he had shown partiality in the superphosphate section.”

From The West Australian of March 9: “Stray Stock On Roads Worry Transport Men. The WA Road Transport Association intends to bring the present ‘unsatisfactory law of civil liability for damage done by animals on roadways’ to the notice of transport authorities. This was decided at a weekend conference of delegates from country branches of the Association. The danger of straying stock was raised by the Harvey branch. It considered that the law presented a danger to lives and favoured stock owners to the detriment of motorists.

Delegates said that it was a common practice for farmers to drive stock by following in a motor vehicle. They had no proper control over the animals, yet if any was struck by a motor vehicle the driver was liable for damages. The conference

decided to request other organisations to join in an approach asking the Federal Government to reduce excise duty on petrol purchased in the country, in an effort to foster production and decentralisation.”

From the West Australian of August 30: “INTERSTATE GANGS LOOT TRANSPORT. The police believe that there may be a link between organised gangs

Road hauliers believe that an interstate ring, controlled by a “mastermind,” has organised the theft of valuable goods from road transports in the last few months which are pillaging railway trains and interstate road transports. In most cases the gangs pinpoint valuable loads and strike while the train or truck is moving slowly up a steep grade. While some of the gang climb aboard and drop goods to the ground, others load it on to trucks and speed away.

Road hauliers believe that an interstate ring, controlled by a "mastermind," has organised the theft of valuable goods from road transports in the last few months.

Working to similar plans in each State, the thieves have stolen thousands of pounds' worth of goods from motor trucks in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Detectives have found that the thieves work to a pattern of careful planning and daring robbery similar to that used by gangs pillaging goods from trains.”

With the advent of the Railways regaining their stranglehold on wheat cartage, large semitrailers used in recent years to haul grain long distances had to ply their trade in the North-West. Many hauled manganese for Australian and United States steelmakers from open-cut mines on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. Among the most prominent manganese operations were the big deposits near Woodie Woodie, from which Bell Bros and DFD Rhodes Pty Ltd hauled ore more than 400km to be shipped out of Port Hedland. Usually British Leylands, ERFs or AECs, they were capable of hauling payloads of up to 32 tonnes.

Bell Bros used Mack trucks as prime movers for their road trains. DFD Rhodes introduced Scammells with an equally heavy capacity, and a monster with the tonguein-cheek name of the RR — standing in this case not for the world’s most exclusive motorcar but for Rhodes-Ridley.

Harold Ridley was the chief engineer of the Rhodes Company. His task was to design and build, in the company’s workshop, a rig capable of hauling a 100-tonne crushing and screening plant between one manganese mine and another, over territory, which had often never seen a motor vehicle. The RR’s chief mechanical parts were lifted straight from an Army surplus General Grant tank, of the type, which distinguished itself in the Western Desert and Pacific Islands campaigns. They consisted of twin GMC diesel engines mustering a combined output of 400hp and a tank gearbox with “so many gears you could play a tune on them,” Mr Rhodes recalled many years later. At three metres wide it was impracticable for normal roads but reached 45km/h and performed exceptionally well. This, indeed, was the forerunner of the huge road trains that came into use in the 1960s.

WATM • January/February 2019

23

Over Over toto you you MODEL TRUCKS

WATM welcomes your submissions to our model truck section.

If you have a model truck, trailer or anything else of interest, we want to know about it. Please contact Vince Ziino on 0408 767 755 or email him at ziinos@iinet.net.au to discuss.

TOLL KENWORTH SAR AND TANKER VETERAN MODEL TRUCK builder Bill Stephens of Shoalwater built this replica Toll Kenworth SAR and tanker in 1/16th scale.

At approximately one metre in length it makes for a pretty impressive model. The model itself is based on the Monogram Kenworth W900 Conventional, with a few scratch built parts including a SAR conversion bonnet, right hand dash and much more. Also part of the combination is the complete scratch built tanker which Bill built and scaled down from the real thing.

COMMISSION BUILDS Vince Ziino is available to do commission builds for companies or a personal model of your truck .

Please contact Vince on 0408767755 or ziinos@iinet.net.au 24

WATM • January/February 2019

REPAIRS

LIVESTOCK AND RURAL TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION OF WA THE VOICE OF WA RURAL TRANSPORT SINCE 1980 - PROMOTING SAFETY, PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY Membership Enquiries

T: 08 9478 3655 TYRE EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA

YOUR SPACE

ASSOCIATIONS

TRADER

YOUR ONE STOP TYRE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER

TRUCK TYRE CHANGER

This space could be your spot to reach over 12,000 readers in the Western Australian transport and associated sectors.

Contact Karen at Karen@angrychicken.com.au or

18/9 Inspiration Drive Wangara WA 6065 PHONE: NEVILLE BAKER 0419 515 151 www.tyreequipment.com.au sales@tyreequipment.com.au

Ph

08 9296 4488

ON THE ROAD TRUCKS

Now infor transport The available ‘must have’ book operators giving you the locations DIGITAL format

(distances) of Transport Parking HARD the locations (distances) of transport parking bays, bridge information, Bays, Bridge information, roadside COPIES NOW roadhouses and their facilities and dirt tracks suitable for parking throughout AVAILABLE ~ facilities and their services mainland Australia. $ throughout mainland regional 35 EACH PRINT or use on your TABLET Australia.

Hurry Limited copies left On the Road - Trucks is now available in high resolution PDF format which means you can use it on your TABLETOnly as well as$30 print it. plus You will postage be sent an invoice with EFT details, and once payment is received the book (5 The ‘must have’ publication for anyone in the transport industry requiring

mb) will be emailed to you.

To order: Email this form to karen@angrychicken.com.au

ace in rest areas?

Having trouble finding sp in this edition WA GRAVEL TRACKS

TO ORDER visit www.angrychicken.com.auCompany Name karen@angrychicken.com.au • Ph 08 9296 4488

Name........................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................

Address (for invoice) ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email Address (to email book)..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone / Mobile....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd T: 08 9296 4488 or 0430 153 273

WATM • November 2018

5