Truck Talk April 2019

APRIL 2019

TRUCK talk

Former Finley resident is reviewing the rules - page 3

SOUTHERN RIVERINA BI-ANNUAL TRUCKING MAGAZINE

Phyl’s transport commitment - page 9

A classic truck with a few custom features - pages 12 & 13

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26

Deniliquin & District Wall of Fame Dinner $50 per person

Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo

Tickets on sale now at Deniliquin RSL Special Guest TRAVIS SINCLAIR Guest Speakers Liz Martin OAM

Phyllis Jones OAM

Gates open 10am Truck and Bike Show & Shine entry from 8am, $10 registration

• Trade Sites • Market Stalls • Children’s Entertainment Entry: Adults $10, Children U16 FREE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Deniliquin & District Wall of Fame 11am Memorial Service Light refreshments provided Deniliquin Rest Side Stop, Davidson Street, Deniliquin

Page 2 — ’Truck Talk’, April 2019

Former Finley resident is reviewing the rules Reviewing laws and policy around all road rules can be a difficult but still rewarding job when safer objectives can be achieved.

Former Finley High School student Josie Thomas, 27, is currently reviewing the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) as a senior policy analyst at the National Transport Commission (NTC).

She has worked at the NTC for almost two years across different heavy vehicle and rail projects.

Prior to that she worked at Transport for NSW in Sydney on transport-related legal, policy and safety projects. ‘‘Recently, I have been researching and drafting a paper about the problems with the current law (HVNL),’’ she said. ‘‘I have talked to operators to get case studies on the problems they face and found data to highlight where the law has not been effective. ‘‘The NTC has recently put out its first issues paper for the review and is seeking views on the problems identified and suggestions for ways to solve them. ‘‘We want to hear from everyone affected by the law and encourage operators and drivers to have their say. ‘‘I hope the law is simpler for operators to comply with, provides flexibility for operators to manage their risks and leads to a safer road network for everyone.’’

■ Former Finley local Josie Thomas has been reviewing the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Last year she travelled in a B-double from Dubbo to Melbourne.

Ms Thomas has previously assisted in developing the Load Restraint Guide 2018 to make it more user-friendly and provide flexibility to operators around the best ways to restrain their load.

She also worked on reviewing the use of heavy vehicle telematics, including the Intelligent Access Program. ‘‘I think there are so many opportunities for telematics to make life easier for operators, we just need the right regulation to allow that to happen. ‘‘As part of the HVNL review the NTC will develop a best-practice model for regulatory telematics. ‘‘This should provide operators with greater certainty about how telematics

can be used for regulatory purposes and move the industry towards a ‘one box many uses’ model. ‘‘Last year I also worked on a short project on how operators were being penalised for the loss of livestock effluent as a load restraint breach. ‘‘I spoke with operators who received infringements for small amounts of livestock effluent losses that didn’t pose a safety risk. ‘‘It’s a complex area of regulation and we are still working on possible solutions.’’

During her time in reviewing the HVNL, Ms Thomas said she’s learned about the ‘‘intent and application’’ of various heavy vehicle regulations.

‘‘I often get phone calls and emails from operators asking questions about how the law applies to them. ‘‘I have a lot of respect for operators out there who are running a business and have a huge amount of regulation they need to comply with. ‘‘Last year I travelled in a B-double from Dubbo to Melbourne. During the trip I saw the practical realities of life on the road for a driver, for example the lack of rest areas, lack of awareness of cars sharing the road with trucks and the complex record keeping and rest requirements for fatigue.’’

Ms Thomas said the work on reviewing the law came from her passion to ease the burden on people, not necessarily related to transport. ‘‘At uni I studied a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law and wanted to work in an area where I could problem solve and help people. ‘‘Transport is something that impacts every member in the community, whether they live in the city or country.’’

She also hasn’t ruled out getting behind the wheel of a truck in the future. ‘‘Never say never. I would love to learn someday, but I think the review will keep me busy for a while,’’ Mr Thomas said.

To get involved with the HVNL, visit www.hvnlreview.ntc.gov.au.

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Henty truckie named the best young driver Steve Richardson might have only been driving trucks for just under two years, but he has always been around the heavy vehicle industry.

Mr Richardson is a third generation truck driver from Henty and recently won the Livestock, Bulk & Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) Young Driver of the Year at the annual conference in Griffith.

The 22 year-old works as a subcontractor with his father, driving a Kenworth T909. ‘‘It’s a big achievement as I always wanted to be a truck driver,” he said. ‘‘My dad, pop and uncles on my dad’s side of the family were truck drivers. ‘‘I would watch them when I was growing up. I used to sit in the truck with my dad and quite often you couldn’t get me out. ‘‘At this stage I plan to drive trucks for life, but we’ll see what happens in the future. I have plenty of time to think about it. ‘‘I’m single, so I have no ties,’’ he joked.

Mr Richardson said it was the freedom of driving that appeals to him the most about his chosen career. ‘‘We still get told where we need to be and what we have to do, but between point A and point B you’re your own boss. ‘‘You can set the temperature to what you like or the radio to your preferred station. ‘‘I get to drive around beautiful Australia and get paid

for it; I’ve driven through some really nice places.’’

Mr Richardson transports grain and fertiliser, which can be affected by the farming seasons, and tows a B-double.

Often driving long distances, he said the Kenworth T909 is the best truck on the market. ‘‘They’re built strong and with the big bonnet it can scare people away,’’ he said with a laugh. ‘‘There’s nothing better out there.’’

One other distinctive feature Mr Richardson sports is a fashionable mullet. ‘‘It’s coming back in fashion. I’ve been growing it for a couple of years. ‘‘I’m a qualified diesel mechanic and working with oils and grease a mullet can get in the way so I had short hair for a while but other than that I’ve always had a mullet. ‘‘It does get a fair few head turns.’’

■ ABOVE RIGHT: Steve Richardson with his Kenworth T909.

■ RIGHT: At the LBRCA Young Truck Driver of the Year awards ceremony in Griffith were (from left) LBRCA president Lynley Miners, finalist Luke Farrell, winner Steven Richardson, finalist Rick Hetherington and Safework NSW Director Regional-South Lisa Foley.

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Have your say The National Transport Commission published the first of eight issues papers on the Heavy Vehicle National Law review at the end of March.

Members of the trucking industry now have an opportunity to have their say on what is working, what is not working and how to improve the law. The goal of the HVNL review is an entirely new law.

The purpose of the first paper, ‘A risk-based approach to regulating heavy vehicles’, is to describe good regulation and options for regulatory approaches, summarise the current state of the HVNL and identify and confirm problems with the current regulatory approach.

Consultation is open until the end of May 2019.

View the paper by going to www.ntc.gov.au/Media/Reports.

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Truck fatality figures are falling The latest crash statistics show a dramatic fall in fatal truck crashes in 2018.

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics heavy vehicle crashes Australia quarterly report indicated that during the 12 months to the end of December 2018, 154 people died from 136 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks.

These included 89 deaths from 78 crashes involving articulated trucks, 74 deaths from 65 crashes involving heavy rigid trucks and nine deaths from seven crashes involving both a heavy rigid truck and an articulated truck.

Fatal crashes involving heavy trucks decreased by 20.5 per cent compared with the corresponding period one year earlier (171 crashes in 2017), and decreased by an average of 6.1 per cent per year over the three years to December 2018.

Fatal crashes involving heavy rigid trucks decreased by 26.1 per cent compared with the corresponding period one year earlier (from 88 crashes) and decreased by

■ Pictured during a visit of the Safety Truck to Deniliquin South School in 2016 are students Rylan Wade, Deagan Purcell, Andrew Croker and Luke Holloway with Australian Trucking Association Safety Truck presenter Glen Schmidtke, Rescue Squad volunteer Deb Whelan, Senior Constable Paul Ebsworth, paramedic Laura Irwin and firefighter Clint Free. an average of 1.5 per cent per year over the three years to December 2018.

Australian Trucking Association Chair Geoff Crouch said while the reductions are welcomed, he said there is still a lot of work to be done. ‘‘Until we reach a point where there are zero fatalities and injuries on our roads, the ATA will continue to

advocate for practical safety solutions,’’ he said.

The practical safety measures called for by the ATA include: ● enabling the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to provide independent, noblame safety investigations for road crashes involving heavy vehicles; ● increasing the quantity

and quality of truck driver rest areas; ● mandating autonomous emergency braking for all new trucks; and ● improving truck driver training and licensing systems. ‘‘The ATA is continuing to work hard to reach our goal of zero fatal and serious injury crashes,’’ Mr Crouch said. ‘‘(In February) we received $400,000 from the Australian Government for the refurbishment of the Volvo ATA Safety Truck, a road safety initiative that educates young drivers and vulnerable road users about how to share the road safely with trucks.’’

Official estimates show that about 80 per cent of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks are not the fault of the truck driver. The data shows 25 per cent of occupants involved in a casualty crash with a truck are aged 26 years or younger.

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New date for Deni truck show in 2019 The Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo is moving . . . to a new date.

Usually held the second weekend in September, the event’s committee voted to move it to late October from 2019 to take advantage of the improving climate leading into summer.

Returned Truck Show Committee president Evan Whitbourne said the move would also free up more people associated with the industry to attend the Deniliquin event. ‘‘We are hoping the move will be good for us, as we expect we have better weather and longer days (in daylight savings),’’ he said. ‘‘It will also move the event away from football finals, which we knew was going to be an issue in the future, and

away from another truck show held in Echuca on that same weekend in September. ‘‘It should mean people will have more to do, more to see and we’ll get more trucks.’’

The format used at previous events will be used for the 2019 truck show, with the Deniliquin & District Wall of Fame Dinner to be held Friday, October 25.

Two impressive women in the transport industry have been confirmed as the night’s guest speakers — Hay transport company owner Phyl Jones and former curator of the Alice Springs Hall of Fame Liz Martin.

Another special guest will be truck driver and country music singer Travis Sinclair.

The Truck Show & Industry Expo will be held at Deniliquin’s Memorial Park

on Saturday, October 26 and the memorial service at the north Deniliquin truck stop will be held on Sunday, October 27.

Saturday’s expo includes trade sites, children’s entertainment, truck and motorbike show ‘n’ shines, a monster auction and more.

Committee secretary/treasurer Leesa Muir says as it’s the fifth anniversary event, the committee is also planning ‘‘a few extra things’’ for 2019.

Mr Whitbourne said the Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo should be on the ‘must see’ list for anyone with an interest in the transport industry. ‘‘We’re more than a truck show,’’ he said. ‘‘Because we’re an industry expo, we attract a lot of

leading people from all different elements of the industry. ‘‘We also have the enforcement bodies to provide information and speak with those attending. ‘‘Our event really highlights and celebrates the importance of the transport industry to rural communities.’’

While planning for the 2019 event continues, applications for the Wall of Fame and the memorial wall are now being accepted.

Wall of Fame nomination forms can be found at www.denitruckshow.com.au/wall-of-fame/. To organise a memorial wall plaque, email denitruckshow@gmail.com.au.

■ Neville Campbell with his restored 1956 Ford F-500 at ■ Rohan Collins-Roe and Eddie 'Revs' Carter at the 2018 last year’s truck show. truck show.

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Page 8 — ’Truck Talk’, April 2019

■ Brian, Geoff, Neville and Norm Purtill accept ■ Garry Plant accepts his ■ Ron Martin, Margaret Wilson and their father’s Wall of Fame plaque. Photos plaque from Truck Show Ken Martin collect their father’s Wall courtesy Eye Above Photography. president Evan Whitbourne. of Fame plaque at the 2018 dinner.

Three 2018 Wall of Fame inductees Three stalwarts of the local transport industry were inducted into the Deniliquin and District Transport Industry Wall of Fame in September 2018.

Keith Purtill, Laurence ‘Curly’ Martin and Gary Plant were honoured by the more than 200 people who attended the famed dinner.

The first of three events that make up the Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo, the Wall of Fame dinner was also a chance to learn about industry updates and community initiatives through a range of guest speakers — Anthony SpenceFletcher from PACCAR Australia, industry stalwart Ron Finemore, Speak Up Campaign Inc deputy chair Vicki Meyer and Steve Matthews from mental health organisation Riverina Bluebell.

More about the inductees: ■ Keith Purtill – The Purtill name is synonymous with the transport industry in Deniliquin and district, and that all started with Keith Purtill.

Born in Balranald in 1929, Mr Purtill found himself making the move to Deniliquin as a young man to join

long-time family friend Neil Scott.

It was after arriving in Deniliquin the pair aspired to enter the transport industry.

At the age of 22, Mr Purtill established his own transport business — but not the trucking business he had always planned.

But his decision to start a bus business still satisfied his love of driving, and fixing heavy vehicles.

With Mr Purtill’s purchase of his first school bus in 1951, he founded a diverse business that is still successful today and one that is still very involved in supporting its local community.

After more than 67 years of business, the Purtill company has expanded to include service stations, Wired Entertainment and Caltex bulk fuel distribution throughout the Southern Riverina.

Today, his son Neville and his family continue to build on Keith Purtill’s vision from 1951 with the support of a great team.

■ Garry Plant – After more than 50 years in the transport industry, Garry Plant retired last year.

His first job driving a truck

was on the family farm at Deniliquin and Uabalong West, where his first truck was a Wooden Cab Diamond T. He then progressed to a Cab Over Bedford before starting interstate driving out of Finley with his brother-inlaw.

The following 13 years were spent with Tom Stanyer and Sons in Barooga carting stock throughout NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Queensland.

In this role he drove Australia’s first International D-Line, a Scania Super 80, and two brand new K Series Cabover Kenworths.

After Stanyers Mr Plant began a 34 year association with the Brooks family, and has carted bulk grain up and down the east coast to ports and domestic market consumers.

■ Laurence ‘Curly’ Martin – ‘Curly’ Martin’s initiation to the transport industry during World War II started a love of the industry that would pass through his family.

He remained involved in transport until his death in 1995, and his legacy lives on with his sons and grandsons

who work in the industry today.

Born in 1927 at Kyogle in New South Wales, during World War II Mr Martin was based in Tocumwal after joining the Air Force at the age of 16.

He served in the Transport Infantry, which was his ticket to the community which would become his home.

Upon being discharged from the Air Force, Mr Martin stayed in Tocumwal and so began the next chapter of his life.

Out of the Air Force Mr Martin got his start in trucks by driving for Bill Power, who then sold him his first truck.

This was the beginning of the business U + DM Martin Livestock.

Such was Mr Martin’s love of the transport industry, he was unable to give it up entirely following his retirement.

He traded trucks for the local school bus, but would occasionally get behind the wheel of a big rig if someone needed the help.

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Phyl’s transport commitment This year will be the second time Hay’s Phyl Jones has attended the Deniliquin & District Wall of Fame dinner in Deniliquin, but she will have a far more prominent role that the first occasion.

Mrs Jones has been invited to be a guest speaker for the renowned event.

She is expected to share stories of her life in the transport industry, which started when she and her late husband Neville started their trucking business — NJ and NP Jones — in the late 1960s.

The business is still managed by the family today, with their son Wayne in charge and other family ■ Phyl Jones has been actively involved in the transport members ‘‘only a phone call industry since she and her late husband Neville started away and all involved at one point or another’’. their Hay business in 1969.

For her commitment to the road transport industry, Mrs Jones received the Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day this year. ‘‘For the eight years before I was married I worked with Stock & Station Agents, which is now Elders Rural, so I did have some contact with the transport industry even then,’’ Mrs Jones said. ‘‘Neville and his father were in the transport industry together. ‘‘We had out first child in 1969 and over the first 12 months of our daughter’s life, Neville would have only spent about a month at home with her. ‘‘I still had contact with a lot of the agents, and so we started our own company in October 1969. ‘‘Wayne, our second son, has been running the business as well as a business of his own. Our daughter-in-law is also now training to take on all the administration side.’’

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Page 10 — ’Truck Talk’, April 2019

istration, but I also drove for 11 years, from the 1970s, I would help local gravel and sand and I would just generally help out,’’ she said. ‘‘I would mainly drive the fuel tankers, to and from Melbourne in a day. ‘‘Contrary to belief about women truck drivers, I only have the highest regard for truck drivers. They always showed me respect. ‘‘The general public did stare a bit, but I was generally accepted as a driver. ‘‘No-one really takes notice today and I know quite a few women who drive.’’

Mrs Jones’ involvement in the industry spanned further than just the family business.

She is a member of Transport Women Australia, NatRoad and Livestock and Rural Carriers Association Victoria, and a former member of the Australian Road Train Association.

She is a member of Bulk Carriers section of Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association NSW, serving as treasurer for 14 years.

In 2001 Mrs Jones took out the Australian Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award and two years later the NatRoad Quiet Achiever Award.

She was inducted into the Australian Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2004, is a life member of Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association, and inductee of the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Hidden Treasures Roll.

Her community involvement in Hay includes the former Hay Neighbourhood Watch and Safety House organisations as secretary/ treasurer, Justice of the Peace since 1996 and custodian and Pilot Wing Member of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

In 2000 she received the Rotary Club of Hay Business Woman of the Year Award.

2018 truck show ‘n’ shine results:

■ Deni farmer Brian Willis won the 2018 Best Local Farm Truck category.

Too many trucks to judge on time The Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo is gaining so much interest, judging was delayed at the 2018 event due to the sheer number of entries.

There were 75 trucks exhibited at the Truck Show for a coveted show ‘n’ shine award.

Truck Show president Evan Whitbourne said the number of entries exceeded previous years by at least 10 trucks. ‘‘We had a few more local fleets take part in the show last year, and we also had some new names (regional transport operators) take part. ‘‘I would estimate we had at least 900 people through the gates, including stallholders and the general public. ‘‘The weather was very kind to us so there seemed to be more people in the crowd. ‘‘It was great to see people who are not directly connected to the industry come along and have a look. ‘‘Overall it was a terrific success.’’

Mr Whitbourne said generating some interest for the 2018 Truck Show was the steady stream of trucks making their way

through Deniliquin to Memorial Park in time to be judged.

There were more than organisers expected to turn up for the event, and as a consequence judging took longer than anticipated.

But there were plenty of other attractions to keep patrons happy, including trade sites, information stands, plus balloon sculptures and a giant blowup slide for the young ones.

The Saturday truck show was only one part of a massive transport industry themed weekend last September.

On the Friday night, three more stalwarts of the industry were inducted into the Deniliquin & District Transport Industry Wall of Fame — Garry Plant, Keith Purtill and Laurence ‘Curly’ Martin.

On Sunday, tribute was paid to those in the industry who have passed at a special memorial service at the Davidson St rest stop.

Best European Truck – Deniliquin Freighters Best Local Farm Truck – Brian Willis Best Rigid – Mawson’s Deniliquin Best Fleet – Gray’s Finley Best Local Truck – Jamie Grimison Best Truck over 40 years – Ben Cornish Best Truck 26-39 Years – Barry Dickson Best Truck 10-25 Years – Matt Reed Best Truck 4—9 Years – Jordan Gattuso Best Truck under 3 Years – Tim Gray People’s Choice – Barry Dickson Muscles Gray Memorial Award – Gray’s Finley truck 06 Truck of the Show – Barry Dickson

2018 motorbike show ‘n’ shine results: Best Vintage Bike – Mick Telford, 1950 Vincent Comet Best Junior Dirt Bike – Matt Caruso, KX 65 Best Senior Dirt Bike – James Aked, 1996 Honda CR 125 Best Road Bike – Tim Nathan, 1999 Honda CBR 100D Best Customised Bike – Neil Hort, 2013 Harley Davidson Chopper Harley of the Show – John Pearce, 2008 Harley Davison CVO Softail People’s Choice – Neil Hort, 2013 Harley Davidson Chopper

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Deniliquin ’Truck Talk’, April 2019 — Page 11

A classic truck with a few custom features Barry Dickson (pictured) has immense passion for truck restorations, and the transport industry as a whole.

The effort he puts into his trucks earned him two major regional awards last year, claiming Truck of the Year at both the 2018 Oaklands Truck Show and the 2018 Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo.

The Cobram businessman won both with his 1993 T900 Classic Kenworth.

He purchased the truck at the end of 2016 and believes he spent close to 1000 man hours repainting, remodelling and restoring it. ‘‘I initially bought it as a bit of an ‘over the top’ show truck, which I’ve been doing for 30 years.” Mr Dickson said. ‘‘I’ve always wanted to do a real classic ‘out of the box’ type of restoration. Being a T900 Classic, they’re probably the most sought after Kenworth. ‘‘They’re popular because of how they look — a big, tough looking bonnet, sort of like a GT Ford Falcon. ‘‘I’m pretty passionate about the truck. I’ve worked on other trucks before but none to this extreme. ‘‘I don’t plan keeping it for life. I’ll have a bit of fun with the truck and go to some shows. ‘‘The boys who helped with the restoration all really enjoyed it.’’

When Mr Dickson purchased the truck from Garry Cleary in Ballarat, he stripped it down to nothing and completely rebuilt it from the ground up.

Mr Cleary also used it as a show truck.

He restored the mechanical side and was nearly up to painting the truck before he sold it to Mr Dickson.

Mr Dickson said it took about 12 to 14 months to rebuild, ‘‘from start to finish’’.

He said it was a lot of work, but he enjoyed every minute of it. ‘‘I finished all the mechanical stuff and everything that needed to be done. ‘‘Then we stripped it all down to just the cab chassis. We sandblasted the chassis and rebuilt the sleeper box. ‘‘The sleeper box was actually a low line bunk when built brand new, so I put in an aero one high rise. ‘‘Most of it was done on weekends or after work. A couple of my mates and a few cans over the weekend — there’s nothing better.’’

The T900 Classic features a 12.7 litre Detroit Diesel Series 60 Powerplant engine, churning out 500 horse power, 18-speed road range transmission, Air Glide 100 rear suspension, ball race turntable and Rockwell differential. ‘‘It’s awesome to drive,’’ Mr Dickson said. ‘‘It does not rattle or squeak, the whole cabin has been insulated inside and out and everything has been replaced like the rubbers on the door jams.”

Mr Dickson has made custom changes but not enough for it to be

Page 12 — ’Truck Talk’, April, 2019

customised. He said he wanted to keep it ‘‘original looking’’.

The exterior paint includes the same grey colouring from an FG Ford Falcon and a teal colour Mr Dickson created himself.

He also fitted 92 lights, including on the fuel tanks to add flare around the exterior.

The interior is mostly original and boasts Mr Dickson’s unique party piece — Tasmanian oak flooring. ‘‘I don’t know any other trucks with Tasmanian oak flooring. But there might be something in America like this. ‘‘We pulled the dash out of the truck, painted it with an ego-grey pearl and

wrapped the faces in Kevlar to give it a carbon fibre look. ‘‘What I think people find they like about the truck is the colouring. I’ve used a rare two-tone colour scheme with a layout. ‘‘It has stripes at the back of the cab which rather than going in a z-shaped formation, go into triangles. ‘‘The paint work is a bit of my own colouring — the ‘Dicko’ special. ‘‘I felt the colours would work well and because they’re different. You don’t see those colours on a lot of trucks.’’

Mr Dickson said his next project is a widening float for the back of the truck.

’Truck Talk’, April, 2019 — Page 13

For more information call: Gary Nickson 0427 213 977, Warwick Talbot 0417 127 144, Shane Smith 0457 908 070 or the team at Graham Thomson Motors.

Cnr Doyles and New Dookie Roads, Shepparton P: (03) 5821 3977 E: admin@gtm.com.au www.gtm.com.au Page 14 — ’Truck Talk’, April 2019

THE T610 1400MM SLEEPER.

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For more information contact your local Kenworth dealer.

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’Truck Talk’, April 2019 — Page 15

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Page 16 — ’Truck Talk’, April 2019

Funding for a Deni stop Initial meetings have been held to start drafting a concept for a Deniliquin truck stop.

An allocation of $400,000 was given to the truck stop project as part of a $5 million infrastructure investment package announced for Edward River Council.

Mayor Norm Brennan said work is needed to fine tune the design and location of the facility, but hoped construction would start in the second half of this year.

The location of the truck stop has not been determined. ‘‘We have some people saying the proposed Deniliquin Saleyards location needs to be revised, with others suggesting Hardinge St, the council’s south depot also on Hardinge St and even the north Deniliquin truck stop as other locations,’’ Cr Brennan said. ‘‘I still think the saleyards is a good spot, particularly

■ The Deniliquin Saleyards is being considered as the location of the truck stop. when you think that some trucks might pull up with sheep or cattle on board. You don’t want them mooing or baaing in a residential area like in north Deni or even parts of Hardinge St. ‘‘We’ve already had preliminary meetings with key transport industry people and we have a few of the basic concepts down. ‘‘We know we need to provide facilities for both

males and females, that we need adequate security and adequate connectivity to the town. That connectivity also extends to things like wifi, so a driver can contact home before going to sleep. ‘‘The next stage is just taking advice from the various transport operators — they are the coalface.’’

Edward River Council originally asked for $500,000 for a truck stop in its advo-

cacy strategy, but Cr Brennan said the allocation from the NSW Government is still a great amount. ‘‘We can get a lot done with $400,000, and if it is required we have other money that is not expended. ‘‘For example, we have interest earned on major projects funding previously allocated to the council. ‘‘Facilities like this have been sadly lacking in our area, and here’s our opportunity to maybe fix it.’’

No formal planning for the project has started, but Cr Brennan hopes a design and location can be ‘‘cemented’’ by the end of this financial year and the truck stop built in the following financial year. ‘‘I would love to say we can get it done by June 30 this year, but the timing does depend on the location and the services that are required,’’ he said.

New rest area guidelines released Rest areas separated from noisy areas and which provide dedicated facilities for female drivers are just two of the key issues identified in a review of truck rest area guidelines.

The Austroads research report, ‘Guidelines for the Provision of Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Facilities’, was developed in response to calls for updated standards and will assist in the planning, design and prioritisation of truck rest areas.

The Australian Trucking

Association (ATA) — which represents the 50,000 businesses and 211,500 people in the Australian trucking industry — has thanked Austroads for listening to concerns and recommendations raised in consultations during the guideline drafting process. ‘‘The ATA pushed hard for a number of changes and are pleased to see positive progress and improved standards for our hardworking truck drivers,’’ ATA CEO Ben Maguire said. ‘‘Moving forward, it’s im-

portant for all jurisdictions to ensure the guidelines are enforced and to spend the funds the Australian government has allocated.’’

The report has addressed several key issues including: ● acknowledging the link between fatigue management and rest area frequency; ● driver security; ● the need for bays on level ground and separated from noisy areas to promote sleep; and ● the need for female

drivers to have separate bathroom facilities.

Mr Maguire says the ATA is also pleased to see Rod Hannifey’s reflector initiative included in the guidelines. ‘‘Rod is a lifetime advocate for road safety and has spent years campaigning for this initiative. It’s great to see him getting recognition for his hard work,’’ he said.

A copy of the report is available at www.austroads.com.au/ publications/freight/apr591-19.

’Truck Talk’, April 2019 — Page 17

New overtaking lanes for highway safety, efficiency The Newell Highway will see plenty of action for the next four years with up to 30 overtaking lanes set to be installed.

At least five of the lanes will be created in the Southern Riverina.

A northbound overtaking lane will be installed at Chinamans Rd, north of Tocumwal, and a southbound overtaking lane at Fullers Rd south of Finley.

Another overtaking lane will be near Mills Rd, between Finley and Jerilderie and the government also plans to construct overtaking lanes on both sides of the road at Bundure, north of Jerilderie.

The new lanes will be 1.5 kilometres long and it is estimated the upgrades will save 25 minutes in travel time between Tocumwal and Narrandera.

Livestock, Bulk & Rural Carriers Association vice president bulk Kelvin Baxter, who also has Baxter Transport in Berrigan, said the investment by the NSW Government highlights the highway’s role as an ‘‘increasingly important freight route’’. ‘‘It’s such an important freight corridor, so we need to get it right,’’ Mr Baxter said. ‘‘I often hear about the benefits of the Inland Rail, but that route doesn’t actual-

■ More overtaking lanes will be added to the Newell Highway. ly go through some of the most productive towns in New South Wales (like the Newell does). ‘‘It realistically needs improvement to get to the stage of taking high productivity vehicles such as road trains, and that’s right through from Tocumwal to Goondiwindi.

At the moment there are some bottle necks around Parkes and Coonabarabran. ‘‘In the Southern Riverina there have already been some good parking lanes established including just north of Finley. ‘‘There has been a good number of overtaking lanes between Narrandera and Grong Grong plus other sections further up where the road has been changed. ‘‘We need these improve-

ments to realise a high productivity vehicle route.’’

In addition to the Southern Riverina lanes, there will be three created near Narrandera, six outside West Wyalong — including four just north of the town — and six lanes near Coonabarabran.

Berrigan Shire Mayor Matt Hannan said the new lanes will help safety along the busy highway. ‘‘It will alleviate some of the congestion between Tocumwal and Finley, and improve safety,’’ he said. ‘‘A lot of heavy vehicles and caravans travel along that stretch of the highway, and passing safely in a car can be a challenge. ‘‘The new overtaking lanes

will go a long way to fixing that issue. ‘‘The government has 30 overtaking lanes along the Newell that need to be delivered within the next four years. ‘‘My understanding is our (Southern Riverina) lanes will be constructed in the next two years.’’

Mr Baxter said complementing the investment in overtaking lanes would be more funding for the development of additional truck stops along the route. ‘‘Often the rest areas are packed with trucks for the night. Some can’t actually house trucks, because they are more designed for just cars and caravans. ‘‘There’s quite a bit of demarcation on the Newell between what is a good parking bay for cars and which ones are good for trucks. ‘‘It’s no surprise the parking bays for cars seem to have the best amenities and have facilities the truck bays don’t. ‘‘It’s safer for the driver (to have additional stops) as well, because in some cases they might need to drive further just to rest for the night.’’

Mr Baxter said the Newell Hwy is often forgotten about as one of the major freight routes on the eastern side of Australia.

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Low loader deck widener now available. Ph 0418 577 275 Page 18 — ’Truck Talk’, April 2019

$6 million road upgrade Pollies started in Murray River in trucks A multi-million dollar upgrade of a section of the Deniliquin-Barham Rd is now underway.

Murray River Council received $1,555,842 from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program to upgrade the 21.8km stretch of road.

It is in addition to the $3,360,618 awarded to council for the upgrade under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program in late 2017.

A further $1,306,907 has ben budgeted by council over the three years to cover the project’s $6.2 million price tag.

Murray River Council Deputy Mayor Gen Campbell said the aim is to improve access and safety on the road between Deniliquin and Barham. ‘‘Reliable roads are of particular importance in an

■ Cr Gen Campbell. area like ours that is rich in agriculture — despite the current drought conditions — and relies heavily on freight trucks to move stock and product,’’ she said. ‘‘The Deni/Barham road is a heavily utilised transport route so it’s pleasing that all three tiers of government can work together to

make these critical ventures come to fruition, improving the general safety of the road overall and delivering some great community outcomes.’’

The upgrade will include the critical widening and strengthening of sections of the road between Deniliquin and Barham to help prevent the premature deterioration of road edges and surfaces.

This will also help increase heavy vehicle access to the rice mill and grain storage facilities.

Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said $7 million was allocated to Farrer road projects under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program. ‘‘Heavy vehicle routes across Farrer will soon be more efficient, more reliable and safer thanks to upgrades funded under round six,’’ she said.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is inviting Australia’s politicians to gain an insight into the trucking industry, in an exciting new initiative, ‘Cabover Cabinet’.

The ATA represents the 50,000 businesses in the Australian trucking industry and is giving politicians the opportunity to drive in a prime mover truck and have a ‘one on one’ conversation with CEO Ben Maguire. ‘‘Cabover Cabinet is about discussing the important issues facing the trucking industry and how it affects those who they represent.

This is their chance to talk to the trucking industry,’’ Mr Maguire said.

The first Cabover Cabinet welcomed Senator Jim Molan for a drive in a Volvo ATA Prime Mover.

“The experience gave Senator Molan an insight into the issues we deal with from day to day and the role government can play in improving outcomes,’’ Mr Maguire said.

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’Truck Talk’, April 2019 — Page 19

Improved access for B-doubles Ten intersections previously off limits to heavy vehicles in the Hay Shire Council area can now be accessed by B-doubles with the correct permit.

The intersections are vital for connection to district producers, and access would both assist in productivity and in cutting freight costs for the farmers.

Hay Shire Council director of technical services Jeetendra Dahal said given all levels of government are pushing for greater food and fibre productivity, it was important to improve freight access. ‘‘Normally trucks can travel designated routes only and local roads were not able to be used,’’ he said. ‘‘The main objective of advocating for these intersections to be accessible is to improve access to producers. ‘‘The Roads and Maritime Service said it would allow heavy vehicles to drive on those intersections, and if they later feel upgrades are necessary they will look at it.’’

Areas now accessible by permit, as indicated on the provided map, are: ● Intersection of Sturt Hwy and Glencoe Rd ● Intersection Sturt Hwy and Romani Rd ● Intersection Sturt Hwy and Glenhope Rd ● Intersection Cobb Hwy and Jerilderie Rd ● Intersection Cobb Hwy and Corrong Rd ● Intersection Mid Western Hwy and Wongalea Rd ● Intersection Cobb Hwy and Boxyards Rd

● Intersection Cobb Hwy and Mutherumbung Rd ● Intersection Cobb Hwy and Daisy Plains Rd ● Intersection Cobb Hwy and Ti Tree Rd Hay Shire Council said while the turning paths are not ideal at each location, the RMS is happy to consider

access under permit for B-Doubles at those locations due to low traffic volumes and increased sight distances.

Also noting the local roads intersecting highways are not ideal for the B-doubles, the council advises operators to be cautious of the road

conditions for safety, road width and structural integrity of the pavement.

Heavy vehicle operators are advised to apply for access to the approved intersections via the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator portal — at www.service.nhvr.gov.au.

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Second crossing progress A mammoth operation to crane in 144 beams indicated the halfway mark of the of the Echuca-Moama bridge project in February, with two flood relief bridges taking shape.

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Susana Fueyo Suarez said construction crews started installing an impressive 70 beams for the crossings on the western end of Warren St immediately after their delivery. ‘‘Work to build a solid base for these two flood relief bridges has run smoothly, and we’ll soon start building the two structures at the eastern end of Warren St,’’ Ms Fueyo Suarez said. ‘‘Each concrete beam is 18m long and weighs almost 20 tonnes, so it’s an intense process to move them on site and into place on the concrete piles.’’

The new flood relief bridges will be able to better handle heavy vehicles and will replace the existing, narrow crossings along Warren St, which are nearly 80 yearsold.

Specially designed vehicles with long trailers are transporting one beam at a time to Warren St from Echuca-based company

■ Two flood relief bridges are taking shape as part of the Echuca-Moama bridge project.

Humes, which manufactured the beams locally.

Local workers started casting the beams late last year, as construction crews demolished the old bridges, excavated and brought in new fill material to build up the ground levels. ‘‘Eleven staff at Humes helped cast the beams that will serve their own community well into the future,’’ Ms Fueyo Suarez said. ‘‘This is a win for Echuca and Moama’s economy, as well as locals and drivers across Victoria’s north.’’

The flood relief bridges on the western end of Warren St

are expected to be complete by mid-2019.

This work is part of the second stage of the bridge project which has been awarded to Winslow Constructors.

The $26.35 million package includes a roundabout connection to the future Murray River crossing to be built in stage three of the project.

The works also include a dedicated residential service road, shared user paths and turning lanes at intersections, including an extended right turning lane for safer access to the Echuca Cemetery.

During this time, Warren St remains closed to vehicles, with access limited to residents, businesses, emergency services and the visitors to Echuca Cemetery.

The upgrades to Warren St are expected to be complete by the end of 2019.

The $280 million bridge project, which is currently the largest infrastructure project in northern Victoria, is jointly funded by the Australian, Victorian and NSW governments.

It is being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria and NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

Industry guides new Fatigue Safety Strategy The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will soon release a discussion paper as part of a broader Fatigue Safety Strategy to support a push to reform fatigue laws.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said many operators were keen to make fatigue reform

a major focus of the current review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. ‘‘In particular, operators are looking for more flexibility, rather than more driving hours,’’ he said. ‘‘This push was started by the diverse cross section of

operators and industry who attended our Fatigue Safety Forum in October last year, urging the NHVR to push forward with work and rest hour reforms.’’

The Fatigue Safety Forum discussed future directions in fatigue safety for heavy ve-

hicle drivers and identified actions to improve fatigue safety.

A summary of outcomes has been produced, and can be read at www.nhvr.gov.au/safetyaccreditation-compliance/ fatigue-management/ fatigue-monitoring-trial.

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Another $2.2 billion for vital national road safety projects An additional $2.2 billion has been committed by the Federal Government to support programs that help save lives and enable the delivery of important road safety initiatives.

The March 29 announcement was welcomed by Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chair Geoff Crouch, who said the investment was about ‘‘delivering practical solutions that will improve safety outcomes on our roads’’. ‘‘The ATA has long called for additional resources to implement life-saving

initiatives, and this funding commitment is a step in the right direction,’’ he said.

The $2.2 billion will deliver $274 million for heavy vehicle safety and rest areas, an additional $1.1 billion under the Roads to Recovery program, and a further $12 million for road safety innovation.

A new Office of Road Safety will be established, which will lead key road safety priorities, working closely with state, territory and local governments.

The announcement follows discussions the ATA has held

with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and a meeting with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, which brought trucking industry leaders together to share their views and discuss key industry issues.

It also follows an ATA submission into the Inquiry of the National Road Safety Strategy. ‘‘In our submission, the ATA called for an independent national agency that would provide policy advice to strengthen the national focus on improving road safety. The establishment of

this body is welcome news,’’ Mr Crouch said. ‘‘We’re also pleased to see a commitment to improving heavy vehicle rest areas and research initiatives, issues the ATA has passionately advocated for and highlighted in the submission.’’

Mr Crouch says the ATA made 19 recommendations to the inquiry. ‘‘Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and we all have an important role to play. This funding announcement shows a willingness to take proactive action,’’ he said.

for producers Cash boost for Relief with heavy vehicles Safety Initiative Additional funding will be allocated to key heavy vehicle safety programs by the Federal Government.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator chair Duncan Gay said the commitment by the Federal Government to new funding for the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) was an important safety outcome for all road users. ‘‘The HVSI program has provided $11.61 million for 35 community and industry safety initiatives over the past three years,’’ Mr Gay said. ‘‘The NHVR doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, which is why it’s important we work with a variety of safety groups to harness their collective knowledge to develop implementable, value for money projects.’’

He said there were 42 applications for the current round of funding, which closed in February, already vying for the $3.91 million which is available.

The HVSI program has delivered a range of safety programs over the past three years including Chain of Responsibility information, a Safety Around Ports project, Forestry Logistics Safety program, Ag Vehicle safety, green reflectors to mark informal truck bays, Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting line and userpays loading trials for livestock loading.

Mr Gay also welcomed the additional $571.1 million to improve the safety and efficiency of heavy vehicle operations through the Bridges Renewal Program and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, including the establishment of the Office of Road Safety. ‘‘There were 175 fatalities involving heavy vehicles and buses in 2018.

While that is the lowest number ever recorded, it shows there is still a long way to go and many lives to save.’’

Page 22 — ’Truck Talk’, April 2019

A variety of waivers, refunds and rebates of registration fees are now available to eligible primary producers.

The Roads and Maritime Service said it’s one way the department is aiming to support farmers during drought conditions.

Some of the relief packages are detailed below: ■ Registration savings for heavy vehicles – Primary producers across the state will receive additional savings on their heavy vehicle registration costs for the next two years. The savings apply to all primary producers registering a heavy vehicle from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020.

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, stamp duty, number plate fees and relevant safety checks still apply.

■ Refunds on past registration payments – The RMS is providing refunds on some heavy vehicle registration charges paid by primary producers from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018 inclusive. Eligible primary producers will receive a letter letting you know how much your total refund will be.

■ Freight to drought areas – RMS is working with the freight and agricultural industries to support access for heavy vehicles carrying

larger loads to safely and efficiently move feed, water and stock in drought affected areas.

In partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the RMS has also improved and streamlined the assessment of drought relief permit applications. Go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au/ business-industry/heavyvehicles/freight-to-droughtaffected-areas for more information.

■ Drought relief heavy vehicle access program – The NSW Government has introduced more than $1 billion to support farmers and their families through worsening drought conditions.

The Drought Relief Heavy Vehicle Access Program has been introduced and offers an additional $15 million toward the cost of maintenance and minor improvement work on council roads and roadsides, where those improvements will contribute to heavy vehicle access, in support of the drought relief freight task. RMS will contribute up to $300,000 per council for all projects. Submissions are merit based and assessed by an evaluation panel.

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