Big Rigs 10 June 2022 by Prime Creative Media

FRIDAY, June 10, 2022

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FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Full bore ahead for Australia’s longest road tunnel in NSW

EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au GENERAL MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Truckin in the Topics/Spy on the Road: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 Brent Davison; David Vile; David Meredith; Mike Williams; Jon Wallis Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. It is the largest circulated fortnightly truck publication in Australia with 26,023* copies per fortnight. *12 month average, publisher’s claim November 2018

Blackheath village. Photo: Transport For NSW

ALL going to plan, the proposed 11-kilometre tunnel through the Blue Mountains would be Australia’s longest road tunnel, set to reduce the number of trucks travelling through the towns of Blackheath and Mount Victoria. The NSW Government has confirmed an 11-kilometre toll-free tunnel from Blackheath to Little Hartley is the preferred option, following feasibility analysis and investigation processes. However the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) will ultimately determine whether the proposed tunnel can proceed. Part of the Great Western Highway Upgrade, the Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel design features dual carriage-

ways for eastbound and westbound traffic in separate twin tunnels, which Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole says will cut travel times and improve freight efficiencies. “This is a history-making legacy project that will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for locals, tourists and freight travelling between the Central West and the East Coast,” Toole said. “In May last year, we started investigating plans to join the two to create the longest road tunnel in the entire country – and today, we’re locking that plan in as the preferred option. “This is a complex, ambitious plan but we’re on track for shovels to hit the ground

on the east and west stages of the upgrade early next year.” According to Transport For NSW’s Black Heath to Little Hartley Upgrade document (May 2022), “Heavy vehicles entering and exiting the Highway from the Darling Causeway would continue to use the existing surface highway through Mount Victoria and Blackheath. However, with most heavy vehicles from the Central West using the tunnel bypass there would be a substantial reduction in the volume of heavy vehicles coming through these townships. “Most of the heavy vehicles travelling into or out of the Blue Mountains would use the tunnel, bypassing Blackheath and Mount Victoria.”

Calls for tolls to be scrapped on M5 in Sydney A NSW parliamentary inquiry into the state’s tolling system has heard calls for tolls to be slashed on the M5 tunnel in a bid to prevent trucks from using Sydney’s suburban roads. Local business owners and residents from the western Sydney suburb of Bexley told the enquiry that since tolls were added to the previously free

M5 tunnel, truck movements in the area have quadrupled. The inquiry into is continuing to investigate the problems of Sydney’s growing toll road network. The NSW Government imposed the new toll along the M5 corridor in 2020 to coincide with the opening of the M8.

That added cost being slugged onto drivers has resulted in numerous truckies opting for alternative roads instead. Local business owner Angelo Elliott, who has run the Forest Inn for 44 years, says he’s now had to reconfigure the hotel because of traffic noise and air pollution.

Further evidence tabled in the inquiry showed that in 2015, there was an average of 610 trucks using local roads each day. Last year, that figure soared to 2695 trucks a day. “The real solution is to have a close look at the tolls and I’ve already suggested a variable toll structure,” Bexley chamber of commerce presi-

dent Jeffrey Tullock said. “Perhaps consider having them abolished at the weekend or maybe late at night so people can have a good night’s sleep.” Local businesses say clearways have also been put in place to keep traffic moving, which has impacted street parking.

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Shearer implores Labor to fix FTC bungle

INDUSTRY fears are growing for the economic viability of transport operations unless the Albanese government takes immediate steps to reinstate the fuel tax credit (FTC). Steve Shearer, executive officer of the South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA), said a new survey of members makes for sobering reading. A staggering 57 per cent

of the 250 respondents say they face financial collapse if the shelved tax credit, an unintentional bungle by former treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the last federal budget, is not restored prior to the scheduled September 30 resumption. Since the abolition of the FTC on March 30, 76 per cent of operators surveyed said they have not been able to offset its loss.

SARTA chief executive Steve Shearer says many operators are struggling to offset the loss of the FTC.

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what’s ahead if they don’t. “Because when all the businesses that rely on trucking to move stuff, and that’s the vast majority of businesses, discover there aren’t enough trucking businesses to do it, a commercial pressure will force a skyrocketing escalation in freight rates as people desperately try and find somebody to carry their freight,” said Shearer. “So, the Labor government should do what the Morrison government should have done, which is cut the fuel excise by 22 cents and fund that entire 22 cents themselves and restore the fuel tax credit to the trucking industry. That’s all they’ve got to do.” In a welcome statement to new transport minister Catherine King, NatRoad chairman Scott Davidson called on King to make an immediate mark by addressing the decision by the previous government to cancel out the FTC. “The inequity of motorists receiving a 22.1c per litre reduction in fuel price at the bowser and heavy vehicle operators receiving an effective 4.3c cut is obvious,” said Davidson. “The full impact on cash

Most truckies are still feeling the pain at the pumps.

flow of the loss of the Fuel Tax Credit, however, is only now becoming apparent as quarterly Business Activity Statements fall due. “NatRoad wants the Albanese government to reinstate the Fuel Tax Credit immediately. “Failing that, we want other relief measures given to the industry along with an undertaking that it will be restored at the end of the period of the halving of excise.” The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) wrote to former prime minister Scott Morrison in early May asking the government to retrospectively restore the FTC from March 30 if it was re-elected.

Shearer said the letter had been ignored by the Coalition despite several approaches for a response from former finance minister Simon Birmingham. ATA chair David Smith told Big Rigs that with quarterly BAS payments looming, the first for many since the FTC was shelved, he worries that many operators will be in for a rude awakening. “I am genuinely concerned for those people who are going to have to effectively pay their BAS without any form of offset by the fuel tax credit,” said Smith. “In other words, they’re going to have to find the money out of cash flow, and that does concern me.”

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Shearer fears further repercussions for industry when trucking operators furnish their first quarterly Business Activity Statements next month. That’s when truckies typically receive thousands back from the fuel tax credits, ranging from as little as $2000 up to $150,000 at a time. “So, it’s a pretty clear message for the government, and that is, they can’t leave restoring the FTC to September 30 without doing a lot of harm,” said Shearer. “So, they have to fix it before then. We’d prefer it to be fixed from March 30. In other words, the decision overturned. “If they’re not going to do that, they have to at least end it on June 30 so we can get back to normal. “That’s still going to harm about 3500 businesses [8 per cent of businesses told SARTA they still couldn’t survive if the FTC is restored from July 1].” Shearer estimates that the cost of fixing the Coalition’s blunder is $350m for Labor, but said that’s a “drop in the ocean” when compared with

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4 NEWS

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Call for new regulatory body

SEVERAL major transport groups are calling for industry-wide participation so a new regulatory body can be implemented, which is equipped to tackle industry concerns into the future. Together they are also calling on the rest of the transport industry to participate constructively in new trucking reform, as committed under the ALP platform. “The new Labor government has pledged to act on Senate recommendations tabled last year calling for an independent body to set universal, binding standards to make Australia’s deadliest industry safer, fairer and more viable,” said the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) in a media release. “The Senate recommendations acted on evidence from 150 witnesses and 128 submissions spanning the entire trucking industry over a twoyear inquiry. “In the six years since the LNP Government tore down a road safety watchdog – despite its own report saying it would have reduced truck crashes by 28 per cent – and put nothing in its place, 1061 people have been killed in truck crashes including 257 truck drivers.” TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said: “An ALP federal government is a wel-

NRFA president Rod Hannifey.

come change after the coalition’s persistent refusal to address deadly pressures in trucking, sending hundreds to their graves every year.” The industry stakeholders say the new federal government’s commitment to regulation should provide welcome relief across the industry to address the Amazon Effect on supply chains. “Right across the industry there is a common interest in the security of enforceable standards to protect jobs, businesses and lives against insidious exploitation and unfair competition through gig-style loopholes like Amazon Flex,” continued Kaine. “It is crucial that an independent body is established urgently and with the support of industry participation to set enforceable standards in an ef-

New assistant transport minister Carol Brown.

fective and sustainable way.” Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) secretary Peter Anderson added that finally, reform is on its way. “If we all work together and contribute constructively to the formation of an independent body, we will all benefit from the protection of universal standards,” said Anderson. “The Senate inquiry proved that the crisis in trucking is deep-rooted and widely felt. With the emergence of the gig economy and Amazons of the world, we know we’re headed for ruin unless we act now. We have been handed a golden opportunity, we need everyone to get involved.” President of the National Road Freighters Association

Rod Hannifey is confident that the Senate inquiry findings will lead to a better, safer industry. “The industry came together like never before to support this inquiry in finding solutions to our shared concerns about the industry’s future,” said Hannifey. “We need to see the same unity now with all stakeholders playing an active role in shaping reform.” Unfortunately, however, the Albanese government doesn’t see a major role in future reform for the former truckie who helmed that Senate inquiry, Glenn Sterle. The popular WA Senator, a passionate advocate

for truckies, was surprisingly overlooked for the outer ministry role of assistant transport minister in favour of the little-known Tasmanian Senator Carol Brown, with Catherine King promoted from the shadow transport role into the frontline cabinet position. Little is known about what experience, if any, that King or Brown have in the trucking industry. King worked in the social welfare sector in Ballarat and later in the public sector in Canberra as an assistant director for the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. A request from Big Rigs for an interview with King prior to the election went un-

answered. Even less is known about Brown who has kept a low profile in parliament for the last 20 years. She lists her focus as: “Being a strong advocate for many years for marriage equality, and continues to advocate for women’s reproductive health and worker’s rights.” “The loss of a passionate advocate [Sterle] for the freight industry in the Federal Ministry will be sorely felt by not just the freight industry but the customers and communities our industry serves,” concluded Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny in a newsletter to members. “Where this leaves the freight industry is not known.”

Peak bodies are calling on industry to participate constructively in new trucking reform.

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Focus on better outcomes for industry

AUSTRALIAN Trucking Association chair David Smith hopes to continue wide-ranging and robust discussions with the Albanese government on a raft of key industry issues. Although early industry chatter since the federal election has focused primarily on safe rates, and what format they might take under Labor, Smith doesn’t believe they are a panacea for all trucking’s woes on their own. He said he’s cautiously

Trucking’s new top rep in Canberra, Labor’s transport minister Catherine King.

optimistic that reform along those lines will be beneficial, but it needs to work alongside more broad-based fixes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), particularly around the issues of fatigue and access. There’s also the on-going problems around driver shortages, enforcement, competency-based training, licensing standards and driver health that need to be fixed. “Heavy vehicle road reform is still there too, that’s still happening,” said Smith, the managing director of D&S Smith Haulage and a 40-year veteran of the industry. “You pretty quickly move into telematics and all sorts of things that industry aren’t really probably ready for. There’s a lot of work that’s gone into that. “Some of what I’m talking about now has dropped off because of Covid but it’s still there, it’s still got to be discussed thrashed out and, again, hopefully move this industry forward. We still haven’t fixed things like AdBlue. There is probably five weeks of AdBlue [left] in this country. That’s it. And you’ve got Gibson Island closing down in October.

“I’m more than happy to discuss safe rates, or reform process, whatever words you want to use; happy to have a meaningful discussion in that area, and that’s something that does have to happen. “But I think we can’t just hang everything on that, which is the impression you get when you read some of the articles to date, because there is a lot more at stake in our industry.” One of the first orders of business for Smith with a new federal government to answer to is finalising the long-awaited improvements to the HVNL. That process ramps up again on June 29 with an online industry summit scheduled to discuss the key findings of the review by Ken Kanofski, the former NSW Roads and Maritime Services head. Smith said that meeting will outline and inform the proposals Kanofski intends to include in his final report to the next Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meeting (ITMM) in September. The ATA has been a vocal critic of the much-maligned review process so far by the National Transport Commission

Australian Trucking Association chair David Smith.

(NTC), labelling it a “circus act”. In response, the ATA released its own version of the HVNL, the pared back Road Transport Act, which even called for the abolishment of the work diary. Smith concedes that the eventual HVNL 2.0 is unlikely to go quite that far, but suggested that it is possible that fatigue will be reduced to just two components. The first would be a very basic fatigue model - not the same as we’ve got now – but along the lines of Standard Hours. “If you’ve got no reason to

do any more than 12 hours a day, six days a week, whatever, you’ll be able to just float along and do that,” said Smith, who is part of the HVNL review panel. “Then the second section could well end up just being an accredited module that you actually submit what accredited scheme you want, and actually get it signed off.” Smith acknowledges that part of the stumbling block to this concept being accepted is not with the jurisdictions, but law enforcement. “Once you delve into fatigue a little way, the first ques-

tion that gets asked from law enforcement is ‘How are we going to police this?’. Smith said he’s looking forward to working with new transport minister Catherine King. “She definitely listens, shows a very keen interest and concern for the issues that we’ve brought up with her prior to the election. I’d also like to thank the outgoing government, in particular Scott Buchholz. There’s no doubt that he was an industry advocate and I spent a fair bit of time with Scott so I just want to acknowledge his work.”

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6 NEWS

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Coroner finds ‘unexplained driver error’ caused crash

VICTORIAN coroner Simon McGregor has released his findings into the circumstances of the crash at the Serviceton border last year that resulted in the tragic death of truckie Steven Lawrie. Lawrie, 46, died when his Volvo truck crashed into traffic just over two hours after South Australia closed its borders to Victoria following a hotel quarantine outbreak, on February 11, 2021. In McGregor’s detailed report he states that “the operation and management of the Serviceton border checkpoint was not a causal factor in the collision.” He added that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding that Lawrie was distracted by mobile phone usage, or that fatigue, including Lawrie falling asleep at the wheel, was a contributory factor. According to the coroner’s report, the autopsy showed evidence of heart disease “capable of causing him to pass out” but

did not mean Lawrie “necessarily had a heart attack”. The report said the reason for the crash “cannot be unequivocally determined” from the autopsy. “Given his degree of heart disease, it is possible the deceased sustained a cardiac arrhythmia, however, the described events are not entirely in keeping with this. “There is insufficient evidence to support a finding that Steven suffered a cardiac arrhythmia (or other medical episode).” He also ruled out the possibility that Lawrie had intentionally taken his own life. “Whilst a number of deficiencies have been identified, primarily in respect of (i) communication in respect of the hard border closure with both relevant Victorian Government Departments and agencies and the trucking industry; and (ii) management of the Serviceton checkpoint including surge staffing capabilities and man-

agement of queuing traffic, I am satisfied that SAPOL’s own internal debrief, review and mitigation process has appropriately addressed all relevant issues and that this remediation will render it much less likely that such a situation would repeat itself,” writes McGregor. “Further I find that to the relevant standard, none of the shortcomings or deficiencies identified were causative to the fatal collision. “Assistant Commissioner [Craig] Patterson submitted in his statement that ‘’as part of policing there is frequently a cause to close sections of road with little or no notice. I am informed that fatalities or serious crashes occur approximately 50 times per year on the Dukes Highway (the SA extension of the Western Highway), often resulting in line-ups of similar lengths if not longer and at times no mitigation measures are able to be put in place. “The area where the collision occurred was on a straight

SAPOL AC Craig Patterson.

Truckie Steven Lawrie lost his life at a checkpoint crash in 2021.

section of road and all other vehicles that formed part of the backlog had been able to come safely to a stop, with the lights of the stationary vehicles waiting in the queue serving to warn approaching traffic’.” McGregor found that Lawrie had “clear visibility along a flat, straight stretch” of the Western Highway, and rear hazard indicators and brake lights “should have provided

sufficient warning” about the queued traffic. The Major Collision Investigation Unit’s Detective Sergeant Robert Hay found Lawrie was driving about 98km/h with no evidence of braking when his Volvo collided into a stationary Kenworth that had joined a 6km line to pass the checkpoint. Det Sgt Hay found that the crash “should have been avoidable by an alert driver”. “For an unknown reason the driver does not appear to have reacted to the queue of traffic stopped on the Western Highway. “I am unable to explain why the driver failed to react to the stopped vehicles.” Senior Constable Giulieri, of mechanical investigation unit, also conducted a mechanical examination on the Volvo prime mover and the two trailers it was towing. In his report, McGregor said Giulieri ultimately concluded that: “Due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire many of the components could not be examined, however of the remaining components, my examination did not reveal

Due to the extent of the damage caused by fire many of the truck components could not be examined. Photo: 9News/Facebook

any faults, failures or conditions that could have caused or contributed to the collision.” The coroner’s report also revealed that numerous people who knew Lawrie very well, expressed concerns in respect of fatigue being a causal factor of the collision at the border last year. Said ex-wife Margaret Lawrie in her statement: “When I found out that he was driving trucks, I said “He should never drive a truck because he will either kill himself or kill someone because he can’t stay awake ... ... he just can’t stay awake ... ... he just nods off.” Hamish Lawrie also expressed his concerns, saying: ‘His sleep was very on and off ... ... he wasn’t the best at, like, getting consistent and good sleep ... ... I don’t think he was probably suitable to be driving trucks ‘cause whenever he seemed to have longer trips he struggled.” A SAPOL spokesperson told Big Rigs that with the conclusion of the Victorian Coroner’s involvement, SAPOL will now finalise the internal Commissioner’s Inquiry into the incident.

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8 OPINION

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Labor has let us down

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

TALK about getting off on the wrong foot. Just when there was a buzz of anticipation building over a new party at the wheel in Canberra, truckies get snubbed again. I’m talking about the inexplicable call from Albo to overlook Senator Glenn Sterle for the assistant transport minister job and give it to little-known Tasmanian Senator Carol Brown instead. Sterle, the most passionate and knowledgeable trucking advocate you could meet has been left out of the mix. Unbelievable. This is a massive kick in the guts for Sterle, who chaired the committee that ran the industry senate inquiry and has worked tirelessly from the wings to clean up truckies’ amenities during Covid. We know he’ll keep up the good fight. We can only hope Brown and transport minister Catherine King have the good sense to call on Sterle’s expertise. They clearly need all the help they can get.

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HOT WEB TOPICS

Pensioner saves the day at Gatton WHEN another downpour closed the Warrego Highway in Qld, it was left to disability pensioner Wes Walker to direct traffic and ensure dozens of truckies were able to take safe refuge at the Gatton pads. “I was one of those drivers and thanks again to Wes as the coffee on Saturday morning was well appreciated,” writes Michael Andrew Weekes on Facebook. “Proper amenities is definitely needed at Gatton like the ones at Tarcutta in NSW, that also have showers in them, as some drivers are due for their major break

when they arrive at the pads. Where’s the duty of care from the state and federal governments, because they are quick to take our hard-earned money when they are short of funds.” Annette De Vulder also had praise for Walker: “Big shout out to Wes the man involved....need to look after our truck drivers as if it’s not for these guys n gal’s our country would stop .... n for the toilet issue that needs to be addressed...they need toilets there as it’s their only place able to go when need be between runs ... all work plac-

Wes Walker doubled the capacity at the Gatton pads by taking charge.

es have toilet facilities so why not for our drivers ...at the change over pad area.”

like adult diapers… it gives you a sense of security and is there to contain the mess. It doesn’t address the cause of the problem. Roz Nanna Turner: “Heard a prime example of how stupid COR is , my son works in a warehouse that distributes meat , 60% of it was recently bought by a big farming company & yesterday he got a message from COR saying “ Make sure your helmet is properly secured before starting the quad bike “ , son is wondering if he now has to wear a helmet while driving

Train truckies as first responders NT trucking boss Louise Bilato got a divided reaction from readers on Facebook after her call for more funding to help train truckies as first responders at accident scenes. Many were supportive, but others feared the legal ramifications, despite protections afforded by the Good Samaritan laws. Said Ricky Aik: “I personally know of 2 cases of the Good Samaritan being held accountable and sued. One was pulling the driver out of a car on fire. The driver sustained permanent back and

shoulder injuries, it was determined in court that he should not have pulled the driver out but should have instead tried to quell the fire. Even though the car exploded soon after. He is still paying for it 15 years later.” Mattie J Smith countered with: “A lot of people commenting obviously haven’t been first on scene of accident been the first to many times and it’s an instant reaction to assist and do what you can at the time, or in other words, basic human reaction had good results and bad results from

Louise Bilato with an example of a trauma kit for truckies.

helping but I’m not going to just stand and watch someone in pain or die without doing the best I can to help. Basic first aid course done when I was 18 has helped and taught me a lot.”

Praise for WA roadhouse

Refresher course on CoR AN industry reminder about what duties automatically place you in the chain of responsibility sparked plenty of lively debate on our Facebook page. Writes Wayne Apps: Two words – common sense. Just like couple weeks ago bloke got up, ‘you can’t use those dogs on chains any more’. Why is that? ‘They are illegal’. My comment, only illegal to fxxkwits with no common sense buddy. And I’ll keep using them.” Adds Trevor Warner: Chain of responsibility is just

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NHVR reminded industry of who is in the chain of responsibility.

the fork lift.” Mark Radcliffe said the law is “not worth the paper it’s written on. It will never be enforced cos it costs them money. Easier to fine drivers.”

WHEN our Spy on the Road columnist singled out The Roebuck Plains Roadhouse in WA for the amazing job it’s doing feeding hungry truckies, Facebook readers were quick to add their endorsements. Tom Boston said it’s not worth a trip unless you get their ribs: “A lot of roadhouses around the country could could learn a thing or two from these guys… cleanliness and setup of the amenities and roadhouse, the caring nature of the staff with excellent customer service, always with a smile too I might add. Massive thumbs up.”

Garry Batten agrees: “Lived in Broome for 7 years and used to deliver food for the kitchen to them. It is the cleanest kitchen you will find anywhere. We regularly drove out to the roadhouse for breakfast and dinner. Great meals.” Graham Parkes said it’s his favourite roadhouse “in all of Australia. I literally drive laps around Australia and am now on my 72nd lap and I never drive past without stopping there . I’m loading in Mackay on Friday going across the top to W/A and I’ll definitely be calling into Roebuck Plains . I

The Roebuck Plains Roadhouse is 33km from Broome and a popular spot with truckies.

stopped there on Christmas Eve 5 years ago and Leland invited me to their Christmas party the next day as the roadhouse would be closed. The whole staff at the Christmas party made me very welcome and I enjoyed free food and beer until the wee hours of Boxing Day.”

10 NEWS

IN BRIEF Dairy industry road safety A new dairy industry road safety initiative aims to reduce the number of milk tanker rollovers and crashes. Funded by the through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, the ‘Spilt Milk’ project has been launched by NTI. Throughout 2022 and 2023, NTI plans to work with drivers, fleet managers and consignors in the dairy supply chain to design and deliver the program. The Spilt Milk program has been designed in collaboration with consigners and carriers. According to NTI’s data, diary tankers are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a major crash than other freight transport. New appointment at Alcoa Alcoa Wheels Australia has announced the appointment of a new state manager for Victoria and Tasmania. Jeremy Lane, 52, started in the new role in early May and brings 30 years of experience in the tyre and wheel industry to his new position. “I’ve been in the industry all my working life and am excited to part of the Alcoa team. “Alcoa Wheels is an entrenched brand in Australia. It’s a premium product in the market within its space, with a very supportive original equipment base,” Lane said.

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Residents and council target truck parking

TRUCKIES’ days of parking their rigs in the neighbourhood streets of Georges River in the southern suburbs of Sydney could be numbered if the local council and residents get their way. Councillor Colleen Symington submitted a Notice of Motion at a recent meeting of Georges River Council calling for a review of fines for heavy or long vehicle parking in built-up areas. “The only enforcement tool that council officers have is a $117 fine if they park there for more than one hour on a residential street,” Cr Symington said. “Council officers put in massive amounts of time and effort. It’s literally a cat and mouse game. “We need a new updated tiered tiered penalty system that has teeth – council officers literally have one arm tied behind their backs. “Updating the noise con-

More Tassie B-double access A total of $120 million will be used to bring one of Tasmania’s highways up to B-double standard – with straightening, widening and adding additional passing lanes all part of the upgrades. A section of the Tasman Highway known as The Sideling, between Launceston and Scottsdale, is known for its spectacular scenery and its challenging bends, which aren’t very truck-friendly. Stage 1 will involve upgrading a 15km section of the Tasman Highway between Minstone Road. Works on this section will include road widening, pavement improvements, the provision of stopping bays, drainage works and safety improvements, allowing it to accommodate B-doubles.

Trucks parked on The Crescent allegedly leave their refrigeration units running all night, according to one local resident.

trol regulation to include noise from vehicles over 4.5 tonnes and idling for a certain length time will stop noise reverberating throughout neighbourhoods causing sleep disturbances, anger and ultimately frustration.” Symington said changes

to the Environment Operations Regulation will provide council officers with another enforcement tool so they can afford affected residents more protection. “Something needs to give because since 2018 this problem has escalated, and I am

regularly receiving emails from impacted residents who live in Beverly Hills, Kingsgrove and Hurstville. “The despair in their voices when I tell them about the ridiculously low fines and limited EPA protection is heartbreaking. “There has to be a solution that can be devised to provide industrial parking spots that do not impact on residents.” Cr Symington’s Notice of Motion, which was unanimously supported, called for the council to write to the Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, requesting the urgent review of fines for heavy or long vehicles which park in built up areas beyond the one-hour limit permitted by Road Rules 2014, with a view to introducing a tiered penalty system. The council will also write to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, James Griffin requesting the Noise

Control Regulation 2017 be amended to remove the offensive noise exemption associated with entering or leaving a residential premises between the prescribed times for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes. The council will also provide a report identifying suitable locations in the LGA for the provision of overnight parking for heavy and long vehicles. The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reported that one resident of Tallawalla Street, Beverly Hills said refrigeration trucks parked nearby in The Crescent leave their refrigeration units running all night with the humming, rattling and vibration heard inside her house and regularly disturbing her family’s sleep. Another resident said the local Highway Patrol had told her that they were aware of at least 50 heavy or long vehicles illegally parked in the Hurstville area.

Time to stand and fight for more parking fixes? BY SHELLEY MITCHELL

SERIOUSLY? Parking for local trucks is at a premium. If you are lucky, it can be found but at a cost. Then you have Wetherill Park which is a prime example of companies having premises that are not big enough to store their vehicles. We get that there are a lot of local truckies who ‘park at home’ but the article references The Crescent at Kingsgrove which is the other side of the park to the resident in Tallawalla Street, Beverley Hills. The industrial area at Kingsgrove is small and has had recent development. Allied Pinnacle has a mill, bakery, lab and distribution from their premises. Across the road is another big distribution centre - Foodlink.

Not forgetting Moreton Hire a large event hire company. Foodlink has countless freezer vans in and out. What should be noted here is this industrial area at Kingsgrove has been here for many years. One of the original King Gee Factories was here. It’s not B-double rated. Drivers did use the old parking bays on the M5 to split trailers prior to the recent M5 extension. The council does mention it will look into areas for heavy vehicles to park in the area overnight. Overnight? How about availability 24 hours? Essentially there is no parking in this area for fatigue management and drivers can run hot. If drivers are early enough, they can park in the area before workers arrive

easily enough. Also, around the back of Foodlink next to the park again if you are lucky and do not get fined. There are local tippers parking in streets in the area, but they have just completed the M5 extensions which back on to this area and involve a lot of daily truck movements. This highlights the inadequacy of parking for interstate and local trucks and it’s good to see that they have a solution for the issue - let’s fine the driver on a tiered system. Does managing your fatigue (7-hour break) negate any fines that could be incurred? There are no laws or development codes where provision be made for heavy vehicles to park. Time to stand and fight? It’s not going to stop with

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just here. Write to the following NSW MPs citing your objections and why to the following: • Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, requesting the urgent review of fines for heavy or long vehicles which park in built up areas beyond the one-hour limit permitted by Road Rules 2014, with

a view to introducing a tiered penalty system. • Minister for the Environment and Heritage, James Griffin requesting the Noise Control Regulation 2017 be amended to remove the offensive noise exemption associated with entering or leaving a residential premises between the prescribed times for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes.

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12 NEWS

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Armitage Transport closes its doors as owner retires

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

AFTER running Armitage Transport for the past 18 years, David Gannon knew the time was right to close its doors, though as he explains the company name will still carry on. Gannon, 52, began his foray into transport when he got his truck licence in 1990 and began driving trucks around Sydney. After working for a few different companies, he moved into an operations role at

CTI Logistics, before he came across the opportunity to purchase Armitage Transport from its founder Graham Armitage in 2004. Based in Crestmead, Armitage Transport was started 30 years ago. Gannon purchased the company, together with two business partners – one of whom exited the business not long after and another who was there until 2014. Back in 2004, the company had just eight working trucks. When Armitage Transport of-

The Armitage Transport fleet will be sold at auction.

David Gannon, with his son Mitchell Gannon, who will retain one of the company’s trucks and go out on his own.

ficially closed on May 10 – the date Gannon chose as it was 18 years to the day of when he acquired the business – it was running a fleet of 25 trucks. When asked what he attributed to the company’s growth, Gannon said, “I guess I’ve always tried to operate in a niche market. We’ve always tried to bend to suit our customers’ needs, rather than the customers having to bend to serve our needs.” Armitage Transport specialised in crane trucks but had also branched out into over-dimensional freight – focused predominantly through Queensland’s south-east. Two of Gannon’s daughters, Rebecca and Gabi, and his son Mitchell were also involved in the business for the

past four or so years. Mitchell will retain one of the company’s prime movers and an extendable trailer so he can go out on his own, operating under the Armitage Transport name. Gannon says it was a hard decision to close the business however he felt the time was right. “It’s been 18 years of my life, and we built it to what it was. When my long-term business partner exited in 2014, we were running six trucks at that time, and we’ve grown it up from there,” he explained. “I had considered selling but I’ve looked at transport companies over the years and the second hand equipment market is such that at this point in time, I don’t think we

would have done any better by selling the business. Due to supply issues, there’s such a huge demand for second-hand trucks. “We also looked at paring things back to five or six trucks, but my problem, as my wife says, is that I can’t say no, so we would’ve eventually ended up going straight back to where we are now. And I just don’t want to be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week any more. In the last few years it’s been even harder. I’ve found myself on the tools during the week and then doing admin on the weekends. “Staff has been a big issue, especially trying to get truck drivers. The biggest challenge for us in the past two years especially, is that because all the

body trucks are crane trucks, it added an additional level of complexity in getting staff because of the additional skills required. “There have been a whole lot of things that have influenced my decision, including the rising costs of fuel.” As Gannon calls it quits as a transport company owner, he plans to semi retire. “I’m going to work on my golf handicap, catch up on some of the travelling I haven’t been able to do in the last few years and dabble in a few other bits and pieces I have on the go,” he said. The Armitage Transport fleet will be going under the hammer at the Grays unreserved auction, being held from 4pm on June 9 until 7pm on June 15.

Six ‘megatrends’ that are impacting the supply chain AUSTRALIAN Industry Standards (AIS) has released the 2022 Supply Chain Industry Outlook that identifies six megatrends impacting the supply chain. The report focuses on the following industries in the supply chain that AIS supports: transport and logistics, aviation, maritime, and rail. The six megatrends are: Double disruptors - digital transformation together with the current pandemic has caused a double disruption to industry, leading business and economic activities to shift rapidly to the online world. Supply chain resilience unprecedented disruptions coupled with consumers’ changing behaviour has highlighted the need for resilient supply chains Data analytics and logistics - the implementation of data-capturing technologies has been expedited by the pandemic and organisations are increasingly employing data analytics to inform their decision making and improve processes. The Internet of Things (IoT) connected networks of digital devices, appliances, software and sensors, continue to open

up new frontiers. Automation - the transport and logistics sector is increasingly using robotics and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses to perform tasks more efficiently and safely Labour shortages - an industry-wide labour shortage is adversely affecting Australia’s economic recovery. Digital transformation the acceleration of digitalisation has impacted the skills needs of the workforce, requiring many to upskill or reskill. The Industry Outlook is based on extensive research and consultation with Industry Reference Committees (IRC) representing these sectors. It provides an overview of each industry and presents a whole-of-industry view about the opportunities and challenges for the workforce and skills development necessary to meet industry needs. It also looks at the impact of Covid-19 while addressing the critical role that supply chains play in enabling a strong Australian economy. “The recent floods and bushfires in Australia and the current pandemic highlight how

the supply chain is involved in so many aspects of our life, from the food we purchase in supermarkets to the supply of materials used in manufacturing and the movement of goods and services across our nation and internationally,” said Paul Walsh, AIS CEO. Walsh said there is an even greater need now to have a workforce that is equipped with the right skills at the right time with the Australian economic recovery and our global competitiveness underpinned by a strong and responsive industry-led Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. “This Industry Outlook on Supply Chain is a key piece of intelligence about the skills needs of industry. IRCs are well placed to listen to industry stakeholders about their workforce needs,” added Walsh. Walsh told Big Rigs that he doesn’t believe the VET system is broken, it’s more a case that it’s not used well enough by the industry at present. “VET has become a second cousin when it’s anything but,” said Walsh. “There is plenty of information that will tell you that any-

AIS CEO Paul Walsh identifies the ‘megatrends’ impacting the supply chain.

one going through VET qualifications who go on to have a career usually have higher paid careers over the long-term. “As opposed to university which will lead you to an outcome, but it might take you 15 to 20 years to get you into a well-paid career. “Coming out of VET you

hit the ground harder and faster and actually get into some of those better paying jobs, particularly in the trade-related areas.” According to the supply chain report, the transport and logistics industry employs 542,721 people and that number is predicted to grow by 8

per cent by 2027. “We’re going to need more people and we’re going to continue to need more people, and invest in people and find ways to upskill and reskill and retain people in the industry, otherwise this challenge is going to get bigger and bigger,” added Walsh.

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16 FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Delicate 1700km move for historic paddlewheeler

In a truly mammoth transport task, an historic 100-year-old paddlewheeler will make its way across three states, travelling on a 1700-kilometre journey to its new home.

Getting the historic paddlewheeler out of the water was a huge task within itself.

The historic paddlewheeler is being transported on a 26-metre float, that’s rated at 192 tonne.

IT’S believed to be the largest ever move of a boat of this size by road in the Southern Hemisphere. The much-loved vessel is travelling from Victoria to Longreach in Queensland’s outback, with Freightlancer tasked with co-ordinating the logistics of the move. It’s being trasported on a 26-metre long, 8.7-metre wide gooseneck float trailer built by Drake, that’s rated at 192 tonne; pulled by a 700hp Volvo FH16. Warrick Corney of Freightlancer admitted this freight task was certainly one that has kept him up at night for the past four months. “This is unique for us and it’s unique for the Australian transport industry. I’m yet to check the data thoroughly but I believe it’s the single largest boat move in the Southern

Hemisphere by road. It’s specialised equipment, specialised drivers. That’s difficult in itself and takes months and months of planning,” Corney said. “Then we’ve got the issues of jumping through the legislation hurdles – of permits and police and power companies, it just goes on and on. We have to lift powerlines, we have to make sure that we don’t hit any trees or power poles, or any roadside furniture like signs and things like that, all the way from here to Longreach. It might sound easy but it is a massive undertaking,” he continued. The massive job of lifting the delicate 100-tonne ‘Pride of the Murray’ vessel from the Murray River in Echuca has been completed. This will be followed by an epic road trip up north. According to previous

The vessel was guided onto the trailer with the utmost care.

skipper of The Pride of the Murray, Neil Hutchinson, this is only the second time the paddlewheeler has ever left Echuca. “The first was last year when she went to Swan Hill to put it on the dock for maintenance work,” he said. “We’ve had a great day pulling the boat out of the river and watching the comings and goings of the blokes that have been doing the job. We’ve got a surplus boat that’s going to go to someone else now to be loved.” The paddlewheeler was purchased by Queensland grazier and tourism entrepreneur, Richard Kinnon of the Longreach-based Outback Pioneers. “Everyone thinks I’m mad. To build a purpose-built boat from scratch would have been a signifi-

“This is unique for us and it’s unique for the Australian transport industry,” said Warrick Corney at Freightlancer.

cantly cheaper option but it didn’t meet my own brief which is for our Longreachbased tourism operation to remain true to history,” explained Kinnon. “When I found out the Pride of the Murray was looking for a new home, I knew I’d found a genuine outback pioneering artefact we just had to preserve. The only problem: this perfect piece of Australian history is giant and 1750 kilometres from Longreach. “As we got here and I was standing on the back of her, and her sister boat went past, you won’t believe it, I felt sad because these pair of sisters have passed one another for 100 years and it was pretty emotional for me because it felt like I was taking her away from her mates.” The age and construction of the vessel was another

hurdle in the move; meaning it can only be out of the water for a maximum of seven days, before the timber begins to shrink, so timing is also crucial. Corney added, “This is not a move that has ever been attempted before in Australia. However, the Kinnon’s have that true pioneering spirit in spades and are so dedicated to history conservation, we’re going to make the impossible, possible. “It’s an extremely delicate operation. It’s a 100-yearold boat we are lifting out of the water and putting it on top of a trailer before we drive it from Victoria to Queensland. The route we have specifically chosen because it’s quite straight and had less obstructions for a mega road train.” Before the boat was winched from the water, the wheelhouse was removed

because of height restrictions and placed on a separate truck. The remainder of the boat was then winched out of the water and laid across large inflatable bags before being placed on stands, with the 26-metre trailer then backed in underneath it and the boat gently lowered down. “The trailer itself is massive,” Corney said. “To give you a visual of the size of it, the trailer alone is rated at 192 tonne and the entire rig has 106 tyres under it to soften the pressure on the road.” With the trailer being 8.7 metres wide and some of the bridges it will travel on being narrower than that, it will need to be lifted higher for parts of the journey to ensure it doesn’t hit any guard rails. Continued page 18

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18 FEATURE

Ready for her next adventure

From page 16 “IT’S big machinery but a delicate operation, so the maximum speed of travel is 80km/h. It will also be tall, so we negotiated to have crews from each electrical company travel with us along the way to lift up power lines as we come through areas where they are low,” Corney said. The entire convoy will be supported by police and pilot vehicles and can only travel during daylight hours, so it

will stop overnight in regional towns along the way. Because it’s an old wooden boat, Corney says it needs to be kept wet during the trip. “We have a limited amount of time it can be out of the water, so we are hoping the drive only takes three days,” he said. “Before it came out of the water, we used old techniques and lined the inside of the hull with wet hessian sacks.” The most difficult part of

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

SHE IS CERTAINLY GOING TO WRITE ANOTHER FEW CHAPTERS. WE’LL TREASURE HER UP THERE. SHE’LL BE OUT ON HER OWN UP THERE BUT I TELL YOU WHAT, SHE WILL BE THE GRAND OLD LADY OF THE OUTBACK, I CAN TELL YOU.” RICHARD KINNON

After the boat was winched from the Murray, the trailer was backed in underneath it and the boat gently lowered down.

Richard Kinnon of the Longreach-based Outback Pioneers is looking forward to giving the boat a new lease of life.

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the entire trip will be negotiating the last roundabout as they enter Longreach. As the boat hadn’t been operating, Kinnon looks forward to giving it a new lease of life. “She is certainly going to write another few chapters. We’ll treasure her up there. She’ll be out on her own up there but I tell you what, she will be the grand old lady of the outback, I can tell you,” he said Kinnon admits it’s going to be a stressful journey but will be worth it in the end.

“We are putting a 100-oldyear vessel like Noah’s Ark on a truck and bringing it to the outback of Australia.” Kinnon continued, “I just want to conserve that history. How many stories has that old boat got to tell? How much better is it sitting here than a new one? A new one would mean nothing to me. This old girl has so much to share with us. “We’re passionate about educating people about Australia’s proud pioneering history and once the paddle-

wheeler is recommissioned, 100 people a day will get to relive an authentic river experience. The vessel will be restored in Longreach over the coming months. “The incentive for me and the Kinnon family is millions of tourists will get to enjoy riding the Pride of the Murray on the Thomson River for another 100 years,” Kinnon added. As Big Rigs went to print, the Pride of the Murray was ready to set off on her journey.

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20 FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Staying true to Blue Oval

The LTL, with Cat crawler on the back and the F-500 shine in the Easter sun.

BY DAVID VILE THE famous ‘Blue Oval’ logo of the Ford Motor Company is one of the most easily recognised, and revered brands around the world, and prior to its demise, trucks bearing the Ford nameplate built up a strong following over a number of decades in Australia. In terms of capturing the era for some of Ford’s product it is hard to go past the 1954 F-500 and the 1987 LTL9000 which are currently under the care of Neil Deas, who had both trucks on display at the Rutherglen Rumble over the Easter weekend. The trucks were restored by the late Phil Morell of Geelong, with the Morell family having a long association with the Ford product through their earthmoving and tipper business, as Deas explained: “Phil’s father Max had a 1954 F-500 tipper, so he got one identical to this one rebuilt and done up to be the way it was back in the day. “It still has the old flat-head V8 petrol in it and everything still works, including the hoist, and the interior has been painted as well. It is period correct and the tank and every-

thing has been done back to the way it was, right down to the waterbag on the tie-rails.” The LTL stood tall beside its older brother and was loaded up with a Caterpillar crawler tractor and having originally been a highway truck, had also undergone a restoration from the ground up. “Phil had another LTL before this one, then he found this one, it was pretty much

laying in someone’s shed with the diffs out of it. It’s got a 400 Cummins with a 15-speed overdrive. “It has quite a different interior to other LTL’s; it seems it’s sort of a changeover between and later LTL models upgrades. It’s the Kentucky interior with the older style dash.” The short tray has been fitted to carry the Cat tractor

A proud Neil Deas is the current custodian of the Morell truck collection.

which was also part of the Morell earthmoving operation, and the LTL usually tows a trailer with the F500 on board to make for an impressive outfit. Fully loaded Deas reckons the big Ford has not trouble getting down the road at a good pace, especially when compared to the old F500. “The F-500 is a bit of a handful to drive but the LTL

gets up and goes all right! The tractor on the back stops it pigrooting a bit. “I’m not sure what diff ratios are in it but with the 15 o/d she can get there pretty quick. It’s not the original engine, as it originally had a Big Cam 4, but it threw a leg out of bed, but the replacement Big Cam 3 gets along very nicely. It’s a good old truck but nice to drive.” Prior to his passing, Phil Morell was a regular on the historic show circuit and Deas is now the current custodian of the collection on behalf of his sons who wanted to keep the vehicles in the family. “He also had a bigger dozer and a couple of crane trucks; he had a good collection of stuff going around to the shows. “We have the room to keep them; his boys are not in a position to do anything with them, so hopefully in years to come they can. One lives in inner Geelong and one in Switzerland. They didn’t want to see them sold. They will never be mine to sell and if they want them back, or I’m too old or clapped out to take them to the shows they can decide what to do with them then.” For Deas, who lives not far from Rutherglen at Barnawartha, housing the collection also ties in with his interests and since taking the trucks on has been to shows in Lancefield,

THAT’S ALL HE (PHIL) WANTED TO DO WITH THEM, KEEP GOING TO SHOWS, THAT’S WHAT HE ENJOYED. I MUST ADMIT I LOVE TRUCKS SO THAT’S WHAT WE ARE DOING.”

NEIL DEAS

Rochester and Berrigan, and is looking forward to firing up the LTL for some more show action later in the year. “I love going to the shows, I have found out a lot of information about trucks that I didn’t know previously. I have never driven trucks full-time. “I have driven trucks parttime, on and off since I was 19. On a nice sunny day like today I can just get in it, fill the book in and go for a drive!” said Deas with a smile. With both trucks so beautifully restored, they serve as living reminder to times in transport that have passed, and also to the pride and passion held by Phil Morell. “That’s all he (Phil) wanted to do with them, keep going to shows, that’s what he enjoyed. I must admit I love trucks so that’s what we are doing,” added Deas. “He was proud of the job he had done, and they are both classics - they both represent the era so well.”

Loaded and ready to go, the LTL with tractor, trailer and F500 off to another show.

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22 FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Transport operator forced to make toughest call

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

AFTER struggling to find employees over the last few years, the recent fuel price hike was the final straw that has forced a veteran transport operator to make one of the toughest decisions of his life. Patrick Jeffery, 53, started Jeffery Transport in 1994 in his hometown of Moruya on NSW’s south coast, about 300 kilometres south of Sydney. Over the past 28 years, his business has grown and diversified. “I grew up on a farm and trucks were always part of it. My father had a truck on the farm, my grandfathers both had trucks, so I did the farming bit for a while and then I got my own truck,” he said. Up until recently he ran a fleet of 12 late model prime movers and operated across three depots. But now, the business as he knew it will be no more, as he downsizes to just two trucks and hands in the leases to two of his depots. He explained that there were three main factors behind the decision: an ageing workforce, difficulty attracting young people into the industry and increasing operating costs. Sadly, he’s not alone, with many transport operators feeling the effects of these pressing issues, which seem like they won’t be going away any time soon. “It’s a shame because I’ve lived for trucks and the transport industry. I’ve lived and breathed it every day of the

week for the past 28 years. I’ll still have a couple of trucks running but it’s hard to give the rest of it away – because half the time it’s not viable and the other half of the time I can’t find anyone to do the work,” Jeffery said. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It nearly tore my guts out after all these years of putting everything into it and then saying that’s it, it can all go. It’s really hard. There are some customers I’ve had for as long as we’ve had the trucks; and I had to let go of around 10 staff.” Jeffery says that in December/January, the fleet used the same amount of fuel as in February/March – but the latter period cost him an additional $45,000. “And we didn’t get anything back off the major customers. They eventually agreed to rate increases but in the time it took to come up with it, it was too late. With the interstate stuff, it’s been the rates and the amount of time it takes to negotiate rate rises, especially in the last few months with fuel prices. “There’s just no point running the trucks. We don’t run B-doubles, only singles. At the moment, the trucks doing long distance are costing us 95 cents a kilometre for fuel, 70 cents a kilometre for the truck (that’s finance, repairs, maintenance, rego, insurance, tyres, etc), the employee is costing 70 cents a kilometre, and on top of that you have administration costs which is roughly 5 per cent of

IT’S A SHAME BECAUSE I’VE LIVED FOR TRUCKS AND THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY. I’VE LIVED AND BREATHED IT EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS. I’LL STILL HAVE A COUPLE OF TRUCKS RUNNING BUT IT’S HARD TO GIVE THE REST OF IT AWAY – BECAUSE HALF THE TIME IT’S NOT VIABLE AND THE OTHER HALF OF THE TIME I CAN’T FIND ANYONE TO DO THE WORK.” PATRICK JEFFERY

our turnover. Then there are the depots and the cost of the trailers too. It’s costing us about $2.95 a kilometre to operate the truck and we just aren’t getting the money back,” he explained. The other big issue the company has faced is with staff. “We just can’t get the people. We’ve been lucky that we had a lot of long term employees, so it wasn’t a major concern until recently when many of them started getting to retirement age. We’ve had a few younger drivers come in, but then they’ve decided to leave the industry all together because if they make one tiny mistake in a logbook, they can get a fine of $600. With the roof trusses we transport, for exam-

Patrick Jeffery started Jeffery Transport 28 years ago, and the decision to downsize was a tough one.

Up until recently, the business ran a fleet of 12 late model prime movers and operated across three depots.

ple, we need someone with all of the relevant tickets and they need to be really switched on, so it’s really hard to find those employees. “You’ve got all these people who’ve been in this industry for 20, 30 or even 40 years and now they’re getting out of it. That means we’re losing a whole pool of experience and knowledge – it’ll all be gone and there’s no one to teach people. “It’s a really sad reflection on the transport industry when in the last six months alone, we’ve had at least six regional carriers in NSW closing up.” Jeffery has already sold some of the trucks, with the remainder set to go to auction. “I’ve already cut the work back to what we’re going to do in the future. With the trucks, people were lining up to buy them because we have a lot of late model trucks – but it’s not the nicest thing to have to give away all your toys.”

The business was able to hold onto two of its drivers, as well as its mechanic. “We still have things to fix and will open the workshop up to other people too which will help to keep him in a job. I also have an earthmoving business too, so I just want to keep the transport side going along as it is, keep our workshop going, and keep our earthmoving stuff going so we can still earn a living for ourselves,” Jeffery added. “I don’t know what the best way forward for our industry is, but I really think the government needs to recognise what’s going on, because without this industry Australia is buggered. We need to be encouraging young people into the industry, but instead the media has painted the industry as a bunch of drugged up cowboys going down the highway and that’s not the case. The vast majority of us are just normal people trying to do our jobs.”

NSW highway opens up to higher productivity vehicles

HIGHER productivity vehicles have now been given access to a key freight route in NSW’s north-western region. The Kamilaroi Highway, which runs through one of the state’s agricultural epicentres, has now opened up to 30-metre Performance Based Standard (PBS) Level 2B vehicles.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said that up until now, 26 to 30-metre-long vehicles weren’t permitted to along this route due to two rail level crossings at Werris Creek and Curlewis. This added 50 kilometres to the journey. “These two rail level cross-

ings were the only thing standing in the way of end-toend access for safer, more efficient and sustainable heavy vehicles,” Farraway said. The Kamilaroi Highway is 605 kilometre stretch that connects the Hunter Valley to the outback NSW town of Bourke. The change is expected to

save drivers of these higher productivity vehicles around an hour when travelling along the Kamilaroi Highway. “Allowing longer, more productive heavy vehicles on the Kamilaroi Highway, without compromising on safety, ultimately means fewer heavy vehicles on the road, which is good for everyone.”

Farraway also commented about the importance of the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme. “It is an opportunity to innovate with vehicle design and road management to greatly enhance productivity, improve safety performance while minimising impacts on the environment and road

infrastructure,” he said. Transport For NSW added that, in addition to safety and productivity, there are also long-term benefits to this new assessment method for assessing rail level crossings including significant savings when applied more broadly to assess the need to upgrade existing rail level crossings.

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24 OPINION

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Can we all agree we need a major shake-up!

Will the industry finally get the changes it needs with Labor calling the shots in Canberra and in most states? PODCAST HOST MIKE WILLIAMS mike@ontheroadpodcast.com.au

I OPENLY said before the election Labor had the best policy for transport and the best person for the massive task ahead. I said again post-election I was optimistic that Labor had a man in Glenn Sterle with industry credibility and runs on the board who should get the nod. Now two politicians most of us in trucking couldn’t pick out of a line-up have been appointed to the transport portfolio. Many of us will see that as a slap in the face. Senator Sterle must be absolutely gutted. I jokingly called him the minister for busted toilets and potholes. I can’t think of anyone in parliament who has his regard for truckies and a willingness to act. Actions speak louder than words. I find it extremely disappointing that he’s been overlooked. My hope now is Minister Catherine King and her deputy Carol Brown don’t turn out to be cardboard cut-outs. That they at least have the common sense to put Sterle to work. The work is still there to be done and to be successful it needs to be done properly. Glenn had committed to an improved version of something akin to the old RSRT and creation of a representative body from industry that includes owner drivers and drivers to consult on issues relevant to the men and women with a steering wheel in their hands. As long as it’s done properly this time many won’t have an

issue. Isn’t it about time we came to grips with the fact that rates, safety, compliance and accidents are inextricably related? It’s also time the public came to grips with the reality that it costs money to run a truck no matter what direction the freight is going? With proper consultation and drafting of orders you’re going to have trouble putting up a good case for not doing it. Before anyone starts on about there being less freight out of Adelaide etc understand this, there are loads, there will always be loads. If the playing field is level then price should no longer be a point of difference. It becomes about service and reliability. We have a situation now where larger carriers will quote on a job leaving no fat on the bone. In fact the only way they make money out of some work is farm it out to subcontractors and then charge things like service fees while pocketing a few hundred off the top as well. Oh, they’ll put a couple of company trucks on the job for the sake of appearances but that’s all it is. As a former owner-driver I know its hard but not impossible to cultivate your own clients. We need to stop undervaluing our services and stand firm on what we need to be profitable. It’s not enough to just get by. Moving on from it’s not enough to just get by, there are two other issues that require just as much attention. The bar to get into trucking needs to be raised both on a business level and a licensing level. It’s too easy to get into a truck and swim in the pond. You don’t need to have a big wad of cash either. Go to a truck dealer, rent to own! Pick a prime mover sign on the line. Go to a trailer rental compa-

We need an urgent overhaul of the licensing system.

We need to stand firm on what we need to run a profitable operation.

ny, sign on the line, job done. There’s a couple of web-based loading sites about now, pick a load, away you go! Not everyone who does this is a danger to themselves and others but how do we know they’re not? Some out there have absolutely no idea what it costs to run. They rely on the “goodwill” of the majors to pay a fair rate, cynical me is laughing. They rely on things like fuel rebates. You’re already behind. You’ve been relieved of a couple of hundred bucks to help the contractors bottom line then they charge a service fee to process your paperwork and pay you. It’s time to wake up. If you’re relying on the diesel rebate then quit now. Your margin is too thin. Frankly I’ll be amazed if it ever comes back. As we push toward nationwide regulation, why can we not have a system that requires each company engaged in road freight movement to be registered and accredited to a

uniform standard? Something akin to the US DOT system. Every business held to the same standard, every truck easily cross referenced to a business. It wouldn’t take long for those colouring outside the lines to be exposed. Even if WA and the NT continue to walk their own path, as is their right, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be working together in this area. Then there’s driver licensing, an area neglected for decades. This idea that we can import drivers and throw them into trucks has to stop. It’s lunacy to suggest it’s a good idea to take someone with no driving experience in this country and in a few days give them unsupervised control of the biggest things on our roads. No more of this present a HR equivalent licence and four days later sign up with an agency and be doing Tarcutta change overs the next night. It’s MADNESS! It must change.

If you’re relying on the diesel rebate, then quit now.

Every taxi, limo and bus driver has a driver’s authority but you can just climb behind the wheel of a semi and head off? It’s about time we have a proper commercial driver license system. It’s also time for proper driving schools that teach more than how to pass a driving school administered test. But

that’s another can of worms for another day. You can contact me via @ theoztrucker on twitter, On The Road Podcast (@otrpodcastaus) on Facebook or go to www.ontheroadpodcast.com. au to leave a comment and see links to the show or email me directly mike@ontheroadpod cast.com.au.

Let’s hope the transport ministers have the sense to call on the expertise of Senator Glenn Sterle.

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26 FEATURE

Truckie’s skin cancer warning

BY JAMES GRAHAM

LIKE most other Aussie blokes of his era, Kyogle-raised truckie Richard Fleming, 51, spent most of his life out in the sun without ever giving the health ramifications a second thought. It wasn’t until 2016 that the first issue from the UV damage surfaced for Fleming, a small pimple-like growth in the centre of his forehead. After squeezing out the ‘gunk’, it disappeared for a while, but soon came back, prompting his partner Christine to send Fleming off to his GP for a closer look. The GP ‘froze’ it off with liquid nitrogen spray, a common practice, but it returned again soon after, prompting Fleming to get both the forehead ‘growth’ and a ‘scratch’ that had also appeared around the same time on his temple cut out. Luckily, both skin lesions turned out to be benign, and Armidale-based Fleming had no further issues until a toothache flared on the right-hand side of his mouth in 2020. But two weeks after he had that troublesome tooth extracted a small lump appeared on the side of his cheek. It also disappeared for a couple of weeks, but then re-

surfaced and began to grow, sparking a barrage of tests that resulted in an urgent referral to leading Sydney ear, nose and throat specialist surgeon Professor Carsten Palme. “He just looked at all the tests and said it’s bad, we’ve got to do something about it,” recalled Fleming. Within two weeks the cancerous lump grew from the size of a golf ball to a tennis ball – 32mm to 54mm – and Fleming was fast-tracked into theatre at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a cancer hospital in Camperdown in January 2021. In no pain or discomfort, remarkably Fleming had been able to carry on driving his usual run from Brisbane to Sydney for Warwick-based Wickham Freight Lines in his Kenworth 659 until three days before he went under the knife. “When I initially got the ones taken out on my forehead and temple they said they could come back somewhere else on your body,” added Fleming. “They say they need something to trigger it off and pulling this tooth has knocked my immune system and this had just gone ahead leaps and bounds.” It took Palme and his team almost 13 hours to remove the

BIG RIGS come clean

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Richard Fleming shared his inspiring story with TV personality Deborah Hutton on a recent skin cancer special on Channel 7.

tumour and painstakingly reconstruct Fleming’s face using skin, muscle and tissue from his kneecap to his hip. Amazingly, the next day he was able to line up for pork chops and roast veges from his hospital bed, and a couple of days later, Fleming was already walking two kilometres a day. He was back home 10 days later with Christine, daughter Amie, and granddaughter Annie, 4, although still faced a daunting six weeks of radiation in Lismore. “I still haven’t recovered from that 100 per cent, and that’s over a year ago,” he said. Fleming still can’t eat salty The lump ballooned to the size of a tennis ball.

Friends, family and colleagues at Wickham Freight Lines have helped Fleming remain positive.

foods, or anything spicy because the radiation took layers off the top of his tongue and ulcerated his throat. He also has no saliva gland left in the right-hand side of his mouth – Fleming is always chewing on a lolly to keep moisture in his mouth – and is restricted on how wide he can now open his mouth, meaning something as simple as yawning is still off the table. “Other than that, when I drive along, I have to massage the side of my face to manipulate it a bit,” said Fleming, who was been clocking up 6000km a week for Wickhams for more than a year now since the operation. So far, the prognosis from

Surgeons used a graft from Fleming’s leg.

doctors is all positive. He still sees his Sydney surgeon every three months and is booked to return to the Lismore clinic every year for check-ups. Mentally, his family, mates and support from Wickhams, in particular the backing of managing director Graham Keogh, have all played their part in his recovery, said Fleming who is also drawing strength from the chance to help others by sharing his inspiring story. He appeared on a Spotlight skin cancer special on Channel 7 recently, alongside host Deborah Hutton – they share the same surgeon – and is eager to spread a similar message to truckies. “Just bloody look after your-

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selves, and if you’ve got something that looks out of place, go get it checked – put a hat on, slap on some sunscreen, get your windows tinted,” urged Fleming. “I was driving along today and all I could see was blokes with the window down and their arm hanging out the window. “I have the left-hand window down. That’s probably what saved me. “My brother said to me years ago, ‘Never drive with the right window down’, and I said, why not? ‘Because I’m deaf in the right ear’. “So, if I hadn’t have listened to him, I’d probably be worse than what I am.”

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28 FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Huge Townsville convoy raises $133k for charity BY ALF WILSON

ing $7240. All proceeds went to the charity The Cure Starts Now, which helps kids and families with cancer. Convoy director Todd Martin said it was a great success. The trucks gathered at a marshalling area at the Bohle suburb and left at 9am with a police escort. They travelled from Webb Drive, along Ingham Road, Duckworth Street, Dalrymple Road and Thuringowa Drive to then proceed up Riverway Drive finishing at

Ross Dam Park. The 7km long convoy took an hour to negotiate the 21km journey and thousands of men, women and children waved to them. In return, the trucks many of which had sick kids as passengers, pomped their horns loudly. The convoy was so long that it caused a traffic jam at one point. Naming rights partner, radio station Power 100, broadcast the Convoy advising spectators along the route where the trucks were.

A record turnout of 290 trucks helped raise $133,600 for charity.

A RECORD number of 290 trucks and 49 bikes raised a massive $133,600 during the Convoy For The Cure event in Townsville on May 29. The Lead Truck was a Mercedes from RGM Maintenance, aptly named Flash As, and raised $7345. The company with the largest participating fleet was ABC Towing with 30 trucks raising $21,650. The Small Fleet award went to Townsville Mini Loads with four trucks rais-

All proceeds went to the Townsville charity The Cure Starts Now.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

Truckie Woody and Colleen Milan at the marshalling area.

The crew from All Hours Towing with boss Steve Gurney third from right.

Seaton Battle, left, and Kent Battle and one of their trucks.

Convoy director Todd Martin was thrilled with the turnout.

The 7km long convoy took an hour to negotiate the 21km journey.

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FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

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Congratulations to Beau Arnold, who has won a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card for this great shot, taken at Tanumbirini Station in the Northern Territory.

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SHELL Rimula has partnered with Big Rigs in a big way – so now there’s even more reasons to send in your best truck shots. Each month, the Big Rigs team will choose a #PicOfTheMonth, with the lucky winner receiving a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card. Keep an eye out for our regular posts on the Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper Facebook page, calling

for your best truck photos and add yours in the comments, or email them to editor@bigrigs. com.au. Don’t forget to include a brief note about the truck and where the photo was taken. We’ll feature some of the best photos in each edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, with one winner announced each month. Keep those amazing truck pics coming!

Peter Crowther snapped this shot at the top of the Pimba jump-up in SA.

Dennis Perfrement waits to load up this triple tanker road train in Darwin.

Jakob Batchelor navigates the dusty outback roads in this great shot.

Patrick Knight heads southbound out of Geraldton after unloading two trailers of salt.

Dean Trounson and this Centurion triple enjoy the sunrise at Fitzroy Crossing.

Nicholas Dolan shared an early morning view of the Milky Way, while southbound on the Newell Highway, Coonabarabran, in a Kenworth K200.

READER RIGS 31

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

Mark Nelson was seeing double in this ripper shot of an SEQ Transport Volvo road train in Brewarrina, NSW.

Paul Freeth rolls into Darwin from Adelaide in this Western Star, with the shine still on, after dodging the rain.

Brad Omeley captured this pic right on sunrise, just west of Temora, NSW, of this Western Star 4900.

Phillip Radford was loaded up with donated hay from Deloraine, Tasmania, bound for Casino on the recent Need For Feed hay run.

Milly MC shared this great shot of these Mactrans rigs - ‘Smoking Gun’ hauling a 773F water truck and ‘The Judge’ hauling a 745 Moxy.

Vic Curnow and the Volvo head into Myrtle Springs Mine, south of Lyndhurst, SA, with this oversize load.

Shane Whenan travels along the Strzelecki Track while heading home from Moomba.

32 COVER STORY

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

WA truck show ‘a huge success’

HUGE crowds turned out for another fantastic event as the 2022 WA Mack Muster and Truck Show showcased 214 trucks of various makes and models, while raising approximately $200,000 for a worthy cause. “It was an amazing day – a huge success. We had 214 trucks on display and attracted roughly 6000 people,” said executive committee member

Matt Lawrence. That’s compared to the inaugural event that featured 140 trucks and over 3500 visitors. Started in 2020, the WA Mack Muster and Truck Show is a chance for truck owners to show off their rigs of all makes and models, while raising money for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. The WA Mack Muster is a grassroots event, organised by

Over 6000 people came through the gates, helping to raise around $200,000 for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Photos: Creative Fleire Photography

A Mack Super-Liner looking its Sunday best.

a committee of eight people, each of whom are involved in the transport industry. It was held on Sunday May 22 at the 200-acre Quarry Farm in Byford, WA – about an hour out of Perth. It stemmed out of an idea from WA Limestone director Steve Della Bona and CTS Low Loaders director Jason Clatworthy, who share a passion for the Mack truck brand and are both Value-Liner owners.

The pair wanted to host a small get-together where owners could display their Mack trucks in a paddock, while enjoying a few beers and a barbeque. But that small idea took off, so they established a committee and the WA Mack Muster was born. Last time around, money raised through the event was approximately $100,000, so this time organisers have man-

aged to double it. “The weather held out from 10am until about 1.30pm when it rained us out, which was unfortunate, but in that time we had counted about 6000 people coming through the gates. The trucks on display were only about 36 per cent Mack in the end, 22 per cent Kenworth and the rest was made up of other brands,” said Lawrence. The oldest of those on display was a whopping 95 years

old – a 1927 AA Chevrolet Capitol, owned by Mark Talbot, who also won an award for one of his other trucks on the day. Along with the main show on the Sunday, events spanned the weekend, with a Mack Muster gala dinner on the Friday prior for 350 guests and a Drivers’ Dinner on the Saturday, which attracted around 100 people. Continued on page 34

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Outback Truckers’ show favourites Steve Grahame, Yogi and Sludge were at the event. Photo: Sludge/Facebook

Seeing green – this Western Star beast certainly stood out, with Bandana Earthmoving taking out the award for Best Fleet.

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34 COVER STORY

Bringing the industry together

From page 32 “IT was just a great atmosphere, to have it there at Quarry Farm. It brought people together to enjoy a relaxed weekend for the whole industry. From first thing in the morning on the Saturday

at 5am, we had trucks coming in, up until 11pm,” Lawrence added. Along with the trucks, activities and stalls, Outback Truckers’ show favourites Steve Grahame, Sludge and Yogi were also there at the

event, for a meet and greet. “As we understand it, from talking to a few people in the industry, with the number of trucks, it may just make it one of Australia’s largest truck shows – it’s certainly up there,” Lawrence said.

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

“We’re looking to potentially expand the show too. We want to put the show on the national calendar and if we can be a part of other people’s shows too, it could create a great experience for everybody involved.”

This Mack R Model has been restored to its former glory.

Trucks were lined up throughout Quarry Farm in Byford, WA.

About 36 per cent of the trucks on display wore the Mack badge.

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EVENTS 35

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

Here are the winners of the 2022 Mack Muster and Truck Show awards: People’s Choice: 1981 White Road Boss (Cesare Colli/Colli Timber and Hardware) Truck of the Show: 1975 Kenworth SAR (Patch/ Transpatch)

Best Rigid: 2012 Kenworth T359 (Ross Kitts/ Dananni Haulage) Best Vintage: 1963 Peterbilt 351A (Daniel Ridolfo) Best American (1970 – 1995): 1975 Dodge D5N 700 (Russell Mehrtens/ Mehrtens Transport) Best American (1996 – 2022): 2001 Kenworth T950 (Frazer Penn/ Penn’s Cartage Contractors) Best European (1970 – 1995): 1978 Volvo G88 (Pete Haines/ Midland HIAB and Haulage) Best European (1995 – 2022): 2021 Volvo FH16 (Mark Talbot/ Wedderburn Transport) Best Tow Truck: 2019 Kenworth T409 This 1946 Dodge is owned by Wendy and Peter Collins.

People’s Choice Mack: 1989 Mack Value-Liner (Jason Clatworthy/ CTS Low Loaders) Mack of the Show: 1988 Mack Super-Liner II (Barry Napoli/ Charles Hull Contracting)

Best Fleet: Bandana Earthmoving (Ryan Demasi/ Bandana Earthmoving)

There were trucks old and new, with the oldest in the pack dating back to 1927.

SAR (Travis Hodge/ Swan Towing)

Best Vintage Mack: 1965 Mack B61 (Clem and Brett Catalano/ B&J Catalano) Best Mack (1970 – 1979): 1971 Mack Flintstone (Robert Rutherford) Best Mack (1980 – 1989): 1989 Mack Super-Liner (Mick Ferguson/ Vernice Pty Ltd) Best Mack (1990 – 1999): 1990 Mack Value-Liner (Steven and David Della Bona/ WA Limestone) Best Mack (2000 – 2009): 2007 Mack Titan (Jack Humphrey/ York Bulk and General Freight) Best Mack (2010 – 2022): 2020 Mack SuperLiner (Jason Templeman/ JKT Contracting)

Organisers said the event had a great atmosphere.

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The smart way to check your weights

A LEADING player in onboard truck scales and weigh gauges, Right Weigh has now teamed up with compliance telematics provider V-DAQ to offer Australia’s first wireless

smart on-board mass (OBM) management solution. Right Weigh’s Type B approved air suspension gauge provides a connected on-board weighing system designed to

Molloy Bros’ new road train is complete with a Right Weigh onboard scale connected with V-DAQ telematics.

help operators boost productivity, while ensuring safety and compliance is maintained. The smart OBM solution by Right Weigh and V-DAQ features a new driver app (available for Android) that allows operators to easily view and record real-time weights from within the cab. It’s flexible, easy to use, and enables location and mass tracking. Since being launched, numerous operators are seeing the benefits of combining Right Weigh’s trusted weigh gauges with V-DAQ’s smart telematics. Among them is Molloy Bros Transport and Bulk Storage. Based in Ararat in Victoria’s south-west, it’s a family owned and operated company started by brothers Tim and Shane Molloy in 1998. Originally shearers and farmers, they began driving trucks part time. Then they bought their first truck, a Kenworth T600, and things progressed from there. They now operate a fleet of six trucks, mostly towing B-double tippers, as well as a new road train. Molloy Bros – which carts

grain and fertiliser throughout Victoria, and into South Australia and NSW – began using Right Weigh scales around 15 years ago, and Tim says he’s never looked back. “We have Right Weigh’s scales fitted on all the trucks. Prior to that we were using old analogue air gauges, whereas these ones go down into small 10kg increments, so are very accurate,” Tim said. Wanting to increase efficiency and productivity, Molloy Bros purchased a new road train, complete with a Right Weigh onboard scale connected with V-DAQ telematics. “By setting that one up with V-DAQ, we were able to go up from a B-double to a road train when operating within Victoria. That means we can fit more on at the same time – it’s real handy at harvest time when you’re shifting large quantities of grain,” explained Tim. “By using this system, we’ve been able to use a bigger combination, which means we’ve gone up from about 43 tonne on a B-double to 57 tonne on the road train, so it’s a big differ-

Right Weigh’s Type B approved air suspension gauge provides a connected on-board weighing system designed to help operators boost productivity.

ence,” explained Tim. “It’s got Bluetooth too, so the driver can look at the weights while in the truck cabin or at a safe distance to stay out of the dust. We’re hoping to get another road train on the road in the next couple of months, and it will use this same smart weighing system too.” Along with the road train, Molloy Bros have three B-doubles also using the Right Weigh/V-DAQ system. “That means they can run at higher mass in NSW, so we pick up an extra 3 tonne. It doesn’t sound like

a lot but over the course of a year, it’s a fair bit of extra product,” Tim added. He says that as well as the system being user friendly and very affordable, the teams at Right Weigh and V-DAQ offer excellent customer service too. “Leigh Noske at Right Weigh is exceptional to deal with – they provide a great service. If there is ever a problem with the gauge, they get it sorted straight away. Paul Fenech at V-DAQ is really good too. Everything happens very promptly, and their service and feedback is right on the ball.”

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

Locally made solution to costly air leaks

A TRANSPORT business operator, farmer and Mack enthusiast has come up with an innovative solution to costly air manifold issues. Dallas Fabian, who owns and runs DJF Fabrications from his home base in Mangrove Mountain on NSW’s Central Coast, has developed an aluminium replacement air manifold for the firewall on Mack CH, CL, CX (Vision), Superliner LT, Titan or Trident models ranging from 1997 to 2007. Designed to replace the plastic housing, which can wear much more quickly, these replacement air manifolds made for Mack trucks feature an aluminium housing with fully replaceable high quality brass air fittings. They are sold in a kit that also comes with three new low air pressure switches and a mounting gasket. Fabian says he has had a fascination with trucks since he was a little boy, and more specifically with Mack. “I’ve always loved Macks since I was a kid. When I was 11 years old, I found a B-mod-

EVERYONE WHO HAS BOUGHT THEM HAS BEEN HAPPY. I’VE HAD MANY PEOPLE SAY THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING. IT HAS AUSTRALIAN DESIGN REGISTRATION AND IS FULLY APPROVED AS BEING AUSTRALIAN MADE, SO HAS THE LOGO ON IT TOO.” DALLAS FABIAN

el Mack at the Penrith Truck Show and fell in love with it. When I was 17, I had a chance to buy one and slowly did that one up over the years and it went from there,” he explained. “I run the transport operation, the fabrication business and a farm with my father, which is a wholesale nursery, growing seedlings, so it keeps me quite busy between the businesses.” Fabian now has 14 trucks – seven working tipper trucks,

The replacement air manifold is constructed of aluminium and designed to minimise air leaks.

which are used to service his other business DJF Haulage and seven in his vintage Mack collection (including 1958, 1969, 1986, 1989 and 1998 models). “All of my working trucks range between 1998 and 2014. On these older Macks, I’ve had this issue with the air manifold in the fire wall that brings air into the cab, as it leaks all the time. They’re a plastic housing with pushin fittings and are not good

quality really. Lots of people have trouble with them and I’ve battled with it for years. Then I decided I’d make something different myself to improve the design,” Fabian explained. “Three years ago, I made an aluminium manifold and installed it into two of my trucks and I haven’t had any issues. The plastic ones were only lasting between three and 18 months – and they’re about $450 a part plus four

Along with his working fleet of Macks, Fabian also has a collection of lovingly restored vintage beauties too.

Dallas Fabian with wife Katie and children Lilliana, Jackson and Marshall, along with his restored 1989 V8 Mack Valueliner.

or five hours to fit it. So I thought, there has to be a better way.” Fabian proceeded to produce prototypes for two of his trucks and they’ve been going fantastically well. “I haven’t touched them since – not one air leak. I had been telling people what I’d done and people were saying I should start making them, so I got the fabrication business going again, I had some more made up, and now I’ve just started making them commercially,” he explained. Once installed, he says you will never need to replace the manifold again. If in the unlikely event that one fitting should leak, you can easily replace that individual fitting, which can save hundreds of

dollars in labour costs as well as downtime. “Everyone who has bought them has been happy. I’ve had many people say the product has been a long time coming. It has Australian design registration and is fully approved as being Australian made, so has the logo on it too. “We are now in the process, after a few requests, of producing them for Mack trucks that are 2008 onwards, so down the track the range will expand. I’ve also had a dealership for another brand approach me that wants me to make one of them too, so I will be looking to expand into other truck brands too.” For more information, visit facebook.com/djffabrications or call 0417 428 821.

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Spitwater: An Australian manufacturing success story

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reflecting on the past. A series of innovations and new products coupled with a new logo, website and marketing campaign is keeping the ruggedly reliable Spitwater fully focused on the future. Spitwater distributors in Adelaide, Brisbane, Mel-

bourne, Perth and Sydney and dealers Australia-wide are proudly promoting a new look on buildings, vehicles, and indeed, the Spitwater pressure cleaners themselves. “It’s been some decades since we’ve updated the brand. We are doing it now because we want to create a

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44 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

The need for more rest areas In the 2016 census Blackbull had a population of three people. Spy has been on the weekly Gulflander several times albeit not for a long while and the train driver back then was Ken Millard whom I have been told has retired. The Gulf Developmental Road passes through the locality from the south-east to the south-west.

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Forgotten rest areas There has been plenty of talk recently about new ‘you-beaut’ rest areas being built for truckies around Tasmania. However, some truckies have told Spy that there will still be a genuine shortage in the south/west between New Norfolk and Strahan. That is a distance of 276 kilometres along the Lyell Highway and these have been referred to as “forgotten rest areas”. One driver said a truckie friendly rest area was needed near Dee Hill, which is 13 kilometres out of Ouse. Scenic Ouse is 15 kilometres north west of Hamilton town. Another driver said the only area he could pull off for a fatigue break had him parked just two metres from the road shoulder. “It is pretty dangerous and if a log truck passes and sees me he gets on his radio and warns other drivers I am there,” he said. North versus south rivalry Does the call for some decent rest areas along the Lyell Highway, as focused on above, have a north versus south rivalry aspect. Spy has heard that muttered from the mouth of at least a baker’s dozen of drivers. Old Spy did some investigations and spoke to some Tassie veterans and came up with the following possible explanations. Apparently there are around 40 rests areas needing work or changes to their size

The Darwin Truck Centre in Wishart.

around the Apple Isle. When funds become available, a lot of drivers expect their area of use to be done first. Some will always be done before another, due to several reasons including contractor availability, truck traffic each day, budget ability to fund and so on. So far all areas to be put in place or upgraded are on the heaviest trafficked routes, where the highest daily numbers of trucks go past those points. The biggest one so far to be announced is on the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Birralee Road exit at Westbury, as this is the area that has 2000 truck movements per day and government sees this as more urgent – that is how I see it. Quite a number of drivers live or work in an area about 45 minutes from that site, and claim no need for a rest area or toilet there. But what about another driver who lives or works from greater distances? Some southern drivers claim this area is not needed and have forgotten about the

night hours when businesses that have toilets the day drivers use are closed. The west coast area has been surveyed and I hear 39 sites have been measured up, some for rest area construction. It must also be taken into account that a lot less trucks use the Lyell when compared with the Midlands and Bass Highways. So I hope this adds food for thought when our truckie mates discuss rest areas. Hidden gem no bull A truckie who travels to some remote areas has told Spy of a nice little place to stop which abounds in history. It is called the Blackbull Railway Siding and is a stopover for the famous Normanton to Croydon Gulflander train trip in Queensland. Blackbull is one of the places where the Gulflander stops off during the 140 kilometre trip and passengers are served muffins and billy tea. Not much there other than a shed but the trip oozes history, and another stop is at the Critter’s Camp. This truckie was on the

way to the Gulfander to Croydon and stopped off at Blackbull where the Gulflander arrived. He now plans to organise for a group of truckies from his NT home to come back and travel on the Gulflander. The railway siding was originally called Pattersons siding, but was renamed in 1891, reportedly after a black bull found during mustering by William and Joseph Taaffe.

New heavy vehicle facility in Darwin The Darwin Truck Centre in the Darwin suburb of Wishart is popular with truckies. However not so popular is the new heavy vehicle inspection facility which is also there. “The Wishart Truck Centre facility includes a roadhouse with ample parking for trucks. Vehicle inspections are no longer conducted at the Goyder Road Test Shed in Parap, but MVR customer services are still being provided at MVR Goyder Road. Only payments related to applicable vehicle inspection services are available at the new VIF. The new VIF in Wishart provides improved heavy vehicle access and a central vehicle inspection location between Darwin, Casuarina

Water gushes from a burst main in Townsville.

and Palmerston,” a truckie who emailed some pics to Spy commented.

Big sprays An excess of water has well and truly been in the news during the past months, with floods causing havoc and devastation around many regions of Australia. Spy also saw some reports including a couple from truckies about a burst water main in Hobart. The incident occurred on May 7 and the big spray resulted in 2000 homes being affected for around 20 hours. A main angst for residents – wait for it – “the homes were left without water” – of the drinking type of course. TasWater had repair crews at the scene, with properties impacted across West Moonah and Glenorchy from around 7pm. Bottled water was handed out to those affected at the driveway entrance to the TasWater Depot in Birdwood Avenue, Moonah. Coincidentally around the same time Spy was driving around the corner from his home in the far north and saw water spraying from a burst

SPY ON THE ROAD 45

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

stant stream of visitors coming to town. The whole world comes to Birdsville and never a day goes by without interesting characters wandering in to share their outback travel adventures. We’ve been flat out this morning,” Maggie said.

The Pardoo Roadhouse is a popular stop.

main into the air. A local council maintenance gang was there and soon had the spray under control. Life expectancy short Several truckies have told Spy about the dangerous actions of a young girl who looked to be aged about 16 as she walked across a busy intersection. It was raining and she had an umbrella in hand, sunglasses and a face mask on. As she walked across the road which was controlled by traffic lights, she was seen texting on her mobile phone. The worst thing about it was that she was walking on a red light. Traffic including a few trucks had to stop for her and she seemed oblivious to the situation. “What she did was so dangerous and I fear she is a temporary Australian,” one of the truckies said. Pardoo Roadhouse WA Scores of drivers have told Spy they like stopping at Western Australia’s Pardoo Roadhouse which is located approximately 150 kilometres North of Port Hedland and 450 kilometres south of Broome, situated at the Great Northern Highway. So I phoned the roadhouse and spoke to an owner who said the feedback he got from drivers was that they liked it.

“We can get between 50 and 60 trucks a day stopping here during the busy times and five or six when it is quieter. There is two acres of parking here for them, good showers and their favorite foods are T-bone steak and chicken kiev,” he said. He said 10 of the biggest road trains had ample space to park there. The truckies I spoke to reckon the coffee there is excellent and we all know that most drivers enjoy a cuppa. “Yes we serve up fresh ground coffee here,” the owner said.

The roadhouse is a fully self-sufficient operation providing and generating its own electricity and water, all sewerage and general waste is dealt with on site. Steaks, now meat pies Early in the year Spy ran a piece about which roadhouse in the country served up the biggest and best value for money steaks. Hundreds of truckies either replied online to Big Rigs or have since passed an opinion onto Spy. Since then scores of drivers have asked Spy to do a similar

Maggie and Bruce Triffett at the Birdsville Bakery, with their popular pies.

write up on which places sell the best pies. We have already mentioned some roadhouses and another which has been receiving lots of nominations recently is the Birdsville Bakery. Birdsville is the venue of the annual horse races and is one of the most-loved remote towns in the south-west corner of Queensland. So I contacted the bakery by phone and spoke to manager Maggie Triffett who runs it with her partner Bruce Triffett. “Bruce has over 40 years experience as a baker/pastry cook along with 10 years as

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a technical advisor to businesses servicing the industry. I come from a background of hospitality customer service. Bruce has fine-tuned recipes over the years to the point that ‘that’s the best pie/vanilla slice/ cheesecake, etc I’ve ever had’ is a common catch cry in the bakery,” Maggie said. Living and working in Birdsville certainly has its challenges according to the couple. “Delivery trucks not arriving due to floods, frequent telecommunications breakdowns and the isolation – to name a few. The challenges however are offset by the con-

0468 480 234 trevor@stantonadvisory.com.au

A sign to quit It is a genuine desire of many truckies Spy has had a chin yarn with to be able to give up smoking. The obvious benefits are better long term health and a nice weekly saving depending on how many smokes you have. One NSW driver told Spy he managed to have quit for some months after spotting a billboard sign beside the Bruce Highway near Gympie. A “No Durri for This Murri Campaign” was highlighted on this billboard and is part of a strategy by the North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health (NCACCH) to tackle the number of Indigenous people smoking. NCACCH is an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation that services the Sunshine Coast and Gympie region. Anyway, for this truckie, seeing it has worked and he has been able to stay off the durries since February.

46 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Tropics

with Alf Wilson

Tyrone Ryba

IT was raining on the morning Big Rigs saw Western Australian owner operator Tyrone Ryba far away from home in Townsville. The 37-year-old is based at Coolbellup, a suburb in Perth. His company is Ryba General Transport which operates a regular general freight service connecting Perth and WA directly with Mt Isa, as well as north, west and central Queensland and return. Some of the towns include Cloncurry, Charters Towers, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Moranbah, Gladstone and Rockhampton. “I have travelled about 5800km coming the top way and have brought up general. I do one return trip a fortnight from Perth up through Katherine in the NT and then to Mount Isa and onto here,” he said. Ryba had an engine as a backload and said he also has a little rig in WA. He was checking his trailers on the breakdown pad which is a pull off area besides the Townsville Port Access Road. After some extremely hot days in past weeks, the temperature was sitting on a comfortable 35 degrees and the drizzling rain was good. “It is a little Hino and the

I HAVE TRAVELLED ABOUT 5800KM COMING THE TOP WAY AND HAVE BROUGHT UP GENERAL. I DO ONE RETURN TRIP A FORTNIGHT FROM PERTH UP THROUGH KATHERINE IN THE NT AND THEN TO MOUNT ISA AND ONTO HERE.” TYRONE RYBA

Tyrone Ryba’s business runs a general freight service connecting Perth and WA with Mt Isa, as well as north, west and central Queensland.

first truck I ever drove was a Titan,” he said. I asked Ryba how he decided to get into the road transport industry and like many other drivers, he said it was because of

a family member. “My dad Ian is now retired but was a truckie for 55 years and is now living at Inverell,” Ryba said. Considering all the kilome-

tres Ryba gets along, he is well qualified to nominate the worst road. “It is the Flinders Highway between Hughenden and Julia Creek, which is terrible in plac-

es,” he said. When I told Ryba that I had seen a government press release advising a considerable amount would be spent on upgrading it, he didn’t seem convinced.

Not surprising with all the promises that were being made before the federal election. As for roadhouses, Ryba likes stopping at the Julia Creek Puma and another at Roebuck near Broome in WA. “Both serve good food and have plenty of parking and clean facilities,” he said. An owner-operator for the past five years, Ryba reckons there are enough rest areas along the routes he travels. A super-fit lad, Ryba follows both the AFL which is the dominant football code in WA, and the NRL which leads the way in popularity in Queensland. “I barrack for the Freemantle Dockers in the AFL and the North Queensland Cowboys in the rugby league. They are both going okay this season,” he said.

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DRIVER PROFILES 47

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

Truckin’ In The Tropics David Leck FROM the back of a 1940s Studebaker you can visit the Darwin sites which were bombed by the Japanese in World War II, locations where Cyclone Tracey struck in 1974, and perhaps even see a saltwater crocodile in harbour waters. For the past nine years David Leck has run ‘The Darwin History and Wartime Expe-

rience’ which takes 18 passengers at a time in a restored Studebaker around the NT capital. “The Studebaker is either a late 1942 or early 43 model but I don’t know for sure where or if it served during the war,” Leck told Big Rigs. The tour takes about 35 minutes and travels on a 35-kilometre loop around Darwin,

with Alf Wilson

taking in some of the most historical and interesting sites. Along the route passengers enjoy commentary about Darwin during the war, all the while re-living the period, and passing and discussing many sites attacked by the Japanese, while accompanied by music from the 1940s. On June 30 of 1943, 27 Japanese G4M ‘Betty’ bomb-

Visitors get to visit various sites from the back of 1940s Studebaker.

David Leck has run The Darwin History and Wartime Experience for the past nine years.

ers along with their Zero escorts attacked the airfield at Fenton, south of Darwin. This was to be the first of several raids on this field. The runway was bombed, three B-24 Liberator bombers were destroyed and several others damaged. No one was killed, but this raid encouraged the rapid building of more and deeper slit trenches. There was a series of more air raids. Passengers are taken to these sites. “We go to buildings which were bombed and even to

where bullets are still in a fence,” Leck said. Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin, with a devastating impact, on Christmas Eve of 1974 with wind gusts recorded at up to 240km/h, before equipment broke. Tracy destroyed 70 per cent of buildings in Darwin, including 80 per cent of its houses, and 71 people were killed. Over the following four days over 35,000 people were evacuated from Darwin, the majority by air. Sites which received the

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brunt of the winds are visited and passengers can be dropped off at the Defence of Darwin Experience Military Museum and be picked up by later tours. One popular location visited is the famous Darwin Harbour where ships were sunk during the wartime air raids. From the Studebaker passengers have spotted saltwater crocodiles too. “Not all the time but we do see crocs and despite this some people swim in the water or walk in it,” Leck said.

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48 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Outback

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Liza and Garry van der Heide FOR MC driver Liza van der Heide, 63, her foray into trucking all started with a dare, while visiting her husband at work. “One of the other drivers dared me to get my truck licence, so that’s exactly what I did. Had it not been for that dare, then I probably wouldn’t be driving trucks now. I got my MC licence six months before my other half did, so we thought why not start doing road trains together. Now we’re known as the ‘A-team’ out on the road,” Liza explained. Originally from Victoria, the couple met in high

school. They had both grown up on dairy farms around the Colac area, before moving to Melbourne’s west. The couple wed and had three boys, then moved to Childers, Queensland, which they’ve called home for the past 30 years. “We moved for the warmer weather – and having three boys, we were looking for a few more acres too,” Liza explained. Garry, 66, started driving trucks in his early twenties, first in Victoria and then in Queensland. “When we first moved up north, we started doing

They’ve been doing two-up for Shaw’s Darwin Transport for 14 years.

small crops but soon realised we couldn’t survive on that, so Garry went back to the trucks,” said Liza. They’ve now been doing two-up together for the past 18 years. Liza says it was David Weiss who gave them their first start on road trains. They were there for 12 months before moving to Westrans for three years. The couple was with Westrans up until the business was bought out by Toll. It was there that they earned their ‘A-team’ nickname. “Our boss would always brag about how well we worked together to other drivers and say ‘what a team’. Then other Westrans drivers started calling us the ‘A-team’ too,” said Liza. “We get on really well together and try not to worry about things. If we have a tiff, one of us just hops in the bunk at the back and five hours later we’re all good,” she laughed. For the last 14 years, the husband and wife duo have worked for Shaw’s Darwin Transport, doing the approx. 7000-kilometre return trip from Brisbane to Darwin each week and pulling triples from behind the wheel of a Kenworth T909.

“We do anything from fridge work to general freight, and then on the return trip we usually take back watermelons and mangoes when they’re in season,” Liza added. “Shaw’s Darwin is a fantastic company to work with, I can’t fault them – otherwise we wouldn’t still be there after 14 years. We’ve got a four-year-old T909 and are about to get the keys to a brand new one.” And it looks they’ve still got many more kilometres to go in their driving careers too. “It is go go go, and at times we’ll say we’ve had enough and think about retirement, but then you turn around and think, what else are you going to do? So we just keep trucking. Every week is different. We meet new people all the time and I think we’d miss all that. “Once you hop in your truck, you’re pretty much your own boss. The other truckies on the road all know each other and help each other out. They’re all our friends. I think we’d miss them if we weren’t out there. If we have a week off, we always let each other know. It’s a really good run out there, nothing like the coast roads

Garry and Liza van der Heide do the 7000-kilometre return trip from Brisbane to Darwin every week.

where nobody talks to each other.” Liza adds that they like to stop at the Kynuna Roadhouse on their travels. “They’ve always looked after us ever since we started stopping there. We have tea there

every time we pass through – twice a week. They’ve got great meals and coffee. Jeff and Jane are the owners. They’re really friendly people and will bend over backwards to try and help you out if they can.”

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DRIVER PROFILES 49

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

Truckin’ In The Outback David Imeson THE son of two truckies, owner operator David Imeson, 30, was always destined to follow in his parents’ footsteps, though he tried his hand at carpentry for a number of years before stepping into the big rigs full time. With his new Kenworth T659 and deck widener, he transports agricultural machinery up to 28.5 tonne all over the country. “I’ve grown up around trucks. My parents have been in trucks all my life. Dad was working with them since I was old enough to walk. I was travelling in the truck with my dad by the time I was four

or five years old. Dad always had Kenworths and started teaching me to drive in a T650 when I was about nine or ten,” explained Imeson, who is based in Pittsworth, just near Toowoomba. “Mum only started driving more recently, in the last five years or so. I have four sisters, so she couldn’t go away for too long with five kids!” Imeson left school when he was 15 and completed a carpentry apprenticeship before getting his truck licence at the age of 19. His driving career started at his father’s business BE & RL Imeson Bulk Haulage, where he stayed for three

The truck features some impressive artwork, completed by Cyclone Airbrush and Graphics.

years, before deciding to go out on his own. “I bought a Kenworth T658 off him, then sold it after about nine months and bought a new T659 from Angus Short at Brown and Hurley, Toowoomba. I had it for four years before buying this new one,” Imeson explained. Featuring all the bells and whistles you could think of, that new truck, the specced-up Kenworth T659, is certainly a real head-turner. A TikTok video of the truck posted on the Brown and Hurley Facebook page has racked up over 800,000 views – and a further 400,000 views when it was

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY WHERE TRANSPORT DOES BUSINESS

shared by a Kenworth Trucks Facebook fan page. Imeson picked up the new truck in January and was on his way out of Perth when he had a chat with Big Rigs. “My missus Stef Retzlaff and I did a bit of work to the truck. She’s a boiler maker, originally from Perth. She actually works for Pitstop who fitted the truck out. They did the bunk cooler, hydraulics, deck plates on the back, drop visor and all the lights, just to name a few,” said Imeson, adding that it’s also equipped with a shower, microwave and sink. “I love the Kenworths –

David Imeson has followed in his parents’ footsteps.

With his specced up new T659, he transports machinery all over Australia.

they’re solidly built and good trucks, with a good resale value on them. That inspired the back wall a bit too.” The blue and cream colour scheme was painted by Kynon Taylor at Taylor Truck Repairs, while the artwork on the back was completed by Jeff Barry at Cyclone Airbrush and Graphics. The artwork features three skulls wearing caps inspired by Kenworth’s 50th anniversary (one sports the Kenworth logo, another has the word ‘50 years’ and the other says ‘Australian made’. “I wanted the artwork to be Australian themed, so there’s an eagle on the top and red belly black snake that winds

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up through the skulls. It also has the words ‘Living the dream is killin’ me’, which is a song by country singer Morgan Wallan,” Imeson explained. Mackenzie Grace, the couple’s 16-month-old daughter also has her name written at the top of the bunk. When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Imeson said, “I’m always moving around and never in the one spot. You get the freedom to go where you want. I love travelling to Perth, that would be my favourite place – and anywhere in WA is beautiful. It’s a good run up that way too. I’ll be doing this for a long time.”

RT ERTON

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

50 COLUMN contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

We have the opportunity to rebuild our industry EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

TWU NEWS RICHARDOLSEN OLSEN RICHARD TWU NSW State Secretary TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary

IT’S a time to look forward to change for the transport industry. A change of federal government means we can now hope for a stronger and better focus

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

on the needs of truck drivers and operators. We will continue to advocate, seeking the enforcement of standards, fairness and safety. EAGLE LEGAL The reality ROWAN KING for workers in Principal Lawyer RK transport isLawthat drivers are still being exploited, are facing contracts that in some cases are older than time itself, facing issues in job security and are over-burdened by the cost of doing the job. In some cases, operators are wondering if it is worth

climbing back into the cab tomorrow, because anything you earn is eaten up by fuel costs, Transurban toll road costs and much more. Members are telling us that it is hard to make ends meet. There is a plan available that makes recommendations to lift the standards, makes the industry safer, and supports the long-term future of transport operators in this country. Truck drivers and operators supported the recom-

The crisis caused by the pandemic and rising fuel prices is not going away.

mendations made in the report, Without Trucks, Australia Stops from the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry headed by Senator Glenn Sterle. The senate report came from a two-year consultation with industry, drivers and operators. The people who know what it’s like on the road every day. The report makes 10 recommendations that make good sense, and one in particular sums up the spirit of those recommendations and will ensure that the industry works together. Recommendation 10, the establishment of a Transport Advisory Group, is about consultation, it’s about the industry working together to make sure that those ministers responsible for the infrastructure, transport and road freight portfolios have an understanding of what is needed in the transport sector. If the industry organisations can work together, then workers across the industry have a better chance of working under binding standards that provide a safer and fairer workday, and a chance of

Senator Glenn Sterle.

making a decent living. Right now, the industry standards are losing to the rate of deaths at work and the number of businesses going under. The report also recommends a regulatory body, to be implemented in the right way so that it is sustainable and equipped to tackle industry concerns well into the future. We know as many industry bodies know that the new federal government’s commitment to regulation will be welcome relief in addressing the supply chain threats that drag down industry standards and undercut businesses. At this point in time, we

have the opportunity to rebuild, enforce job security and safety across the industry. The crisis caused by the pandemic and rising fuel prices is not going away, the TWU is planning to stand up and fight to ensure proper reform. Issues like exploitation need to be addressed, proper payments and rates that mean a driver can afford the investment they have made in their vehicle. Our roads will only get more deadly if the financial security and safety conditions that transport workers rely on are further ripped out from under them.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

Classify gig workers in industrial law VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

THE election of the Albanese Labor Government provides an opportunity to make significant inroads to improving conditions for transport workers servicing the gig economy – the Uber, Amazon and Menulog drivers that transport meals, groceries, parcels and other freight for wages and conditions that should embarrass any responsible employer. As the CEO of the employer representative VTA, and the secretary of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO), I have a unique perspective of the labor issues impacting employers, and their capacity to compensate people at appropriate levels. In an economy facing inflationary and interest rate pressures, it’s a delicate balancing act.

What we are facing today with the advent of the gig economy and technology engagement is the rapid degradation and break down of the values and working standards that have been so difficult to obtain over many decades of conventional industrial bargaining. What the gig economy is forcing upon us is the loss of communication, individual personalisation, employer responsibility, and a recognition of value in working effort, as well as a reduction in payment standards, entitlements, and allowances. These diminishing standards represent a devaluation of an individual worker’s effort, reversal of responsibility in working for another individual and eventually a degradation of our broader standards of living. To say I am angry about the introduction of the gig economy is an understatement. We have had to endure a business structure that produces very little infrastructure and investment in this country but maximum uptake of profits that flow directly out of the Australian economy

without attracting taxes and direct costs. Working for a gig platform does provide some benefits such as work flexibility and instant payment. However, there are many more negatives such as low hourly rates, no enshrined leave or superannuation provisions, indiscriminate deductions within payments, and no collective representation. We have gone backwards with the introduction of the gig economy. People taking advantage of other people and wanting to make profits based upon the manipulation of others. In this system you have no direct identity except through a number that is then only recognised by a device that has no emotion, no empathy, no culture, and no appreciation of effort. But there is an answer. Give the gig worker a formal classification under our current industrial relations laws. Whether that be independent contractor, casual or part-time worker. We need to acknowledge that it is the platform system that primarily engages the individual no matter who is the

third party that has requested the services. By making this clear and definitive classification, the current industrial relations system can then do the work that it is there to do. It can hold gig platform operators to account, give the industrial relations system direct points of reference within the law regarding complaints, and ensure that the responsibilities of the gig platform and worker are shared. Currently, the gig platforms do not treat the people they engage fairly, equally and with respect. Hiding behind the magic of technology and ignoring the hard-fought working values of our country while taking billions of dollars profit directly offshore. This is not how our country has grown and developed. We need to ensure that we address the issues behind the gig economy as quickly and decisively as possible. The TWU has started the process. They have done a fantastic job with the recent agreement with DoorDash. A great first step in ensuring that all the system negatives are addressed. TWU national

COLUMN 51

The TWU has done a fantastic job with the recent agreement with DoorDash.

secretary Michael Kaine and his team should be applauded for this milestone. For me, the problems of the gig economy can be easily resolved. Clearly define the industrial relations status of a gig worker. We have the system in place to make this classification and it is the gig economy

that should be made responsible to this system. Under a new government that in opposition committed to act on Senate recommendations for an independent body to set universal, binding standards, reforms are possible that would prevent their further erosion.

avman

52 COLUMN

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Do we sink or do we swim?

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

AIR CTI founder/owner

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT TRANSPORT WOMEN IN JACQUELENE BROTHERTON JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport WomenWomen Australia Chair of Transport

Australia

WITH the change of federal government, new Liberal and National party leaders and deputies, hopefully we can plan for the next three years without anything too onerous being placed on the transport and logistics industry. THE AtOZ theTRUCKER change of a governMIKE WILLIAMS ment, there is either a feeling contributors@bigrigs.com.au of optimism or of doom and gloom, but after the past couple of years it is hard to feel either really. It is very difficult to feel too optimistic with Covid still around us and life still being disrupted by worker shortages caused by Covid itself, Covid-imposed isolation and workers’ reluctance to return to onsite work. However, if we sink any deeper into the LOBBYIST doom and gloom we may sink STEVE SHEARER completely. SA Road Transport Association Executive Director strong leaders is Having imperative for good governance of a company, association or country and we must hope that Messrs Albanese, Littleproud and Dutton, in their teams, show themselves to be strong enough to face the challenges of the next three years; or if they prove not to

“AT THE CHANGE OF A GOVERNMENT, THERE IS EITHER A FEELING OF EDITOR OPTIMISM OR OF DOOM JAMES GRAHAM AND GLOOM, BUT AFTER james.graham@bigrigs.com.au THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS IT IS HARD TO FEEL EITHER REALLY. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FEEL TOO OPTIMISTIC WITH COVID STILL AROUND US AND LIFE STILL BEING DISRUPTED BY TWU NEWS WORKER OLSEN SHORTAGES.” RICHARD TWU NSW State Secretary

JACQUELENE BROTHERTON

be strong enough to face those challenges, that their deputies and teams provide the support or necessary changes. I think that the trucking industry is strong by nature as we have been forged by adversity and will continue to be so. Those who can adapt and evolve will pave the way forward, unfortunately as we continue to lose our smaller family companies. This seems to be the way of the industry and it will continue to have an impact on the medium and midsize companies, particularly in regional and rural Australia, as many of the big national and international companies don’t necessarily wish to serve these

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

“The trucking industry is strong by nature as we have been forged by adversity and will continue to be so.”

smaller communities. These communities need to look to David Littleproud as the Nationals leader to make sure they are not disadvantaged either financially or by the lack of essential services. Transport Women Australia Limited is in a strong position to continue to grow and offer services and initiatives to their members. Recently we had the opportunity to showcase these services and initiatives

to members at our successful conference held in Melbourne on the first weekend of June. These many initiatives were highlighted with our collaboration partners over the two days of the conference and proved we have much to offer. We are now planning all future events for 2022, along with the rollout of new initiatives and expansion of current initiatives. The board is committed to

continue the growth of the association, its membership and its services to the industry. At the conference dinner, the association was able to recognise one of its longest serving members for her contribution to the association by making her a Life Member. In the next few months, we will be nominating our members for the Women in Industry Awards and choosing this year’s recipient of the Trish

Pickering Memorial Award. We will also be looking for other ways to recognise the women in our industry and highlight those role models for those who come after us. If you want to learn anything about Transport Women Australia Limited, including membership, its various initiatives or its history, please contact chair@transportwomen.com.au or call 0417 422 319.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022

‘The circus’ is top of agenda WHEN governments change, the prospect of a new minister can be unsettling. Sometimes, that new minister has no experience of the portfolio, and it takes them time to get up to speed. Fortunately, new Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,

ATA CHAIR DAVID SMITH Australian Trucking Association

Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, is well versed in the issues facing our industry, having been the Shadow Minister since 2019. She will need every shred of that industry knowledge because there are key chal-

lenges affecting the trucking industry. At the top of the agenda is ‘the circus’ – otherwise known as the National Transport Commission’s rewriting of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. It’s been dragging on for the past three years with no

THE MOST IMMEDIATE ISSUE THOUGH, IS THE DECISION OF THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT TO APPLY THE FUEL TAX CREDIT CHANGE DISPROPORTIONATELY TO THE HEAVY VEHICLE INDUSTRY.”

DAVID SMITH

result. To break the impasse, we’ve proposed the federal Road Transport Act and we urge the new government to adopt it. As expected, we’ll also recommend an end to the dysfunctional road access approval system and the scrapping of paper work diaries. An ‘iceberg right ahead’ is the AdBlue shortage. The Morrison government put a last-minute band-aid on this issue by negotiating with technical grade urea manufacturer Incitec Pivot to stay open. However, the plant is still due to close this December and Australia will be forced to bid for AdBlue on the world stage, against far bigger economies than ours. The last thing this new government needs is another AdBlue shortage. This issue is one that is not going away,

After a ‘band-aid’ was put in place to resolve the AdBlue shortage, it doesn’t provide a long-term solution.

Catherine King has been appointed as the new Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Photo: Facebook

and the government must ensure that we have supply. Another issue continuing to plague the trucking industry is ongoing driver shortages. The most immediate issue though, is the decision of the previous government to apply the fuel tax credit change disproportionately to the heavy vehicle industry. I have written to the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, seeking an opportunity to discuss this critical matter. The new government has their work cut out for them and we are looking forward to engaging with them to tackle the issues that need leadership, strength and vision to resolve.

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54 SPONSORED CONTENT REAL ESTATE

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Land, home and profitable business in Lockyer Valley

THERE is an opportunity to purchase a local transport supplier located in the Lockyer Valley. Laidley Transport is a successful and profitable business and fleet operated by the same owners for more than 40 years. The sale includes a portfolio of valuable land, industrial, vacant residential land and a beautiful family home. Retirement plans have brought forth the sale of this property, making this unique offering available to those who seek to turn a profit. I implore you to consider the current and future potential of the land and business assets. The future urban growth of the Lockyer Valley means your investment may have the potential for either subdivision or housing estate development opportunities. For decades, the business has operated in the transport sector from this property, supporting multiple industries in the booming Lockyer Valley and surrounding SouthEast Queensland. It’s a literal turn-key investment with long-serving staff, a loyal customer base, impressive income and an immaculately main-

LAIDLEY TRANSPORT IS A SUCCESSFUL AND PROFITABLE BUSINESS AND FLEET OPERATED BY THE SAME OWNERS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. THE SALE INCLUDES A PORTFOLIO OF VALUABLE LAND, INDUSTRIAL, VACANT RESIDENTIAL LAND AND A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME.” tained fleet (WIWO, all plant included). One can consider an arm’s length management role whilst the dedicated team carry out the day-to-day operations. This sale is a golden opportunity for anyone looking for land with future potential and a business that can provide significant income. The sale also includes a well-presented weatherboard home with a brick veneer foundation and Colorbond roof, high ceilings, timber floors and a modern floorplan. Spanning over a single level, a balance between contem-

Laidley Transport is a successful and profitable business and fleet operated by the same owners for over 40 years.

porary design and traditional form, this impressive residence has substantial open living and dining, complemented by an abundance of natural light and a large outdoor area. The kitchen is an attractive and efficient custom design with modern appliances and fitout. Four generous sized bedrooms, two bathrooms with

The sale includes 4.2 acres of land, a family home, a fleet of five trucks and more.

The business has successfully operated from the property for decades.

showers and a free-standing bathtub. Established gardens, with a relaxing courtyard with impressive shade trees and privacy fencing surrounding the pet-friendly yard. One car garage, with built-in storage and the adjoining double office with air conditioning, is the main office for business. This independent transport business has a proven track record of success. The company has been trading for more than 40 years in the ideal location to service the Lockyer Valley, Brisbane and the Darling Downs. Servicing regular clientele with deliveries of daily general freight,

produce, beverages, equipment and chilled goods, providing an essential service to many providers throughout regional and metropolitan areas across multiple industries. Find another gear with enthusiasm and motivation to succeed and earn an excellent profit. • Established (40+yr) successful transport business • Five trucks, two trailers, two light vehicles and two forklifts • H ome-based owner-operator business • Consistent profit • Suitable for an investor or owner operator

• E xcellent staff retention • Very loyal and large customer base • Flexible handover period if required • 4.2 acres on three freehold titles (residential and industrial) • B eautiful family home Offered for sale via Expressions of Interest closing Thursday July 7, 2022 at 3pm. A further detailed Information Memorandum is available for this property, please call us to receive your copy. Inspections are by appointment. Contact Tom Manns on 0407 497 173.

ENERGY.PASSION.RESULTS w w w . d u g a n a n d c o . c om.au

FOR LEASE & SALE OPTIONS

P R I M E M U L T I - T E168 N ASTAPYLTON N T E D I N JACOBS V E S T MWELL E N TROAD, STAPYLTON, QLD, 4207

Neal Orpin

Kevin Murdock 044 151 11 7 21 7 1 112 4 7 1 0 kevin@duganandco.com.au neal@duganandco.com.au

SA R

Contact Exclusive Agent:

Contact Agent:

- DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT SITES - 2,000-15,000 SQM AVAILABLE - PURPOSE BUILT - TAILORED DESIGN TO SUIT REQUIREMENT

WESTERN CORRIDOR; NORTHERN TRADE COAST; SOUTHERN TRADE COAST; YATALA; SUNSHINE COAST; GOLD COAST

Outline Indicative Only

Profitable Business, Beautiful Home, Land Bank ‘Laidley Transport’, 1.69ha* (4.2* acres) Laidley, Lockyer Valley, Qld Rare opportunity to purchase a thriving cash flow business, with a mix of residential & industrial freehold land + family home in a prime position to service the district. • Family operated for over 40 years, performing exceptionally & supporting multiple industries in the Lockyer Valley & South-East Queensland • Turn-key investment with long-serving staff, loyal customers, impressive income & an immaculately maintained fleet on prime Lockyer Valley real estate • Land bank for potential future development (STCA) • WIWO, all plant included

raywhiteruralqld.com.au

Expressions of Interest Closing Thursday 7 July 2022 3pm Tom Manns 0407 497 173 Ray White Rural Qld

*approx.

COLUMNS 87

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 26 2020

56 PUZZLES

Sad day for all in transport

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 3

8 9 10 11

12 13

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

SUDOKU

THIS article is the ending of an era for the transport industry with the demise of this magazine the restruc16 17 under 18 ture and rationalisation of News Corp. It is a sad day for all of us in the 22 industry as Big Rigs maga23 zine has been a part of our lives for almost 30 years. For some, their entire careers so far. 25 It will leave huge gap as the editors and staff have supported the industry, provided fair and rational debate and given everyone a fair say in industry doings to all, as well as stories, pictures and news of our peoEASY ple, our trucks and our unsung heroes. Our lives will be the poorer for its demise; being a columnist for Big Rigs for the past year and half has allowed me to fulfil yet another childhood dream, to write, and it has given me great pleasure and I hope it has at least been enjoyed by some. While so many are focused on the negatives of the industry, I have tried to focus on the

positives aspects or those issues about which I am most passionate and have a chance of making a contribution to change. I began writing column when I was returned as Transport Women Australia Limited chair in 14 November 2017. 15 In the interim, TWAL has had many successes and achievements. It has expanded the relationship with Girl Guides Australia 19 and been involved with 20 21 several successful projects with them, the Victorian Snoozefest in April 2018, the “Great Bag Migration” for the Interna24 tional Jamboree in Sydney in October 2018 and other interactions that are expanding the knowledge of the transport in26 dustry. We launched the Women Driving Transport Careers initiative with our partners Wodonga TAFE and Volvo Group at the 2018 TWAL Creating Connections conference. This initiative has been in hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic but all partners are excited to move forward to expand the program as soon as possible. We held a well attended and exciting conference in May 2018 and we have plans in place with the date saved and venue booked for our Driving the Difference 2021 conference

Across

1 Name one of a breed of greyhound with a very long silky coat (6) 8 Which association of over 100 national police forces is used to fight international crime (8) 9 Which term implies frigid or extremely cold (6) 10 What is dampness known as (8) 11 Name the father-in-law of Moses (6) 13 What is the strict adherence to law (8) 16 Which person values property for taxation (8) 19 Which cross is given to British civilians for bravery (6) 22 What do we call a jaunty libertine (8) 24 Which sailing vessels are used for private cruising (6) 25 What forms the extremity of something (8) 26 What is an exit (6)

Down

2 Which furnace is used for heating metal (5) 3 What is a coop for confining small animals (5) 4 Name the last tsar of Russia (8) 5 What is something extremely small (4) 6 Which term implies a relationship to a wedding (6) 7 Name the Spanish conqueror of Mexico, Hernando ... (6)

12 What are spigots more commonly known as (4) 14 Which spout often terminates in a grotesque head with an open mouth (8) 15 What is the given name of the Welsh actor, dramatist, etc, ... Novello (4) 17 Name an English pioneer of birth control, Marie ... (6) 18 To disinter, is to do what (6) 20 To take place, is to do what (5) 21 Who founded the Microsoft Corporation, Bill ... (5) 23 What is the monetary unit of the Republic of South Africa (4)

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 1 Afghan, 8 Interpol, 9 Arctic, 10 Humidity, 11 Jethro, 13 Legalim, 16 Assessor, 19 George, 22 Lothario, 24 Yachts, 25 Terminal, 26 Egress.

Down: 2 Forge, 3 Hutch, 4 Nicholas, 5 Atom, 6 Bridal, 7 Cortes, 12 Taps, 14 Gargoyle, 15 Ivor, 17 Stopes, 18 Exhume, 20 Occur, 21 Gates, 23 Rand.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: Jacquelene Brotherton (far right) enjoys a night of celebration at a Transport Women Limited event with (from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman. Picture: Contributed

in Melbourne. 1 In November 2019 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the organisation (TWAL) with a fabulous gala dinner at The Windsor Melbourne where we also presented our first four winners 8 of the Driving the 9 Difference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and Bus Asia Pacific.11 We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

orial 2 Award, 3 sponsored by the 4 wonderful Wes Pickering. This was awarded for longterm outstanding contribution by7a female to the road transport industry, the inaugural winner was Pam McMillan the 10 longest serving director and chair of Transport Women Australia Limited. This is an annual award and the recipient of the 2020 Trish Pickering Memorial Award

will 5 be announced later this 6 year at an event still to be determined. We have also launched our Learning Initiatives Breakfast Series with several partners so far, including NTI, MOVE BANK and rt health. In early 2020 the Creating Connections Mentoring program was finally ready to commence with both mentors and mentees signing up to the pro-

Across gram. 1 I would Thespian like to thank the 4 Festive occasion fantastic team at Big Rigs 7 Incentive newspaper for their incredible support and trophy wish them on8 Cricket going success.up 10 Close that I get the oppor11I hope Unsuitable tunity to continue to work with 12 Extremity some of them and so work to14 Cast off wards making the trucking in17 Ooze out appreciated, dustry a better 19 a Metal-bearing and safer place forrock our peo20 Tricks ple. 23 25 26 27 28

Circle of light Portion Hazard Symbol of office First public appearance

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs and TWU played their parts 19 17 18 HARD

T O R M O T H E S I N E P D E P R U S P L O A N G E C E D

F E T E I V E S E A L T S S H E D O R E E S F I E C E R C E B U T

HARD

A C M A S Z E N S E V H A D M A

EASY

policy that should be keeping safe one of the most dangerous industries in Australia. To quote one truck driver turned Australian senator, 23 “a death at work 24 Glenn Sterle, or on the road should not be the price of doing business”. The TWU puts26 it to governments that we must stop the inequality that exists between truck drivers and clients. 27must be paid proper Drivers rates, owner-drivers must be able to trust they will be paid properly for the work they do and on time. Families depend on this. Many of the ongoing problems that occur are down to the big clients squeezing our

21 25

industry as dry as they can. They want operators to meet their unrealistic deadlines and take on more freight for less or they face the risk of

MOORE TRAILERS

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losing their contracts and the ability to support their families. It appears the government does not care. There are unsafe vehicles, dodgy licences, poor payment times, wage and superannuation theft – just a few of the many things we have called for to be stopped. A reminder to governments and the transport industry clients: the industry that has kept Australia moving during the pandemic is facing an uphill battle. Employer groups should be standing alongside transport workers to unite for a safer and fairer industry.

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Spot, 5 Acrid, 8 Talons, 9 Adit, 10 Ice, 12 Cinder, 13 Tremor, 15 Helped, 18 Parted,1 Actor, 4 Fete, 7 Motive, 8 Ashes, 10 Seal, 11 Inept, 12 End, 14 Shed, 17 Seep, 19 Ore, 20 Ruses, 23 Halo, 25 Piece, 26 Danger, 27 Mace, 28 Debut. Down: 1 Amazes, 2 Omen, 3 Rose, 4 Fists, 5 Eve, 6 Teaser, 9 Hide, 13 Nevada, 15 Hose, 16 Defect, 18 Prone, 21 Sped, 22 Eire, 24 Lac.

THIS is the end of an era, the last TWU column in the trusted transport industry publication Big Rigs. Over the years the TWU and Big Rigs have played their parts in the role of keeping the top end of town accountable and doing our bit to look out for the rights of the little guy. It’s still about the voice that speaks out for the truck driver,

the owner and the employee. It’s been the voice that calls out for fair pay for the work you do, for safety in the drivers’ cab and on the road, the voice that seeks to relieve the pressure on the driver pushed by clients’ incessant cries for increased productivity for the same rates and conditions. It is obvious we still have a long way to go – we have been through countless road, freight and transport ministers and nothing changes. Truck drivers are still dying at work. It’s a pretty safe bet to say this is due to the lack of strong government policy in place,

A final reminder to all Big Down Rigs readers: now is the time to 1 Astounds unite, now is the time to ensure 2 Prophetic sign equality in this industry. 3 Together Flower we can stand on 4 Clenched common groundhands working to ensure the before government contin5 Day ues support transport 6 toTantalising puzzle workers the industry they 9 and Conceal support. 13 American State TWU will item continue to 15TheFirefighting voice the needs of transport 16 Fault workers to the employers, 18 industry Disposedbodies and the their 21 Hurried clients. 22Better Ireland (Gaelic)mean job standards 24 Resinous substance security and ultimately a safer and fairer industry for all. We can lift the standards we need together – our lives depend on it.

More Trailer For Your Money

BRISBANE & NORTH QUEENSLAND

Easter Group Pty Ltd 73 Formation St, Wacol Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. . We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

WE WANT YOU! WE ARE WILLING TO TRAIN THE RIGHT APPLICANTS Blenners Transport is a proudly Australian Owned and family operated company specialising in refrigerated transport Australia Wide. With over 30 years experience in the transport industry, we are a well established business working with many well known and reputable brands. We have a strong emphasis on our customers and our team. Due to continuing growth in our fleet, we are now welcoming applications for the following driver positions, Brisbane and North Queensland based. Local + Interstate MC drivers Local HR pick-up + Delivery Our ideal candidate must have a current unrestricted MC license with a proven safe + competent driving history, be well presented and a great ambassador for the company  MC unrestricted licence?  Good driving record?  Enjoy getting out and about?  Finding hard to get a start?  Goal to operate big rigs Aus wide?

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL & LINEHAUL DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based) Come and work for us as we are committed to: • Training and further education • Your safety • Maintaining an impressive Fleet On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week. The successful Applicant will: • Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

If you answer yes to these questions, we want to hear from you Please email resumes to recruitment@blenners.com.au

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

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58 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Managing the risks of undertrained workers

IN its latest regulatory advice for those with a legal duty in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), the NHVR addresses the risks associated with workers who are insufficiently trained to do their job. Taking steps to manage these risks is not only critical to ensuring the safety of your heavy vehicle transport activities, it’s also a requirement under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), reminds the regulator. What are the safety risks? Undertrained workers pose a serious safety risk to themselves, their colleagues and the general public. They can also present a danger to infrastructure and the environment. Heavy vehicle crashes and other safety incidents due to inadequate training can also result in significant reputational damage to your business. Having a heavy vehicle driver’s licence is not always proof of a driver’s ability. Even if highly skilled and experienced, the driver may need additional training to ensure they can drive safely and efficiently within a particular

Undertrained workers pose a serious safety risk.

Induction training should be specific to each workplace.

industry sector or new work environment.

adequately trained with the necessary skills to undertake tasks safely. At a minimum, CoR parties should undertake a risk assessment to consider the risks associated with insufficient or inadequately trained workers and how to mitigate those risks. Executives should endorse or approve a final risk assessment. Executives of business that are a party in the CoR have a distinct duty to exercise due diligence to ensure the business complies with its primary duty. Executives must also ensure sufficient financial, human

Why is it important to manage safety risks? Ensuring new and existing workers are appropriately skilled at their jobs is a critical way to ensure the safety of your heavy vehicle transport activities. It’s also a requirement under the HVNL (section 26C). Workers in the heavy vehicle industry need to perform their work safely and understand the risks and hazards associated with their job and workplace. Effective management of train-

ing within the heavy vehicle industry will ultimately result in a safer community and a safer and more productive workforce. Taking proactive steps to manage safety risks and meet your legal obligations also helps protect your business from possible regulatory action. Who has a duty to manage safety risks? Drivers and other workers have a role to play in participating in training. However, the onus is on CoR parties and their executives to ensure workers are

and other resources are available to the business to implement training effectively. They should also actively invest in monitoring tasks to assess the ongoing effectiveness of training and promote continuous improvement of safe business practices. How can I manage these risks? Providing appropriate training is not simply a matter of allocating and spending a training budget. Training must be relevant to the industry and aimed at improving the skills and safe-

ty of the workforce. To understand the required skill set of a business’s workforce, conduct a training needs analysis. After completing the training needs analysis, a training plan should be developed, implemented and communicated with workers, taking into consideration: • The particular skills needed to undertake the role safely and efficiently. • If a qualification is required to perform the role. • A level of assurance that workers have been adequately trained the new skills required if a worker is promoted or moved to a new role within the business. Training should include • I nduction training: Specific to each workplace, induction training should instruct workers in everything they need to know about the location, activities, procedures and safety risks relevant to the role. It should also outline the business’s expectations for a safe workplace. Workers new to the business, worksite or role; workers returning after a long absence;

Fuel Driver Opportunities NATIONALLY The Role Toll Group have full time permanent opportunities for experienced MC/ HC drivers and new drivers wanting to expand their career path for our Fuels Business operating nationally.

but all training will be provided • Basic Fatigue Management accreditation preferred • Experienced MC and HC Drivers

Benefits: • Permanent Full Time Opportunity • Great hourly Rates and allowances • Career advancement and training opportunities • Safety Obsessed Culture • Modern Fleet with replacement programs • Varying Rosters to provide a work/ life balance • 5 Weeks A/L

Working at Toll At Toll Fuels we are proud to be a leading logistics provider of bulk liquid, you name it we do it from Metro service stations, Jet and Avgas to Mine site distribution with local and linehaul options.

Skills & Experience • Current MC/HC driver’s license • Current Dangerous Goods (DG) license preferred • Experience in bulk fuel is preferred,

If you are interested in any of these roles, please contact John Markham via email at john.markham @tollgroup.com or phone 0402 965 715 to discuss further.

INDUSTRY LEADING RATES OF PAY & SUPERANUATION OF 15% ROSTERS THAT PROVIDE WORK/ LIFE BALANCE IF YOU WANT TO LEARN FUEL WE’RE WILLING TO TRAIN THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Toll embraces and celebrates a variety of cultures. We continue to build a business that reflects the values of equality, built on the knowledge and understanding that everyone is welcome including the First Nations Peoples, and those of all ages, genders, and abilities. Women are actively encouraged to apply. All applicants must be entitled to work in Australia and be prepared to undergo a criminal history check, pre-employment medical and/ or drug & alcohol testing as required.

CAREERS AND TRAINING 59

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 10 2022 or visitors to a worksite require induction training. The on-boarding of staff may take several months of on-the-job training to complete. • Task-specific training: This should cover the specific skills and knowledge needed for a worker to perform tasks competently and safely at all workplace locations, including: - acquiring necessary documentation (for example, a specific vehicle class licence or first aid certificate) - ensuring that specialised roles, such as forklift drivers or crane operators, are appropriately trained with correct certification - providing loading and load restraint training (for example, for general freight, mixed loads, livestock or dangerous goods). • O ther training: Through the risk assessment process, a business may identify other training workers should complete to do their job safely (for example, site-specific work health and safety training at distribution centres). There are typically three types of training delivery methods: • Internal training – training developed and delivered inhouse by staff with relevant experience/skills/qualifications. • Accredited training – nationally accredited training delivered by approved educational institutions (RTOs, TAFE, Uni).

Ensure forklift drivers are trained with correct certification.

• S ME consultants – external consultants who offer non-accredited training services based on a particular expertise (for example, load restraint, crane operation, ancillary attachments to vehicles). Businesses are responsible for ensuring any external training delivered is fit for purpose and contextualised to their work environment. In other words, avoid generic ‘tick the box’ training that offers little impact or benefit. Make sure your training provider is clear on your specific training needs. Reviewing training Regularly conduct a review of your business’s training needs to check it’s up to date, fit for purpose and responsive to emerging risks or changing situations. Reviews may also be helpful to identify gaps in training or alternatives for delivery as part of your wider Safety Management System (SMS). Conduct reviews on a

regular, scheduled basis and on an as-needed basis. Refresher training Refresher training may be required because of a workplace incident. This kind of training is essential to help workers: • R etain previously delivered information. • Reinforce the skills necessary to do their job. • Identify gaps or correct any misunderstandings in their knowledge. The depth and regularity of refresher training will vary according to the level of risk. For example, refresher training on fire extinguishers on a fuel tanker may be required more regularly than manual handling refresher training. You may not need to repeat the original training in full. It may be enough to offer a summarised version in the form of an information sheet or email, reminding workers of their obligations and the business’s expectations.

Maintaining training records Keep records to track information related to training. Records should, at a minimum, capture any information required to be documented by law, but can also provide useful information to further assist training. Training records should be endorsed by both an appropriate member of the management team and the worker that completed the training. Records should be kept, stored and maintained in accordance with legal record-keeping requirements. This will assist in promoting transparency, accountability and awareness across the business. Providing adequate supervision A worker may need to be supervised during their training depending on the level of risk involved, the ability of existing controls to reduce the risk, and the individual’s experience level. A lower level of supervision may be reasonable for a skilled worker performing a relatively low-risk task, while a higher level of supervision may be required for an inexperienced worker or while performing a high-risk task. Supervisors should be suitably experienced and competent and understand their responsibilities. They are expected to provide proper supervision, guidance and direction to workers and respond appropriately to instances of non-compliance with a business’s procedures.

LBRCA announces Young Driver of the Year winner

A 26-year-old go-getting livestock truckie has received top honours, taking out the SafeWork NSW 2022 Young Driver of the Year award at the annual Livestock and Bulk Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) conference. James Papworth drives for Martins Stock Haulage. “Congratulations James This award is very well deserved and we are incredibly proud of you,” the company shared on Facebook, following his win. The conference was held in Wagga Wagga on Friday May 27, 2022, with Papsworth on hand to accept the award. Based in Holbrook, NSW, Papworth carts livestock from saleyards to properties and

feedlots, as well as exit cattle from feedlots to the many processing plants located between southern NSW and south-east Queensland. He started his career in transport as a heavy diesel mechanic, gaining extensive experience while working on trucks and farm machinery. Papsworth went on to work and study in the Northern Territory for two years. His time there was spent building cattle yards, transporting cattle and heavy machinery and successfully completing his Certificate III in Agriculture. After getting his MC licence in 2019, Papsworth joined Martins Stock Haulage as a driver, and he continues in that role today.

Livestock truckie James Papworth has been driving for Martins Stock Haulage since 2019.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY WITH ROADTEK RoadTek Brisbane are seeking a high performing and innovative

Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technician In the role of Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic, you will undertake mechanical maintenance activities in both a workshop and field environment ensuring equipment is kept in a safe and reliable condition. You will diagnose, repair and report on faults and condition of a modern fleet of trucks, trailers, earthmoving, and auxiliary equipment. Mandatory Requirements: • Completion of an apprenticeship in a trade such as a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology or equipment • Current Queensland ‘MR’ Class drivers licence or equivalent • Periodically work a weekend roster or other roster to undertake workshop or field service activities • As a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic, you may be required to travel to other service locations to undertake workshop or field service activities for varying periods of time Desirable Requirements: • Refrigerant handling licence or equivalent

Position:

Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technician

Position type:

Temporary 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Award:

Building, Engineering and Maintenance Services Employees (Queensland Government) Award – State 2016

Classification:

C10-C07

Annual Base Salary:

$62,932 - $71,776 (plus applicable allowances paid per award)

F/night Base Salary:

$2,412.20 - $2,751.20 (plus applicable allowances paid per award)

Location:

Brisbane - Hemmant

Closing date:

COB Thursday 30 June 2022

Enquiries:

Christopher Cheek (Resource Manager) - (07) 3066 4453

Application:

Email your application to Christopher.A.Cheek@tmr.qld.gov.au Please provide the following information to assess your suitability: • Your current CV or resume (maximum 5 pages) • A short cover letter (maximum 2 pages) • A copy of relevant qualifications/certificates

KRUEGER REVERSE ACTION LOAD BINDER • •

50mm x 9m Rated 2.5T Priced from

$99

STEMCO BEARING KITS

$20

• •

Tapered & Parallel version available. For 1 wheel only

CRL505 SERES TRIPLE JUMBO LAMP. • • •

FUWA 30/30 BRAKE BOOSTER

Long tail. Superior all-weather operation. Australian Made.

• •

$130

50mm x 9m Rated 2.5T

$48

AUSLIFT 8MM MAXBINDER • • •

3.8T Capacity Ergonomically Design Conforms to AS/NZ4344

VPG MUDGUARDS

$110

• •

620mm Size Various colours available

$49 JOST 37E TURNTABLE • •

Comes with Pins & Bushes Top only, no pedastals

$1795 REAR MARKER CLS.1 • •

ROUGH COUNTRY FREEZER SINGLE ZONE • • • •

Aluminum 300 x 100mm Decal version also available

$58

12/24DV Quiet & Efficent heavy duty compressor Turbo Mode for better colling Available in 38L & 60L Priced from

$450 WE ALSO OFFER BULK BUYS. CONTACT YOUR NEAREST BRANCH TODAY AND SAVE.

KRUEGERNATIONALSPARES.COM.AU

VICTORIA DERRIMUT (03) 8331 6128

NSW WETHERILL PARK (02) 9757 4944

QLD SALISBURY (07) 3275 1011 PLEASE NOTE: ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST PRICES MAY CHANGE AT KTE DISCRETION