CICA PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REFLECTING ON A YEAR OF CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Continued lockdowns, delays in supply chains and escalating shipping costs have continued to challenge the industry throughout the year, but there have also been some unforeseen positives. WELCOME TO THE FINAL ISSUE OF 2021, I think I speak for all when I say that this was one year which delivered some big opportunities but equally some very large and unusual challenges across the whole industry. Suffice to say, I’m looking forward to 2022, not because I can assert with any confidence that it will be any better, more so I have just had enough of 2021! Particularly from operating a business in the city of Melbourne; officially the worlds longest city in lockdown, apparently having knocked off Buenos Aires for the prize. Regardless of your home state, each precinct has confronted challenges. Those in the eastern lockdown states worked through heavily restricted trading laws and at times were confronted with COVID cases internally which temporarily closed parts of their business. And for those in states with very strict border restrictions, you have faced escalating work opportunities without the flexibility of resourcing labour from the larger populated eastern states to deliver these work commitments. Additionally, our members supplying us with parts and products from overseas have confronted ongoing supply issues and escalating shipping costs and delays which have been unprecedented in our current generation. There are still significant government incentive packages at play which are supporting capital acquisitions through the instant asset write off initiative. It 14 / CAL November 2021
may also be a good opportunity to sell some of your used equipment as values are strong at present with tax incentives applying to those purchasing your used machinery. So given the additional workloads which have challenged us through this COVID trading journey, I would like to acknowledge all of you who take the time to contribute to your industry. A huge thanks goes to our volunteers, members, and supporters, who have been unfailing in their tireless support to get us through. Taking on the challenging task of managing branch and committee meetings in an uncertain landscape, often needing to adapt at the last minute, but unwavering in your commitment to deliver better outcomes for us all. Particular recognition goes to the CICA Board and State Branch office bearers who have led and met to support CICA whilst juggling challenges within their own businesses. A special thanks also to all of you who made the State based industry days a reality. Showcasing our industry to external stakeholders was something new for our industry and your efforts have ensured it was done well. There are still a couple of Industry Days that will be carried over to next year and I am sure this type of engagement and relationship building exercise is something we will continue to adapt in the future. The articles in this issue, once again make for an interesting read. Alice
CICA president Tom Smith.
Edwards’ Tech Corner this issue is on multiple crane lifts, with a focus on the need for proper planning prior to the lift due to complexity of these lifting operations. You may remember in 2020, the 12-month Hazard 2020 campaign, targeted mobile plant and scaffolding safety on the building sites of over 500 companies accredited under the Australian Government Work Health Safety Accreditation Scheme. The Federal Safety Commissioner provided an update in October; David Denney noting that there had been improvements in mobile plant safety generally, however, “36 per cent of companies failed to have or implement safe systems of work for the use of mobile cranes taking into account ground conditions, the development of lift plans where required and the lifting of materials and workers.” Safety is one of those things we can never become blasé about and CICA has an ongoing mission to ensure that safety is kept at the forefront of our thinking. If there is a topic that you would like clarification on, or would like to see a Tech Corner or CICA safety www.cranesandlifting.com.au
