42 minute read
Industry News
Chill to launch female-only trucking program
Refrigerated logistics company, Chill, will run a female-only training program for truck drivers in New South Wales. The business’ Sydney-based headquarters has been given an exemption to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, allowing it to advertise and run a female-only trucking training and education program. Chill lodged the exemption application last year, in a bid to lead the charge for women in the transport industry, particularly in light of growing staffing shortages across both the transport and warehouse sectors. Currently, women make up just 26 per cent of the transport industry in Australia – a figure Chill co-director Lauren Wade is keen to change. “The days of the stereotypical male ‘truckie’ sitting behind the wheel of a big rig are gone,” said Wade. “We’ve seen a significant shift in the transport and warehouse industries, particularly in the last few years, courtesy of the ageing workforce and a severe staff shortage. “It comes at a time when e-commerce and the demand for door-to-door delivery is on the rise, so businesses need to start thinking about a succession plan, with career progression, more familyfriendly rosters, and new equipment and procedures. “Companies across the nation are looking for good-quality, professional truck drivers and warehouse staff and women are critical to filling these positions. “Being able to run a trucking training program that is solely designed for women means we can attract and retain them into employment and gain some momentum for females in the industry.” Chill Senior Planner Liesel Croukamp, who started her career as a driver and returned to the road during Covid-19, believes truck driving is a fantastic career for women. “I absolutely love being out on the open road and spending time behind the wheel,” she said. “It gives me time to think and reflect and I get to meet so many interesting people along the way. “It’s a great career option for people who don’t want to be confined to an office, are deadline and outcome driven, and want something that works in with their lifestyle. As a woman, I love the idea that I’m shifting the gender balance within the industry and empowering other women to sign up and give it a go.” Chill is now working with industry bodies to get the program up and running. The business will also help support the cost of truck licences for successful candidates. “These programs have the potential to be rolled-out state-wide, providing a longevity plan for attracting and skilling women in the sector,” said Wade. “We’d love to see similar businesses follow suit and apply for their own exemption. “An industry-wide shift would make significant in-roads in addressing the gender gap in the transport sector, while training drivers at a time when we really need them.” Women in Trucking Australia CEO Lyndal Denny welcomed the announcement. “We congratulate Chill for setting the standard, for embracing change and for actively developing and implementing strategies to recruit and retain female heavy vehicle drivers,” she said. “Their commitment to strengthening the pipeline of female talent into this traditionally male-dominated vocation gives aspiring female truckies hope that the tide is starting to turn.”
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Government announces AEB and ESC mandates for new heavy vehicles
Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems must be installed from 1 November 2023 for all new models of heavy vehicles. The Australian Government last month mandated what it referred to as two lifesaving vehicle technologies for new heavy vehicles. AEB systems detect likely forward collisions, provide the driver with a warning and, if the driver does not respond, apply the brakes automatically. ESC systems detect the risk of a rollover and automatically decelerate the vehicle in response. They can also detect when a vehicle diverges from the driver’s intended course, and take corrective action to bring the vehicle back on track. ESC systems for heavy vehicles are estimated to reduce loss of control and rollover crashes by up to 30 per cent in some cases. AEB systems, meanwhile, are expected to reduce crashes involving a heavy vehicle impacting the rear of another vehicle by up to 57 per cent. These new standards will apply to all categories of heavy vehicles, from buses and coaches through to heavy goods trucks. Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Kevin Hogan, said mandating both technologies will help save lives and prevent injuries on the nation’s roads. “The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety through strong investment and national leadership,” said Hogan. “Vehicle technology has an important role to play in saving lives and livelihoods on our roads, which is why we have introduced new standards requiring AEB and ESC systems to be installed in all new heavy vehicles,” he said. “Mandating this technology for heavy vehicles is expected to save around 100 lives and avoid over 2,300 serious injuries over 40 years. “As well as saving lives and giving a bit of extra peace of mind to our hard-working heavy vehicle operators and their families, the new standards are expected to return a net benefit of around $140 million to the Australian economy.” Hogan said these technologies would have significant benefits for the heavy vehicle sector, from bus operators through to those driving our biggest trucks. “Crashes involving heavy vehicles can be particularly severe due to the size, loads and trips these types of vehicles are taking, having a devastating effect on the individuals and families involved,” said Hogan. He said heavy vehicle operators work hard to keep the economy and nation running by getting produce to plates and goods to markets. Hogan reiterated that the Australian Government was committed to doing its part to help keep them safe on our roads. “We have listened and we have acted on the calls by road safety advocates, the states and territories, and Australians directly affected by these types of heavy vehicle crashes, to mandate this technology to prevent tragic outcomes,” he said. “AEB technology will be particularly impactful for our nation’s articulated vehicles, which see around 70 per cent of fatalities and just under half of the serious injuries from crashes involving heavy vehicles striking the rear of another vehicle,” continued Hogan. “These new requirements for AEB and ESC systems have been harmonised with established international standards, ensuring the safest vehicles are made available to Australian operators at the lowest cost. “The phased introduction of these life-saving systems will give our heavy vehicle sector, including manufacturers, the time needed to effectively make the transition.” For existing models already in circulation, these systems must be installed in new goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from 1 February 2025.
Mainfreight celebrates 44 years
Transport and logistics company, Mainfreight, celebrates 44 years of operation this week. In 1986 the business welcomed its 100th team member. As of yesterday, the team is pushing 10,300 individuals. Mainfreight opened its doors in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1978. By 1996 the business went public and listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Australian operations began in 1989 whereas acquisitions in Asia and the US during 1999 enabled global opportunities. Complete ownership of Mainfreight’s Asian operations was reportedly complete in 2007. Today, the business has branches in China, South East Asia, Japan and Korea. Expansion in the Americas was made possible following the purchase of Target Logistics services in 2007. In 2011 Mainfreight acquired Wim Bosman Group which opened doors in Europe. Currently, Mainfreight engages in global supply chain solutions, air and ocean services, transport and warehousing services. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without our people, so to our team, thank you,” said Mainfreight. On 8 March 2022 the company shared a service update in relation to its operations in New Zealand. “The widespread disruption across the business community due to Omicron continues to affect the flow of goods between shippers and receivers,” said Mainfreight. “As fluctuating team numbers reduce shift capacity, we are managing resources daily across our Warehousing, Transport, and Air & Ocean teams to ensure service continuity, albeit at a reduced level. “Our service providers and associated ancillary services are also impacted by capacity and service challenges. Rail, Cook Strait ferries, and landside port stevedoring services are all experiencing the impacts of reduced resources. “As expected, daily case numbers in locations outside of the larger Auckland and Waikato catchments are increasing. This will cause inevitable limitations in the coming weeks. In addition, unprocessed orders could create volume surges to areas south of these large supply markets and may create a build-up of volume at delivery locations. “With the continued unpredictability of Omicron, it is important to manage the expectations of your customers as we manage the end-to-end restraints of the current supply chain.”
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Breakthrough could eliminate the need to refrigerate vaccines in transit
Researchers have developed a technique that addresses the challenge of transporting temperature-sensitive vaccines. This development, according to national science agency, CSIRO, may increase vaccine access in rural and remote communities in Australia and developing countries. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 50 per cent of vaccines are wasted globally each year, with a lack of facilities and temperature control the major cause. CSIRO researchers encapsulated live virus vaccines with a dissolvable crystalline material called Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), which protected the integrity of the vaccines for up to 12 weeks and at temperatures as high as 37 degrees Celsius. Without refrigeration the vaccines would otherwise last only a few days. CSIRO scientist and immunologist, Dr Daniel Layton, said the breakthrough science would now focus on proving the approach for other animal and human vaccines, including mRNA Covid-19 vaccines. “Vaccination is undoubtedly one of the most effective medical interventions, saving millions of lives each year, however delivering vaccines, particularly to developing countries, is challenging because they often lack the cold storage supply chains required to keep the vaccine viable,” said Dr Layton. “Live virus vaccines are extremely effective, but their complex composition makes them susceptible to high temperatures, and a universal stabilisation technique has not been found. “This breakthrough has the potential to enable more affordable and equitable access to vaccines across the world.” The research focused on two different types of live viruses as proofs of concept,
Dr Ruhani Singh.
a Newcastle Disease vaccine designed to protect poultry and a strain of Influenza A. When MOFs were formed around the vaccines they helped protect the vaccine molecules from heat stress. A solution was then used that dissolved the MOF for administration of the vaccine. CSIRO senior scientist, Dr Cara Doherty, said MOFs were the perfect material for protecting vaccines from temperature variations. “MOFs are a porous crystalline material that can grow around the vaccine to form a scaffold that protects against temperature variations,” said Dr Doherty. “MOFs work similarly to a scaffold you might put around your house, once you remove the scaffold, your house remains – which is what happens when we dissolve the MOFs in a vaccine.” CSIRO researcher and author of the paper, Dr Ruhani Singh, said the technique was cost-effective and scalable. “There are two common approaches to protecting vaccines from heat. You can modify the vaccine, which is complex and laborious and at high temperatures may still only last less than a week, or you can use other stabilising agents which pose challenges including how to realistically scale up the solution,” said Dr Singh. “This world-first approach of stabilising a vaccine with MOFs is simple, rapid, and scalable because it takes one step.” The team continue to progress this research and are looking to partner with animal and human health companies to commercialise their work. Their research forms part of CSIRO’s biomedical research, which is aiming to generate new opportunities for Australian businesses and increase national sovereign capability.
CSIRO unveils Brown Marmorated Stink Bug detecting app
A crucial breakthrough has been discovered in Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Detection and Prevention. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has developed a proactive and useful app that can actually detect BMSB. The creation of this app has been generously funded $5.5 million per annum by the reliable Biosecurity Innovation Program. The groundbreaking app is currently being trialed with the intention of helping aide 50 biosecurity officers to detect BMSB. In addition, a further generous total of $424,677 has been granted with the aim of enhancing this technology, which will be the inaugural release of such a product, worldwide. This mobile phone app locates BMSB and is now being trialed by the dependable Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. These crucial trials are essential to progressing to the next stage of the app’s development, before being released to the public to ensure that the app works efficiently and effectively. The Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, claims that if the app performs to expectations, it would be a significantly positive outcome and provide useful data for detections of a biosecurity nature. “Brown marmorated stink bug is a huge risk for Australia if it were to get loose on our shores,” said Littleproud. “It has the potential to destroy more than 300 agricultural and ornamental plant species, including vegetables and fruit, and hammer native ornamental species. “Brown marmorated stink bugs look a lot like other native species of stink bugs, which are harmless. This can lead to confusion and false sightings.” Fortunately, there is a potential solution, which Littleproud reveals is: “Thanks to the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, working with Microsoft technology, we’re now trialing an app that can learn to tell the difference between a destructive stink bug and a harmless one.” Further reassuring developments, Littleproud reveals are that: “CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia, which contain local and foreign stink bugs, was used by experts as a reference when training the app.” The Minister goes on to explain that: “It’s a real-time triage tool that improves surveillance outcomes, allowing our experts to spend less time checking out a harmless bug and more time looking for the real threat.” Littleproud and his team have pulled out all the stops to ensure that this project is successful, stating that: “We’re working with biosecurity officers to see how it goes in the real world. What’s important now is figuring out the use, reliability, and accuracy of the app.” It can be safe to say that Littleproud finds the current development of this app promising, asserting that: “It’s still early days, but if this app goes to plan it’s another tool in our arsenal to keep Australia’s biosecurity strong and protect Australia’s industry, economy and environment.”
Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, an invasive insect pest.
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Qube partners with UNIQ You
Transport and logistics company, Qube, has announced a partnership with UNIQ You to promote industry opportunities where women are under represented. The Queensland-based not-for-profit, UNIQ You, aims to expose high school girls in years 9-12 who may be inhibited by gender stereotypes in the pursuit of careers. According to Emily Link, Director – People, Culture & Safety, Qube is well-positioned to drive change. “Qube is committed to creating an environment that encourages inclusion, equity and diversity. We are delighted to be partnering with UNIQ You to help encourage the next generation of women into our sector where they can experience dynamic, exciting and diverse careers,” she said. “Our operations stretch across all regions of Australia and the opportunities for passionate women to make a difference are endless.” UNIQ You CEO Tanya Meessmann is excited about the prospect of partnering with the Australian integrated logistics provider. “The scope and breadth of knowledge and expertise required to manage the acquisition, storage and transport of resources is enormous,” she said. “Our partnership with Qube allows us to expose Years 9-12 girls to opportunities across the supply chain from beginning to end and represents an important step towards closing the gender gap in one of Australia’s most sophisticated and complex sectors.” UNIQ You aims to take a giant step towards addressing the critical pipeline issue that limits girls’ opportunities in rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive spaces by facilitating career advisory calls, and with the support of partner companies such as Qube.
XL Express applauds B-triple deployment
Queensland-based transport and logistics company, XL Express, announced early March it was scheduling its first B-triple road train to run from Sydney to Perth. This development signals a shift for the business to lean into the use of high productivity vehicles across its fleet. “Aligning closely to two of our values here at XL Express, care, and collaboration, the initiative demonstrated our team’s dedication, determination, and persistence to respond to our client’s needs and get much needed supplies to Perth following a once in a 200-year weather event that washed away parts of the Trans-Australian railway across South Australia,” XL Express said in a statement. “The XL Express Fleet team collaborated with our operations teams across four states, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), and multiple transport authorities in an extremely short timeframe. “The outcome, a quick response to an immediate problem whilst being agile in meeting the needs of our clients and taking strides for our business in productivity and innovative thinking.”
LPG TANKER RETURNS
Holmwood Highgate has the pleasure of announcing becoming the exclusive distributor for Sica-Muller pressure vessels and tankers for the Australian market.
This historic moment marks the return of the LPG tanker from Holmwood to our market. These tankers have not been manufactured by Holmwood Highgate in Australia for over 30 years. With the rapid decline in local manufacturers possessing the capability to engineer and manufacture LPG tankers, a strong demand was created which Holmwood Highgate would happily oblige to meet. With the rapid decline in local manufacturers possessing the capability to engineer and manufacture LPG, a strong demand was created which Holmwood Highgate would happily oblige to complete.
The opportunity to bring in the Sica-Muller product represents an opportunity for Australians to experience the latest and greatest in European manufacturing technologies and materials resulting in lighter tare weights with higher payloads.
Find out more at:
www.holmwoodhighgate.com.au
Queensland
20-26 Burchill Street, Loganholme, QLD, 4129
Victoria
425 Fitzgerald Road, Derrimut, VIC, 3026
Inland Rail aims to cut freight transport costs
Inland Rail’s recent projections demonstrates freight transport costs could be reduced, with a potential maximum of $213 million per year. This would lead to gigantic savings for industries and businesses that use this particular line. As a result, this could lead to a significantly positive development of regional Australia’s growth. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) unveiled its Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Project this week, revealing that they discovered a transition from road to Inland Rail could have a gigantic impact in decreasing the funds used to relocate 22 million tonnes of freight per year. Potential savings would cater to over 12,000 supply chains and 94 commodities which entail coal, steel, grains, vehicles, horticulture and livestock. Businesses which survive on road-based supply chains will get the most out of these cost reductions and will record a significantly more lucrative profit, saving an estimated $80.77 per tonne and more importantly, $179 million per annum. It is expected that the savings accumulated from this timely shift of funding will only grow as Australia’s freight task expands with time. Other savings projected for intermodal freight consist of an average of: • $90 per tonne (44 per cent) reduction along the entire route from Melbourne and
Brisbane; • $184 per tonne (47 per cent) reduction between Brisbane and Parkes, connecting to Perth; • $48 per tonne (22 per cent) reduction from Brisbane and connecting to Adelaide; and • $62 per tonne (31 per cent) reduction for regional intermodal freight to and from major metropolitan centres and ports. • In addition, a whopping 40 per cent decrease in transport costs for freight traveling to Queensland, a significant 31 per cent reduction for New South Wales, as well as a 37 per cent drop for Victoria have all been projected from the model. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, and the current Deputy Prime Minister contends that these are the exact reasons as to why the Government has given the green light to make the prospect of this project a reality. Joyce said: “Inland Rail gives us the greatest opportunity for boosting economic development in regional areas, which is why we are delivering the project as quickly as possible.” He added: “Shifting freight from road to rail will drive down the cost of transporting goods and commodities to ports and better facilitate the sale of products, like coal, that underpin our standard of living.” Joyce is adamant that “Reducing freight costs for businesses and industries along the route means they can expand and hire more Australians, helping regional economies grow into the future.” “With the enhancements that Inland Rail will bring to our national freight network, these savings will be felt by supply chains reaching as far west as Perth and all the way down to Tasmania,” said Joyce. “Our Government had the vision to deliver Inland Rail and this modelling further reinforces why we must continue on with the job for the benefit of all Australians.” Simon Birmingham, the Finance Minister and Senator, said the connection and access to Inland Rail’s quick, dependable and inexpensive freight services would positively impact the value for the industry all around Australia. “This would enable our Government’s plan to increase productivity and competitiveness to become a reality. CSIRO’s modelling shows how Inland Rail could slash transport costs for more than 90 commodities across Australia,” he said. “This highlights the significance of building a national freight network that gives producers and businesses better access to domestic and international markets at competitive prices.” When Inland Rail is ready to begin operations, it will remove 200,000 trucks off the road each year, or 150 B-doubles per each train venturing between Melbourne and Brisbane.
Sam Farraway, New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, has launched the NSW Freight Transport Advisory Council (FTAC). Farraway said the new council will be the superior successor to the Freight and Logistics Advisory Council (FLAC). It will embody the whole freight chain across various forms of transport as a sole, united front. “Freight is a priority for the NSW Government and this Council will be a place where members can exchange views and engage in frank and robust discussions directly with the government,” said Farraway. “The new body will not only discuss freight and supply chain issues, but provide input into other Government strategies, policies and projects.” He is confident that “Industry insight will be critical to the success of our policy framework so we are looking for engaged leaders across the transport industry to be part of the new Council and invite them to lodge their interest.” Farraway said the sensible approach is to unite industry experts together in order to observe and analyse freight as a whole, not divided into separate types of transport. It is certain that the only way a thorough and successful outcome can be achieved is if the industry experts join forces to ensure that the freight industry will be bigger and better than ever in New South Wales. “Our freight network underpins the success of our entire economy. The challenges and opportunities in this space need to be considered holistically, he said. “I thank those who were involved with FLAC and RFIC, their contributions have been considerable and I would encourage those council members to consider applying to be part of the new FTAC.” The Council will comprise 15 exclusive members specially chosen via an open expression-of-interest process. The council in question, will meet four times a year, with the intention of making the industry that is freight, great again.
New land release fuels road transport
Victoria’s plans to release land for exploration is expected to benefit many sectors with minimal impact. Victoria has released over 11,000 square kilometres in the state’s west to grow the exploration sector and fuel mineral mining for major projects. The Minerals Council Australia (MCA) has announced the release of land in rural Victoria, while vowing to keep the works low impact for users of the surrounding major roads. Land that is set to be released for exploration from May 2 onwards includes the Southern Grampians and regions in both southern Ararat and northern Horsham. The planned exploration is expected to be low impact and high tech, as explorers will work with landowners to minimise disturbance and prevent major road closures that would disrupt the transport industry. The final stage of the Stavely land release process will allow for the critical development of minerals projects that can also provide for major road and transport projects in the future. The land release will result in swaths of Victoria being open to exploration for rare earths and copper as inputs to renewable energies like wind turbine magnets and batteries, as well as rare minerals that are fundamentals for large-scale road projects. Research from 2015 to 2018 indicated there is potential for copper, gold and other metals in Western Victoria, resulting in the staggered Stavely land release project. Exploration projects are critical to creating high paying regional jobs for geologists, engineers, drilling assistants and other trades roles, while also opening up opportunities to re-build Victoria’s road infrastructure and free up the road transport industry. Planned projects across the state to uncover gold, base metals, lithium and mineral sands generated over $200 million investment into Victoria in 2021, which was a 44 per cent increase from 2020. The continuation of exploring the state’s vast lands help increase economic growth and diversity in regional communities and can provide the materials required to maintain the safety of major thoroughfares.
National logistics operator expands following acquisition
Effective 1 March 2022, Formby Logistics joins BagTrans, Niche Logistics, GKR Transport and efm Warehousing & Distribution as part of Logistics Holdings Australia’s business portfolio. Formby opened for business in Tasmania in 1972. What started as a removals enterprise turned into a general logistics service provider which supports the transportation of groceries, food packaging, manufacturing materials, hygiene items and paper products. “With this acquisition, we continue to expand our reach and service offering to customers,” Logistics Holdings Australia said in a statement. “Specifically, Formby Logistics will allow us to offer a superior service into and out of Tasmania. “Formby Logistics has a strong brand in the Tasmanian market and highly respected leadership, and we are very excited to bring them into the fold. This is an exciting time for LHA as we continue to grow and expand our service network.” Established in March 2021, Logistics Holdings Australia offers complete end-to-end supply chain solutions tailored for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), retail and industrial industries. It is also part of FMH Group. BagTrans is a national Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) express pallet carrier which mostly services the FMCG sector. It was acquired in January 2021. Niche Logistics offers Full Truckload (FTL) and LTL services, specialising in interstate and local transportation between capital and regional cities. General freight carrier, GKR Transport, was acquired in July 2021 and continues to operate self-sufficiently in alignment with the group’s strategy as a diversified logistics services organisation. Managed under the same roof as efm Logistics, efm Warehousing & Distribution specialises in managing stock as well as offering a range of storage options including pallet storage, pick-and-pack processes and specialised options that accommodate cold chain requirements. FMH Group commenced operations in 2000 with the aim to improve freight management by fostering better relationships with transport carriers.
Buchholz talks technology, training, reform: VTA State Conference 2022
Assistant Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz conceded he was channelling former US Secretary of State Colin Powell in his keynote presentation at the VTA State Conference held at Phillip Island last month. “There are known certainties that we have moving forward, and there are unknown certainties,” Buchholz told his audience. Addressing post-pandemic supply chain certainty, Buchholz identified a number of issues including the need for reforms. “The challenge for us moving forward with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is to loosen up some of the antiquated and very restrictive parameters which it has to work with,” he said. “Our fundamentals are very simple. As government we want to get out of your way, we want less administration and we want you to be profitable.” Buchholz also urged the industry to further take advantage of modern technology. “Anyone in the room who is not embracing technology at every level is doing themselves and their business an injustice. “Technology is going to drive our future, whether it be through the prism of safety, through seeing-eye technology, through driving efficiencies and looking for new opportunities with technology.” On the subject of rising fuel costs Buchholz provided this strong advice: “Unless you understand your business with absolute granular clarity and where your expenditure is, and you have a mechanism to pass that on to your clients, if you’re not going to do it you will not be in this conference room next year.” He acknowledged that the fuel price hike will place inflationary pressures on the entire supply chain and alluded to some concessions which may be included in next week’s Budget. “The only lever we have available to us is with fuel excise which is miniscule compared to the increases in fuel that we have seen across the country at the moment.” Buchholz spoke about other financial mechanisms put in place in response to the pandemic. “When we created the instant asset write off which encouraged industry to go out and buy more capital equipment which they could write off 100 per cent in the first year, that was done in an environment where inflation was about 1.0 per cent and it’s now 3.5, which is outside of the Reserve Bank’s range of between 2.0 and 3.0 per cent. So we have to create fiscal settings that keep one eye on inflationary pressures and that we don’t continue to add to those burdens, because the cost to our business by not managing that is diabolical.” Recommendations, according to Buchholz, have come from his own office to the Treasurer’s office to change the timing of the application of the tax concessions so that access to the instant asset write off occurs at the time of the order, rather than upon delivery of the equipment. “What we have recommended, because of the time delay in getting those pieces of capital equipment into the yard with 12 or 18 months lead time for some equipment, I’ve asked for consideration be given to allow the deductions to happen when you place the order.” On another issue confronting the transport and logistics industry, Buchholz was supportive but cautious about the potential of driver and worker apprenticeship programs. “It’s not a silver bullet, it’s not a panacea when we try to attract that next generation of employees into our workforce,” he said. “From a Federal Government perspective we have made commitments to take Certificate III’s out and put them into a fully trade recognised (category) so we are able to get federal funding. That way when parents tell their kids ‘go and get yourself an apprenticeship and get that security behind you’, now they can be a part of a fully recognised trade apprenticeship in the transport and logistics sector and be recognised with the same skill set and be held in the same regard as every other tradie in Australia.” Prior to his political career Buchholz was involved in the freight and courier industry and was a director of Central Queensland Express Holdings and Toowoomba Express Couriers. “On the upside I’m very bullish about the sector,” he said. “I know we have uncertainty at the moment because of the geo-political outlook with Ukraine with reference to fuel, and the pressures that brings to the uncertainty of the supply chain out of China. “Boardrooms all around Australia at the moment are looking for ways to make investments that will give them security in their supply chain, so they’re looking for alternative suppliers even if it costs them a little bit more to head back into Europe to make those capital acquisitions. “We just need to have in the back of our mind that the freight task is going to double over the next couple of decades and there is an opportunity for each and every one of you to take advantage of that. If you’re going to be around for the next couple of decades and take advantage of that growth, control your costs and stay profitable.”
Assistant Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz
Reddy unpacks the challenges of post-Covid recovery at VTA State Conference 2022
Speaking at the recent Victorian Transport Association (VTA) annual conference, Executive Director, Freight Victoria at Department of Transport, Praveen Reddy, opened his address by saying he wasn’t going to talk about Covid this year. “The last two-and-a-bit years have been unprecedented in terms of the resolve, flexibility and adaptability of those in the freight and logistics industry in responding to the Covid scenario,” said Reddy. “I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of a workforce that has operated at elevated levels and under extreme pressure in order to keep things on track during this extremely difficult time. “This has taken its toll on the mental health of many, so I want to encourage everyone to look after each other and to seek help if things are getting too much to deal with.” With that he moved to the topic of diversity in the industry, saying it was important to open the door to as many people as possible in order to meet the burgeoning demand. “We know the freight task is increasing, along with e-commerce, and will continue to do so for at least the next 30 years, so we need to continue encouraging people from all walks of life to join the growing workforce,” he said. He also highlighted the complexity of the supply chain with its multi-facetted modes of transport including ships, trucks and rail. “One of the biggest challenges we face is the sheer volume of freight that needs to be delivered from our metropolitan to regional areas,” said Reddy. “With the return of workers to offices and workplaces in Melbourne it will take a while before public transport is fully utilised, with many people using their private cars to commute which adds congestion to the roads and in turn affects freight movements.” He said the Department of Transport is currently undertaking a study in conjunction with Australia Post to determine how loading zones can be better utilised to help freight movements. Touching on the level of infrastructure upgrades and the progressive nature of the industry, Reddy said the general public needs to be made aware that this industry is modern and efficient and one of the greatest contributors to economic growth. “Victoria really is the heartland of freight in this country and having an efficient freight system is paramount – it’s really important we continue to focus on the things that allow us to have a sustainable freight sector,” he said. He mentioned the north Melbourne industrial precinct where there’s been a significant challenge over the last few years and where the NorthEast Link is being improved to help alleviate the bottleneck to freight movement in the area. “As we look to re-establish export markets, we need to look at the whole supply chain from regional economies where goods are produced through to the overseas buyers and make sure all measures are in place to ensure the flow of goods is as efficient as it can be.”
Executive Director, Freight Victoria at Department of Transport, Praveen Reddy
Robots to bolster biosecurity
Five remote-controlled robots are being tested in a series of inspections, to see if they are able to identify biosecurity risks on imported cargo. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Hades-5Z robots are part of a $64,000 program funded by the government’s Biosecurity Innovation Program, designed to find out if the robots can safely and effectively identify risks. “The robots will be put through their paces by biosecurity officers during controlled, onsite inspections using imported freight such as sea containers, vehicles and heavy agricultural machinery,” he said. “The trial will take place at post-entry sites in Adelaide, Fremantle, Darwin and Brisbane and are being run in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.” David said the robots have “the potential to significantly reduce WHS risks” and can prevent officers from inspecting underneath heavy agricultural machinery. “The units are fitted with high definition and thermal imaging cameras. “They’re very slimline so they can be sent in underneath consignments. Live footage of the cargo underside can be viewed by officers on monitors,” he said. Although the results may seem promising, David assured that Hades-5Z would not replace valued staff. Technology continues to augment biosecurity efforts in Australia.
Petroccitto flags new approach to risk management at VTA State Conference
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has given a glimpse into its future approach to fatigue management and meeting the ongoing challenges around the permit process for access networks at the VTA State Conference. In a keynote address, the NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said a new approach to risk management was currently underway in consultation with the industry. “The latest evidence we’re starting to see really needs to look at those issues around quality not just the quantities,” said Petroccitto. “A lot of factors impact on the individual that might be driving their truck and also the working environments and conditions play a key role.” Petroccitto recognised a modern approach would be required to tackle the issues around driver hours as the current system in place had proven flawed for many road transport operators. “In some cases the current fatigue laws when operators are compliant are unsafe and when you’re non compliant you’re actually safe,” he said. “We need to shift that focus of counting hours with providing you, as an industry, the flexibility that your drivers need so they can rest when they are tired and not when someone tells them to do so,” said Petroccitto. “Obviously that needs to be done within those hour limits. None of you are asking for more hours. You’re just asking for that flexibility within those hours.” Technology would, as it does now, play a vital role in the way the regulator recognised and utilised fatigue detection technology. Petrocitto was hopeful he had the ear of policymakers when it came to implementing improvements to the current approaches. A strong commitment, according to Petroccitto, was needed to challenge the current approaches and the reform of what was an onerous and unworkable system when it came to providing access permits. “I know that we normally cop the brunt of a lot of complaints. As I’ve said many times before we facilitate access. Our ability to control what a road manager does and doesn’t do is as limited as yours,” he said. “What we both can agree on is the current system has to be fixed because it is not sustainable,” said Petroccitto. At present some 150,000 permit applications will be processed through the NHVR office this year alone. That amounts to around 12,000 a month. “Analysis tells us that 94 per cent of those applications get approved,” said Petroccitto. On that front he was dedicated to putting forth an approach involving operators and the NHVR working together on a national reform of which the outcome would assist in overcoming the access and productivity challenges that stakeholders and industry face daily. Networks would open up, under this model, based on knowing and understanding the infrastructure capacity while identifying clear no-go zones that are supported with an investment approach. “There’s no point having an HVNL network full of red dots if no one can get through those red dots,” Petroccitto said. The formal adoption of the NHVR’s strategic local government asset assessment program and its national spacial mapping work, together with additional funding from the federal government, were cited by Petroccitto as a way forward. “Now in its third year that project is actually assisting local government road managers understand the condition of their bridges,” he said. “They can make those informed decisions. Close to 400 assessments had taken place across local government areas with Round 2 set to commence shortly. It was likely to include another 1,000 assessments. To date, there was 24,000 assets operating on local government networks. “What we need to do is look at those critical assets on those critical freight routes and really get a genuine understanding of the condition to allow local governments to make those informed decisions to keep you productive,” said Petroccitto. “We are dedicated to working with those road managers to improve the system that opens up those productive networks.” The information collated through the management of the local government asset program feeds into the NHVR’s single national spacial access map and enforceable heavy vehicle network map on one central repository. “The mapping system will have google-based functionality [and] will really allow industry and road managers to better plan their journeys and manage access conditions en route and will contain critical physical infrastructure information as well,” said Petroccitto. Dynamic routing on the map will enable industry to enter the vehicle dimensions and systems will automatically snap them to a preferred group and identify if further assessments are required. The system will be built upon the work that has already been done in Tasmania. At a state
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto
level Tasmania will be expanded to a national system to ensure it works across all the jurisdictions the NHVR work with. Achieving that national consistency was one of the largest hurdles for the NHVR but it was well underway despite the immensity of the challenges inherent in a national reform project. By the middle of 2022 the NHVR projects it will have transferred the NSW services for heavy vehicle compliance over to it. That will see the NHVR almost double in size. It will, according to Petroccitto, bring with it more complexities and also more capabilities. That program has been three years in the making. The reform agenda, Petrocitto maintained, was right and too important to give up on. “We have to embrace reform in a faster and more productive manner if we are to remain truly competitive,” he said. “We know when we do transition one of the greatest benefits for the industry will come in that consistent risk-based regulatory functions that we undertake.” What Petroccitto called the ‘inform, educate and enforce’ approach was proving effective as the NHVR began to shift away from heavy handed on-road compliance activity to a focus geared around engagement. He denied, however, that the change in focus would bring about a softer regulator. “We’re still using the powers that we have when we need to,” said Petroccitto. “But our view is if we don’t bring you along the journey with a consultative and educative process we’re not really changing the agenda.” The accumulation of data, for instance, was pointless if the regulator had no way of using it as part of the education process. “We’re looking at how we can start to share that information and we want to share that information back with you. This way we believe that you can manage your safety in a more timely manner,” Petroccitto said. In the coming weeks the NHVR will begin a trial with several road freight operators who will be given access to company compliance information through the portal. If that proves successful the intent is for the NHVR to share more information it has captured with industry. Petroccitto is hopeful it will deliver more functionality for heavy vehicle operators by facilitating a greater responsibility that will in turn lead to a proactive application of how they manage their fleet. In this way the NHVR will get to use some of the other regulatory provisions it has in its toolkit. “We’re considered quite unique because we’re both a productivity and safety regulator,” continued Petroccitto. “I fundamentally believe the two are critical and need to go hand in hand. The more productive a business is the more it can invest in safety,” he said. “The safer a business is the more productive it can be.”
Government’s progress on making our roads safer
The State Government has now delivered seven of its 13 identified recommendations to improve safety at regional roadwork sites in Western Australia. The Regional Roadworks Signage Review, completed late last year, looked at how temporary traffic signage at roadwork sites are installed, secured and managed in regional areas. The report came up with 13 recommendations and 21 specific actions designed to improve the safety of construction workers and road users in regional roadwork sites. The Government’s already completed actions include: • A review of all Main Roads tender documentation and evaluation criteria to ensure temporary traffic management requirements are given increased focus and consideration. • The establishment of clearer lines of traffic management accountability and responsibility on all roadwork sites across the State. • Updating Main Roads’ standards and specifications to expand the use of Portable
Traffic Control Devices to improve the safety of traffic controllers. • Ongoing training and education campaigns to highlight the safety risks at regional
roadwork sites for workers and all road users. • The assessment and implementation of new or alternative sign-mounting solutions to enable signs to remain visible and upright. • Focused questions about roadworks to be included in driver theory testing. • Updates in the Drive Safe and Ride Safe handbooks incorporating roadworks material. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the State has made great progress with these actions, and the committee is focused on completing them in the near future.
