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Industry News
Woolworths completes $12M facility upgrade
Supermarket company, Woolworths, has strengthened its supply chain resilience in Far North Queensland. Woolworths has upgraded its Townsville Regional Distribution Centre (DC) following the completion of a $12 million expansion. The DC is double the original footprint at 10,416 square metres. The company has also hired an additional 30 team members to boost capacity and service local stores in Townsville and Far North Queensland. The expanded site can reportedly hold an additional 435 fresh food and essential product lines. “This is a big moment for our local team in Townsville and the broader North Queensland community,” said Woolworths Group General Manager for Queensland Supply Chain, Dale Acton. “Townsville has faced tough times in recent years, and we wanted to do our bit to aid the economic recovery after the 2019 floods. “This project has injected $12 million of fresh investment into the region, created 30 new permanent jobs and will deliver a more resilient supply chain network for our North Queensland customers. “With the extra space and equipment upgrades, we’re better placed than ever before to service our North Queensland stores year-round and in the unfortunate event of a natural disaster.” The DC services 39 Woolworths supermarkets spanning from Sarina to Weipa – delivering fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, milk, and groceries from hundreds of suppliers, who have generously supported better local range availability for North Queensland customers. “In the lead-up to a natural disaster such as a tropical cyclone, supermarket shelves can be stripped bare as residents prepare for impact, and flooding events can see our region cut off from the rest of the state,” said Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill. “The investment made by Woolworths to expand its Townsville distribution centre means they have more stock available locally to replenish stores when needed, which is great news for the community when they’re in recovery mode.” “Woolworths is an extremely important part of our community, employing more than 1,000 people in the Herbert electorate alone,” said Federal Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson. “Projects like this expansion – and the 30 new jobs that it brings – are a massive vote of confidence in our region as we grow and recover from the challenges of a global pandemic and a one in 500 year flood. This is what happens when we create an environment which allows private enterprise to expand and invest in Townsville.” Queensland builder Spaceframe commenced works in December 2019 and employed around 170 workers throughout construction. Following completion, Woolworths has extended its lease with property owner Centuria. Jesse Curtis, Fund Manager for Centuria Industrial REIT, which owns the DC, said: “Centuria’s improved facility now provides a cold storage area about the same size as three tennis courts and the dry-store area is the equivalent of almost three-and-ahalf Olympic swimming pools. Centuria’s development team spent six months overseeing the expansion of this key distribution centre and we are excited its officially opened”. The upgrade of the distribution centre followed a commitment from Woolworths in February 2019 to invest $20 million in the Townsville store and supply chain network. Woolworths delivered a full renewal of its Fairfield Central supermarket in March 2019 after it had been badly damaged by the floods.
Far North Queensland’s supply chain benefits from distribution centre upgrades.
David McNeil from InfraBuild Steel and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) joins Ram Akella from Woolworths as a Co-Chair of the multi-sector Traceability Advisory Group. The National GS1 Traceability Advisory Group (NGTAG) was established earlier this year by GS1 Australia, a global not-for-profit organisation, which is reputed to be the leading provider of standards and solutions. GS1 Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that works in collaboration with industry, for industry, providing global standards and technology-neutral services to help solve the business challenges of today and into the future. NGTAG comprises more than 80 senior-level members from industry and government, addressing traceability linkages across supply chains to ensure Australia maintains and builds global competitiveness, sustainable economic growth and positive socioeconomic outcomes and opportunities. “I am honoured to be appointed as a Co-Chair of the National GS1 Traceability Advisory Group,” said McNeil, who is also a member of GS1 Australia’s corporate board. “The group is uniquely placed to inform GS1 Australia on the requirements of industry Transport and logistics company, Toll, has moved its Clayton operations into a brand new developed facility located in Braeside Industrial Estate. The new modern facility, located in the central logistics hub, is only four kilometres from the Dandenong Bypass and provides a strategic linehaul staging hub for South East Melbourne customers. “Our new Braeside facility has over 35 per cent more under roof space allowing us to continue to grow and meet the future and government for traceability standards, and to co-define a roadmap for implementing end-to-end traceability and trade modernisation in Australia in the most efficient and economic manner possible. “I look forward to leveraging the knowledge and experience of the network of companies, associations and government departments that represent the NGTAG, as well as working closely with Ram Akella from Woolworths as my counterpart.” McNeil’s recent focus has been on supply chain execution. In conjunction with the ALC and GS1, he has implemented the GS1 Transport Instruction and Transport Status messages to facilitate the efficient transfer of delivery information between InfraBuild Steel and its logistics partners. As a co-chair of NGTAG, McNeil is expected to focus his representation on the transport and logistics sector, integrating traceability needs of our customers supported by our 35-strong team,” said Toll Executive General Manager – Palletised Express, Kris Talevski. “This facility has also been designed to meet the 5-star Green Start rating helping to reduce our impact on the environment.” The site, Toll told Trailer, features energy-efficient LED high bay lighting to warehouse and LED lighting to office areas, including light/motion sensors and control system, energy and water metering and monitoring
David McNeil will help to build on Australia’s logistics capabilities.
processes within transport, a critical part of end-to-end traceability that is required for all product types and sectors. While his appointment is effective immediately, prior commitments mean that McNeil will have limited participation in his
Toll moves to new facility at Braeside central logistics hub
new role until the new calendar year. Rainwater storage tank connected to a landscape irrigation system and main office amenities for WC flushing and the ability to draw from the 100kW solar PV system to be shared among tenants saving approximately 6kWh/sqm. It also includes: B-double access, 32m wide propped awning and 15m wide cantilevered awning above on-grade doors and recessed container docks with levellers and a 450-square-metre modern office space.
Featuring 4,600mm overall height and with an internal volume up to 215 cubic meters | Capacity of 42 pallet on the fl oor plus additional pallets double stacked or triple stacked on the optional | Capacity of 42 pallet on the fl oor plus additional pallets double stacked or triple stacked on the optional mezzanine fl oors | Ideal for depot to depot transport | Rear steer axles to both trailers ensure a turning circle equivalent to a 34 pallet combination operational designs | Full range of curtain options available
Capacity of 42 pallet on the fl oor plus additional pallets double stacked or triple stacked on the optional Capacity of 42 pallet on the fl oor plus additional pallets double stacked or triple stacked on the optional rcle equivalent to a 34 pallet combination | Multiple mezzanine deck layouts and
AusPost announces hiring blitz
Australia’s top postal service company embarks on its biggest hiring spree ever. Australia Post is recruiting more than 4,000 people to help deliver record parcel volumes in what is expected to be its biggest Christmas to date. Nearly 2,900 Christmas casuals will be hired across transport and deliveries across the country, with a further 300 fixed term fulltime and part-time customer contact centre opportunities in Brisbane and regional areas of South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. In addition to the Christmas casuals, Australia Post is also recruiting around 900 roles in other areas of the business, including across the Post Office network, to help service customers better. Executive General Manager People & Culture Sue Davies said this year’s Christmas casuals will bring a welcome boost to a workforce that has been working incredibly hard all year. “A lot has been expected of our people this year and I’m so proud of the way our team has adapted and dealt with the challenges they’ve faced to keep delivering for Australia across our entire network,” said Davies. Victorian-based Western Truck Repairs has been purchased by AMA Group. The move by AMA, which presently boasts a heavy vehicle national footprint, is expected to expand its coverage in heavy vehicle repairs and services across Australia. Western Truck Repairs will join Wales (NSW), Recar (VIC & QLD), Parins (WA) and All Transport (SA) to support AMA’s growing National Heavy Vehicle Repair Network. CEO of AMA’s Heavy Vehicle Division, Darren Wales, said he was delighted Western will be joining the Group and bringing its superior craftsmanship from an
Postal service company, Australia Post, is ramping up recruitment to meet unprecedented demand.
“In managing all the necessary Covid-safe requirements, including a reduced workforce in our Melbourne facilities during the recent Stage 4 restrictions, our people have gone over and above to provide critical services for businesses and their customers and delivered for over 8.1 million households who have shopped online between March and August alone. “This is a record-breaking recruitment drive for what we expect to be a Christmas unlike any we’ve had before in Australia Post’s history. In a year that has been incredibly experienced team of repair professionals. “For over 30 years Western has been Victoria’s leading truck repair group and from myself and our team we are excited for them to be a part of a quality company like AMA,” said Wales. “Western will complement our coverage not only in Victoria, but Australia wide. It’s a ‘one-stop-shop’ for truck, bus & coach repairs,” he said. Western’s Managing Director Phil Purdy said the decision to join the AMA Group was not taken lightly. “What they bring to the Heavy Vehicle Repair industry is second to none in terms challenging and impacted people in many ways, we are delighted to be inviting people to join us this Christmas as we deliver across the country.” Last year, Australia Post received more than 23,000 applications for Christmas casual positions. Earlier this year, more than 50,000 applications were made for the 1,000 casuals hired in response to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Australia Post is encouraging people to apply across the range of positions, particularly for
AMA Group acquires Western Truck Repairs
the customer contact centres and transport. of quality and service,” he said. “This ensures our client base of over 30 years remain the sole focus, for now and many years to come. Myself and our other two Directors, Joe Portelli and Erio Mirra, look forward to working with Darren and the whole AMA organisation,” said Purdy. Wales said AMA has a strong track record of speed and efficiency in delivering operational integration and change, whether it be acquisitions, additional sites or new initiatives. “We are looking forward to welcoming the Western team and they will be a great asset to our business,” he said.
Corporations collaborate to drive productivity in agriculture
A new approach to agricultural innovation is expected to improve the supply chain and deliver value for the Australian community. All 15 rural research and development corporations (RDCs) have united to form a new company to drive cross-industry research, to leverage private sector investment and to target transformational innovation. Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the creation of Agricultural Innovation Australia (AIA) will be a game-changer in driving unprecedented collaboration and coordination of investment in agricultural innovation. “AIA will capitalise on cross-industry opportunities to drive productivity, sustainability and profitability in agriculture by leveraging the power of collaboration,” Digital superiority for Australian businesses, particularly the rollout of 5G for logistics and manufacturing, is key to economic recovery. The Federal Government is investing almost $800 million in digital technologies to grow businesses as part of its economic recovery plan. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies by Australian businesses and consumers, according to the Government, which has enabled many to transform their operations and continue to trade through the crisis. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government was investing in Australia’s digital economy to keep businesses in business and Australians in jobs. “The Governments’ Digital Business plan is targeted at building on this digital transformation of Australian businesses to drive productivity and income growth and create jobs,” said Frydenberg. said Littleproud. AIA, according to Littleproud, is a key element of the Australian Government’s new National Agricultural Innovation Agenda to modernise Australia’s agricultural innovation system. The Federal Government is reportedly committing $1.3 million in seed funding for the first AIA investment strategies to boost action. “I welcome the leadership shown by RDCs to work together, leveraging their collective knowledge and resources, to target the big, national challenges facing the sector – such as building climate resilience, natural resource management and supply chain traceability,” said Littleproud. “Innovation is key to help meet industry’s target for a $100 billion sector by 2030 and “Our Digital Infrastructure package is estimated to increase Australia’s [Gross Domestic Product – GDP] by $6.4 billion a year by 2024 and around $1.5 billion of this additional economic activity is estimated to flow to regional Australia each year.”
The Digital Business Plan includes:
• $256.6 million to develop a Digital
Identity system to enable more secure and convenient engagement with government services, and in future, the private sector. • A further $419.9 million to enable the full implementation of the Modernising
Business Registers (MBR) program, allowing businesses to quickly view, update and maintain their business registry data in one location. • A further $28.5 million to support the rollout of the Consumer Data Right to the banking and energy sectors, which is in addition to the more than $120 million we know the biggest productivity gains will come from long-term, transformational R&D. “Now more than ever, with record Government investment to support Covid-19 recovery, we need to demonstrate the greatest returns from our investments, improve transparency of outcomes and drive efficiencies and greater uptake of our R&D efforts.” John Woods, Chair of the Council of RDCs and Grains Research and Development Corporation, said AIA represented an exciting new era for Australia’s farming sector. “AIA will transform investment in Australian agriculture,” he said. “Having a single entity to lead cross-industry strategies will make it easier for investors from around the world to navigate and
PM and Treasurer throw $800M at digital business overhaul
partner with our agricultural system.
already committed. • $29.2 million to accelerate the rollout of 5G, including an initiative to invest in 5G commercial trials and testbeds in key industry sectors such as agriculture, mining, logistics and manufacturing. • $6.9 million for two blockchain pilots directed at reducing business compliance costs. • The Plan is reported to complement
Government actions to build digital skills and to improve trust and security in the digital economy, including through the $1.67 billion investment in the 2020
Cyber Security Strategy and investments in online safety. The Digital Business Plan, according to the Prime Minister and the Treasurer, is part of the Government’s economic recovery plan to grow the economy and create jobs and supports our goal for Australia to be a leading digital economy and society by 2030.
Surging demand for healthcare products prompts DHL to react
DHL Supply Chain Australia and New Zealand CEO, Saul Resnick.
DHL is making moves to consolidate its presence as the largest third-party logistics provider for the life science and healthcare industries. DHL Supply Chain Australia has launched four new storage facilities for the storage and inventory management of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vaccines, animal health, diagnostics and consumer health products. The additional capacity will reportedly enable DHL to efficiently manage the storage and distribution of any upcoming Covid-19 vaccines. The new facilities have a combined floor space of approximately 64,000 sqm – equivalent to nine football fields – across the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth metropolitan areas. This investment includes more than 9,000 sqm of DHL’s leading cold-chain operations to support the success of critically important cold chain products around Australia which must be stored in temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 Degree Celsius. DHL Supply Chain also has proprietary packaging solutions designed specifically for pharmaceutical products to ensure health supplies are delivered in the perfect condition. “The Life Sciences and Healthcare industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries, and DHL is the only 3PL in Australia to provide solutions that meet current global regulations,” said CEO, DHL Supply Chain Australia and New Zealand CEO, Saul Resnick. “We have seen growing interest for our industry-leading cold storage facilities which in turn, drives better outcomes for the storage and distribution of healthcare products. “Increasingly, we have also seen a growing appetite for local distribution centres to be an ongoing part of global supply chains.” In addition to the new facilities, DHL Supply Chain will also invest in a new multi-million dollar transport management system and national control tower, to support more efficient consignment planning and offer customers greater visibility of their deliveries. This builds on its existing industry-leading transport solutions, which will soon allow DHL to offer dual-temperature controlled vehicles for delivery of customers’ products in all major capital cities. This solution enhances the existing products which DHL has in place today and will reduce packaging and provide sustainable solutions benefiting the environment. Clinical trials remain a significantly important service managed by DHL, particularly in the current climate. “The success of clinical trials depends on effective temperature-controlled, accuracy, and end- to-end solutions that ensure cell-based pharmaceuticals are not compromised,” said Resnick. “For years, we have managed the safe and efficient delivery of millions of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other healthcare products for our customers to ensure all Australians have access to the treatments they need.” The facilities will be powered by a combined 2,700kW of solar power, equivalent to the energy consumed by 450 average Australian family homes over the course of a year. Included in this is the company’s showcase 1700kW urban solar plant powering its facility in New South Wales’ Horsley Park which is reported to be the first of its kind in Australia. “DHL Supply Chain is committed to doing its part in ensuring our partners and customers have access to environmentally sustainable supply chain operations that are both cost-efficient and operationally excellent,” said Resnick. “By investing in renewable energy sources, as well as a number of other initiatives, DHL Supply Chain is on track to meet our long-term goal of reducing all logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050.” Further plans are underway to introduce a cold chain automation picking and packing solution which will drive compliant, and efficient processes to safeguard future demands of the industry in the growing segment of pharmaceutical supply. This project will be the first of its kind in Australia, based in New South Wales.
Heavy vehicle safety works secure $290M allocation
The Federal Government continues to support vital infrastructure works for the trucking industry. More than 350 projects will share in more than $290 million in Australian Government funding under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the funding would improve the productivity and safety of bridges and heavy vehicle routes nationwide, while supporting jobs and the economy at a time it’s needed most. “I am pleased to deliver more than $290 million in funding to help upgrade and replace bridges that have been damaged or are deteriorating, while improving key heavy vehicle infrastructure right across the nation,” said McCormack. “With nearly 80 per cent of this funding going to local councils, the outcome of these rounds will support local workers, households and businesses through a difficult time and position the Australian economy for a strong recovery. “By improving our road network, this funding will also help keep people safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities. “This includes our truckies who form an essential part of the backbone of our national economy and have been working tirelessly during Covid-19 to keep shelves stocked, hospitals supplied and the economy running. “This is just the latest example of the funding flowing under our record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline, with the continued roll out of road infrastructure projects supporting local jobs, underpinning economic growth and making sure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer.” Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, said 50 per cent of this funding would benefit communities affected by the ongoing drought and last summer’s bushfires. “$146.97 million in funding through these rounds will go to councils affected by bushfires, drought or both, allowing them to prioritise and fast-track their highest priority infrastructure projects while supporting much-needed local jobs and the economy,” said Buchholz. “Round 7 of the HVSPP includes livestock transport industry projects that will directly support communities currently impacted by drought, such as Longreach Regional Council in Queensland, who were successful in securing federal funding to upgrade the popular Western Queensland Livestock Exchange. “This project will upgrade the loading and unloading ramps at the facility to improve traffic movement, providing secure work on the books of local contractors and businesses who have felt the cumulative impact of drought and now Covid-19 during construction while delivering lasting benefits to the region for years to come. “This is just one example of the many impactful projects being funded, with Round 5 of the BRP also providing an opportunity for many councils to begin the process of replacing or upgrading bridges damaged in recent bushfire events “Already more than 500 projects funded through the BRP and HVSPP across the country have either been completed or are well underway and I look forward to getting shovels in the ground on these next projects.”
NEXT GENERATION NOW AVAILABLE
NHVR releases Covid-Safe toolbox talk kit
The Regulator doubles down on coronavirus safety advice for the trucking industry. A Covid-19 toolbox talk kit focused on vehicle, workplace and hand hygiene, wearing a facemask and mental health is part of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) latest release of practical industry safety material. NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said the toolbox talk kit, which included a series of quick guides, videos, checklists and templates, had been added to the NHVR’s Safety Management System suite, at the request of operators. “Many heavy vehicle businesses are still located within or are required to operate in areas where Covid-19 cases have been reported,” said Petroccitto. “All transport operators should continue to have safety conversations with their staff and drivers to reduce the risk of transmission within their workplace, when handling freight or interacting with other parties in the supply chain. “Today’s release of the toolbox talk kit also aligns with National Safe Work Month, which is a great reminder for operators to continue having frequent and effective safety conversations. “A recent NHVR Safety Survey showed that while 78 per cent of managers agree that there is an ongoing program of safety promotions and communication, while 52 per cent of drivers and 71 per cent of loaders agreed. “Toolbox talks are one of the easiest and yet most effective ways to share important safety information and share responsibility for everyone’s safety. “The NHVR’s material can be easily modified to include company information such as logos and additional topics that are specific to their business, such as how to report safety incidents and what to do if staff are sick or notice symptoms.”
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is doing its bit to support trucking companies amid Covid-19.
Commission delivers transport reform report
National transport reforms have delivered safety and productivity gains, the Federal Government confirms. The results of the Productivity Commission’s report on National Transport Regulatory Reform are in. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack welcomed the report, saying it was commissioned by the Australian Government in 2019 to assess the economic impact of reforms agreed by the Council of Australian Governments in 2008-09. “These reforms established Australia’s national safety regulators for heavy vehicles, rail and domestic commercial vessels,” he said. “The transport reforms were agreed by all Original equipment manufacturer, and third-generation business, Barker Trailers, has distributed the first of its funds, $20,000 to the Mallacoota Lions Club, this month following a successful Bush Fire Relief fundraising campaign. The Mallacoota community lost 120 homes and more than 80 properties were damaged by the bushfires. As Peter Hillyer from the Lions Club described, the ‘Monster’ which invaded on New Year’s Eve 2019 had a severe impact on businesses, infrastructure and livelihoods. Witnessing the severe effects of the bushfires, Barker Trailers brought the transport and manufacturing industries together to help assist in a fundraising campaign. The Barker Trailers team set a goal to sell 10 of its trailers, with each one sold providing funds to the campaign, specifically set up to levels of government over a decade ago to make transport safer while making it easier for industry to do business – and it’s great to know they’re working. “We are absolutely committed to supporting a thriving national transport industry now and into the future, which is why we asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a comprehensive review, including to see what we can do better. “I am pleased to hear they found the reforms have delivered broad safety and productivity gains for our national transport industry. “This is particularly reassuring in these difficult times, as the ongoing Covid-19 crisis highlights how vital a safe and efficient transport network is to our way of life. “I acknowledge this report has been eagerly awaited by industry. We will carefully help the farmers and communities affected by the bushfires. Barker’s key supply partners also played an essential role in the campaign by donating or discounting parts. “Everyone should be extremely proud of their efforts and contribution to the Barker Bushfire Relief project,” said Barker Trailers CEO, Simon Meadows. “It shows how we can all collaborate in many ways to assist and have a positive impact in tough times. “Nothing will erase the events of the terrible fires, but it’s great to have been able to assist in a small way,” he said. Today, the focus for the Mallacoota Lions Club is to assist those who lost their place of residence. “We expect that the rebuild will take at least three years or more, so we are committed to maintain assistance over that time with the consider all of the recommendations within the report and undertake vital consultation with regulators, jurisdictions and industry stakeholders to prepare a response.” McCormack said the review complements other Australian Government priorities and investments such as the development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, Heavy Vehicle National Law review and the Australian Government’s record $100 billion nationwide infrastructure spend. “By continuing to support our transport industry, we are creating jobs and opportunities for Australians at a time when it’s needed most, while keeping our quality goods connected to local and international markets,” said McCormack. He thanked the Productivity Commission for
Barker Trailers donates $20K to Mallacoota Lions Club
its work in completing the review. priority being to help the community rebuild from this devastating event,” said Hillyer. “The first home to be rebuilt is happening and burnt homes are still being cleared. “Reassuringly, birds and animals are reappearing, meanwhile the crows continue to pinch golf balls on the golf course,” he said. The Barker Bushfire Relief has been a huge success with the last of the trailers recently sold and a total of $57,000 being raised. These funds have been distributed to three deserving charities and will help with rebuilding communities, supporting farmers and buying CFA equipment. “We are very privileged to be a part of an amazing industry that pulls together to help others in times of need and look forward to seeing the business working on more of these initiatives into the future,” said Scott Barker.
Improved freight productivity is just one of the advantages associated with these road works.
Sealing begins on vital freight route between SA and QLD
Essential road works are expected to boost cross-border freight productivity. In what could be considered a long overdue development, sealing of the first 50 kilometres of the Strzelecki Track in northern South Australia has begun. In addition to improving freight productivity and increasing road safety, the $10-million investment by the South Australian government will also create much-needed jobs and support local businesses that are still reeling from the effects of COVID-19. T&J Constructions is undertaking the work, which will create 31 jobs over the life of the project. The SA company is said to have successfully delivered a number of projects within the state on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, including upgrades to Innamincka Airstrip and Dillions Highway. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the upgrade would unlock huge economic potential for the state. “The 472km Strzelecki Track is one of the most heavily used unsealed roads in the northern region and provides a vital freight link between SA and Qld,” said Wingard. “It’s also an important supply link for major oil and gas facilities located near Moomba in the Cooper Basin, and an essential transport corridor for outback communities, tourists and pastoralists.” Wingard said he’d heard from industry how dangerous and frustrating it can be for truck drivers using the Strzelecki Track, especially following wet weather and flooding. “We saw just last week the damage caused by the recent rain when the road surface was literally washed away,” he said. “The state government, together with the Commonwealth, is investing more than $1.1 billion in our regional roads and infrastructure to deliver safer, smoother journeys and to support and create jobs.” Meanwhile, Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said that in addition to benefiting a large part of his electorate, the Strzelecki Track sealing would provide flow-on benefits to the whole state through improved productivity and safety for the important petroleum, cattle and tourism industries. Sealing works on the Strzelecki Track, adverse weather conditions notwithstanding, are expected to be completed early in 2021.
Avoid congestion with new website
Road users across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory now have a website for road disruption information. Transport for NSW has launched a live traffic website, www.livetraffic.com. Minister for Roads, Andrew Constance, said the Live Traffic NSW website will help drivers avoid congestion by showing the impact of fire, flood, snow, roadworks, crashes and more on roads across five jurisdictions. “During the unprecedented summer bushfires Live Traffic usage was up 25 per cent, with about 195,000 customers accessing the website, and a further 170,000 using the mobile apps,” said Constance. “We’re very proud that Transport for NSW has brought together different government agencies to provide more information to communities during an emergency situation and drivers travelling interstate.” The website is reportedly optimised for mobile, tablet and desktop, and users are able explore a map and list of incidents or input a journey to discover incidents on their route which may impact their travel. Acting Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Roads, Paul Toole, said this was the first time a transport agency had been able to consolidate multiple data feeds into one government platform, with about 1,500 Transport and logistics company, Qube, has announced its latest acquisition. Qube has acquired the business assets of Agrigrain, a grain handling operation in New South Wales which offers onsite services including seed and fertiliser management, silo and bulk storage, grain drying, grading and bagging and container packing along with road and rail transport incidents across five jurisdictions taking place on any given day. “In the last year alone, regional NSW has been hit by unprecedented challenges of drought, bushfires, flood and now Covid-19,” Toole said. “This new service will allow locals, as well as tourists, to better plan how they move around the regions. “This will become particularly important when we see travel restrictions start to ease, so we can more safely explore our own backyard and help regenerate regional
This government-backed digital solution will benefit all road users. options. The agreement includes the acquisition of Agrigrain’s logistics facilities in both Narromine and Coonamble. Qube Agri, as the new business will be known, forms part of the Qube Logistics business. The acquisition, together with Quattro in Port Kembla and Qube’s container services economies,” he said. The Transport Management Centre and interstate counterparts publish information first-hand from emergency services and our front line staff making Live Traffic more accurate, timely and reliable than information published by third party services. Transport for NSW is continuing to improve the coverage of incidents by working with data providers across the country. The Live Traffic NSW mobile apps are being updated for iOS and Android for release later
Qube consolidates logistics assets under new brand
this year. in Port Botany, allows Qube Logistics to provide expanded services through bulk and containerised rail and road services as well as bulk port infrastructure. “The acquisition of Agrigrain facilities is significant as it provides Qube the ability to deliver integrated logistics services to its regional customers,” said Qube Director Logistics, John Digney.
Deception Bay interchange upgrade bolsters construction supply chain
The transformation of an integral transport corridor, which is part of the Queensland Government’s billion-dollar economic recovery program, will support regional growth. Works on the jointly funded $163.3 million Bruce Highway upgrade at the Deception Bay Road Interchange will start in the coming weeks after the construction contract was awarded to BMD Constructions. It comes as Moreton Bay commuters have also been given their first artist impressions of the interchange upgrade, which will create 270 jobs during construction. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Deception Bay Road Interchange upgrade was part of the $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. “The Australian Government has invested significantly in the projects on the southern end of the Bruce Highway and once open to traffic, these upgrades will continue to support growth in the region,” said McCormack. “Through the Australian Government’s investment, all Queenslanders, including those travelling home and further north, can expect to see improvements in safety and capacity along the Bruce Highway. “We are investing in our future beyond Covid-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come and this project is a perfect example of that. “Our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and building supply chain sectors.” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the upgrade would form a key part of the Queensland Government’s $3.13 billion to roads and transport program for the fast-growing area,
Concept art of the completed project.
including the $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way. “Chris Whiting and Shane King have been huge advocates for this upgrade and, importantly, for creating jobs in the region as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from Covid-19,” said Bailey. “Because Queenslanders have stepped up to the plate and continue to manage the health impacts of the global pandemic, we’ve been able to get on with this project as well as a $23 billion pipeline of transport and road upgrades for Queensland that’ll mean 21,500 jobs. “The interchange upgrade will support 270 direct jobs throughout its life – from design through to delivery – and once complete, will tackle congestion and safety for the thousands of small businesses and families who use the interchange every day.” Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth, said the Bruce Highway was a major freight transport corridor and increasing the road capacity would deliver industries greater efficiency transporting goods and produce to and from markets. “The new overpass is welcomed by Deception Bay residents as it will reduce travel time for small and family businesses and help people crossing the highway from Narangba, Burpengary East and Deception Bay,” he said. “Anyone who knows the existing bridge, that is decades old, knows that it is in urgent need of an upgrade and as the Federal Member who fought to get this funding, I am very happy that it is now becoming a reality.” State Member for Bancroft, Chris Whiting, said the upgrade would include two new parallel bridges over the highway, plus upgrades to intersections east and west of the interchange. “Motorists who travel along this stretch of the Bruce Highway know just how heavy traffic can be during rush hour,” he said. “Right now, drivers are getting stuck during those peak hours along the two-lane bridge. “Getting the interchange upgraded is needed first so we can then turn our attention to duplicating the remaining section of Deception Bay Road. “We’ve completed the $37.5 million Rothwell roundabout upgrade and $7 million Morris and Deception Bay roads intersection project, and together with this project it means families and businesses will be able to spend less time on the road and more time doing what’s important.” State Member for Kurwongbah, Shane King, said early works to relocate water, power and telecommunications infrastructure were already complete, paving the way for the project to start. The $163.3 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through an 80:20 funding arrangement.
Road markings to support future vehicles: Report
The design and maintenance of road markings can impact the performance of advanced driver assistance systems and future automated vehicles, a report has found. Autonomous vehicles, according to Austroads Future Vehicles and Technology Program Manager, John Wall, said there is a growing range of vehicles with automatedsteering functions that rely on road markings to position the vehicle on the road. Recent research via Austroads shows that the journey to vehicle automation will take years and collaborative efforts in testing, certification, design and legislation. While a range of vehicles are already available in the market offering automated-steering functions enabled by Driver-Assistance Systems, their performance, according to Wall, “depends on the technology used and the environment where it’s used”. The research project was undertaken in four key stages: literature review, stakeholder discussions, on-road and off-road trials and cost impact assessment. The literature review and testing showed that while machine-vision-enabled lane-guidance functions do not operate perfectly, they do provide significant road safety benefits. Austroads said the study found that the contrast between longitudinal pavement Sydney-based freight carrier, Ron Crouch Transport, has acquired an Adelaide business. The announcement made yesterday has seen Ron Crouch Transport enter into contract for the acquisition of AG Logistics, a 3PL and transport company. Based in Cavan, South Australia, AG Logistics operates a purpose-built and bunded warehouse licensed to store dangerous goods
Vehicles of the future will require next-generation infrastructure.
markings and the surrounding substrate is critical for the operation of machinevision lane detection. The contrast ratios recommended by Austroads’ Harmonisation of Pavement Markings and National Pavement Marking Specification published in 2018 were found to be appropriate. The research also found that line width, lane width and continuity impacted performance of machine-vision lane detection. “While many difficult-to-control factors can degrade the machine-vision-system’s ability to detect longitudinal pavement markings, (DG) on a secure 9,000-square-metre site. Established in 2002, the north Adelaide business is located within close proximity of interstate transport companies and has specialised in warehousing agricultural chemicals including plant protection products, crop nutrition liquids and seeds for manufacturers, distributors and suppliers. The acquisition ensures Ron Crouch Transport
improving maintenance standards and design principles could generate significant networkwide gains,” said Austroads. “An analysis found that the safety benefits of improving longitudinal pavement markings exceeded the costs by a 3.28 benefits-to-costs ratio.” The authors of Implications of Pavement Markings for Machine Vision recommended improvements to design guidelines for continuity lines, exit ramps and intersections and to maintenance practices to ensure the benefits of this new technology can be fully
Ron Crouch Transport completes acquisition
realised for the community. can offer what it calls a complete 3PL solution for all DG and non-DG freight. It also includes food grade product. Capacity is estimated at 2,500 pallets. According to the company this will ensure consistency of service offering with all other sites within its growing network. The acquisition is effective from 1 October 2020.
Regulator reviews industry safety findings
Two-thirds of heavy vehicle businesses have a safety system in their operation, a survey has found. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said the results of the 2020 NHVR Industry Safety Survey, with a sample size of 4,000 participants, demonstrates the ongoing commitment from the majority of industry to keep pursuing improved safety outcomes. “We know industry has increasingly adopted and invested in improved safety practices over the last 10 years and the significant take up of Safety Management Systems continues to support better safety results,” said Petroccitto. “Importantly, safety systems focus on a whole-of-business approach to safety including the important pre-trip check, which ensures vehicles are safe to operate on the road and that drivers are fit for duty before getting behind the wheel,” he said. This survey, according to Petroccitto, provides a baseline result of the current safety environment that the NHVR can collectively monitor to understand trends and changes across safety practices. “This information is critical as a Regulator
The focus on safety management across Australia is making a difference. to ensure we are providing the relevant and effective information and guidance industry needs to keep doing their job safely,” he said. “The survey results, coupled with the recent results from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics showing a reduction in truck fatalities by close to 18 per cent compared to the last financial year, is pleasing to see. “Although this survey was conducted prior to the onset of the pandemic, we’re also speaking to operators about incorporating the latest health information into their safety systems.”
Key results of the survey:
• 62 per cent of respondents had a basic safety system in place. • 78 per cent of managers said they had an ongoing program of safety promo communication in their business, compared to 52 per cent of drivers and 71 per cent of loaders. • 76 per cent of respondents agreed that relevant safety training was occurring on an ongoing basis. • The most common safety practice among owner-drivers was a vehicle inspection (97 per cent), compared to a regular personal health check-up (71 per cent), a safe driving plan (62 per cent), or keeping informed of safety issues and information (62 per cent). The NHVR administers the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), which regulates the transport activities of more than 165,000 businesses to achieve a safe, efficient and productive heavy vehicle industry within Australia’s supply chain. The NHVR conducted the survey in March 2020 and received responses from a wide cross section of industry employees, including drivers, managers and operators. Last month, a depot manager of a Western Australian transport company was convicted in South Australia under HVNL for critical breaches of fatigue regulations.
Timber plantations to expand in VIC
Logging operations are on the rise.
The Victorian Government is supporting a sustainable future for Victoria’s forestry industry with formal expressions of interest opening for investors and plantation developers to expand the state’s plantation timber supply. The Gippsland Plantations Investment Program will significantly grow Victoria’s timber stocks by providing incentives for new industrial-scale plantings as part of the Government’s record $110 million investment in plantation timber. Five-out-of-six trees harvested in Victoria are already from plantations, with the state having the largest area dedicated to timber plantations in Australia. The program will result in more than 30 million trees being planted over the next decade – increasing Gippsland’s existing plantation estate by at least 35 per cent. Expressions of interest are being sought from experienced and capable plantation investors, developers and managers to invest in Victoria’s future plantations in a way that is sensitive to the environment and local communities, and creates jobs. Successful respondents will contribute to the design of the program ahead of a final competitive application process. “To ensure the best transition to a plantationbased industry, we are investing in new plantations and programs that support innovation, so that these growth markets turn into jobs and economic value for regional communities,” said Symes. The program will operate alongside a farm forestry initiative led by VicForests, which will provide opportunities for Gippsland landholders to participate in smaller-scale plantation development. There will be ongoing engagement with interested Gippsland landholders and communities as the program develops. New plantations will support forestry and manufacturing jobs over coming decades by providing the scale needed to enable new investment in state-of-the-art wood processing and manufacturing, and the development of new products that use plantation fibre for growing markets, such as engineered wood products. This is a future growth market that the government will help to turn into jobs growth and prosperity for regional communities, and is already being supported by initiatives such as the Gippsland centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation. This launch also follows the recent announcement of the Victorian Forest Nursery in East Gippsland that will produce around 5 million seedlings each year, which could support plantings and reforestation of around 5,000 hectares annually and create up to 30 jobs. The Gippsland Plantations Investment Program is part of the Victorian Forestry Plan’s commitment to transition from native forest harvesting to a plantation-based sector by 2030.
ASCI appoints two Board Directors
A not-for-profit professional accreditation body for supply chain management in Australia has confirmed changes in leadership.
Australasian Supply Chain Institute (ASCI) has announced the appointment of two new Directors to the Board: Linda Venables and Dr Tom Janoshalmi. The two appointments bring specialist knowledge and experience in logistics and digital technologies to ASCI’s leadership team. Board have had to play an extremely handson role during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to ASCI President, Alexandra Riha, and ASCI’s Board had been no exception. “Both Linda and Tom demonstrate knowledge and expertise in global supply chains which helps us identify key collaborative programs that can support the ASCI Professional Accreditation Scheme,” she said. Venables has more than 30 years of international, operational experience building and leading teams in the UK and Europe, with the last 14 years in supply chain in Australia. Most recently, Venables demonstrated her strategic leadership as Chief Logistics Officer at Metcash, driving an end-to-end supply chain transformation with her team which included network design, the introduction of automation and enhanced digitisation of vendor partnership transactions. She has previously held roles on the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Trading Partner Forum and on the Board of GS1 Australia (barcode standards) along with having played a key role in heavy vehicle transport regulation, Chairing the Australian Logistics Council’s Retail Logistics Safety Committee (RLSC) from 2015 to 2018. Venables was the ASCI Individual Award For Excellence recipient in 2019 and is a member of the ASCI NSW Chapter and the ASCI Risk Committee. Dr Janoshalmi is responsible for SAP’s global Digital Core Movement program, reporting into the Board. In his current role, Tom focuses on developing and implementing strategies for high customer impact technology adoption to enable supply chain resilience. He has a 20-year track record of leading successful business transformations with Global Fortune 500 companies. Since joining SAP, Dr Janoshalmi held several leadership positions, including Chief Growth Officer at Digital Business Services, Line of Business general management in Asia Pacific and in the Americas. Prior to joining SAP, Dr Janoshalmi was Supply Chain Manager at Freudenberg Automotive. He holds a Doctorate degree from Newcastle University in Operations Research and a Business Degree from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Also, he is a guest professor at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Departing the Board is Laynie Kelly who served as Director for more than three years. “I am very excited to have these two new members on the Board,” said Riha. “They will bring fresh insights, ideas based on their vast experiences and networks to shape future of ASCI for enhancing supply chain management as career path and as a recognised profession.
