ALRTA WELCOMES OUR NEWEST SPONSOR: Prime Creative Media
The Diesel brand and DieselNews.com.au are owned by Prime Creative Media.
The ALRTA/Diesel partnership entitles ALRTA members who opt in, with one complimentary copy of the magazine and e-newsletter. To sign up click here and on the logo below.
Readers of the magazine and followers of the various Diesel platforms can read everything from detailed reviews of the latest technology in trucks and trailers, to in depth analysis of proposed new legislation, plus interviews with those who are making decisions which will affect all of our futures. There are also in-depth profiles of road transport operators who all have a slightly different perspective on each of these issues and can express those in the pages of Diesel magazine.
Also, look out for the regular section ‘Rural Trucking Matters’ that puts the big issues affecting our sector under the spotlight.
IMPROVING AMENITIES AT SALEYARDS
Livestock Services Research and Innovations Inc (LSRI) seeks to contribute to improving the amenity of truckwash facilities provided for transport operators by providing funding for the installation of AVDATA locks at four (4) sites in 2020.
The offer
LSRI is offering funding of up to $2000 (plus GST) to support the installation of AVDATA locks on showers and/or toilets located at eligible facilities, such as truckwash bays at saleyards.
Criteria
- The truckwash facility is currently charging the LSRI 2% levy on truckwash fees.
- The funding contribution from LSRI is based on actual cost – to a maximum of $2000 (plus GST).
- The work to install the AVDATA lock can be commenced ASAP after 29 February 2020 and preferably be completed before 30 June 2020.
Applications due February 2020
Apply in writing by emailing ALRTA secretariat at jackevans@alrta.org.au or by mail to PO Box 4233, Manuka ACT 2603, before 29 February 2020.
Successful applicants will need to supply an invoice to LSRI confirming the actual costs of the installation of AVDATA locks and to provide evidence (photos) that the locks have been installed.
ALRTA encourages members to advise facility owners of this grant opportunity. We would appreciate your views about priority facilities in your area.
For further information please contact Jack Evans at the ALRTA Secretariat on (02) 6247 5434.
IMPROVING EXPORTS BY AIR
An independent Technical Advisory Committee has heeded the ALRTA’s recommendation to improve livestock unloading and loading facilitates at export airports.
The Committee delivered 34 recommendations in total as part of the review of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock. ALRTA lodged a specific submission on air transport during the public consultation round in early 2019. Key among our concerns was the poor standard of unloading and loading facilities at some airports.
The full recommendation is as follows:
- The department should work with the relevant organisation(s) to review and improve the facilities available at airports for the unloading of livestock from land transport, inspection and loading into crates and loading onto the aircraft, to ensure they meet the standards expected to mitigate risks associated with animal health and welfare.
ALRTA has previously published a guide to livestock loading ramps and forcing yards and is currently working with Standards Australia to develop a new national standard. We are also actively promoting supporting apparatus via our user-pay unloading frame project.
ALRTA will work with the Department of Agriculture to progress the recommendation.
CODE OF PRACTICE WORKING GROUP
The ALRTA Effluent Code of Practice Working Group met in Melbourne this week to consider suggested risks and controls that could be applied to minimise the risk of effluent spillage. The working group attendees included representatives from cattle producers, sheep producers, feedlots, agents, saleyards, Agriculture Victoria, RSPCA, NHVR and transport operators.
The Working Group is endeavouring to develop a user-friendly code that provides sufficient detail on managing specific risks without duplicating large swathes of the complimentary Master Code.
The ALRTA Secretariat will revise the Code based on Working Group feedback and re-circulate for comment. We are also seeking additional guidance from NHVR concerning best practice risk management in circumstances where it is acknowledged that effluent can never be fully contained within a trailer due to the necessity of providing ventilation for live cargos.
MINISTERIAL COUNCIL TO MEET IN NOVEMBER
ALRTA Immediate Past President, Kevin Keenan, will attend the Industry Engagement Session of the Transport and Infrastructure Ministerial Council meeting in Melbourne on 22 November 2019.
VICTORIA TRANSITIONS TO NHVR
The NHVR will provide heavy vehicle on-road compliance and enforcement services in Victoria from 8 December 2019, with 54 staff currently employed by VicRoads in on and off road heavy vehicle compliance roles joining the NHVR.
SIDE UNDERRUN PROTECTION
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has today released its updated Side Underrun Protection Technical Advisory Procedure, following a review by an industry working group.
The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, we are committed to safety, professionalism and viability.
ATA Chief Engineer Bob Woodward said the side underrun procedure was reviewed in response to industry demand and updated to include content relating to rigid trucks and prime movers.
“Side underrun protection devices reduce the chance of a cyclist or pedestrian falling under the wheels of a truck. They are already a requirement for construction trucks involved in the Melbourne Metro project and will be required more and more,” Mr Woodward said.
“The procedure explains how to design and install this essential safety equipment and includes guidance about how to fit the devices to prime movers and rigid trucks – including construction trucks,” he said.
The review working group consisted of members of the ATA’s Industry Technical Council (ITC), representing various parties in the supply chain: Phil Webb (formerly PACCAR Australia), Scott Grimme (Fiberglass Transport Equipment), Greg Brown (MaxiTRANS), Brent Fuge, (CMV Truck and Bus), Dennis Roohan (AJM Transport) and Lyndon Watson (Don Watson Transport).
“The process included reviewing European regulation R73 and then processing the requirements into a workable document that meets Australian operations and conditions,” Mr Woodward said.
“Once completed, the procedure was evaluated by our ITC, a committee that works to enhance the trucking industry’s safety, professionalism and viability by providing technical input and best practice advice to the ATA. The process also included a peer review before final approval by the ATA general council.
“The ITC brings operators, suppliers, engineers and industry specialists together in a long-term discussion forum, and is always open to new members,” he said.
At the ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Conference held earlier this month, members of the working group provided an insight into the new edition, working through the guide and discussing what is needed meet construction truck contract requirements or manage fleets that use urban roads.
For more information about the ATA Industry Technical Council or to join, head here.
View the ATA Technical Advisory Procedures
ROAD FREIGHT THROUGH COONABARABRAN
The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads has recently announced access for 36.5 metre long vehicles on the Newell Highway through Coonabarabran.
Vehicles will now be able to travel through Coonabarabran on the Newell Highway under the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice and associated NSW Higher Mass Limits Declaration. Eligible vehicles up to 36.5 metres long will include Modular B-Triples; B-Triples; AB-Triples and Type 1 Modern Road Trains. The NSW legally enforceable network maps will be updated to reflect this access is now approved.
The approval of this access is a significant step towards optimising heavy vehicle safety and productivity and achieving end to end access on the Newell Highway for 36.5 metre long vehicles. Transport for NSW will continue to focus on improving access across NSW; developing and expanding pre-approved and gazetted networks; and addressing remaining access constraints.
The Minister’s media release.
NOTICE OF LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF TASMANIA (LTAT) AGM
Members are advised that the LTAT will be holding an AGM on Saturday 23 November 2019.
Meeting Time: 1.00pm
Venue: Shearwater Resort
17-23 Shearwater Boulevard
SHEARWATER TAS 7307
TRUCKING AUSTRALIA 2020
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is bringing the nation’s premier trucking conference to Cairns, seeing hundreds of industry leaders, operators, suppliers and supporters flock to the regional Queensland city.
The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, we are committed to safety, professionalism and viability.
ATA CEO Ben Maguire has launched registrations for the ATA’s Trucking Australia 2020 conference in Cairns today. Mr Maguire was joined by CEO of ATA member association the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) Gary Mahon and representatives from conference partners Cairns Convention Centre and Riley Hotel.
“Trucking Australia 2020 is where industry meets. It will connect the trucking industry, engage thought leaders and provide a platform for the development of positive discussion and real solutions to the issues we face,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.
“Trucking is not just a metropolitan story, it’s a regional story. That is why it is only fitting we have chosen to gather in Cairns, where we will be hosted in world-class facilities while surrounded by the lifeblood of the trucking industry,” he said.
Mr Maguire said the conference will have a significant positive economic impact, bringing more than $2 million to the Cairns region.
“Not only will Trucking Australia 2020 have direct benefit to the local economy, it’s a great chance to showcase the region and promote tourism to the area,” he said.
Trucking Australia 2020 follows the ATA’s Trucking Australia 2019 conference in Perth, where more than 480 delegates participated in the largest trucking industry event in Western Australia this year.
Federal Member for Leichardt, Warren Entsch, has welcomed the conference to Cairns and emphasised the importance of the trucking industry to Australia’s way of life.
“We all know the trucking industry is the lifeblood of regional Australia. Without it, Australia would grind to a halt,” Mr Entsch said.
The Trucking Australia 2020 program will be developed in collaboration with local industry members, as well as the QTA.
“Trucking Australia 2020 will be a great opportunity to bring the road freight industry together in Queensland and focus on encouraging more innovation and efficiency in our industry,” QTA CEO Gary Mahon said.
“A feature of the conference will be our Smart Business Seminars – practical sessions designed to enable business to operate more efficiently, productively and profitably.
“We encourage our members to attend and be involved in setting the direction for not only their own businesses, but the long-term future of our industry,” he said.
For the first time in Trucking Australia history, the ATA is excited to offer an all-inclusive package for delegates, which includes full conference registration, accommodation, discounted airfares and more.
“2020 will be a significant year for trucking as we anticipate the continued development of revised national truck laws: legislation that will last decades and affect everyone in the industry. Now is the time to make your voice heard,” Mr Maguire said.
“We want to give every member of the trucking industry the opportunity to join us, and we want to make this as easy as possible for people to get here,” Mr Maguire said.
Trucking Australia 2020 will be held in Cairns from 1-3 April 2020.
For more information or to take advantage of the limited Trucking Australia Mega Deal, head to: www.truckingaustralia.com.au
Audio grabs: ATA CEO Ben Maguire
Audio grabs: Federal Member for Leichardt Warren Entsch
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