View from the Cab · 2 November 2026
TruckCare moves forward with a pilot that includes smaller operators, and Ben reflects on his first 100 days at ALRTA.
Last week I spent time with Harry Brennan at the Dubbo livestock saleyards, discussing his plans for a transport hub and improved facilities for operators. It was encouraging to see Harry's passion for the facility and his understanding of the people and businesses that depend on it.
Our conversation covered the connections between productive freight access, driver facilities, animal welfare and livestock waste management. These issues come together at places like Dubbo, where the needs of producers, transporters and livestock meet the practical demands of running a busy regional facility.
I updated Harry on the proposed CRC-P research project, which aims to improve the evidence and planning behind livestock waste disposal, grain washouts and truck-wash infrastructure along agricultural freight routes. The funding outcome remains unannounced, but the need for coordinated infrastructure planning is clear.
We also discussed animal welfare standards and the work underway through our TruckCare Committee. There is real value in having these conversations with the people managing facilities at each end of a livestock trip. Their experience helps us understand what will work on the ground and where a national approach can make a difference.
Harry's proposed transport hub also presents an opportunity to explore how ALRTA, LRTANSW and Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds could contribute to better outcomes for drivers.
Leadership like Harry's gives us practical examples to take into our discussions with governments and supply-chain partners about productivity, food security and resilience.
The TruckCare Committee met on Friday and agreed to proceed with engaging BTT Engineering to help prepare the program's manual and supporting implementation material.
A pilot is being planned to test the material with a mix of transport businesses. The committee specifically highlighted the importance of including smaller operators, whose experience will help establish whether the requirements are practical for businesses without dedicated compliance staff.
The existing standards remain in use while work progresses on bringing them under the TruckCare identity, with the proposed changes to return to Council for endorsement. Decisions about the hosting platform will follow consideration of BTT's work.
The focus is on a credible, practical animal welfare assurance program that operators can use and the supply chain can recognise. I thank Athol and the committee for bringing their experience and clear direction to this work.
The ALRTA Executive also met last week. Reflecting on my first 100 days reinforced just how much ground we have covered together since July.
That work has included strengthening relationships with state associations and sponsors, progressing our national Productivity Roadmap, developing the Livestock Loading Calculator, establishing committee activity and advancing discussions on fatigue harmonisation, infrastructure and workforce capability.
Sam Messina's appointment has added valuable capacity to support that work, improve coordination and keep actions moving.
Much remains underway, and our next task is to carry priority work through consultation and approval into practical outcomes.
I appreciate the time and support provided by our Executive, Council, state associations and committee members. Their contribution is helping us build the capability and shared direction needed to represent livestock and rural transporters nationally.