THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSOR
NTI is proud to have launched a national campaign on radio, billboards, and in truck stops/service centres to say “Thank You” to hard-working Australians who have kept our country moving during these difficult times. NTI also partnered with Rupert McCall OAM to craft a series of poems thanking transport, logistics, and construction operators. To listen to all the poems click here. Keep your radio on – you’ll hear them.
ACCESS TO AMENITIES REINSTATED
ALRTA has thanked the Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA) for agreeing to remove the guideline ‘Do not permit drivers to use amenities or facilities’ from the document ‘COVID-19 – A Guide for Feedlots’. ALRTA wrote to ALFA raising concerns about the guidelines last week.
ALRTA National President Stephen Marley said that the change demonstrates that the rural supply chain can work together to best protect the safety of all workers.
“ALRTA understands the desire of ALFA to protect feedlot workers from COVID-19. In the midst of a public health emergency it is important to respond quickly. There is little time to consult widely, let alone develop policy details. Lives matter. Time matters.
“However, sometimes the quick decision is not the best decision. Restricting access to amenities at feedlots would result in an increased fatigue risk, putting the lives of our drivers and other motorists in danger.
“I am pleased that ALFA has duly considered the concerns raised by ALRTA and reissued their COVID-19 guidelines including advice on how to provide access to amenities safely,” said President Marley.
The revised ALFA COVID-19 guidelines can be found here.
FRASERS HIGHWAY GUARDIAN
A livestock transporter has been honoured as a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian for his quick thinking and selfless response in saving the life of a motorist trapped in an overturned vehicle.
In June 2019, Frasers Livestock Transport driver Jeff Clegg was conducting a welfare check of his truck’s load outside of Woodenbong, NSW, when he saw an unusual glow in the distance. On investigation, Mr Clegg came across a 4×4 in dense vegetation with the driver trapped inside.
After alerting emergency services, Mr Clegg remained with the driver and comforted him, before assisting emergency responders once they arrived. Given the remoteness of the incident and condition of the driver, Mr Clegg’s intervention is being praised as having saved the motorist’s life.
Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Stephen Roche, says Jeff Clegg’s story is another example of truck drivers going above and beyond.
“Jeff Clegg is another unsung hero from the Australian trucking industry who has gone out of his way to assist someone in need,” Mr Roche said.
“Congratulations Jeff on being named a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian, and thank you for your quick thinking and selfless approach.”
The Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian accolade is presented in partnership with the Australian Trucking Association. It aims to honour those in the industry who are there in times of need.
According to ATA Chair, David Smith, the actions of Jeff Clegg exemplify the importance of a proactive approach to road safety.
“Jeff Clegg’s story is a prime example of drivers and transport operators contributing to safer roads,” Mr Smith said.
“Well done Jeff on your appointment as a Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian.
“By being proactive and conducting routine checks, a motorist was saved from what could have been a dire outcome. It’s a credit to Jeff’s diligence and commitment to his profession.”
Together with the ATA, Bridgestone and Bandag aims to find and honour drivers like Jeff Clegg.
If you know a Highway Guardian, head here to nominate.
A FOCUS ON INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
The Australian Government has established attractive investment incentives that may be of assistance to your trucking business. You can instantly write-off asset purchases of $150,000 or less and greatly accelerate depreciation on more expensive assets. Read on for more information.
Instant Asset Write-Off
The $150,000 instant asset write off has been extended until 31 December 2020.
Under instant asset write-off eligible businesses can claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of the cost of an asset in the year the asset is first used or installed ready for use.
Instant asset write-off can be used for:
- multiple assets as long as the cost of each individual asset is less than the relevant threshold.
- new and second-hand assets.
It cannot be used for assets that are excluded from the simplified depreciation rules.
For more information click here.
Accelerated Depreciation
Eligible trucking businesses are able to deduct the cost of depreciating assets at an accelerated rate. In the first year that an asset is first used or installed, you can generally deduct at least 50% of the asset cost. There is no limit on the cost of the asset or the number of assets.
Specifically:
- If you are a small business with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $10m (and using simplified depreciation rules) you can deduct an amount equal to 57.5% of the business portion of a new asset.
- If you have an aggregated annual turnover of less than $500m, you can deduct 50% PLUS the amount of the usual depreciation deduction that would otherwise apply but calculated as if the cost or adjustable value of the asset were reduced by 50%.
For more information click here.
ALRTA recognises the role of the Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, the Hon Scott Buchholz MP, in championing these investment incentives.
IMPROVING FUEL SECURITY
The Federal Government has commenced a Request for Information process to identify opportunities to improve Australia’s domestic fuel storage capacity. The request signals a shift away from the current practice of storing strategic fuel reserves at sites leased in the United States.
Australia should maintain at least 90 days of fuel reserve. The latest petroleum statistics show that Australia’s diesel stocks fell from 23 consumption days in January to 18 days in March.
STATE BORDER OPENINGS – COVID-19
New South Wales – “Come one, Come all” – If you are travelling to NSW from around Australia, you don’t have to self-isolate.
ACT – As with NSW, there are no domestic travel restrictions in place for the ACT with travel permitted. If you are travelling to the ACT from around Australia, you don’t have to self-isolate.
Victoria – If you are travelling to Victoria from around Australia, you don’t have to self-isolate.
Queensland – will open its borders on 10 July 2020. However, that date is based on the number of virus cases remaining low, and there is no community transmission within other states.
South Australia – will open its borders to all interstate travellers on 20 July 2020. Until the borders completely open on July 20, anyone from Victoria, NSW, ACT or Queensland will have to sign a health declaration at the border and undertake 14 days of self-isolation at a nominated address.
Northern Territory – Territorians face no travel restrictions, and will now be able to travel south to places like Adelaide, the Barossa Valley or Kangaroo Island from June 17. Across the state, travel is allowed but if you’re coming into the Top End from another state or territory, unless you have been granted an exemption, you will need to complete 14 days of mandatory self-quarantine.
Tasmania – While there are no limitation on where you can travel around the state (providing you’re a resident), Tasmania’s borders remain closed. This means anyone who receives special exemption to visit will be required to go into 14 day’s quarantine. Border controls will be reviewed again in early July. Predictions are that the borders will likely open by the end of July.
Western Australian – Unfortunately no one is allowed to enter Western Australia, with Premier Mark McGowan standing firm on the reopening of his state’s borders and yet to provide a date on when they’ll reopen.
All states except Western Australia should have their borders open by late July.
LRTAQ & LRTAV 2020 CONFERENCES CANCELLED
LRTAQ – Due to the current climate surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions (although Premier Palaszczuk will be opening the Queensland borders next month), and considering that our members have been very busy despite what is happening in other sectors, and look to continue to be for the foreseeable future.
The executive have made the tough decision to cancel the LRTAQ Conference for 2020.
The plan is to hold the associations 40 year anniversary celebrations in Roma in 2021. Which makes perfect sense as Roma is where it all began in 1981. The date for the 2021 Conference is yet to be determined.
In light of this announcement, those who have paid their registration fees, sponsorship or purchased tickets in the USA trip are requested to respond to LRTAQ Secretariat advising if they:
1. Would like the LRTAQ to hold their funds until the 2021 Conference
2. Refund the funds to your nominated back account.
In relation to the USA Trip, the executive are in talks determining what the prize will be, considering that international travel will most likely not be available for a few years.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by calling the Hotline number 1800 079 513 or mobile 0409 168 636 please leave me a message and Christina from the LRTAQ Secretariat will get back to you as soon as possible.
LRTAV – The President & Executive Committee of the LRTAV – wish to advise that given the current uncertain outlook relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendance restrictions presently in place with our chosen venue – the decision has been made to CANCEL the LRTAV 2020 Annual Conference.
Consideration was given to the possibility of said restrictions being eased in the future – but such uncertainty would make it extremely difficult to develop a conference program at this time, given the timeframe that we would be working with.
The nomination of a date for the LRTAV Annual General Meeting and the likely venue will be considered over the coming weeks, with the anticipated further easing of restrictions.
LRTAV wishes all members well during this unprecedented occurrence and to thank you all for your understanding. LRTAV look forward to returning to their usual program of events in 2021.
MEETING NOTICE: ALRTA NATIONAL COUNCIL
Members are advised that the next ALRTA Council meeting will be held at 9:30am on 10 July 2020.
This meeting will be held remotely via technology. Participation details will be sent to the Secretariats of ALRTA Member States prior to the meeting.
FRIDAY FUNNY
A man is walking in a graveyard when he hears the Third Symphony played backward. When it’s over, the Second Symphony starts playing, also backward, and then the First. “What’s going on?” he asks a cemetery worker.
“It’s Beethoven,” says the worker. “He’s decomposing.”
ALRTA STAFF AVAILABILITY AMIDST COVID19
From 24 March 2020 the ALRTA staff – Mathew, Sue, Colleen and Jack are working from home amidst COVID-19.
Please email office@alrta.org.au or call Colleen on the ALRTA mobile 0490 515 681 or Mathew (ED) on 0421 082 489.
UPDATE ON EVENTS FOR 2020
LRTAQ (QLD) on 19-21 March 2020 at Roma QLD. – CANCELLED for 2020
LTAT (TAS) on 2 May 2020 in Hobart TAS. – POSTPONED
LRTASA (SA)on 12-13 June 2020 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre SA. – CANCELLED for 2020
LRTAWA/ALRTA (WA & National) on 24-25 July 2020. Perth WA.- POSTPONED until further notice
LRTAV (VIC) on 14-15 August 2020 at All Seasons Resort Bendigo VIC – CANCELLED for 2020
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