THANK YOU TO ALRTA NATIONAL PARTNER
PACCAR & DEALER INDUSTRY FUND
Australian made Kenworths are application-engineered – purpose built and tough enough to stand the test of time, all while providing operators with a safe and comfortable environment.
PM ON NOTICE OVER FUEL TAX BUNGLE
The ATA has joined forces with ALRTA and other state and territory-based member associations, writing an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for the restoration of the fuel tax credit.
The letter clearly sets out the case for restoring the fuel tax credit, explaining that the recent changes threaten the viability of 53,000 trucking businesses and the economy.
To read the letter in full, click on this link.
To date there’s been no movement from the government on the fuel tax issue.
TRANSPORT BLAMED FOR GRAIN PRICE
The peak body GrainGrowers has called for an ACCC inquiry into grain prices, arguing that Australian farmers are receiving up to $400 per tonne less than overseas farmers. The association has said that while factors such as the war in Ukraine and North American drought have restricted supply and sent prices skyrocketing, Australian prices are not keeping pace with the global trend.
In response, Grain Trade Australia (the association representing the big exporters) has denied any abuse of market power and instead blamed domestic freight costs for the price disparity. Specifically, Grain Trade Australia has cited the availability of trucks, drivers, trains and difficulties in dealing with a record 62 million tonne crop as the primary factors affecting local prices.
The ACCC has indicated an interest in an inquiry but requires Federal Government support to proceed.
LBRCA CONFERENCE: LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
Registrations for the LBRCA annual conference being held in Wagga Wagga on 26-28 May 2022 are closing soon.
The event will bring together key industry stakeholders to tackles the key issues affecting members in the State. With our theme for 2022 ‘Cutting Red Tape’, sessions will be relevant, interactive and outcomes based.
Key sessions and topics include:
- Keynote | The State of Freight
- Tackling driver shortages in regional NSW
- Grain Harvest and Livestock Loading Scheme harmonisation
- Chain of Responsibility: Is it working in rural trucking?
- The What When How? Of the NHVR in NSW
- The future of road freight in NSW
- Safety in rural trucking
- Farm Gate and general access forum
- Bulk and livestock break-out sessions.
Social events include Cannon Trailers Friday afternoon happy hour, Freightliner Friday night dinner, clay target shooting and the showcase Blue Ribbon Sponsor Gala Dinner and Industry Auction.
More information on the conference including social events, the partners program itinerary, accommodation options and a registration form can be found here.
Registrations close Friday 20 May 2022.
National Road Safety Week kicks off on Sunday 15 May 2022 with drivers encouraged to take a pledge to drive so others survive. While the national road toll has decreased by 21 per cent since 2008, it still frequently exceeds 1,100 lives lost annually.
The pledge:
- I pledge to drive as if my loved ones are on the road ahead.
- I will remove all distractions and never use my mobile phone while driving.
- I will not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol/ drugs.
- I will protect all vulnerable road users, especially those whose job places them in harm’s way, by slowing down and giving them the space they need to be safe.
More than 46,647 drivers have already signed up!
NHVR is holding roadside information sessions on Thursday 19 May 2022 on major freight routes in QLD, NSW, Vic and SA. Click here to find out more.
NHVR HEAVY VEHICLE CAMERA TRIAL
From Monday 9 May 2022, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be used to detect passing heavy vehicles in various locations across Tasmania, as part of a three-month trial by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
The NHVR branded mobile ANPR cameras will also to be deployed in Victoria and South Australia.
Read article in Big Rigs
$17.4M FOR REST AREAS IN TASMANIA
ALRTA welcomes the $17.4m funding commitment between Federal and State Government for improved heavy vehicle rest areas in Tasmania. $12m has been allocated for new facilities (both east bound and west bound) on the Bass Highway at Westbury, while $5.4m will be spent across other parts of the network.
Federal Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce, said that “Without our transport operators, our region’s economic prosperity would come to a standstill. We need to invest in the infrastructure drivers need to ensure that are able to undertake their day-to-day jobs professionally and in accordance with safety regulations”.
Gavin Pearce at the 2021 LTAT-ALRTA National Conference.
REGULATORY ADVICE ON TIME SLOTTING
NHVR has issued regulatory advice concerning the risks of tight delivery schedules and pick-up times.
This guidance from the national regulator clearly defines who has a duty to manage these safety risks in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and offers advice on control measures and strategies to mitigate those risks.
Read the new regulatory advice on ‘Managing the risks of time slot bookings’
CUMMINS ZERO EMISSIONS ROAD MAP
Major global engineering powerhouse Cummins has been reassessing long term plans in reaction to the impending climate crisis for many years. Mike Fowler, Cummins Director and General Manager On Highway Asia Pacific talks to PowerTorque and explains Cummins’ zero emissions road map to get the company to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy outlines the company’s vision for achieving a zero-emissions future. The recently announced strategy is looking for the engine maker to go further and faster to reduce the greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of its products and reach zero emissions by 2050 in a way that is best for Cummins and all stakeholders.
READ MORE
FREE FATIGUE CHOICES CONSULTATION
The next round of NHVR’s Fatigue Choices program is open to operators who wish to learn more about flexible fatigue management options for their business.
The program includes free, one-on-one consultations where operators can discuss their fatigue management options with a member of the NHVR’s Fatigue and Human Factors team.
The sessions are conducted online, take less than an hour, and there’s nothing operators need to do to prepare.
Sessions book out quickly, so please register your interest here.
ROAD WORKS IN BALONNE
LRTAQ advises that works on the Balonne Highway – St George Breakdown Pad have commenced.
Balonne Shire Council has advised that works are expected to be completed by 27 July 2022, weather permitting.
Please be mindful of these works when planning your route.
Works include the reconstruction and widening of the existing facility, sprayed bitumen sealing and delivery of up to 10 parking bays for type 2 multi-combination vehicles.
For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laney O’Neil (Secretariat Manager, 07 3726 5039) or the LRTAQ South West Region Delegate David Scott (Scotts Haulage) on 0427 321 217.
SAVE THE DATES FOR 2022
LBRCA (NSW) -26 -28 May 2022 – Wagga Wagga NSW – Information & Registration
LRTASA (SA) -17-18 June 2022 – Adelaide SA – Registration
LRTAWA (WA) – 6 August 2022 – Industry Day – Burswood on Swan – Perth WA
ALRTA/LRTAV National Combined Conference -12-13 August 2022 – All Seasons Bendigo VIC – Information
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