$25 million research investment to grow WA’s agricultural capability

permits from every local government.

There is time to arrest the decline, but we need a return to the days when Main Roads and industry were engaged in genuine discussions about reform and innovation in the road network.

We could start by having a serious look at the inequities in access. Access up and down Greenmount sticks out as does quad road train access on parts of the network that to the experienced operator’s eye are not up to the task.

Truck drivers are frequently complaining about the quality and standard of road repairs, particularly resurfacing. The life of a road is around 40 years after which time they begin to fail and either need to be rebuilt or repaired.

We know there is a backlog of road maintenance, but it is very concerning that many of the road repairs do not seem to last long before they need remediation again. This must surely have an impact on the maintenance budget and program and you have to query if the contractors’ work quality is being supervised adequately.

Last on the list of niggles this time around is the road train assembly area at Abernethy Road.

The Abernethy Road RTAA was allocated following strong advocacy from the LRTAWA to the then Minister for Transport, Troy Buswell. It was a major win for industry but as is so often the case, there are a few people who make it difficult for the majority.

It was never created as a long-term parking depot or a logistics yard for companies to unload and load containers.

Until Main Roads has the legal ability to move people on, the best management is going to be peer pressure.

We can’t keep turning a blind eye to the people who are abusing the space and we certainly can’t tolerate someone who decides to set-up a camp in the area, including discharging a grey water pipe. He is not a friend of the transport industry.

On a brighter note, the LRTAWA is holding its industry day on the 6th August this year at the Burswood on Swan function centre. A triaxle dolly will be auctioned.

Both members and non-members are welcome to bid, so if you are interested in a new dolly at a good price and you are not an LRTAWA member please contact our office for further details about how you can be involved in the auction.

WA-based research and the agrifood sector.

The WAAC will harness and apply cutting-edge science and expertise to the State's unique challenges and opportunities - including managing our drying climate, developing new technology to enhance productivity and reducing carbon emissions.

The collaboration will build on the current research effort and get behind WA growers to adopt new agricultural technologies across grains, livestock and irrigated agriculture.

There will be a strong focus on providing opportunities for the next generation of leading scientists by supporting doctorate students, creating postgraduate positions and early career pathways for researchers.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said, “The WAAC delivers on our commitment to rebuilding Western Australia’s agricultural research and development capabilities.

“It will bring together leading WA research institutions to define a new collective research approach to agriculture in WA to grow our research quality, capacity, careers and foster collaborations inside and outside of WA.

“Ongoing research and development is crucial to ensuring our agriculture and food sector can continue to deliver economic benefits and local jobs for Western Australians.

“A key focus will be to invest in the next generation of leading scientists through doctorates, postgraduate placements and early career opportunities for emerging scientists.

“WA agricultural research will now have a real opportunity to get back a fair share of grower funds and ensure research that is designed to meet the geographic and market conditions in WA.”