WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2022 EDITION

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193

100007516 January/February 2022 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine

IN THIS ISSUE: Technology can solve industry’s issues Changes to WAHVA Certification Quairading 100th Ag Show WA resources sector – biggest year ever

Page 14

ADDRESSING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE WA’s Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set One of the targets of the WA Heavy Vehicle Driver Training Program is to attract entrants who may have never considered a career in transport. Two such ‘success stories’ are friends Sarissa White and Joanne Ford who were looking to re-enter the workforce, saw the program advertised online and applied… and they are now employed WATM • January/February 2022

Our Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is available 7 days a week.

Talk to us about: Permits

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The Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is open from: 7am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3.30pm Saturday, Sunday and WA public holidays.

Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services 525 Great Eastern Highway REDCLIFFE 6104

Tel: 138 486 Fax: 9475 8455 Email: hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au www.mainroads.wa.gov.au 3 WATM • October 2021

Majors Industrial Action for Secure Jobs By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary We are stronger when we stick together and stand firm, and the public will always stand behind the transport workers who have kept our communities going

A

fter deferring bargaining in 2020 to put us in a stronger position to negotiate, 2021 has been our opportunity to lock in better agreements that secure the future and improve pay, superannuation, and conditions for TWU members.

And that’s exactly what we’ve done.

Congratulations to the thousands of Transport Workers Union members across Australia who in 2021 were a part of a nationwide transport industry fight to achieve job security in the face of immense upheaval.

Since March 2020 there’s been mass chaos and uncertainty in the industry, not to mention the spread of insecure work. Transport workers have worked on the frontlines of a global pandemic, keeping our communities stocked with essential supplies while wealthy retailers, miners and multi-national companies at the top of the supply chains make billions in record profits.

For years, transport workers have faced a difficult battle. Attacks on jobs, pay and conditions came at them from all angles, but they fought those off and achieved great wins.

We’ve seen national 24-hour strikes across multiple companies.

We’ve seen unanimous results in protected action ballots, and incredible efforts from the TWU’s negotiating committees. Transport workers have shown that when we stand together, we win.

Six of the majors – Toll, Global Express, Linfox, BevChain, Ceva and ACFS – reached strong agreements all within 10 days of each other with companies eager to ward off the threat of a mass day of industry action around Australia, endorsed by TWU members.

StarTrack and FedEx proved to be outliers, requiring more strong

action from workers to get the companies back to the table to finalise a decent agreement. Together, we called out and exposed their anti-worker tactics, putting more pressure on management to act responsibly. They took a little while longer, but the pressure of union members worked, and workers WON at FedEX and StarTrack.

What this proves is that taking action works. For many members, this was their first ever time taking industrial action, and although it’s always a last resort, the industry race to the bottom meant that it has been more crucial now than ever. We are stronger when we stick together and stand firm, and the public will always stand behind the transport workers who have kept our communities going.

Our job now is to enforce our wins over the next two years, before we’re back at the bargaining table and fighting to lift standards in transport with even more of the industry in 2023.

The TWU will ramp up our attention on the wealthy retailers, miners and other multi-national companies pushing down standards and crippling supply chains.

Retailers like Amazon, which announced profits up 224% to $US8 billion in just the first quarter of this year.

Apple said its profits have more than doubled to US$23.6 billion while Aldi’s annual revenue in 2019 was $US109 billion. Bunnings’ revenue grew 24.4% to $9 billion in the six months to December 2020.

These profits have skyrocketed because of the hard work of people behind the wheel, but our power is in acting as a collective.

Before we know it, it will be time to stand together again, and continue in our fight to change this industry and make it safer for all transport workers.

The TWU isn’t finished. Our members are calling out to lift wages and conditions across the transport industry. It is time to stop the drive to the bottom, time to get on board and join the fight to lift wages and conditions. Fight for job security in the most important industry in Australia, when transport workers stop Australia stops.

Join the TWU today and let’s work together for a better and safer industry for all. .

WORK IN TRANSPORT?

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5

Focus Geoffroy Henry

How technology will solve the freight industry’s biggest issues

By GEOFFROY HENRY CEO AND FOUNDER AT OFLOAD

T

he transport and logistics industries have become increasingly exposed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, in turn bringing focus to the necessity of freight tech solutions.

Even before the pandemic, Australia was suffering from a truck driver shortage. The average age of truck drivers nationally is increasing, and there simply are not enough new drivers entering the industry. The average Australian truck driver is 47, only 20.6% of drivers are under 30 years old, and only 3% are female.

On top of this, constant compliance and regulatory changes, the requirement for drivers to own and maintain their own trucks, plus low pay and long hours, means drivers are leaving the industry in droves for new horizons.

All this was before COVID-19. Now, a lack of interstate and overseas migration means staff shortages in the freight industry

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WATM • January/February 2022

have reached critical levels.

The industry also sees significant wastage via empty and idle trucks, in a segment which already contributes to almost 3% of Australia’s overall carbon emissions.

The transport and logistics industries as they stand are not future-proofed, and absolutely require an overhaul. But the good news is, the driver shortage, wastage and emissions issues can be solved by applying simple and effective technology— all without adding cost.

Sustainability into the future There is significant waste in the road freight industry—millions of empty kilometres are being driven, and trucks are often underutilised.

The volume of trucks and drivers sitting idle across Australia is staggering. Through conversations with industry leaders, we’ve heard some companies’ trucks and drivers can spend up to almost three days per week

sitting idle without work, while 30% of trucks are running with empty loads, and even when a truck has a load, it’s rarely entirely full.

At the same time, emissions are increasing at a time when Australia is trying to reduce its carbon footprint, which means sustainability is becoming a priority in the freight contract process.

According to the Climate Change Authority, trucking makes up 18% of the nation’s transport emissions, which is more than aviation, rail, ships, buses and motorcycles combined at 16%. In fact, about 2.88% of Australia’s total emissions— that is 15.5 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide—are from road freight alone.

At the same time, Accenture reports 48% of CEOs are implementing sustainability into their operations. This means the wastage within road freight has been identified as a real threat to the industry’s longevity.

This adversely affects small operators far more significantly than large operators.

Small operators cannot afford to upgrade trucks or change operations fast enough to compete on the newly required sustainability level.

There are 50,000 or so trucking companies in Australia, with the largest companies controlling only 15% of the market, leaving the smaller players

controlling much of the market and yet voiceless when it comes to industry change and competitiveness.

So what can the industry do as a whole to reduce waste, improve sustainability and give the smaller players a competitive edge in a shrinking industry?

Technology is the answer to these and many other problems, and will enable the industry to decrease its carbon footprint, maximise capacity, while reducing other risks such as driver fatigue, all while reducing costs.

Technological revolution is an inevitability There is no industry in Australia or the world that is untouched by technology, and road freight will be no exception. While many in the industry are naturally averse to change, the fact is, technology will overhaul road freight for the better of all involved— customers, providers and drivers.

Technology will be the hero we need to tackle waste, foster a sustainable, futureproofed industry, and equal the playing field for the long tail of owner/operators and smaller players.

The automation of logistics planning and execution is already underway globally.

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are currently transforming large industries, and they represent an amazing opportunity for road freight as well, starting with enabling a better synchronisation between shippers and carriers.

Until recently, tracking of shipments and drivers have been analogue—meaning it was not easily accessed or used for planning because it was written in paper log books. The fact is, there is a lot of activity that can be predicted in the industry by examining this kind of data.

Connecting this data to a broader market of drivers and planning truck movements to ensure that trucks are not running empty is essential to reducing waste and enabling emission reductions.

Centralising and matching shipments and freight resources in one platform across Australia based on location, capacity and availability would create new efficiencies where trucks would not run empty or stay idle as often, small and big players would compete on a level playing field, and the overall industry would reduce its carbon footprint Some trucks have already moved away from analogue ways of operating by using telematics. However, there is only a small percentage of trucks equipped with telematics so far.

The benefits of this technology, such

as real-time updates on staff and vehicle availability, data-driven analysis of staff and vehicle effectiveness, and full visibility of where multiple shipments are at any one time, are clear.

This is where technology provides assistance. It helps to increase route efficiency, manage fatigue and reduce distractions and keep drivers safe on the road.

Automation can play the role of bringing certainty and predictability to truckies. Owner operators in the long tail of Australia’s logistics industry historically run loads based on connections they have with distributors. By automating the connection process, technology can ensure that return trips are not running empty.

So what can the industry do as a whole to reduce waste, improve sustainability and give the smaller players a competitive edge in a shrinking industry?

And while the investment is steeper in the short term, the long term benefits of telematics means the technology pays for itself over time in both time and cost savings, plus better customer experience through visibility and transparency.

Autonomous vehicles are also touted as a way the road freight industry will change.

The reality is, Australia is nowhere near ready on an infrastructure level to support driverless vehicles of any kind, so this solution is a decade off, at least.

For long-haul electric trucking to become a feasible alternative, significant

developments in battery technology and investments in infrastructure, like road markings and charging points, are necessary and existing assets must be slowly replaced.

Given Australia is a vast country with hundreds of thousands of kilometres of road, this is a massive undertaking.

Electrics trucks would also unfairly penalise the smaller operators once again, who simply cannot afford to upgrade their fleets.

This being said, the ability to automate some truck processes would be beneficial in the short term. Driver fatigue has always been a significant industry challenge. By automating processes, even if it is not for a full trip, drivers will be better rested and able to manage the demands of long haul trips, reducing the risk of legal liability and potential injury.

The simple plot line is this: The road freight industry is ready for innovation.

More than this, it needs innovation if it is to survive into the future.

And it has to survive. Australia’s economy depends on road freight and this is unlikely to ever change.

Big data, AI and automation might be intimidating concepts, however, these technologies can help companies of any

size to coordinate and optimise fleets and shipments, and expose inefficiencies at an industry level, ultimately getting rid of waste in the form of empty kilometres and idle time. Where custom-built solutions require a significant financial investment, small to medium carriers can look to streamline operations by partnering with a platform or service provider.

For more information visit www.ofload. com.au Ofload is a that digital platform for road freight that connects quality shippers with reliable carriers. We manage end-toend fulfilment through technology. .

WATM • January/February 2022

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WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 1

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd Telephone 0430 153 273 www.angrychicken.com.au ABN: 35 486 530 095

PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 0430 153 273 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Karen-Maree' Kaye, Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, Ray Pratt ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Angry Chicken Head Office T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au DESIGN / PREPRESS Cally Browning | Bare Creative ACCOUNTS T: 0430 153 273 E: accounts@angrychicken.com.au

H

appy New Year to you all. I hope you got a chance to have a ‘real’ break for yourselves over Christmas and spend time with your loved ones.

Many of us still had to work, to keep the wheels rolling but when it is doing something that you love and are appreciated for it makes it all worth it.

I love our front cover story and such a nice way to start the year off on a positive.

These two lovely ladies are recruits of WA’s Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skills Set. This is a wonderful initiative to increase the amount of qualified drivers in WA and thank you to Western Roads Federation and everyone else involved for getting it funding and getting it going – Page 14.

How we treat each is touched upon in this edition by our Bird’s Eye columnist

Carol Messenger, and namely the pandemic of not telling the truth. At even the highest levels we are hearing lies, and it is becoming a sadly excepted norm. Carol talks about how it affects the ‘customer’ service part of the transport industry – because without the customers…

In the magazine’s technology search (last month we brought you the Logmaster App for your phone which satisfies WA requirements) and this month (Page 2) we look at how the transport industry can utilise technology as a whole to reduce waste, improve sustainability and give the smaller players a competitive edge in a shrinking industry.

Here’s to 2022…

Best,

Karen

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Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes editorial submissions. Once received they will become the property of the Publisher who reserves the right to edit the or adjust the content to fit with the format of our publication.

West Australian Transport Magazine (WATM) is published by Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd ABN: 35 486 530 095 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted or transmitted in any form by any process (graphic, electronic, mechanical or storage and retrieval system) or sold, resold or otherwise exploited for any purpose without consent of the Publisher.

The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication in regards to consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted, or being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication. No person, organization or party should rely on or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this magazine without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. The Publisher shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by contributor, consultant, editor or related party for content within WATM. The opinions and content within WATM does not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher, editor or their agents. No responsibility is accepted for damage or loss of material supplied to the publisher.

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WATM • January/February 2022

CONTENTS 1 ............................................... T WUWA – Major industrial action for secure jobs 2 ............................................ T echnology will solve the freight industry’s biggest issues 6............................................... Changes to WAHVA Certification Process 10 .......................................... Does WA not want any fresh produce? reat Eastern Highway Bypass interchange underway 11............................................... G ajor Motors – Celebrations and release of the new updated N Series 12............................................ M estern Roads Federation – Addressing the skills shortage 14............................................ W ew Director General of the Department of Transport 16............................................ N

18............................................ T ruck Law Review – a complete waste of time and money 19............................................ Long vehicle warning sign changes 19............................................ More money for roads and bridges 20.......................................... WA resources sectors biggest year ever 21............................................ Hall of Fame – George Savage

Every Month 8............................................... Fair Go for Owner Drivers 16............................................ Bird’s Eye View 22.......................................... HCVC 24.......................................... WA Transport History

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5 5

Main Road News

Changes to the WAHVA Certification Process

What is the purpose of the Western Australian Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (WAHVA) Scheme?

Main Roads approves and manages the WAHVA Scheme. It is mandatory for anyone requiring a permit or order to perform any transport task within WA, including interstate operators.

The benefits of Accreditation include improved safety, productivity and efficiency, community confidence, driver morale, consistent standards, reduced impact of enforcement, increased vehicle life and lower maintenance costs, better relationship with enforcement agencies, improved skills and accountability of drivers and mechanics, greater confidence in the condition of the company’s vehicles, and reduced vehicle down time.

Accredited operators are required to comply with the Standards in the following mandatory modules and standards: • Maintenance Management Module Standards; • Fatigue Management Module Standards; 6

WATM • January/February 2022

• Dimension and Loading Management Module Standards; and • The Common Standards covering all modules.

Accredited operators wishing to operate under the Accredited Mass Management Scheme (AMMS) and/or the Performance Based Standards (PBS) permits with extra mass provision, must also be accredited under the: • Mass Management Module Standards. This is not mandatory - operators may opt in to this Standard.

The Standards have been developed to ensure all operators participating in these modules are achieving at least the same minimum level of compliance.

It is the responsibility of the accredited operator to decide how they are going to prove adherence to these Standards. The important thing is that they document and record the method they use and explain how it works. This forms their Management

Systems. It is the responsibility of the accredited operator to have documents and records proving their methods work well and written procedures are always followed. Records may be maintained in either electronic or hard copy format. The operator’s Management Systems must comply with these standards.

Why are WAHVA audits undertaken?

To maintain the integrity of the WAHVA Scheme, operators are audited annually to verify their adherence to the Standards.

Additionally, five percent of operators are also randomly audited each year.

What has changed in regards to the WAHVA Auditor Certification Process?

For a number of years the external independent auditors who conducted audits on accredited operators’ systems were certified by an external agency, Exemplar Global.

In September 2021 Main Roads took on the training and certification of WAHVA

Auditors. Auditors have been issued with interim certificates in order for them to continue auditing. If an auditor’s certification was due to expire with Exemplar Global between September 2021 and March 2022 then that date is reflected on the interim certificate. In all other cases the certificate expires on 31 March 2022.

After 31 March 2022 all auditors will need to be certified with Main Roads to work as a WAHVA Auditor.

Main Roads WA still administers WAHVA. Further information is available on our website.

Why has Main Roads taken on administering the training and certification of Auditors?

Main Roads has responded to requests from industry and auditors to take charge of the certification process for WAHVA audits.

Has the training changed, or is it the same?

Auditor training is now completed on-line through the Main Roads website. It is no longer available on the Exemplar Global

site. The focus of the training is now more aligned with WAHVA Scheme requirements and participants are encouraged to be conversant with the WAHVA Scheme requirements, including driver fatigue requirements, before attempting the training.

Was this change part of the WAHVA Review?

This decision to move the training aligns with the recommendations from the Accreditation Review consultation with industry.

Are there likely to be any other changes to the Auditor Certification requirements as part of the WAHVA Review?

There are no plans for any further changes as a result of the review.

To perform audits on operators registered in the WAHVA Scheme, do auditors have to be certified with Main Roads, or can they just use the National accreditation with Exemplar Global?

Auditors must be certified with Main Roads as a WAHVA Auditor.

Are we still working on mutual recognition of Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Schemes and auditors, or does this mean we are moving away from the “national approach”?

Main Roads and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) are currently investigating possible areas of mutual recognition between the two Schemes.

How will this impact a transport operator?

If elements of the two Schemes can be recognised by both Schemes, it may reduce the need for operators who work in other jurisdictions to have a separate audit for each Scheme (i.e. one audit may suffice for both Schemes).

Should the transport operator check the website for approved auditors?

Main Roads has made available a list of Certified WAHVA Auditors via its website at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au. It is recommended to check the list to ensure the auditor is certified to audit the WAHVA Scheme .

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WATM • January/February 2022

7

Over to you A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

Will 2022 bring an improvement for truck drivers?

A

nother year disappears and while we thought at the beginning of 2021 it ‘may be the year of some reform in our industry’ nothing has changed that improves the life of a truck driver.

The COVID-19 pandemic regularly keeps rearing its ugly head when we least expect it making truck diving an issue especially for those that do regular state border crossings.

I wonder how much drivers are out of pocket for spending time getting border clearances and waiting for test results.

We don’t often hear complaints from drivers as they quietly do what they do best as they keep the wheels turning.

It must add considerable time and expense to each trip. The obvious answer seems to be; get yourselves vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, friends and workmates. The way I see it, if you are not vaccinated then you are selfish as you pose a big risk to yourselves and everyone you come into contact with. There is no other option.

I can see a time when life will be very bleak for non-vaccinated citizens as the time will come when they will be denied access to jobs, shops, public transport etc.

Tread your path wisely I say.

One positive item on the year’s agenda was the Senate Road Transport Inquiry conducted by Senator Glenn Sterle which involved Glenn travelling the country listening to submissions from many people involved in transport.

I was fortunate to be asked to make a

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WATM • January/February 2022

submission as were many other people in this great state of ours.

This inquiry was to expose the negative side of transport and hopefully bring some reform and normality to our hard, over worked truck drivers. Not sure what the outcome will be as Government has rarely gone out of its way to help this industry.

We need to keep our fingers crossed and hope this gets the results we hope for and I think it is certainly time the industry was scrutinised to expose the exploitation of our hard working truck drivers by bigger

I’m not sure how the training and licenses are issued in these circumstances but they are certainly over represented with accidents as they go about their work companies.

The truck driver shortage still exists and apart from trying to fast track driver’s licenses to get seats filled not a lot is being done to rectify the situation.

Obviously some of the shortage is being fulfilled with foreign drivers but I think this is a recipe for disaster as it appears that many of the current drivers are being placed into trucks with very little experience. I’m not sure how the training and licenses are issued in these circumstances but they are certainly over represented with accidents as they go about their work.

Contrary to what a lot of people might think truck driving is a dangerous occupation that carries a lot of responsibility and professionalism and quite frankly if you don’t qualify then you should not be on the road. I’m not about picking on foreign drivers, but I have a strong belief about only having experienced competent drivers on our roads especially when we have to share the road with each other.

Full marks must go to the Government for the huge increase in spending on our roads. It seems that wherever we drive we are seeing new road projects which are great as it makes truck driving a lot more safer.

It’s a shame that the Government aren’t so active in providing good quality truck bays with toilet facilities so our hard working truck drivers can enjoy some basic needs. We need to get a few politicians into trucks so that they can see first-hand what conditions truck drivers have to endure.

Happy New year and let’s hope 2022 brings improvements for transport workers. ~ Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

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9

News

Does WA not want any fresh produce?

W

hen new WA Health Orders came into place late November the WA border was described as chaotic, a debacle and many were flummoxed and puzzled at the situation.

The new Health Orders said that ‘all’ drivers who have travelled through a COVID medium to high risk areas must front at the WA border with a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours.

So why was there chaos?

As you know, dozens of truck drivers upon arriving at the WA border were forced to detour 1000 kms for PCR tests. At the northern WA border, drivers arriving in Kununurra were sent back 500 kms to Katherine which had become a COVID hotspot. Further south at the Eucla crossing, drivers were forced to head back 490km to Ceduna.

The questions being asked by industry was, “Where are we supposed to get tested in order comply on the way?

The two obvious Testing Centres that capture most transport into WA are at Broken Hill and Port Augusta and these were closed after hours, as many are and there was nothing at the WA border.

Does our Government not understand

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WATM • January/February 2022

that the transport industry works 24/7?

These are the questions we want to ask WA Health. Surely, if a Government Department introduces new rules that affect transport into the state, any state – they

The two obvious Testing Centres that capture most transport into WA are at Broken Hill and Port Augusta and these were closed after hours, as many are and there was nothing at the WA border

would also think about what is needed to facilitate that so the transport industry can comply. Or as one man said, “Do they not want fresh produce in Perth?”

That opens new questions…

So whose responsibility is having testing facilities available to essential industries such as transport?

Surely transport into the state is important enough to throw some tax payers money at to ensure there are no hold ups?

Or is the transport industry expected to work around a lack of facilities or… are the other states expected to pay… Were they even contacted?

We spoke to CEO of Western Roads Federation Cam Dumesny who is good at foreseeing these situations and find that in late August 2020 he made a call for federal backing for 24/7 testing centres for truck drivers at Port Augusta and Katherine, which he believed would capture half of Australia at the two major freight choke points.

When asked how that was going, he said, “All indications from other states that it made sense to do it and the next step was getting the WA Government on board. I contacted the Premier late October and have still not heard back.

“The real problems lie with WA Health.

The treatment of truck drivers is appalling.

WA has got to pick up its game and start treating our truckies with some basic respect,” Cam finishes.

News

Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges project underway

M

ajor construction began late 2021 on the $386.5 million Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges project.

When complete the project is expected to slash 10-minutes off peak hour journey times.

The project includes: • Construction of two grade separated interchanges along Great Eastern Highway at Abernethy Road and Roe Highway; • An extension of Lloyd Street from its current end point to south of Clayton Street to Great Eastern Highway Bypass, including a new bridge over the Helena River; • Upgrades to the Great Eastern Highway Bypass, including the removal of the existing intersection at Stirling Crescent; • Upgrade of Roe Highway between Talbot Road and Clayton Street, including a bridge duplication over

Helena River, to three lanes; • Upgrades to Abernethy Road; • Completing the missing link in the 30 kilometre Principal Shared Path between Midland and Jandakot.

• Removal of traffic lights at key congestion hot spots including the intersections of Great Eastern Highway and Roe Highway as well as Abernethy Road and Great Eastern Highway.

The upgrades will provide better connectivity, helping to support commercial developments in Midland, while improving links to the Hazelmere, Forrestfield, Kewdale and Perth Airport industrial areas.

The Greater Connect Alliance, comprising Laing O'Rourke, AECOM and Arcadis, in partnership with Main Roads, will deliver the project.

Initial construction activity is focussed on the Bypass around the intersection of Abernethy Road, including constructing a

temporary alignment of the Bypass to keep traffic moving while the first of the new interchanges is under construction.

Construction of the other key parts of the project will begin progressively from 2022 onwards with overall completion scheduled for 2024.

The project is funded by the Commonwealth Government and the Western Australian Government with contributions also made by the City of Swan and the City of Kalamunda.

The Federal Government is contributing $247 million to this project through the Urban Congestion Fund, under which they are delivering 182 packages of work nationwide.

The total number of Urban Congestion Fund projects that are now complete or underway nationwide is 76 with a further 12 expected to start before the end of 2021.

By the end of 2022, more than 80 per cent of all packages are expected to be completed or under construction.

Western Australian Minister for Transport, Hon Rita Saffioti MLA said, "The Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges Project will be a gamechanger for road users in Perth's east.

"The project brings together five longawaited road upgrades, which will reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance access into Midland, while providing better connectivity to the Hazelmere, Forrestfield, Kewdale and Perth Airport industrial areas.

"It will also complete the final link in a 30 kilometre Principal Shared Path along Roe Highway between Midland and Jandakot, creating an uninterrupted path for cyclists and pedestrians.

"Our Government is continuing to create opportunities for local businesses and support local jobs through our transport infrastructure program of works."

Federal Member for Hasluck, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP said, "Together with the new interchange at Abernethy Road and improvements to Roe Highway, the upgrade will deliver free-flowing movement at the eastern end of the Bypass, reducing journey times, improving safety and enhancing freight efficiency.

Image by JarrahTree...commons.wikimedia.org

WATM • January/February 2022

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Out & About too close to the vehicle in front.

In addition, they also come standard with: ABS Anti-lock Braking; ASR Anti Skid Regulator; HSA Hill Start Aid on trucks with manual transmissions; ALS Automatic Lighting System that monitors lighting to automatically turn on headlights and taillights; CTW Cab Tilt Warning that gives an alarm signal if the cab is not properly fixed CSL Customisable Speed Limiter

L-r: Michael Shemeld, Daiman Clarke, Tim Davies and Daniel Pearce

Major Motors –

Celebrations and release of the new updated N Series

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he evening of Friday November 12 was one of great importance in the world of Major Motors – an event to celebrate their 50th Anniversary and to mark the release of the new updated N Series.

The event was celebrated at Major Motors Forrestfield dealership with 100 people turning up for some great food and drinks from The Vintage Bar Perth and Cheat Meats.

On display was a timeline photo wall marking the significant events in the 50-year life of Major Motors…hailing from the year of 1971 when Attwood Motors, founded by Mr Young in 1934, developed a commercial vehicle arm to the Attwood motor vehicle business, naming it Major Motors.

The array of trucks that have featured in the life of Major Motors starting off with the General Motors brands of Bedfords and Chevrolets has been nothing short of amazing, especially after the advent of the Isuzus.

As the night was also one to mark the arrival of the new upgraded N Series, Major Motors had four of the new trucks on display.

“Interest in the upgrades of this extremely popular Series has been considerable,” says Peter Dewar, Major Motors New Light and Used Sales Manager.

“It undoubtedly demonstrates that there has been a really strong growth of interest

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WATM • January/February 2022

in having intelligent safety feature systems included in trucks and long gone are the days when trucks were Spartan – having virtually none of the accessories that featured in the best of cars,” says Peter.

New updated N Series at a glance Standard features on the 4x2 models include autonomous emergency braking that can recognise pedestrians, a lane departure warning that sounds if the truck starts to drift; and a distance warning system to alert the driver if they’re getting

The Vintage Bar Perth

Among the many standard features are dual air bags for the driver and front passenger, seatbelt pretensioners, antiintrusion bars plus there are cornering lamps that the driver can switch on for night - time manoeuvring.

The Isuzu Multimedia System is retained with its 16cm display and intuitive menu that connects your mobile to read out messages that includes voice control and hands-free Bluetooth as standard.

And there is a massive range to choose from The N Series has 82 models available encompassing the NLR, NLS, NMR, NNR, NPR, NPS and NQR range, plus there is the 4X4 and all - wheel drive options.

Transmission choices: • 6 speed manual • 6 speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) • Automated Manual Transmission with Torque Converter (TC AMT) in the NLR, NMR and NNR Models To suit the tasks required of the trucks there are options for the type of cabin and

Major Motors 50th Anniversary limited edition truck badge

Restored AF95 on display Bob Pearce Managing Director at Major Motors, Norm Thompson former Isuzu Australia Zone Dealer Manager and Craig White Isuzu Australia National Dealer Sales Manager

L-r: Mark Harvey, Danny Bearham and Dave Tritt alongside the new Isuzu Tradepack

they’re available in short, medium and long wheel-base models.

Engine choices: 110kW (375Nm torque); 114kW (419 Nm torque); 140kW (513 Nm torque).

The ready to work range continues with Tray Pack, Van Pack, Service Pack, Tippers, Trade Pack, and Dual Cab tray.

Along with all this the 4 X 2 models come with a mighty Isuzu 6 year/250,000 klm factory warranty plus free of charge 24 hour Isuzu Roadside Assist.

Attendees getting a closer look at the new N Series Leon at CheatMeats

L-r: Norm Thompson former Isuzu Zone Dealer Manager and Brent Howard Senior Sales Consultant at Major Motors

WATM • January/February 2022

13

Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

L-r Sarissa White and Joanne Ford in Dampier

Addressing the skills shortage WA’s Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set

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he Heavy Vehicle (HV) driver training program is designed to target a cross section of the current and potential workforce, to attract, train and recruit drivers to support the growing demand across multiple industry sectors in Western Australia.

An integral component of the initiatives is to promote Industry engagement and active participation from prospective employers with Industry mentors providing a holistic view of the career opportunities available because of the new or improved

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WATM • January/February 2022

skills attained through the course.

The program trains drivers to be licensed and job ready for recruitment directly into the industry.

The course provides participants with an extensive tool kit of skills and knowledge, whilst delivering real hands-on experience and practical hours as detailed below.

• 18 units drawn from Cert III in Driving Operations • Hands on training in work environments

• Driving simulations in state-of-theart facilities • 10-15 practical hours driving in Heavy Haulage Vehicles with assigned Mentors and Trainers.

• Heavy Rigid (HR) and Forklift licence included.

• Upgrading from HR to Heavy Combination (HC) and Multi Combinations (MC) licences.

The drive for a more efficient and effective logistics industry as detailed in the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy will require participants to be trained to adapt to new technologies, changing infrastructure and more complex processes.

This effort requires a joint co-ordinated approach between all stakeholders with training as a building block for the success.

The creation of this program, delivering broad scope training applicable to drivers no matter the specialised area they are ultimately engaged in is designed to assist in the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce to support a growing demand from consumers and a community expectation that services will be provided in a safe and sustainable manner.

Collaboration between operators, government agencies, training providers, industry groups, project owners, EPC’s and the wider community is continuing to develop and is essential to ensure the goals are met.

Many of the transport operators have been working hard to develop their own internal programs to attract, train and retain talent and it has become obvious, through the Western Roads Federation industry engagement, that working in tandem and making candidates available to these programs who have achieve a known level of competency in the initial program has gained a much higher level of industry acceptance and support for the program than has been achieved previously.

The program is built to deliver Industry with drivers, trained in safe and responsible vehicle operations ready to actively fill the growing demand in both metropolitan and regional areas.

Attracting new entrants to the industry and focusing on the benefits of employment in a safely operated and managed industry capable of providing long term sustainable employment continues to be a cornerstone of the program and our primary aim.

Success stories abound with many

new entrants to the industry gaining employment immediately on completion with huge industry support strengthened by the Western Roads Federations Industry Engagement Manager and Mentors.

One of the targets of the program is to attract entrants to the industry who may have never considered a career in transport.

One of our favourite examples is friends Sarissa White and Joanne Ford who were looking to re-enter the workforce, saw the program advertised online and applied.

Having never driven a truck previously the ladies grabbed the opportunity with both hands and through a dedication to their training and the assistance of the Western Roads Federation Industry Engagement Manager secured FIFO work supporting the Pilbara mining industry with Matic Transport. These employment opportunities are positively life changing.

The program to date has attracted 175 applications, delivered the full training course to 105 people with 68 people to date joining the driving ranks in the industry.

Extension of the initiative from Perth into the regional areas has already begun with

The program is built to deliver Industry with drivers, trained in safe and responsible vehicle operations ready to actively fill the growing demand in both metropolitan and regional areas the Collie/Bunbury program going live and Geraldton, Albany, Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland on the planning board. The project continues to grow in quality of output and employment opportunities.

The industries showing interest in the program is expanding well outside of the direct transport industry into Civil Construction, Mine Site Services, Food Distribution, Warehousing and Catering.

This increased breadth has broadened the opportunities being presented to graduates with a far wider array of pathways into

employment being available.

Western Roads Federation are working closely with participants to assist in developing CV’s, honing interview skills and more accurately align applicants to prospective employment areas This is not only producing better employment outcomes but is reducing misalignment and potent time wasting for both employers and candidates. Candidates are also gaining valuable advice on where their careers can develop and the best avenues for them to achieve their goals.

The degree in which the course has gained industry support from within the transport sector and other associated industries has been fantastic.

By broadening the employment opportunities significantly those who complete the licencing requirements are in a very strong position to gain employment offers that suit their circumstances and therefore more likely to result in long term employment and development opportunities.

Currently 87% of people attaining their licence have gained full time employment and the numbers are growing.

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION IS THE UNITED VOICE OF WA TRANSPORT COMPANIES Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit.

Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved.

For a membership application form Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 or 0481 064 371 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004

WATM • January/February 2022

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Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

The new T Pandemic

he last few years we have all been struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic but as 2021 wore on, I realised there was another, much more serious pandemic that we are dealing with right across the world.

It is the pandemic of lying and poor

News 16

New Director General of the Department of Transport

WATM • January/February 2022

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eter Woronzow has been formally appointed to the role of Director General of the Department of Transport for Western Australia and will concurrently hold the roles of Commissioner of Main Roads WA and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Transport Authority.

Mr Woronzow has been the Acting Director General of Transport since March 2020, taking responsibility for setting the strategic direction of transport for the State during a time of unprecedented transport infrastructure development in WA. Mr Woronzow's career in the transport sector spans more than 40 years.

customer service - and boy is it rife in the Transport Industry.

What’s even more ridiculous is the lies that people tell. Obvious lies, lies that no-one believes for a second, lies that are so easily disapproved - so in the words of Professor Sumner Miller, "Why is it so?"

He joined Main Roads WA in July 1980 and remained with the agency until March 2020, serving as Managing Director from July 2016. He served as Executive Director Finance and Commercial Services from 2004 to 2016 and has also occupied several other commercial, legal and supply chain related roles.

His key contributions as Acting Director General of Transport include maintaining continuity of essential services across the Transport Portfolio through the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing the Office of Major Transport Infrastructure Delivery, fast tracking 11 major road projects worth $2.7 billion to stimulate the WA economy, and

Is it that people think they can make themselves or their business look better, more efficient… or is it that they don't care… or is it just the norm now - as it is so commonplace in this day and age?

An example - We have a booking for a truck at 8 am.

At 8.15 am the customer rings us as the truck has not arrived.

We ring the driver and he says, “Oh bad traffic but I am just 10 minutes away”.

However, in reality the driver is half an hour from the job so ETA 8.30 am.

We are still at 8 am when the driver is supposed to be onsite, and ‘he knew’ he was half an hour away…. So why, didn't he ring first and why lie about it?

Being late is my big bug bare. There is just no need for it. It is rude and discourteous to the customer. And yes, I know that sometimes things happen, crash on freeway, blown tyre, whatever; but we all have these things called mobile phones that you can use to call someone to let them know.

My old boss at Toll, Dick Watson, used to say, “If you are ten minutes early then you are already late.”

So, if you are going to be late then at least have the courtesy to let someone know ‘before’ you are actually late and then be honest and accurate with your new ETA. Don't tell people you will be there in ten minutes if you are still half an hour away because it all it does is get everyone's back up and is really poor customer service. If the customer knows you are going to be late then they can often reschedule their duties rather than just sit around waiting for you to appear.

Good customer service is the best asset that you have. Customers won't argue about price if they know that you are honest

and give good customer service because it saves them money - and a huge heap of frustration - in the long run.

My customers know that if they tell me 8 am load, then I am there at 7.50 latest, straps ready, gluts ready, a loading plan already in place… ready to go. My time sheet is accurate, I haven't padded my hours and I know what I am taking and where.

If it's a new customer, or an urgent job, I will usually just text confirmation when the job is done. Mentally, this allows my customer to then cross it off in their head and not worry about 'has the job been completed yet?'

If I am headed out on a long run or a hotshot away then a simple call to the site before I leave, and I advise them of my

providing significant employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal people in transport projects.

Among his other achievements was the completion of the Matagarup Bridge, delivery of the State's first Smart Freeway and establishment of the State's Road Network Operations Centre.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "I am pleased to confirm Peter Woronzow as the new Director General of Transport.

"Peter has vast experience in the sector and has played a key role in the transformation of the WA transport landscape over the past 40 years.

"Peter has a deep understanding of what

is required for the effective development of WA's transport infrastructure, ensuring we continue to grow our economy whilst delivering world class facilities and services.

"Peter brings a strong sense of commu "This is demonstrated by his leadership during COVID-19, which ensured the continued operation of essential public transport and licensing services during shutdowns, the delivery of projects under the WA Recovery Plan to restore the economy and support job creation, and his commitment to creating opportunities for more Aboriginal people and business to participate in major transport projects."

My old boss at Toll, Dick Watson, used to say, “If you are ten minutes early then you are already late.” approximate ETA and advise that I will call again around 30 minutes before arrival.

Many receivers are quite shocked at what I deem as normal, polite communication.

Its time some people understood that the customer is paying for a service and we should be providing it - honestly and cheerfully. And that doesn't just count for the good times. The bad times are even ‘more’ important.

When something goes wrong you need to let the customer know ‘first’ - don't let them hear it second hand. If you

have stuffed up then be honest and take responsibility for ‘your’ mistake and work with the customer to see how you can fix it.

If it is your mistake then ‘you’ are the one that needs to fix it and make it right for the customer - and if it costs you something to fix up your mistake then too bad - just take it as a learning experience.

Customer service is the ‘best’ asset your business can have and it is the one that your customers will come back for.

Think about it - the last time you had a bad experience with any kind of business - the first thing you do is say, “l'll never go back there” and the second thing is that you tell your friends how bad that business was.

Equally, you receive good service or a good meal in a restaurant and you let others know. So why is it so different in Transport? Granted, different companies do different things, different locations etc. but people have a choice.

Providing good customer service lets them choose you - the simplest of things such as answering the phone professionally, returning a call or providing a quote quickly. Turn up on time and ‘communicate’ if there is a problem. Drivers can turn up with a smile and a pleasant greeting.

Don't cheat your customer - to many companies 'pad' their timesheets in order to charge more. The customer is not stupid - they know roughly how long it takes to get from A to B and whilst they may not say something when you add on an extra 10-15 minutes, when the opportunity comes to deal with someone who is not going to cheat them, you can bet that they will jump ships pretty quickly.

Like everything in life, I guess it boils down to the old adage - treat others how you would like to be treated..

Peter has vast experience in the sector and has played a key role in the transformation of the WA transport landscape over the past 40 years

WATM • January/February 2022

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News

BHP and Woodside agree to create a global energy company

B

HP and Woodside have signed a binding share sale agreement for the merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio with Woodside. Woodside will

acquire the entire share capital of BHP Petroleum International Pty Ltd. On completion, the Merger will create a global top 10 independent energy company by production and the largest energy company listed on the ASX.1 The combined company will have a high margin oil portfolio, long life LNG assets and the financial resilience to help supply the energy needed for global growth and development over the energy transition.

BHP CEO Mike Henry said, “Merging our petroleum business with Woodside creates a large, more resilient company, better able to navigate the energy transition and grow value while doing so,” he said.

Completion is targeted for the second quarter of the 2022 calendar year. Prior to completion, BHP and Woodside will carry on their respective businesses in the normal course and, will put in place appropriate plans to enable a smooth transition of ownership.

The effective date of the Merger will be 1 July 2021.

Truck law review: a complete waste of time and money “The review of the national truck law has proved to be a waste of time and money and we need to start again,” says ATA Chair David Smith.

David is not the first in a long line to slam the review which started in November 2018 to supposedly address the problems with the existing law which seem to be stitched together from 13 different sources.

“All that is missing were bolts in its neck,” said David.

“The ATA highlighted the complexity of the work and rest hour rules, the massive fines for drivers if they made mistakes in their work diaries, provided comprehensive input to the review team at the National Transport Commission (NTC) and lodged 11 detailed policy submissions. We pointed out that the industry’s productivity had slumped since the law was introduced.

“Each of our submissions involved a review of best practice and consultation with our members. We spent tens of thousands of dollars on consultants. In some cases, we provided the NTC with draft legislation that could have been introduced into parliament immediately.

“It was all for nothing,” said David.

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In the three years since it started, the review has not resulted in a single change to the national truck law or its regulations In the three years since it started, the review has not resulted in a single change to the national truck law or its regulations.

“Instead, we see the NTC’s first piece of finished work on the review: a proposal to replace standard hours with a new system of counting work and rest time. It was the wrong place to start; the proposal would be catastrophic if it was carried out.

“It would reduce the income of a semi-trailer driver doing local deliveries by $24,000 per year. It would make it impossible for drivers on standard hours to operate between capital cities.

“The NTC sent the proposal out for one week of industry consultation. It was based on a handful of academic research

papers, rather than the 551 suggestions put forward. The ATA’s recommendations were ignored.

“In its consultation meeting on the proposal, the NTC wouldn’t let us raise critical points, such as the need to trial the proposed hours either on the road or in a simulator.

It is hoped that when Australia’s transport ministers meet in December [2021) they will put together a panel of actual experts, supported by a small staff, to develop an approach to the national truck law based on best practice from around the world and your on the road insights.

“The NTC’s work on the review would then be an input to the panel’s work, as would the detailed submissions put by industry.

“Given this head start, the expert panel should be able deliver a law that could come into force in 2023, a year ahead of any timeframe that the NTC process is likely to achieve.

“And you could expect it to be a much better law than this waste of time and money,” finishes David.

News

More money for roads and bridges

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ate 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, announced the opening of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) to new applications.

The Australian Government will now consider projects on an ongoing basis with applications accepted all year round to provide increased flexibility and permit projects to be submitted when they will most benefit Australia’s bridges and heavy vehicle infrastructure.

For the first time, the BRP and HVSPP will run concurrently so that applicants can access the right program, for the right project at the right time. Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis.

In a boost for regions, rural and regional projects can now apply for funding to cover up to 80 per cent of the total project cost.

Funding under the BRP and HVSPP

New mine extends nickel-cobalt production in Ravensthorpe

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ines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston opened First Quantum Minerals' (FQM) Shoemaker-Levy mine at the company's Ravensthorpe nickelcobalt operations late 2021.

The Ravensthorpe facility is a laterite nickel operation producing around 30,000 tonnes per annum of a mixed nickel-cobalt hydroxide intermediate product used in the production of nickel sulphate.

Nickel sulphate is a key material in

supports the infrastructure needed to ensure freight operators can continue to make essential deliveries as well as keeping communities connected and motorists safe.

This includes projects to upgrade or replace ageing bridges, and for road projects which improve the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle movements across Australia.

Investigation into green steel begins

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he WA Government has commenced work into the viability of sustainably processing Western Australian iron ore to green steel, or the inputs necessary to create green steel with a $1million commitment to investigate.

The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia has appointed lead adviser GHD Group, in partnership with ACIL Allen, to investigate the iron ore-tosteel value chain.

Initial works will identify opportunities and barriers for WA to support the global steel industry's green ambitions.

Further work will then examine regional infrastructure needs, market dynamics and policies needed to ensure the State has a comprehensive understanding on creating green steel.

With the steel industry generating

between seven and nine per cent of global carbon emissions, there is a significant focus on the development of green steel to reduce this.

Traditionally, coal is used in the steel making process as both an energy source and as a reducing agent to extract iron.

Green steel production will require renewable energy and hydrogen, or an alternative reducing agent, to avoid producing carbon dioxide.

lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Around 650 people work at the Ravensthorpe operations, with the new orebody expected to extend the mine's life by at least 20 years.

Since being restarted by FQM in 2011, the operations have had nickel sales of 202,782 tonnes and cobalt sales of 7,527 tonnes.

Three of the operation's 18 megawatt steam turbines generate power using waste heat from the mine's production process.

Long vehicle warning sign changes

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he NHVR is reminding operators of long vehicles or road trains travelling in their jurisdictions to ensure that they are fitted with the correct signage when travelling.

The requirements were simplified in 2019 and transitional arrangements for these changes will end on 9 December 2021.

Combinations 22-30 metres require a Long Vehicle sign fitted to the back of the vehicle, while combinations 30+ metres long require Road Train signs fitted to the front and back of the vehicle.

Operators should also be aware of the conditions of their vehicle’s access approval and continue to observe the road rules and speed limits as set out in each jurisdiction.

Traditionally, coal is used in the steel making process.

Green steel production will require renewable energy and hydrogen, or an alternative reducing agent, to avoid producing carbon dioxide WATM • January/February 2022

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News

Increasing access to licensing services in remote communities

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WA resources sector’s biggest year ever W

estern Australia’s resources sector delivered a record $210 billion of sales and it’s highest-ever job numbers over the past financial year.

The remarkable results defy the economic turmoil seen around much of the world and emphasise the significance of the State's work to keep the sector running safely throughout the pandemic.

Minerals and petroleum sales in WA grew by $38 billion to $210 billion from 2019-20 to 2020-21.

Jobs supported by the sector increased from 135,000 in 2019-20 to 149,400 in 2020-21.

These results follow the State's strong economic performance throughout the pandemic, where WA's domestic economy has grown by 5.7 per cent between the December quarter 2019 and the June quarter 2021.

This is the strongest of the States and almost double the rest of the nation when WA is excluded (2.9 per cent).

Western Australia accounted for well

over half (56.2 per cent) of national goods exports in 2020-21.

Iron ore sales reached a record $155 billion. Gold sales were valued at $16.6 billion, up four per cent from 2019-20, while nickel sales were valued at $3.5 billion - the industry's highest sales value in seven years.

Alumina and bauxite activities also made significant contributions to the sector's growth.

Mineral exploration hit $2.1 billion in 2020-21, an increase of 21 per cent from $1.7 billion in 2019-20, with WA's share of national mineral exploration expenditure increasing to 65 per cent.

Almost $21 billion was invested into Western Australia's mining and petroleum sector, up from $19 billion in 2019-20 and a five-year high.

Western Australia has around $127 billion of resources projects in the development pipeline. To find out more visit /dmp.wa.gov.au/About-Us-Careers/ Latest-Statistics-Release-4081.aspx

Western Australia has around $127 billion of resources projects in the development pipeline.

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WATM • January/February 2022

ork is underway to deliver the first set of initiatives through the McGowan Government's Driving Access and Equity pilot program.

The program was established in 2021 following the WA State Government's Skills Summit where lack of access to driving services, instructors and eligible vehicles was highlighted as a key barrier for youth employment in regional areas, in particular the North-West and Kimberley.

Funding will be distributed through a grants program that will provide localised solutions for localised problems to help people become safe, employable drivers with the first round opening in November for invited businesses and organisations with eligible programs in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

The program has also meant the number of officers employed to deliver driver and vehicle licensing services to remote Kimberley, Pilbara and Mid-West communities will be doubled from five to 10.

The Department of Transport's Remote Services program provides driver and vehicle licensing services, including theory and practical assessments, to remote communities in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields-Esperance, MidWest and Gascoyne regions who would otherwise be unable to access services.

The additional officers will allow the Department of Transport to visit more remote communities and increase the volume of visits to communities they already service, as well as increase the level of services and driver education provided while in communities.

In addition, the Department of Transport intends to increase current agreements in place with providers who live and work in local communities to provide oral or paper-based theory tests for learners.

These measures will assist people where English is not their first language or literacy is a barrier to obtaining their learner's permit or driver's licence.

With $4.5 billion committed for major road projects and programs throughout regional WA over the next four years, demand for licensed workers in the regions is only going to increase.

Hall of Fame

George eventually became bored with retirement and returned to truck driving for a further three years, finally giving it away when he was 74 years old

GEORGE SAVAGE

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nducted into the 2021 Shell Rimula National Road Transport Wall of Fame is George Savage.

George was born in Subiaco, Western Australia in January 1939. From a very young age, all George wanted to do was drive trucks.

He started his working life as an apprentice mechanic but only lasted for two months.

George quickly moved to Browns Transport and Scrap Metal in Perth and after two years, the company sent him to Kalgoorlie to cart and load scrap metal onto trains bound for Perth.

When George turned 17, he obtained a special license to drive Ford and Diamond T rigid trucks and two years later, he was eligible to drive semi-trailers.

At first, he drove an International KB with a 30 foot trailer and then a Commer Knocker with a 40 foot McGrath trailer.

George then moved on to long distance work, carting Main Roads machines and material to Derby with backloads to Perth of empty 44-gallon drums and scrap.

An opportunity came along to cart freight to the US Naval Base in Exmouth and George drove a new International

AB184 towing a bogey trailer for this job.

Following this, George drove interstate runs for various companies including Mayne Nickless, Swanline, Ashburton, Teasdale and finally, Vaughan Transport.

When George started working for Vaughan Transport in Midvale he became part of a great team and that is where he stayed until he retired 23 years later, at age 67.

However, George eventually became bored with retirement and returned to truck driving for a further three years, finally giving it away when he was 74 years old.

George and his wife, Joan, have been married 62 years after meeting in the Claremont Hotel in 1958. They have raised a family of five daughters.

WATM • January/February 2022

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Over to you

100TH YEAR AGRICULTURAL SHOW - Quairading

By Kevin Toovey

A new John Deere 4 wheel drive on tracks.

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he HCVC went out to Quairading recently to help them celebrate their 100th Agricultural Show.

Quairading a small country town had reached a milestone as far as agriculture shows goes.

The organisers had a big line up with the variety to suit all ages. They managed to attract some show rides, not a easy task when you are any distance out of Perth and with a small population.

They had also organised guest speakers during the day to attract different interest groups. Sabrina Hahn spoke on gardening and Caroline Taylor for cooking demonstrations.

Another highlight was the sheep dog trail demonstration where you were able to watch the highly trained dogs take a small mob of sheep between the stalls, displays and people.

And of course we had vintage trucks, tractors and machinery, that’s why we were there. Thanks to the Quairading Ag Society for the invitation.

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Some of the HCVC members whomade the trip out there and enjoyed the day

The nice looking Viking and the Ford water truck.

Note the local Quairading number plates.

A nice old Fairlane arriving at the show

Vintage speedway motorbikes The Mounted Police were handing out stickers to kids who were brave enough to pat the horse.

Right: A Corn grister driven by the horse. They were not actually gristing corn as it is very hard seed, they were using oats as it is softer on the machinery parts and as the owner said it is hard to find spare parts if anything breaks or when it wears out

The nice looking Viking and the Ford water truck.

Note the local Quairading number plates.

Yogi and the Kenworth made it to the show as well

This image and below: Very good line ups of old tractors

Lil Louie still at work in its home town

The Case sprayer that looks like a giant spider from a movie

WATM • January/February 2022

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History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon 1981. There were eight days of hearings and 823 pages of transcripts and 24 exhibits.

The Transport Workers’ Union of Australia Industrial Union of Workers, Western Australian Branch was the Appellant, while The Readymix Group (WA) and others were the First Respondent and WARTA and others the second respondent.

On November 2, the judgment was for dismissal of the appeal. All papers are held by the State Records Office.

1981

1982

A

note left to the Fremantle Library and penned in the 1980s by Stephen Jones speaks about the demise of the baggage handlers.

“Customs and baggage agents form and have always formed an important function in maritime trade. The virtual disappearance of passenger ships from Australian waters has also removed the baggage and the agent from the scene.

Such firms as Frank Cadd, R P North, Grace, Gill’s and Churcher employed ‘reps’ who invaded the incoming ship and ‘pestered’ strangers for business. Luggage for a fee was delivered to taxi, car, hotel, residence, railway station or wherever requested (Government-assisted migrant baggage was dealt with by contract). The weekly arrival and departure of at least two mail steamers and the ‘interstaters” was an exercise in mobility. The cessation of the splendid interstate passenger service in 1965 and the gradual withering of overseas traffic left the baggage men of Fremantle bereft of occupation. Perhaps, sometime, somewhere they would find solace????”

The following poem was also attached to Stephen Jones’ note and was probably penned by him:

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WATM • January/February 2022

“The Customs Agent stood at the Golden Gate His face was long and thin He meekly asked the Man of Fate If he would let him in.

‘What have you done,’ St Peter said, ‘To gain admission here?’

‘I’ve played with boats and music imports,’ He said as he silently shed a tear.

The Golden Gate swung open wide As St Peter clanged the bell.

‘Come in,’ he said, and ‘choose your harp, You’ve had your share of hell!’”

In an advertisement held at the Fremantle Library and from a 1938 unknown edition, R P North Co Ltd, stated: “North’s uniformed man meets all boats — he is just like a friend — ready to be of service — to give a happy ending to your trip. He’ll shoulder the burden of landing, checking and dispatching your luggage to its destination.”

A lengthy appeal to a decision that “owner-drivers employed by all but one of the respondents are employees within the meaning of s7(d) of the Act” was heard this year. The earlier decision of the Western Industrial Commission came on May 22,

The TWU was still seeking a shorter week.

At a meeting held on March 29, at the ARTF Industrial Relations Committee, it was felt that efforts should continue to be made for a maximum flexibility if a shorter working week was introduced and that the opportunity should be taken to obtain a stand-down clause in the award.

Dr D Hancock of Hancock Media Relations was appointed as the author/ historian to conduct all research and prepare the road transport historical book up to the completion of the manuscript at a total fee of $15,000. The book was to be 150-200 pages with 70,000-90,000 words. The cost of typesetting and printing the book was noted at $12,000. Six companies had offered a total of $12,000 towards the project. There was a delay in obtaining the full sponsorship and at the April 28 meeting, Mr T F O’Brien of Bellway Pty Ltd offered to “make up any deficiency as required”.

By 1982, the Metropolitan Transport Trust had expanded its fleet to 899 modern buses, mostly Leylands and Mercedes, but including AECs, MANs, Scanias and Hinos. Its biggest vehicles accommodate 95 passengers — 63 seated with peakhour standing room for 32 more. Perth’s buses now operate along more than 400 routes, which total 1500km. The combined distance covered annually by MTT buses is more than 41.5 million kilometres, equal to 50 return trips to the moon.

THE VOICE OF WA RURAL TRANSPORT SINCE 1980 - PROMOTING SAFETY, PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY

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WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE NEEDS HELP We are looking for a person who would like to work their own hours from home talking to our ‘long established client base’ to secure sales.

If you like communicating with people, the WA Transport Industry is full of genuine people who will benefit from the magazine.

If you have never done anything like this before, all you need is computer, basic computer literacy (email, word etc) and the want to talk to people.

If you, or any of your friends are interested, please contact Karen Maree Kaye at karen@angrychicken.com.au

TRUCKS

Now available in DIGITAL format $30 HARD COPIES NOW AVAILABLE ~

The ‘must have’ publication for anyone in the transport industry requiring the locations (distances) of transport parking bays, bridge information, roadhouses and their facilities and dirt tracks suitable for parking throughout mainland Australia.

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PRINT or use on your TABLET On the Road - Trucks is now available in high resolution PDF format which means you can use it on your TABLET as well as print it. You will be sent an invoice with EFT details, and once payment is received the book (6mb) will be emailed to you.

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News

Behind the people who keep Australia moving Everything we do, every day, relies on the people who literally keep Australia moving. From the fresh food in our supermarkets, to the petrol in our cars, from the school bus, to the train you catch to work, even your holiday travel. None of it would happen without transport workers.

And behind them is TWUSUPER, the industry super fund for the people who look after you.

1800 222 071 twusuper.com.au SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 MYCHOICE SUPER

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SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 PENSION

WATM • January/February 2022

TWU Nominees Pty Ltd, ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163, is the trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. 55621