MAY 2014 Issue 3 Vol. 23 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • E: m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au • www.timberbiz.com.au
¢ Forestry Corporation of NSW joined a delegation of Oberon Council staff and Councillors and representatives from the region’s major timber processors Highland Pine Products and BORG to inspect the new fleet at Mangan Haulage.
$6m truck safety plan F
EWER TRUCK movements, safer vehicles and less wear and tear on local roads are just some of the benefits that will flow from a $6 million investment in new log transport vehicles by Oberon business Mangan Haulage, with the support of Forestry Corporation of NSW. Forestry Corporation of NSW Haulage and Sales Manager Tijmen Klootwijk said the safer and more efficient log trucks would transport timber from Central West pine plantations to local processors. “Each year around a million tonnes of log products are transported from Forestry Corporation’s softwood plantations to timber processors in Oberon, Bathurst and Tumut, which equates to around 30,000 loaded truck movements plus a further 30,000 return trips into the forest,” Tijmen said. “We want to see each and every one of these trips completed safely so, together with Oberon-based contractor Mangan Haulage, we’re investing in up to 10 next generation timber transport vehicles with significantly improved safety features. “These vehicles are equipped with the latest safety features including electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, automatic load tensioning, global positioning system, daytime running lights, lifting axles on the trailers and an on-board weight measuring system, as well as the latest emissions control technology.
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“They are also slightly longer than traditional haulage trucks, which means the load can be spread more effectively to reduce the centre of gravity of the load and greatly improve its stability. “The new vehicles were not only safer, but the increased length means they also achieve an optimal payload more often as they do not reach the height restriction applicable to heavy vehicles in NSW. “In fact, even though they operate to the same legal gross mass as traditional trucks the introduction
Next generation timber transport vehicles of these next generation timber transport vehicles has the potential to reduce truck movements in the region by up to 5,000 a year. “The first next generation trucks have begun operating on local roads and already we’ve had great feedback from local drivers in the community who say they can see the improved stability in how the new trucks maintain their position on the road with very little side to side movement.” The transport sector has received strong support from all levels of Government for the new vehicles, including from Oberon Councillors, who inspected the new
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vehicles last month and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole. “My congratulations are extended to Mangan Haulage of Oberon who are clearly a catalyst and industry leader in the promotion and support of implementing safe and professional work attitudes, practices, and conditions in the timber transportation industry,” said Paul. “Log trucks are the lifeline of raw materials to wood yards, sawmills, and manufacturers. Forestry is a major industry and employer in our region. With around a million tonnes of log products transported annually this is an initiative that is an all-round winner from every perspective.” Due to their length, the new vehicles can only travel on roads that are approved for their use so traditional vehicles that meet Forestry Corporation’s high safety standards will continue to be used on some local roads. Mangan Logging is a family business that has been in operation for more than 50 years. For 20 years, Mangan Logging was run by Bert and Monica Mangan, and for the last 30 years it has been run by Michael and Suzanne, and their family. Michael and Suzanne Mangan own and run the business alongside their sons Matthew (logging manager), and Chris ( haulage manager) and daughters Lisa Mangan (office manager) and Michelle Corby (company accountant). The Mangan Haulage
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sector of the business was started in 2004. The business currently harvests, forwards and hauls over 600,000 tonnes annually in softwood plantations in the Macquarie region and employs more than 50 people.
¢ Mangan Haulage.