Horizons 2018 June/July

JUNE/JULY 2018

» What’s on in WA » Member benefits » 10 of the best

Winter in WA’s

Blackwood Valley Flashpoint Why our homes are burning faster

Slow charge Where are the electric cars?

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Graphic Designer Renee Smith Head of Design Mark Coppini Managing Editor Rebecca Martin

Your RAC magazine June/July 2018

Advertising Des McNamara (WA only) Tel. 08 9388 7844 des@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane Tel 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com Publisher RAC WA

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Bali without the crowds Cover photo Blackwood Valley, WA Photography: Frances Andrijich

Discover the natural beauty and culture of Bali, with half the crowds.

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CAB audited as at September 2017 is 573,989 households

Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285.

The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC�) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

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Member lounge People, places and offers

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Member benefits RAC members save every day

Contact For deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au For more contact details, see page 81.

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

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President’s message Vehicle emissions

Exchange Your views and feedback

Snapshot News from RAC

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What’s on Great events around WA

Flashpoint Why homes are burning faster

Young drivers Behind the wheel

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Electric cars Stalled in Australia

It all started with a galah Kanyana Wildlife Centre

Travel brief News from RAC Travel

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Competition Win an indulgent escape

Blackwood Valley Immerse yourself in nature

Motor news Everything on wheels

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Test drive Putting new cars to the test

Car doctor Your questions answered

The 10 best Regional art galleries

Horizons / June-July 2018

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YO U R R A C

President’s message Australia’s fuel quality and vehicle emissions must be addressed The fuel filling the tanks of Australian vehicles, when burnt, can be up to 15 times more harmful than vehicle emissions in China, the USA and Europe.

Tailpipe emissions from vehicles in Australia are, per capita, 50 per cent higher than the average of other OECD nations, with 43 million tonnes being emitted from cars alone on Australian roads each year.

These issues are not isolated. High sulphur in our fuel contributes to higher levels of toxic emissions from our vehicles. Research indicates that up to 2550 Australians die each year from air pollution, at an estimated economic cost of approximately $11 billion.

Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor and stronger measures are urgently needed to improve the quality of fuels and the efficiency of vehicles sold in Australia.

In the future, we are likely to rely less on petrol and diesel and move more toward electric or even hydrogen options. However for now, and for the foreseeable future, petrol will remain the key ingredient in how we move around.

As part of our sustainability mission, RAC is calling for action in four critical areas:

Horizons / June-July 2018

1. Introduction of appropriate vehicle emissions standards 2. Increasing the quality of Australian fuel, and specifically a reduction of the maximum allowable sulphur levels across all retail fuel 3. Introduction of incentives and/or tax concessions for low and zero emissions vehicles 4. Introduction of a rating system at point of sale, so car buyers can easily assess a vehicle’s sustainability credentials.

According to the Australian Government’s own modelling, without change, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles will increase by eight million tonnes a year by 2030, bringing with it an additional $5 billion in annual energy costs.

The Australian Government has taken positive steps to begin assessing and addressing this growing issue. In October 2015 the Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions was established and that Forum, chaired by the Minister for Urban Infrastructure and including the Minister for the Environment and Energy,

has since released several consultation papers. These are good first steps which must now be translated into action.

RAC President

Travelling around our state should be safe, efficient and have minimal environmental impact. This is not an impossible vision, but it is one with several gears.

President Tony Evans

We must embrace new technologies, like low emissions and autonomous vehicles. We must invest in alternative transport options, such as public transport, cycling and walking. And we must create a regulatory environment that motivates manufacturers to import more efficient and more sustainable vehicles and provides incentives for consumers to buy them.

Vice President Ross Dowling

RAC will continue to engage with government, industry and other key stakeholders to reduce our carbon footprint, which has the potential to save thousands of Australian lives every year.

Emmerson Richardson

Tony Evans RAC Council

Senior Vice President Jacqueline Ronchi

Members of Council Dennis Banks Allan Blagaich Esme Bowen Freda Crucitti Jill Darby Dalton Gooding Alden Halse Murray Lampard

Tim Shanahan Christopher Turner Julie Wadley

Tony Evans RAC President

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YO U R R A C

Feedback, opinion and fast facts

@racwa @racwa editor@rac.com.au Sign up to receive RAC’s For the Better enews rac.com.au/racenews

‘Tessie’ by David Cann

Winning Exchange

We shared details about five new electric vehicles (EV) coming to Australia. David Cann is already an EV fan:  I’ve driven “Tessie” (Tesla EV) through the Red Centre from Darwin to Sydney via Adelaide. No drama, easiest drive of my life in fact. It’s not her first long distance journey either, she’s already been right around Australia and the reverse from Sydney to Darwin via Adelaide handing out 3-phase power outlets to anyone willing to install them. There is now a plugshare (EV charging) route right around Australia and through the Red Centre. My total out of pocket cost for electricity for the Darwin to Sydney run was $52. And that’s not a misprint. The only hard part was giving her back to her owner. It’s all but over for internal combustion engine cars. David Cann

Dear tailgaters RAC Intellibus®

by Rhona Bolger

 We checked out the @racwa intellibus. The future is here and we loved it! Rhona Bolger

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To the tailgaters – on behalf of all the drivers who continually get in your way I offer an apology for holding you up by driving at the speed limit. I hope you realise that we are just normal people who lack your superhuman abilities to stop your rapidly moving vehicles on the spot when a child runs onto the road. I hope you don’t mind that we lack your total exemption from road rules.

It might have occurred to you by now that no matter how hard you push from behind we are not going to go any faster. Nor are we going to turn corners on two wheels just to get out of your way a little sooner. John Mercer

June-July 2018 / Horizons

Into the valley  We stayed at RAC Karri Valley Resort and the weather was gorgeous with foggy early mornings.

I captured an image of your pontoon out on the lake and just had a canvas printed a few weeks ago.

Nyrelle Hawkins

Como memories Thanks for the ‘On the beat in ’65’ letter from Graeme Lienert (Horizons, April/May). As a kid I lived in Como and I remember well the Canning Bridge Police Station. I remember going to that Police Station to get a licence number plate for my bike.

The plate was attached to the cross bar between the seat and the handle bars. I also remember the visit of the Queen and Prince Phillip in 1963.

Local school students were lined up along Canning Highway to see the motorcade as it travelled from Fremantle to Perth, and we were right outside the police station. There was also a hamburger shop on the beach between the Police Station and Canning Bridge. Thanks Graeme for evoking fond memories of that location. Robert Rees

RAC Karri Valley Resort by Nyrelle Hawkins

Slow drive in Tasmania My wife and I have returned from a 14-day self-drive holiday around Tasmania. Our trip took us clockwise from Hobart. One interesting comment by the bus driver on our first day in Hobart en route to Bruny Island was that speeding is not a big problem in Tasmania as most drivers travel 10km/h or more below the posted speed limit. We found this intriguing as in WA it is typically the opposite but it soon became clear why. Other than the main roads, it is basically impossible to do the speed limit due to the width and constant curves that can have speeds of down to 35km/h. In most cases if you wanted to stick to the speed limit then really you had some sort of death wish as you would either hit the crash barriers or if there weren’t any, head off down a high, near vertical drop or hit a rock wall. Probably due to this, drivers were very considerate of others and rarely seemed to be concerned if held up by slower vehicles or would take the first opportunity to allow following vehicles to go past when they had the chance to pull over. Peter Swaan

Correction The Great Drives lift-out that accompanied April/May Horizons stated that Big Brook Dam was 30km from Pemberton. It is approximately 7km from Pemberton.

Get social with @RACWA on Facebook and Twitter. Tag your snaps with #RACWA and you could feature in the next Horizons.

Send feedback and win Send us your opinions and feedback via Facebook, Twitter, email or post and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance.

For assistance or more information call 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au Terms and conditions on page 81. Published letters may be edited for style and length.

While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

Horizons / June-July 2018

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YO U R R A C

News in brief from the RAC and beyond

If you don’t need premium fuel don’t buy it Motorists pumping premium fuel into cars that are recommended to run on a lower octane fuel are not likely to see a fuel economy benefit that outweighs the extra costs.

While higher octane petrol can deliver slight performance and economy improvements, any fuel economy savings are usually offset by the higher prices of premium fuels.

However, if your car’s manufacturer specifies 95 or 98 octane, then you must use these premium fuels.

Retail margins are higher on premium fuels and climb even higher on days when petrol prices spike.

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Perth’s fuel prices generally hit their weekly high on a Tuesday, tapering back down to a low by the following Monday, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

You could save several hundred dollars a year just by buying fuel on the low days, and also by using your RAC member fuel discount at Puma stations.

Your vehicle manual will tell you what fuel you should be using in your vehicle. Stick with it and check the labels on the fuel pumps carefully before filling up as colour coding for fuel types is not uniform across fuel retailers.

Fast fact Most fuel sold in Perth comes from the BP refinery in Kwinana.

Can only buses use bus lanes?

The use of most bus lanes is restricted to buses, and, when necessary, emergency vehicles or special purpose vehicles. Taxis, motorcycles or bicycles are only permitted to use a bus lane where there is a sign indicating this.

Other vehicles are also permitted to temporarily travel in a bus lane but only for a maximum distance of 100m and only in some circumstances, such as when the driver needs to enter or leave the road, overtake a vehicle that is turning right or if the driver needs to avoid obstacles on the road.

Wherever possible though, motorists should avoid using bus lanes. Also be aware that some bus lanes only operate during peak times while others are for the exclusive use of buses and exempted vehicles at all times. Road markings within the lane and other signage will clearly indicate this.

June-July 2018 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Nominations for RAC Council Nominations for election to the Council of The Royal Automobile Club of W.A. (Incorporated) close at 12 noon on Tuesday 31 July 2018.

The reality of road trauma exposed Sirens and flashing lights filled the stage at Perth Arena in April as almost 8000 young people watched emergency services attend a major incident.

The scene was a re-enactment of a fatal road crash staged as part of the RAC bstreetsmart youth road safety event and demonstrated the far-reaching impact of road trauma.

Prospective nominees are referred to Rules 11.3(a) and (b) of the Club, which read:

As well as the simulated crash scene, students in Years 10 to 12 heard stories from those who had been personally impacted by road trauma along with emergency services personnel.

“11.3(a) Except in the case of retiring Councillors who are eligible and offer themselves for election or re-election under rule 11.3(c) and subject to rule 13.1(b)(ii), a person must be nominated by at least 25 Members who are Voting Members as at the date of lodgement of the nomination form.

The crash simulation provides an insight into the enormous number of people who must deal with the aftermath of a serious road crash – a scene we hope none of the students attending will ever have to witness in real life.

11.3(b) The procedures to be followed in conducting the nomination process must be set out in the By-Laws, including the requirements for the nomination form and the date by which the nomination form is required to be lodged.”

Eligibility requirements for nominees are set out in Rule 7.2 and in the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA).

A copy of the Rules and ByLaws can be found on the website rac.com.au.

Nomination forms may be obtained on application to the Chief Executive, RAC, 832 Wellington Street, West Perth, from 2 July 2018.

Nominations to fill four vacancies on the Council of the RAC will close at 12 noon on 31 July 2018.

Subject to the Rules, retiring members of Council are eligible for re-election.

Horizons / June-July 2018

RAC bstreetsmart is a key part of RAC’s youth road safety education strategy and has been held each year since 2012. It is presented by RAC, WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance and Royal Perth Hospital.

What to do after a storm Before storm season there are many things homeowners can do to prepare for a big storm event, such as clearing gutters and trimming trees to prevent damage from falling branches.

Being prepared can reduce the risk and extent of damage. However, the force of some winter storms is often difficult to completely protect your home against.

don’t attempt to clear or repair it.

Get it assessed and dealt with by a professional.

Keep in mind that if you do make any repairs yourself, especially if you cause further damage in the process, it may not be covered under your insurance policy.

If your home is damaged during a storm you should assess the damage and take photographs in case they’re needed for insurance claims, but be cautious around debris and stay clear of any structural damage.

If you have major structural damage such as a collapsed roof or ceiling where you need urgent assistance, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500. The SES can help with temporary emergency repairs, but cannot clear debris or organise permanent repairs.

If there is asbestos in or around your home that has been damaged,

Contact your insurer to organise permanent repairs.

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Making

COMPOUND INTEREST work for you

By Noel Whittaker

Albert Einstein called compound interest “the eighth miracle of the world” because its effects really do appear miraculous.

It’s a simple concept: when you let the earnings on an investment compound, you leave them to grow instead of withdrawing them.

Compounding works for both investing and borrowing. The two main factors that influence the amount of money you can accumulate, or the amount of time it takes to pay off a loan, are time and rate. But note that if the time is short the rate doesn’t matter very much.

If you decide to buy a car for $15,000, borrow the whole lot, and pay it back over 12 months the rate is almost immaterial. At an interest rate of 7% the total interest will be $576, at 10% it would be $828.

It works the same with your housing loan. If you owed $400,000 at 6% over 30 years, your repayments would be $2398 a month. After five years, you would have made repayments totalling $143,880 but would only have reduced the loan by $28,000 – you would still have 25 years left to go.

However, if you found the resources to double the repayments to $4796 a month from the outset, the term would be slashed to just nine years, saving $431,000 in interest. This is why home owners who focus all their energies on getting their home loan paid back quickly end up in a better financial situation long-term.

Horizons / June-July 2018

They are not wasting money on nondeductible interest.

It’s the same if you’re investing: invest $1000 a year for two years at 4% and the balance at the end of the term would be $2040. If you doubled the rate of return to 8% the balance would be just $2080. Because the term is short the rate is not that important.

But the outcome is dramatic if we can increase the rate of return at the same time as we increase the time frame.

This is why home owners who focus all their energies on getting their home loan paid back quickly end up in a better financial situation long-term.

Invest $1000 a year for 50 years at 4%, and the balance at the end of the period would be just $153,000.

If you double the rate of return to 8% the balance would be $574,000.

Think about a person who has $100,000 to invest and who manages to achieve 9% per annum. At that rate the portfolio will double every eight years. They will have $200,000 after eight years, $400,000 after

16 years, $800,000 after 24 years, $1.6 million after 32 years and $3.2 million after 40 years. Notice that every time their portfolio doubles, there is more growth in the last double amount than in all the previous doubles added up. This is a graphic example of the importance of time on an investment program.

Now you have an elemental knowledge of compounding, let’s look at ways you can make it work for you.

If you have a non-deductible loan such as your home loan, try to speed up your repayments. If you are taking out a personal loan, make sure it’s on the shortest possible term. If you have superannuation, look at the asset allocation to make sure it targets the maximum possible return that would suit your goals and your risk profile. These are just starter ideas, but each one could be worth a lot of money to you.

Check the rates and fees on RAC Finance personal loans at rac.com.au/loans  Do you have a finance question

for Noel Whittaker?  Email editor@rac.com.au

Noel Whittaker is the author of Making Money Made Simple and numerous other books on personal finance. His advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional advice before making any financial decisions.

Email: noel@noelwhittaker.com.au

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EVENTS

What’s on

Events around the state in June and July

Tracksnap Photography

Jessica Wyld

LEFT: Truffle Kerfuffle, ABOVE: Albany Car Classic

WA Day Festival

Mullewa Muster and Rodeo

celebratewa.com.au

mullewamuster.com.au

Denmark Festival of Voice

Albany Car Classic

1-4 June Celebrating our amazing State, the WA Day Festival will be held across the WA Day long weekend with events from the Pilbara to the South West, culminating in the huge SOTA music festival at Elizabeth Quay on Monday 4th June.

1-4 June This intimate festival will show you just how remarkable the human voice is with a line-up of unique local, national and international performers. The festival shines the spotlight on community singing to bring the idea of a shared voice to life. Take a seat and enjoy group and individual performances across venues in Denmark. denmarkfestivalofvoice.com.au

2 June Mullewa Recreation Centre This authentic rodeo event also features a Beaut Ute competition, a Whip Crackin’ competition and a country music concert, plus stalls with giftware and western-style apparel.

Free camping is provided on site.

2-3 June In 1936, Albany held Australia’s first ‘Round the houses’ car race - the WA 50 Mile TT Car Race. The annual Albany Car Classic re-enacts this iconic event. Spectators can see 150 cars in action and this year the event is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the HK Monaro and Mk1 Escort. albanyclassic.com

Ord River Marathon

1-4 June Enjoy the cool sounds of jazz in some of the South West’s hottest venues over the June long weekend. Busselton, Dunsborough, and Margaret River will host an extensive line up of bands and artists with something for jazz lovers of all kinds.

10 June Lake Argyle, East Kimberley A spectacular 55km marathon paddle down the Ord River from Lake Argyle to Kununurra with plenty of amazing scenery along the way.

You’ll have breakfast in Lake Argyle then relax with a well-earned dinner in Kununurra. The Ord River Marathon is the annual highlight of the Kununurra Dragon Boat Club’s calendar.

jazzbythebay.com.au

ordriverpaddle.com.au

Jazz by the Bay

Horizons / June-July 2018

Everywoman Expo

15-17 June Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre See more than 250 exhibitors featuring fashion, beauty, health and food. Check out the free cooking demonstrations or get a free minimakeover while you’re there.

Entry is now free. everywomanexpo.com.au

Truffle Kerfuffle

22-24 June Manjimup It’s a celebration of truffle season in the heart of Australian truffle country.

Every June the township of Manjimup celebrates this curious and soughtafter fungus with truffle hunts, food and festivities. Manjimup is the largest producer of Superior Perigord Truffles in the Southern Hemisphere. trufflekerfuffle.com.au

Disney’s Aladdin the Musical From 19 July Crown Theatre See the classic Disney film brought to life with stunning sets, special effects, and colourful costumes in this Broadway hit musical. Sing along to classics like “A Whole New World” from the beloved film and be charmed by magical characters like the Genie. aladdinthemusical.com.au 17

Why homes are burning faster

By Vanessa Pogorelic

In Western Australia, more than 60 per cent of all building fires occur in residential properties and new home designs and furnishings are changing the way house fires are spreading.

“Around the 1960s and ’70s there was a change, with materials used going from more natural fibres like horsehair to more polymers and foams in furnishings,” says Webb.

Back in 1958, a Perth family facing an out-of-control house fire would have had approximately 17 minutes to get outside to safety.

The faster things burn, the faster the home fills with smoke.

It doesn’t sound like much until you consider that today you’d have as little as three minutes to escape the smoke and flames in a typical modern Perth home.

Over the past 60 years there has been a significant increase in the speed at which house fires develop and move around Australian homes.

The change has been driven by two factors: open-plan home designs and more flammable materials being used in modern home furnishings.

“The growth of more open-plan homes, which we started seeing around the 1970s and ’80s in Australia, changed how rooms were segmented which affects how smoke moves through a whole house,” says Webb.

“When you’ve got interconnected spaces and less separated rooms, the smoke can more easily move through. Also more oxygen can get to the fire.”

In addition to the layout of our homes becoming more open, we’re also filling that space with furnishings made from synthetic materials.

“These furnishings burn much faster.”

“Carbon monoxide is one of the main toxic gases that incapacitates people in a fire and all fires produce carbon monoxide, so even olderstyle home furnishings made of more natural fibres produce carbon monoxide.

“It’s the speed of fires, quickly filling an open-plan house with smoke, that’s changing the safety of buildings.”

Alex Webb from the CSIRO’s Infrastructure Technologies Group leads a team that assesses and tests building products. He explains how modern home designs have altered the way fire behaves in a home.

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Modern home

1950s home

MINUTES

MINUTES

Lab testing the old and the new In 2008, the CSIRO conducted a joint project with the NSW Fire Brigades to examine how domestic fires have changed over time.

The first formal study of its kind in Australia, the burn time of four rooms was compared: a bedroom and a lounge room containing older-style furnishings, typical of the period between 1945 and 1965, and a bedroom and lounge room with modern furnishings.

“We sourced some old furnishings from op shops, including mattresses, couches and side-tables. Then we chose more modern furnishings and set up two rooms with the same dimensions – the rooms were the same size, the doors were the same size.”

Horizons / June-July 2018

Conducted at a specialist fire testing facility, the old lounge room was set alight with a match and took 17 minutes to reach ‘flashover’ the stage at which intense heat causes all combustible materials in a room to ignite. The old bedroom did not reach flashover at all.

In contrast, both of the rooms containing modern furnishings took just three minutes to reach flashover.

Australia does not regulate the materials used in furnishings for fire performance, says Webb.

“Australian building codes do regulate materials used in construction in terms of fire performance. But building codes only cover the materials used in construction not the furnishings that you then bring into the home.”

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YO U R R A C

Household fire technology While a 1950s household may have had time on their side, today we have the advantage of smoke alarms that can detect smoke well before anyone in the home. This is especially critical when occupants are asleep as our sense of smell is effectively disabled while in deep stages of sleep.

Webb says there have been many advances in fire detection systems beyond smoke alarms, “but these are usually rolled out in commercial buildings,” he says.

“For homes, there are also more advanced detection systems, such as carbon monoxide detectors, but most people don’t look at these due to cost. Having compliant smoke detectors correctly placed throughout your home is the best starting point.”

In addition to this, Webb says there are home maintenance tasks that can effectively manage fire risk, starting with identifying potential hazards in the home, some of which may not be as obvious as others.

Five hidden fire hazards in your home Oily rags Certain types of common organic household oils, including boiled linseed oil, commonly used to treat wooden outdoor furniture, don’t even need an ignition source to set them alight. A bundle of rags smeared with linseed oil can self-ignite within hours at room temperature. You should only store boiled linseed oil in metal containers. Spread oil-soaked rags out flat to dry somewhere safe (preferably outdoors) before they’re disposed of. Do not put any oil-soaked rags in a tumble dryer.

Downlights Old or poorly installed ceiling downlights are thought to cause at least one house fire a week in WA, according to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

If incorrectly installed or maintained they can set fire to insulation, wiring, leaf litter or timber that can burn undetected in the roof space above smoke alarms. A barrier installed around downlights can prevent combustible materials from covering the lights. Get a licensed electrical contractor to inspect all downlights and transformers particularly if they are old.

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Chimneys and flues While chimneys and flues in your home should be cleaned regularly to prevent built-up ash and soot that can ignite inside, the less obvious hazard to watch for is cracks. Cracks could emit embers or radiant heat into the roof space.

Electric blankets Never fold your electric blanket as it can damage the elements. To store them, roll them up. While in use, regularly check for damage, wear and tear. Switch them off when you’re not at home and overnight while you’re asleep.

Overloaded or dusty power boards Dust that gets into unused points on power boards can create a fire hazard. Buy power boards that have safety covers built in or buy safety covers to close off unused points. Stick to the maximum current rate so you don’t overload the board.

Where do most house fires start?

In 2017, 44 per cent of RAC Insurance claims for fire damage began in the kitchen, many the result of pots and pans left unattended on a stove.

In an open-plan home where the kitchen, lounge and dining areas are connected, fires can spread quickly.

The high number of heat sources and flammable material in kitchens, such as cooking oils, means it’s a high risk area for house fires, according to RAC Insurance home claims manager, Glen Walker.

“Given the high percentage of fires that occur in the kitchen, leaving cooking unattended is a risk simply not worth taking. A fire blanket is a cheap and effective means of extinguishing small cooking fires, so have one within arm’s reach,” he says.

“If you do find yourself in a more serious fire situation and have to evacuate, remember to stay low to the ground to minimise your exposure to toxic smoke.

“Unlike storms and flooding, a house fire can decimate everything in its path, large and small, so always have an escape plan for you and your family.

“If the worst happens, be sure you can also replace your home and belongings. It’s your biggest investment so check you have the right level of insurance cover. There are online calculators that can assist you with this.”

Find RAC Insurance building and contents calculators at rac.com.au/calculators

Fast fact All homes must have mains-powered smoke alarms professionally installed before they can be sold or rented out.

Even mains-powered smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years.

June-July 2018 / Horizons

young drivers

On the road with our

We check in with WA’s young drivers to see what’s on their minds when they get behind the wheel.

Horizons / June-July 2018

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YO U R R A C

Seventeen-year-old Kelli Kang has ticked one of life’s big boxes – she has her P-plates.

Although Kang has managed to get around quite well without a car, she’s excited about the added independence having a drivers’ licence will give her.

Kang, who is still at high school, is the first of her close friends to get a drivers’ licence and says that, like her, most of her friends are keen to get their licence because of the autonomy it will give them rather than the pure practicality of getting around every day.

“Before I got my licence I’d just been using public transport,” she says.

“So getting my licence is more about giving me freedom to do stuff with my friends, not really for me to get places.

“Because a lot of my friend's parents drive them around, it’s been less important to them too. But I think getting your licence becomes more

important as more of your friends get theirs.”

It’s an attitude that was also evident in RAC’s 2017 Young Driver Survey.

While 72 per cent of 17 to 21-yearolds said they needed a car to get around, only 57 per cent said their life would be dramatically affected if they didn’t have a licence.

In a typical week, 42 per cent said they travelled as a passenger in a car and 37 per cent used public transport.

Kang is lucky enough to have a car that was gifted to her by her grandmother. For her, the make and model wasn’t important, she was just happy to have a car. She also made it through the learning and examination process easily.

“I found it fairly easy to get my licence. I passed on the first go which most people don’t apparently.”

Drivers aged 17-21 can get free RAC Standard Roadside Assistance for one year and up to two subsequent years for half price with continuous membership.

Visit rac.com.au/free2go

In addition to the road safety information gained through her driver training, Kang says some of her earliest memories of road safety messages were those she was exposed to in primary school.

“They used to have a lot of those stop, look, listen and think messages.”

Today, as a passenger in cars with other young drivers Kang is happy to call out her friends' risky driving behaviours, though she says it’s usually with a light-hearted tone.

Given the high representation of young people in road fatalities, it's a sentiment that’s great to hear.

Risky driving Young drivers continue to be overrepresented in road fatality statistics.

In 2016, the road fatality rate for 17 to 19-year-olds in WA was almost double the state-wide rate.

The 2017 RAC Young Driver survey found that distraction and mobile phone use continued to be an issue.

Thirty nine per cent of

respondents said they’d had a near miss while driving because they were distracted, while 21 per cent had used their mobile phone in slow moving traffic.

More from the survey Left: Kelli Kang

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

Behind the wheel

a near miss while driving 39% Had because they were distracted at some time driven even 38% Had when they were too tired to drive expressed anger at other 35% Had road users while driving

Mobile usage

their mobile phone while 48% Used stopped at traffic lights their mobile phone 21% Used in slow moving traffic

Getting around

72% 57%

2017 RAC Young Driver

survey results

Said they need a car to get around Would be dramatically affected if they lost their licence

Driving ability

Drivers' licence

Phone apps

Modes of transport

Owning a car

How did young drivers rate their driving ability against other drivers their age?

At what age did they get their P-plates?

What phone apps did they use while driving?

In a typical week, here’s how our young drivers get around.

Why some young drivers don't own their own car

(Multiple choice)

(Multiple choice)

(Multiple choice)

46% BETTER

66% 17 YEARS

68% GOOGLE MAPS

75%

IN A CAR AS A DRIVER

45% CAN’T AFFORD TO BUY A CAR

54% TEXT OR APPBASED MESSAGING 32% CAR SHARE 42% IN A CAR AS A PASSENGER 30% MUCH BETTER 50% MUSIC APPS

23% 18 YEARS

37% PUBLIC TRANSPORT

25% CAN’T AFFORD TO RUN A CAR

31% WALKING

25% CAN BORROW ONE

29% SNAPCHAT

23% ABOUT THE SAME

19% VOICE-CALL APPS 9% 19 YEARS 13% FACEBOOK 1% WORSE Horizons / June-July 2018

2% 20 YEARS

6% CYCLING 2% SCOOTER/ MOTORCYCLE

1% OTHER 25

SLOW CHARGE

By Glenn Butler

Electric vehicle uptake stalls in Australia

More than 1.2 million electric vehicles were sold globally in 2017, yet in Australia our tally for the year was just 1,100. Why has the electric revolution been so slow to take over Australian roads?

January 2007 was the month that was supposed to change the world. In the same month, two potentially revolutionary new

Horizons / June-July 2018

consumer products were revealed by two visionary corporate leaders.

On North America’s East Coast, General Motors’ talismanic product chief, Bob Lutz, whipped off the covers of the electricpowered Chevrolet Volt, an alternative fuel car that would free us from the environmentally harmful shackles of fossil fuels.

On the West Coast, Apple’s equally charismatic leader Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone, a touchscreen ‘smartphone’ that would revolutionise communications.

Twelve years later, only one of those two technological wonders has fulfilled its potential.

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YO U R R A C

While we can no longer live without smart phones, the Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution has been more of a trickle than a charge, although not for want of backing by car companies or the belief that EVs are the future.

Not long after the Volt’s debut, global juggernauts Nissan-Renault and BMW jumped on the electric bandwagon. Nissan-Renault proclaimed that EVs would be 10 per cent of global vehicle sales by 2020. BMW said it could be as much as 15 per cent.

Today, less than two years from that deadline, EVs account for just over one per cent of the global new car market, even after a relatively ‘big’ year in 2017 in which 1.2 million EVs were sold worldwide.

According to data provided by EVVolumes.com, China and not California led the way, accounting for 606,000 or half of EV sales in 2017, followed by the USA with 200,000 and Norway with 82,000.

Norway’s EV sales in 2017 represented 52 per cent of its new car market, out-selling fossil-fuel cars for the first time. However Norway’s strong results can be attributed to it being an early adopter, supporting the EV market with strong incentives and infrastructure.

Closer to home, Australians bought just 1123 electric vehicles in 2017 according to VFACTS industry figures, although those numbers do not include Tesla sales, as the American company refuses to reveal its sales figures. The Australian automotive magazine Wheels says it’s around 1060 vehicles per year.

Of the 14 million new cars on Australian roads today, 8000 are EVs and sales have declined since a high of 1700 sold in 2015.

Despite many car manufacturers releasing new EV models, very few of them are available here.

“The main reason there is low take-up is you can’t buy them”, says Chris Jones, national secretary for the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, an organisation dedicated to bringing about Australia’s electric mobility future.

“Basically, you’ve got a choice of a $70,000 BMW or a $120,000 Tesla, and that’s it.”

EVs account for just over one per cent of the global new car market, even after a relatively ‘big’ year in 2017 in which 1.2 million EVs were sold worldwide.

Anne Still, RAC’s general manager of Public Policy says that while interest in EVs remains high, the lack of choice at a variety of price points and the need for more EV infrastructure is slowing down adoption.

“Certainly, there’s more work to be done enticing [Australians] and encouraging manufacturers to make sure those vehicles come to Australian shores and consumers have access to those vehicles.”

“Currently there are two or three electric models on the Australian market. Compare that to Europe where there are about 20 models – more than 60 once you start looking at different specifications.

“We will see a new Nissan Leaf come on the market [later this year], so we hope that is the start of the change.”

While Still and Jones believe more choice at varying price points would increase EV sales, car companies would argue they’ve been offering electric cars in Australia since 2010 and that the demand simply isn’t there.

“It’s a chicken and egg situation,” says Jones. “Sure, EVs have been here since 2010, but always in limited numbers. Car companies need to do more than dip a toe in the water from time to time.”

Over the next two years high-end brands like Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Audi and BMW are all bringing pure electric models to Australia.

However Jones says it will be the more affordable vehicles from massmarket brands like Mazda, Hyundai, Holden, Ford or Toyota that will really kick-start EV sales.

With Nissan, Renault, Volkswagen and Hyundai having confirmed they have new models on the way, he says things are moving in the right direction.

Even taking into account those unconfirmed Tesla numbers, 2183 EVs per year is a long way short of the 10 per cent share, or 120,000 vehicles those early car manufacturers predicted would be the case by now.

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

Anton Ukolov / Shutterstock.com Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock.com

Grzegorz Czapski / Shutterstock.com

TOP: Nissan Leaf, ABOVE LEFT: Renault Zoe, ABOVE RIGHT: Hyundai Ioniq, BOTTOM: Tesla Model S P85+

“Personally, I think the Renault Zoe and the new Nissan Leaf will change the fortunes of EVs in Australia.

And the Hyundai Ioniq. They will be the cars that will prove to most Australians that EVs can stack up against petrol alternatives.”

RAC’s Still says the lack of federally mandated CO2 emissions standards for new cars is also hampering EV market penetration, as well as low emissions vehicles more broadly.

“We are responding to Federal Government proposals to implement Australia’s first [CO2] target.

“That would incentivise car companies to bring in and sell greener car models in the Australian market.”

Jones says the huge annual income generated by the fuel excise – $16.3 billion in the 2016/17 financial year alone – may be contributing to government reluctance to act on the growing emissions from vehicles.

Horizons / June-July 2018

“I think they are [reluctant]. They wouldn’t like to admit it, but I think they are.”

hurdles will be as with all car purchases, availability, price and preference.

While Jones acknowledges the fuel excise is a de facto road user tax, he says EVs cannot be criticised for using the roads and not paying this tax given they don’t use fuel.

“Once EVs are more widely available and are priced competitively with petrol alternatives, then we will be ready to drive our EV future.”

“I believe the time has come for the Federal Government to come up with a new way to ensure people pay to use the road.”

RAC says reform is required.

“Federal fuel excise should only be reformed as part of the broader reform of taxation on motorists.

“Governments should work towards the development of an equitable charge to replace the existing revenue raising fees and taxes.”

If appropriate levels of government and manufacturer support are in place, Jones says the last remaining

EV charging stations in WA You can locate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across WA on our interactive EV chargers map, including the 11 fast charging stations that make up the RAC Electric Highway® stretching from Perth to Augusta.

The map is a collaboration between RAC and the WA Electric Vehicle Association and is regularly updated with new charging stations.  rac.com.au/waevchargers

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Hydrogen cars to hit Australian roads next year A car that runs on the most plentiful element in the universe and emits only water sounds like science fiction, except it’s real.

The only catch is that we’re not ready.

Revealed, not at a car show but at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2017, was the Nexo, Hyundai’s next generation hydrogenpowered SUV. The ACT Government has 20 Nexos scheduled to arrive in the next 12 months as part of its Renewable Transport Fuels project.

It’s a big jump forward for the potential of hydrogen to be a real alternative to petrol.

“Hydrogen cars are no longer future technology, says Scott Nargar, Hyundai’s environmental spokesman.

“It’s here today. The cars are ready”.

The science behind a vehicle like the Nexo is complex, created after nearly two decades of research. But the basic principles of hydrogen power are easy.

Hydrogen does not actually fuel the vehicle, instead it acts as a storage medium for electrical energy, a bit like a battery.

The Nexo’s on board fuel cell stack uses a chemical reaction to strip the hydrogen of its electrons, which gives the car its electric power.

The used hydrogen is then combined with oxygen and emitted from the tailpipe as water vapour, meaning there are zero harmful emissions.

Much like an electric vehicle (EV), hydrogen cars provide a quiet ride, but unlike today’s EVs refuelling is fast — a nozzle is attached and the tank

30

filled with hydrogen in around three minutes, about the same time it takes to pump 80 litres of petrol.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars need batteries to store electricity but they don’t need the same huge, heavy and expensive battery packs as required by EVs. The Nexo, says Hyundai, can do 800km on a single fill and with hydrogen prices at around $16 per kilo, costs just under $90 to refill the 5.5kg tank.

“Hydrogen and electric are zero emission drivetrains and we should be supporting both.

They are the future.”

So why are we not all driving these environmentally and technologically superior cars? Two reasons: cost and infrastructure.

There’s only one hydrogen refuelling station in Australia at Hyundai’s Sydney headquarters and it’s not for public use. In comparison there are just under 6000 stations selling petrol, diesel and LPG. Globally we are behind the hydrogen game - Toyota, Hyundai and Honda have been selling hydrogen-powered cars in California, Japan, Korea and Europe since 2013 where infrastructure has been created. Japan alone has 50 hydrogen fuelling stations.

“We need the infrastructure in place to fuel the vehicles. If there are stations available —more than just one in each big city — there’s no reason why you couldn’t look at [launching] a car in the next couple of years,” says Nargar.

However there are plenty of detractors of hydrogen cars too.

Dr Thomas Braunl, professor of robotics and automation at the University of Western Australia, says hydrogen fuel cell cars are simply not as effective as EVs. “Originally the appeal for hydrogen cars was due to the shortcomings of electric vehicles around range and long charging times.

“Both these drawbacks have now been overcome. EVs can also be charged at home or wherever there is a power point, and may be charged for free if home owners use energy from roof-top solar installations.

“Hydrogen, on the other hand, requires a lot of energy to generate, truck to a service station and eventually burn in a fuel cell, almost twice the amount of energy compared to storing it directly in an EV battery.

“Hydrogen also requires expensive bowser systems and in-car fuel cells, and of course is highly explosive.”

For Hyundai, the debate between hydrogen and EVs is irrelevant.

“Hydrogen and electric are zero emission drivetrains and we should be supporting both,” says Nargar.

“They are the future.”

June-July 2018 / Horizons

galah It all started with a

By Courtney Pearson

For more than 35 years, Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in the Perth Hills has been dedicated to the care of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

When former nurse June Butcher discovered an injured galah on Kalamunda Road more than 35 years ago, she knew she had to help.

“I picked up this galah to take it home and remember thinking, oh my goodness, what am I going to do with this bitey thing?”

Butcher soon worked it out, nursing the animal back to health and then returning it to the wild.

Always a wildlife lover, that first galah marked Butcher’s transformation from a nurse caring for human patients to a wildlife warrior as founder of Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Butcher continued to take in and care for increasing numbers of injured native animals, organically creating a wildlife hospital in her home.

Over a number of decades, her home-grown operation in the Perth Hills turned into a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Many patients are brought to the centre by WA locals who stumble across them in their daily travels,

32

while others are flown to them from around the State for proper care.

When she started out Butcher said there would be animals everywhere from the kitchen to the laundry at her Gooseberry Hill home.

“There weren’t too many [animal] carers around in those days.

Thousands of animals that would have previously gone untreated have been nursed back to health.

“I’d be up at 5am feeding baby birds and my daughter used to have to take baby birds to school to feed them at lunch time,” she says.

a purpose-built area – the original hospital – on their property, calling it Kanyana, an Aboriginal word for the place of many waters – a place to heal. Butcher eventually left her nursing job to focus fulltime on caring for WA’s native animals.

Over the years, demand continued to grow and once again, Butcher found they had outgrown the facilities.

When Butcher received a $1.5 million Lotterywest grant in 2010, the centre moved from Gooseberry Hill to their current location in Lesmurdie.

Kanyana Wildlife Centre is now both a hospital and a research centre, with two breeding programs for bilbies and woylies, an education hub and a home for a number of resident animals.

“We were trying to get the job done but as the numbers increased it just became impossible.”

Nearly 3000 patients were admitted last year – a huge jump from the 70 they began with in 1986, and research at the centre even helped discover a flu-like virus in bobtails that had baffled scientists for years.

To create some space, Butcher and her late husband Lloyd created

With so many animals, volunteers are crucial to Kanyana’s operations.

June-July 2018 / Horizons

YO U R R A C Nearly 300 volunteers currently give up their time to educate visitors, feed and nurse the patients back to health.

“We have a group of volunteers who go to the airport three or four times a week to pick up animals that have come from different mine sites,” says Butcher.

“We’re not just covering the Kalamunda area – we’re covering the whole of WA.”

The patients of Kanyana Hospital manager Tasha Hennings has been with the centre since 2013 and has made connections with some incredible animals – like a sick baby emu who arrived covered in ticks.

“When he was strong enough we put him in with our chickens [at home],” she says.

“He got to run around with them for a little while but he got too big.

“We had a kid’s paddling pool which was his little pool and he’d jump around in there and play.”

She’s also been ‘mum’ to an Australian bustard – one of the largest birds found in Australia – which would follow her 24/7 and only fall asleep if it was with its teddy.

With cars being one of the leading causes of wildlife injury, Hennings has become extra vigilant while driving.

“I’m constantly pulling over [to help injured wildlife] – I’m late nearly everywhere,” she laughs.

Butcher’s leap of faith has meant thousands of animals that would have previously gone untreated have been nursed back to health.

Pointing to the army of volunteers that have contributed, Butcher says she is a firm believer that we all have the ability to help in some way. All it would take is to keep a simple first aid kit for wildlife in the car.

“If everybody had a little bit of equipment in their car they would feel so much more confident and actually do something rather than thinking they’re going to be late to their appointment and don’t have time to deal with it,” she says.

For Butcher, it only took one galah.

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Sign up to For the Better enews rac.com.au/racenews

Emergency wildlife care If you ever need to help a sick, injured or orphaned animal remember to: pproach the animal with A caution se a towel or something U similar to gently pick it up rovide the animal with secure P containment to prevent further injury, like a cardboard box The animal will be cold, shocked and highly stressed so keep it in a quiet and dark place o not feed the animal or give D it water ote the exact location you find N the animal as rehabilitators will try to return it to its own territory I mmediately seek help from a qualified person Kanyana has a glove box guide that you can download from their website to keep in your car with more details about providing assistance to sick or injured animals.

 kanyanawildlife.org.au TOP: The facility in Lesmurdie takes injured wildlife from across the State LEFT: Kanyana founder June Butcher and Hospital manager Tasha Hennings, RIGHT: Kanyana is home to many resident animals

Horizons / June-July 2018

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T R AV E L

Travel brief

News and info for travellers

A new RAC South West retreat

2018/19 summer cruise calendar A large number of cruise ships depart Fremantle for a range of local, national and international destinations this summer. To find out more call RAC Cruise Club on 1300 655 898.

RAC members save 20% off accommodation* Save more the next time you head down south at the new RAC Margaret River Nature Park - a bushland retreat close to town. This eco-style park in the heart of WA’s famous wine region is the latest addition to the family of RAC Parks and Resorts in Western Australia.

Situated amongst towering trees in Bramley National Park, the park offers a range of adventure activities and outdoors experiences with plenty of local wildlife.

“The park is tailored to provide an immersive experience of the natural beauty of the Margaret River region,” said RAC executive general manager Brand and Tourism, Tony Pickworth.

“Being located in a national park means it genuinely offers a naturebased holiday.”

Accommodation includes cabins, safari tents, dorm rooms and powered and unpowered caravan and camp sites.

RAC Margaret River Nature Park joins six other RAC Parks and Resorts including Karri Valley Resort, Busselton Holiday Park, Cervantes Holiday Park, Ningaloo Reef Resort, Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

For more details visit parksandresorts.rac.com.au *Discount varies according to season.

Why an International Driving Permit can come in handy If you’re going overseas and plan to drive, there’s a good chance you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). An IDP allows you to drive overseas and includes translations in nine languages. Even if you don’t plan to drive, getting one before you travel gives you the option of doing so. It may also come in handy as another form of identification.

You can apply for an IDP at an RAC member service centre, download the application form and post it, or apply directly online. The cost is just $39 plus postage. Visit rac.com.au/idp Horizons / June-July 2018

How IDPs were used 83% hiring a car 15% when asked by law enforcement 10% as a form of identification

November 2018

3 November Sun Princess/Princess Cruises

December 2018

8, 10, 15, 17 December Astor/Cruise & Maritime Voyages 22 December Azamara Quest/Azamara 28 & 29 December Astor/Cruise & Maritime Voyages

January 2019

2 & 6 January Astor/Cruise & Maritime Voyages 6 January Maasdam/Holland America 11, 14, 25 & 29 January Astor/Cruise & Maritime Voyages

February 2019

3 February Astor/Cruise & Maritime Voyages 20 February Crystal Serenity/Crystal Cruises

March 2019

10 March Astor/Cruise & Maritime Voyages

Top 4 places IDPs were used Japan Italy USA France Australian Automobile Association survey

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Your prize includes

Five nights for two people at RAC Karri Valley Resort in a Lakeside Room

an indulgent escape to WA’s Southern Forests and Valleys Surrounded by lush karri forest and from a room overlooking the trout-filled Lake Beedelup, a getaway to RAC Karri Valley Resort in Pemberton is an escape worth winning.

The resort has something for everyone.

Immerse yourself in nature in the stunning karri forests, go canoeing or trout fishing, walk or cycle on a scenic trail, or just follow the food and taste the local gourmet delights the region is so known for.

36

One dinner to the value of $200 at Lake Beedelup Restaurant at RAC Karri Valley Resort

Activities pass for your stay at the resort

One annual National Park pass

Two-person tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours valued at $250

Lunch for two to the value of $50 at Pemberton Fine Woodcraft Gallery

Two tickets to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

How to enter

Complete the online entry form at rac.com.au/ winkarrivalley, or Send

your name, phone number and membership number to: Horizons/Karri Valley Resort GPO Box 2943 Perth WA 6800 See page 81 for terms and conditions.

June-July 2018 / Horizons

Fast facts 

AC Karri Valley Resort R offers a range of accommodation styles, activities and resort experiences to suit all, from families to couples and corporate conferences.

Along with many included

 activities at the resort,

guests can explore local Pemberton wineries, indulge in the region’s fresh produce and visit local art galleries.



he Resort is a 3.5 hour T drive from Perth (367km) and only 22kms from the town of Pemberton.

To find out more visit

 parksandresorts.rac. com.au/karri-valley

rac.com.au/winkarrivalley Horizons / June-July 2018

37

Elements Photography

BEAUTIFUL

BLACKWOOD VALLEY Escape to WA’s Blackwood Valley and immerse yourself in nature amongst the undulating valleys, winding waterways and brimming orchards.

By Danielle Costley

Horizons / June-July 2018

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T R AV E L

With the Perth skyline fading in the distance, I drive south for about three hours until I reach my destination – the Blackwood Valley. This pristine and tranquil region is a food and nature lover’s haven.

An agriculturally rich region known for its highly productive soils, the many roadside stalls along the way offer a potpourri of local produce.

Orchards are laden with row upon glorious row of apples, persimmons, pears, mandarins and oranges.

Even freshwater marron can be purchased, plucked straight from the local dams.

Mixed in with the farmland and gastronomic delights are ancient forests that can be explored via the endless cycling and walking tracks, and along the picturesque Blackwood River, WA’s longest continually flowing river, perfect for canoeing, boating and fishing.

The serene area is also home to charming towns and communities who are only too happy to welcome visitors to their patch of paradise.

Magical Balingup The town of Balingup is a melting pot of influences. Home to many an artist and farmer alike, this enchanting town’s creative soul is expressed in public artworks such as bright and quirky scarecrows, eye-catching jewellery, craft galleries and health potions.

It is late afternoon when I arrive at Balingup Heights cottages. The vista here is spectacular, overlooking the township’s rolling hills, with the Balingup Brook meandering through its many orchards and vineyards.

As I step from the car I'm greeted by the enthusiastic dog of owners, Deb and Brian Vanallen. The Vanallens are tree changers who moved to the region nearly a decade ago, captivated by its magical charm.

40

Their love of the land drew them to this magnificent 25-acre property overlooking the town.

“This is a place that you feel rather than visit. It’s such a close-knit community here and we already feel like we’ve lived here forever.

The community has been so welcoming and supportive.

“Even though our population is quite small, there are at least 60 community groups so there’s always something to keep us entertained,” says Deb Vanallen.

The vista here is spectacular, overlooking the township’s rolling hills, with the Balingup Brook meandering through its many orchards and vineyards.

“It’s quite an eclectic mix of people here and we love being a part of it.

They really know how to celebrate life and the town’s colourful history, especially during the annual medieval carnival.”

This festival, held every August, features a parade, music, dancers, re-enactments of medievalist battles and the burning of the dragon with fire performers.

A short stroll down the BalingupNannup Road leads me to the Avenue of Honour. This special plot of land is bordered by oak trees that were planted back in the 1930s to honour Balingup’s fallen soldiers from the First World War.

Afterwards, I walk amongst the collection of rare and usual trees in the historical Golden Valley Tree Park, the largest arboretum in WA planted over 100 years ago. The Bibbulmun Track also runs through the park and then heads south from Balingup.

Blackwood Food Trail A food trail of the Blackwood region was launched last year, so I set off to discover some of the local goodies in the townships of Balingup, Nannup and Bridgetown.

This popular route is often referred to as the Golden Triangle due to the region’s extreme beauty discovered via 100-kilometres of twisting road with specular scenery and interesting stops, including organic farms, wineries, the Old Cheese Factory, Jalbrook Alpaca Knitwear Gallery, lavender and tulip farms, cafés, breweries and cellar doors.

The picturesque Balingup-Nannup road is particularly special during winter time when the banks of the

June-July 2018 / Horizons

Kaszojad / istockphoto.com Elements Photography

Elements Photography

Tourism Western Australia

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Balingup sunrise; one of Nannups cozy cafés; enjoy artisan cheeses in Nannup; canoeing on the Blackwood River near Bridgetown

Blackwood River are bulging and the forest foliage is lush and rich.

With the Blackwood spanning 270km, there are many places where you can stop for a picnic and relax on the riverbank.

Nannup Nestled in the heart of the Blackwood Valley is Nannup, a town known as the garden village due to its many public garden areas. In August, the tulip farm is blooming, as are the daffodils. Sample artisan sheep and cow cheeses at Cambray Cheese, walk or cycle the Timberline trail, experience the Holberry Sculpture Walk, dine at A Taste of Nannup, taste some honey or pop into Chestnut Brae for a bag of chestnuts.

A quick stop at the Donnelly River general store on Brockman Highway almost completes my food trail loop as I head towards Bridgetown, which the locals like to call ‘the winter capital of WA’.

Horizons / June-July 2018

Wintry Bridgetown The town’s winter nickname comes from the Winter Festival which takes place in Bridgetown over June, July and August. The town comes alight (literally) as the streets fill with fairy lights and the hall is transformed into a winter wonderland for the children to enjoy. There’s live music, cooking classes, art exhibitions, wine tastings and market gardens, to name a few.

“The town has an incredibly strong heart,” says Stefanie Meade from the Bridgetown Caravan Park. “All year round the scenery is spectacular, but I particularly love the winters because you can relax at night by a roaring fire, yet the days allow you to explore our forests, walking and cycling trails.”

Taking her advice I hire a canoe from the park and soon I’m paddling along the serene river, alone, except for the curious wildlife and the occasional fish jumping out of the water. It might be winter, but I quickly warm up.

Accommodation alingup Heights Cottages B Sunnyhurst Chalets Loose Goose Chalets Bridgetown Caravan Park Moss Brook B&B

Festivals annup Music Festival N (March) Balingup Medieval Carnival (August) Bridgetown Winter Festival (June/July/August) Truffle Kerfuffle, Manjimup (June) Blues at Bridgetown (November) Nannup Flower and Garden Festival (August)

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T R AV E L

Hannah Purnell has lived in Bridgetown her entire life, working at her parents’ Café Emporium for many years where last year, royalty came to dine with Princess Mary and her family enjoying a meal while on holiday. I recharge with a Reuben sandwich and marvel at the café’s unique ‘pot pants’ display.

“My younger sister combines her love of clothes with plants and uses jeans as planter boxes for the seasonal blooms. The perfect fit really,” says Hannah.

Elements Photography

Also on the main strip is a Christmas shop filled with such an incredible collection of ornaments that I can’t resist buying some for the children.

Clothing boutiques, art galleries and even the world’s smallest jigsaw puzzle are only a short amble away.

Next I head to the Cidery, a favourite watering hole for the locals.

“We built a place for locals to enjoy with their families, have a meal, a cider or a beer and listen to live music in a safe and social environment,” says English-born owner John Lucey.

“The Pink Lady apple was developed in the neighbouring township of Manjimup so we are honouring this slice of history by creating a cidery using the local apples with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.”

Reluctantly, it’s time to leave the Blackwood Valley. I head off with a heavy carload of fresh produce and know that it won’t be long before I am back in this captivating patch of the South West.

Going further south: Pemberton If you have an extra day or two, head further south to explore the Pemberton region.

Travelling along the South Western Highway, consider a stop at Manjimup to savour its famous black Perigord truffle. Each June the Truffle Kerfuffle festival is held there to celebrate the elusive black gold caviar (as it's also known). Manjimup is now the largest producer of the black truffle in the southern hemisphere. You can even participate in a truffle hunt and watch as the clever truffle dogs sniff their way amongst the towering oak and hazelnut trees in search of the elusively stinky truffles.

Continuing on to Pemberton, head for Beedelup National Park where you can stop in for the night at RAC Karri Valley Resort. The Resort is situated on beautiful Lake Beedelup. The nearby waterfall and walking track is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself amongst the towering karri forest. It’s a moderate walk that can be achieved in one to two hours, depending on which path you choose.

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Frances Andrijich

For those who prefer an easy stroll, the River Walk starts near the bridge at the south end of town and follows the river for a couple of kilometres.

RAC members can win For your chance to win a holiday for two people to RAC Karri Valley Resort, Pemberton, see page 36.

At the Resort you can fish for rainbow trout from your balcony, paddle a canoe on Lake Beedelup or ride a bike through the many winding trails.

Wineries, restaurants and breweries are a short distance away. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the Gloucester Tree for spectacular forest views, or take a ride on the purposebuilt mountain bike park. Trails have been designed to suit all skill levels.

Don’t miss he climbing trees, including T the Gloucester Tree and the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree.

Yeagarup Dunes, vast mobile sand dunes that are being driven by the winds towards the forest.

Beedelup Falls walk trail in Beedelup National Park.

Canoeing on the Warren River and Big Brook Dam.

RAC members save Members save up to 20% off stays at RAC Karri Valley Resort.

June-July 2018 / Horizons

BALI WITHOUT THE CROWDS

Forget everything you thought you knew about Bali.

With sleepy coastlines, lush valleys, mountain backdrops and pristine beaches, the island’s lesser-known areas paint a very different picture.

By Jenny Hewett

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

T R AV E L

For many West Aussies, Bali is a no-brainer. Despite being part of Indonesia, it’s considerably closer than most places in our own backyard and often a cheaper alternative. But while most of the attention has been focused on the tourist areas of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, the Bali that lies beyond is teeming with natural beauty and culture, and half the crowds.

These are some of the most enticing areas that lie further afield.

Amed Positioned on the eastern coast, with Mt Agung in the background, this low-key East Bali spot draws water sports enthusiasts for its diving and snorkelling. There are a number of hotels and dive resorts, ranging from luxury villas to budget bungalows and homestays. A handful of dining options include simple beachside warungs serving Indonesian food and pizzas, to resorts offering locally caught seafood.

Divers flock to this part of the island to explore the sunken Japanese shipwreck USAT Liberty, considered

Bali’s best dive site. The Second World War US cargo ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and has remained there ever since. It’s an easy dive that’s suitable for all levels. Amed is also the ideal spot to learn to dive, with a number of reputable dive centres offering reasonably-priced PADI courses as well as snorkelling daytrips or gear for hire.

Those who prefer to stay dry can unwind at one of the hotel spas or take a sunset yoga or pilates class.

LEFT: Agung volcano and Amed beach ABOVE: Diving at the USAT Liberty shipwreck, Amed

Horizons / June-July 2018

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Wonderful Indonesia

T R AV E L

LEFT: Sempukul waterfall near Lovina ABOVE: Candidasa

Lovina This coastal village on the northernmost tip of the island is a launchpad to some of Bali’s best snorkelling, diving and dolphinspotting. The black-sand Lovina Beach appeals to adventurers, as well as flop-and-drop holidaymakers.

Around three hours’ drive from Denpasar, it might be a little further afield, but this area is close to some of Bali’s most spectacular waterfalls. Gitgit waterfall, which offers canyoning tours down its tiered rockfaces, is only half an hour’s drive from Lovina Beach, while Sempukul waterfall is touted as one of the island’s most beautiful and can be reached in under an hour by car.

Close to Singaraja, the former capital of Bali, Lovina, has a good range of lodging options, including a host of three-star mid-range hotels for under $100 a night and decent budget stays and bungalows. Expect a good variety of eats, including beachside cafes, Thai, sushi, Greek, fresh seafood and a night market. Local

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outriggers offer dolphin-spotting tours around the bay at sunrise each morning as well as daily snorkelling trips to Menjangan Island, which is part of the protected West Bali National Park. After all that activity, relax in the natural Banjar hot springs just 20 minutes southwest of Lovina.

Balian Spread out along a stretch of volcanic, black-sand beach on Bali’s sleepy west coast, Balian feels worlds away from the buzzing enclaves in the south of the island. There is little in the way of development, instead, paddy fields, small villages and mountain peaks create a tranquil backdrop that sets a slower pace at this laid-back beachside retreat. Young families and couples seeking sun, surf and nature without the crowds, will find it easy to unwind here.

Affordable beachside homestays, villas and luxury estates make up the majority of accommodation options in Balian, making it popular with small groups and wedding parties.

For dining, there are a handful of

simple warungs and beach shacks serving both local and Western food, and most villas are equipped with private chefs.

Famous for its surf breaks, including Medewi, the longest left-hand point break in Bali, and those on Balian Beach, the area is also home to Soka Beach, with its pristine black sand, Puri Rambut Siri temple and bat cave. West Bali, and specifically Jembrana, is iconic for its annual traditional buffalo racing.

The surrounding rice fields offer trekking and bike rides, while the Jatiluwih rice terraces are UNESCO World Heritage-listed and are only one and a half hour’s drive inland.

Candidasa A relaxed, oceanfront town on the eastern coast of Bali, this chilled spot is just an hour and a half’s drive from Denpasar and 50 minutes from popular surf break Keramas.

Candidasa, with its mix of mountains, culture and beaches, offers surfing, diving, mountain biking and trekking.

On the outskirts you’ll find two

June-July 2018 / Horizons

T R AV E L

ABOVE: Sunset at Uluwatu temple RIGHT: A traditional rice terrace in the beautiful Sidemen Valley

luxury resorts and along the main strip, plenty of family and couple accommodation options, small restaurants with a range of food, and bars with live music.

The best beaches require a short drive. Hidden among palms and jungle, Virgin Beach is famed for its white sand and crystal clear waters, and is well-equipped for day visits, with sun loungers, beach warungs and beach massages on offer. Stop nearby for panoramas of Bugbug village below, nestled among rice paddies. Black-sand beach, Jasri, is a popular East Bali surfing spot and boasts an idyllic setting, with palms and rice paddies running all the way to the sand. Candidasa is also culturally rich and the spectacular, 11th century Pura Lempuyang Temple, one of Bali’s most beautiful, is only an hour away and looks out over the volcano.

Uluwatu Located on the southern tip of the island, the Bukit Peninsula comprises a rugged stretch of golden coastline that’s home to a large number of

Horizons / June-July 2018

luxury cliff-top hotels, resorts, private villas, boutique stays and low-cost homestays. Nicknamed Billionaire’s Row, Uluwatu was once a boho surfing community, but now attracts everyone from backpackers to honeymooners.

A large percentage of the island’s private beach clubs are found in Uluwatu, but Bali’s most idyllic golden-sand public beaches also reside here. Balangan, with its mosscovered rock pools and natural baths, is lined with beachfront warungs selling jaffles and is the perfect spot for spectating. While nearby Bingin, reached via a lengthy flight of concrete stairs, suits day trippers.

Uluwatu is not a swimming beach, but a visit to the Uluwatu cave to watch surfers tackle the treacherous paddle out is a rite of passage. Or you can perch yourself at one of the bars or restaurants directly above. The greens at the New Kuta Golf Course in nearby Pecatu extend all the way to the cliff. And for a dash of culture, head to the Uluwatu Temple at sunset to watch the daily Kecak fire dance.

Sidemen Get off the grid and immerse yourself in culture in this traditional pocket of Bali cradled by rice paddies in the shadow of the Mt Agung volcano.

Situated inland from the coast in East Bali, Sideman’s charming villages afford visitors an insight into the traditional way of life here. Anyone looking to explore local culture and arts will get their fix. There are temples dotted throughout the valley and Sidemen is the centre of traditional fabric weaving in Bali.

Visitors can watch the process and buy textiles at the workshops.

Most of the accommodation options are within Tabola, the main village, and include everything from small homestays for less than $30 a night to luxurious bungalows with infinity pools overlooking rice paddies. The food scene has a local focus and consists of a few small warungs serving mainly Indonesian food. You can also learn more about local cuisine by taking an organic cooking class.

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T R AV E L

LEFT: Nusa Penida island off Nusa Lembongan ABOVE: A colorful beach bar in Canggu Beach

Nusa Lembongan A 30-minute fast boat ride from Sanur on the south coast, this small island off Bali is an adventurer’s playground and ideal for active travellers, families and couples. With its white sandy beaches, mellow vibe and crystal waters, it makes an attractive alternative to the Gili Islands.

Not only is it easy to get to, Nusa Lembongan has a lot to offer, including bucket-list snorkelling experiences. There’s a good variety of stays on the island, from midrange to luxury, family-friendly hotels and private villas, as well as budget rooms. There are a handful of bars, Western restaurants and beach clubs, specifically at Mushroom Bay, Dream Beach and Sandy Bay, each with their own chilled appeal.

Nusa Lembongan has calm bays for swimming and snorkelling, as well as surf breaks with names like Shipwreck, Lacerations and Playground. But it’s the natural phenomenon known as Devil Tear’s that inspires the most awe. In this

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area of rugged coastline, rolling waves crash into the rocks creating a violent roar and shooting water straight into the air. Snorkel with manta rays off neighbouring Nusa Penida or organise a snorkelling trip around the island on a boat.

Canggu It may not have the sleepy vibes of Bali’s north or east coast, but this hip and happening hood just 15 minutes west of Seminyak is walking to its own cruisy beat. Home to edgy bars, healthy cafes, yoga studios, concept stores and local designers and markets, the former surfing community of Canggu is now calling the shots in south Bali.

This progressive beachside spot still retains much of its original charm - rice paddies are juxtaposed with street art, cafes and spas. More lowkey than Seminyak, this area is home to an urban-chic boutique hotel, as well as luxury and mid-range villas, and affordable homestays. The first major international resort has already opened on Canggu’s Echo Beach and two more are soon to follow.

The ideal base for anyone interested in wellness, surfing, shopping and dining, Canggu appeals to yogis, foodies and surfers alike. As well as vegan cafes and fusion restaurants, you’ll find seaside warungs grilling fresh seafood, a retro, nauticalthemed beach club and fresh bakeries. Canggu’s best shopping, including leather tailors and resortinspired fashion, is centred around Jalan Batu Bolong and Jalan Pantai Berawa.

Getting around Planning on hiring a scooter or motorcycle in Bali? Make sure you get the facts before you go.

Visit rac.com.au/scooterasia

For more information about Bali holidays, visit rac.com.au/travel or contact RAC Travel on 1300 655 179

June-July 2018 / Horizons

MOTORING

Motor news

The latest news from the motoring world

By Alex Forrest

Local Holden history Just a year after Holden production in Australia ceased, 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the very first Holden production model, the 48-215. Holden’s early history is well documented.

However, less well known is that WA was for many years home to the very first Holden made in Australia. This was a 1947 prototype, built in Victoria after three earlier prototypes were built in Detroit, but before the car went into production in 1948. After more than 30 years on display at the York Motor Museum, the car was sold in 2013 for $672,000.

WA Bug brings $1.1m After sitting for years in an open carport in the Perth suburb of Hazelmere, a 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Tourist Trophy has been sold in France in February for $1.1 million.

The French blue racer has extensive racing history in WA dating back 79 years, including road racing in Albany in 1939 and on the streets of Applecross in 1940. The car’s 35-year restoration was largely completed by 2010, after which it was displayed at selected classic car events. According to the auction house, it will remain in Europe.

Diesel path for X-Trail

Remote eyes

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel in the Nissan X-Trail brings a boost of 34kW and 60Nm, and it uses hardly any extra fuel. But, as before, the new diesel uses a CVT transmission, which can hold engine revs constant, highlighting the engine’s main pitfall – noise. The X-Trail does however get autonomous emergency braking as standard across the range.

Ever wanted to know what’s going on around your car when you’re not there?

Well, BMW may have the solution for you. It’s called Remote 3D View and uses the car’s external cameras to give drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional, live image of their vehicle and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone. All it needs now is a remote megaphone function.

Mitsubishi’s boost Mitsubishi’s new Eclipse Cross SUV is among the latest of its kind to take the tiny turbocharged petrol engine pathway. It has a 1.5-litre petrol engine which makes 110kW and 250Nm, with the main advantage being the arrival of that torque at low revs, and low fuel consumption. Watch out for an Eclipse Cross road test in an upcoming edition of Horizons.

Horizons / June-July 2018

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MOTORING

Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars

Engine Features Safety Price

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol turbo Power: 191kW @ 5500rpm Torque: 350Nm @ 3000 – 4000rpm Claimed fuel economy 7.4L/100km (4 cyl) Price: from $33,690 plus on-roads ANCAP safety rating 

Holden Commodore The previous rear-drive VF Commodore held on for a lot longer than was economically viable.

It wasn’t just the model that was long in the tooth, it was also the business model. In a shrinking market for traditional large cars, it made little business sense to build these cars locally in diminishing numbers.

The new ZB Commodore needed to be cheaper to produce for Holden’s parent company, General Motors, but also needed to remain an affordable, safe and

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multi-purpose car that still appeals to people who like to drive.

Versions of this car are sold into a number of markets worldwide. In the US, it’s known as the Buick Regal, in Europe it’s an Opel Insignia and in the UK it’s the Vauxhall Insignia.

Holden’s own suspension and drivetrain engineers spent a huge amount of time developing the suspension and calibrating the nine-speed automatic to suit Australian conditions.

We road tested one of the prototypes before it received the Australiaspecific suspension,

transmission and changes, and then drove a selection of the Australian-tuned Commodores.

The ZB Commodore also has some important technical advances over the previous VF model, most notably that autonomous braking is standard across the range. The adaptive all-wheel drive system available on the V6 variants is also clever, utilising a twin clutch setup that delivers the engine’s power to those wheels that can use it best.

It’s impressive on wet roads.

The most obvious change is that it can now be had as a liftback. Two wagon

types are also available: the Sportwagon and the slightly higher-riding Tourer.

The previous Commodore had few competitors in the large car market, but it was a dying segment. Now, the slightly smaller ZB has more competitors, which Holden has said include the Mazda6, Subaru Outback and even the Kia Stinger.

The ZB Commodore is more relevant to the market than its predecessor and bears a badge people know. But it’s still the new kid on the block and time will tell as to whether it can grab sales from the established competition.

June-July 2018 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol turbo Power: 170kW @ 5200rpm Torque: 320Nm @ 1250pm Claimed fuel economy 6.0L/100km Price: from $54,700 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Mini Cooper JCW The Mini Cooper JCW is an unusual package.

It’s very expensive for its size, its practicality is limited, it stands out like a circus clown in a library and is even more fun to drive than you would expect after looking at it.

This is because, unlike other sporty hatches, there really isn’t a sensible or serious side to this car at all.

Every part of it that you see or touch has been made to be both functional and pleasing.

Horizons / June-July 2018

This is one of the fundamental ways in which the Mini Cooper JCW differs from other hot hatches.

For just over half of the JCW’s $54,700 drive away price, you can buy just as much driving hilarity if you go for a Ford Fiesta ST, which is so delightfully responsive and seemingly intuitive, it feels like you’re wearing it.

However, if you squint, the Ford looks mostly like a regular light car. Its interior is sporty but conventional and it utilises most of the interior design and switchgear you get with the base model.

The Mini, on the other hand, rams home the absurdity of its darty, exhaustpopping driving experience by making it look and feel the way it does.

Aesthetically, there is much to take in.

From the bold body striping to the jewel-like side indicators, the red roof and those 18-inch, two-tone alloy wheels.

The Mini Cooper JCW puts a smile on your dial well before there’s anything on the dashboard dials.

Like the original Mini Cooper of 57 years ago, the Mini JCW is also the

most powerful model in the range, making a healthy 170kW and 320Nm. However, one of the pitfalls of the Mini Cooper is it only has a 4-star ANCAP safety rating, which is below par for a car in this price range.

Also, the ride is always firm, so if you just want to cruise smoothly, a different car would be the solution.

Still, the beauty of a specialised tool is its ability to do a specific job, and when you’re in the mood, this is where the Mini Cooper JCW excels. Just be aware of the associated sacrifices.

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Specifications Engine: 2.5-litre petrol/650V AC electric motor Power: 160kW (combined) Torque: combined not available Claimed fuel economy from 4.2L/100km Price: from $33,770 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Toyota Camry Hybrid This is a dramatically different new Camry.

Big changes have been made to it in almost every way except for its name, with the most noticeable being its far more distinctive and engaging appearance. To say the Camry is comfortably ahead of the competition in sales is an understatement.

In 2017, there were 23,620 sold in Australia, which is several thousand more than the rest of the medium car segment put together.

Still, the proliferation of good-handling and stylish

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medium-sized cars such as the Mazda6, Subaru Liberty and Skoda Octavia were making the previous Camry look increasingly in need of an all-round sharpen-up.

So, along with the revamped looks, the Camry also gained a whole new platform, called Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). Toyota has said this actually enables the Camry’s more adventurous design, as well as improving its handling through better weight distribution.

Hybrid versions of the Camry – which we reckon are the pick of the Camry clan – have a redesigned

hybrid system which is more efficient and makes slightly more power. The hybrid system’s battery has also been moved from the boot to under the rear seat, which has liberated more boot space and lowered the car’s centre of gravity.

In addition to all this change, Toyota has also brought back the V6 Camry after a hiatus of 11 years. This replaces the V6 Aurion, which was Toyota’s previous V6 sedan offering before it ceased production in Australia in October 2017.

We road tested the fourcylinder Camry, and then the Camry Hybrid. The hybrid

was the standout, primarily because it is a smoother, quieter, better performing car which happens to also use less fuel than the petrolonly version. Which seems a lot given the hybrid is only $1200 extra.

All variants of the new Camry get a suite of safety gear as standard, which includes autonomous braking and active cruise control. Rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring are also standard. This is the boost in safety gear, technology and looks that the Camry needed, which, in hybrid form, now makes it a highly convincing package.

June-July 2018 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 3.0-litre V6 petrol twin turbo Power: 298kW @ 6400rpm Torque: 475Nm @ 1600rpm Claimed fuel economy 9.3L/100km Price: from $89,200 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Infiniti Q50S Red Sport Infiniti first sold cars in Australia in 1991, when it marketed the Q45, but then withdrew it in 1993.

The brand finally relaunched in Australia in 2012 and today, there are far more models to choose from.

These range from small cars such as the Q30, to the gigantic QX 80 fourwheel drive, but they aren’t exactly flying off showroom floors. In WA, of the 97,000 vehicles sold in 2017, only 63 were Infinitis.

This is less a matter of them being bad cars than

Horizons / June-July 2018

the simple fact of people sticking with the brands they know.

But that isn’t necessarily a reason to strike Infiniti from your shopping list. The Q50S Red Sport is Infiniti’s premium sports sedan. It performs very well, but like its competition, it retains some of the comfort and serenity of a luxury saloon.

It could be considered an alternative to the more established players in the category such as the BMW 340i and Audi S4.

Of course, as a relative newcomer, the Q50S Red Sport had to be cheaper than these and at $80,000

plus on-roads, it’s about $11,000 and $20,000 cheaper respectively.

Now, just to clarify, “Red Sport” is the name of the Q50 variant, not a description of its colour. It is available in different hues, and in fact our test car would be described as a blue Red Sport, though the one pictured here is a red Red Sport.

And for background, Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury brand, similar to the way Lexus is a premium brand owned

by Toyota.

The Q50S Red Sport is an attractive looking thing, and current models have

well-appointed interiors with supportive, comfortable seats and quality materials used in the main.

The 298kW twin-turbo V6 engine is both an asset and a liability. It makes the Red Sport quick in a straight line, but in cornering it can quickly have the rear tyres fighting for traction. In this regard, it doesn’t have the composure of the German sports sedans.

The Red Sport’s safety credentials are good, and include a 360-degree camera, lane keeping, auto braking and a suite of other gear to help you avoid crashes.

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MOTORING

Ask the

Car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

Write to us and win

If your question is published, you will receive from RAC Travel a copy of the UBD Gregory’s 2018 Perth and Surrounds Street Directory, which includes new streets and suburbs, petrol station locations and more.

Send your questions to: The Car Doctor, Horizons GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 or email editor@rac.com.au Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your query.

After a recent trip around WA, I was talking to a service station attendant about diesel fuel.

He said there were three types: bio that he didn’t recommend to run in my vehicle, normal diesel which was fine and ultra or vortex diesel which was the best and most expensive. Is this correct? And if so why do the likes of Woolies and Coles servos only sell Vortex? Am I getting ripped off by having to pay more for Vortex or is it just a flash name for “normal” diesel?

Jamie Gunther, Albany Biodiesel, which is usually sold in blended form with regular diesel, is not widely available in WA. There are some specific precautions which should be taken with biodiesel and we recommend familiarising yourself with these before using it. All other automotive diesel sold at the retail level is fine for diesel vehicles. So-called premium diesel fuels claim to ‘clean’ engines and make them run better, but RAC has seen no proof of this.

My brother taught me to ‘warm-up’ my car (for more than five minutes) before I drive it, which I still do now.

He gave me this advice back in the 1990s. Now that cars have automatic chokes, like my 2014 Elantra, for how long should I really ‘warm-up’ my car before I take off and drive?

Darlene Mallett, Silver Sands Most modern vehicles are designed to be driven normally from a cold start-up. This doesn’t mean accelerating hard or towing immediately after a cold start, just regular driving. This will help the engine reach normal operating temperature in reasonable time.

However, older vehicles such as those with carburettors, may need to be warmed up, particularly in cold weather. Generally speaking, idling a modern car for several minutes before driving it will just burn more fuel and cause more exhaust emissions.

If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 81 for terms and conditions of entry.

My car is six years old and has a small chip in the windscreen caused when a small stone flicked up from a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

It seems okay for now but I’m unsure if it will crack or shatter. Is it ok to leave or should I get the windscreen replaced?

Michelle Smith, Leeming It is never safe to drive with a damaged windscreen. When a windscreen is damaged it won’t have the same structural integrity at a time when you may need it most.

The size and position of the crack will determine whether the crack needs repairing or the windscreen needs replacing. If it has been cracked or smashed completely, it is essential to seek immediate windscreen repair or replacement.

RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line. If you have a motoring question call 13 17 03 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm to speak to one of our experts.

Horizons / June-July 2018

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YO U R R A C

People, places, prizes and RAC news

More than 50,000 winter roadside rescues Last winter, 56,220 members were rescued by RAC Roadside Assistance.

Roadside callouts typically increase during the winter months with the most common breakdowns related to batteries and tyres.

Winter conditions, particularly heavy rain or high winds, can make roadside breakdowns even more dangerous for you and the Patrol who comes to your assistance.

In a breakdown, always check for traffic first and if it’s safe, exit your car from the side away from traffic. Close the car door behind you. If it’s not safe to get out of your car, stay inside and keep your seatbelt on.

Having an emergency breakdown kit inside your car can be helpful, especially during bad weather.

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For emergency roadside assistance, our Patrols are available around the clock. Call 13 11 11.

Emergency breakdown kit As part of your breakdown kit, RAC Patrols recommend: Wind up torch Warm clothes and a blanket High visibility jacket Water First aid kit Jump start cables Small shovel In-car phone charger Umbrella

June-July 2018 / Horizons

Share your favourite camping spots

Worst times for burglaries The winter burglary ‘spike’ While summer’s open doors and windows often result in high activity for burglars, June, the first month of winter was actually the secondhighest month for claims, according to RAC Insurance 2017 claims data.

Home burglaries by day of the week Wednesday is the most common day for burglaries, with the lowest number of burglaries occurring on Saturdays.

We want to know where your special place under the stars is in WA. Share your favourite camping spots, any handy camping tips and your very best camping photo and you could feature in our Horizons camping feature later this year.

DECEMBER

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Top four dates with the most burglaries in 2017 Not surprisingly, New Year’s Day was one of four days in 2017 that had the highest number of burglaries in a single day. The other three dates were during August, September and October.

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Email editor@rac.com.au with the name and location of your favourite WA camping site. You can also include any clever tips and tricks you use to make the camping experience even better. And if you have a great camping photo* share that with us too.

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OCT

RAC Insurance claims, January-December 2017.

*If sending an image please ensure the file size is between 1-7Mb and attach only one image.

Nick Rains

A security system will cover you all year round. To find out more about options available for your home, visit rac.com.au/security or contact RAC Security on 1300 132 735.

Failing car battery warning signs

a battery’s ability to run all the car’s electrical systems once the engine has started.

If your battery is more than three years old, it may be getting to the point of needing replacement.

A chilly winter morning is when you’re more likely to be left stranded with a flat car battery.

Generally speaking, car batteries last approximately three years. After that drivers should watch out for any signs of a failing battery.

If you do experience a flat battery this winter, RAC Batteries can come to you 24/7. We can either install your new battery or just deliver it for you to install yourself.

In colder temperatures, car battery performance can be reduced and engines also require more current to crank over than in warmer weather.

Cold temperatures can also reduce

Battery jump starts and flat batteries are already the number one reason for calls to RAC Roadside Assistance, and during winter those callouts increase.

Call us on 13 11 11 or buy online rac.com.au/batteries

Warning signs include grinding or clicking sound A when you engage the ignition The vehicle cranking slowly when attempting to start Headlights dim when idling but brightening when the engine is revved

Horizons / June-July 2018

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YO U R R A C

Twilight abseiling Australia’s first twilight abseiling tour is now on offer in Perth and members can save 40 per cent on this amazing experience.

It all happens at the top of Mountain Quarry in Greenmount National Park, where you’ll see the sunset and Perth’s beautiful city lights shimmering from a spectacular vantage point, just 45 minutes from the city.

Run by Spacechameleon Adventure Co, all the gear you need is provided

and you don’t need any prior experience. It’s safe, fun and suitable for almost all ages.

With a quarry close to the city and sunsets over the ocean, Perth is the only Australian city where it’s possible to abseil with these views at such a height.

Freshly ground coffee, a selection of teas, juice and healthy snacks are also included in the tour, plus upgrade your tour to include hot gourmet pizza on site.

For more information, visit rac.com.au/mb

Antarctic cruise provides new level of comfort As any Antarctic traveller will tell you, a trip to the great white continent is one of the most remarkable travel experiences you’ll ever have.

For the past seven years, RAC Travel has sent more than 150 RAC members on unforgettable Antarctic journeys through its partnership with One Ocean Expeditions.

One Ocean has now added a new ship to the fleet, the RCGS Resolute, which promises to make the Antarctic experience even more memorable and comfortable.

On board, travellers have access to world-renowned Antarctic educators on a ship with superb design and layout.

Large outer decks have 360 degree viewing platforms, perfect for photography and watching wildlife.

You can enjoy a saltwater plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hotwater Jacuzzi, a wellness centre and well equipped gym.

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Inside is a theatre-style presentation room, observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar and two dining rooms. All cabins are contemporary and spacious and feature outside viewing, ranging from traditional port holes to expansive panoramic windows.

RAC Travel has a 17-day itinerary to Buenos Aires and Antarctica including a 10-night cruise with One Ocean Expeditions which includes crossing of the Antarctic circle, departing 6 March 2019. It also includes in-depth exploration of the Gerlache coastline and the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting historic sites and science stations, and endless opportunities to observe penguins, whales, seals and birdlife and learn more from polar experts.

For more information visit rac.com.au/antarctica or call 1300 655 898.

RAC members save 40%

Young driver workshops Keys for Life: A workshop for parents and young people was developed to help parents and their children learn to work together as a team during the process of learning to drive.

This free workshop covers the graduated driver training and licensing system, how to organise practice sessions and what to expect in the practical driving assessment.

Each family receives a free pack providing essential information, checklists and a free set of L-plates.

Bookings are essential. To register, visit rac.com.au/learntodrive or call RAC Community Education on 9436 4471.

The next workshop 6 June at RAC Head

 Office, West Perth

6.15pm to 7.15pm Free parking will be  available Workshops are conducted  in partnership with School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) and are funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account. Workshops are presented by RAC in the metropolitan area and SDERA Consultants in regional areas

June-July 2018 / Horizons

Make the most of the great everyday savings you get as an RAC member. Whether it’s discounts on travel, fuel, gas for your home, mobile plans, groceries, entertainment, dining or RAC products and services – RAC members save every day.

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WIN

a swim with the sharks at AQWA see page 65

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

visit rac.com.au/mb for more

Horizons / June-July 2018

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

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June-July 2018 / Horizons

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Terms & conditions WA’s Southern Forests and Valleys, page 36 The competition begins on 16 May 2018 at 9am and ends on 27 June at 5pm (Australian Western Standard Time). Entries must be received by the promoter during the competition period. Only one entry may be received per entrant. Up to one entrant (winner) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: Five nights at RAC Karri Valley Resort in a Lakeside Room for two adults and one dinner at Lake Beedelup Restaurant (valued at $200) redeemable during low to mid-season. Excludes school holidays and public holidays. Voucher can only be redeemed at the specified park until 31 July 2019 and is subject to availability. Extra guests will be charged at the standard rate. Activities pass for 2 people to use during stay at the resort. One annual National Park pass. Twoperson tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours valued at $250. Lunch for two to the value of $50 at Pemberton Fine Woodcraft Gallery.

Two tickets to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. Winners will be provided with full terms and conditions of prize components at the time of prize collection. The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 4 July 2018 and notified by writing. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion. Each winner must claim its prize on or before 11 September 2018. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised. Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.

Car Doctor, page 57 Entrants may submit more than one entry.

Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a 2018 Perth and Surrounds UBD Street Directory, valued at $39.95. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid.

The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in June/July Horizons must claim their prize by 27 June 2018. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Winning Letter, page 8 Entrants may submit more than one entry.

One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $177. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out.

Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in June/July Horizons must claim their prize by 27 June 2018. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn, at the absolute discretion of the Horizons magazine.

Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy policy.

Contact us The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 tel: 13 17 03 rac.com.au Member Service Centres – Metropolitan Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Morley Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. West Perth (Head Office) 832 Wellington St. Member Service Centres – Regional Albany 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford St. Kalgoorlie 51-53 Hannan St. Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. Travel Centres Applecross Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St. tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Joondalup Lakeside Joondalup SC (external), Shop E24, Boas Ave. tel: 9308 1600 Midland Shop 100, Midland Gate SC, 274 Great Eastern Hwy. tel: 6150 6468 Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. tel: 6150 6456 Morley Shop 1, Morley Markets, Bishop St. tel: 6466 2300 West Perth 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830

Full terms and conditions for each competition available at rac.com.au/competitions For details of winners from our past promotions, visit rac.com.au/horizonswinners

Horizons / June-July 2018

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YO U R R A C

Ten best

Do you have an idea for The 10 Best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au Matt Scurfield

Regional art galleries Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre, Derby

This creative hub is a must-see along the Gibb River Road. Located in Derby, the centre brings together artists from the Ngarinyin, Worrorra, and Wunambal tribes. It also hosts exhibitions and workshops, and the annual Mowanjum Festival one of Australia’s longest-running Indigenous cultural festivals.

Collie Art Gallery

This striking new gallery, open since 2015, was the result of 40 years of lobbying, planning and fundraising by passionate art-lovers. The Collie Collection comprises works from renowned Australian artists Norman Lindsay, Guy Grey Smith, Elizabeth Durack, Arthur Boyd (senior) and many others.

Bunbury Regional Art Galleries

The art collection was first established in 1948 when significant works were donated by WA philanthropist Sir Claude Hotchin.

Today the collection contains more than 800 pieces valued in excess of two million dollars. The galleries are housed in a former convent painted a distinctive pink colour.

Tjulyuru Cultural and Civic Centre, Warburton

This stunning space is an exhibition and performance venue that aims to be a regional centre for Ngaanyatjarra culture. The Warburton Collection is one of the most substantial collections of Aboriginal art in Australia that’s under the direct ownership and control of Aboriginal people – and it’s absolutely worth a visit.

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Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery

Located in the former 1907 Town Hall, the gallery houses the City of Greater Geraldton Art Collection which boasts works by local and West Australian contemporary artists as well as historically significant works by Norman Lindsay, Robert Juniper, Elizabeth Durack and more.

New Norcia Art Gallery

Less than two hours’ drive from Perth, New Norcia has one of the largest collections of moveable religious art in Australia, with postrenaissance paintings by Spanish and Italian masters, Australian artists, gifts from the Queen of Spain and artefacts from New Norcia’s interesting history. The gallery is within the museum building.

Busselton ArtGeo Cultural Complex

This cultural precinct is a worthy stop on a walk to the famous Busselton Jetty. Inside the ArtGeo Gallery are works by regional and national artists.

The precinct also contains some of Busselton’s oldest buildings making it a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Martumili Arts, Newman

Established by Martu people, viewing the traditional art here should be on your Pilbara to-do list. The artists and their families are the traditional custodians of much of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts and the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) area.

Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Maryborough

The gallery is located in Maryborough’s historic fire station built in 1861 and showcases local and regional artists as well as touring exhibitions. This growing collection includes works by artists of regional and national significance.

Mangkaja Arts, Fitzroy Crossing

This gallery represents Indigenous artists from four language groups within the Fitzroy Valley region: Bunuba and Gooniyandi (river country), Walmajarri, and Wangkajunga (sandhill country). Bringing together river and desert people has created some vibrant and unique works. Mangkaja has a small gallery, a studio space for artists and a specialty store.

June-July 2018 / Horizons