Horizons April/May 2020

APRIL/MAY 2020

» What’s on in WA » Member benefits » Your feedback

WHAT A RIDE We say farewell to an Aussie motoring icon

Manjimup’s ‘black gold’

World-renowned truffles on our doorstep

Perth’s first Smart Freeway

How it will work

WA’s 10 best beach camping spots

We find the best, so you don’t have to.

RAC Home Repair & Maintenance We know their workmanship and you know our customer service » » » »

No call out fee 12-months guarantee* on all repairs Access a wide range of home repair services through our on-line booking system A dedicated customer support team available 24 hours, seven days a week

Members save

10% off labour*

The power of membership

Book online at rac.com.au/homerepair or call 1300 655 057 *Terms and conditions apply

R17015

RAC Travel

Winner of the 2019 Canstar Travel Insurance Most Satisfied Customers Award Planning for unfortunate circumstances can save you thousands and not to mention, a lot of stress.

Our range of travel insurance plans are flexible to suit your needs and budget. Protect yourself, your loved ones and your possessions with RAC Travel Insurance.

Why RAC Travel Insurance? » RAC members save 15% off all policies » Unlimited medical cover, emergency expenses & more » 24/7 emergency assistance » Compensation for luggage and travel delay » Cover for your family: Your kids and grandkids are covered for free (up to 25 years old and not working full time). And we’ll get your dependants home safely if you can’t.

And so much more.

Call 1300 655 179 or go to rac.com.au/travelinsurance Limits, exclusions and conditions apply. This is general advice only. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please refer to the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement available from RAC before making a decision about this insurance.

This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. R.A.C. Travel Services Pty. Limited (ABN 17 009 164 176, AR NO. 228577) is an authorised representative of Tokio Marine & Nichido. Its managing agent, Tokio Marine Management (Australasia) Pty. Ltd. ABN 69 004 488 455 (TMMA) is authorised to act on behalf of Tokio Marine & Nichido to issue its policies and handle and settle claims in relation to those policies, subject to the terms of the authority. #Medical cover will not exceed a maximum of 12 months from the time you first received treatment for the injury or illness. ^Conditions are covered providing certain criteria is met and is subject to approval. Members save 15% off the standard rate.

Applecross 6150 6459 » Carousel 6150 6454 » Dianella 6466 2300 » Joondalup 6150 6477 » Mandurah 6150 6456 » Midland 6150 6468 » West Perth 9436 4830

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Graphic Designer Renee Smith

Your RAC magazine Apr/May 2020

Advertising Gail Raj (WA only) Tel. 08 9388 7844 gail@mediatonic.com.au Kerri Spillane Tel. 03 8520 6444 kerrispillane@hardiegrant.com Horizons® Published by RAC WA Cover photo Holden EH Special Wagon

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Black gold How Manjimup truffles are taking on the world

CAB audited as at September 2019 is 611,281 households

Our plastic wrapper is biodegradable

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Member lounge People, places and offers

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Member benefits RAC members save every day

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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Contact

 facebook.com/RACWA  @racwa rac.com.au  editor@rac.com.au 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.

Roadside Assistance, Battery Services

Vehicle Condition Appraisals

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1300 797 078

Membership, Motoring Advice, Insurance, Finance, Travel, Touring, Security Services

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RAC Auto Services

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1300 651 042 Corporate Enquiries

9436 4111

April-May 2020 / Horizons

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President’s message Our regional purpose

Member feedback Your views and opinions

What’s on Great events around WA

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Snapshot News from RAC

Smart Freeways Transforming our daily commute

Buying used cars What to look out for

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Vehicle emissions The dirty secret on our roads

Living large The changing face of WA homes

Travel brief News from RAC Travel

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Budget airlines What to watch out for

Motor news Everything on wheels

Test drive Putting new cars to the test

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Car doctor Your questions answered

Farewell Holden The end of an era

The 10 best Beachfront camping spots

Horizons / April-May 2020

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Doing more for WA and for you That’s the power of membership Your membership is helping to create a better WA - from young driver education, to road safety and sustainability initiatives, and the sponsorship of the RAC Rescue helicopters. And we give back to you with discounts on RAC products and services, plus great everyday savings.

Charging electric vehicles

RBRAJS0064 EV

Everyday savings

Find out more at rac.com.au/power Member Benefit. Terms and Conditions apply. The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

YO U R R A C

President’s message Our regional purpose With more than 20 per cent of our members living in regional Western Australia, improving the services and experiences for people living in our regions is a key priority for RAC. Through ongoing changes in a range of strategic, economic and social factors, RAC has continued to embrace our regional purpose as it provides the opportunity to deliver even more tailored services and benefits, while also strengthening the engagement with our members in a more meaningful and relevant way.

Supporting our regions is also cemented into RAC’s history. Not long after forming in 1905, the Club commenced producing directional and warning signs to support road travellers and local councils. This support quickly extended to members writing to newspapers and reporting on the condition of the roads they had just travelled.

There was a natural evolution for RAC to establish a touring department to assist members through the provision of services from a signposting and tourism officer. RAC was soon travelling the roads and providing detailed maps and information to assist travellers on their journeys.

In addition to our offices in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury and Albany, our

Horizons / April-May 2020

regional presence has continued to expand in different ways, and support is being provided through a number of initiatives.

We are responding to the impact of road trauma, including having called for a new Rescue helicopter to be based in regional WA which has now been established in Bunbury, promoting road safety to regional schools, and engaging with members to call for increased investment in regional transport and infrastructure.

RAC also continues to promote tourism to WA’s unique and diverse attractions through investment in RAC Parks & Resorts.

Visitors can now stay in wonderful locations around our State, such as Broome, Margaret River, Exmouth, Monkey Mia, Busselton, Esperance, Karri Valley, Ningaloo and Cervantes.

RAC strives to provide the best possible services and peace of mind for members travelling in our regions.

More recently RAC has introduced new vehicle technology to our regions.

We have built Australia’s first electric highway from Perth to Augusta, and Busselton

recently hosted the RAC Intellibus®, the first driverless vehicle to operate on public roads in WA. The RAC Intellibus® will also visit Geraldton in the near future.

For more than 115 years, RAC has championed the needs of regional Western Australia. We remain acutely focused on the unique opportunities but also the challenges facing country WA — including the tragic road trauma rate.

Together with our members and the community we need to increase our focus on road safety. With road fatalities in regional communities at six times the rate of the Perth metropolitan area, regional road safety remains an urgent priority and that is why we will continue our calls for the State and Federal Governments to better protect motorists travelling through our regions by funding urgent road upgrades.

RAC President

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC Council Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia President Jacqueline Ronchi Senior Vice President Professor Ross Dowling AM Vice President John Driscoll Members of Council Leanne Bishop Allan Blagaich Esme Bowen Freda Crucitti Jill Darby Tony Evans Dalton Gooding Alden Halse

We will remain a strong voice for all our members across Western Australia.

Brian Hanson

Jacqueline Ronchi

Jim Walker

Emmerson Richardson Julie Wadley

RAC President

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YO U R R A C

Down Under Images

Member feedback

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

Winning feedback

Dressing for the occasion

Back in the saddle Thank you RAC for funding the RAC Rescue helicopter service and to the crew who airlifted my daughter Juliet from our paddock in Allanson last year.

They reached us about 12 minutes after becoming airborne.

I would like the attending crew to know that she is well and truly on the mend. From the smashed-up looking kid you picked up, to this, six months later. You are amazing. Heroes in overalls, not tights and capes. Rosalie Ager-Spaven

Caravan mirrors Why do people think you don’t need mirror extensions when towing a caravan or very large boats for that matter. I have noticed a lot of tow vehicles with no mirror extensions.

How these people can see the traffic behind them is beyond me, let alone when reversing. Chris Noble

I am a motorcycle rider who believes firmly in getting dressed for the occasion. I wear boots, gloves, riding pants with hard shells over the knees and the hips, a jacket with elbow and shoulder shells and, of course, a helmet. The other day I was between two columns of cars waiting at a traffic light when I suddenly felt a massive impact against my right knee. A passenger had opened a car door to get out to catch a train at the nearby station. Had I not been wearing protective clothing, I would now without doubt be in a hospital bed with a totally smashed up knee. I seriously recommend to anyone on a motorised two-wheel vehicle to wear good quality protective gear on every journey.

Matt Dickmann

Handing down bad habits Having read the article in Horizons December/ January 2020 ‘Why are young drivers failing the test?’, I am prompted to comment. Young drivers are mainly being taught how to drive by their parents and their parents had been taught by their parents.

Unfortunately, it does not matter how long they train if they keep being taught the wrong things and keep practicing this again and again. It doesn’t matter how many hours one practices driving if the basics are not understood and applied. J. Di Giorgio

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

Send feedback and win Send us your opinions and feedback via Facebook, Instagram, 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.

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April-May 2020 / Horizons

EVENTS

What’s on

Events around the State in April and May

Fremantle International Street Arts Festival 10-13 April The world’s best street theatre acts are set to transform the historic streets of Fremantle. Held each year over the Easter long weekend, visitors are free to wander the streets and discover outdoor performances that will captivate all ages. streetartsfestival.com.au

The Big Bounce 11-26 April Claremont Showground Let the kids run wild at the world’s largest inflatable adventure park, The Big Bounce. Open for the April school holidays, families can enjoy climbing towers, ball pits, live DJs, an interactive alien attraction, and a bounce on the recording-breaking World’s Biggest Jumping Castle.

ABOVE: Fremantle International Street Arts Festival.

thebigbounceaustralia.com.au

Fairbridge Festival 17-19 April The iconic Fairbridge Festival is a celebration of folk, roots, blues, acapella, acoustic and world music in the self-contained bushland site of Fairbridge Village. Popular with families and campers, the Festival is also host to craft markets, tasty food options and sweeping countryside views. fairbridgefestival.com.au

Williams Gateway Expo 18 April Held in the historic town of Williams, the Gateway Expo will showcase the best of the region, with the RAC Rescue Experience also on display to raise awareness about road safety and the role of the RAC Rescue helicopters.

You can experience a 360-degree virtual reality rescue mission on board an RAC Rescue helicopter. williams.wa.au/expo

Horizons / April-May 2020

Perth Comedy Festival 20 April – 17 May Various locations

The world’s biggest comedy stars join forces with Australia’s up-and-coming stand-ups at the annual Perth Comedy Festival. Featuring stand-up, sketch, satire, musical, absurdist, magic and kid’s comedy, there’s something for everyone in this festival’s diverse program of laughs. perthcomedyfestival.com

Margaret River Region Open Studios 25 April – 10 May

More than 110 artists will open their studio doors from Busselton to Witchcliffe for the South West’s annual art event. Visitors will have the chance to witness some of the region’s finest painters, sculptors, illustrators, ceramicists and photographers at work in a unique, behind-the-scenes experience.

RAC Derby 3 May Optus Stadium Catch all the action live at the first RAC Derby for 2020 as the Dockers and the Eagles battle it out at Optus Stadium for the RAC Derby trophy. rac.com.au/derby

Kalbarri Rock Lobster Fest 29-31 May Head to Kalbarri for a family-friendly weekend of games, parades, art displays, live music and local produce.

The Rock Lobster Fest is also renowned for its adventurous events, including the Murchison River Dash, Canoe Capers and Pirate Walk the Plank. kalbarrirocklobsterfest.org.au

mrropenstudios.com.au

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Marine Adventures

Luxury Lodges

Ancient Culture

Arnhem Land is home to some of Australia’s most stunning marine environments.

On your adventure you’ll enjoy exclusive marine activities, including a barramundi fishing expedition on the Liverpool River.

At Seven Spirit Bay, discover the pristine waters of the Cobourg Marine Park Sanctuary aboard state-of-the-art adventure craft and fishing boats.

Enjoy seven nights in our network of luxurious safari camps and wilderness lodges, including Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge, Murwangi Safari Camp and the iconic Seven Spirit Bay. Perfectly positioned in the most stunning locations throughout Arnhem Land, each lodge features luxurious accommodation, exceptional cuisine & exclusive activities.

Arnhem Land is Aboriginal land, a vast and spectacular region that few people have ever stepped foot in. These sacred lands are richly endowed with a culture that is more than 60,000 years old, making it the oldest surviving culture in human history. Enjoy authentic cultural activities and learn first-hand from Aboriginal guides & Traditional Owners.

*Conditions apply. All flight offers are subject to specific fare class availability in economy. If fare class unavailable, a surcharge may apply.

Flight offers are return ex Perth and include taxes. Flight offers applicable to selected departure dates only. Additional $300 per person discount applies to September departures only. Available until 30 April 2020 unless sold out prior. For new bookings only. Enquire or visit our website for further details.

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Along the way, stay in our network of luxurious safari camps and wilderness lodges, including the iconic Seven Spirit Bay on the Cobourg Peninsula. As part of the adventure, you’ll also enjoy a host of authentic cultural activities with Indigenous guides, learning about this extraordinary region from those who know it best.

Call 1800 688 222 outbackspirittours.com.au

Highlights of the adventure include: • Spend 7 nights in our network of luxurious safari camps and lodges • Discover the vast Arafura Swamp, location for the film ‘Ten Canoes’ • View ancient rock art galleries and cruise magnificent wetlands at Davidson’s Arnhem Land Safaris, Mount Borradaile • Enjoy a Welcome to Country performance at Yirrkala, followed by a special bush medicine and healing demonstration • Explore historic Victoria Settlement at Port Essington, Circa 1838 • Discover the pristine waters of the Cobourg Marine Park Sanctuary • Fish for barramundi & enjoy a range of breathtaking marine adventures • Enjoy an array of 4WD safaris and be immersed in this sacred land

YO U R R A C

News in brief from the RAC and beyond

Short changed at the bowser Recent testing of 1340 fuel pumps at 328 service stations across Australia found that almost five per cent were dispensing less fuel than was indicated on the display.

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Overall, seven per cent of fuel pumps tested were found to be inaccurate, either over or under-delivering fuel outside the narrow 0.3 per cent maximum permissible margin of error, with two per cent delivering more fuel than indicated.

But the results indicated a greater proportion of pumps were inaccurate to the disadvantage of the consumer.

Fuel pump owners are responsible for ensuring their pumps are dispensing accurately and dispensing the correct fuel type. Fuel vendors must comply with the National Measurement Act and have their pumps checked,

calibrated and verified by licenced technicians as part of programmed maintenance.

With penalties for serious breaches of the National Measurement Act of $210,000 per offence for a company and $42,000 for an individual, and with such a narrow margin of error allowed, fuel retailers are strongly incentivised to ensure their pumps are highly accurate and most ensure their fuel dispensers are correct at all times.

Using Fuelwatch to find the cheapest fuel near you and utilising your RAC member fuel discount could help offset any fuel bowser inaccuracies.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Is it good to take my car for a long run occasionally to clear out the cobwebs?

Some say a long drive can be far better for a car than keeping the kilometres down by parking it for long periods, and it’s true. Only doing short trips fails to give any part of your car a decent workout at a healthy operating temperature – something it really needs.

The majority of engine wear occurs when an engine is started cold, and it requires a few kilometres of

driving to warm it up to an optimal operating temperature.

Continuing to drive, especially at constant open-road speeds, will help the engine oil reach its optimal operating temperature, burning off any water or fuel that might be in the oil, getting the cooling system flowing fully and potentially burning off carbon build-up that might be in the cylinder head.

A diesel engine will benefit greatly when its exhaust system reaches a high enough temperature for the diesel particulate filter to burn off any accumulated soot, if it needs to.

An extended workout heats up the engine oil, which will help minimise oil sludge, especially in the area of turbo oil feed and return pipes, camadjusting units and hydraulic lifters.

When properly maintained, brakes and transmissions can also benefit from an extended drive.

Avoiding livestock collisions Driving in remote and regional areas of WA means sharing the road with more than just other vehicles.

Wild animals and livestock are a common sight on our country roads and all motorists need to be prepared to respond to the movements of animals while driving outside metropolitan areas.

Crashes with kangaroos are common across the State, but crashes with vehicles and livestock are also a danger, with the greatest number of livestock crashes occurring in the State’s pastoral regions, including the Kimberley, Mid West Gascoyne, Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance.

While kangaroos and other wild animals may startle drivers by moving unpredictably near roads, cattle crossing roads can be slow and motorists should exercise patience, approach slowly, and be prepared for any unexpected movement from the animals. Extra care should also be taken when driving from dusk to dawn.

Stewart Allen

According to Main Roads WA, between 2014 and 2018 approximately 247 crashes occurred with livestock in pastoral regions and approximately 9 in 10 of those involved cattle.

Don’t race the bus Those ‘give way’ signs on the rear of public buses are not just asking drivers to be courteous – they are actually a reminder of the law.

In built-up areas when traffic is heavy, it can be tempting to try and get ahead of public buses as they move in and out of bus bays, but the rule is you need to give way to the bus.

If the right-hand indicator of a bus is signalling that it is about to move out of a bus bay or far left lane into the lane you’re driving in, don’t be tempted to try and beat it to get in front. As soon as it begins signalling, you need to hold back and let it move right.

Trying to get in front of a bus in this situation also risks a collision.

Horizons / April-May 2020

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O U R S TAT E

Supporting our regions 3267 isn’t just a number The number 3267 represents the lives lost and injuries suffered on WA’s regional roads in just five years.

It’s a sad reality, but what this figure doesn’t begin to describe is the impact of this trauma in our regional communities — the immeasurable grief and pain endured by the families and friends of the 529 people who never made it home to their loved ones and the 2738 others who survived, but are now coping with catastrophic, life-changing injuries.

Deaths and serious injuries are occurring in regional WA at epidemic levels, making our roads some of the most dangerous to drive in the country.

60:20 Sixty per cent of WA’s road fatalities occur in regional areas despite being home to just 20 per cent of our population, and the road fatality rate is six times higher than in metropolitan Perth.

So why are so many serious and fatal crashes occurring in our regional areas? And what are we as a community, and our Members of Parliament doing to address it?

Evidence shows the majority of regional road deaths are local people driving on local roads. And nowhere is the devastation of road trauma more evident than in the Wheatbelt, where you’re up to 15 times more likely to be killed in a crash than someone from Perth.

RAC’s Elephant in the Wheatbelt campaign highlighted the ‘elephant in the room’ — encouraging

locals to end the silence surrounding deaths and injuries on their roads and raise awareness of the need for safer driving behaviours.

Since 2003, the RAC Rescue helicopters have flown more than 7000 missions — the majority to regional areas and in response to vehicle crashes.

For many, these helicopters have been the difference between life and death.

However, prevention is more powerful than rescue so it’s critical we continue educating our communities and our next generation of drivers about the unique risks of regional roads and

RAC in the regions Elephant in the Wheatbelt A life-sized replica born from the remains of seven wrecked cars, RAC’s Elephant in the Wheatbelt visited schools and events across all corners of the Wheatbelt. From Northam to Southern Cross, Wagin to Dalwallinu. During its travels, the Elephant inspired thousands of conversations, shining a light on local heroes along the way.

RAC Parks & Resorts RAC Parks & Resorts are designed to encourage Western Australians to holiday in their own backyard and offer value for money experiences in WA’s most popular tourism destinations. The new and improved RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort redevelopment was unveiled in late 2018.

The $20 million redevelopment was the most significant upgrade in the property’s 40-year history.

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April-May 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

how to make safe decisions.

RAC’s Community Education team has been delivering these messages to our regions, reaching more than 500,000 students across WA. Our recently launched Project Road Smart also focuses on educating students in regional areas. In 2019, this initiative saw more than 900 students register in Albany to view a filmed reenactment of a car crash and listen to real-life emergency responders explain the devastating consequences of risky driving. This year the event was also seen by more than a 1000 students

in Bunbury and will visit Kalgoorlie later this year.

A real solution for road trauma in the regions

Driver education and road trauma response are critical elements of road safety, but more needs to be done to improve the design and condition of the roads we drive on every day. Investment in modest road upgrades would dramatically improve road safety outcomes in our regions.

Without government action, thousands more are expected to lose their lives and be seriously injured on our regional roads — deaths and injuries which are entirely preventable. This is why RAC is calling for the State Government’s $900 million Regional Road Safety Package to be fully funded in the upcoming State and Federal Budgets.

We can support each other as a community in making the changes that will protect our families and friends — death or serious injury shouldn’t be the price you pay for using a road.

RAC Electric Highway®

This package will fasttrack upgrades to more

than 17,000 kilometres of WA’s regional road network, preventing more than 2100 serious crashes and reducing road trauma by an unprecedented 60 per cent.

By installing lowcost road upgrades, such as sealed road shoulders and audible line markings, we can stop crashes before they happen. Help us save lives and stop serious injuries by visiting rac.com.au/ regionalroads

RAC Rescue helicopters Sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the two RAC Rescue helicopters, one based in Bunbury, provide vital search and rescue and critical care medical services to the WA community.

With 11 fast charging stations between Perth and Augusta, the Australian-first RAC Electric Highway® has opened the road down south to electric vehicles.

RAC Intellibus® The RAC Intellibus® — Australia’s first fully driverless vehicle on public roads — visited Busselton in 2019, giving more than 1500 locals and visitors the opportunity to take a ride and learn about driverless vehicle technology and its benefits. The RAC Intellibus® will also visit Geraldton in the near future.

Horizons / April-May 2020

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O U R S TAT E

SMART FREEWAYS The new transport technology set to transform our daily commute

By Ruth Callaghan On a 13km stretch of Kwinana Freeway, between Farrington Road and the Narrows Bridge, WA’s first Smart Freeway has been slowly taking shape.

If all goes to plan, this congestioneasing project is expected to shave up to 10 minutes off travel times during the morning peak period for vehicles travelling between Roe Highway and the Narrows.

The upgrade will require drivers to embrace a whole new way of using a freeway in WA, from traffic lights at the on-ramps to variable speed limits, enabled by new technologies, which RAC says will mean a significant change to our travel along that section of freeway.

“It’s positive to see technology being used to improve daily journeys but the changes will no doubt take a bit of time for drivers to get used to,” says Anne Still, RAC general manager Public Policy and Mobility.

Act now, or expect long delays Main Roads executive director Network Operations Tony Earl says the critical north-south artery has become a bottleneck.

“Currently, road users experience

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significant congestion between Roe Highway and the Narrows during the AM peak. A large volume of vehicles enter Kwinana Freeway northbound at Canning Highway, exceeding the capacity of the Freeway, with stopstart traffic conditions often lasting up to three-and-a-half hours.

Monitoring cameras, some 440 sensors and even radar and thermal imaging will detect problems, stopped cars and crashes, and alert the Traffic Operations Centre.

“If this problem isn’t addressed, delays are expected to increase significantly by 2021 and continue deteriorating, impacting traffic along the 9km stretch from Canning Highway to Roe Highway.

“This will cripple the performance of this critical northbound transport corridor and increase delays by up to 50 per cent.”

While there is no silver bullet for congestion, Earl says the combination

of engineering works, technology and better road monitoring should make a measurable difference.

“Our new Smart Freeway is a game changer for Perth,” he says.

“It’s the first real opportunity to introduce intelligent transport system technologies on this scale to our road network.”

New lane, new challenges The most immediate change will be to lanes between Canning Highway and the Narrows, which previously had three traffic lanes as well as an emergency lane along the river.

It will now be converted to four traffic lanes with what is known as ‘all lane running’, turning the emergency lane into a permanent live traffic lane.

The introduction of all lane running allows Main Roads to provide increased traffic capacity using an existing lane, but it presents a challenge in the risk of crashes and breakdowns.

Main Roads says Kwinana Freeway will have six emergency stopping bays, one every 500 to 700m, allowing drivers to pull over safely. Each will be equipped with roadside assistance phones and monitored to ensure vehicles aren’t stranded.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

Monitoring the road ahead

crashes and breakdowns.

If a vehicle breaks down in a live lane, or if traffic is backing up, another part of the Smart Freeway system kicks into gear.

“Losing emergency lanes could cause some unease for road users if they do break down and need to stop in a live traffic lane.

Monitoring cameras, some 440 sensors and even radar and thermal imaging will detect problems, stopped cars and crashes, and alert the Road Network Operations Centre.

“Sensors and cameras will help to monitor what’s happening on the freeway, but rapid incident response will be absolutely crucial to minimise any risks to motorists.

The Operations Centre can then use overhead signs to close lanes by marking them with an X. As part of the Smart Freeway project, Main Roads will also be able to vary speed limits to improve traffic flow and safety and provide real-time traffic information to road users with electronic message signs.

“As drivers, we’ll also need to be alert and responsive to changes in traffic conditions at all times.”

The process is similar to the approach already used on the Graham Farmer Freeway, where overhead signs can indicate lane closures. But Still says removing emergency lanes is a big shift and RAC has raised concerns about the challenges this could present for

Horizons / April-May 2020

Entering vehicles wait their turn Another major change drivers can expect will be a first for WA — the introduction of coordinated ramp traffic signals at the Farrington Road, South Street, Leach Highway and Cranford Avenue on-ramps.

The signals are designed to manage access to the freeway, balancing traffic flow when congestion starts to build.

They will tackle some of the causes of congestion, including so-called phantom traffic jams. These can arise when vehicles entering the freeway from crowded on-ramps are unable to reach the correct merging speed, causing other cars to brake, which creates a ripple-effect that worsens as it builds up through the traffic behind.

“It’s the first real opportunity to introduce intelligent transport system technologies on this scale to our road network.”

Main Roads says ramp signals will respond to traffic data collected from sensors under the freeway surface and will be coordinated to avoid start-stop queues forming.

Unlike ordinary traffic lights, the ramp signals will allow one car per lane to

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O U R S TAT E

enter the freeway at a time, creating a rolling queue, which Still says could seem counterintuitive for drivers.

“You’ll only get a few seconds of green time before the lights change back to amber then red,” she says.

“This is done to control the release of vehicles on to the freeway, to smooth traffic flow and make travel speeds more consistent for everyone.”

How bad are Perth’s freeways?

As roads become more congested, the time it takes to perform essential tasks also increases. It becomes harder to reach schools or workplaces, and the delay in reaching hospitals or emergency services can cost lives.

Infrastructure Australia’s latest audit of WA traffic, released in 2019, looked

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at the experience of drivers on the Kwinana and Mitchell freeways.

Half the time spent by cars on the Mitchell Freeway in the morning peak was due to congestion rather than distance travelled, with trips taking 20 minutes longer because of congestion.

Congestion also added 32 minutes to the commute of a vehicle travelling the length of Kwinana Freeway in the morning.

While the commute home was better, drivers could still expect to add up to 25 minutes to their journey.

Congestion across Perth’s road network is estimated to cost $4.4 million a day, but Infrastructure Australia warned that without substantial changes, that figure was expected to more than double to $10.5 million a day by 2031.

Once all current works on the Kwinana Freeway northbound are completed, Main Roads expects up to 21 minutes could be saved during morning peaks per vehicle for more than 15,000 road users travelling to the city from Rowley Road in Mandogalup.

But while an easing of congestion is on the cards in the near-term, ongoing monitoring and evaluation will be needed to ensure the changes don’t have the reverse impact long-term by increasing traffic demand, as more and more drivers try to take advantage of the extra capacity.

Effectively managing congestion is a complex balancing act. What is clear is that a range of strategies, beyond changes to the road network, will be needed to ensure we can keep Perth’s road network moving as our city grows.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

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MOTORING

GOOD DEAL OR DUD?

How to pick a used car that won’t let you down With most of us buying pre-loved rather than new cars, a little knowledge about what can go wrong and what to look out for can go a long way.

In 2019, around 75 per cent of vehicle sales in Australia were used cars, from automotive dealerships, auctions and private sellers.

Buying a used car can be a great way to bag a bargain because the original owner has taken the biggest hit on the car’s depreciation.

But without the protection of a long new-car warranty or any knowledge of how the car has been treated previously, it’s important to make sure you can spot a great buy from a future lemon.

Horizons / April-May 2020

Buying from a private seller A private sale can be the most costeffective way to buy a used car, but it can also be a riskier option.

While most private sellers have good intentions, it’s important to be aware that underground car-rebirthing rackets operate in every Australian state.

This means anyone buying a used car from a private seller needs to be extra cautious. The first thing you should check as a buyer is whether

the car has been involved in a crash and if it has previously been written off. This can be done with a car history report which you can purchase.

Crime authorities advise that ‘repairable write-offs’ can be bought cheaply, repaired with stolen parts, re-registered and then sold at a substantial profit.

To rebirth a vehicle, a legitimate Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or compliance plate is taken from one car – generally one wrecked in a crash – and attached to a stolen car of the same make, model and age. The stolen car is then registered so it can be sold.

21

MOTORING

Inspecting a car Even if you’re not mechanically minded, here are some simple initial checks you can make to assess if a used car you’re interested in is a contender.

Look for tell-tale signs of a crash, such as uneven gaps between body panels and varying paint shades, or paint where it shouldn’t be, such as overspray on the bumper.

Make sure all the electronics work. Shun electric convertible roofs if they don’t whirr perfectly into place.

Inspect tyres (including the spare) and check the wear indicator bars moulded into the tyre tread. If the tread is level with the wear indicator bars or lower, it’s time for new tyres. In Australia 1.5mm is the minimum legal tread depth, but it’s recommended to change them at 3mm.

View any log books to find out the servicing history and unresolved problems.

Check that regular occupants will be comfortable and safe.

If you need them, check child-seat anchors and the amount of space available for child car seats.

22

Check the oil on the dipstick is a normal colour (a consistent amber/ brown is good).

Lift the bonnet and look for signs of oil and coolant leaks.

Inside, look for undue wear and tear and ensure that seatbelts are in good condition.

Do the inspection in daylight, the reason being obvious.

High-performance additions might not have permits and could be a sign the car has been mistreated.

Check underneath the car and bonnet for rust.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

MOTORING

For just $2, check that the car you want is free from debt and hasn’t been written off or stolen. Visit ppsr.gov.au

Check the car’s ID If you’re buying privately, make sure the person selling the car is the registered owner. If they’re not, then walk away.

While you’re inspecting a used car at a seller’s home, check the vehicle’s identification. The registration papers will state the chassis number/VIN and engine number details.

Check the car’s build plate and compliance plate. These are usually located in the rear of the car’s engine bay and door pillar respectively. Make sure the year the seller has given you is the same as the date of manufacture on the car’s build plate and on the registration papers.

Check the number plate against what’s on the registration papers.

The vehicle should also carry a compliance plate, which confirms that it complied with Australian Design Standards for safety and emissions at the time the plate was fitted.

New rules expected to be in place by 1 July 2021 won’t require passenger vehicles to have compliance plates.

Instead compliance plates will be replaced by an online, publicly search-

Horizons / April-May 2020

“Knowing the history of a used car can save you a lot of trouble further down the track.” able register of approved vehicles known as RAV which will have compliance information and a certification statement from the manufacturer.

The seller should also provide you with both sets of keys for the vehicle. And ask if they have the original log book and a history of servicing.

Make sure it won’t be repossessed You’ll need to make sure the car has no money owing against it from a previous car loan.

If you bring home a car that has finance owing on it, even if you’ve handed over the money, it’s still not yours. You might wake up one day to find it has simply disappeared after being repossessed by the finance company.

To find out if a car has any money owing on it, for a small fee you can check this on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) at ppsr.gov.au. You only

need to enter the car’s VIN number to do the check. Just make sure you get the right PPSR website – it’s the Australian Government website you want.

If the car has been listed as written-off or stolen, or as having money owing on it, this will be revealed in the PPSR report. Some people don’t find out they have a financially encumbered vehicle until they crash it and make an insurance claim.

Does the car have a dodgy history?

Your next step is to make sure the car is in good mechanical condition.

If mechanical detail isn’t your strong suit, there are some simple checks you can make, which we have detailed on the previous page. Beyond this, a professional vehicle inspection is the best way to make sure the car you want doesn’t have any hidden defects.

Some sellers are masters in the art of covering up a car’s defects, in the hope that an unwary buyer will miss them.

Technicians at RAC Auto Services come across many cover-ups while carrying out pre-purchase inspections on cars.

23

MOTORING “Unfortunately, sellers do use a lot of tricks to ‘mask’ potential mechanical and safety issues,” says Glen McIntyre from RAC Auto Services.

servicing history, and also knowing its previous ownership status - whether it was a fleet car or privately owned,” says McIntyre.

“This can include spray painting the car’s underbody and chassis black to disguise rust and red dirt – the red dirt is a sign it’s been off road.

“How the car has been looked after, will go a long way to determining its longevity. As part of an RAC Vehicle Inspection we provide members with a Vehicle History Report which can flag concerns around odometer discrepancies, written-off status and original owner status.”

“They may also degrease the engine bay to hide leaks and use temporary additives to stop leaks from various components.”

McIntyre says some faults may also show up while you’re doing a test drive.

“When road testing a car you’re looking to buy, it’s a good idea to test from cold, right the way up to normal operation temperature. Some serious faults in the driveline can be masked under various oil and fluid temperatures.

“A slipping automatic transmission may respond better before the car has warmed up after a bit of driving, while the oil temperatures are still low. On the other hand, a car with worn engine components may respond better once the engine is warmed, so you need to be quite attentive to a used car’s response when road testing to avoid buying a potential lemon.”

“Unfortunately, sellers do use a lot of tricks to ‘mask’ potential mechanical and safety issues.”

Ideally you should also test drive the car on varying surfaces, including winding roads and inclines.

A car’s faults may not show up until it is put under load, which can be achieved by a steep climb and braking a little harder than normal.

“Knowing the history of a used car can save you a lot of trouble further down the track, that includes its log book and

24

Remember you have no warranty protections when buying from a private seller so it’s very much a case of ‘buyer beware’.

How safe is your used car?

Before you buy, remember to check the Used Car Safety Ratings and go for a car with at least a 4-star rating.

To search the ratings, visit rac.com.au/usedcars

Vehicle inspections

Buying from a dealer Most used cars sold by dealerships in WA will come with a statutory warranty. The only reasons a used passenger car won’t be offered with a warranty is where it costs less than $4000 or if it is more than 12 years old and has travelled more than 180,000.

Commercial vehicles may not come with a statutory warranty.

Under a statutory warranty, the dealer must ensure the car is roadworthy and in a reasonable condition for its age. Some defects covered under a statutory warranty include: engine defects and serious oil leaks, radiator leaks, hoses and fan belts, brakes, oil leaks and defects in the gear box or automatic transmission, airbags and warning equipment.

Although dealers are required to check the Personal Property Securities Register to see if there is any money owing on a used car they are selling, it’s a good idea to check this yourself.

The cost is minimal. Make a note of the car’s VIN number and enter it at the Australian Government website ppsr.gov.au.

Getting a professional vehicle inspection will give you peace of mind that the car is in good condition and may also give you extra bargaining

RAC members can book a pre-purchase vehicle inspection at any RAC Auto Services centre in the Perth metropolitan area or have an RAC mobile mechanic come to the seller to do the inspection. You’ll get a full report of the vehicle’s general condition plus a car history report which will show if the car has been written off, stolen or damaged. The report includes a PPSR check which shows if the car has money owing on it.

power if there are parts that are due to be replaced or other repairs needed in the near future.

Finally, don’t sign any papers until you’re absolutely certain you want to commit.

When buying from a dealer, signing a contract to buy a motor vehicle can be legally binding and with no cooling off period there’s no turning back once you sign. Also, double check the detail about the car on the document to make sure it’s all correct.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

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O U R S TAT E

The dirty secret keeping clean cars from our roads

By Ruth Callaghan

Walk into an Australian car dealership right now and pick out the most fuelefficient vehicle, and it will probably be better for the environment than any car you have ever owned.

Yet it is also possible that the same vehicle might be banned from sale at a dealership in Europe, under tough new vehicle emissions standards that are being phased in for passenger vehicles.

Of the 20 most popular cars sold in Australia in 2019, only two offer a variant that would meet Europe’s CO2 emissions standard of 95g per kilometre as measured at the tailpipe for all new cars by 2021 (being phased in from 2020).

Europe is not alone — 80 per cent of the global light vehicle market, including the US, Canada, Japan,

Horizons / April-May 2020

China, South Korea and India, have adopted mandatory CO2 emissions standards for new cars sold.

Countries from Germany to India to England are also planning bans on the sale of new vehicles with internal combustion engines. Norway expects its ban to start as soon as 2025, and Ireland from 2030.

Of the top 15 makes of car sold in Australia, 11 saw an increase in emissions rather than a fall.

But while the rest of the globe is moving on vehicle emissions, seeking to reduce both the environmental and health impact of gaseous pollutants from vehicle sources, Australia lags a long way behind.

“We know transport is responsible for

about 17 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions and about 25 per cent of total CO2 emissions,” says Anne Still, RAC’s general manager of Public Policy and Mobility.

“But when you look to other nations, many have a standard limiting CO2 emissions from new cars sold, but it’s not the case here in Australia.”

Australia’s Federal Government requires cars to meet the Australian Design Rules and from 2016 have imposed some regulations on the type and quality of fuels used by vehicles.

They also set some limits on noxious emissions like sulfur and particulates, but the maximum allowable content in Australian fuels is already so out of step with international standards that some vehicles need to be retuned by the manufacturer before being sold in Australia.

Despite frequent attempts to bring Australian standards into line, little has progressed.

27

O U R S TAT E

Savings remain out of reach In 2016, change seemed close with the Australian Government considering three options for improved vehicle emissions standards, the most stringent of which would align Australia with Europe’s stance.

The average new European car next year should use just 3.8 litres of petrol per 100km less than half the 10.8 litres per 100km guzzled by the average Australian passenger car.

Besides finding that the most efficient models of cars sold in Australia were on average 27 per cent more polluting than the UK’s most efficient, the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s report concluded regulatory alignment would save motorists a total of $27 billion by 2040.

This is because the average new European car next year should use just 3.8 litres of petrol per 100km - less than half the 10.8 litres per 100km guzzled by the average Australian passenger car.

Even accounting for the usually higher cost of purchasing a cleaner car, estimated at about $1500 extra based on the US experience, aligning with Europe on emissions would mean Australian motorists could save up

28

to $7000 over the life of the vehicle in reduced fuel bills over 15 years.

Savings work out to just under $470 a year.

Anne Still says a recent survey of RAC members found nearly two-thirds wanted more done to reduce vehicle emissions.

Almost six in ten wanted incentives to purchase low-emissions vehicles while around four in ten sought investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“Our survey found the majority of people are concerned about climate change and want to take some personal responsibility, with 43 per cent believing climate change is real and they can help fix it.

“But they also want the government to take action to address vehicle emissions — two-thirds want the government to do more, but less than a quarter have confidence in the government to do it.”

The benefits for the environment and savings on fuel are substantial, but the additional benefit from better emissions standards is human health.

The Australian Burden of Disease Study estimates about 2500 people die each year in Australia from air pollution — more than twice the annual national road fatality rate — exacerbated by noxious emissions like nitrous oxide and high sulfur content in Australian fuel.

“Sulfur irritates the airways, it can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, and if you inhale particulates it can cause

$7000

the average amount Australian motorists could save over the life of their car if we adopted European vehicle emissions standards.

serious health problems,” Still says.

“In Australia we have up to 150 parts per million allowable sulfur content in Australian unleaded petrol, which is up to 15 times the international standard, and this won’t change until 2027.”

No quick fix without regulation Replacing older cars with newer, more efficient vehicles is part of the solution, but on its own won’t be fast enough.

The National Transport Commission found that across all new cars sold in 2018, the improvement in emissions intensity was just 0.4 per cent from 2017.

Of the top 15 makes of car sold in Australia, 11 saw an increase in emissions rather than a fall.

At the same time, total road travel in Australia rose to 255 billion kilometres in 2018. Total CO2 emissions have climbed 31 per cent over that time.

The WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation periodically

April-May 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

conducts roadside testing of vehicle emissions under its CleanRun program, using an electronic sign to provide live feedback to drivers on how their car is performing.

Data from the last study in 2017 showed some improvement, particularly with carbon monoxide emissions amongst mid-range vehicles, says the Department’s executive director Strategic Policy Sarah McEvoy.

“Individual vehicle emissions in Perth are, on average, reducing over time,” McEvoy says.

“This is attributed to older vehicles being replaced by newer vehicles, built to more stringent Australian Design Rules.”

Even without built-in measures, drivers can reduce their emissions by changing some driving habits McEvoy says, such as progressive rather than sudden braking, removing roof racks or other loads in the car when not needed and closing windows at high speed to reduce drag.

“Small changes, cumulatively, can add up to a significant improvement in fuel economy,” she says.

25% of Australia’s total

greenhouse gas emissions are from transport.

Horizons / April-May 2020

Sulfur content in fuel Petrol

10

Australia up to 150

USA

30

Canada

10

50

10

South Korea China EU

10

Japan

RAC calls for standards that benefit all

they like here and it immediately complies,” she says.

Anne Still says RAC will continue to push for an appropriate CO2 emissions standard for new light vehicles as part of a broader change to make clean vehicles more readily available in Australia.

“There is still a long way to go in tightening standards to help meet Australia’s global commitments to emissions reduction targets, but if we decide as a nation that we do want to do something, you could assume that we would be able to springboard off the progress already made overseas.

It will also protect against the risk that vehicle manufacturers see Australia as a place to push less-environmentallyfriendly models unable to be sold elsewhere.

“In the case of CO2 emissions, by not having a national standard, vehicle manufacturers can send any vehicle

“Other countries have been successful in implementing standards that have had a big impact in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning up the air their citizens breathe.”

29

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O U R S TAT E

Living large doesn’t require a mansion Western Australians have some of the biggest homes in the world, but there’s a growing interest in thinking outside the four-by-two box.

By Ruth Callaghan The quarter acre block with a freestanding home has long been the great West Aussie dream, but in recent years the dream has been extended. Today it might also include a butler’s pantry just off the kitchen.

A butler’s pantry is a room no one knew they needed 10 years ago but has become common in many new home designs. Essentially, it’s a second kitchen space where food is prepared – the ‘working’ kitchen as opposed to the ‘show’ kitchen.

Along with the home cinema, parent’s retreat and technology hub, it represents an aspiration for spacious living that has kept Australian houses among the biggest in the world.

Data commissioned by CommSec shows the passion of Australians for floorspace remains strong. The average standalone home is now 8 per cent bigger than 20 years ago, and 30 per cent bigger than in the 1980s.

At an average 230sqm (236sqm in WA) it is far bigger than the 100sqm home that was typical on the traditional quarter acre 1080sqm block — even though the occupants of today’s homes may be a couple with one child rather than a family of four or more as was once the norm.

At the same time, the block itself has dwindled, shrinking 17 per cent in the past decade, while the average cost has climbed nearly 75 per cent.

Stewart Allen

ABOVE: The floor space of an average Western Australian home has increased over time and is now 236sqm, while the national average is 230sqm.

32

April-May 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E BELOW: Terrace homes at the Salt Lane development in North Coogee.

Big homes mean bigger bills Robert Crawford, a senior lecturer in Construction and Environmental Assessment at the University of Melbourne, says our desire to upsize is simply not sustainable.

“There’s a keeping-up-with-the-Joneses thing,” he says. “If you have a large house you’re seen to be successful and that’s nothing new, it’s been that way for thousands of years. There’s a societal push to build as big as you can possibly afford.”

The average home is now 8 per cent bigger than 20 years ago, and 30 per cent bigger than in the 1980s.

Crawford and colleague André Stephan have looked at the relationship between the size of a house, its number of occupants and the amount of energy and expense needed to build, cool, light and heat the home over its lifetime.

Adding one extra bedroom costs about $24,000, they found, but also requires the same energy as driving three times around Australia. At the

Horizons / April-May 2020

same time, the Australian Bureau of Statistics says 79 per cent of Australian households have at least one bedroom sitting unused.

“It would be good to use housing better in terms of space and be more adaptable with the houses we build — add things on as our families expand,” Crawford says.

Reimagining the compact home For Dr Anthony Duckworth, from the Perth-based Australian Urban Design Research Centre (AUDRC), good design is key to encouraging buyers to think outside the four-by-two box.

Smaller homes can be more efficient and, if well designed, better places to live, but buyers also have to be convinced of their value.

“There has to be good design quality,” he says. “The smaller the space, the more you have to rely on design to achieve the amenity outcomes in the home.”

AUDRC has partnered with WA development agency LandCorp on Salt Lane, a medium-density precinct at LandCorp’s Shoreline estate in North Coogee, which will include a reimagined form of terrace home, as well as maisonettes (sometimes called Fonzi flats) and low-rise apartments in the housing mix.

Plans for the estate include four residential blocks of land of just 84sqm to 91sqm each, housing architecturally designed twostorey, one-bedroom homes.

LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra says Salt Lane has been designed as an urban coastal village, offering a different range of housing options.

“Clever design and thoughtful planning mean we can deliver a two-storey, one-bedroom home with generous living areas and plenty of natural light on a footprint of less than 85sqm.”

The homes will feature climate responsive design and be complemented by streetscapes developed to encourage walking and cycling.

Doing more with less Not everyone dreams of living large.

Primary school teacher Ashlee De Campo wanted to spend her long service leave on the road but without leaving the comforts of home, so she embarked on a remarkable project to develop a tiny house that she could tow with her around WA. And while it is drastically smaller than her former three-by-one rental, she says she’s not looking back.

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O U R S TAT E CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The kitchen, bathroom and lounge area of Ashlee De Campo’s tiny home.

“I’ve been living in it for nearly 10 months, full time and it’s been so good.

I’ve adapted to the change of the tiny house and moving quite easily,” says De Campo.

“The whole purpose of going tiny was to give me flexibility about where I could live. Then, as I started investigating a little bit more and learned a lot more about living a minimalist lifestyle, that really appealed to me as well.”

Most people opt for a caravan, but De Campo’s tiny home fits a houseworth of amenity into roughly the same footprint.

“It’s 5.5 meters long, and 2.5 meters wide so it takes up about the same ground space as a caravan but has a sleeping loft so it’s a fair bit higher — 4.1 meters which gets close to the maximum for the Australian road standard.”

A smaller footprint means fewer possessions, but while De Campo says the downsizing took a bit of getting used to, it has become a habit.

“It’s about reminding myself that I don’t have the space for it, and then you walk away from things that you might have bought previously as an impulse purchase,” she says.

The maker of De Campo’s home, Simon Joiner from Tiny Homes Perth, has seen growing interest in the few years he has been building compact homes, particularly from downsizers, investors and younger buyers wanting somewhere of their own without an enormous mortgage.

Most are just 18 square metres — more the size of a Hong Kong apartment than a traditional Western Australian house — but every inch of that space is used carefully.

“Within about 10 minutes, you start to ignore the size, but you’ll realise you’ve got everything,” he says.

“You have a bedroom, you’ve got a bathroom, with a proper 900x900 shower. You have a proper kitchen.

34

We use a half cooktop not a four burner, but when was the last time you used three burners at one time?

“You can live comfortably but it does mean thinking outside the box a bit.”

April-May 2020 / Horizons

NEW LA PLA

DIANEL

ZA

CLINIC

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PE NOW O

Music returned to my life

I worked in the aircraft industry for 30 years up until 1999, with wearing hearing protection made mandatory for only the last 8-10 years of that period. So my ears took quite an assault although hearing tests done onsite over the years didn’t tend to reflect this.

Nevertheless, hearing loss eventually caught up with me. At home the TV was up full-bore and conversations were difficult because I needed to constantly ask for repeats.

My first pair of hearing aids which my wife Gwen encouraged me to get weren’t a big success, and the company that fitted them closed up business before I had a chance for a one year check-up.

That’s how I came to meet Brad who I have since learned is a very much established part of the hearing industry in WA. I can see why, as just for starters, he actually listened to what I wanted and his programming of the aids achieved good sound balance so that I

knew what people were saying and could participate in discussions.

Music had been an important part of my life before the deterioration in my hearing, with that enjoyment disappointingly caput for years. With the new fitting, while I was in the chair Brad asked what song I’d like to hear and I suggested Elton John’s “Song for Guy”, which he played for me. When I heard it, I could hardly credit the quality of sound that these new hearing aids provided. There are wind chimes in the background of this piece which I hadn’t been able to hear for quite some time, knowing full well it was there. How good it is to have this enjoyment returned to my life.

Brad has looked after me very well. He listened to what I wanted, he didn’t promise to restore my hearing to how it was when I was young, but saw to it that I now have the best opportunity to hear possible for me.

Rodney Babel

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T R AV E L

Travel brief

News and info for travellers

High-risk Aussie travellers taking their chances Australian travellers have shown they’re not afraid of adventure, with 87 per cent of those aspiring to travel overseas saying they’re attracted to destinations that carry risk or are off the beaten track, according to research by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Insurance Council of Australia.

One in four Australian travellers also incorrectly believed that if they found themselves in trouble overseas, the Australian Government would step in and cover the costs of emergency medical treatment and flights back home. And more than 20 per cent would still travel to a destination where the official advice is to reconsider the need to travel.

DFAT issues travel advisories for 177 destinations using four levels of risk via its Smartraveller website, level four being the highest risk level.

Risks include disease, natural disasters, civil unrest, war, terrorism activity, volatile political situations, kidnapping and violent crime targeting foreigners.

When planning a trip, it pays to check smartraveller.com.au for warnings and advice on safer travel, and to also understand the risks your travel insurance policy covers.

Depending on the destination and activities you plan on undertaking, additional cover may be needed.

To find out more about RAC Travel Insurance, visit rac.com.au/travelinsurance

Horizons / April-May 2020

Register for the RAC Monkey Mia Resort Open Water Swim If you’re a keen swimmer, this is your chance to challenge yourself in the water and reward yourself with a getaway to an iconic WA destination.

The Monkey Mia Open Water Swim will once again be held on the June long weekend in the pristine waters off the Monkey Mia beachfront.

The event, on Sunday 31 May, includes Open and Masters categories across one and four kilometre distances, along with a children’s event.

Great prizes and starter packages are on offer across all categories and events.

Participants and their supporters can enjoy a recovery breakfast on the Monday following the swim, plus a gala dinner and awards presentation will be held that evening at the Resort’s Boughshed Restaurant overlooking the beach.

To book your accommodation, visit racparksandresorts.com.au.

And for event details and to register visit champions.org.au.

37

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Call 1800 871 570, or visit racparksandresorts.com.au *T&C apply. Discount varies according to season. See website for full details

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Tourism Western Australia

T R AV E L

UNEARTHING WA

truffles Despite the sky-high price tag on truffles, there’s nothing snobby about WA’s truffle growing sector.

Fleur Bainger discovers the hard work behind this intricate and mysterious industry.

The truffle dogs padding through Gavin and Mel Booth’s orchard with their noses to the ground are wearing leather booties. It’s not a fashion statement: it’s to protect the produce from being damaged during the hunt.

The couple, who farm and market the Australian black truffle, as well

Horizons / April-May 2020

By Fleur Bainger

It changed the course of their lives.

as training dogs to sniff out the elusive, subterranean nuggets, have a history of trying new things.

“There was a guy called Al Blakers being interviewed about truffles, and he said they were having a hard time with the hunting dogs,” says Gavin.

“We were looking for something to do that weekend, so we looked him up, gave him a call and went down to Manjimup.”

Mel used to work in Customs at Perth Airport, using dogs to search for narcotics. Then, one night in 2006, she and her husband sat down to watch Landline on ABC television.

The pair – and their labradors – became some of the first truffle hunters to work WA’s Southern Forests region, which, in 22 short years, has managed to rival France in truffle production.

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T R AV E L

Hunting for ‘black gold’ The local industry got started in 1997, with the first harvest happening in 2003.

Since then, it’s been a rapid evolution.

WA’s truffle growing hotspot is a pocket of land within a 30km radius of Manjimup; it’s responsible for producing some 93 per cent of Australian truffle exports.

The region is the biggest producer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Jessica Wyld

Alex Wilson, of the region’s major player, The Truffle & Wine Co. (TWC), says it’s a careful process.

“The dog will indicate that there’s a truffle in the ground, then the hunter does some light exploration, finds the top of the truffle, takes a tiny slice to check colour and ripeness early in the season, then tags the truffle and moves on,” he says.

Tourism Western Australia

Tourism Western Australia

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Dog trainer Synjon Anstee-Brook at Australian Truffle Traders, Manjimup; Cooking with truffles at The Truffle & Wine Co.; Truffles growing at the base of hazelnut and oak trees are tagged once found; Local truffles on the menu at Voyager Estate Winery.

“Each hunter might drop 800 tags a day, so if you can imagine doing 800 lunges a day, plus digging on your hands and knees – it’s not for the faint-hearted.”

Every state in Australia produces truffles, except the Northern Territory, but the other commercial industries are well behind WA’s lead.

The price tag for the so-called “black gold” is what tends to set hearts racing: truffles sell for around $2500 a kilogram, with the average size somewhere between a ping-pong ball and a golf ball.

The biggest dug up in WA to date weighed in at around 800g.

Dog versus pig

Jessica Wyld

40

The Australian-grown black truffle, drawn from France’s Perigord region, is the second most expensive truffle in the world. The Alba white truffle takes the crown as most coveted.

It’s foraged in Europe and has so far proven impossible to farm.

Traditionally, pigs were used to find them but dogs, who take three years to

April-May 2020 / Horizons

T R AV E L

Francis Andrijich

train, have become the preferred prosniffers in WA. Wilson says it’s easy to see why. “An adult labrador weighs 30-40kg. A pig can be 200kg. You can easily get three dogs in the back of a station wagon. Not so easy with a pig,” he says, dryly.

“Dogs generally don’t eat the truffle.

They like the treats they’re rewarded with. Pigs love the truffle, they’ll take your fingers off.”

But back to those booties. All the Booth’s dogs – who work some 30 properties in the region – wear them to ensure there’s no contact between the canine and the prized fungus.

The price tag for the so-called “black gold” is what tends to set hearts racing: truffles sell for around $2500 a kilogram.

“If you get a toenail through the truffle, it tends to devalue it,” says Gavin.

Keeping the dog’s paws off the truffles also enables them to receive Halal certification.

The hounds sniffed out about 200 kilograms on the Booth’s Australian Truffle Traders property in 2018, yet as we crunch through rows of hazelnut and oak trees on a cool but sunny day, Gavin reveals a find is rarely about elation. “I’m just relieved,” he says with a grin.

ABOVE: Unearthing a truffle at Australian Truffle Traders, Manjimup.

and is low on clay and sand,” he says. “It’s also due to the wonderful Mediterranean climate, with mild summers and winters. And not being on the coast means we don’t get saltspray or harsh winds.”

Why Manjimup is magic

When asked why the cultivated black truffles are so prolific here, the response is often an eyewink and the word “magic”. But Wilson says other factors are at play, including the native karri trees that long covered the region’s rolling earth.

Truffle farms are irrigated over summer, with bountiful rainwater collected in farm dams. Wilson also attributes the region’s truffle growing nous to the South West’s seed nurseries, which he claims are some of the best in Australia. “Getting access to highquality inoculated seedlings - verified by labs in Canberra - is easy,” he says.

“The soil is a beautiful rich karri loam, which has great organic material,

Both hazelnut and oak seedlings are inoculated with tuber melanosporum

Horizons / April-May 2020

spores, which live underground, eventually producing mottled black nuggets at the toes of mature trees.

It can take five to seven years for truffle crops to appear, with the harvesting window from June to August. It’s not a fast turn around, but once they start producing, output increases each year.

Wilson says there’s no shortage of demand for the coveted food. “We sell our black truffles to more than 30 countries around the world, with demand at roughly 50 per cent more than we can ever produce,” he says.

TWC has mature trees planted across 20 hectares of land. It’s the biggest of some 70 local truffle growers, with more joining the industry each year.

41

Jessica Wyld

T R AV E L

WA truffles are sent to some of the world’s best restaurants and the turnaround for this valuable fresh product is breathtaking.

42

April-May 2020 / Horizons

T R AV E L

He argues that even as production grows, the high prices can be maintained. “From the beginning, we pushed hard that Aussies need to have tough grading standards, not just be scrappy farmers throwing inconsistent product into a box,” he says.

“It’s a very different situation to Europe, where truffles can be a week (or more) old, sold in back-alleys or at markets on weekends.”

WA truffles are sent to some of the world’s best restaurants and the turnaround for this valuable fresh product is breathtaking. “Australiangrown truffles get hunted, harvested, washed and on a plate at the world’s best venues, often within 48 hours,” says Wilson.

Truffle treats As the industry matures, so too do the ways people like to eat truffles. Booth says it’s an educational process. “It’s about getting people to accept they can make a salad with truffle, rather than just a thick cheese sauce,” he says, naming a truffle, kipfler potato and marron salad created by chef and fellow truffle grower, David Coomer as one of his all-time favourite dishes.

“I also make a walnut, rocket and pear salad with truffled eggs,” he says. “I fill a jar with a dozen eggs and put a truffle on top, then screw the lid on and leave it for three days. Eggshell is semipermeable so it takes on the aroma.

Then I soft boil them, let them cool and tear the egg up. You get this wonderful truffle hit.”

TWC’s Alex Wilson loves to incorporate truffle into gravies, sauces and butter.

“Whatever you have left, even the stubby bits, use every single gram,” he tips. “At Christmas time, we get frozen truffle and good quality butter, and we massage that under the skin of a chicken. Roast it in the oven. It’s spectacular.”

At Tall Timbers restaurant in the heart of Manjimup, the kitchen shaves truffle over hot chips and layers 8g of the stuff on a beef burger, which sells for $39.

As we sit down to a meal, we’re told the truffle shaved on top of our food was delivered to the restaurant only two hours earlier.

These days, you can drink it too.

At The Cidery in Bridgetown, brewer Mark Hollett blends truffle into a dark ale, and a cider. “It’s something I don’t

The region is the biggest producer in the Southern Hemisphere. think has been done before,” he says.

“The whole process was trial and error and it’s taken a long time.” The exotic drinks, which are poured for $35 a pop, were first released in 2016, winning awards the following year. The aroma is particularly notable in the cider.

You can buy and taste Manjimup’s truffles from many truffle farms in the region.

And in 2020 there will once again be many adventurous creations on show, when the 10th annual Truffle Kerfuffle is held at Fonty’s Pool, outside Manjimup (trufflekerfuffle.com.au).

“With it being the 10th anniversary, we’re striving to make it a point of difference,” says Booth, refusing to reveal any further details. But with culinary stars including Pete Evans, Poh Ling Yeow and Guy Grossi previously jetting in to use more than $100,000 worth of black gold at the three-day event, we can expect something as spectacular as truffle itself.

RAC members save Stay close to the heart of truffle country Members enjoy up to 20%* off stays at RAC Karri Valley Resort in Pemberton. Plus you can now bring your own accommodation, with our new caravan and campsite area open for bookings. Visit racparksandresorts.com.au

OPPOSITE PAGE: Gavin Booth with one of his truffle hunting labradors at the Booth's Australian Truffle Traders farm; LEFT: Truffle can be used in everything from sauces and salads to cider.

Horizons / April-May 2020

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T R AV E L

IN THE CHEAP SEATS What to watch out for on budget airlines

By Susan Gough Henly

If you want to stretch your travel budget further, choosing to fly with a budget airline will keep a little more spending money in your pocket, but what do you have to give up in order to get a cheaper trip?

As we all know, budget airlines offer cheap fares in exchange for eliminating many traditional passenger services.

The overall concept is to start from a low base-cost and then charge for extras.

If all you want is that seat, budget airlines might suit you perfectly.

Horizons / April-May 2020

But it’s important to be fully aware of the differences between full-service and budget airlines to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

but not always, budget airlines feature smaller seat widths and less pitch for seat reclining, less legroom, and lack of adjustable winged headrests.

Before booking, you need to weigh up the benefits of the cost-saving against the relative discomforts of more cramped seating, paying for baggage, and either paying for or doing without food and drink, entertainment and so on.

However, many of these elements are based on the aircraft - not the airline - so it’s worth checking what you’ll be flying before you book.

What is and isn’t included in both full-service and budget airlines varies from continent to continent and from airline to airline, so it is important to read the fine print before you pay for your tickets.

Compromising on comfort Your first consideration when booking a budget airline ticket is about the comfort-level of your flight. Generally,

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner offers many improvements for long-haul flights, such as cleaner cabin air, higher humidity, lower cabin pressure, spacious overhead lockers, and large windows. Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways all operate Dreamliners but so, too, do Jetstar and Scoot (the budget airline for Singapore Airlines).

45

T R AV E L

Nice to have versus necessity Before booking a budget fare, evaluate what might be missing in your flight and the potential additional costs you might incur.

On board, consider food and drink charges, entertainment availability and charges, the possibility of no seat assignments (not a problem in Australia) or paying extra for them, access to power outlets and payment for blankets and pillows on long haul flights.

Also look into baggage charges and lower baggage weight allowances, strict carry-on limits in terms of weight and number of items, flexibility with date changes and cancellations, more limited frequent flyer rewards, airports in more remote locations (often the case in Europe), terminals that may require long walks to and from the gate, the range of flight options and quality of connections.

You can expect budget carriers to charge extra for baggage, food and entertainment, and have less flexibility with changes and no refunds for cancellations.

46

Flying domestic

Exploring Asia

In Australia, the differences between full-service and budget airlines is more straightforward compared with carriers operating abroad.

Perth is uniquely positioned to take advantage of relatively easy access to Asian resort destinations, such as Bali and Phuket, as well as the foodie (and airport) hub of Singapore, and the number of flights on offer attest to their popularity.

Qantas and Virgin Australia, the two full-service airlines, both offer baggage, food and drink included in the ticket price, while budget airlines, such as Jetstar and Tigerair, charge extra for these.

Let’s consider the differences between Jetstar and Qantas on a flight between Perth and Melbourne.

The prices can range dramatically.

Qantas fares can be double those of Jetstar’s but at other times, certainly if you book far enough ahead, there is little difference in the ticket price between the two, and Jetstar charges extra for baggage and food and offers no inflight entertainment.

While there’s not much difference in terms of where you board and disembark at the Perth Terminals, budget airline passengers have a long walk to and from the gates at the Melbourne budget airline terminal (T4).

Again, you can expect budget carriers to charge extra for baggage, food and entertainment, and have less flexibility with changes and no refunds for cancellations.

Most flights from Perth to Bali are on budget airlines such as Jetstar, AirAsia, and other Asian budget airlines such as Citilink (the budget airline for Garuda), Malindo Air, Lion Air and Batik Air. As such, travellers must pay extra for baggage and food, and have less flexibility with changes and no refunds for cancellations.

Garuda Indonesia is the only full-service airline providing direct flights from Perth to Bali. Again, if you book far enough in advance, their prices are often not much more than the budget airlines regular fares, with the key difference being that Garuda provides food and doesn’t charge for checking bags.

Perth to Phuket flights, which include a stop in either Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, are well serviced by budget and full-service carriers. Budget options include Scoot, AirAsia, Malindo Air, and Jetstar. Full-service airlines include Qantas, Thai Airways, Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

T R AV E L

Europe – international and domestic Europe is a popular destination for flights from Perth, and the non-stop, roughly 17-hour Qantas flight to London comes with an additional price tag for the convenience of a reduced flight time.

You can of course, opt to go with a wide range of full-service carriers such as Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Emirates and make a stop at their various hubs.

Be aware that many budget carriers in Europe operate out of smaller airports.

Easy Jet uses London’s Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports and Ryan Air uses London’s Luton and Stansted airports rather than Heathrow, which can make things complicated for connecting flights to and from Australia.

Travellers can, however, put this to their advantage within Europe, using budget airlines to access smaller cities away from crowded hubs. EasyJet, for instance, flies to Aberdeen, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Lyons, Porto, Majorca, Bodrum, Mykonos, Marrakesh, Milan, Salzburg, Split, Ljubljana, Gothenburg and Gdansk amongst a wide range of destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Horizons / April-May 2020

Should you decide that Athens or Berlin are appealing European destinations to travel to from Perth, you could fly on Scoot, which offers by far the most affordable way to get to Europe (albeit only to these two locations). Using Dreamliner 787s, Scoot flies from Perth to Singapore, sometimes with a long layover, and then onto Europe. Even choosing Scoot’s FlyBag option, which adds roughly $100 each way, or the FlyBagEat option which adds roughly another $30 each way for baggage, meal, drink and snack, the return price is still generally only half the economy price of a full-service airline.

Passengers can also upgrade to ScootPlus (effectively a Premium Economy option) with a wider leather seat, 30kg of checked baggage, 15kg of cabin baggage, choice of meals and alcoholic beverages, priority checking, in-seat power and Wifi. Prices vary according to dates, but the overall fee is well below the Premium Economy ticket of a full-service airline.

For instance, on some flights within Europe, a number of full-service airlines charge extra for food and baggage and, on some short-haul trips, no entertainment is provided, so always enquire to make sure you know what you’re getting, or not.

All in all, West Aussies are spoiled for choice when it comes to where we can fly. And today we also have the luxury of many options when it comes to how we choose to fly there, and that can only be a good thing.

To get your next holiday off the ground, let RAC’s travel experts show you the best way to go. Call 1300 655 179 or visit rac.com.au/travel

Generally, when it comes to budget versus full-service airlines operating abroad, the differences between them can be more blurred.

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MOTORING

Motor news

By Alex Forrest

The latest news from the motoring world

In-car mood modifier Massaging seats in cars are a luxury to most people, but in truth, they’ve been around for many years. Nowadays, cars do far more than that to enhance driver well-being. In the BMW X7, for example, the massaging seats are part of a fully integrated driver experience. The X7 can be had with what BMW calls an ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’, which manages the car’s air conditioning, music, interior lighting, seat heating and cooling, fragrancing (yes, that’s right) and the seat massaging.

Depending on their mood, the driver can choose between four combinations of these elements, which comprise Executive, Expressive, Private and Wellbeing. All of this can be activated by voice control, such as “Hey BMW, activate Expressive mode”.

AEB education The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has given consumers the opportunity to experience for themselves advanced driver assistance technology such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) at an event held in controlled conditions on a racetrack. ANCAP said it is almost impossible for consumers to fully see how AEB works during a routine test drive, which is why they’ve sought to educate members of the public about the benefits and limitations of the technology. The event was held in collaboration with the Confederation of Australian Motorsport.

WA car pioneer book launched

King of cool’s hot cars Activity around the cars driven by the man known as the “king of cool”, movie star and racing driver Steve McQueen, has been strong in recent months. In January, there was the sale at an auction in Florida of the 1968 Ford Mustang GT driven by McQueen in the iconic movie Bullitt. The car sold for $A4.9 million. Secondly, the Porsche 917K sports racing car driven by McQueen in the classic 1971 movie Le Mans went on display at a museum that opened in the US in January called the Brumos Collection.

And finally, the customised Meyers Manx beach buggy driven by McQueen with Faye Dunaway in The Thomas Crown Affair movie of 1968 was due to be auctioned in March. The buggy is estimated to go for between $A600,000 - $A900,000.

Horizons / April-May 2020

The extraordinary life of WA’s first car dealer and one of our greatest motoring pioneers, Claude Deane, has been documented in a new book by Perth motoring historian Graeme Cocks. Among the many discoveries unveiled in the book is the link between Deane and a rare 1903 Renault Type N, one of the fastest racing cars of its day.

The Renault was imported by Deane when it was new and in 1907 it was rented to the WA State Government to inspect the Rabbit Proof Fence. Thought to be lost forever, the Renault was found derelict in a disused water tank in Armadale in 1968 and is now restored.

See motoringpast.com.au for details on the book, “Claude Deane. Western Australia’s Motor Dealer Extraordinaire”.

This colourised image shows the Renault Type N during its time on the Rabbit Proof Fence expedition.

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MOTORING

Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars

Engine Features Safety Price

Specifications Engine: 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel Power: 140kW @ 3750rpm Torque: 450Nm @ 1500rpm Claimed fuel economy 7.0L/100km Price: fr $68,460 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior Nowadays, several four-wheel drive utes are available from the factory already fitted with gear which, in the old days, would have been fitted by aftermarket equipment suppliers.

These include the Toyota Hilux Rugged X, the HSV Colorado SportsCat and now, the Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior.

They come from the factory already sporting chunkier tyres, extra bars and rails, and a taller ride height.

These vehicles aren’t as

Horizons / April-May 2020

extreme as the Ford Ranger Raptor though, which costs $18,000 more than the Navara Warrior’s $68,460 drive away price and is designed to handle off road competition.

modified so its mountings can accommodate the Warrior’s larger spare tyre, which matches the road tyres and is mounted under the tray.

Ride height has been raised by 40mm thanks to larger, 32.2-inch all-terrain tyres and revised suspension springs, while the Warrior’s underside is protected by 3mm-thick stainless steel plates.

The rest of the changes are designed to make it look more capable, when it isn’t really. They include stickers and orange fog light surrounds, and are in addition to the extras already included with the regular Navara N-Trek model, including black fender flares and orange seat stitching. No changes to the engine have been made.

Up front, there’s a 470mmwide LED light bar and a steel bull bar, while at the back, the tow bar has been

In a market where many buyers seek to modify their utes after buying them, a manufacturer providing a ute with

The Warrior rendition of the Navara N-Trek was developed in Australia by Melbourne engineering firm Premcar.

many popular modifications already done gets a slice of the aftermarket before the vehicle even gets there.

Although we note that compared to the regular N-Trek’s 917kg maximum rated payload, the N-Trek Warrior’s payload is down by almost 200kg to 724kg.

Off road, the Navara N-Trek Warrior has better approach and departure angles (meaning it can drive over taller obstacles without the bodywork hitting them) thanks to its taller ride height. As an off-road warrior, this Navara does the job and looks the part doing it. But if you want to blend in, this isn’t the car for you.

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Specifications Engine: 2.0L turbo or 3.3L twin turbo Power: 179kW (2.0L) / 272kW (3.3L) Torque: 353Nm (2.0L) / 510Nm (3.3L) Claimed fuel economy 8.7L/100km (2.0L) / 10.2L/100km (3.3L) Price: fr $66,915 drive away* ANCAP safety rating 

*2.0T

Genesis G70 Having reached the reward stages of their careers, buyers looking at small, premium, sporty sedans usually want a car from an established brand, such as a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4.

Now though, there’s another option, and it comes from South Korea. But wait – just let go of your assumptions for a moment.

Genesis initially appeared in Australia as a badge on a large luxury Hyundai sedan in 2014. Then in 2019, Hyundai-relaunched Genesis in Australia as

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a stand-alone brand.

IS and by Jaguar for the XE.

When the Genesis badge reappeared, not only was it on an updated rendition of the earlier large sedan (the G80), it also adorned a new, smaller sports sedan called the G70.

The base variants of the 2.0-litre and 3.3-litre G70 don’t get a limited slip differential (which helps get the engine’s power to the ground more evenly across both rear wheels). In those that do have it, the G70’s rear-drive handling characteristics are an absolute delight.

The G70 can be had with a 3.3-litre, twin turbo V6 with 272kW and 510Nm. It’s the same engine that’s in the Kia Stinger.

To get similar performance from a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, you’ll need to spend another $20,000. Notably though, the cheaper, entry level variants of the G70 are priced similarly to what’s being asked by Lexus for the

The G70’s interior is well appointed, solidly built and ergonomically better than some of its rivals’ interiors, though arguably not quite as polished.

At its launch, Genesis also announced an unusual pricing arrangement, where

prices are fixed with no negotiation. Also, there’s only one dealer (Genesis calls it a ‘studio’) in Australia, in Sydney. More are due to open in Melbourne and Brisbane this year. But Genesis cars are available Australia-wide, including for test drives.

Servicing is also bundled into the price, so you can’t separate this from the cost of the car and have it serviced elsewhere. Genesis, of course, calls this complimentary servicing.

The Genesis five-year factory warranty is also much better than the three-year coverage offered by most of its luxury brand competitors.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 3.0-litre turbo diesel Power: 195kW @ 4000rpm Torque: 620Nm @ 2000rpm Claimed fuel economy 7.2L/100km Price: fr $130,500 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

BMW X5 xDrive 30d The X5 has been available on Australian roads around for 20 years and in 2019, it was BMW’s third-biggest selling model behind the much cheaper 3 Series and X3.

The popularity of the X5 comes despite its starting price of $111,350 drive away for the xDrive 25d.

It also holds a comfortable sales lead on all its large luxury SUV competitors, the closest being the second-placed Range Rover Sport, with the Lexus RX in third.

Horizons / April-May 2020

This new X5 was introduced in late 2018. What it brought with it was yet another step up in the build and finish stakes, a revised but still familiar external design and a four-centimetre extension of the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). The latter helped when the X5 was packed to the gills with a family of five and their gear.

With a 190cm driver and a lanky teenager seated behind, both occupants still had plenty of leg room.

Cargo space of 645 litres is slightly more than in a Mercedes-Benz GLE (630 litres).

Our test vehicle was the most

popular X5 variant, the xDrive 30d. That means it has a 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder diesel engine which has a single turbo with variable inlet geometry (which helps maximise efficiency and performance over a range of engine speeds).

Compared to the previous xDrive 30d, engine power is up 5kW to 195kW at 4000rpm, and torque is up 60Nm to 620Nm at 2000rpm.

The most we heard from this stupendously capable engine was a deep, silky murmur whenever it was under load, as if to say, “Is that all you need? C’mon, give me a challenge.”

The eight-speed automatic transmission has also been revised, with wider gear ratios and a new electronic controller to make the shifts quicker.

Where the X5 really excels is in its handling, which benefits from some important changes to the xDrive’s all-wheel drive system.

In its new iteration, the system can split drive torque between the front and rear wheels with even greater precision and speed, as the situation demands, according to BMW. The BMW X5 has changed just enough to make a very good thing, excellent.

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Specifications Engine: 2.8-litre turbo diesel Power: 130kW @ 3400rpm Torque: 450Nm @1600rpm Claimed fuel economy 8.2L/100km Price: fr $49,610 drive away* ANCAP safety rating 

*Diesel auto

Toyota Hiace Among work vans, the arrival of the first allnew Toyota Hiace in 15 years was a big deal.

the front seat occupants in the event of a frontal crash.

Work vehicles don’t get replaced with all-new models as often as passenger cars, so when they are replaced, there are typically big changes afoot and the Hiace is no exception.

This contributed to the new Hiace’s 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Also boosting the Hiace’s safety credentials is its advanced autonomous emergency braking system. As well as detecting and braking for vehicles if required, the system can also detect pedestrians during the day and night, and cyclists during the day only.

Firstly, the new Hiace has had a huge safety and technology upgrade. Most obviously, it has a semibonneted front end design, which, as well as providing a more comfortable cabin, also provides more protection for

The new Hiace’s cargo space is 2.53 metres long, making it 470mm shorter than the cargo length in the old Hiace. However, the new one’s cargo area is 215mm wider (1760mm in total) and 5mm taller (1340mm).

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Most significantly for fleet buyers, the new Hiace also gets the 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that was introduced on the new Hilux in 2015.

The 2.8-litre diesel makes 130kW and 450Nm, up 30kW and 150Nm compared to the 3.0-litre diesel in the old Hiace.

A clever new accessory offered with the new Hiace is a ladder rack that hangs from the inside of the roof. It provides better access for loading and unloading, and eliminates the possibility of the ladder falling from the outside of the roof while driving. Larger

ladders won’t fit though.

The Hiace we tested was the standard sized van with the 2.8-litre diesel and six-speed automatic transmission.

It’s easy and comfortable to drive too, even without the qualifier ‘for a van’. Some users will prefer the huge upward-swinging rear door to be replaced by side-hinged barn-style doors though.

And six-monthly servicing is a requirement buyers will want to know going in.

But the square cupholders are clever, given they can accommodate a choc-milk carton as well as the usual round cup.

April-May 2020 / Horizons

INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATIVE ANNOUNCEMENT

L Pu ayer re ed Go in ld

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Vietnam 55th Anniversary Commemoration Limitation: 9,999 worldwide | Finish: Layered in Pure Gold | Quality: Proof | Edition: Uniquely Numbered | Diameter: 38.6mm Limited Edition with Individual Numbering Each commemorative is individually numbered, meaning no two are the same. Yours is the one and only issue of its kind – the ultimate collector’s item.

1962: Honouring those who were only 19…They were the forgotten diggers. A generation of young men who fought for Australia like their fathers before them.

But they returned as outcasts, casualties of a war nobody understood. Yet time heals the injustices of the past. Now our Vietnam diggers are amongst the most revered heroes of the Anzac legend. 55 years after our first troop deployment, a new commemorative has been struck to honour the men whose bravery will never be forgotten. Struck to a high specification and layered in pure 24-carat gold, only 9,999 numbered issues will ever be minted.

Fully layered with Pure 24-Carat Gold As befitting an event of such importance, the edition is fully layered with pure 24-carat gold.

The earliest applications will receive the lowest edition numbers. For this reason, applications will be processed on a strictly first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one per Australian household. Successful applicants also qualify to view the next coin in the Veterans Remembered Commemorative Collection for only $79.99 (plus $9.99 postage and handling) sent entirely without obligation on our 14-day home approval service. Applicants may cancel at any time and all purchases are covered by The Bradford Exchange 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

SEND NO MONEY NOW – save $50.00 – yours for just $29.99 + P&H The fastest way to own this historic tribute is to reserve online at www.bradford.com.au/veterans or call on (02) 9841 3311. Alternatively complete and post the application form below. ©2020 The Bradford Exchange Ltd.

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Please allow between 2-10 business days for delivery. All sales subject to product availability and reservation acceptance. Credit criteria may apply. Our privacy policy is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply. From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. q

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R17293

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Get a quote at rac.com.au/tyres or call 1300 651 042 *$60 average saving is based on a set of four tyres using the 10% member discount. Applicable to tyres and fitting and available for online or metro bookings only. Fitment locations must be suitable for practical and safety reasons. MRB 723

MOTORING

Ask the

Car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

Win free fuel Send us your question for the Car Doctor and if it’s published, you’ll receive a $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma location Australia-wide, thanks to RAC Member Benefits.

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 question.

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

Is it a good idea to respray a whole car if the paint is peeling and faded?

Jeff, Wembley If the car is of an age where its paintwork is faded and/or peeling, it will be important to consider whether the cost of the respray will be more than the value of the vehicle. If it is, then you could sell the car as it is and upgrade to a more recent model. In doing this, you could use the money from the sale of your current car and the amount you would have spent on the respray to contribute to the cost of a newer car. A newer car may have numerous benefits, including better safety features, and if you choose a similar vehicle type to your old one (such as replacing a small hatchback with a newer one), then the new one will probably get better fuel economy as well.

Recently, I have noticed that when I put my foot on the brake while driving at over 60km/h, my car starts to shake and makes a funny clunking type of sound.

What could that possibly be?

Miranda, Bertram The symptoms you describe could be the result of several issues with your vehicle. Among them could be worn suspension bushings or joints, which allow movement between the suspension components, where there should not be any. When you apply the brakes, it could be causing these parts to move around. Your vehicle may also have its brakes out of adjustment. In any case, it sounds like this problem may be affecting some critical safety-related components of your vehicle. We would recommend having the vehicle checked by a technician as soon as possible so the problem can be solved.

I recently purchased a 2007 Nissan Tiida for my grandson.

The previous owner said she used 95 octane fuel. Can this vehicle use normal unleaded petrol, that is 91 octane?

Rod, Safety Bay Yes, your grandson’s Nissan Tiida can use 91 octane unleaded petrol as this is the fuel Nissan recommends for this vehicle. Given 95 octane fuel is between 10c and 20c per litre more expensive than 91 octane petrol, this higher cost per litre comprehensively offsets any savings that may be gained due to small improvements in fuel economy that may be achieved using higher octane fuels.

RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line. If you have a motoring question, call 6150 6199 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to speak to one of our experts.

Horizons / April-May 2020

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MOTORING

FAREWELL HOLDEN

By Alex Forrest

More than anything else, it was the demise of the Holden Commodore, announced in December 2019, that prompted pundits to forecast that the end of Holden itself was nigh.

On 17 February 2020, they were proved right, with the announcement that Holden would be “retired from sales in Australia and New Zealand”, and “local design and engineering operations will wind down by 2021.”

It meant the end of a company that had been involved in Australia’s automotive industry since 1908, when it began repairing car upholstery in Adelaide.

The company’s roots go back another half-century to 1856, when the son of an English saddle maker founded

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a new saddlery business in South Australia called J.A. Holden & Co. Holden’s demise translates to up to 800 jobs lost, along with a 71-year-old car brand which many still hold dear after its halcyon days between the 1950s to 1990s.

Shelving the Holden brand was part of a larger move by General Motors to stop making vehicles for right-hand drive markets globally.

Western Australia has strong early links

to Holden. Between 1949 and 1972, Holden cars were assembled at the General Motors Holden’s Mosman Park plant.

The assembly plant was located at the corner of Victoria Street and Buckland Avenue in Mosman Park. Today, the site is occupied by Iona Presentation College Junior School.

The last Holden built in WA was a 1972 HQ SS four door.

Also, between 1980 and 2013, WA was home to the very first Holden to be built in Australia, a 1947 prototype for the first production Holden, the 48-215. It was sold to a Victorian buyer for $668,000.

Throughout the 1950s, production versions of the 48-215 and the later FJ were

April-May 2020 / Horizons

MOTORING

OPPOSITE PAGE: 1961-1962 EK sedan; CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1961-1962 EK Holden ute; HX GTS; 1963-1965 EH Holden; VB Commodore wagon; Torana.

commonplace on WA roads as production from the local factory ramped up and the post-war economy boomed.

This continued with the much more modern looking FE and FC models which arrived later in the 1950s, and with the subsequent FB and EK models of the early 1960s.

Later in the 1960s, Holden was booming with models such as the EH and the first Kingswood in 1968. The first Torana was introduced in 1967, a nameplate which in the 1970s would become a racing legend.

In 1968, a Holden Monaro HK GTS 327 became the first Holden to win the iconic Bathurst touring car race. Then in 1969, Holden built its own V8 engine for

Horizons / April-May 2020

the first time, debuting in the HT Holden.

The 1971 HQ ushered in a brand-new generation of Holdens, that included the luxurious Statesman and later the Sandman panel van.

In 1972, racing driver Peter Brock would take the first of his stillunequalled nine wins in the Bathurst race (then called the Hardie-Ferodo 500) in an LJ Torana GTR XU-1.

Controversy reigned when the first Commodore VB arrived in Australia in 1978 to take over from the Kingswood sedan and station wagon. But in 1998, the Commodore became Australia’s best-selling car with 94,642 sales.

By 2008 though, many consumers were looking longingly in the direction

of SUVs and away from traditional large sedans and wagons.

The VF Commodore, launched in 2013, was the best-ever Commodore but it was still a large, conventional reardrive sedan at a time when SUVs were taking the market by storm.

Australian production of the rear-drive Commodore ceased in October 2017.

Then, in February 2020, an executive from GM’s head office delivered the news that Holden itself would be wound up.

It meant closure after much uncertainty and suffering in recent years, but also the end of a 71-year road trip which gave us some iconic cars and countless fond memories.

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YO U R R A C

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Give your dog a break Leaving your dog behind when you go on holiday can be hard. Fortunately, there are now many WA holiday parks welcoming our furry companions.

It’s a great option for dog owners, but there are some rules you’ll need to be aware of.

When you book, you may be asked about your dog’s breed and size and how many dogs you’ll bring. It’s important to be upfront about these details.

It’s also likely you’ll need to keep your dog on a leash at the site, although the property may have off-leash areas too.

Before you book, enquire about any

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other restrictions, for example, dogs may not be allowed in communal areas.

When you arrive, you might need to show an up-to-date vaccination certificate so don’t forget to bring it with you. Your dog will also need to be registered.

You shouldn’t leave your dog on its own at your site. Lonely dogs often bark and disturb other park guests.

And just as you would at home, always clean up after your dog.

A microchip is a good idea if you plan to camp or caravan with your dog regularly in case they ever get away from you. Also, check the location of vets nearby so you know where to go in an emergency.

in WA’s national parks, but there are some campgrounds within national parks and reserves that allow dogs in limited areas on a leash.

Keep your pet safe with RAC Pet Insurance. To find out more and to check the PDS, visit rac.com.au/pet

We’re pet friendly Your dog is welcome at RAC Parks & Resorts at Busselton, Broome, Cervantes, Exmouth and Monkey Mia, along with Esperance as of May and Pemberton as of July.

To find out more, visit racparksandresorts.com.au and click on pet-friendly parks.

Remember, dogs aren’t permitted

April-May 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

WIN

Bad home security habits We surveyed Perth householders about their experiences with burglary and how they approached home security.

Here’s what we found.

1 in 3 people don’t usually lock valuables in a safe place when away from home

1 in 3 people share stories/photos on social media while they’re away

a $5000 family holiday If you’re already planning your next school holiday adventure, RAC Little Legends Club® is giving away a $5000 travel voucher to get you there.

Research from the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) showed that, once inside a home, the majority of burglars will stay for only five to 15 minutes. By locking items of high value away, an intruder is more likely to give up and move on rather than risk being caught.

To enter, just sign up to our free kids’ road safety program, RAC Little Legends Club®, and tell us your top three essential items for any family road trip.

The AIC also found that 78 per cent of former burglars believed other burglars were using social media platforms, such as Facebook, in order to target homes that may be unoccupied.

The message here is don’t overshare on social media.

You can see the full results of the 2019 RAC Home Security Survey in the next edition of Horizons.

Our winner will get a voucher for $5000 worth of travel, including accommodation and airfares, to the destination of their choice from RAC Travel.

To find out more about RAC Security and how to better secure your home, visit rac.com.au/security

To enter

B

250/6 0

When you do need to replace your tyres, remember RAC members get 10%* off tyres. (*10% member discount applies to tyre and fitting and is available for online or metro bookings only.

MRB 723)

Horizons / April-May 2020

E

TYRE BRAND

A

F G

See page 81 for terms and conditions.

L DIA RA

If you’re heading off on an Easter road trip, remember to check the air pressure in your tyres before you go.

Tyre pressure should be checked regularly to ensure safe road handling. Also check the tread depth. A tyre’s minimum legal depth is 1.5mm, but it’s safer not to wait until it gets that low.

R

91H

Those letters and numbers on the sidewall of your car’s tyres carry a lot of important information about the type of tyre fitted and the loadings that can be placed on it.

D

15

How to read a tyre

Complete the entry form at rac.com.au/ familytrip and while you’re there, check out our tips for making the most of your next family holiday.

C

A

Brand, make and model of the tyre

B

Tyre width in millimetres – the total inflated width at its widest point (excluding sidewall ribs and lettering)

C

Height of the tyre as a percentage of the section width (B)

D

Type of construction. R is for radial, B for Bias

E

The rim diameter (in inches) which fits the tyre

F

Maximum load the tyre can carry under certain conditions

G

Represents the maximum safe speed. Passenger tyre speed ratings start at N (140km/h) and go to Y (300km/h)

RAC Little Legends Club® RAC Little Legends Club® helps primary school-age kids learn about bicycle, pedestrian and passenger safety. Visit rac.com.au/ littlelegends for online road safety games, downloadable activity sheets and information to help keep kids safe on and around our roads.

RAC Little Legends Club® members also get access to RAC member benefits, exclusive events, competitions and giveaways.

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DISCOVER THE BEST OF MODERN LIVING. IN A SUMMIT GRANNY FLAT.

Image for illustration purposes only.

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Create a completely self-contained residence for your home; a teenagers retreat, home office, or rentable studio apartment. A granny flat by Summit is the clever solution to expanding your home. Our designs are affordable, flexible, and tailored to suit your needs, making it perfect for today’s multi-generational living. Grow your lifestyle the smarter way and make the most out of your block and still enjoy the benefits of independent living. Visit our display at the Style Studio by Summit, 242 Leach Highway, Myaree. Call 6365 2920 or visit summithomes.com.au

NEW HOMES

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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, pharmacy, groceries, entertainment, dining or RAC products and services – RAC members save every day.

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April-May 2020 / Horizons

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Visit AQWA for an underwater journey to discover the incredible and unique marine life of Western Australia, from the icy waters of the southern ocean to the tropical wonderland of coral reefs in the Far North.

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Find out more rac.com.au/aqwa Terms and conditions apply. Available to all RAC Members when a valid RAC membership card is displayed in-store or used online. No additional discount on external discount offers and discount not available for group bookings.

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April-May 2020 / Horizons

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1300 929 929 | wizardpharmacy.com.au *Available to all current RAC members when a valid RAC membership card is presented in-store or online. RAC members don’t need to be a Wizard Rewards member to receive the 5% discount. Discount not available on PBS prescriptions, clearance lines or postage. RAC membership can only be associated with one Wizard Rewards card.

Horizons / April-May 2020

67

Save at these partners everyday

Members save

10%

*

off full-priced items

Install security doors & screens for peace of mind • Premium Promesh stainless Steel Members save

10%

*

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• Tough & affordable SecureGrille • Australian Standard triple locking system • Replace old flyscreens & doors Call now for a professional to install your security doors & screens

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE CALL

nustyleshutters.com.au

179 Beringarra Ave, Malaga

1300 798 776

Stand #89, Homebase Subiaco

*T&Cs apply. Available only on new purchaese. Offer ends 31.5.20. Visit our website for more information. Security Agents License no. 20818

68

April-May 2020 / Horizons

visit rac.com.au/mb for more

Defibrillators can be the difference between life and death Members save

25%

*

The power of membership

For every minute a cardiac arrest victim is not defibrillated, they lose a 10% chance of survival.

Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in WA. It strikes regardless of age, gender or health status.

St John WA is offering 25% OFF this comprehensive defibrillator bundle, which includes: HeartSine Samaraitan 360P Defibrillator RRP $1,999

AED Ready Pack RRP $24.19

Off-Road First Aid Kit (soft case) RRP $110

First Aid Essentials first aid course RRP $75

Just

$1,656.14

RRP $2,208.19

Visit stjohnwa.com.au/RAC or call 9334 1233 Valid until 22 May 2020. Not valid in conjunction with any other discount or offer.

Horizons / April-May 2020

69

Save at these partners everyday

Why shop anywhere else?

BU

YN

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5%

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Lowest Price Guarantee We don’t just offer the ntee best price, we guara it! If you can find

a competitor's lower advertised price on m, the same stocked ite

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60 Day Price Promise If you find a lower advertised price within 60 days of purchasing a Retravision product, we’ll refund 120% of the difference!

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Available to all valid RAC Members when a valid RAC membership card is displayed in-store or used online (digital membership cards not accepted due to POS systems). Discount not applicable to the following brands which are excluded from the RAC member offering including but not limited to: Asko, AEG, Falcon, Falmec, Gaggenau, La Germania, Miele, Speed Queen and Neff. Retravision acts as an agent for these brands and isn’t permitted to offer a discount or bonus. Discount applies to products only and does not apply to installation services. *

70

April-May 2020 / Horizons

visit rac.com.au/mb for more

Outdoor Blinds End of Season SALE NOW ON!

Members save

10%

*

The power of membership

Enjoy your alfresco all year round!

Install premium quality Nu-Style outdoor blinds on your home

Maximise your outdoor living all year round by installing premium quality Nu-Style outdoor blinds. They not only look stylish but will blockout the heat & strong winds. With our End of Season Sale now on, there has never been a better time to save!

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE CALL nustyleshutters.com.au

1300 798 776 TODAY!

179 Beringarra Ave, Malaga

Stand #89, Homebase Subiaco

*T&Cs apply. Offer ends 31 May 2020. Visit our website for more information. Security Agents License no. 20818

Horizons / April-May 2020

71

Save at these partners everyday

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU’RE SHARING YOUR HOUSE WITH? EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF ALL PESTS - ONE CALL TAKES CARE OF IT ALL!

Members save

165

$

*

and 15% off all other services

190

$ EXCLUSIVE OFFER RAC MEMBERS

*

Normally $355. Offer only available once per household.

The CSIRO strongly recommends Annual Termite Inspections.

Termite damage is estimated to cost Australian homeowners $780 million per year. Termico can eliminate invading termite colonies using the latest termite management systems.

INCLUDES Termite & Borer Inspection 12 Month Service Warranty Free Spider Treatment Termite Management Plan

RAC MEMBERS

SAVE A FURTHER 15% OFF ALL OTHER TERMICO SERVICES*

SINCE

1996

Trusted West Australian owned & operated company PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES

WA O W N E D

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTES - ALL AREAS *RAC member discounts and offers are not applicable to warranty renewal contracts or other Termico offers. Offer only applicable in the metro area and selected country areas (Bunbury and Busselton). Spider treatment not available with pre-purchase inspection. Offer available once per household.** To approved customers only. Valid until 31/05/2020.

72

9443 9470 termicopestmanagement.com.au April-May 2020 / Horizons

visit rac.com.au/mb for more

Roller Shutters End of Season SALE NOW ON!

Members save

10%

*

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Beat the heat, stay safe and secure!

Install premium quality Nu-Style Roller Shutters on your home this Season

Stay safe and cool by installing premium quality Nu-Style Roller Shutters. Custom made in WA and backed with a 10 year warranty.

• Increase security

• Blockout light & the heat

• Stay cool

• Save on energy bills

• Increase privacy

• Professional installation

FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE CALL nustyleshutters.com.au

1300 798 776 TODAY!

179 Beringarra Ave, Malaga

Stand #89, Homebase Subiaco

*T&Cs apply. Offer ends 31 May 2020. Visit our website for more information. Security Agents License no. 20818

Horizons / April-May 2020

73

Show your RAC member card

EXCLUSIVE OFFER ONLY FOR RAC WA MEMBERS

Members save

10%

*

The power of membership

GET THAT SHOWROOM SHINE WITH 10% OFF ALL SERVICES

ALL WASHES

LOOKING FOR GREAT ADVICE & PRODUCTS?

CAR DETAILS WAX & POLISH

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10%

*

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PH NEUTRAL SHAMPOO USED QUALITY GUARANTEED

AUSTRALIA’S #1 CARWASH

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

* Members save 10% off paint & accessories at any Wattyl Paint Centres.

Offer valid from 1/04/20 - 31/05/20

R17077-R

Save 4 cents per litre at Better Choice That’s the power of membership Show your RAC membership card to save.

Visit rac.com.au/betterchoice Terms and conditions apply. RAC members will receive 4 cents per litre off the pump price of fuel, diesel and LPG, maximum 120 litres per transaction. Only available for RAC WA members at participating Better Choice Fuel stations in Western Australia. To qualify, a valid RAC membership card or digital RAC membership card must be presented at time of purchase. Offer not valid in conjunction with a shopper docket or any other fuel discount unless specified including Pumacard, Motorpass, Motorcharge or any other fuel card (WEX, Country Age Pension Fuel Card). Offer valid until 4 December 2021. RAC reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this member benefit at any time.

74

April-May 2020 / Horizons

and start saving today

Horizons

more offers

DO YOU WANT BETTER WATER?

TASTE, SEE AND FEEL THE DIFFERENCE Don’t waste your money filtering one tap or fridge

Now you can afford to filter the whole house!  Better than bottled, from every tap  Shower, bathe and cook with chlorine free, softened water - better for your health and home  Save thousands with longer lasting appliances  Upgrade your home to premium water today

T&C's apply. Free Water Quality Testing only available to homeowners living in the greater Perth Metro area. Please visit our website for more information.

www.completehomefiltration.com.au » Members save 10% on a fully installed system* Horizons / April-May 2020

75

more offers

Show your RAC member card

Horizons

Can You Hear But Not Understand?

Your life can be so much better with good hearing, hear your family, friends, TV, in restaurants & groups clearly with this new technology.

This New Invisible Hearing Aid is virtually undetectable!

Improves Your Hearing Without Anyone Knowing It’s There.

Introducing a brand-new 2020 hearing aid technology that was designed in Europe and is custom made in Australia for your exact ear size and hearing loss. It’s so small it can fit deep inside your ear canal, it begins where other hearing aids end. This makes it virtually invisible to anyone else.

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

Up to

$1,100 OFF for a Pair of Hearing Aids.

For All RAC Members NOW START FROM

$1,649ea*

Less Private Health Insurance Refunds

For RAC Members

Free Hearing Aid Demonstration Not sure if you require a hearing aid or which one is right for you? Want to know how they look and feel? Why not request an appointment for a FREE hearing test and hearing aid consultation with an in-clinic demonstration? You will instantly be able to hear clearly once again. If appropriate, our hearing aid specialist can offer you a home hearing aid trial.

ALL CLINICS:

9350 6311

CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT Valid until 31/05/20 *Not valid with any other promotion.

Cannington 12 Pattie Street

Duncraig Glengarry Specialist Centre

Nedlands Hollywood Specialist Centre

www.hearingloss.net.au

Rockingham Waikiki Specialist Centre

» RAC members are eligible for $550* off the regular price on each hearing aid. $1,100 discount for both ears.

Untitled-1.indd 1

76

7/2/20 4:30 pm

April-May 2020 / Horizons

and start saving today

Horizons

GARAGE DOOR NEEDING ATTENTION?

· Gutters and downpipes · Roof restoration · Ridgecap re-pointing · Skylights · All general roof repairs

We will beat any quote!

· All work guaranteed · Re-roofs/Roof extensions · Free quotes

300mm $185 ZINC $195 COLORBOND

pp p New Doors pp p Replacements pp p Services pp p Spare Parts We install, repair, and service all makes and models of doors & motors

9303 9334

Fully installed

Call 0439 707 578 or 9398 9861 www.roofrenewals.com.au

360mm $210 ZINC $220 COLORBOND

Unit 1, 5 Quantum link, Wangara WA 6065

Fully installed *Conditions apply valid until 31/05/20

» Members get a free whirly bird on a full house gutter replacement*

more offers

edenrocgaragedoors.com.au *must show or quote your RAC member number at time of booking.

Discount applies to garage doors spare parts and servicing only. Offer expires 31/05/20.

» Members save 10% off door spare parts and servicing*

Need dental implants?

We can help.

08 6208 9558

Having missing, broken or decayed teeth can have a huge impact on your life, physically and mentally. Aria Dental are leaders in the field of implant, cosmetic and rehabilitation dentistry.

To smile, eat and feel like you again, book your complimentary consult with Prosthodontist Dr Michael Zaninovich today!

Aria Dental. Excellence by Design. » Members save 25% off IMG products* Horizons / April-May 2020

ariadental.com.au

» Members receive 10% off their dental implant treatment 77

more offers

Show your RAC member card

Horizons

Having Difficulty on the Stairs?

Hidden

WATER BORES

Save $1000’s on ongoing water bills

Maintain your independence, let Acorn Stairlifts keep you safe to enjoy your freedom!

• The only company to supply and install our own stairlifts • For straight or curved staircases • Indoor and outdoor lifts • Free home assessment • Fast installation • Safe and reliable

• Submersible bore drilled to 18 metres (ideal in most lower-lying Perth suburbs)

18 METRE BORE

RAC members pay $4,000

$3,600

• Standard electrical connection to house power • 1hp submersible pump • Plumbed to existing reticulation

plus get a free tap and pressure release valve (worth $240)* Offer valid until 31/05/20

1800 239 169

• Your stainless steel pump will be invisible, deep beneath the ground.

More RAC bore packages available — Ask us today!

Call for a quote on 9246 0111 Check us out online virginbores.com.au

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE & QUOTATION

*Subject to obligation-free site visit. Other depths & pump configurations recommended/available as required depending on your location & depth to water. Assumes electrical & reticulation connection nearby & accessible, up to 10m cable and pipe run.

Cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other special offer. Valid until 31/05/20. Must be claimed at time of quotation.

» Members receive $100 off any new stairlift purchase*

» Members save $640*

10% OFF TO RAC MEMBER S *Con ditions apply

Ken Peachey Caravan Repairs Insurance, servicing, modification, accessories and canvas work.

No more rubbish!

In your pool this winter With Elite Safety I Debris Covers

Call (08) 9277 1381 or Email info@kenpeachey.com www.kenpeachey.com 194 Campbell Street Belmont WA 6104

Call 1300 136 696 poolcovers.com.au/commercial Visit our factory showroom at 10 Cressall Road, Balcatta *Offer available until 31/5/2020. Factory direct sales only.

Not vaild with any other offer or if Elite has to measure pool.

» Members receive 10% off* 78

*Conditions apply valid until 31/05/20. Licensed repairer MRB1167

» Members save 10% on caravan parts* April-May 2020 / Horizons

and start saving today

more offers

Horizons

Better Spaces Better Lives Beautiful, bright natural daylight for any room!

Call us now…

www.skylightswa.com.au Perth: (08) 9240 4045 Bunbury: 0458 169 191 PERTH SHOWROOM:

BUNBURY SHOWROOM:

Units 5 & 6/1 Halley Road, Balcatta (entrance on Geddes Street)

Unit 4/61 Albert Road East Bunbury

*Conditions apply. Not in conjunction with other offers. Offer ends 31/05/2020

» Members receive 5% off Solatube Brighten Up Series Skylights, Solatube Whole House Fans & Velux Roof Windows with SkylightsWA* HPH.indd 1

7/2/20 9:24 am

New Mandurah store now open, help us celebrate!

Solax Mobie

E-Traveller 180

Kymco Super 8

Now $2,999

Now $3,499

Now $3,000

Was $3,990

Was $4,900

Was $4,200

08 9242 7333 www.motobility.com.au Mandurah - 2/17 Gordon Road Osborne Park - 19 Pearson Way » Members save $991 on Solax Mobie, $1401 on E-Traveller 180 and $1,200 on Kymco Super 8. Offer expires 31st May 2020.

Horizons / April-May 2020

79

more offers

Show your RAC member card

Horizons

DBW ROOFING SPECIALISTS Fully Registered Builder no: 101551

Full Colorbond Roof Replacements for Residential & Commercial properties.

CONVERSION FROM CEMENT TILES TO COLORBOND ROOF SHEETS

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

CONVERSION FROM OLD TO NEW COLORBOND ROOF SHEETS

BEFORE

COMMERCIAL ROOF SHEETING REPLACEMENTS

AFTER

“Full building service offered including modifications and renovations” Roof replacements for strata & multi dwellings Builders insurance and building permits supplied Replacement of all roof sheets, fascias and vents Full roof replacements for commercial, industrial and residential No small repairs David 0408 814 917

dbwbuilders@yahoo.com.au

Commercial & Residential Builders & Roofing Specialists Builders REG. NO. 101551. Valid until 31/05/20.

» Members receive $1000 off full roof replacements* 80

April-May 2020 / Horizons

Terms & conditions RAC WA Little Legends Club Family Holiday, page 61 The competition begins on 16 March 2020 at 09:00 and ends on 29 May 2020 at 17:00 (Australian Western Standard Time). Up to 1 entrant (winner) may be awarded only one prize as follows: $5000 RAC Travel voucher to be redeemed at any of the 7 RAC Travel and Cruise centres for new travel bookings worth $5000 or more. Voucher is subject to terms and conditions of use and is valid for redemption 12 months from date of issue.

The winner shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winner will be drawn on 5 June 2020 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 12 June 2020.

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: one $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma Energy location Australia-wide. 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 April/May 2020 Horizons must claim their prize by 13 May 2020. 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 member comment, 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 $183. 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 April/May 2020 Horizons must claim their prize by 13 May 2020. 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.

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. Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade.

Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. 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. Travel Centres Applecross Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St. tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade. tel: 6466 2300 Joondalup Shop T31, Lakeside Joondalup SC, 420 Joondalup Drive. 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 West Perth 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830

Full terms and conditions for competitions available at rac.com.au/competitions

Introducing the Luggie Travel Scooter Range Exclusively available from Motobility

2/17 Gordon Road Mandurah 08 9242 7333 19 Pearson Way, Osborne Park www.motobility.com.au Horizons / April-May 2020

81

YO U R R A C

Ten best Tourism Western Australia

Places where you can camp right on the beach

Do you have an idea for The 10 Best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au

Warroora Station, Ningaloo Warroora Station’s beachfront camping spots are only a few steps from Ningaloo’s crystal-clear waters.

Given its remoteness, Warroora is recommended for self-sufficient and experienced campers. No amenities are provided, and you’ll need to bring or hire a chemical toilet.

Cleaverville, Karratha

Cleaverville is an informal campground between Karratha and Point Samson.

With no facilities at all, it’s recommended for experienced campers only, but the sunsets are worth it. Be sure to pack insect repellent, as the sand flies are notorious. The closest towns for fuel and supplies are Wickham (39km) and Karratha (40km).

Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay

You can swim, snorkel, fish and paddle in Sandy Cape’s sheltered bay. The snow-white dunes are also great for sandboarding. Campsites at the dog-friendly Sandy Cape Recreation Park are on a first come, first served basis, and are usually full during school holidays or long weekends.

Milligan Island Camping Node, Leeman

The 36 campsites at the Milligan Island Camping Node, between Green Head and Leeman, are perfect for self-sufficient campers in search of a quiet beachside stopover. Enjoy beach fishing, sandboarding and snorkelling.

Just be aware that as an eco-tourist site, there is no running water or power.

Lucky Bay Campground, Esperance

Ideal for diving, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling and kangaroo-spotting, Lucky Bay Campground has 25 camp-

82

ABOVE: Gregories campsite, Francois Peron National Park.

sites that can accommodate everything from tents to caravans. Some sites are just a few steps from the beach’s trademark white sands and turquoise waters. Bookings are essential.

Gregories, Francois Peron National Park, Shark Bay

Gregories is a small and secluded campsite within Francois Peron National Park. Famed for its fishing, snorkelling and swimming spots, Gregories is only accessible by fourwheel drive. Toilets and gas barbecues are the only facilities available, so you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.

Steep Point, Edel Land, Shark Bay

Steep Point is the most westerly point of mainland Australia and a must for fishing enthusiasts. The rocky waterfront campsite at Steep Point is called The Oven and requires prebooking online before you arrive. Bring your own drinking water and power generator (if required).

Withnell Point Campsite, Dirk Hartog Island

Withnell Point is a beachside camping area that can accommodate three groups at a time. The Point is perfect for beach fishing, snorkelling and swimming. The site has no facilities, so bring drinking water and everything else you need with you. You’ll need a high-clearance four-wheel drive on the island.

Osprey Bay, Ningaloo

The 44 campsites at Osprey Bay are located on a rocky shelf near a small beach. The Bay is ideal for shorebased fishing, as well as swimming and snorkelling, particularly at The Lagoon.

Amenities are limited and you’ll need your own drinking water.

Gnoorea Point Campground, Karratha

If you’re after a true North West fishing adventure, head for the coastal camping area at Gnoorea Point, also known as 40 Mile. Located 40 minutes south of Karratha, the camping area has a natural boat ramp, a protected bay for swimming and public toilets for day users, though no drinking water, power or cooking facilities are provided. or more details about these F beach campsites and others, visit rac.com.au/beachcamping

RAC members save For camping near the beach with all the facilities you need, book a site at one of the RAC Parks & Resorts along the WA coast.

Members save up to 20%* on sites and accommodation. Visit racparksandresorts.com.au

April-May 2020 / Horizons

Explore Europe

IN 2020

NORTHERN ISLES

GREEK ISLAND ODYSSEY

HIDDEN BALTIC TREASURES

Amsterdam return | Nieuw Statendam 14 night cruise | Cruise departs 2 Aug 2020

Athens return | Seabourn Odyssey 14 night cruise | Cruise departs 29 August 2020

London (Tilbury) return | Columbus 12 night cruise | Cruise departs 19 October 2020

BONUS: US$50 ONBOARD CREDIT PER STATEROOM° Ísafjörður

Copenhagen Skagen

Ísafjarðardjúp

Visby

Eyjafjörður

Reykjavík

Akureyri

Piraeus Syracuse Milos

Lerwick, Shetland Islands Invergordon

Ålesund Haugesund

Valletta Mġarr

Newhaven (Edinburgh)

Package ID: HAL6095

Amsterdam

16 night holiday includes: • Return airfare to Amsterdam • 2 night stay at the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel Amsterdam incl. breakfast • Amsterdam Food by Foot Tour • 14 night cruise incl. all main meals+ and entertainment whilst on board • Transfers between airport, hotel & port

Ermoupoli Mykonos Naousa Symi Rhodes Santoríni Ágios Nikólaos

Klaipeda

Gdynia Ronne (Bornholm) Rotterdam

Berlin (Warnemunde)

London (Tilbury)

Package ID: CMV14817

Package ID: SBN14029

17 night holiday includes: • Return airfare to Athens • 3 night stay at the Wyndham Hotel Athens incl. breakfast • One day guided tour to Delphi with lunch • 5 course gourmet ‘Dinner in the Sky’ in the centre of Athens • 14 night cruise incl. all main meals+ and entertainment whilst on board • Transfers between airport, hotel & port

Interior from

Balcony from

Oceanview Suite from

Veranda Suite from

$6,635pp*

$8,230pp*

$12,080pp*

$14,080pp*

14 night holiday includes: • Return airfare to London • 2 night stay at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street incl. breakfast • 12 night cruise incl. all main meals+ and entertainment whilst on board • Transfers between airport, port & hotel

Superior Twin Inner

Standard Plus Twin Ocean

from $4,340pp

*

View from $4,870pp

*Prices are in AUD per person twin share, based on lead-in twin share accommodation in each of the specified categories and include all savings/discounts, port charges, government fees and are correct as at 17 February 2020. Holidays include Economy class airfare ex Perth, air taxes and hotel taxes. Offer is valid for a limited time only, unless sold out prior, is capacity controlled,subject to availability/change and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices shown reflect all savings/discounts. Offer can be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. °Onboard credit offer is valid for a limited time only, is in USD, is per stateroom,applies only to the first two guests sharing the same Stateroom, is non-transferrable, cannot be redeemed for cash or used at the medical centre or casino. Offer is valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offers. Offer can be withdrawnat any time without notice. Single passengers must pay a single supplement. Some Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms may have obstructed views. Packages do not include additional accommodation made necessary by flight schedules. +Excludes specialty restaurants. A supplement deposit amount may be required to secure airfare component in the holiday packages. To be read in conjunction with the full terms and conditions of the cruise lines advertised contained in Cruisecos Epic Ocean Cruises Collections brochure, which passengers willbe bound by. Agents may charge service fees/or fees for card payments which vary. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply.

*

Local insurance that gives back to members, not themselves.

With RAC Insurance you get great local service.

Plus, members save 5%* at Wizard Pharmacy.

RIANWN0159

That’s the power of membership Get a quote today at rac.com.au/insurance Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Ltd. Check the PDS at rac.com.au to see if the policy is right for you. *Member Benefit terms and conditions apply see rac.com.au/wizard.