Horizons August/September 2020

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

» Your feedback » Member benefits » 10 of the best

MAKING TRACKS Taking your four-wheel drive off road

The big fuel debate Unravelling the mystery of fuel pricing

Rebooting the future How COVID-19 may reshape our cities and towns

Heart of the valley Why Northam should be high on your ‘to-do’ list

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

We’ve parked prices so you can keep moving With so much change going on around us, the last thing you need is a change in the price of your roadside assistance membership.

That’s why we’re holding prices on your next renewal.

This means when you continue your RAC Roadside Assistance cover after July 2020, you’ll still receive the same great 24/7 protection, nationwide, for the same price as you paid the year before.

We also offer a monthly direct debit option which will help spread your annual payment over the course of the year.

So if you’d like to switch to monthly direct debit, or you’d just like to discuss your level of cover, please call us.

Call us anytime on 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au/motoring Roadside Assistance is provided by RAC Motoring Pty Ltd MRB 723.

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Graphic Designer Renee Smith

Your RAC magazine Aug/Sep 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 Cable Beach, Broome Cover photographer Matt Deakin frommilesaway.com.au

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Heart of the Valley Discover Northam’s hidden gems

CAB audited as at March 2020 is 617,916 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 73.

Roadside Assistance, Battery Services

Vehicle Condition Appraisals

13 11 11

1300 797 078

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

13 17 03

RAC Auto Services

1300 135 667 RAC Tyres

1300 651 042 Corporate Enquiries

9436 4111

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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President’s message More connected communities

Member feedback Your views and opinions

Snapshot News from RAC

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Call of duty RAC Rescue’s helicopter hero

Inside fuel pricing Unravelling the mystery

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Taking your 4WD off road Our handy tips for beginners

Cycling revival COVID-19 and the rise in riding

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The impacts of coronavirus How Perth could change

Motor news Everything on wheels

Test drive Putting new cars to the test

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Car doctor Your questions answered

Little Legends Bike safety crossword for kids

The 10 best Unique Kimberley experiences

Horizons / August-September 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 Planning for more connected communities The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on the way we live and move. As a state, we have been focused, as we should be, on the immediate health and economic challenges this virus has created, and our thoughts are with the thousands of Western Australians who have been impacted.

While these are the critical issues in front of us right now, there are longer-term concerns we will turn our minds to when the time is right — including how communities should be designed to both protect and connect us in a post-pandemic WA.

Stewart Allen

Approximately 3.5 million people will be living in the Perth and Peel region by 2050. A renewed focus on transport and urban planning over the months and years ahead will ensure our cities will be resilient, connected and sustainable into the future.

Our communities are stronger when we feel physically and socially connected to one another and to the environments we inhabit. As Western Australians have responded to COVID-19, it has become clear the value we place on our neighbourhoods, with parks and streets coming alive with more people enjoying a walk or bike ride (at a safe distance).

By providing enhanced housing options and reimagining the design of streets, public spaces and local centres, we can improve the safety,

convenience and enjoyment of our communities while preserving the things Western Australians love about where they live.

RAC President

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC Council

Safe, convenient and affordable transport options will continue to play a role in improving the wellbeing of our communities and reducing the burden on our health system. Having the right housing at the right scale in the right areas can improve access to public transport, employment and local services and reduce travelling times.

Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia

These are all critical issues for RAC members which will influence our quality of life in years to come.

Vice President John Driscoll

The planning and design of our communities is a complex issue. While there will be much debate and few easy answers, it is crucial we embrace this opportunity to reset our thinking and set a path toward a more connected and liveable city.

Allan Blagaich

President Jacqueline Ronchi Senior Vice President Professor Ross Dowling AM

Members of Council Leanne Bishop Freda Crucitti Jill Darby Tony Evans Dalton Gooding Alden Halse Brian Hanson Emmerson Richardson Julie Wadley

Jacqueline Ronchi

Jim Walker

RAC President

Horizons / August-September 2020

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YO U R R A C

Member feedback

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

Common courtesy We shared our story ‘The Lost Art of Driver Etiquette’ (Horizons June/July), on Facebook. Many agreed that we all needed to communicate more on the road and that a small wave to say ‘thanks’ goes a long way: Sadly, the standard of behaviour on our roads is poor at best. People reading messages on their phones whilst moving. Tailgating is the norm with speeding lane dodgers risking lives on our freeways.

Courtesy is a virtue that is sadly eroding day by day.

Tony Flood There is no communication between drivers at all here, no niceties, no acknowledgement of letting people out or waiting till they complete a manoeuvre. I’ve driven up and down the UK and often in terrible weather, but I’ve had more near misses here.

Lisa Grove Born and grew up in WA, learned to drive here too.

One of the best compliments I’ve had was “I can tell you’re not from WA, because you’re not a terrible driver.”

Sam Walker

Pintsized rescue

Call me old-fashioned, I always acknowledge a courtesy.

It doesn’t take much - just a smile and wave of my hand.

Helen Donaldson

During a recent call out, RAC Patrol Sebastiano provided some ‘extra assistance’ to little Varlie and her toy fire truck. Mum Holly was grateful to get her wheels back up and running and Varlie was thrilled with the special service her ride received.

I always acknowledge someone if they let me in and always give a wave when travelling in the country.

Jenny Robertson

Red light runners Since moving to Perth from Newcastle I am constantly amazed at the number of red-light runners here. Never have I seen such blatant disregard for others’ safety. An amber or red light is not a suggestion to floor it. With recent heart wrenching tragedies these people must be stopped. It should be firm in every driver’s mind that if I enter that intersection after the red light and if I cause a crash or worse, very heavy penalties will apply. Better to use the brakes than run that risk.

Gary Freeman

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Captured on camera Many measures have been mandated over time to improve motoring safety, such as tyre tread limits, seat belts and crumple zones, and I consider that the compulsory introduction of dashcams would help in reducing accidents and make drivers drive more safely.

They provide GPS location, speed, time and a video recording of events. They provide evidence for police investigations and having a spy in the car will, theoretically, make drivers more aware, more careful and improve driver behaviour. They are cheap to buy and easy to install. Surely the benefits outweigh any downsides.

Ian Jones From RAC: Dashcams can provide useful footage in situations where there are conflicting views of an incident or a lack of witnesses. But it’s essential dash cams don’t obstruct the driver’s view and that motorists avoid interacting with them while behind the wheel.

Helping our healthcare workers Thank you so much RAC for helping me to get my car started. I’m so grateful as I let my payments lapse, but because I am working at the COVID clinic they waived the call out fee! Working here is awesome as I’m helping all of you to get well. I love my work.

Heidi Roberts

Housefires experiences Following our story about housefire hazards, (Horizons June/July), many members shared their experiences: Friends lost their house after lovely exiting tenants rubbed outdoor furniture with linseed oil to ensure all great for owners to move back in. Carefully putting down cardboard to protect the shed floor, they put the rags in a heap in case of touch up oiling needed the next day.

Happy they had everything perfect, they went to their new home. Those rags caused the house to burn down.

Kat Lowry

More pictures please Member Christina tells us her little boy Jo loved the pictures of teddy bear hunts and rainbow trails in the June/July edition of Horizons. “Every time it arrives he claims it’s his magazine. He ‘reads’ it from back to front, over and over.” Jo has also asked if we can please put more pictures of the RAC Rescue helicopter in the magazine. Jo, you’re going to be very impressed when you get to page 16.

Raises an interesting question about open plan living, should we be designing-in partitions between living and sleeping quarters?

Carl Done Our house fire was started by an electric blanket with a teenager asleep in the bed.

Michelle Ford

Send feedback and win Send us your opinions and feedback via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or email 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 73. Published letters may be edited for style and length.

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

 Please note: At this time the Horizons team is unable to accept feedback sent by post.

Horizons / August-September 2020

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T H E O U T B AC K 2 0 2 1 A new season of adventure awaits As coronavirus restrictions start to ease across the nation, many of us are eagerly turning our attention to our next getaway.

Where will we go? What will we do? These questions are fun to contemplate as we emerge from lockdown and look to the future.

Now more than ever, we all need something to look forward to.

Marine Adventures

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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. Earlybird savings are reflected in the tour fares quoted. Offers vary depending on month of travel. Prices are per person twin share.

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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

Is it bad to regularly park my car on an incline?

Parking on an incline usually won’t harm your car and in most cases it’s fine to do.

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However, when you do park on a hill, whether facing up or downhill, you can minimise any detrimental effects on your vehicle’s transmission by ensuring that when you stop, you engage the parking brake before taking your foot off the foot brake.

This will help ensure the bulk of the braking is done by the parking brake and not the transmission.

Leaving the transmission in Park or first gear will provide an added way of locking the wheels to prevent the vehicle rolling away, but it should not be used as the primary method of locking the wheels as

it could increase wear rates on transmission components over time.

Also be aware that if the car is facing upwards and is a front-wheel drive (many are these days), extra care should be taken when setting off.

In this position, more of the car’s weight is already transferred to the rear, meaning there’s less weight on the front wheels than usual, so the level of grip the front wheels have is lower.

On accelerating away, even more weight transfers to the rear, which may cause the front wheels to spin more easily, especially on wet roads.

August-September 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Knowing when it’s time to update your car Most Australian motorists hold on to their cars for an average of 10 years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The decision to update can be driven by any number of factors, including lifestyle changes, such as accommodating a growing family, or downsizing when you don’t need a large vehicle any more.

But there are other reasons why you may want to update your vehicle.

As a car ages, you’ll need to weigh up the cost of ongoing repairs and maintenance as major components increasingly succumb to wear and tear, against getting something new, or at least newer, with lower repair costs.

Those who enjoy having access to the latest vehicle technology, including improved safety features, will want to update more regularly. But it’s worth bearing in mind that after three to five years on average, depreciation will have halved the value of your car.

So the buyer of your old car will be benefitting financially.

While spreading the initial purchase price over a greater number of years can make more sense financially, you’ll need to balance this with the gradually

increasing maintenance costs along with safety features in your current vehicle becoming outdated.

Work out your car’s current market value by searching online for that make and year model on sale in WA. Once you have a good idea of its value, add up what it has cost you in repairs, outside of regular servicing, over the past two years. This will help you decide whether to hold on or let it go.

If those costs form a significant portion of the car’s value, it may be time to upgrade, especially if that would bring a big safety upgrade with it.

Generally, the types of repairs an aging vehicle may need that will incur high costs include major engine and transmission work, or degrading paint work.

A recent RAC survey asked members about their views on road safety issues.

>6 in 10

1 in 3

don’t feel confident as a driver sharing the road with cyclists

RAC Member Priorities Tracker, March 2020.

Horizons / August-September 2020

The next issue of Horizons will contain an election supplement, with a ballot paper, that will allow eligible voting members of The Royal Automobile Club of W.A. (Inc.) (RAC) to cast their vote in the 2020 RAC Council election.

Members are requested to note that, where there is more than one eligible voting member in a household, one election supplement will be included with Horizons, with further copies being sent separately by later post.

Only those persons who are Honorary Life Members, Gold Life Members or Personal Members (being members with RAC Roadside Assistance or Wheels2go, and who have paid their subscriptions in full for the applicable period of membership) as at the date 28 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting, are eligible to vote.

Other members, including Red Card, Rewards, free2go, child and youth, fleet and national assistance program members are not eligible to vote.

Cycle safety – your views

don’t feel safe as a cyclist sharing the road with motorists

RAC Council election alert

1 in 3

don’t feel safe as a pedestrian sharing the path with cyclists, e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices

If you are an eligible voting member and if you have not received a copy of the election supplement by 14 October 2020, you can request one by calling us on 9436 4389, emailing councilelections@rac. com.au or by visiting our website rac.com.au and using the ‘Contact Us’ link.

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YO U R R A C

What’s the difference?

The traffic management device shown at the top right is a flat-top road hump with what are referred to as ‘piano markings’ along its edges. These markings are used to help drivers recognise the presence of the road hump. This type of road hump is used to slow vehicle speeds, but drivers are not legally required to stop for pedestrians, cyclists or others crossing at these locations. It’s not intended for use at points on the road which are designed for pedestrians to cross.

The image at the bottom right shows a ‘wombat crossing’ – a pedestrian crossing which is on a road hump marked with a zebra crossing. In this example, the wombat crossing is also painted with piano markings. Drivers must give way to pedestrians at wombat crossings in the same way they would at a level pedestrian crossing.

The raised surface and markings of a wombat crossing improve its visibility and compel motorists to lower their speed when approaching. Wombat crossings are most often used in low speed environments (typically 40 km/h or less) where the volume of traffic and pedestrians are higher, such as shopping areas.

At all pedestrian crossings, including wombat crossings, it’s also important to remember that cyclists are not permitted to ride across. They must dismount and walk their bicycle across.

The same applies to children’s crossings and other marked foot crossings. The exception is where there is a bicycle signal and the signal light is green.

TOP: Flat-top road hump; BOTTOM: Wombat crossing.

Car safety: the highlights and lowlights

Here’s a breakdown of the overall star ratings of our cars:

A record 96 per cent of all new cars sold in Australia and New Zealand have been rated for safety by ANCAP. In good news for motorists, most of them received the top 5-star rating.

5-star cars

92% 4-star cars

3%

3-1-star cars

< 1%

The five cars below were among those with the lowest safety ratings:  Great Wall Motors

Steed 4x2 petrol dual cab (September 2016 onwards)  Suzuki Jimny (January 2019 onwards)  Ford Mustang V8 and EcoBoost Fastback (December 2017 onwards)  Jeep Wrangler all variants  LDV G10 all people movers (June 2015 onwards)

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

A LIFE OF RESCUE

Meet the RAC Rescue helicopter aircrewman who’s been flying to the aid of injured West Australians for nearly two decades.

By Wendy Caccetta

Right away George Casey knew who the man standing in front of him was.

It was the smell of fuel that made the connection for him. There was no fuel around, but he could smell it anyway, like he was right back at the scene.

Call of duty

A seasoned aircrewman and a veteran of 1400 missions with the RAC Rescue helicopter service, Casey had been on duty when the call had come in about a light aircraft crash. It had stuck in his mind that the injured man’s plane had gone down the day before his 50th birthday.

His missions as a founding member of the crew cover 17 years of rescues in some of the most extreme circumstances fate can deliver.

“We delivered him to hospital and about a year later he turned up and I’ve looked at him and thought I can smell fuel,” Casey says.

“I said, ‘It was the day before your 50th birthday’. He said ‘Yeah, how do you know that?’

“Just by seeing him, something triggered my brain and I smelled fuel, telling me ‘You know this guy, he’s from the plane crash that was the day before his birthday’.”

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As the longest serving member of the RAC Rescue helicopter service and one of Australia’s most experienced rescue aircrewmen, Casey, 63, has almost seen it all.

Fishermen lost at sea, hikers who’ve fallen down cliffs, children who’ve driven quad bikes into barbed wire, farmers who’ve lost limbs in machinery, tree loppers impaled by branches, surfers attacked by sharks and gut-wrenching traffic crashes are all in a day’s work.

But then Casey has been rescuing people most of his life.

He grew up in Sydney’s western suburbs and joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1973 as a ship’s surface swimmer and sonar operator. If someone needed rescuing in the water, it was 16-year-old Casey’s job to jump in.

His first posting was Fremantle and he quickly decided WA was where he wanted to stay.

He trained as an aircrewman five years into his 20-year navy career and replaced jumping off ships with leaping out of helicopters and performing rescues down the wire. Then in 1993, he joined Lloyd Helicopters, an aviation company with military and civilian contracts which is now part of international CHC Helicopters.

Special DFES teams were called in to secure paramedics with safety ropes so the helicopter could move in safely.

“It was primarily servicing the armed forces but because there was no dedicated rescue helicopter in WA before 2003, occasionally the police or ambulance could request military

August-September 2020 / Horizons

Richard Ashford-Hatherly

O U R S TAT E

assistance and the helicopter was released to do certain things like winch people in difficult areas.”

Air ambo in Timor Casey’s work with CHC included 12 tours of East Timor flying air ambulances and other missions for the United Nations and Red Cross between 2000 and 2003, in the wake of the 1999 East Timor crisis.

One mercy flight between Mailana district in Dili stands out.

“We had to pick up a lady with pregnancy difficulties from a remote village,” Casey says. “With the UN contract, we had military people on board our aircraft, so we had an air force doctor on board and a nurse.

They didn’t think the lady was going to have a successful delivery.

“But she grabbed my leg, her eyes lit up and I got a bit of a surprise. All of a sudden action happened and five minutes later I took first catch of the little baby.”

Horizons / August-September 2020

RAC Rescue service begins When the RAC Rescue helicopter service launched in 2003, Casey became a founding member.

The service is managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and sponsored by the RAC. Its critical care paramedics are provided by St John Ambulance Service and the helicopters, aircrew and pilots, by CHC.

The helicopters also carry blood for lifesaving transfusions.

Each team member has a rare skill set.

On a mission, the pilot captains the helicopter, the paramedic provides emergency care, and the aircrewman manages winching, tight landings, helps the pilot and paramedic and operates the night-time infrared.

Initially, one helicopter operated from Jandakot. Today there are two Bell twin

engine 412 helicopters with nine pilots, nine aircrew, three full-time engineers and 14 paramedics working roundthe-clock shifts from Jandakot and a second base at Bunbury.

More than 7500 rescue and medical missions have been completed over the years, with increasingly sophisticated gear, including oxygen equipment, advanced infrared and night vision goggles. The helicopters also carry blood for life-saving transfusions.

They aim to be in the air within 15 minutes and Casey says they have to be prepared for anything from bad weather to rough terrain.

Expecting the unexpected Casey remembers flying to one vehicle crash near Brunswick Junction, between Harvey and Bunbury, only to discover it was someone he had worked alongside. The husband had been a paramedic with the service in its early days.

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Richard Ashford-Hatherly

Richard Ashford-Hatherly

O U R S TAT E

The family survived the crash, but Casey ranks it as one of the most difficult rescues he has attended.

Another rescue in Roleystone presented a logistical challenge.

A person had fallen down rocks and was lying at the base of a waterfall above a sheer drop with a spinal injury.

Road ambulance paramedics could reach them but couldn’t get them out.

“We were called to winch the patient out,” Casey says. “We got there and thought we’ve got a good chance of blowing the patient or one of the paramedics off the ledge with the rotor downwash.”

Specialist DFES Vertical Rescue teams were called in to secure paramedics with safety ropes so the helicopter could move in safely.

the rescue helicopter, we’ve been sent here but there’s nothing, has anyone seen anything?’ and someone will pop up and ‘say keep coming south another 40km’.”

His missions as a founding member of the crew cover 17 years of rescues in some of the most extreme circumstances fate can deliver.

Casey says everyone in our community can also help by being prepared when going on outdoor adventures.

Casey says it can often be difficult to locate people in country areas, and truck drivers are an invaluable help.

“Bright coloured clothing is the way to go,” he says. “When we go looking for people who have fallen off the rocks fishing and they’re wearing a black raincoat, it can match the ocean.

“I’ll call up on CB 40 and say, ‘This is

“Always carry a torch in a vehicle.

How you can help

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You can wave it around and it can be seen much better than a still light.

“People who go to isolated areas such as Bluff Knoll rock climbing should consider hiring a satellite phone or carry an EPIRB.”

Staying grounded Casey credits his wife of 45 years Sheranne, two adult children and grandchildren for keeping him grounded.

The thanks from patients also offsets the tragedies.

“I remember an older lady that got run over on a farm,” Casey says.

“We thought with her age she wasn’t going to survive. But three months later she told us of the recovery and wrote to say ‘thanks’ and that she’s back on the farm.

“It’s really good to get that letter to say things are on track. For the next 10 jobs that are pretty bad, you think back to the good one.”

August-September 2020 / Horizons

/theswanvalley

SWAN VALLE Y VINE YARDS SINCE

1829

@theswanvalley

O U R S TAT E

Unravelling the fuel pricing mystery The complex forces that influence what you pay for the fuel that goes into your car.

By Ruth Callaghan

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

It was a remarkable moment, even for a year like 2020 with all of its twists and surprises.

In late April, oil prices fell so sharply that producers couldn’t give it away.

Instead, barrels of West Texas Crude were selling for US -$38, yes, negative dollars, meaning producers were paying people to take barrels they couldn’t store.

It had never happened before, and may not happen again, but the crash in prices underscored the dramatic fall in demand for oil that had occurred from late 2019 and into the corona virus pandemic period.

With commuter numbers drastically reduced and planes grounded due to global restrictions limiting transport movements, the International Energy Agency estimated demand for fuels was lower than at any point since 1995.

Still, oil wells kept pumping, creating the oversupply that led to the negative price.

But switching off an oil well is not like flicking a switch — it is an enormous logistical task that requires careful planning.

So, while the petroleum industry and oil-rich nations were counting the cost of curbing production, fuel prices in some parts of WA took a tumble, especially in Perth.

Tracking the highs and lows At the beginning of March, a litre of unleaded petrol in Perth, where the fuel tends to be cheapest, had an average retail price of $1.28. Statewide, the average was $1.49.

By mid-April, the average price for unleaded 91 petrol in the Perth metropolitan area had been cut by more than a third. The Perth average metropolitan price was just 91 cents, and some retailers were selling fuel for as little as 77 cents.

Horizons / August-September 2020

But at the same time that petrol prices rolled back a decade for some drivers in Perth, a litre of unleaded fuel in more remote parts of the State could be $1.70 or more, leaving drivers angry and raising accusations of price gouging.

RAC manager of vehicles and fuels, Alex Forrest, says country drivers often pay more for fuel than in the city, but on this occasion, there was clear evidence some retailers were not fully passing on reductions in wholesale fuel prices at the retail level.

“For every 1 cent petrol prices rise, an additional $19.2 million goes from motorists’ pockets into petrol company coffers, based on average volumes.”

“Generally speaking, our regional members saw big reductions in fuel prices in the Perth metro area, but far fewer reductions in their area,” he says.

The RAC has not been the only organisation highlighting the disparity between wholesale and retail fuel prices, but making sense of the elements going into the pump price is far from simple.

Determining the pump price Despite having our own oil fields, nearly 90 per cent of Australia’s fuel is derived from oil imported from overseas, according to the Department of Environment and Energy.

We import about 60 per cent of our refined fuel and 80 per cent of our crude oil. The crude oil imports are refined in Kwinana and three other smaller Australian refineries.

The pump price of Australian petrol is linked most closely to the Singapore benchmark price of refined unleaded fuel known as Mogas 95 which, like crude oil prices, has declined in recent months. We are also impacted by

Fuel usage in WA FY 2018/19

“Big reductions in the international oil price did flow on to reductions in fuel prices at the wholesale level in WA, but from there, lower volumes of traffic at retailers led some to leave much fatter margins on their retail fuel prices.

“During this difficult period, while many in our community were struggling through one of the toughest times of their lives, it would have been great to see some of these fuel retailers find ways to adjust to the changed retail market other than fatter margins, like many other businesses did. Over that timeframe, some fuel price margins rose by upwards of 100 per cent.

“And for every 1 cent petrol prices rise, an additional $19.2 million goes from motorists’ pockets into petrol company coffers, based on average volumes.”

46.5% Unleaded 91 8.2% Unleaded 98

7.2%

38% Diesel*

Unleaded 95

*Excludes diesel sold at the wholesale level to industry in WA.

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O U R S TAT E

the price of Malaysia’s Tapis crude oil, the most common feedstock for Singaporean refiners.

covers a profit margin, distribution costs and other expenses incurred by retailers like wages and rent.

In Australia, crude oil and benchmark prices tend to be the measures that are reported to show how oil commodities are performing.

More transparency needed

How does that translate to the price of petrol at the pump?

Well, petrol pricing in Australia is benchmarked against the international price of refined petrol known as Singapore Mogas 95 (Mogas 95). The afforementioned Tapis, and Brent, are the crude oil price benchmarks that are most relevant to the price of Mogas 95.

By the time Australian taxes (excise is about 42 cents per litre for petrol) are added, as well as 10 per cent GST, shipping, insurance and wharfage costs, we have about 82 per cent of the total retail price of petrol.

On top of that price comes the margin applied by retailers, which

With all these variables in play, keeping fuel prices fair for motorists is a challenge, but the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been trying to provide some clarity.

In April, it released a substantial report on the profits in the Australian fuel sector and the results were illuminating.

The number of fuel outlets in Australia continues to grow, it found, as do the retail sector profits — worth $616 million in 2017-18. About two-thirds of those retail profits come straight from the sale of fuel, the report found, equating to about 2.2 cents per litre across all fuels.

Depending on what goes into the tank, however, the profits could be higher or lower.

Regular unleaded petrol is the least profitable: 1.5 cents per litre on average. For premium ULP 95 and ULP 98, the profit was closer to 6 cents a litre. It means that while premium fuels are only a third of the petrol sold, they make up two-thirds of the total profit.

But the ACCC has also identified wide gaps that can emerge even within city areas where competition is far greater.

Concern that retailers were holding retail prices high even as the wholesale price plummeted, prompted the consumer watchdog to go public with its estimate that prices were about 5 cents higher than they should be.

“Lower world crude oil prices are one of the few positives from current world events,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said at the time.

“In the larger Australian capital cities, petrol retailers took too long to pass on the savings from the rapid drop in international oil prices, and this did not reflect well on them.”

Lytton Caltex - Brisbane Kwinana BP - Kwinana WA

ABOVE: Australia imports about 60 per cent of its refined fuel and 80 per cent of its crude oil. The crude oil imports are refined in Kwinana and three other smaller Australian refineries.

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Geelong Viva Energy - Victoria

Altona Mobil - Melbourne

August-September 2020 / Horizons

www.hollandfoto.net / Shutterstock.com

O U R S TAT E

ABOVE: During COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year, as well as a fall in fuel volumes sold, fuel retailers saw a reduced turnover of food and other grocery items.

The gap between city and country For drivers in regional Western Australia, the gap between city and country pump prices is a familiar one, but it’s also one that has worsened in recent months.

Data from FuelWatch, the WA fuel price tracker, shows that in January, the price of unleaded petrol was higher in every WA region compared with the average price in Perth, which was then $1.43/litre.

The gap ranged from 2-3 cents more in the Great Southern and South West, to 20 cents more in the Kimberley, where prices were 14 per cent higher.

By May, with the average fuel price below $1 in the city, the gap was not only bigger in real terms — up to 45 cents more a litre — but every region was paying a bigger premium.

Kimberley prices were 47 per cent higher than in Perth. In the South West, the price gap had jumped from 2 per cent more to 18 per cent.

RAC’s Alex Forrest says there are a few arguments put forward as to why regional areas take so long to pass on wholesale price savings.

Horizons / August-September 2020

With fewer petrol stations, they have reduced competition and may have slightly higher fixed fuel transport costs given their locations. Earlier this year, as movement was restricted between regions, retailers were also seeing a fall in the volumes of fuel sold, as well as reduced turnover in other goods like food and other groceries.

Retailers might also buy fuel at one price, only to see the wholesale price fall on international markets, while they still have more expensive fuel stored in their tanks.

But Forrest says, regional drivers continue to miss out.

“Everybody across the economy is struggling and the cost of fuel plays a part in that.”

“There are some valid explanations put forward, particularly around reduced traffic in the regions among people travelling through and buying other things from the retailer,” he says.

“But that doesn’t completely explain why, even during times of normal traffic flow-through and even after

enough time has passed for storage tanks to be filled with fuel bought at lower wholesale prices, reductions in wholesale prices are not passed on in full.”

Western Australian motorists use approximately 1.36 billion litres of unleaded petrol, a collective spend of about $1.92 billion annually, Forrest says, on a sector that’s doubled its profits in recent years.

Retailers owe it to customers to ensure that if savings can be passed along, they do so promptly.

“Everybody across the economy is struggling and the cost of fuel plays a part in that,” he says.

“We’ve seen other retail businesses outside of the fuel industry be agile and change their business models to adjust to the environment, going from fixed stores to delivery, or changing what they do to adapt.

“We’d like to see fuel retailers adapt their business models as well in a way that’s benefiting consumers and their own businesses in the future, rather than hiking prices which only hurts those people who are struggling to make ends meet.”

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Stewart Allen

O U R S TAT E

CYCLING REVIVAL COVID-19 and the rise in riding

By Fleur Bainger

ABOVE: The Ashton family hit the bike paths and reconnected with their community during coronavirus restrictions.

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

“The kids were driving parents crazy and they all needed to exercise, so they gravitated to bike riding. It’s something most people can do.”

Earlier this year, bike riding became the unexpected panacea for those spending more time at home.

A combination of a busy workload and starting a family put plans for leisurely rides onto the ‘someday’ list of things to do. Then, as social distancing and self-isolation became part of the everyday vernacular, she was suddenly back on her bike.

fortnightly during April 2020, with around 40 per cent of these riding more often than before COVID-19.

In April, Cyclemania’s servicing department was booked out two weeks in advance, down from a peak three week wait, as people pulled out long-forgotten bikes and got them up and running again.

On top of that, data recently collected

by BankWest revealed bike shops had recorded 48 per cent growth in revenue in April 2020, compared to pre-coronavirus life in February this year. Further afield, in the UK, bike shops have been deemed an essential service as people dust off their treadlys to avoid public transport.

Unlike so many businesses, staffing numbers at the shop haven’t changed – a dramatic turnaround to the operation’s outlook earlier this year.

“Some months ago, we were worried we might not survive,” says Wayne.

“We’re now getting three times as many inquiries as we would traditionally.”

“Bike riding has been a good social outlet for me and the kids,” she says.

“They see other children, or we ride past people in their front yards and call out ‘Hi, how are you?’ It was a good way to get out of the four walls.”

“We’re now getting three times as many inquiries as we would traditionally.”

Meredith isn’t alone. Across Perth – and the world – people have been embracing two wheels like never before.

In North Perth, Cyclemania’s Wayne Evans says the demand he’s seen in his shop is unprecedented. “In the early part of the year, we saw a great deal of interest from people who couldn’t go to the gym or the pool anymore,” he says.

“Then we saw people who were at home more wondering what to do.

Unprecedented demand

Stewart Allen

The WA’s People’s Voice Survey conducted in April found three in ten WA residents rode their bike at least

Horizons / August-September 2020

The downside is that the shop is running out of bikes. Most are manufactured in China, and the delay in supply, coupled with May being the end of the normal annual supply cycle, means the business’s regular inventory of 150 bikes has been whittled down to less than 30 bikes.

“We’ve got lower stocks than we’ve ever had, but increased demand,” says Wayne.

Stewart Allen

Meredith Ashton’s bike had been collecting dust for quite some time when coronavirus struck the globe.

“My husband Mike bought me a bike in 2012, and it had been in the shed since 2013,” she says.

ABOVE: Wayne Evans of Cyclemania in North Perth.

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O U R S TAT E

Busy bike paths His observations are also being reflected in the information collected by the WA Department of Transport.

Manager of Cycling, Sarah Court, says a survey found most of the current bike riding growth is being driven by young individuals, couples and families with young children. There’s been a predictable decline in commuter trips and a spike in recreational rides.

Results from the Department’s cycle network counters, positioned at spots where there’s traditionally high-volume cycling activity, show increases in rides across all times of the day, compared to the usual boosts prior to 9am and after 5pm.

“At counters at the South Perth foreshore, we’re seeing more than five times the number of riders on weekend afternoons,” she says.

“At the Cottesloe principal shared path, there’s nearly six times greater activity at certain times of the day. At Attadale, Salter Point and Hillarys the counters are all seeing increased activity.”

Most of the interest Cyclemania is seeing is coming from families.

“The main theme is the mum and dad audience saying we haven’t been out riding with our kids in this capacity for ages,” says Wayne Evans.

socially distancing. “COVID helps us realise how important not only our physical health is but also our mental health,” she says.

“One guy told me he went out for 3.5 hours with his son and then after lunch they decided to go on another ride.

It’s really nice to hear that parents are getting to spend time with their children.

It’s the stuff you remember as a kid.”

“It’s been proven that physical activity doesn’t only reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer, it also improves your mental health, things such as depression and anxiety. People have a greater awareness around that, and I think it’s one of the reasons people are rediscovering the joys of riding a bike. It brings things back to basics.”

Nine-year-old Annabel Veleff has been jumping on her Malvern Star mountain bike far more often since coronavirus hit. “I used to barely ever ride my bike, maybe once every month, and now we’re going every day,” she says.

Annabel says she’s become fitter and is noticing more in the world around her. She’s even discovered that five of her classmates, and her sports teacher, live along her lengthy suburban street. “I’ve gotten better at riding, too,” she says.

Sustaining the habit The Department of Transport’s Sarah Court says bike riding is an important outlet for all ages and abilities, facilitating fitness and allowing people to embrace the outdoors while still

BELOW: Annabel Veleff (9) has been jumping on her mountain bike more often since coronavirus hit.

“It’s been proven that physical activity doesn’t only reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer, it also improves your mental health.”

A keen bike rider herself, Sarah hopes people will sustain their newfound love of cycling after coronavirus passes.

“Recreational entry into cycling is often a stepping stone to those considering riding to the shops or school,” she says. “It takes at least a month or two to form a habit, and it’s about sustaining that habit.”

To support cycling in WA, last year’s State Budget included more than $146M over the four years from 2019 to 2022 for cycling projects and grants, including investment in new and existing bike routes, expanding the network by 150 kilometres.

Expanding bike networks A significant new stretch along the Fremantle train line, linking Grant Street in Cottesloe to Victoria Street in Mosman Park, opened in August 2019. Usage immediately doubled and continued to increase dramatically during COVID-19 restrictions.

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

Stewart Allen

O U R S TAT E

ABOVE: Meredith and Mike Ashton with their children Grace (5) and Miller (3) cycling in North Perth.

An additional section, from Mosman Park to North Fremantle, is set for completion in 2021. From there, the next section will be delivered as part of the new traffic bridge crossing the Swan River.

In other big news, the longest piece of shared path delivered in one hit was officially opened in April.

Meanwhile, along the Mitchell Freeway, a new path connection, including a bridge across Scarborough Beach Road and underpasses at the Hutton Street on and off ramps, links Glendalough Station to Hutton Street, making riding more fluid and safer for people on bikes.

Further south, along the Kwinana Freeway, construction is anticipated

Horizons / August-September 2020

to begin later this year on an underpass at Cranford Avenue and a missing section of path adjacent to Selway Road in Brentwood.

Sarah hopes it will encourage even more riders to get back on two wheels.

“It doesn’t take much for someone to not feel safe riding,” she says. “As we fill in those gaps in the network, there’s no reason to think that the numbers of people riding won’t increase.”

In other big news, the longest piece of shared path delivered in one hit was officially opened in April.

Part of the NorthLink project, the 43km section from Bayswater to Muchea along the Tonkin Highway means riders and walkers have a dream run through the northeastern suburbs to the Wheatbelt.

Such journeys are still a way off on the horizon for Meredith Ashton and her young family. But they’re already

set for bigger trips. “We bought a bike rack off Gumtree for the back of our car,” she says. “For now we might go to Lake Monger and bring snacks, or just stick local.”

Meredith expects she, daughter Grace and son Miller will keep up the new habit even after coronavirus passes – not least because the kids will be getting new bikes for their sixth and fourth birthdays this year. “I’ve definitely seen more confidence in Grace,” Meredith says. “Miller has always preferred scootering to bike riding, but now he’s gotten right into it.”

Meredith also reckons she’ll be keeping her own bike out of the shed.

“Being out in the sun is such a mood enhancer, as is seeing other people exercising. Everyone is so friendly.

“I can’t believe I didn’t ride for such a long time. I love the freedom.”

27

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Stewart Allen

O U R S TAT E

How coronavirus could change our city As our community adjusts to new ways of working and moving around our city and suburbs, transport experts are considering how things may change more permanently after COVID-19.

It was 270 years ago that London acted to address an outbreak that had killed more than 30,000 of its citizens, albeit over a period of about 30 years.

The foul, sewage-filled sludge that was the Thames River had fed waterborne outbreaks of typhoid and dysentery, but it was cholera — known as the Victorian Plague — that was most feared.

Fixing the problem required not just a public health intervention but an urban design response: 82 miles of

Horizons / August-September 2020

new sewers, larger than train tunnels, were introduced to improve the quality of the waterway covered by the Victoria Embankment, which today remains a much-loved promenade for commuters, runners and cyclists.

There are many other examples throughout history of how disease can reshape cities, from Leonardo da Vinci’s unrealised plans to redesign Milan so it would be less susceptible to the plague, to designing for sunlight and fresh air in New York’s buildings to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.

There’s no doubt COVID-19 will leave its mark on our cities as well — but what that legacy will be is not yet clear.

Will roads become more congested as people use buses and trains less?

Or will the thousands of Western Australians who have found they can work from home create a new suburban village revival?

Will they walk and ride more in their neighbourhoods, supported by wider paths to encourage social distancing — or even take the opportunity to move to regional hubs and work remotely?

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O U R S TAT E

A worldwide reset It is a conversation that’s taking place worldwide, says Anne Still, RAC general manager, Public Policy and Mobility, as urban designers, transport planners, governments and citizens come to terms with living with the longer-term implications of this pandemic.

“There’s a short-term need to manage some of the mobility challenges, but there will certainly be a longterm need to look at how things might change permanently in the future.”

there will certainly be a long-term need to look at how things might change permanently in the future.

“With countries all over the world locked down to varying degrees, the daily commute has never looked more different. But any sort of crisis naturally generates innovation and I think we’ll see a range of solutions coming through in the coming months.”

To see how the height of the pandemic changed our activity in WA, it’s worth looking at Google data tracking people’s movement.

By aggregating the data collected from phones with Google location settings turned on, the digital giant has been able to compare movement over mid-February, March, April and May with a baseline of activity recorded in the first five weeks of the year.

The numbers are stark.

“Cities all over the world will now be turning their attention to making the best of what has been an incredibly challenging situation,” Still says.

“There’s a short-term need to manage some of the mobility challenges, but

30

The number of Western Australians out and about in retail or recreation locations plunged to 40 per cent at the height of restrictions in early April, before slowly recovering to be 15 per cent below the baseline by mid-May.

Public transport took a bigger and more sustained hit.

Patronage halved in March and remained low throughout April and May, as people stayed home.

It’s a concerning decline given the Perth and Peel region’s planning framework is underpinned by a strong public transport network that can move large numbers of people from and in between activity centres.

The hit to public transport There are about 10 strategic activity centres — including Fremantle, Rockingham, Morley, Joondalup and Stirling — and 20 or so secondary centres, many of which are or will be located near Perth’s current and future rail network.

Ordinarily, there are close to 12 million public transport boardings a month in WA. The latest data from the Public Transport Authority shows a 27 per cent fall in March — about 3.5 million fewer trips.

If people step away from public transport but they still travel to the same locations as often as they did previously, it will put enormous

August-September 2020 / Horizons

O U R S TAT E

pressure on the road network, Anne Still says, but the key will be giving people confidence that public transport is safe.

“A well-functioning and well-patronised public transport system is critical to the fabric of our city, and if we don’t have that, the negative impacts will be quite far reaching,” she says.

“There are solutions for effectively managing the risk of exposure to the virus. Those things are being worked on and will help us to return to some level of normalcy.

“There is work to limit exposure for bus drivers, and to encourage people to social distance when using trains and buses, and to avoid all use of cash.

“We already have the Smart Rider system which enables riders to tag on and tag off without touching anything, which helps. And if working from home is sustained or staggered start times are implemented, we can expect less crowding on public transport during peak times which will help with social distancing.”

Horizons / August-September 2020

What other cities are doing Around the world, other countries are grappling with the same complex challenges, although very different approaches are emerging.

In the US, the car is more popular than ever, and drive-in churches have sprung up, as has a drive-through zoo. Some cities are slowing down traffic to be more accommodating to cyclists and allow pedestrians to move around safely.

In the US, the car is more popular than ever, and drive-in churches have sprung up, as has a drive-through zoo.

In the UK, some cities, like Leeds and Glasgow, have widened footpaths, while York is working on one-way pedestrian areas to reduce crowding on narrow streets and paths.

France provided residents of Paris with 650km of cycle ways as well as free

bike repairs to keep people pedalling as the country exited lockdown, while in Amsterdam, cyclists were being encouraged to take over the roads — and speed limits have fallen in the city centre — so that pedestrians can walk on spacious paths.

Even Milan, a dense city with an average commute of just 4km, might break its intractable car habit. The devastating impact of coronavirus on northern Italy forced cars and people off the streets and the city has announced 35km of roads will be transformed to cycling and walking paths as an experimental redesign.

In Australia, the New South Wales State Government announced a $15 million state-wide ‘Streets as Shared Spaces’ pilot program in May to provide grants to local governments for temporary activation projects to deliver short-term improvements to local streets, paths or public spaces.

Even Hobart — with some of the lowest commuting by bicycle in the country — has seen a surge in interest.

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Photography: Stewart Allen

RAC’s Anne Still says Perth can join the many cities who are directing the enthusiasm people have shown for cycling and walking towards a longerterm shift in how we move around.

“For a lot of people, their passion for cycling has been reinvigorated,” she says.

“We’ve witnessed family groups out riding every day as a way of getting outside and spending time together.

We’ve also seen people cycling for exercise because gyms and fitness centres were closed.

“There’s so much potential and the key thing we need to do is make sure that a high-quality cycling environment is there for people who want to use it. We very much support ramping up investment in the expansion of bike lanes and paths and see it as an opportunity to stimulate the economy, generate jobs and to reconnect communities.”

Flexible workplaces But how we move around is also dictated by where we’re heading to, and if traffic continues to funnel into the CBD without a strong public transport system, arterial roads will struggle, even with increased walking and cycling.

That’s where the State’s long-standing plans for activity centres could become even more important.

Justin McKirdy, executive director Urban Mobility at the Department of Transport, says the goal of WA’s planning framework is to ensure people not only live close to public transport, including trains and bus lines, but also the associated amenity that has built up in those.

“Public transport has taken a significant hit during this period of time and it is anticipated that its recovery will take a longer period of time than perhaps a number of the other transport modes,” he says.

“But at the same time, everybody recognises that public transport is

32

a critical part of our transport system.

It’s not a desirable, it’s a necessity.

It will take a period of time to recover and get it carrying an appropriate proportion of the population in the moments that they require.”

McKirdy says making it easier for people to work flexibly in the longer term could give public transport time to recover while reinvigorating suburban areas, taking pressure off the transport system and bringing vibrancy to activity centres.

“I think one of the opportunities to embrace would be the continuation of flexible working opportunities.”

“One of the real positives that we’ve seen come out of the COVID restrictions is not only the willingness of our population to embrace flexible working arrangements, but also the demonstration that we can actually do it,” he says.

“Organisations have been able to embrace it from an IT perspective and a space perspective and the benefits include reduced travel time, increased family time, and the opportunity to participate in more activity around your residence and local area, interacting with your community.

“I think one of the opportunities to embrace would be the continuation of flexible working opportunities.

“You might still have a main office in a centre that you travel to two or three days a week, but the rest of the time, you might be able to work from the suburban hub because that’s appropriate for the work you do.”

Anne Still says the impact of COVID-19 will take some time to come to terms with and be realised but it’s unmistakable that it has opened the door to rethink and reshape decisions around how and where we live, work and travel.

“I think a lot of the challenges we’re experiencing will be managed but even when we’re back to some kind of normality, we have to expect, and even welcome the idea, that things will change.”

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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Tourism Western Australia

T R AV E L

Heart valley of the

If you thought it was all farms and paddocks full of grain, you might be surprised by what this misjudged part of WA has been hiding.

By Fleur Bainger

It’s not every day you’re served by an octogenarian bartender. Especially when that bartender is running a cool small bar doubling as a ‘book boutique’ in the heart of Northam. But Laura’s bar, like the town it sits in, shows just how misunderstood – and underrated – this slice of WA’s wheatbelt is.

It’s fair to say that Northam has an image problem. Seen as dry, harsh, distant and with little to see other than endless grain crops, it creates quite a stir when you discover it first-hand.

Horizons / August-September 2020

Not only is it close enough to Perth to pop in for lunch, but there’s enough to keep you busy for days, much of it delightfully astonishing.

From the river that snakes through town crossed by the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Australia, to an interactive Aboriginal cultural centre, to enormous painted grain silos, to captivating architecture that ranges from Brutalist creations

by Iwan Iwanoff, to historic heritage buildings, there’s plenty going on.

An architect walks into a bar...

But back to that bar. Laura’s is the brainchild – and blood, sweat and tears – of revered WA architect-builder, Brian Klopper. Now 83, Klopper was huge in the 1980s, creating distinctively boxy homes using rustic, exposed brick. The constructions, found mainly in Fremantle and Subiaco, are reminiscent of European farmhouses, but with angular windows and open-plan interiors.

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T R AV E L

Northam’s beautiful balloons

Laura’s is named after his grandma, and a picture of her presides over the venue. His aim was to inject a bit of Fremantle into Northam, and the eclectic, fairy light-strung venue would easily slot into the port city. Outside on the deck, a fire warms toes, while inside, books lead to a cellar-like curved ceiling, with best sellers by Ian Fleming, Dan Brown and Bryce Courtney filling the shelves.

It’s tempting to while away an evening at Laura’s, but turning in early is advised if you want to engage in perhaps the most spectacular of all Northam’s attractions.

This activity is found pre-dawn, in a flat paddock just out of town, and requires several layers of warm clothing and a relaxed attitude to heights.

The altitude is astonishing and as the sun rises, the clouds illuminate in soft pink.

As with all the best bars, a barman leans on the marble counter, ready for a chin wag. Jon Cook is an old friend of Klopper’s who was living in Mt Lawley until Klopper made him a proposition.

“Brian drove down to buy me lunch and he said, ‘Why not come to Northam and give me a hand?’ I thought about it for a long time - easily half a second – and three weeks later I was living in Northam,” laughs Cook.

Hot air ballooning has become synonymous with Northam. In 2002, adventurer Steve Fossett launched his successful solo, non-stop round-theworld ballooning mission from Northam.

In July 2016, Fossett’s record was beaten by Russian Fedor Konyukhov who also took off from Northam.

Fleur Bainger

All the fridge beers and house wines at Laura’s cost $8, and toasties, cheese and dip platters form the menu. The bar has been open

The town has hosted the Australian National Ballooning Championships numerous times, and in 2021 will be hosting the Women’s World Ballooning Championships which have previously never been held outside of Europe.

As we walk towards the launch site, stars shine overhead like a scattering of glitter and magpies chortle in the darkness. It’s foggy, and people silhouetted in vehicle headlights create a scene reminiscent of the X-Files.

We’re mesmerised by the loud spectacle of propane gas being blown into a rainbow-striped balloon.

Then, it’s time to throw a leg over the long cane basket and huddle in.

We rise gently off the ground and coast low over a field of yellow canola flowers, giving us a drone-like perspective. Then it’s up, through a thick cloud band, beyond peaks of land poking through, to well above the earth’s fluffy white blanket. The altitude is astonishing and as the sun rises, the clouds illuminate in soft pink.

Windward Balloon Adventures aeronaut and “balloonatic,” Damien Hays has been flying since 1990, racking up close to 4000 hours. His expertise is evident on our descent.

DWright

for nearly three years and hosts weekly mah-jong games and other community get-togethers, signalling it’s now part of the town’s furniture.

Klopper grew up in Northam, living there until he was 10 years old. Having formed a lifelong bond, he returned a few years ago, first building his own home, then turning his attention to the bar.

ABOVE: Brian Klopper (left) and Jon Cook of Laura’s Bar; RIGHT: Laura’s Bar is injecting a bit of Fremantle into Northam.

36

August-September 2020 / Horizons

DWright

Fleur Bainger

DWright

T R AV E L

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The 117m pedestrian suspension bridge in Northam is the longest in Australia; Frank Davis playing didgeridoo; Hot air ballooning has become synonymous with Northam.

After smoothly floating high and low over farmland, Northam’s railway line, native trees and the shallow reaches of the Avon River, he effects a precision landing. Initially placing us on the paddock floor, he fires more gas into the balloon and manoeuvres us a few metres to the right, gently lowering the basket onto a trailer in exactly the right spot.

Later, during the included champagne breakfast, we raise a glass to his skill.

Cultural connections Back in Northam, the sophisticated, curving design of the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge draws us in.

Horizons / August-September 2020

Opened mid-2018, the centre invites visitors to follow Aboriginal stories while flowing softly through the space, which has no hard corners or flat walls.

It’s a moving, informative and memorable insight into Australia’s recent past.

There are hand-carved shields, ceremonial dress made from feathers and roo hide, and historic photographs of Aboriginal people clad in British garb.

Local Aboriginal people are often on hand, allowing for personal interaction, teaching and question asking.

As he shows us how to make clapping sticks, elder Vincent Ryder shares how he became part of the stolen generation when he was just two years old. “I thought I was going in a car ride, I was happy,” he recalls. “I was told my parents would be back in one week.

I didn’t see them for 15 years.” For a third of that time, Vincent would spend each day waiting by the same tree, hoping they would return.

Another Noongar man, Frank Davis performs a Welcome to Country and demonstrates how the didgeridoo can be used to create various animal sounds. He reveals that his father was put in jail for three months “Because me and my identical twin brother were ‘speaking lingo’ at school.”

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T R AV E L

DWright

The centre contains a ‘sorry space’ that presents the history of the stolen generation and the impact of Aboriginal people’s removal from their families, and what it was like on the reserves and missions. It’s a moving, informative and memorable insight into Australia’s recent past.

On the heritage trail A short walk from the centre is another Northam quirk: a 117m pedestrian suspension bridge, the longest in Australia. It bounces as we walk along it, crossing the width of the Avon River.

A looping walking path traces the edge of the river. It’s called the Dorntj Koorliny track, which is Nyoongar for ‘walking together’, and it was created by the Avon Valley Environmental Society.

“We built it with school kids, prisoners and other volunteers.” Weatherly, who is in his late 70s, still walks the track daily with his wife. He points out a looming flour mill built in 1867 that generated Northam’s first electricity and then, another drawcard: “You can buy this house facing the river for $280,000,” he says. “Northam has very affordable real estate.”

It also has quite the collection of heritage buildings. Ranked third in WA for its number of historically significant buildings, Northam has character in spades. Driving the streets, we spot ornate stone and plasterwork and even regal columns in the old newspaper building, the General Post Office, bank buildings and the Town Hall.

In contrast, two 1970s Brutalist buildings designed by lauded architect, Iwan Iwanoff stand solidly in the town centre, their characteristic, grey

38

concrete blocks creating shadow patterns in the unfiltered sunlight.

Another heritage building, the old Shamrock Hotel, is being transformed into a destination hotel, café and wine bar. Driven by Nigel Oakley of the Dome café franchise, the soon-toopen Farmers’ Home Hotel (as it was known in 1866) hopes to generate a similar buzz to the one in Katanning’s former Premier flour mill.

Meanwhile, the circa 1907 Duke’s Inn also offers accommodation, along with above-average pub meals (think quesadillas and pork spare ribs), bargain wine prices and an astro-turfed beer garden.

Out of town, the grand VictorianGeorgian manor at Buckland Estate was established in 1839 by British settler, Charles Pratt. Shut off from public view for the past 30 years, it has since been restored and is now a wedding venue.

Also on Northam’s outskirts, another arresting surprise. A row of grain silos have been transformed into art canvases sporting 38-metre-high murals by international artists. Half of the 16 CBH grain silos have been painted using a boom lift, pole brushes, paint tins and aerosols. It’s yet more evidence that Northam deserves another look – and a long one at that.

Fleur Bainger

Founding member of the 30-year-old organisation, Peter Weatherly, says a community grant funded the path, but a creative approach was required to make the most of each dollar. “We made the money stretch further by buying a wide mix of pavers and bricks, so you’ll notice the colours and shapes cluster and change as you walk along,” he says.

TOP: The historic Duke’s Inn Tavern; ABOVE: Northam’s painted grain silos.

Getting there 



Northam is nearly 100km from Perth - a little over an hour’s drive.

You can also travel by train on the AvonLink, MerredinLink or the Prospector line. The AvonLink is fastest, taking 1hr20.

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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e v i r d l e e h w r u taking your fo

d a o r off n

By Chris Morto

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

Tourism Western Australia

MOTORING

MOTORING

If you own a four-wheel drive that’s been busy doing ‘city duties’, it might be time to get some West Aussie dirt on those tyres.

Take a quick look around our roads and it soon becomes apparent that Western Australians love their fourwheel drives. We love the high riding position they give us and the perceived protection that a larger vehicle offers.

But it’s likely that many four-wheel drives have rarely been used for their intended purpose: going off road.

The call to explore Western Australia, from its vivid red dirt to its snowwhite beaches, has always been strong, and for many of us searching for new adventure outside our local communities, that call is now stronger than ever.

If you’re planning to venture off the bitumen, it’s critical that you start building up your knowledge now.

We live in a very remote part of the world and help is not always readily available. Having a good understanding of how to set up and use your fourwheel drive is essential to ensuring you can explore safely.

Important accessories Like any leisure activity, the range, quality and price of accessories to make your four-wheel drive adventures safer and more enjoyable can be quite overwhelming.

Don’t rush out and buy every accessory that’s suggested to you.

Take advice from trusted sources and buy good quality items. If it sounds cheap then it most likely is and you run the risk of the item failing when you need it the most.

For off-road driving, consider the following as a minimum: Tyre deflator Being able to easily drop your tyre pressure is critical for crossing soft sand. It also reduces the impact to

Horizons / August-September 2020

the track or terrain and helps prevent ‘scalloping’. Reducing tyre pressure is also the best way of making your drive more comfortable when travelling along corrugated roads.

12-volt air compressor Pumping your tyres back to the correct pressures is essential for the safe operation of your vehicle. In the grand scheme of things this is probably one of the most important pieces of fourwheel drive equipment you will invest in.

Carry a shovel Not ‘if’ but ‘when’ you get bogged, you’re going to need a shovel to dig yourself out.

Recovery points If you travel off road you will get stuck at some point. Ensure you have rated recovery points suitable for your vehicle (points at which you can attach a strap or cable). This is critical to ensure you don’t damage your vehicle during a recovery and that you can do it safely.

Factory fitted points are not rated for kinetic recoveries such as snatching and winching. If you have a tow bar fitted and it has a Reece Hitch receiver (most do) then you can purchase a relatively inexpensive tow hitch recovery point.

Kinetic recoveries involve the transfer of energy from one mass (such as another vehicle), along a recovery strap or winch cable to a disabled vehicle.

They can be dangerous and should only be attempted by those who are trained and experienced.

Off-road tyres Most new vehicles come fitted standard with highway tyres (usually designated with H/T on the sidewall.)

If you’re taking your vehicle off road it’s recommended that you swap them for something more suitable such as all-terrain tyres (A/T).

These still provide great on-road handling and performance and better off-road traction and control. They’re also usually built stronger in the sidewall which provides extra stability when driving on lower pressure tyres.

First Aid Kit Always carry a First Aid Kit in your vehicle.

Fire extinguisher There are plenty of options available.

Whatever you choose, make sure you can get to it quickly in your vehicle.

UHF radio If you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time off road then a good quality UHF radio is highly recommended.

A fixed unit with an external antenna is best as it allows you to communicate much further than a handheld one.

Handling the vehicle and conditions Modern four-wheel drives have some amazing technology built into them.

Ensure you’re familiar with the systems in yours by thoroughly reading its manual. Know how to engage and disengage four-wheel drive (if it’s not a constant four-wheel drive system), and how and when to use high and low range.

When travelling off road, there are also scenarios where you’ll need to know how to engage and disengage safety systems such as traction control and electronic stability control. These systems are fantastic when travelling along the bitumen but can cause issues when off road.

All drivers are taught to drive to the conditions. This is even more important when travelling off road.

Whenever there is a change of surface, such as transitioning from bitumen to gravel, slow down to maintain control.

When driving on gravel, brake before significant bends in the road while your wheels are still straight.

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MOTORING

Driving at high speed over corrugations is dangerous. Your tyres have even less contact with the road than normal. Slow down and reduce your tyre pressure.

This takes some of the burden off your suspension. A good rule of thumb is to stop regularly and check how hot your shock absorbers are. If they’re too hot to touch, slow down and reduce your tyre pressures further.

Christine Arnasiewicz

Christine Arnasiewicz

Driving on the beach can be fun but momentum and tyre pressures are critical. If you’re driving on the beach

42

with more than 18psi in your tyres you will have issues. You shouldn’t have more than 18psi in each tyre if driving on sand. Avoid high speeds and sudden changes of direction. If you’re stopping for more than a few minutes, always come to a slow stop and roll backwards and forwards a few times to compress the sand beneath your tyres. Stay clear of the tide line and keep watch for sudden changes on the beach.

Getting out of tricky situations Regardless of where you’re going off road, take your time and think about what you’re doing first. If a section of track looks challenging, get out of your vehicle and walk it first. If you’re unsure that you can traverse it safely, look for an alternative.

It’s recommended that you travel with at least one other vehicle, or more if you’re going to remote locations.

Communicating between vehicles via UHF radio in your group and with other road users is a great way to be forewarned of road conditions and potential hazards.

Bogged down Getting bogged can strike fear into the hearts of the inexperienced and ill-equipped. There are plenty of reasons why a vehicle loses traction and becomes bogged, including using highway tyres instead of all terrain tyres or tyre pressure that’s too high when driving on sand.

Provided you’re in a safe location, you have plenty of time to get yourself out.

Stop and assess the situation. Do not spin your wheels. Check your tyre pressure and if needed, take air out.

This provides a greater surface area to not only spread the weight of the vehicle but the amount of traction your vehicle has.

If there’s sand built up against the wheels and underneath the vehicle, dig it out. Place the car into low range and gently attempt to rock the car out by slowly applying power in forward and reverse.

In most cases this should extract the vehicle. In more severe cases you may need to use recovery boards or either winching or snatching the vehicle out with the assistance of another fourwheel drive.

Chris Morton

Trying to brake at speed when your wheels are not straight can have catastrophic consequences.

TOP: A shovel is an important part of your recovery kit; LEFT: Using recovery boards to get out of a bog; ABOVE: Passing time on the Gibb River Road.

August-September 2020 / Horizons

MOTORING

Chris Morton

BELOW: Water crossings, such as this, should only be done with experience.

When driving on sand, keep a constant and controlled speed. Sudden changes will cause the vehicle to lose momentum and bog down. When setting off from standstill, use gentle and steady pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin.

loss of control and your vehicle is then under the control of the body of water you’re in. This can quickly become a life-threatening situation.

Water crossings

Walk through where you intend to cross if it’s safe to do so, remembering that in the north of the State you can encounter saltwater crocodiles. If the water is moving too quickly to walk across then it’s not safe to drive across.

Most vehicles are not designed to operate in water and crossing water should only be done with experience. All four-wheel drives have a manufacturer’s specified wading or fording depth. That is the maximum depth of water it can drive through without causing damage to the vehicle.

This is documented in your vehicle manual and can be easily found online.

The water crossing ability of your vehicle is measured assuming that the body of water is still (i.e. not a flowing river) and there are no sudden changes in depth. Once a vehicle enters a body of water it becomes buoyant and tends to float. This causes the vehicle to lose traction. Loss of traction results in

Horizons / August-September 2020

If a water crossing cannot be avoided, then you should undertake the following steps:

If possible, mark any deep holes or points that may prevent a safe crossing. Assess not only the crossing point but the entry and exit points as well. You must be confident that your vehicle can manage all sections of the crossing.

Prepare your vehicle. Fit a water bra across the front of it. If you don’t have one, then a tarp will do the same job.

The purpose is to create a bow wave from the front of the vehicle as you enter the water.

Drop your tyre pressure. Remember added traction is key when the surface is slippery.

Prepare your recovery equipment.

Have shackles and tow ropes/snatch straps already fitted and looped onto your bull bar or tied off where you can get to them quickly.

Once a vehicle enters a body of water it becomes buoyant and tends to float.

This causes the vehicle to lose traction.

If possible, disable the cooling fan in the engine bay to prevent it from sucking water in.

If you have electric windows, ensure at least one is wound down. If you have a sunroof, open it. These may be your only ways of exiting the vehicle in an emergency.

43

MOTORING

Chris Morton

BELOW: When crossing water, go one vehicle at a time.

If the car in front gets stuck, you’ll also become stuck if you attempt to cross at the same time.

Have all vehicles in your party ready to respond. If they have a winch, run the winch rope out so it’s ready to attach to the disabled vehicle. If using tow ropes, ensure they’re ready to quickly attach.

When you’re ready to cross, go one vehicle at a time. If the car in front gets stuck, you’ll also become stuck if you attempt to cross at the same time.

Travelling off the beaten track provides you with the opportunity to see some amazing sights that you might otherwise miss.

If driving an automatic, switch to manual mode and stay in the same gear so you don’t lose momentum. If driving a manual select first or second and don’t change gears. This is to prevent mud and water getting sucked into the clutch. And do not stop.

If you become stuck and the vehicle is not floating away, then you have

44

time to re-assess. Try reversing and attempting a different approach through. If this fails, you’ll need to call for assistance from others in your party. Remember you have exit points.

If you need to, get everyone onto the roof of the vehicle and use your plan to get everyone to safety.

Once you’re across, you may have water in your vehicle. Open doors and windows to allow drainage. Don’t turn off the vehicle straight away. Give the engine bay time to dry out. Be aware that your brakes will be waterlogged.

Gently use the brakes to remove excess water.

Always have a plan prior to attempting a water crossing. It could be the difference between an adventurous part of your journey or a catastrophic end to it.

Travelling off the beaten track provides you with the opportunity to see some amazing sights that you might otherwise miss. If you own a four-wheel drive and have never taken it off road but want to, there are always ways for you to do so safely.

Safety before you go eview mobile coverage or R consider hiring a satellite phone.

Carry an EPIRB. eep emergency phone K numbers handy. ake a tool kit, puncture repair T kit and spares such as fuel filters, fuses and drive belts. heck for permits to access C locations along the way. nsure your vehicle is serviced E prior to any major trip.

Consider joining a four-wheel drive club. Your membership will put you in contact with experienced four-wheel drive owners who love to explore.

Once you’re prepared, the most important thing is to just get out there and find your next big adventure. Build memories with your family and friends.

Discover what our State has to offer and use that four-wheel drive for what it was built for. See you somewhere off the beaten track.

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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MOTORING

Motor news

By Alex Forrest

The latest news from the motoring world

Mini sparks interest Mini is set to launch an all-electric version of the Mini Cooper in Australia around the time this edition of Horizons goes into WA letterboxes. Like the other liquid fuelled Minis, the Mini Electric Hatch won’t be cheap – you’ll get $10 change out of $60,000 – which puts the battery Mini above the other all-electric price leaders in the Australian market such as the Hyundai Ioniq Electric and the Nissan Leaf, which cost $54,400 and $53,200 drive away, respectively. Mini is quoting a battery range of 233km, which is less than the Ioniq and Leaf, but the Mini will have a more powerful electric motor than them. Plus, to get subjective for a moment, it’s got to be one of the funkiest looking EVs.

Image courtesy ARB

Know your aftermarket parts Some RAC members may have seen reports relating to the potential safety issues of low-quality aftermarket vehicle parts and accessories. Most recently, this has related to ute tray bodies. As with any consumer product, purchasing low quality products will usually mean the consumer will be making durability and possibly safety compromises, and buyers should consider this carefully. However, not all aftermarket parts are low quality. There are also many long-established suppliers of high quality aftermarket parts and accessories who provide consumers with extra choice and convenience in addition to original car manufacturer parts, while also providing the important element of competition to the market to help keep prices down for consumers.

Horizons / August-September 2020

Naming names Compared to making a modern engine, naming a car might appear to be one of the more straightforward aspects of bringing a new car model to market. However, history has taught us that naming cars can be something of a minefield. For example, when Citroen named its small SUV the Cactus, they may not have accounted for its meaning in Australia, where cactus is slang for something that doesn’t work anymore. This year, Mazda launched its CX-30 small SUV. The CX-30 sits between Mazda’s even smaller SUV, the CX-3, and the larger CX-5.

Mazda also has a Mazda3 small car, and the MX-5 sports car. Watch out for a road test of the CX-30 in an upcoming edition of Horizons.

Hybrid Kluger A petrol/electric hybrid version of Toyota’s popular Kluger large SUV will roll on to Australian shores in the first half of next year. The hybrid Kluger addresses what has long been an Achilles’ heel of Toyota’s otherwise excellent large SUV – its fuel consumption. The 3.5-litre V6-powered Kluger is quoted as 9.5L/100km for the four-wheel versions, but in urban driving in the real world, around 14L/100km is often the reality. So a hybrid version should make a marked difference to the Kluger’s thirst and we can’t wait to check it out. The hybrid Kluger will retain its seven-seater capacity, and there’ll also still be a V6 version available.

47

MOTORING

Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars

Engine Features Safety Price

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol Power: 106kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 200Nm @ 4400rpm Claimed fuel economy 6.9L/100km Price: fr $26,990 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Nissan Qashqai Telling the difference between this 2020 Nissan Qashqai and the 2019 model is tough, because on the outside, there aren’t many.

Under the skin though, the Qashqai – which is among Australia’s top five best-selling small SUVs – has had some upgrades that are far more important than some superficial tweaks to the lights and wheels. Specifically, the Qashqai has been upgraded in three areas, all of which contribute to the vehicle’s safety.

Firstly, the new mid-spec ST+ variant brings a range of safety

48

extras, including driver fatigue monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. It means buyers don’t have to shell out extra hardearned for the next model up to get this safety gear.

Secondly, the phone-mirroring capabilities of Apple Carplay and Android Auto have been made standard across the Qashqai range, while the third notable upgrade is the addition of pedestrian detection from 60km/h for the range-topping Ti model.

Autonomous emergency braking was already standard across the Qashqai range.

But what’s especially import-

ant about these upgrades, particularly in popular and affordable small SUVs like this, is that they won’t just benefit the new car buyer.

When these vehicles move into the hands of their second and third owners, as they often do given they’re cheap and plentiful, they’re often purchased by or for inexperienced drivers – the driver group that stands to benefit most from these upgrades.

Around the same time these changes were made to the regular Qashqai range, Nissan also introduced another variant called the N-Sport, which is just a Qashqai ST-L with a different t-shirt on.

That means the N-Sport gets body-coloured bumpers, silver door mirror backings and 19-inch wheels. At $35,990 drive away, it’s $1000 more than the regular ST-L. Under the bonnet of all current model Qashqais is a 2.0-litre petrol engine making 106kW, which is fine for rolling around town though not especially spirited compared to some of its turbocharged rivals like the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Toyota CH-R. This was an update that the aging Qashqai needed, having been launched in 2014. There have been some small price increases, but the value is still there given these upgrades.

August-September 2020 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 2.4-litre petrol / plug-in electric hybrid Power: 94kW (petrol); 60kW (front electric); 70kW (rear electric) Torque: 199Nm (petrol); 137Nm (front electric); 195Nm (rear electric) Claimed fuel economy 1.9L/100km Price: fr $51,390 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV More than six years after the pioneering Outlander Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) first appeared on Australian roads, Mitsubishi’s thrifty mid-sized SUV has recently received a rather comprehensive set of upgrades.

Most significant of those is the replacement of the previous PHEV’s 2.0-litre petrol engine with a more powerful 2.4-litre unit and an increase in battery size from 12kWh to 13.8kWh.

Horizons / August-September 2020

Both changes may sound incremental, but together they do make the Outlander PHEV more practical and capable, both as an electric drive only vehicle, and as a petrol/electric hybrid.

The other major upgrade to the Outlander PHEV is the addition of autonomous emergency braking to the entry level ES model, meaning this critical safety feature is now standard across the Outlander PHEV range.

The Outlander PHEV’s main party trick is its ability to be driven exclusively on electric power for a distance Mitsubishi claims is 54km. Even if you factor in a real-world

range of 40km, that’s enough to cover the daily round trip of many commuters. Plus, you have the petrol engine as a back-up power source.

There is a downside to all this convenience, which is that if you diligently charge the PHEV every night so you can drive on electricity only, you’re also carrying around a fully functioning petrol engine as cargo.

Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that in the specifications box on this page, the PHEV’s claimed fuel economy is 1.9L/100km. This is partly due to the fuel consumption test not being well-suited to plug-in hybrid vehicles, which

can drive for most of the test cycle on electricity.

On the road, the Outlander PHEV is very quiet in electric-only mode as you’d expect, and performance is sprightly thanks to it having electric motors for the front and rear wheels.

If you choose to drive with the petrol engine on, you can choose one of two modes. Series hybrid mode will keep it powered by the electric motors but have the engine on to run a generator to charge the battery while driving. Parallel hybrid mode will let the petrol engine power the front wheels along with the electric motors.

49

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol / electric motor hybrid Power: 110kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 196Nm @ 4000rpm Claimed fuel economy 6.7L/100km Price: fr $44,780 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Subaru Forester Hybrid When Subaru introduced two new hybrid vehicles at the same time earlier this year, it let consumers know it was keen to catch up on lost time.

Until then, Subaru didn’t have any electric drive vehicles on offer, and with Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and Mitsubishi all offering hybrid or fully electric SUVs in various forms, it was high time Subaru turned up to this ball game.

What we have here then, is the Forester mid-sized SUV and the XV small SUV, both with the same

50

hybrid drivetrain that utilises Subaru’s familiar 2.0-litre horizontally opposed fourcylinder engine combined with a new electric motor and battery.

In both vehicles, the battery is located under the boot floor.

This has displaced the spare wheel and there’s a puncture repair kit there instead, which is not ideal from a convenience and safety standpoint.

On the bright side though, both the Forester and the XV retain their all-wheel drive capability, which can’t be said of all electrified SUVs. The Forester Hybrid L, which in terms of equipment

level sits in the middle of the Forester range, costs $44,780 drive away. That will still get you the advanced safety gear that the entry level non-hybrid Forester doesn’t have, such as Subaru’s clever driver monitoring system, AEB that works in reverse and headlights that move with the steering.

Step up to the top-of-therange Forester Hybrid S and you’ll get leather inserts on the seats, a sunroof and a powerful Harmon Kardon sound system, plus sat-nav and a powered tailgate.

The Forester Hybrid has a laboratory fuel consumption test result of 6.7L/100km,

but over the week we tested it, the Forester averaged 8.8L/100km. One factor at play here is the relatively low output of the hybrid powertrain and the weight of the vehicle it has to propel.

For the same outlay as an entry level Forester Hybrid, you could get a non-hybrid Forester Premium with more equipment, which uses only slightly more fuel, while getting better performance and keeping the spare tyre.

The eight-year warranty on the hybrid’s battery provides excellent peace of mind though, as does the five-year warranty on the rest of the vehicle.

August-September 2020 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol Power: 331kW @ 5700rpm Torque: 600Nm @ 1900rpm Claimed fuel economy 8.9L/100km Price: fr $173,250 drive away ANCAP safety rating 

Audi RS5 Sportback Use the term hatchback, and most people will assume you mean a modest grocery getter and kid taxi. Aside from having a hatchback and four side doors, the Audi RS5 Sportback is the opposite of that.

It has a 2.9-litre, twinturbocharged V6, costs more than $173,000 drive away and could get your groceries around a racetrack with enough zeal to scramble your eggs before they even leave the carton.

The RS5’s neck-straining

Horizons / August-September 2020

331kW V6 and all-wheel drive system had arrived in Australia well before we saw it in the RS5 Sportback. It was first seen here under the sleek wagon bodywork of the RS4 Avant, which arrived in May 2018.

This same potent driveline has also featured in the shorter, lower and narrower bodywork of the two-door RS5 Coupe, and now it’s in the RS5 Sportback, which really just comes with a couple of extra side doors.

Pundits have revered the RS5 Sportback’s outright performance and handling, and rightfully so. The twin-turbo V6 develops tremendous torque from a very low 1900rpm,

and that is arguably the best aspect of what is overall an amazing bit of engineering.

Unusually, the RS5 Sportback comes with some impressive standard equipment, which includes 20-inch wheels, adjustable suspension, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and huge panoramic sunroof.

Standard safety gear includes adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go traffic function and a head-up display. The RS5’s performance is to be expected when you’re in a price range that could buy eight regular hatchbacks.

However, where this car does truly impress is, somewhat counter-intuitively,

when you’re using it as a normal, everyday car. Its tremendous performance potential is one thing, but the RS5 Sportback’s ability to also convey passengers in quiet luxury with acceptable ride quality while offering the practicality of a large hatchback all make it viable as an everyday driver.

Following this car’s arrival in Australia in early 2019, it was further updated in December when it received a new touchscreen for the interior infotainment screen, and some front and rear styling tweaks. The engine is the same, and given the fire and brimstone it’s capable of, that’s just fine.

51

L Pu ayer re ed Go in ld

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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.

Email your questions to: editor@rac.com.au Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your question.

 Please note: At this time the Horizons team is unable to accept Car Doctor questions by post.

If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 73 for terms and conditions of entry.

Can you explain where on a tyre the date of manufacture is shown? I understand it’s small and uses a code of some sort. Since tyres should be replaced every four to six years, knowing how old a tyre is can be lifesaving.

Bernie, Capel The manufacturing date of a tyre is usually shown on the sidewall of the tyre as a four-digit number. The four digits refer to the week and year when the tyre was made. For example, a tyre with the code 4419 indicates the tyre was made in the 44th week of 2019.

Typically, this date code will be preceded by the letters, DOT, but what you’re looking for is the four digits stamped in the side of the tyre. Usually the numbers will be situated nearer to the wheel than the tread, and they are often not as neatly stamped as the rest of the letters and numbers moulded into the tyre.

I wondered what is it that causes my front tyres to wear out faster than my back tyres?

I have a 2018 Nissan Qashqai and just replaced my front tyres at the beginning of the year and they said four months till the back ones were due.

Kathryn, Carine In most front-wheel drive vehicles, including yours, the front tyres wear more quickly because the front wheels are propelling the vehicle, and therefore the front tyres are doing all the work in transferring drive to the road. Your vehicle’s front tyres also transfer most of the vehicle’s braking forces to the road, and do all of the steering, which also calls on the tyres’ sideways grip capabilities.

In most vehicles, the front tyres also carry more of the vehicle’s weight, contributing to the load they bear. You can maximise the life you get from your tyres by having them rotated regularly, such as when the car is serviced. Often this is included as part of the service.

Maintaining the correct pressures in

your tyres will also help you minimise uneven tyre wear and keep you safer on the road.

I have recently noticed a few spots of rust near the windscreen on my Toyota Hilux. Is there a way to prevent it from spreading without respraying the whole car?

Kirby, Albany You will be able to minimise any further spread of rust near your Hilux’s windscreen without respraying the whole vehicle, however the best solution could still be a somewhat involved process, depending on the extent of the rust. If they’re relatively small and localised rust spots on the surface of the metal, you may be able to sand back the rust and treat it with rust inhibitor. Alternatively, if the rust is more extensive, you may need to have the windscreen removed, the rust repaired and then the windscreen put back in with a new seal to prevent water getting in again. Make sure you get at least two quotes on the work from a vehicle panel shop before going ahead.

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 / August-September 2020

53

YO U R R A C

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Turquoise waters or towering forest? Start planning Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been 35 years since Western Australians had the opportunity to enjoy a camping or caravanning holiday at Karri Valley in Pemberton.

54

Now, as part of the stunning refurbishments of the lakeside accommodation and restaurant, RAC Karri Valley Resort will also be offering a new caravan and camping area.

The campground includes 66 powered and 50 unpowered sites, four ensuite sites, plus a modern camp kitchen, a playground, barbeque area and a newly refurbished lodge.

With its protected lake and surrounding bike and walk trails, Karri Valley has always been an ideal family holiday destination. These exciting changes have transformed the Resort while maintaining its charm,

delivering an improved holiday experience and offering more options for all WA holiday makers.

Meanwhile in the north, the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park has also been redeveloped and revitalised, offering additional camp and caravan sites and adding resort-style facilities.

Changes include a large pool, camp kitchen and new amenities.

New facilities at both parks will begin to open from July and RAC members can save up to 20* per cent off stays. For more information visit racparksandresorts.com.au *Discount varies according to season of travel.

August-September 2020 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

WA pets get pampered Pets in WA homes are in many cases being treated more like humans, including having their own social media accounts, a recent RAC survey has revealed.

The survey of more than 700 RAC members found one in four pet owners shared a bed with their pet, 75 per cent celebrated a pet’s birthday and more than 85 per cent included their pet in family photos.

“We’re seeing younger generations, aged between 20 and 29, interact with their pets in new ways, with one in three installing a pet camera to keep an eye on their four-legged friends,” RAC spokesperson Glen Walker said.

“Almost 30 per cent of pet owners from the same age group have created a social media account for their pet, and 80 per cent have purchased pet clothing or fashion.”

Dogs are the clear favourite in WA, with 80 per cent of those surveyed owning at least

Roadside record On Monday 11 May, the day following Mother’s Day this year, RAC Roadside Assistance had the largest number of callouts in a single day since the last recordbreaking day on 18 May 2015, with almost 1000 calls for assistance.

The majority of breakdowns were due to battery issues, with many motorists having left their cars relatively idle during the tighter COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year.

937 Total callouts

47% Battery callouts

Horizons / August-September 2020

one dog, 32 per cent with one or more cats, 14 per cent with fish, and 8 per cent bird owners.

The survey also revealed WA households spend an average of almost $2300 a year on their pets.

“WA’s yearly pet spend includes over $1100 on food, $450 on vet costs, $400 on preventative care, and $250 on items like toys and accessories,” Walker said.

“Over 90 per cent of Western Australians consider their pets part of the family, so it’s no surprise people are investing considerably in their pet’s health and wellbeing.

“Pet ownership is fun and rewarding, but can be unpredictable, with most pets racking up at least one major vet bill during their lifetime.”

Some survey respondents also reported purchasing pet insurance for peace of mind.

Winging it

“It’s important to be financially prepared for the unexpected. Consider factoring extra costs into your regular budget or setting up an emergency pet fund.”

Generally, when a bird flies into the grilles of an oncoming car, it doesn’t end well for the bird, but one plucky galah (pictured above) managed to wing it.

How power outages affect your home alarm Power outages from storms are not only inconvenient, they can also affect your home security system.

When the power goes out, your alarm will use the back-up battery to prevent the alarm from deactivating. However, if the battery is old, it may not provide continued protection.

In standard conditions, most batteries will typically need changing every two years and your alarm keypad will usually warn you if you have a low battery. If you’re unsure when your alarm battery was last changed, RAC Security recommends having your alarm serviced and battery tested by a professional to ensure the system is functioning correctly. o book a service or repair with T a fully licensed RAC Security technician, call 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security

RAC member Stephen, believes the bird became lodged in the front grille of his SUV as he drove along the freeway during stormy conditions one evening, although he didn’t notice until the following morning when he saw the bird peeking out at him.

Unsure of what to do, Stephen called RAC Roadside Assistance for help. When Patrol Sean McGlynn first arrived, it looked like the entire front bumper would need to come off but fortunately only a few screws needed to be loosened to give the lucky galah a way out that was far easier than the way in. Somehow the feathered freeloader managed to escape the whole ordeal unscathed.

55

YO U R R A C

Be a bike safety champion Get your kids to take the RAC Little Legends Club® bike safety crossword below to prove that they’re true bike safety champions.

RAC Little Legends Club® is a free and fun road safety program for kids. When they join the club, kids get their own membership card with access to RAC’s great benefits and discounts.

For more fun activities and to join RAC Little Legends Club® for free, visit rac.com.au/puzzles Across 3. Ring this to let pedestrians know you are coming (4) 5. These orange ovals are found on your wheels (10) 6. You can wear this on your elbows or knees (7) 8. The part of the bike that slows you down (6) 10.________your bike across the road (4) Down 1. Wear this when riding to protect your head (6) 2. Should you ride on the left or right side of the path? (4) 3. Your helmet protects this important organ (5) 4. You need to do lots of this to learn to ride a bike (8) 7. What you pump into your tyres (3) 9. Always ride with this person (5)

56

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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

RAC members save 4 cents per litre at Puma Energy – see page 59

SAVE

at RAC Local Marketplace see page 58

Save at these partners everyday

Local benefits that benefit locals RAC Local Marketplace provides new benefits from local businesses in need of our support We’ve always been about giving back. But as things change, so do we. As a local WA member organisation, we wanted to find new ways to help support not just our members, but the wider WA community.

That’s why we created RAC Local Marketplace.

It’s a new place to access more benefits to help you through this challenging time. More savings on everyday essentials, and more ways to help you enjoy time at home. So, now you’ve got the time, visit RAC Local Marketplace online.

Discounted subscriptions

Special offers on food delivery

... and more still to come

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Support local and save at rac.com.au/marketplace *Offer terms and conditions apply. Visit rac.com.au/marketplace for full terms and conditions.

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1

August-September 2020 Horizons 16/6/20/ 3:04 pm

visit rac.com.au/mb for more

R17156

Save 4 cents per litre at Puma Energy That’s the power of membership

rac.com.au/fuel Visit rac.com.au/fuel for full terms and conditions.

R17156

Exclusive savings on gas for your home That’s the power of membership Save 38% on natural gas usage charges for 2 years* when selecting Kleenheat’s Monthly Energiser plan.

Don’t have access to natural gas? Order a 45kg LPG cylinder for your home and receive a $30 credit* on your next purchase.

rac.com.au/kleenheat *

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Horizons / August-September 2020

59

Save at these partners everyday

Sleep with both eyes closed Worry-free home security, plus members save 10%*.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership rac.com.au/secure *T&Cs apply. RAC Security Services (WA) Pty Ltd (ABN 044 096 235 200) operates in Perth Metro and Mandurah only. Police License No. SA 45421.

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Having a stocked and in date first aid kit is vital. St John WA will check your first aid kit and replace out of date items at 15% off.

Visit the St John WA Shop, Belmont (Cnr Lapage St & Great Eastern Hwy) 8.00am - 4.30pm, Monday - Friday.

Country locations also available.

Bonus! RAC members participating in this promotion receive an essential online Road Trauma first aid course valued at $18.

Visit stjohnwa.com.au/rac for more Terms and conditions apply. Promotion ends 31 August 2020. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. Regional opening hours may vary.

60

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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Roller Shutters Winter SALE NOW ON!

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Secure your home & family. Stay safe & secure Increase your security & privacy by installing Nu Style Roller Shutters on your home

You can control your indoor environment at the touch of a button by installing quality Nu Style Shutters. Custom made locally in WA and backed with a 10 year warranty.

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Horizons / August-September 2020

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

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Outdoor Blinds Winter SALE NOW ON!

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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 cold & strong winds. With our Winter Sale now on, there has never been a better time to save!

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Horizons / August-September 2020

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August-September 2020 / Horizons

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Medication Management M A D E E A SY W I T H T H E W I Z A R D P H A R M AC Y A P P Organise all your medications, prescriptions and wellness essentials in the Wizard Pharmacy App, powered by MedAdvisor.

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I T ’ S F R E E T O S E T- U P A N D U S E 1 Download the MedAdvisor App. 2 Call us on 1300 929 929 for your FREE activation code.

3 Use the Snap & Send feature to send us your prescriptions.ˆ 4 Order your scripts & more. Pay in advance within the app

and choose from Click & Collect, or home delivery.†

1300 929 929 | wizardpharmacy.com.au ^You need to supply us with the hard copy of your prescription at pick up. †We must have your hard copy prescription on file for script delivery. See wizardpharmacy.com.au/delivery for full home delivery criteria, terms & conditions.*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 / August-September 2020

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Horizons

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.

*Offer valid until 30/09/20

www.completehomefiltration.com.au » Members save 10% on a fully installed system* 66

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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Do you hear conversations but can’t understand the words?

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Introducing a brand-new 2020 hearing aid technology that was designed in Europe and is made 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.

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Free Hearing Aid Demonstration

Book in today to receive your Special RAC Discount

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. If appropriate, our hearing aid specialist can offer you a home hearing aid trial.

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» Members receive $600 their hearing aid Horizons / August-September 2020

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DBW ROOFING SPECIALISTS Fully Registered Builder no: 101551

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FREE BED ACCESSORIES of your choice with every adjustable bed purchase WORTH

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WIN ONE OF FIVE FAMILY PASSES TO A PERTH WILDCATS HOME GAME DURING THE 2020/21 NBL SEASON! To go into the draw, go online and head to membership.wildcats.com.au/rac

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Membership discount available from 15/6/20 until 30/11/20. Competition closes 5pm Thursday 15 October 2020. By entering this competition you agree to be contacted by the Perth Wildcats on special offers, products and services or upcoming events. You can opt out of communication at any time by contacting the sender. The Perth Wildcats will never sell your information to another entity.

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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.

Terms & conditions Car Doctor, page 53 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 in one transaction 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 August/September 2020 Horizons must claim their prize by 9 September 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 and security statement and group privacy policy.

Winning Letter, page 8/9 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 August/September 2020 Horizons must claim their prize by 9 September 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 and security statement and group privacy policy.

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

Horizons / August-September 2020

73

YO U R R A C

Ten best

Do you have an idea for The 10 Best?

Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au Scotty Connell

Unique Kimberley experiences Horizontal Falls

There are two narrow gaps in the McLarty Range at Talbot Bay on the northern Kimberley coastline that create one of the most iconic Kimberley experiences. As the enormous tides rush through the gaps, it creates a horizontal ‘fall’ of water. Book your trip for the full or new moon for the biggest tides and best experience.

Waterfall Reef at Cygnet Bay Horizontal waterfalls aren’t the only unique experience created by the largest tropical tides on earth. At Waterfall Reef, when the ocean drops up to 10m in depth, the exposed reef turns into a stunning, super-wide waterfall. Head to Australia’s oldest pearl operation, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise.

Beagle Bay Sacred Heart Church

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through the pearly gates at this unique church at Beagle Bay on the Dampier Peninsula.

It’s been decorated almost entirely in a mother-of-pearl mosaic thanks to the abundant pearl-producing oysters in the region. Bring a donation or stop by the local bakery for a cuppa and cake.

Indigenous Bradshaw Art

Known also by its Indigenous name, Gwion Gwion, these artworks are characterised by elegantly depicted, long bodies often adorned with tassels, bags and headdress.

They’re believed to be the oldest figurative artworks in the world.

Wolfe Creek Crater

It’s the second-largest rimmed meteorite crater in the world and the only one you can camp beside (for free). Find it on the edge of the Tanami Desert, 145km south of Halls Creek, which explains why it was only discovered in 1947.

74

ABOVE: Waterfall Reef.

Dinosaur footprints and hovercraft flights

Swim with 25,000 crocodiles

The coastline between Broome’s Roebuck Bay and Cape Leveque is riddled with dinosaur footprints which vary in size from 20cm to 1.5m. The best way to see them is aboard a Broome Hovercraft which will fly you across the Bay’s tidal flats to check out the perfectly preserved tracks.

Lake Argyle in the east-Kimberley covers 980 square kilometres and holds 10.7 million megalitres of water. One of the best places to boat and swim in the region, the 25,000 freshwater crocs that call it home, add to the excitement. Don’t worry, though; they’re not dangerous to humans.

World’s oldest open-air picture garden

Camping in Purnululu National Park

In the heart of Broome’s Chinatown, you can catch a flick in the world’s oldest open-air picture garden, Sun Pictures. Since 1916 it’s survived attacks from Japanese Zeros and even tidal floods – some have even claimed you could catch a fish while watching a movie.

Although Indigenous Gija and Jaru peoples have known about it for millennia, white Australians didn’t discover the Bungle Bungle Range until 1980. Cyanobacteria colour these iconic beehive striped domes, and you can camp amongst them in the National Park’s campground.

Montgomery Reef

At more than 300 square kilometres, Montgomery Reef is Australia’s largest inshore reef. As each enormous Kimberley tide retreats, the reef appears to rise out of the sea, shedding water in spectacular cascades and countless waterfalls, which sees marine creatures racing over its edge.

These experiences were shared by Kununurra-based tour-guide Scotty Connell and feature in his book 100 Things To See In The Kimberley.

To find out more, visit exploringedenbooks.com

August-September 2020 / Horizons

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