Horizons August/September 2021

August/September 2021

Your RAC member magazine

Easy Esperance PUT THIS SOUTHERN BEAUTY ON YOUR ROAD TRIP RADAR

Our car shortage What’s behind the huge demand

Peak-hour pain How Perth can ease the congestion crush

PLUS WA’s 10 best quirky museums

Member benefits + Your feedback + Ten of the best

Everything here comes from here.

Thanks to our pristine environment and shorter distance from paddock to plate, WA produce is the superior choice. Look for the Buy West Eat Best logo. @buywesteatbest #buywesteatbest

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

R18058

Members save

10% off labour*

The power of membership

Trust us to protect your new car warranty RAC Auto Services are authorised to perform Logbook servicing on a wide range of makes and models Our Logbook service includes: » All the manufacturer items » Comprehensive safety check » Logbook stamp

To book call 1300 134 642 or visit rac.com.au/autoservices Balcatta » Bentley » Canning Vale » Joondalup » Mandurah » Morley » Myaree » Osborne Park » Perth City » Mobile mechanic *RAC 10% member discount applies to all labour costs performed by the RAC. MRB 935

Your RAC member magazine

HORIZONS® Published by RAC WA MANAGING EDITOR Vanessa Pogorelic DEPUTY EDITOR Tatum Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renee Smith ADVERTISING Gail Raj (WA only) T: 08 9388 7844 E: gail@mediatonic.com.au Lauren Casalini T: 03 8520 6444 E: laurencasalini@hardiegrant.com CONTACT US facebook.com/RACWA twitter.com/RACWA instagram.com/RACWA editor@rac.com.au rac.com.au 13 11 11 Roadside Assistance, Battery Services 13 17 03 Membership, Motoring Advice, Insurance, Finance, Travel, Touring, Security Services 1300 797 078 Vehicle Condition Appraisals 1300 135 667 RAC Auto Services 1300 651 042 RAC Tyres 9436 4111 Corporate Enquiries For deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au See page 81 for more contact details

ON THE COVER Wharton Beach, Esperance PHOTOGRAPH BY Matt Deakin frommilesaway.com.au

CAB AUDITED AS AT MARCH 2021 IS 651,746 HOUSEHOLDS OUR PLASTIC WRAPPER IS BIODEGRADABLE 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.

Inside this issue AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

Our State, People+Future

Car +Motoring

Travel +Touring

Home +Life

07

14

36

60

President’s message

Crushing congestion Just building more roads won’t do the job

WA travel brief

Member lounge

08 Your feedback

12 Snapshot

22 Trapped and critical Rescued from a car rollover

31

18 Our daily commute The surprising amount of time we spend in cars

25 WA’s car shortage What really caused it and when will it end?

54

Keeping it local Bringing WA neighbourhoods together

Test drive

53

Car doctor

Future moves

59

40 Giant artwork Collie’s record-breaking mural

46 Easy Esperance Why you need to head even further south

82 Ten best

Membership +Benefits 63 Member benefits

81 Contact us

With the power of your membership we’re all in for a better WA For over 115 years, we’ve worked together with our members for the better of WA. Every one of you has played a crucial role in that journey.

But, while we’ve come a long way, we’ve still got a long way to go. Tragically, someone is killed or seriously injured on Western Australian roads every five hours.

Urban sprawl is increasing congestion and our vehicle emissions are reducing air quality.

With the power of your membership behind us, we’re committing to a safer, more sustainable and better connected WA for all of us.

We’re all in for a better WA. Join us.

Find out more at rac.com.au/betterWA

Our State, People+Future

President's message LEADERSHIP NEEDED ON EVS AND VEHICLE EMISSIONS The move towards electric vehicles (EVs) and low emission vehicles is one of the most important transport debates we’re having right now. It is central in not only determining how we move around our cities and regions, but how we manage the air quality and health of our State in the decades ahead.

In recent months RAC has made submissions to State and Federal government inquiries relating to vehicle emissions, fuel quality, and electric vehicle adoption.

We also continue to raise these issues in the public domain as we work to ensure Western Australia’s future is one with healthier air and more sustainable transport options for our members.

The transport sector is responsible for more than 26 per cent of all CO2 in Australia and 19 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. The cars we drive are major contributors to the air pollution that surrounds us.

When we shine a spotlight on EVs, we can clearly see that governments internationally are becoming more focused as they look to encourage ownership and drive down vehicle emissions. There are now policies in more than 50 countries to increase EV uptake, including financial incentives, subsidies and offsets.

Unsurprisingly, these countries are seeing the greatest level of EV uptake — Australia is currently not one of them.

Globally, more than 2.1 million new EVs were sold in 2019, an almost 90 per cent increase over 2017 figures. In Australia, EVs are still less than 0.1 per cent of total light vehicle sales.

As outlined in our submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics’ COAG Reform Fund Amendment (No Electric Vehicle Taxes) Bill 2020 Inquiry, it has also been identified that EVs could reach 70 per cent of new vehicle sales and 30 per cent of the total vehicle fleet in Australia by 2040. This is an ambitious goal that will require action to get more people on the EV journey.

A 2020 RAC survey found that while 56 per cent of new car owners considered vehicle emissions very or extremely important when purchasing a new vehicle, the purchase price ranked even higher.

Right now, the range of EVs available in WA and Australia is narrow and expensive.

A more diverse and competitive EV market is critical to improve choice and drive down high purchase prices. Good progress is being made in developing our charging infrastructure, but more investment is needed.

We urgently need a nationally coordinated framework for electric vehicles to set out the specific steps and policy actions we can take to accelerate our journey to transition to low and zero emissions transport, cleaner air and healthier communities.

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC President

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RAC PRESIDENT Jacqueline Ronchi RAC COUNCIL Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia President Jacqueline Ronchi Senior Vice President Professor Ross Dowling AM Vice President John Driscoll MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Leanne Bishop Allan Blagaich Freda Crucitti Jill Darby Tony Evans Stephen Fox Dalton Gooding Brian Hanson Jody Nunn Emmerson Richardson Julie Wadley Jim Walker

Our State, People+Future

Your feedback Wardrobe of memories Going through the clothing and belongings of a loved one who has been lost to road trauma is a sad reality for the families of those killed in vehicle crashes.

To mark National Road Safety Week in May, RAC created the Wardrobe of Memories - a wardrobe filled with clothing to symbolically represent the 155 people who lost their lives on WA roads last year.

It was displayed in the CBD and Joondalup during National Road Safety Week as a powerful and moving reminder of the impact of road trauma.

This is a beautiful gesture and I hope it will make us all drive a bit safer. Thinking of the families affected. Nora Ball Anything in an attempt to save lives is welcome.

Accidents don’t happen they are caused. Brian Lee ABOVE: Road safety speaker, Konnah Ruru and RAC general manager of Corporate Affairs, Will Golsby, at the Yagan Square installation.

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK AND WIN Send us your opinions and feedback and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance.

MEMBER QUESTION



@RACWA @RACWA @RACWA editor@rac.com.au



Terms and conditions on page 81.

Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

“ At an intersection with a left turn slip lane, can you also turn left from the lane next to it, or must you only use the slip lane?”

In the scenario shown in the illustration to the left, on a multi-lane road, legally you must use the slip lane unless there is an obstruction that prevents you from using it to turn left.

Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA), regulation 21(2A).

8

Our State, People+Future

CAR LOCK-INS WINNING FEEDBACK

BELOW: Charging on a 15-amp socket at Cocklebiddy Roadhouse

Accidentally locking a child or pet in your car along with the keys can be stressful, especially during warm weather. But even over the cooler months, lock-ins can be dangerous and distressing. Two of our members recently experienced just how easily this can happen.

A very big thank you to RAC for the quick and professional response from roadside assist. My son Owen had just been placed in his car seat and I didn’t realise he had the car remote. On closing the car door, it locked the vehicle.

RAC was called to unlock it.

The customer service from RAC was exceptional. Thank you again to the wonderful Patrol, Sebastiano, who attended. Adriana Mann

N ala the spoodle had hopped into the car after a walk with her owner Lisa when Nala’s lead became caught in the door, causing the door to shut. Nala then managed to put her paw on the car remote, and actually pressed the ‘lock’ button which locked Lisa out of the car. Our Roadside Assistance Patrol, April, was on the scene soon after and had Nala out in no time.

BELOW: RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol, Sebastiano, with Adriana Mann’s son Owen; BOTTOM: A relieved Lisa with Nala the spoodle and RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol, April.

CROSSING THE COUNTRY IN AN ELECTRIC CAR Having recently returned from a transAustralia trip in a Tesla 3, I thought it might be of interest that elderly and relatively unprepared folk can safely drive electric vehicles across Australia and back. It is no problem driving an electric car across the Nullarbor. Our Tesla Model 3 never missed a beat. However, there are a few useful steps to take before setting off.

Download the free PlugShare, Chargefox and Nextcharge apps onto your phone.

Make sure you have an adaptor so you can utilise the 32-amp chargers which are available at most Nullarbor roadhouses, all of which have to provide their own electricity from generators. Even with all the resources listed above, we found that chargers were not always easy to find or in working condition when we did find them. Luckily, there are always alternative sources of electricity.

Enjoy your electric journey.

Bill Castleden

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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 • Barramundi fishing & a range of breathtaking marine adventures • Enjoy an array of 4WD safaris and be immersed in this sacred land

News in brief from RAC and beyond

Snapshot Book your automated vehicle ride Experience first-hand how a driverless vehicle operates on real roads with Australia’s longest-running automated vehicle trial.

The RAC Intellibus® is offering free rides every Thursday to Sunday along the South Perth foreshore. Rides depart from the Intellibus Hub at the eastern end of South Perth Esplanade every 30 minutes between selected times.

You’ll travel in a loop to one of Perth’s oldest landmarks, the Old Mill, where you can opt to hop off and take a guided tour of the 185-year-old building.

RAC Intellibus® South Perth schedule Thursday – Friday* 9:30am - 3:30pm Saturday – Sunday 12:30pm - 3:30pm *The shuttle does not operate between 12pm and 1pm on weekdays.

For more details and to book your ride, visit rac.com.au/intellibus

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN 50 METRES From the time you initially see a hazard on the road, to the time your car comes to a standstill, there is a lot going on.

If you need to suddenly stop while driving on a bitumen road in dry conditions at 60km/h (in an average family car), your car will travel around 45m before you stop.

In the time it takes for you to first register that there is a hazard and that the brakes need to be applied, you will already have covered around half of that 45m distance.

This is referred to as the reaction distance.

Following this, in the time it takes for your car to come to a standstill, you will have

covered about another 20m. This is the braking distance.

In wet conditions the total stopping distance could take even longer. And at freeway speeds of 100km/h, the total stopping distance will be more than double what it is at 60km/h.

Stopping distance

60km/h

Reaction distance

Braking distance

25m+

20m

Hazard spotted

Braking begins

12

The car stops

Our State, People+Future

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAR WARNING LIGHTS

69% of RAC Patrols report that motorists are misinterpreting their dashboard warning lights, with some assuming their vehicles aren’t safe to drive.

2020 RAC Roadside Assistance Patrols survey

RAC COUNCIL ELECTION ALERT – USE YOUR VOTE If you are a voting member of RAC, look out for the election supplement with the next issue of Horizons.

The election supplement contains 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 2021 RAC Council election.

Only members 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.

MODERN SPEEDO ACCURACY Speedometers were once an optional extra on very early cars, meaning you could choose to go without a speedo on your new ‘horseless carriage’. But over time speedometers did become an important tool for managing vehicle safety.

In Australia, since July 2007, speedometers in all new cars have been legally required not to indicate a speed which is less than the vehicle’s true speed. Speedometers are also illegal if they indicate a speed greater than the car’s true speed by an amount more than 10 per cent plus 4km/h.

However, while up to 14km/h of over-read is legally allowed where the true speed is 100km/h, in most vehicles the margin between true speed and indicated speed is much narrower. For those concerned about the accuracy of their speedo, specialist workshops can be found online by searching for vehicle instrument repairs.

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If you are an eligible voting member and if you have not received a copy of the election supplement by 15 October 2021, 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.

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

Car+Motoring

How Perth can ease the congestion crush

By Ruth Callaghan

Perhaps it is a side effect of working from home. Those days, weeks or months for some, when the commute to work was the time it took to walk from bedroom to desk.

Did that time spent at home make us value the personal space and convenience our cars can provide slightly more?

Or perhaps it is a lingering fear of the virus that has broken the habit of public transport and driven people back into cars.

Or it is just the reality of a city booming again? According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population figures, Perth experienced the second-highest population growth rate of all capital cities in Australia across 20192020, with 37,500 more people in the Perth metropolitan area, all jostling for land and housing and space on the freeway at once.

Whatever the reason, nearly half of RAC members are saying congestion in Perth has become worse in the last 12 months.

Based on RAC surveys from early 2020 and earlier this year, the percentage of RAC members who report they use their car to commute to work or study is on the rise and four in 10 who drive regularly during peak periods are not satisfied with their commute. In fact, almost half of members said sitting in congestion causes them stress and negatively impacts their wellbeing.

Perth metro population increased by

37,500 from 2019-2020 At the same time, the proportion who catch a train or bus is down — not as dramatically as in the 2020 lockdown — but still a significant decline overall. Public transport boardings in March this year were approximately 80 per cent of those

14

in March 2019, according to the Public Transport Authority.

When members were asked in March this year what their preferred method of commuting would be, 71 per cent nominated the car, up significantly from only 58 per cent in January last year.

Yet of those that do currently drive to work or study, one in four say that driving is not their preferred way to travel. It suggests there’s an opportunity for policy and decisionmakers to help people give up the congested daily commute for another option.

“What we’ve seen recently is a shift in the preference of our members towards driving since the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions last year,” says Sarah Macaulay, RAC acting general manager, Social Impact.

“The concerns about health that might have prompted people to avoid public transport last year have started to fade, and it seems preferences and habits have changed. People have got into the routine of climbing into their car. That’s borne out in traffic figures, which outside of periods of restriction show an increased number of vehicles on the road across the day.” 

Stewart Allen

Since last year’s lockdown, we’ve gone back to using our cars to commute in even greater numbers than before.

What would it take to shift gears on how we get around?

Car+Motoring

Solving congestion is not as simple as building more roads.

15

16

Car+Motoring

What causes congestion?

The primary cause of congestion is fairly straightforward — demand for road space exceeds its supply. But there are challenges that sit behind that simple explanation.

For some global cities, the driving factor behind road congestion is population, with congestion worsening as more people need to travel along limited roads from A to B. Yet in some cities with high population density that isn’t the case, often because policy, infrastructure and transport services help to make travel by other means easier and more attractive.

“There are many ways we can get more out of our road network.”

And then there’s what is known as induced demand in which – paradoxically – well-designed new roads and expansions can end up worsening congestion by freeing up capacity and making the route so attractive that more people want to drive on it to take advantage of reduced travel times.

It means that solving congestion is not as simple as building more roads, Macaulay says.

“Sometimes if there’s localised congestion or a pinch point, such as where the intersection type or design is inappropriate for the traffic movements or volumes and throughtraffic becomes blocked, that’s where infrastructure changes can make a big difference.

Glenn Weaver

“But simply adding an additional traffic lane tends to only relieve congestion in the shorter-term.

“By making it easier to drive, it can encourage more people to do so.

We need to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads but also look at how we better support other transport options.”

Measuring the morning rush Back in 2015, Infrastructure Australia sounded an alarm that if Perth continued to grow at the same pace, and without significant investment in road and transport networks, it would become home to seven of the country’s 10 most congested roads.

A slower than expected increase in population and much-needed infrastructure has fortunately lessened those fears, yet it is still predicted that by 2031, the cost of congestion to the state will more than double to $3.6 billion a year.

Real-time traffic data shows how that cost translates for the average driver in Perth. GPS company Tom Tom estimates 10 minutes out of every 30 commuting in Perth’s peak hours is currently spent sitting in traffic.

This represents an enormous cost to individuals and businesses who waste otherwise productive time.

And it is not just in Perth – RAC’s survey showed 40 per cent of regional members also report experiencing congestion in their towns at least once a week, with one in five saying it happens more than a few days a week.

There is a desire for government to do more to address the causes behind congestion, Macaulay says, from addressing poorly designed intersections that lead to gridlock (nominated by two-thirds of members as a priority for action) to using better technology to manage traffic flows (54 per cent) and upgrading roads (49 per cent).

A growing number would also like to see changes that could reduce the demand for driving overall, such as help to work from home more often, more jobs being located closer to where people live and better, faster, more reliable public transport.

“There are many ways we can get more out of our road network.”

“Perth’s first Smart Freeway (introduced on Kwinana Freeway northbound and soon to be on

17

Mitchell Freeway southbound) is an example of how technology can be used to help reduce travel times and increase efficiency,” Macaulay says.

“And on corridors where we have high frequency bus services, where appropriate, providing additional priority for buses can help improve travel times, reliability and frequency.

“That not only makes buses more attractive, increasing ridership, but more people can be moved along the same corridor in fewer vehicles.”

According to a survey of RAC members last year, 80 per cent of those working from home said they would like to continue doing so up to two days a week.

RAC estimated this change alone would be the equivalent of taking 65,000 cars a day off the roads, making local roads quieter and safer, saving hours of productive time a month, and helping to support more vibrant and active local communities.

“COVID acted as a catalyst for a lot of employers to enable their people to work from home, and while we’ve seen working from home decline a bit this year, where there is the flexibility and preference to continue to do so it can help to manage travel demand,” Macaulay says.

“We also need to think about how we can support job creation closer to where people live by improving public transport connections between activity centres for example, and ensure we are effectively planning for this into the future.

“Well-designed and connected cycling infrastructure, the creation of safer streets and more shared paths can also have a big impact on the number of people choosing to ride and walk for more trips.

“There’s no one way to manage congestion, but there are lots of measures that, together, can make a difference.”  To see the numbers on WA’s daily commute, see page 18.

Car+Motoring

The daily commute Across a series of RAC member surveys spanning a year, we reveal some interesting insights into how people are commuting around their local communities, their key concerns and how things can be improved.

There is no doubt that Western Australians are still very much connected to their cars.

When we asked RAC members how they commuted to and from work or study, 89 per cent said they drove for either the full journey or at least part of it.

Looking at the overall responses to weekly commuting times, we calculated that WA drivers spend an average of about one month of their lives each year just sitting in a car.

Even in a big state like WA where cars remain the main mode of transport, that figure is still surprising.

On average, our members are a driver or passenger in a car for 12hr 12min per week.

That is the equivalent of 26.5 days per year spent in a car (full 24-hour days).

For regional members the average is a little higher. Those who live in regional areas are a driver or passenger in a car for about 12hr 54min per week – the equivalent of 28 days per year spent in a car.

And for regular peak hour commuters, the figures are higher again.

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Those who drive or are a passenger in a car in peak hour for five or more days a week (35 per cent of members) on average spend 15hr 42min per week on the road, which is the equivalent of 34 days per year sitting in a car. These figures include time spent commuting to work or study and also for non-work purposes.

So what are all the different ways we get around, what are our key concerns with the way we currently travel and what can be improved? 

Car+Motoring

How we commute How do you get to work or study?

89% drive a car

11%

catch the train

11% walk

7% cycle

7%

catch the bus

58%

said driving was their preferred way to commute.

Note: Some respondents nominated more than one mode of travel.

Cost of transport We asked our members to estimate what they thought they might spend in a year on the cost of running a vehicle. On average, members estimated they spent $3000-$4000 each year.

The actual cost of running a vehicle varies for different vehicle categories, but when loan repayments are included, actual running costs become substantially higher than the range of estimated costs.

Annual vehicle running costs

Vehicle category

Example vehicle brand

Cost without loan repayments

Cost with loan repayments

Small car

Hyundai i30

$2,830

$9,578

Medium sized SUV

Toyota RAV4

$3,329

$12,817

Large SUV

Mazda CX-9 Sport

$4,822

$16,566

RAC’s 2020 Vehicle Operating Costs Survey.

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Car+Motoring

Congestion and commuting times

30

25

38

was the average estimated commuting time.

was the average commuting time for regional members.

was the average commute for regular peak hour drivers in Perth.

42

minutes

was the maximum amount of time both regional members and regular peak hour drivers in Perth would be willing to spend commuting.

46%

of members agree that sitting in congestion causes them stress and negatively impacts their wellbeing.

minutes

minutes

Cycling We asked members to tell us their views of and experiences with cycling in WA and what could be done to make it easier and safer to ride.

The main reasons for riding:

minutes

68% Exercise

66% Leisure/ fun

9%

Errands/ shopping

9%

Vehicle safety

Travel to work/study

More than four in five people said safety was an important factor when purchasing a vehicle, and 82 per cent support the mandatory display of ANCAP star ratings and Used Car Safety Ratings at the point of sale.

5 most commonly owned cars: 1. Toyota Corolla 2. Holden Commodore 3. Toyota Camry 4. Mazda3 5. Toyota RAV4

When members were asked what, if anything, stops them from riding more often, the top three responses were:

40% Fear of sharing the roads with cars

34%

Too far to get to where I need to go

29%

Lack of safe bike routes

55%

did not know the safety rating of their vehicle.

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Car+Motoring

Public transport

Electric vehicles

What would make members more likely to use public transport?

With electric vehicles (EV) making up less than one per cent of all light vehicles on Australian roads, according to the National Transport Commission, there is still a long way to go before we catch up with the EV take-up in many other countries.

If there were better connections for public transport services to centres outside the CBD, 55 per cent of those surveyed said they would be likely or very likely to use public transport more often.

Improved access to train stations, such as more bus feeder services and better walking and cycling access between services along with improved security measures at public transport stations, were also key changes that would encourage more use of public transport.

65%

$30

But acceptance of EVs is growing. When asked if they would consider an electric or hybrid vehicle for their next vehicle purchase, 44 per cent said ‘yes’.

86%

The main barriers to buying an electric or hybrid vehicle are:

support cheaper off-peak fares (including weekends).

of regular peak hour drivers said they would use public transport more often if it was more affordable.

is the maximum amount members think they should have to pay per week for public transport.

43%

of respondents said they ‘needed their car’. This means 5 in 10 choose not to use public transport. Reasons include the availability of services they need (24%), proximity to those services (7%), preferring other transport modes (5%) as well as cost, safety, travel time, comfort or reliability.

57%

6%

13%

4%

Cost is too high

Don’t know enough about them

12%

Concerns with access to public chargers

21

Not enough vehicle options

Worried about range anxiety Source: RAC Member Priorities Tracker, January to December 2020. 

Our State, People+Future

Trapped and critical

By Wendy Caccetta

Many years ago, when Jimmy Maher was a national park ranger in the Pilbara, he was given some healing stones by the Yindjibarndi people. Half a lifetime later, he came to truly appreciate the gift.

In 2018, Jimmy Maher, a Wurundjeri man originally from Melbourne, was retired and living on acreage in Bullsbrook with his wife Kim after 30 years as a ranger. Now in his early 70s, he was busy looking after their land, rearing orphaned kangaroo joeys and was in demand for Aboriginal cultural presentations.

On the morning of 31 January, he said goodbye to Kim and set off to give a talk at Karrinyup Library.

Everything he needed was packed into his car, including his healing stones.

Maher was also raising two orphaned kangaroo joeys who, along with the healing stones, went with him everywhere. They travelled with him inside their bags.

Head-on Maher’s car was travelling at 100km/h when it ran off the road near Warbrook Road in South Bullsbrook.

It smashed into the bank of a drain and, according to a witness, upended four times, collided head-on with a concrete culvert and came to rest on its wheels between trees.

wo little joeys T popped their heads out from under the airbag and everyone got a surprise.

He repacked his car, carefully placing the joey bags over the passenger seat head rest.

The healing stones were in his carry bag.

“The only thing I remember is hearing gravel under the car and looking through the windscreen and seeing all these trees coming at me,” Maher says.

Travelling along Great Northern Highway, near Walyunga National Park, he remembers looking forward to a couple of days off after a busy spell.

A witness called triple zero and Police, ambulance and Fire and Rescue services were soon at the scene.

“A couple of hundred metres down the road, bang, I was asleep.”

“First I had to determine if he was awake and the immediate attention needed. He also needed to be calmed and reassured.

We were there to help him and we were going to be with him the whole way.

“I gave him strong medication to help him get out of the car with the least amount of discomfort. I monitored him then told the pilot we’ll fly to RPH.”

The road back That night Maher woke up in hospital asking, “Where am I?”

By early afternoon Maher had finished and was heading home.

What happened next was as sudden as it was unexpected.

Coertzen quickly took in Maher’s condition.

On duty that day for the Jandakot-based RAC Rescue helicopter was pilot Andrew Greenall, aircrewman Chris Peacock and St John WA critical care paramedic Madelyn Coertzen.

22

He had just enough time to call his wife before doctors placed him in an induced coma. When he emerged six days later, he was relieved to learn the joeys hadn’t been hurt.

“Apparently they were trying to cut me out of the car and these two little joeys popped their heads out from under the airbag and everyone got a surprise,” he says.

In comparison, Maher’s injuries included 11 fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, two hernias, a punctured right lung, fractured nose and eye socket, four fractured vertebrae, a compressed disc and a smashed femur.

“I went from ICU to trauma, back and forth for three weeks,” he says.

Five weeks after he had set off from home, he arrived back there in a wheelchair. 

Our State, People+Future

“Everyone is amazed that I’ve survived all that,” he says. “I’ve always said it’s my breeding. We’re resilient. Been around for probably 80,000 years our mob and we’re still here.

All images: Richard Ashford-Hatherly

“I’m proud to be part of that and proof that if you’ve got a strong mind and want to survive, you will.”

Maher recently met the RAC Rescue helicopter crew that came to his aid that day.

“I’d been an RAC member for over 30 years,” he says. “It’s amazing when you’re contributing to something that actually saves your life in the end.”

The meeting was emotional.

“It was hard not to break down and cry, but I could sincerely thank them all, especially the critical care paramedic because she was the one who made all the decisions and that got me to today,” he says.

Coertzen says it took a lot of hard work for Maher to get up and walk again.

“He had a lot of trauma to deal with physically and mentally and he came out the other side a lovely man who has inspired us as much as we have inspired him.”

As for the healing stones, they made their way back to Maher after being salvaged from the wreckage. He now sleeps with them under his pillow. 

ABOVE: (L-R) Aircrewman Chris Peacock, Jimmy Maher, Jimmy’s wife Kim (front), Critical Care Paramedic Madelyn Coertzen, Pilot Andrew Greenall; TOP: Jimmy with the RAC Rescue crew who saved his life; TOP RIGHT: Jimmy with his wife, Kim; RIGHT: It was an emotional reunion when Jimmy met Madelyn.

The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

23

N E P O NOW ING

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You don’t have to be stone deaf to need hearing aids

I’m on my third set of hearing aids in about 10 years. These new ones are the best by far, and I wish I’d had them before my retirement because they would have helped so much more in my work as an aircraft engineer. Previous aids weren’t compatible with the headphones I needed to wear to talk with a plane’s captain in the cockpit, yet these new ones worked a treat. They have so many more features, the best of which is probably that my phone rings in my ears, so I don’t miss calls and the conversation can be very private. Previously people around me would need to point out that my phone was ringing and I’d have to position the phone very carefully to participate in the conversation.

I now hear better in company too, and do well enough in a noisy pub setting, because I am easily able to boost the volume. I can hear my wife Chrissie around the house and in the car, and she doesn’t need to constantly repeat

herself. And when she says something to me and I don’t hear, she knows that I’m not wearing them, and suggests that it would be good if I put my hearing aids in.

Interestingly, too, these aids are so comfortable that I can actually leave them in my ears when I lie down for an afternoon kip.

Chrissie and I like to walk along the beachfront, when I can hear lots of sounds that I haven’t for years, sounds of the ocean, the birds, and bicycle bells signalling they are approaching (Chrissie used to have to pull me out of the way). I can also hear the sound of the car’s indicators, and the beep the spa makes when I turn it on. I feel it is a real bonus to now have good hearing which has added so much to my life, and would recommend that anyone who has difficulty hearing - you don’t have to be stone deaf to need hearing aids - that you go to see someone at Brad’s clinic for a trial. There is a lot to gain. Nelius Vermeulen

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Car+Motoring

WA’s car shortage THE STORY BEHIND THE LONG WAIT TIMES, THE LOW STOCKS AND THE CARS THAT HAVE BEEN HARDEST TO FIND.

By Alex Forrest

The result was unprecedented changes to the new and used car markets in Australia including limited supply and long waits for new car deliveries, inflated prices for used cars and in some instances, certain features missing on some cars.

Long before car prices began to skyrocket in 2020, the factors that took the Australian car market to boiling point in early 2021 were already gathering.

Any one of those factors alone – travel restrictions, pre-existing supply problems, low interest rates, semiconductor shortages and the end of production for popular models like the Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series – could each have had a big impact on the market alone. But as it happened, they all more or less coincided.

More recently, vehicle production has also been hampered by shortages of semiconductors, which are essential in the manufacture of consumer electronic goods such as computers, monitors, TVs and gaming consoles – and cars. 

ABOVE: The Kia Sorento is among the new car models that have been in short supply in WA.

25

Car+Motoring

ABOVE (L-R): Dealers have been known to buy back used cars for more than customers originally paid; Mercedes-Benz C-Class is another new car model proving hard to find in WA; Toyota are experiencing a global increase in demand, stretching out waiting times for models such as the Hilux.

As more people worldwide increased their work and schooling from home, and consumer demand for these household items increased, the demand for semiconductors to make these products also increased.

This in turn placed greater demand on the supply of semiconductors for use in vehicle electronics.

For consumers, that’s meant some new car models have been very hard to source.

Where those cars are available, they’ve often come with a long wait and a higher price.

THESE DRASTIC CHANGES IN THE NEW CAR MARKET HAVE GENERATED FLOW-ON EFFECTS FOR THE USED CAR MARKET.

These drastic changes in the new car market have generated flow-on effects for the used car market.

Dealers have been contacting recent customers offering to buy back their cars at significantly higher prices than the customer paid several years before, knowing they’d charge even more to make a profit.

With some buyers paying high prices for used cars, there was little to discourage dealers and private sellers from asking for these inflated amounts. For some, it was essential given the state of the market.

Other dealer networks have been moving stock from their regional dealerships and into Perth, where demand is higher for certain models and therefore higher prices are possible.

26

A silver lining It hasn’t been all bad news for consumers.

For those looking to sell a late model vehicle that they don’t need to replace, it could be sold for more than the price they paid for it, when it also had far fewer kilometres on the clock.

Like the housing market though, buying back into a heated market will cost you.

If you decide to just hang on to your car, chances are its depreciation will at least have been delayed, so there could be a benefit in any case.

First car buyer? Be patient Among the biggest challenges associated with inflated car prices is ensuring those who are looking to buy a car at entry level pricing are still able to afford one that is safe and reliable.

This is especially important where those buyers are novice drivers who may be more likely than most to require the safety features offered by a newer vehicle.

For example, at a price point of $10,000, the number of safe and reliable cars available in March 2021 were far fewer than those of September 2020.

The best advice here is, if you can, wait until the market stabilises to the point where you can get more for your money. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for that chance bargain.

Car+Motoring

What the car makers say Demand for new cars at the top end of the market remained strong, though hampered by the dearth of semiconductors to make their complex electronics systems work.

In the first three months of 2021, new car sales figures provided by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries indicated Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, MG, Isuzu Ute, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles grew significantly compared to the same three months in 2020.

A Toyota Australia spokesperson told Horizons the organisation was experiencing a global increase in demand across high volume models, which has stretched out waiting times.

“As demand has increased, some key components also found in technology such as computers have also experienced supply demand increases due to COVID-19, affecting global production requests.

“Although our plants are increasing capacity, we are anticipating that wait times for highdemand models, service parts and some accessories may be longer than usual in the coming months.

“For example, the Landcruiser 70 series and Hilux 4x4 have longer lead-times given their current high demand. RAV4 petrol variants currently have a wait time of approximately three months, with wait times for hybrid models anywhere from four-to-six months, depending on the variant.”

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia head of media relations Jerry Stamoulis said there was strong demand for new models across the Mercedes-Benz compact car range and across all SUV models.

But he said there had been some delays in the medium-sized C-Class cars, the GLA small SUVs and the A-Class small car models due to the global shortage of semiconductors.

Kia Australia spokesperson Alyson MacDonald told Horizons the Kia range is, to varying degrees, feeling the effects of COVID-19 on a global level with strain on supply chains and manufacturing.

“This adds pressure to meet the demands of Australian customers at a time of unprecedented popularity for Kia in Australia, particularly when it comes to our recently launched new models such as Sorento, Carnival and Stonic,” MacDonald says.

In late 2020, some specific elements of the well-regarded Kia Carnival people mover were affected by the pandemic, but MacDonald says no other Kia vehicles were affected.

“Only Carnival was impacted and the missing features (digital cluster including blind spot monitor and rain sensing auto wipers) will be available from the model year 2022 production.”

MacDonald said the Australian supply of Kia vehicles was anticipated to catch up with demand during the fourth quarter of this year. 

27

What other car models have been scarce?

The flow-on effects of disruptions to car production around the world continued to be felt well into 2021, with many car models still in short supply.

There have been signs of recovery and normalisation but delays for other cars are still an issue.

Here are just some of the specific models which have been in short supply in WA: New car shortages Kia Sorento Toyota RAV4 Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series Toyota 70 Series Mitsubishi Triton Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Suzuki Jimny BMW X3 Isuzu D-Max Mercedes-Benz GLA Mercedes-Benz A-Class Used car shortages Toyota Hilux BMW 3 Series Mercedes-Benz C-Class Volkswagen Golf GTI Toyota Corolla Hyundai i30 Audi A4 Audi Q5

Car+Motoring

RIGHT: The final months of production of the Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series prompted increased demand for the model, and therefore its price.

Spotlight: The final Landcruiser 200 Series The rush for Toyota Landcruisers was not solely a result of increased demand driven by changed holiday choices resulting from the pandemic, and more people taking long driving holidays around the state.

After 14 years, production of the V8-powered Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series was rumoured to end in the first half of 2021, making it one of the longest running Landcruiser models.

The anticipation of the hugely popular 200 Series’ end sent prices skyward.

Further pushing up prices of the outgoing Landcruiser were rumours that its replacement could have a smaller, but more efficient six-cylinder engine in place of the revered V8. Toyota has since confirmed that the new Landcruiser 300 Series will indeed have a 3.3-litre V6.

In WA, even though overall car sales for 2020 were down by 2.7 per cent compared to 2019, sales of the Landcruiser 200 Series were up by 15 per cent. Demand for the big off-roader continued well into 2021, squeezing supply.

Motor Trade Association of Western Australia chief executive Stephen Moir said that for several months, sales of Landcruisers exceeded sales of Corollas.

“When we consider the price difference between these cars, that is extraordinary,” he says.

In March, examples of the top-of-the-range Landcruiser Sahara model were advertised in WA for over $180,000, which is $44,000 more than the standard drive away price for the same model.

By the time you read this, we should know the pricing for the new 300 Series.

Buying a car in WA Demand for new and used cars has been booming for over a year, according to the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia (MTAWA), which represents the local motor industry across new and used car sales, vehicle servicing and repairs, and the caravan industry.

“In March 2020, the industry, like most industries, was expecting the worst,” MTAWA chief executive Stephen Moir told Horizons.

“There was a drop in activity, particularly during the initial lockdown, which lasted for about four weeks and then the roof lifted with unprecedented foot traffic through dealerships,” Moir says.

“The public wanted to avoid using public transport and started buying second and third cars for the household.”

Moir said caravan dealers have experienced record sales, with most vans ordered in early 2021 not expected to be delivered for 12 months, such is the backlog in orders.

He said the search by car dealers for used car stock to fill their yards has been challenging.

“It is now common for consumers listing their car for sale to be approached by dealers who are paying full or above asking price just to secure the vehicle,” Moir says. “This is the primary reason for the increase in prices for used vehicles by up to 35 per cent.

“We’re getting regular reports about individuals selling their used vehicle for close to what it cost when new which is quite amazing. WA has seen a substantial increase in the amount of stock being imported from the east coast to meet demand.”

He said the buying pattern was spread across all model variants but favoured the used sector the most.

Increases in the cost of vehicles is no doubt an extra expense no one needs.

However, these inflated prices are unlikely to last forever and have already shown signs of subsiding.

“As it became clear that the pandemic was with us for some time and that travel internationally was off the schedule, consumers started to buy heavily into recreational vehicles. Sales of large SUVs and caravans were at an all-time high.”

Plus, one of the great positives arising from the upheaval of COVID-19 has been that many Western Australians have been getting out and discovering the wonders of WA, helping local businesses while being reminded of how fortunate we really are. 

28

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Our State, People+Future

Keeping it local

By Fleur Bainger

Pop-up plazas, parklets and colourful pathways are helping to build the momentum needed to create more vibrant and connected WA communities.

In 2020, more than 1700 RAC members helped select a number of community projects, including pop-up town squares, markets, street art and beautified walkways, to be created in neighbourhoods across WA. The projects were chosen as part of RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative, which supports councils and shires in revitalising streets and public spaces by delivering projects such as these. The initiative works in tandem with RAC’s Connecting Communities Fund, which supports community-led groups driving change in their local areas. Between them, great things are happening.

Sarah Macaulay, RAC acting general manager Social Impact, says the response has been inspiring.

“It’s been fantastic to see how well the projects currently on the ground have been embraced by local residents and businesses.

“We really wanted to see communities being inspired to get involved and help drive positive change in their local areas.”

The big picture goal is to create more people-friendly streets and public spaces and ultimately to support better connected communities across WA. Here are just some of the ways RAC is helping to do that in 2021. 

BELOW: Over a six-week period earlier this year, locals and visitors enjoyed live music, circus workshops and a range of community-based activities at Subiaco Pop-up Square.

31

Our State, People+Future

Subiaco Pop-up Square

SUBIACO POP-UP SQUARE REIMAGINED A SECTION OF THE STREET AS A PEOPLE-FRIENDLY, THRIVING PLACE.

TOP LEFT: Subiaco Pop-up Square created an urban oasis on Churchill Avenue; TOP RIGHT: The Nollamara community welcomed the pop-up so enthusiastically that the City is exploring extending the trial.

Mini golf greens, a seesaw, colourful tassel bunting and light projections took the place of bitumen and cars for six playful weeks in Subiaco’s Churchill Avenue earlier this year.

Subiaco Pop-up Square reimagined a section of the street as a people-friendly, thriving place. A program of free events ran for most of the period (disrupted only by a COVID-19 lockdown), with live music, circus workshops and herb gardening tutorials, along with face painting, library story time and recycling tips. The idea was to create an urban oasis that would remind residents how special Subiaco is, and help draw customers to local businesses.

It worked: early data suggests visitation to the town centre increased by nearly 30 per cent during the pop-up, and a survey of visitors showed more than 80 per cent of respondents enjoyed spending time and relaxing in the space. The same percentage would like to see more local projects that reclaim the streets for people. Of all the activities, mini golf got the biggest thumbs up, with people generally valuing free, community-based, outdoor activities.

The City of Subiaco says the information collected during the project will inform future projects in the town centre.

32

Gnalla Pop-up Plaza in Nollamara Often, road closures create controversy but in this instance, the Nollamara community welcomed the change so enthusiastically that the City is exploring extending the duration of the trial. Back in March, one of the entrance roads into Nollamara Shopping Centre was reclaimed for public use. A whole lot of artificial turf was laid and planter boxes filled with frangipanis, citrus trees and Chinese tallows were made by class 4 at West Coast Steiner School, transforming the space into the Gnalla Pop-up Plaza.

Initial community surveys, that helped to inform the final design, found 40 per cent of residents were eager for more public plazas where market vendors could do business and locals could spend time. The name ‘Gnalla’ was chosen because it means ‘our’ in Nyoongar. In April, the plaza hosted night markets, soccer clinics, an open-air movie night and an Easter egg hunt. Designated spaces have been provided for food trucks and stalls and the City has worked to enable members of the community to set up stalls themselves and sell goods.

So far, the temporary town square pilot has been a success, paving the way for similar community plazas in other parts of Stirling.

Our State, People+Future

Merredin Pop-up Piazza

DESIGNATED SPACES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR FOOD TRUCKS AND STALLS AND THE CITY HAS WORKED TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO SET UP STALLS THEMSELVES AND SELL GOODS.

TOP: The Nollamara Shopping Centre carpark was transformed into a pop-up plaza where vendors could do business and locals could spend time; BOTTOM: The walkway in Mandurah is made up of 125 different colours, each shade representing a piece of the city.

Merredin’s shop-lined Barrack Street buzzed more than usual last summer. From late December until late March, a section of it was transformed into a public piazza. Like a mini pedestrian mall, the stretch was jazzed up with string lighting, street art, greenery and parklets that hosted alfresco dining and seating, as well as a nature playground, to the delight of local children. The result was a 20 per cent jump in pedestrian movement across the entire day through the area.

The piazza was motivated by a strong community desire for a reinvigorated town centre to inspire communal gatherings and increase shop patronage. Locals liked the idea of a pedestrian mall, picnic areas and public art, so the Shire with RAC’s support set out to test numerous ways to revitalise Merredin’s CBD. Since the trial ended, the piazza’s public assets have been placed around town.

The Shire is reviewing community feedback as it decides what permanent moves to make in the future. With more than 600 responses to the community survey, it has been the most successful project consultation in recent Merredin history.

33

Colours of Mandurah Walkway Mandurah may now boast one of WA’s most colourful walkways. The wide path between Ormsby Terrace and Keith Holmes Reserve is made up of 250 coloured strips formed from 125 different colours. Each shade represents a piece of Mandurah, almost like a portrait of the city, be it the ocean, native plants, local people or landmarks.

The pathway was created in December 2020 to boost foot traffic and vibrancy between Mandjar Square and the Mandurah Ocean Marina. 

Our State, People+Future

Hannay Lane, Dunsborough A new, 328sqm pavement mural running the entire length of Hannay Lane in the heart of Dunsborough is transforming the thoroughfare in more ways than one. It’s part of a 12-month trial to create a safer, more inviting shared space for pedestrians and low-speed traffic. Originally it was proposed to make the laneway one-way for traffic but following consultation with residents and the business community, the design was modified to allow two-way movements while still seeking to create a more people-focused environment.

Work to revitalise the bendy laneway tucked off Naturaliste Terrace began in May. Artist Sam Allen painted a long, art deco-style piece on the path, and concrete drainage pipes were repurposed as pot plants.

Hannay Lane is shifting from a bland expanse of windowless shop sides, service bins and bitumen and transforming into a vibrant space that draws people in as they walk, cycle and linger at one of the local cafes.

Healy Road cycling connection, Hamilton Hill Low-cost treatments to create a more cyclist and pedestrian friendly corridor along the western end of Healy Road in Hamilton Hill will make it a safer and more appealing stretch for those heading to the southern end of South Beach. The aim is to improve the functionality and attractiveness of the 1.6km section between Rockingham Road and Carrington Street using temporary slow points, road markings and painted intersections as it nears the coast. It’s hoped the redesign will allay residents’ concerns that traffic speed and volumes had been increasing along Healy Road.

The treatments will remain for one year as part of a pilot project. Once complete, traffic monitoring and community surveys will be undertaken to assess the project’s impact.

If results are positive, the City will consider making permanent changes in the future.

Chapman Road, Geraldton This year, people will take precedence over cars for the first time along part of Geraldton’s Chapman Road. The stretch in the centre of town will be reconfigured for a 12-month trial in response to community feedback describing it as “tired and empty” and concerns that it was unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians.

To decide how to reinvigorate it, a competition was held, generating 131 responses. Most community members were keen to create a sense of fun.

Plans were still being finalised at the time of writing, but there was enthusiasm for the creation of ‘Insta-selfie’ art murals, as well as social hubs where seating, shade and lighting would be placed. There was also support for reducing the roadway to single lanes of traffic, slowing traffic speeds, adding new space for people to ride bikes and lining the road with tree planters.

Local school students will help monitor the one-year trial, recording existing user behaviour prior to the changes, and then again at the project’s end.

Northam suspension bridge and precinct The iconic suspension bridge crossing the Avon River will be adorned with attractive lighting to improve safety for those using it to go to and from the town centre. The project will also feature Aboriginal cultural messages integrated into the bridge and new community spaces near the Bilya Koort Boodja (the Northam Visitor Centre), which will include art co-designed by local people and influenced by local culture. 

T ogether with our members and partners, we're supporting projects that connect communities across WA. See more projects at rac.com.au/connected

LEFT: The big picture goal is to create more people-friendly streets and public spaces and ultimately to support better connected communities across WA.

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News and info for WA travellers

WA travel brief Tourism Western Australia

@niceguyandphotographer

Whopping wildflower season Following a generous dose of winter rainfall, WA is set to experience a bumper wildflower season this year.

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS IN MARGARET RIVER

For Perth locals, there are plenty of hotspots at which to view native blooms. Head to Lesmurdie Falls in Forrestfield to spot sticky starflowers, Wireless Hill Park in Ardross for kangaroo paws and Bold Park in City Beach for hundreds of zamias.

The network of mountain bike trails at The Pines in Margaret River were recently rebuilt with 18km of all new trails. Located on the edge of Margaret River town, the network has trails covering all levels of difficulty (from easy to expert), and includes cross country, flow and jump tracks.

These new trails sit alongside famous Margaret River trails including Paper Trail, an expert-level downhill with jumps, and Big Pine, a more moderate descent with tabletop jumps and berms.

Tourism Western Australia

For those wanting to explore further afield, the Coalseam Conservation Park sits inland of Geraldton and showcases some of the state’s most impressive wildflower displays.

After a visit, add the Lesueur National Park, the town of Eneabba and the Coorow Farm Wildflower Trail to the itinerary to craft your own three-day wildflower road trip.

PRETTY IN PINK After a successful launch in Esperance earlier this year, HeliSpirit helicopter flights over the bright pink Lake Hillier are set to return in September.

As this iconic attraction can only be reached by aircraft, this tour gives you the opportunity to set foot on Middle Island and join a guided walk around the lake. From the air, those onboard will also enjoy uninterrupted views of the region’s rugged coastline.

For more Esperance highlights, see page 46.

36

RARE COSMIC EVENT IN EXMOUTH

Lewis Payton

Travel+Touring

On April 20, 2023, Exmouth’s North West Cape will be one of only a few places on the planet where you’ll be able to get the best view of a rare ‘hybrid’ solar eclipse.

New sunset foodie cruise in Broome

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to flood the region to stand in the shadow of the Moon and watch the Sun disappear.

Launched in May, Broome Cruises’ new Sunset, Seafood & Pearling Cruise is a half day tour with a focus on fresh, local seafood.

Lewis Payton

This rare astronomical event is so anticipated that many accommodation options are already booked out. Bookings for April 2023 at RAC Exmouth Holiday Park will open to RAC members exclusively on 27 April 2022.

Australia’s first ‘sea-to-plate’ epicurean cruise has officially set sail along Broome’s beautiful coastline.

It includes a stop at one of Broome’s most iconic pearl farms where guests can try their hand at pearl meat harvesting.

The day ends with a seven-course seafood banquet on the deck of the 69-foot charter boat with uninterrupted views of Broome’s fiery red sunset.

To register for the RAC member presale, visit parksandresorts.rac.com.au/ school-holiday-bookings

Cruises depart Gantheaume Point five days a week and are $349 per adult, including return coach transfers from local accommodation.

CARAVAN TRAINING SESSIONS WA had the biggest rate of increase in caravan sales out of any state or territory in Australia in 2020.

There are now nine caravans per 100 dwellings in WA, according to data from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

To help first-time caravanners travel safely, RAC has been running free caravan training sessions in Perth and some regional locations.

The most common questions and issues trainers have come across at the sessions include a lack of awareness about towing capacity and weight distribution in caravans.

Many caravan owners did not understand how to calculate their vehicle’s towing capacity when paired with their caravan.

They were also not aware of how to correctly load a caravan to ensure stability on the road.

The caravan training sessions cover the fundamentals of safe towing and road handling, including how to reverse a caravan and understanding towing weights, and allow new caravan owners to learn in a safe environment.

To find out when the next sessions will be held, visit rac.com.au/safetravels

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WANDER OUT YONDER TO A PLACE OF ANCIENT LANDSCAPES AND ENDLESS ADVENTURES

KALBARRI SKYWALK

Kalbarri and surrounds are open for business and look forward to welcoming you.

Situated where the ancient Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, an easy 6-hour drive north of Perth, Kalbarri is renowned for its adventure experiences and otherworldly landscapes.

Wander out yonder to explore the 400-million-year-old inland gorges and coastal cliffs of Kalbarri National Park, or spend your days swimming, snorkelling, surfing and fishing. Cruise or kayak along the river, or take to the skies on a scenic flight.

Discover over 1,000 species of wildflowers currently in bloom, many of which are unique to the region, and watch the majestic humpback whales frolicking off the coast on their annual migration. Nearby, Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon) is an iconic sight along the Coral Coast Highway.

The towns of Port Gregory and Horrocks offer laidback coastal getaways, whilst historic Northampton is rich with culture and heritage.

Plan and book ahead to get the most out of your holiday.

www.kalbarri.org.au

Mitchell Clarke

Travel+Touring

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Travel+Touring

Epic artwork

By Fleur Bainger

Painted across the vast surface of the Wellington Dam in Collie, the massive 8000 square metre Wellington Dam mural is the biggest of its kind in the world.

To create a record-breaking masterpiece like the Wellington Dam mural, abseiling equipment, suspended platforms and serious grit all played a big part – but there’s far more to the story.

You may not expect a world-renowned artist to camp in the bush for four months while he’s creating the biggest dam mural on the planet. Nor might you think he’d dangle from ropes wearing a headlight, painting at 4am.

But Australian paintsmith Guido Van Helten isn’t your typical artist, and nor is the statement piece he coated 8000 square metres of the Wellington Dam wall with.

Reflections, as he’s titled the work, completed in February 2021, isn’t his first mega-mural. The 35-year-old has painted huge, lifelike human images inside a nuclear cooling tower in Chernobyl, coated apartment towers in India’s biggest slum and wore a bulletproof vest while painting a multi-storey building in the Ukraine.

But never before had he tackled a concrete canvas like the one in Wellington National Park, just west of Collie. The 34m-high, 367m-wide wall finished construction in 1960 and forms the second largest dam in Western Australia, after Lake Argyle. It’s fed by the Collie River, which also happens to be the source of Van Helten’s inspiration.

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Finding inspiration Van Helten was selected from a pool of 47 Australian and international applicants, whittled down to six. Unlike the others, he refused to present a mock-up of what he planned to paint.

“Guido was the only one to come back and say, ‘Without talking to the community, seeing the site and getting a feel for the place, I can’t give you a concept design.

It’s not about me just coming in and painting something’,” says project director of the Collie Mural Trail, Travis Robinson.

The committee chose Van Helten, who then had to isolate in a hotel for a fortnight, after flying in from the United States during COVID-19. He spent the downtime researching and hit the ground running.

“Guido came and spent three weeks talking to individuals in the community, such as members of the Collie Retired Miner’s Association and he had three nights at Roelands Village (a former Aboriginal mission for stolen generation children),” says Robinson.

“He had lots of interest groups vying for their own representation on the wall.

Guido met with them all and found what they had in common: use of the waterway and reflections on the Collie River.” 

Travel+Touring

Trevor Dobson

BELOW: Mural artist, Guido Van Helten; RIGHT: Wellington Dam under the Milky Way; OPPOSITE PAGE: Floating platforms were used to scale the dam’s 34m-high wall.

What he came up with is – thankfully – a far cry from what those who birthed the idea originally had in mind.

Now retired local member for ColliePreston, Mick Murray, says the mural brainwave came from our now-Premier, back when he was in opposition.

“About 10 or 12 years ago, myself and Mark McGowan were coming back from the Ferguson Valley and we were at the bottom of the dam. Jokingly at that stage - Mark McGowan said, ‘That would be a great place to have a mural’. He suggested a photo of me laying across it. It was a light bit of banter, but it stuck in my mind,” says Murray.

Over time, funding was sought, and a steering committee formed, progressively engaging with the community. “We did get some resistance,” says Murray.

“People wanted the dam wall left alone, but many of those people have now changed their tune. The arguments about what should be painted on it were many, but I think Guido got it right.”

eople wanted the P dam wall left alone, but many of those people have now changed their tune.

Van Helten sorted through countless photographs, stories and pieces of memorabilia before selecting six images to paint in dizzying scale. Looking at the dam wall, on the far left are two of the

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migrant workers who built the dam, posing as it overflows in the background.

Beside them are a couple of local kids playing in the sand; they’re now in their 20s.

The wide, central image is of a handful of Aboriginal children on a picnic day out from Roelands mission; they play in the water with a little girl with blonde pigtails.

To the right, a boy handles a fish; he’s now a 20-year-old apprentice at one of the local power stations.

Beside him, a picture of a dad with two kids; the girl to his left, Ashlinn Cain, is now grown up and helped Van Helten on the project. She, and the artist’s friend and fellow artist, Ian McCallum assisted with installing the mural.

The final image on the far right-hand side is of an Aboriginal couple; the original photograph is believed to be from the 1890s.

Construction challenges Travis Robinson says the quality of the finished mural is astounding given the challenges the project faced. Early on, the director was told it simply couldn’t be done.

The first major drama was the lack of stable footings for a scissor lift or cherry picker to raise the artist up. Ideas for using a 250-tonne crane were also shot down. The next hurdle was the shape of the dam wall, which curves both vertically and horizontally.

“Luckily, I found a company in Perth who said they could custom build something,” says Robinson.

“If you get the right people, resources and attitude, you can do just about anything.”

The company came up with a pair of 9.5m-wide floating platforms that could rise up and down the concrete surface.

They were connected by wires to the top

Taj Kempe

Taj Kempe

Travel+Touring

of the dam and could be rolled sideways once vertical sections of the work were completed. It meant Van Helten’s first draft also had to be his final one.

“Usually, mural artists mark out the entire image with chalk first. For this project, that couldn’t be done,” says Robinson. Instead, Van Helten mapped the image on a grid, and used coordinates stored in his phone as a guide.

As the work neared completion, Van Helten clipped into abseiling ropes to move more fluidly for final touch ups. “He spent a week on the abseil using an airless sprayer, which was fed by a hose going into a big bucket of paint,” says Robinson.

Complementing the area’s natural beauty was key, so sympathetic colours were specifically mixed on site for the job – a departure from the artist’s usual black and white palette.

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“They blend in with the local granite and the environment. The blue-green jumper worn by one of the girls is the same colour as the moss on front of the wall,” says Robinson.

sually, mural artists U mark out the entire image with chalk first.

For this project, that couldn’t be done.

Not only did the paint need to be durable enough to withstand the dam periodically overflowing, it also had to have a neutral environmental effect so that the river, flowing below, remains unharmed. 

Mural photographs by Fleur Bainger

Travel+Touring

Unveiling the mural The result, best seen up close, is astounding.

Carloads of people have been streaming to the dam and its lookout since the mural has opened, and even before, during its creation.

Owners of the Kiosk At The Dam, Diane and Stephen Greville, estimate 5000 people came through on the mural’s opening weekend, and it hasn’t stopped.

On our visit to the 40-seater, there was a queue out the door at 12:30pm and all the sausage rolls and pies – including the layered ‘dam buster pie’ – were sold before we reached the counter.

“When we took over the kiosk five years ago, we were doing five burgers a day,” says Greville. “Now it’s more than 100.” He says the community loves the mural and the memories it shares.

The pair expect to open a new kiosk with capacity for 260 people and a bigger carpark, later this year. They’ve received a $100,000 grant to make it happen, with the current, heritage-listed kiosk set to house an expanded collection of their for-hire mountain bikes.

“There was lots of negativity at the beginning, people were worried about change and the influx of visitors. But the town now has enlivened with tourists and enthusiasm from the locals.”

e’ve had a great mix W of creatives involved, from recognised and upcoming, to Indigenous and nonIndigenous, women and men; we’re proud of the diversity.

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Travel+Touring

TOP LEFT: The completed artwork, Reflections, is the biggest dam mural on the planet; ALL OTHER IMAGES: A selection of the murals

by WA artists that make up Collie’s Mural Trail.

Exploring the Collie Mural Trail The Kiosk offers free maps of the full Collie Mural Trail, which has been developed alongside the dam’s mega-mural. The other murals wind throughout the coal mining town, adding flourishes of colour and telling more local stories.

With the $1.5M dam mural project coming under budget, an extra 19 murals were recently added to the trail, totalling 40 works, all done by WA artists.

“To have 40 murals in a town the size of Collie is quite amazing,” says Robinson.

“We’ve had a great mix of creatives involved, from recognised and upcoming, to Indigenous and non-Indigenous, women and men; we’re proud of the diversity.”

The buzz is feeding into growth for the town, with Dome managing director Nigel Oakley mooted to be working on a new boutique hotel within Collie’s heritage listed railway Roundhouse.

There are also plans for a dam wall walk, allowing visitors to walk right across the top of the artwork.

In addition, tens of kilometres of new mountain biking trails are set to open in

45

2021, extending the region’s new identity as a natural adventure playground.

Owner of Harris River Estate, a winerybrewery-distillery on the outskirts of Collie, Julie Hillier, says it’s a great time for the district.

“What’s really exciting for us is if people are coming for a day visit, they realise there’s so much to do and they decide to come back. We’re hearing that all around town,” she says.

“The mural’s the hook to get you here.”

To find out more, visit colliemuraltrail.com



Travel+Touring

Easy Esperance

By Fleur Bainger

ONCE YOU’VE ARRIVED, YOU’LL FEEL LIKE YOU’RE A MILLION MILES AWAY, BUT IT’S NOT AS FAR AS YOU’D IMAGINE AND WORTH EVERY BIT OF THE TRIP. Like the storied pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Esperance is a treasure worth every kilometre of bitumen that leads to it.

The isolated coastal town is surrounded by the whitest sandy beaches in the country and faces a string of islands.

There are new helicopter tours across national parks to a bright-pink island lake, new cycling paths leading to swimming lagoons and a microbrewery, and even a mountainous peak to climb – all within easy reach of town.

You’ll count 696km beneath your tyres between Perth and Esperance, with the quickest route taking you through Pingelly, Lake Grace, Lake King and Ravensthorpe; the trip can be done in about 7.5hr. A more interesting option is found via Corrigin, where you can visit the dog cemetery and remember loved pets as you wander through more than 200 headstones ringed by canola fields.

Continue on to Wave Rock and Mulka’s Cave, an Aboriginal rock art site about 18km north, off Lovering Road. Consider stopping for the night at the Wave Rock Motel (where there’s also a camping ground and a salt pool where you can float like you’re in the Dead Sea). Otherwise, push on to Ravensthorpe.

This scenic adventure only adds another 17km, so do it at least one way.

Don’t rush it Viewed as a whole, the journey may seem a long one, but it’s not much further than driving up to Kalbarri from Perth – and plenty of West Aussies have done that for a long weekend.

Esperance deserves more than three days, if you can spare them. After all, once you get there you won’t want to leave. Especially when you meet the father-son duo behind Esperance Distillery Co. Working from a little white building on Norseman Road, the main route that leads you into town, David Price and James McCarthy-Price have combined their skills to turn a “hare-brained idea” of David’s into a commercial gin making operation.

With James’ expertise in environmental engineering, the pair aim to create a carbon-free distillery as they expand.

“In 10 years’ time I’d like to be one of the biggest exporters of gin in Australia, so long as we can do it sustainably,” says James.

The gin is currently brewed with acacia and lemon myrtle and David is experimenting with grass tree sap and strawberry gum foraged by an Aboriginal supplier, as well as sea parsley from Broome and kelp from Woody Island in Esperance’s Recherche Archipelago. 

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Travel+Touring

When temperatures do rise in summer, a dip in the brisk Southern Ocean quickly chills the skin, before the breeze blows in the afternoon.

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Travel+Touring

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Tourism Western Australia

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Tourism Western Australia

Tourism Western Australia

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Those snow-white sands Heat isn’t something you need to worry about much in Esperance. While the sun still comes out in winter, locals say between March and June is a nice time to visit, when the winds are calm and the days are warm. When temperatures do rise in summer, a dip in the brisk Southern Ocean quickly chills the skin, before the breeze blows in the afternoon.

The coastline’s distinctly white sand, crystalline blue waters and rounded granite rocks look out to more than 100 islands which all makes for a captivating scene.

It’s hard to pick the most beautiful stretch: the competition is hot. The Great

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Tourism Western Australia

Tourism Western Australia

Tourism Western Australia

Easy-access Twilight Beach curves around sculpted islets encircled by calm, transparent water.

Ocean Drive leads you along 40km of breathtaking beaches. Blue Haven is loved for its sheltered curl and plunging wooden staircase, while easy-access Twilight Beach curves around sculpted islets encircled by calm, transparent water.

A new coastal cycle and walking path leads from Esperance to these and other magnificent beaches, providing a refreshing journey that’s close to nature.

On the other side of town, about 40min drive away, is Cape Le Grand National Park.

Much-loved Lucky Bay, as nearly every West Aussie knows, has Australia’s whitest beach sand, and is where kangaroos come to sunbathe.

Travel+Touring

HOT SPOTS TO VISIT ON YOUR ROAD TRIP 1. S norkel and explore the varied marine life at Woody Island.

2. T ake a break and grab a bite to eat at Taylor St Quarters.

3. C heck out the full-size replica of the UK’s famous Stonehenge.

4. R efuel at the Coffee Cat van along the Esperance foreshore.

5. A dmire the view from Frenchman Peak, Cape Le Grand National Park.

6. V isit the kangaroos and the snowwhite beach sand at Lucky Bay.

But Hellfire Bay gives it a run for its money, being slightly more secluded and sharing the same ultra-fine sand that literally squeaks underfoot; Thistle Cove is another transfixing sandy hideaway.

ethos is reflected in the venue’s décor: upcycled furniture and glassware fill the hangar-like shed. In time, a new bike track will lead from town to the brewery, passing listed wetlands where waterbirds flock.

Other adventures Away from the water, Frenchman Peak, or Mandooboornup, is a climbable, 262m-high summit that locals describe as being “on top of the world”. Most hikers get up and down the 3km trail in two hours. In spring, the paved path around the base of the peak is lined with rare and colourful wildflowers.

Esperance even has its own Rottnest Island, of sorts. A short distance across the water, Woody Island is the only landform in the archipelago you can stay on, and while day-tripping is fun, overnighting is better. There’s raw bush camping, furnished tents on raised platforms, balconied safari huts and a coveted number of recently upgraded luxury retreat tents with inviting interior-styling, lush linen on a king bed and stunning deck views.

On the drive back into town, stop at Lucky Bay Brewing for lunch. The brewery’s green

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The peaceful island is snake-free, making the signposted bush hikes all the more enjoyable. Head to Skinny Dip Bay, Summit Loop or Twiggy’s Landing (named after a pet Labrador lost at sea who turned up three months later).

Each morning arrives with the sound of birdlife, heralding days spent gazing through a Perspex-bottomed kayak or snorkelling around the jetty to see some of the 450 species of soft coral, intricate sea grasses and sponges, along with varied fish (marine gear is free to overnight guests; day-trippers can rent it). 

Travel+Touring

The most exciting way to arrive on the island is via a HeliSpirit helicopter ride, landing on smooth granite beside the water. You can do a 6min heli-hop across from Esperance or extend for a 30min scenic zoom over Cape Le Grand (which is definitely recommended).

Return to the mainland via the island ferry.

Seeing it from the air reveals the contrast of Lake Hillier’s astonishing colour against the green scrub, white beach and blue ocean.

Middle Island is also open to pop-in visitors; its bubble-gum-pink lake is proving a strong lure. Seeing it from the air reveals the contrast of Lake Hillier’s astonishing colour against the green scrub, white beach and blue ocean; take a fixed-wing aerial tour with new operator, Fly Esperance, or join HeliSpirit to land on a rock platform and follow a guided walk to the lake’s edge.

Be sure to listen closely to the tales of Black Jack Anderson, Australia’s only known pirate, who used to terrorise the surrounding waters.

Around town Back in Esperance township, you’ll want to wander the recently redeveloped foreshore and its new 415m-long jetty with a dive platform and fish cleaning station.

The popular Coffee Cat van is usually found near the jetty entrance and its neighbouring playground, allowing parents to tick a number of boxes. Be sure to watch for southern right whales while you’re facing the bay, active from June to October (or join an archipelago tour with Esperance Island Cruises).

From here, it’s a pleasant walk alongside towering Norfolk pines and past the Whale Tail sculpture and skate park to Adventureland Park, a huge, grassy fun zone. There’s a flying fox, miniature railway, mini golf, slides, and a playground ship as well as bike tracks and basketball courts.

The kids will be entertained for hours, and it’s right next door to the airy, white-washed Taylor St Quarters, which serves excellent meals overlooking the boat marina.

Double back into the town centre via Dempster Street, the main commercial drag, where Bob and Jim’s General Store is brimming with gourmet finds such as honeycured bacon, beetroot chocolate cake and Albany sardines, then consider hiring some pedals from Watt Lab bike shop next door.

Pop into the creative hotspot of Esperance Community Arts then cross the road and

explore Museum Village, a collection of treasure-filled gift, clothing and book boutiques housed in historic buildings.

Bustling craft and produce markets are held on the grounds every second Sunday.

Next stop: Esperance Museum, where you can see pieces of Skylab, the world’s first big space station, which scattered debris around Esperance when it plunged back to Earth in 1979.

Families yearning for rural life should dart out of town to Oake Marsh Farm, where kids can feed calves and lambs, walk through shearing sheds, follow chooks and watch sheep dogs at work.

Choose between a new three-hour farm tour called Esperance Farm Experience or combine it with a See, Touch and Taste tour which includes a visit to Yirri Olive Farm, where there’s an excellent café serving home grown produce.

You’ll also get to see what could arguably be called one of the region’s most unusual ‘wonders’ - Esperance Stonehenge.

This full-size replica of the UK’s famous prehistoric monument is constructed from local pink granite and even aligns with the summer and winter solstice.

When it comes to wonders of all kinds, this spectacular destination is full of incredible treasures, so if you are making the trip, be sure to leave enough time to uncover them.

RAC Esperance Holiday Park is currently closed for redevelopment and will reopen in December 2021. The new park will include new self-contained cabins, amenities, swimming pool, communal and recreational facilities.

For more information visit parksandresorts. rac.com.au/esperance

Tourism Western Australia

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LEFT: Take in an aerial view of the bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier while visiting the region.



down south this

winter

Start planning your perfect winter getaway with your choice of three parks and resorts across the South West. Roast marshmallows around the campfire amidst the forest in Margaret River, witness the seasonal whale migration in Busselton^ or simply cosy up with a book by the fire in your own chalet in Karri Valley.

RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park

No matter how you choose to relax, we have you covered.

RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park Ningaloo Reef Resort

The power of membership

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

Perth

RAC Busselton Holiday Park

RAC Margaret River Nature Park RAC Karri Valley Resort

Call 1800 871 570 or visit racparksandresorts.com.au R18049

*Discount varies according to season. See website for full details. ^Seasonal whale watching tours leave from Busselton from September to early December. Please note; RAC Esperance Holiday Park is currently closed for re-development and will re-open in December 2021.

RAC Esperance Holiday Park

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The future is in their hands, WA.

Interested in incorporating a fresh take on a healthy & sustainable, family-focused lifestyle?

Head to dinnertwist.com.au to learn more.

Our State, People+Future

Future moves More hydrogen cars on the way Hydrogen fuel-cell-powered vehicles remain an extremely rare sight on Australian roads, but Toyota and Hyundai have taken steps to change that. In March, Hyundai announced its Nexo Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle had been certified for sale in Australia and would be available by special order for private customers and fleets. Then in April, Toyota said it would make 20 examples of its new Mirai hydrogen fuel cell EV available for lease to Australian businesses. Both manufacturers claim their vehicles can travel more than 600km after their hydrogen tanks are filled. However, in May, Hyundai set a world record in Australia for the longest distance travelled by a hydrogen car on one tank - 887.5km.

EVS ON THE RISE IN WA

SMARTER ROADS Expanding our roads to combat congestion seems like a quick fix but it won’t solve the underlying problem. Creating more room for cars frees things up for a while but also encourages people to use the improved roads more and won’t lead to the best outcomes in the medium and longer term. We need smarter ways of managing road use. That’s why RAC recently launched a new smart transport technology project with not-for-profit research organisation iMOVE Australia and the University of Western Australia. We’re looking at how technology can squeeze more out of existing roads, as the State Government has done with Perth’s first Smart Freeway. And it’ll cover more than just busy roads. We’ll work to identify technologies that could be delivered in the next three to five years to address crashes and congestion, improve public transport reliability and make it easier and safer to ride a bike and walk.

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trabantos / Shutterstock.com

The number of electric vehicles (EV) registered in Western Australia is on track to reach 2000 well before the end of 2021. By the end of March, there were 1819 EVs in WA according to data from the WA Department of Transport. These included battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Of these, 1393 were BEV, 411 were PHEV and 15 were FCEV. The most common BEV was the Tesla Model 3, at 426, followed by the Nissan Leaf (201) and the Tesla Model S (149).

Car+Motoring

Test drive

MID-SIZE SUVS BACK-TO-BACK We compare the Kia Sportage against the Nissan X-Trail.

By Alex Forrest

TOP: The extra outlay needed for the Kia Sportage is money well spent; LEFT: The Nissan X-Trail is one of the best-value medium SUVs going; ABOVE: The Sportage has a more modern cabin design and features.

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Car+Motoring

In Western Australia, the popularity of medium sized SUVs is second only to 4x4 utes. The Nissan X-Trail is consistently among WA’s top-selling mid-size SUVs, while the Kia Sportage remains one of the benchmarks for on-road handling and warranty coverage (seven years) among popular medium SUVs. For buyers on a budget, these two should be on their lists. But the reasons they should be considered are quite different, and the vehicle that’s right for you will depend entirely on your priorities.

For example, the Nissan is built to give families the most space and practicality for their dollar. It’s a proven design and remains extremely popular in the Australian market, which means you’ll have little trouble selling it as a used car, all other factors being equal.

The Kia makes slightly less engine noise where petrol models are compared, and it has pointier handling and a more modern cabin design and features but costs a little more.

Let’s take a look at how these two major players in one of the market’s biggest segments compare with each other.

Value for money Among the popular top-of-the-range versions of these two SUVs, drive away pricing for the X-Trail is $2300 less than the Sportage. But value is not just about the price tag. For example, the Kia comes with a seven-year warranty whereas the Nissan’s warranty is five years. In other areas, the X-Trail recently made some gains with the addition of Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, matching the Sportage. The Kia’s cargo space (446 litres with second row seats folded up) is well down on the X-Trail’s capacity (565L). With Nissan due to launch a comprehensively updated X-Trail in early 2022, it may pay to wait a few months and consider chasing a run-out deal on the current X-Trail.

On the road Used for their intended roles as urban family transport, the driving experiences in both these SUVs are acceptable. That said, the Sportage is the pick for those who like driving, thanks to its sharper response to steering with little impact on ride quality. Sportage drivers also get excellent seat adjustability.

The X-Trail still handles tidily, but has a softer ride than the Kia, which contributes to the X-Trail being a comfortable cruiser at highway speeds.

Mild off-road conditions will not be a big challenge for both vehicles, even for the front-wheel drive iterations. However, the X-Trail does have more ground clearance (210mm against the Sportage’s 172mm), so the Nissan will be able to handle slightly more lumpy terrain while keeping its underside off the ground. But if you’re planning to get much more adventurous than a dirt road or very shallow creek crossing, you’ll need a more serious four-wheel drive.

Safety and practicality Both the Sportage and the X-Trail have 5-star ANCAP safety ratings, however they were rated in 2016 and 2017 respectively, meaning neither were tested against ANCAP’s current, more stringent requirements introduced in January 2020.

However, since those ratings were issued, both vehicles have received additional safety features. For example, in 2018, AEB and lane keep assist were made standard across the Sportage range, and the X-Trail has gained lane departure warning, so their safety cred has been improving since their last safety rating.

Verdict The X-Trail has enjoyed some vast improvements in recent years, especially in the quality of its interior finish. It’s one of the best-value medium SUVs going.

However, with Kia’s seven-year warranty, sharper handling and perkier 136kW petrol engine, we’d take the reduction in luggage space and recommend that the extra outlay needed for the Sportage is money well spent. 

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ABOVE: The Nissan is built to give families the most space and practicality for their dollar.

Nissan X-Trail

ENGINE 2.5-litre petrol POWER 126kW @ 6000rpm TORQUE 226Nm @ 4400rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.3L/100km PRICE $46,490 drive away* ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

*Ti model

Kia Sportage

ENGINE 2.5-litre petrol POWER 135kW @ 6000rpm TORQUE 237Nm @ 4000rpm CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 8.5L/100km PRICE $48,790 drive away* ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

*GT-Line model

Car+Motoring

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV GSR To group Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV with the other regular Outlanders does it quite an injustice.

Unlike other petrol or diesel-only Mitsubishi Outlanders, the PHEV, which stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, uses a petrol engine and two electric motors to drive the front and rear wheels.

As such, the PHEV is startingly different in its smoothness and quietness and in the way it accelerates and handles. But that’s not all.

Significantly, the Outlander PHEV can also be a source of electricity. The Outlander PHEV is among the few electrified vehicles in the Australian market that can use its battery to power things other than the vehicle itself, such as your home.

The PHEV can also feed energy back into the electricity grid. The Nissan Leaf can also do this, but Mitsubishi is claiming the Outlander PHEV was the first SUV in Australia with this capability.

This flexibility to be both a low emissions vehicle and a power source is particularly relevant in remote areas, where the grid electricity may be unreliable or even non-existent.

However, the Outlander’s battery is much smaller than that of the Leaf, meaning the Outlander PHEV is more limited as a power source.

ENGINE 2.4-litre petrol engine/ electric motor plug-in hybrid POWER 135kW^ TORQUE 332Nm^ CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 1.9L/100km* PRICE $56,490 drive away ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

^combined petrol & electric, *dependent on charging frequency

In GSR form (which costs $56,490 drive away), the Outlander PHEV has an uprated suspension system with shock absorbers supplied by the renowned German supplier Bilstein. Other special GSR bits include black wheels and a premium sound system.

Safety gear has been uprated for the whole Outlander PHEV range, so even the entry level Outlander PHEV ES ($51,990) gets adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and auto high beam (this automatically dips the headlights).

Bear in mind that while the non-electrified Outlanders are available as sevenseaters, the PHEV versions can only be had as five-seaters due to the need to make room for the more complex drive system.

56

Car+Motoring

BMW 420i Just like the cover of a book, judging a car purely on its styling can lead to rash decisions being made.

The front-end look of the BMW 4 Series will get your attention. It’s meant to.

But there’s a lot more to the new BMW 4 Series than its noteworthy nose.

We were particularly impressed with how the 420i struck an incredibly pleasing balance between sporty handling and those sensible traits like fuel efficiency, ride comfort and affordability.

The latter is a relative measure, given the almost $80,000 drive away price for our 420i test car, which also is the entry level model. Prices in the 4 Series range only go up from there.

In the current range, there’s also the 430i ($100,965), the all-wheel drive M440i xDrive Coupe ($122,150) and the high performance M4 Coupe, which will need $154,550 out of your after-tax earnings.

As a big coupe with a road presence to match, it’ll be surprising to some that there’s only a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine under the bonnet.

It produces 135kW and 300Nm. Performance is more than adequate, but there’s no crackly exhaust note and the acceleration won’t change your hairstyle.

None of that is a bad thing, because the idea of a big, swoopy coupe with pointy handling but without the raucous performance of a supercar is quite appealing – and a lot cheaper.

It’s understated, comfortable, and has a well-designed interior that’s also great to use from an ergonomic standpoint.

It’s a bigger car overall compared to the previous 4 Series Coupe, with increases in body length (by 128mm), width (by 27mm) and wheelbase by 41mm (which is the distance between the front and rear wheels). It’s also 6mm taller.

Our recommendation? See it in the metal, walk around it, drive it, and then make up your mind. 

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ENGINE 2.0-litre petrol turbo POWER 135kW @ 5000-6500rpm TORQUE 300Nm @ 1350-4000 CLAIMED FUEL ECONOMY 6.4L/100km PRICE $79,930 drive away ANCAP SAFETY RATING 

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Car+Motoring

Car doctor

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.

Q I recently bought a new car with SRS side airbags. I want to fit my sheepskin cover onto the front seats and wonder if doing so will interfere with the functioning of the SRS side airbags installed in the seats.

Paulus, Victoria Park

Q My new car (Kia Carnival)

A Seat covers that are

A Unlike basic cruise control

claimed by their manufacturers to be compatible with airbag systems are available. It is our strong recommendation that you seek an independent assessment of how well (or otherwise) these covers accommodate airbag functionality in a crash.

However, given the fine tolerances and deployment timings engineered into vehicle airbags, and the fact your life could depend on them, we would not recommend installing any vehicle accessories that could interfere with the operation of critical safety equipment such as airbags.

Q

We have a diesel Isuzu MUX Tour Mate. Friends have said to us to use the one particular brand of diesel as it is more refined, has cleaner burning and better mileage.

Would using different brands reduce efficiency/mileage or cause any damage to the motor?

Rosemarie, Shoalwater

has adaptive cruise control.

What are the benefits of this over regular cruise control and how safe is it?

Mallary, Leda

systems, which maintain a vehicle’s set speed regardless of the speed or proximity of vehicles ahead, adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses radar to detect vehicles travelling in the same lane ahead, and controls the vehicle speed in order to maintain a safe travelling distance. So if the vehicle ahead slows down, a vehicle behind it with ACC switched on will automatically slow down to maintain a safe distance.

ACC is a significant advance in vehicle safety technology and it’s highly recommended car buyers prioritise vehicles equipped with it.

A All diesel must comply

to the same legislated fuel standard if sold in Australia.

Diesel fuels marketed as ‘premium’ may carry claims that they contain additives which clean the fuel system and/or make the engine last longer. However, as we have not seen any independent verification of this, it is unclear as to whether these fuels provide these benefits. We recommend basing your diesel buying decisions on price rather than marketing. 

59

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

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

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

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Member lounge Mobile car maintenance Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can help avoid breakdowns and prevent small issues becoming bigger, more expensive problems, so make sure your car gets serviced at the recommended intervals.

If time is an issue, remember RAC has mobile services that can come to your home or workplace for car servicing, new batteries and tyre replacements. The mobile tyre service offers the same level of service and expertise as that available at service centres, including wheel balancing and alignment.

With more wet weather on the way, your tyres should have at least 3mm of tread (1.5mm is the legal minimum).

UNSAFE CHARGING A FIRE RISK Many devices and appliances that are common in our homes today, such as tablets, smartphones and even power tools, use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Winter can also play havoc with your car battery, so if the engine has been turning over a little sluggishly, get the battery tested as part of a regular service.

These powerful batteries are ideal for keeping energy-hungry portable devices charged up but can pose a fire risk if mistreated.

Doing preventative maintenance now will mean you’re ready for spring road trips and will reduce the risk of a breakdown while you’re on the road.

Looking after your devices and charging them correctly and safely is essential.

To book a mobile service for tyres, batteries or a car service in the metro area, visit rac.com.au/mobileservices

When using or charging your devices remember to: them on a hard surface  Keep that won’t block the fan or ventilation system. ever leave devices to charge  Nwhen you’re away from home. them away from anything  Keep flammable while being recharged.



on’t use off-brand chargers D and other accessories that aren’t supplied or recommended by the device’s manufacturer.

Some fire hazards are harder to spot than others. Make sure your home and contents are fully covered in the event of a housefire.

To check your cover or for a quote, visit rac.com.au/insurance

60

Home+Life

CREATING A LOCAL MASTERPIECE In April, a group of WA artists, local Busselton residents and RAC community volunteers came together to create a beautiful, 40-metre-long mural in the heart of the Busselton town centre.

Titled ‘My Busselton’, the mural features local landmarks, and flora and fauna that the community voted would best represent their connection to the town. Adorning

the walls of the now vibrant Opal Lane, the mural leads to a car park that will soon play host to a range of community events.

This colourful project was delivered by the Building Busselton Town Team and supported by RAC’s Connecting Communities fund, which enables community groups to deliver projects that reinvigorate community spaces across WA.

REPLACING YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM’S BATTERY Like many household devices, your home’s security system is likely to need a battery switch-out once in a while.

A low battery alert may appear as an onscreen message, a warning light or a persistent beeping sound. If your alarm is being professionally monitored, you may instead receive an alert direct to your phone.

In traditional hard-wired alarms, there is usually only one large 12V battery to replace. However, your alarm system control panel may be fitted with tamper sensors that can trigger your alarm, so it’s best to leave the battery change to the experts.

A qualified security technician can also check your system is working properly and will dispose of any old batteries safely.

If your home security system is in need of a battery change, service or repair, request a service at rac.com.au/security

Win A COPY OF IDLE TORQUE STORIES FOR CLASSIC CAR ENTHUSIASTS 61

Idle Torque is a collection of the most memorable stories told in the classic car column of the same name, by motoring writer Alex Forrest.

The column ran for 21 years in The West Australian newspaper between 1997 and 2019. It was the longest continuously running motoring column in Australia.

Alex continues to write for Horizons magazine.

The book is a tribute to classic cars and the people who love them and will be released on 3 August.

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DBW ROOFING SPECIALISTS Fully Registered Builder no: 101551

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CONVERSION FROM CEMENT TILES TO COLORBOND ROOF SHEETS

BEFORE

DURING

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BEFORE

COMMERCIAL ROOF SHEETING REPLACEMENTS

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

dbwbuilders@yahoo.com.au

Commercial & Residential Builders & Roofi ng Specialists Builders REG. NO. 101551. Valid until 30/09/21.

Members receive $1000 off full roof replacements* FP_2021.indd 1

4/12/20 8:59 am

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Membership+Benefits

Other offers

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Show your RAC member card and start saving today

· Gutters and downpipes

GARAGE DOOR NEEDING ATTENTION?

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IMPORTANT GOLDEN CROWN ANNOUNCEMENT

Endorsed by the Defence Force Welfare Association of Australia

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D-Day Anniversary Gold Crown

Limitation: 19,999 worldwide | Finish: Layered in Pure Gold | Quality: Proof | Edition: Uniquely numbered | Diameter: 38.6mm

7

0th ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY: The 6th of June 1944 is etched in history forever as the day Allied forces began the major offensive against Germany that led to the liberation of Europe. ‘D-Day’ was the largest amphibious assault in history, and the courage of all those who took part in the assault of the Normandy beaches will never be forgotten. An important crown coin has been released to mark the anniversary of the D-Day Landings, showing an image of troops approaching the Normandy beaches in a landing craft and the engraved coastline bearing names of all five beaches below. A crown coin has been struck to honour the men whose bravery ensured our freedom. Struck to a high specification, only 19,999 numbered issues will ever be minted.

The earliest applications will receive the lowest edition numbers. For this reason applications will be processed on a strictly first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one per Australian household. Successful applicants also qualify to view the next coin in The 70th Anniversary D-Day Commemorative Coin Collection for only $79.99 (plus $9.99 postage and handling) sent entirely without obligation on our 14-day home approval service. Applicants may cancel at any time and all purchases are covered by The Bradford Exchange 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

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

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Struck to match highest quality Proof finish Expertly struck not once but twice onto a specially prepared mirrored surface reserved only for the most important commemorative issues.

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A.B.N. 13 003 159 617

426-COM18.01

www.bradford.com.au/military or call on (02) 9841 3311 Lines open Mon-Fri EST 8.00am-5.00pm Quote reference 120069

$29.99 (plus $9.99 P&H). I do not need to send any money now.

THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE, REPLY PAID 86369 PARRAMATTA NSW 2124

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

Fastest way to apply:

YES, I wish to apply for The D-Day Landing Golden Crown for just COMPLETE AND SEND THIS APPLICATION FORM IN AN ENVELOPE TO:

Limited Edition with Individual Numbering Each crown coin is individually numbered, meaning no two are the same. Yours is the one and only issue of its kind – the ultimate collector’s item.

Order reference:

120069

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

Terms+conditions

IDLE TORQUE BOOK COMPETITION, PAGE 61 The competition begins on 12th July 2021 at 9am and ends on 31st August at 5pm (Australian Western Standard Time). Up to 5 entrants (winners) may each be awarded only one prize as follows: Idle Torque book. The winners shall be chosen by the judges from the entries at random. The winners will be drawn on 6th September 2021 and notified by writing. When the winners are notified of their prize they will also be provided with details as to the collection of their prize. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter reserves the right not to select winners of all or any prizes in its absolute discretion.

Each winner must claim its prize on or before 13th September 2021. Prizes must be claimed in person unless a winner is otherwise advised.

Identification, which includes a photograph, will be required. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.

CAR DOCTOR, PAGE 59 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 Australiawide. 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

Contact us

details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in August/September 2021 Horizons must claim their prize by 8 September 2021. 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 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 $186. 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 Horizons must claim their prize by 8 September 2021. 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.

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

The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 T: 13 17 03 W: rac.com.au Member Service Centres – Metropolitan CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade MANDURAH Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street Member Service Centres – Regional ALBANY 110 Albany Highway BUNBURY Primewest Centrepoint SC, 60 Blair Street GERALDTON Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford Street KALGOORLIE 51-53 Hannan Street Travel Centres APPLECROSS Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley Street T: 6150 6459 CAROUSEL Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Highway T: 6150 6454 DIANELLA Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade T: 6150 6455 JOONDALUP Shop T31, Lakeside Joondalup SC, 420 Joondalup Drive T: 6150 6477 MANDURAH Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way T: 6150 6456 WEST PERTH (Head Office) 832 Wellington Street T: 9436 4830 @RACWA

editor@rac.com.au

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Travel+Touring

JWyld

Ten best QUIRKY MUSEUMS The Big Camera Meckering Luckily for camera lovers, WA is home to the only museum of photography open to the public in the state. Aptly shaped like a large SLR camera, The Big Camera museum houses owner Charles Wadley’s collection of operational cameras, kaleidoscopes, projectors and slides.

Cola Café and Museum Toodyay The 1950s-style Cola Café and Museum is a prime example of Toodyay’s old-school charm. The museum is stocked with more than 6000 units of Coca Cola memorabilia, including mini bottles, magnets and a model delivery truck. The adjoining café is a great spot for a cosy homestyle meal.

The Nostalgia Box Perth Self-professed geek David Green manages the eclectic Nostalgia Box in Northbridge; a museum that houses more than 100 gaming consoles developed from the 1970s to today. After a browse, visitors can get competitive and play classic video games like Pong, Space Invaders and Mario Kart.

Miniature Soldier Museum Hyden An impressive 10,000 miniature toy soldiers are the stars of the fascinating Miniature Soldier Museum near Wave Rock in Hyden.

The tiny figures are strategically positioned across a series of dioramas that depict famous battles including the American Civil War and the Napoleonic War.

Denmark Dinosaur World Denmark Home to the only T-Rex skeleton in Australia, the Denmark Dinosaur World shed allows visitors to get up close and personal with a range of dinosaur bones and animatronics.

Stop by the neighbouring Bird & Reptile Park to interact with real-life macaws, pythons and dragon lizards.

ABOVE: A retro gaming station at the eclectic Nostalgia Box in Northbridge.

Gravity Discovery Centre

The Lace Place

Gingin Packed with hands-on exhibits, a cosmology gallery and a 1km model of the solar system, Gingin’s Gravity Discovery Centre also boasts the 45-metre-tall Leaning Tower of Gingin. Climb 222 steps to the top for incredible views across the Wallingup Plain.

Hyden Featuring a lace collection that dates back to the 1600s, The Lace Place is filled with pieces of handmade lace from across the world, the most notable being an offcut from Princess Diana’s wedding veil, and a piece of Chantilly lace from Queen Victoria’s wedding dress.

Skylab’s remains Esperance Municipal Museum When US space station Skylab fell near Esperance in 1979, the local museum started to build a collection of its remains. Today, it houses an array of Skylab artefacts, including an oxygen tank, freezer and a hatch door.

York Motor Museum York While the York Motor Museum itself isn’t particularly quirky, one of its most popular displays is the Never Never Tour’s Valiant ute used in the film Crocodile Dundee. It’s even signed by the film’s star, Paul Hogan.

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Bellview Shell Collection Witchcliffe Home to Australia’s largest private collection of shells, the Bellview Shell Collection displays more than 30,000 rare specimens collected from all over the world. It also features rare shark teeth and handcrafted shell jewellery that’s available for purchase. 

DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR THE TEN BEST? Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au

Help save water while travelling

Every drop of water is precious – and this is especially true when it comes to our beautiful regions.

With climate change continuing to impact our state, it’s more important than ever to be waterwise.

You can help our landscape stay beautiful by reporting any leaks you spot to park rangers or accommodation management.

For more water saving tips, visit watercorporation.com.au/tips

WATR1207

Think climate change.

Be waterwise.

Explore WA and save with RAC Caravan Insurance Members save up to 20%* off at RAC Parks and Resorts

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Get a quote today at rac.com.au/caravan Issued by RAC Insurance Pty Limited. Check the PDS to see if the policy is right for you.

Member benefit terms and conditions apply. *RAC member discount varies according to season.