This week’s news across the transport industry includes updates on sheep, snow and awards as associations prepare for the winter season.
Concerns expressed over sheep ban
A number of Australia’s trucking associations have voiced their concerns on the federal government’s proposed ban on live sheep exports.
The current bill tabled before parliament, titled the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024, proposes to ban all export of live sheep by sea from May 1, 2028.
Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters’ Association CEO Rachel Smith is leading the charge, saying the ALRTA is strongly opposed to the intended phase out.
“Australia is a world leader in animal welfare and has made significant changes to the way in which animals are exported – changes that have been both regulated and voluntary,” she says.
“Australia is the only country that regulates animal welfare standards in other countries and invests in training and auditing to ensure those standards are met. The decision to ban live sheep exports sets a dangerous precedent.”
The Western Roads Federation has also joined the cause, with CEO Cam Dumesny saying he believes the political processes behind the introduction of the bill should be questioned by the transport industry.
“If this activist appeasing process becomes the standard, then your sector of transport might be impacted next,” he says.
“Removing Australia from the trade won’t stop live sheep exports; it will just lower global animal welfare standards.”
Also from WA, Livestock and Rural Transporters’ Association of Western Australia CEO Jan Cooper believes the ban would not only affect transport businesses that carry livestock, but also those that transport grain, hay, fodder and fertiliser.
“The federal government has grossly underestimated the effect that removing competition from the sheep market will have on farmers’ production decisions,” she says.
“Transporters that are part of the live sheep export supply chain will lose between 30-40 per cent of their income and their equipment will lose value.
“The rural communities in which they live will suffer. People are worried about their future whether it’s the tyre shop, local mechanic or grocery store, and they feel powerless.
“All this in an industry that has stepped up to the plate and made changes to address historic animal welfare concerns.”
NHVR issues snow warning
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has issued a warning to heavy and light vehicle drivers to drive cautiously on New South Wales’ roads this winter.
There were three fatal crashes involving trucks in the Snowy Region last year, and the regulator wants to see that number drop to zero.
“The Hume, Monaro and Snowy Mountains Highways are key routes for heavy vehicles, and during the winter season traffic increases considerably as light vehicle drivers travel to snow resorts in New South Wales,” chief operations officer Paul Salvati says.
“Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and we know during the winter months there are plenty of families hitting the road to enjoy all the Snowy Region has to offer, which makes it all the more crucial that light vehicle drivers know how to safely share these busy highways with trucks.”
The NHVR wants to remind motorists that trucks require more distance than cars in order to brake safely, and the condition of the road can severely impact how the truck operates, particularly in wet conditions or snow.
“We are urging motorists not to cut in front of a truck or linger near them, as you could end up in their blind spot,” Paul says.
“Be mindful when approaching a truck that they have less visibility and reduced mobility compared to light vehicles.”
In July and August last year, the NHVR’s fixed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras monitored the Monaro Highway at Cooma. It found that 10,534 trucks headed southbound and 12,823 northbound.
During the same period, the Hume Highway at Yass recorded 55,380 trucks northbound and 82,269 southbound, at an average of 2,596 trucks per day across both highways.
For the snowy region specifically, there is an increase in heavy vehicle movements due to the Snowy 2.0 project, which includes transporting goods and machinery with oversized loads through the Snowy Mountains.
“It’s paramount that drivers are properly managing their fatigue and complying with their work and rest requirements during these busy couple of months, with fatigue one of the leading factors contributing to heavy vehicle crashes,” Paul says.
“There are many different signs of fatigue, so it’s important that drivers listen to their body and take extra rest breaks whenever they’re needed.”
With fatigue in mind, key rest areas for truck drivers in the area include Marulan, Goulburn, Williamsdale, Lake George and Cooma.
The NHVR also wants to remind heavy vehicle drivers as well as operators who recruit new drivers that it’s crucial to get familiar with the route before commencing a journey.
“Often there can be last minute changes to a driver’s journey, which is often out of their control due to the conditions of the road,” Paul says.
“Always have a backup route in mind, or alternatively you can use the NHVR’s Route Planner which maps out approved routes for use by heavy vehicles.”
NatRoad opens award nominations
Industry association NatRoad has opened nominations for its annual awards.
This year’s awards will be present at the NatRoad Connect 24 Cummins and PACCAR & Dealer Industry Fund Gala Dinner in September.
“This year, we are also renaming our award to recognise outstanding young people in honour of Sam Sali, from S Sali and Sons, who passed away in January,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says.
“Sam spent many years driving trucks before moving to the management side of the business and becoming heavily involved in industry advocacy. Sam was a driving force behind such initiatives as the restructuring of the Long Distance Drivers Award and the introduction of enterprise bargaining to the industry. He was an inspiration to many.”
The awards are:
- Professional Driver of the Year Award – this award recognises a driver’s achievements and professionalism. It highlights exemplary safety performance, commitment to excellence, customer service, and efforts to promote the industry.
- Excellence in Operational Support of the Year Award – this award honours an individual who has shown a strong commitment to the road transport industry and exceptional customer service. Their positive attitude, job enthusiasm, and leadership potential should reflect well on themselves, their employer, and the industry.
- Sam Sali National Young Driver Award – this newly named award, in honour of one of NatRoad’s founding fathers, Sam Sali, celebrates an inspirational young professional (30 years and under) in the road transport industry.
You can make nominations at https://www.natroad.com.au/events-networking/natroad-awards/
.png){kind=small}
.jpg)
