WA TRANSPORT MAG SEPTEMBER 2025 EDITION

HUMANS AREN’T MACHINES –Investigating road accidents

and human nature

With the road toll increasing in WA, it is clear that too many people are taking unnecessary risks and experts are attributing most of these to impatience, distraction or a disregard of the road rules or conditions.

But how do you explain when competent drivers make mistakes… is it because of how we are wired?

Accident Damage

Structural Repairs

Truck Flame Proofing

Self Bunded Tanks

Bulk Pump/Hose Reel Fitment

On-site SLP Service

Preventative & Scheduled Maintenance

Compliance Inspections & Certification

Spare Part Sales Across Liquid & Dry Bulk Tankers

Bitumen Tanker Burner Tube & Cladding Replacement

Refurbishments on All Makes & Model Tankers

Wide range of HOST Bulk Fuel Storage Solutions

SOLUTION FOCUSED. SERVICE DRIVEN

RTR is a joint venture between Tieman Tankers and Liquip Victoria, two industry leaders in the tanker and fuel systems industry. This partnership unites the engineering strength and support of both companies, all focused on delivering tailored solutions for WA tanker operators.

RTR is investing in the future

New state-of-the-art 15,000 sqm facility coming in 2026

Committed to creating Australian Manufacturing and Service jobs

Industry leading Fuel Pumping Systems

Led by industry experts

ROAD TANK REPAIRS WA:

Building the Future of Tanker Service

in Western Australia

The Western Australian tanker industry is entering an exciting new chapter, with Road Tank Repairs WA (RTR) investing heavily in its future.

A brand-new 15,000-square-metre facility will be constructed in Bibra Lake, set for completion by the end of 2026. This new site will position RTR as WA’s leading provider of tanker servicing, repairs, spare parts and self bunded fuel tank supplies. Backed by two industry leaders –

Tieman Tankers and Liquip Victoria – RTR is not only building a facility, but a longterm commitment to serving WA operators with world-class expertise and responsive local support.

Strategic Investment in Infrastructure

RTR’s new facility is a direct response to the growing demand for specialised road tanker servicing and fuel system maintenance in

WA. The facility will house a fully equipped, high-capacity workshop, a comprehensive parts warehouse, a dedicated drive through and workshop service zones for road tankers, sandblast and painting facilities and self-bunded fuel tank sales.

This site will significantly increase RTR’s capacity, reduce turnaround times, and set new standards for tanker maintenance across the state. Once complete, it will be WA’s largest and most advanced tanker-focused facility, purposebuilt to handle a wide range of tanker services under one roof.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Expertise

RTR is a joint venture between two trusted names in the fuel systems and tanker industry:

• The Tieman family, with over 72 years of experience in manufacturing and servicing premium-quality road tankers.

• Jeff Borg, owner of Liquip Vic and Refuel International, nationally recognised for fuel system technology and innovation.

RTR’s new facility is a direct response to the growing demand for specialised road tanker servicing and fuel system maintenance in WA

L-R Steve Albertini (Work Shop Manager), David Furness (General Manager), Reece Clarke (Tieman Tanker BD Manager - WA)

This partnership unites the engineering strength and back up of both companies all focused on delivering tailored, local solutions for WA tanker operators.

The shared vision is clear: to support WA customers across the full lifecycle of their tanker – from new builds to lifetime servicing, spare parts, and retrofits.

Leadership with a Local Focus

To lead this next growth phase, RTR has appointed David Furness as General Manager. David brings substantial experience from the resource and mining sector, with a strong track record in customer service, safety, and strategic growth.

“RTR is committed to becoming the go-to service partner for WA’s tanker operators,” says David. “We’re building for the long term, with the right team, equipment, and mindset to earn and build customer trust of workmanship.”

Joining him is Steve Albertini, RTR’s new Workshop Manager. A qualified heavy diesel mechanic, Steve previously managed workshop operations for Fuel Distributors of WA, servicing a fleet of 40 prime movers and 50 tankers. His hands-on leadership style and strong technical expertise across multiple truck brands like Kenworth, Volvo, DAF, MAN, and UD makes him the perfect fit to lead the RTR workshop team.

Strengthening Sales and Customer Connections

Reece Clarke is the new WA Business Development Manager for Tieman Tankers. Reece brings strong industry networks, practical experience, and a customerfirst attitude.

His key responsibilities include:

• Driving new Tieman Tanker sales in WA

• Promoting RTR’s self-bunded fuel tank range and refuelling systems

• Acting as a conduit between customers and RTR, so the RTR operations team scope, schedule and complete works efficiently.

Reece is passionate about helping service WA’s customers across Perth and all regional areas. Across all tanker industries, including fuel, waste oil, chemical, bitumen, milk, food-grade, and dry bulk.

Full Lifecycle Support –Beyond Repairs

RTR delivers much more than basic tanker repairs. With expertise in tanker design, construction, and real-world performance, they offer complete lifecycle support to WA tanker customers, including:

• Accident damage and structural repairs

• Preventative and scheduled maintenance for a one stop shop

• Compliance inspections and certification

• Bitumen tanker burner tube and cladding replacement

• Spare part sales across Liquid and Dry bulk tankers

• Refurbishment across all makes and models of tankers

• Sales of self-bunded fuel tanks

• Flame-proofing of trucks

Downtime costs money – and RTR focuses on safe, efficient, and reliable solutions to keep fleets moving.

Supporting Tieman & Liquip Vic Customers in WA

RTR’s expansion is especially important for existing and future Tieman and Liquip Vic customers. Tieman is Australia’s most respected road tanker manufacturer, known for their Built to Last designs and PBS innovation. Liquip Vic leads the field in fuel pump and fluid transfer systems.

Investing in WA Jobs and Skills

RTR’s investment includes creating skilled jobs and career pathways for local West Australians. The business is actively recruiting for:

• Heavy-duty diesel mechanics

• Tank welders and boilermakers

• Spray painters

• Auto Electricians

• Mechanical fitters

Working at RTR means working within a team that values professionalism, quality, safety and best in industry service and is committed to developing local skills, offering long-term employment opportunities as the Bibra Lake site ramps up over the next 12 months prior to the move into the new premise.

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There is a lot of talk about road user charges and proposed charges for EVs but what baffles me is how nobody is talking about the damage that EVs cause to road infrastructure due to their extra weight. In this edition I delve into this subject and find out that the United Kingdom with their EV incentives have now got a $12 billion cost to fill in all the potholes caused by the EV uptake so would it not be fair that our Governments take note of these facts and make EV owners pay their fair share of road maintenance costs? To read the full article go to Page 12.

Preparation is underway for the 2026 Mack Muster and from the Sponsorship Drive event held recently it is clear they have the WA Transport Industry behind them to achieve new goals. WA Transport Magazine is proud again this year to sponsor/support

this great event.

In this edition our Fair Go for the Owner Driver columnist Ray Pratt talks about staying healthy and shares some funny anecdotes from his time as a longhaul truck driver.

Humans aren’t Machines – Investigating road accidents and human nature is well worth a read if you have ever wondered ‘why’ competent drivers can make fatal mistakes. Too many people ‘cruelly’ put it down to stupidity, when in fact it is how we are wired and how our eye’s see – or not see. Thank you to Road Safety Advocate Brett Hughes for this important story that everyone who drives on our roads should read.

As always, many thanks to the many people who support the magazine and welcome to our new advertisers who I hope you will support.

Best,

Every Month

The Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is open from: 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and WA Public Holidays.

On weekends the Main Roads Customer Information Centre will receive telephone calls on behalf of the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 HVO (138 486) and email enquiries can be sent to hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au

ALRTA urges national action

Avoluntary accreditation model developed by Australia’s rural freight sector could save the economy up to $1.1 billion annually – and the industry is urging national action to make it happen.

In its submission to the Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable, the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) has championed the 6-Star Trucking model. The practical, industry-led framework rewards operators who go beyond baseline standards in fatigue, maintenance, animal welfare, biosecurity and training.

Economic modelling indicates potential

national savings between $422 million and $1.1 billion per year, based on data from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) and Austroads.

ALRTA President Gerard Johnson said the model offers exactly what the Treasurer is looking for: productivity gains that are specific, scalable and budget positive.

“This is not theory; it’s real-world reform,” Mr Johnson said. “We’re talking about safer roads, lower premiums, fewer crashes and stronger supply chains.”

“The 6-Star model has been designed

Rby industry with real-world conditions in mind. What we need now is national support to put it into action.”

The submission also calls for:

• A national High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) framework to replace fragmented access rules

• A co-designed National Truckwash and Biosecurity Infrastructure Plan

• A Rural Driver Training Academy to address workforce gaps and formally recognise rural freight driving as a skilled occupation

• Investment in disaster-resilient freight corridors to future-proof food and supply chains.

Mr Johnson said rural freight had long been overlooked in big-picture reform, despite its role in supporting Australia’s $90 billion agricultural economy and more than 300,000 supply chain jobs.

“We’re not looking for special treatment. We’re offering a clear set of practical solutions that deliver for farmers, exporters and consumers alike,” he said.

“If this roundtable is serious about resilience and productivity, rural freight has to be in the room.”

The Economic Reform Roundtable was held from 19–21 August in the Cabinet Room and will shape the next phase of the Government’s economic agenda.

Road user charge will ensure all drivers contribute to maintenance and upgrades

oads Australia (RA) has called for the development and implementation of a nationally consistent Road User Charge (RUC) framework by 2028, urging governments to act swiftly to secure long-term funding for Australia’s road infrastructure.

Speaking following the Road User Charge Forum in Sydney, hosted by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, RA chief executive Ehssan Veiszadeh joined industry and government leaders to discuss the design of a fair, transparent and futureready RUC system.

“We’re not just talking about replacing a tax — we’re talking about rebuilding equity in how we fund the roads Australians rely on every day,” Mr Veiszadeh said.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, the fuel excise, a major source of road maintenance funding, is rapidly declining. Without reform, we risk falling short on the infrastructure needed to support our growing population and economy.

RA supports a federally led framework that applies to all vehicles not currently paying fuel excise, with a phased rollout beginning with electric and heavy vehicles. The system would operate alongside existing fuel excise and state-based charges, allowing for a natural transition as EV uptake increases.

“Fuel excise revenue is in terminal decline. Without reform, we risk a future where our roads are underfunded, unsafe, and unable to support the demands of a growing population,” Mr Veiszadeh said.

“A national RUC is not just a funding mechanism — it’s a productivity reform.”

Mr Veiszadeh said revenue raised through the RUC must be transparently reinvested into maintaining and improving the road network.

Countries like New Zealand have already implemented RUC for all vehicles, demonstrating that a well-designed system can be both equitable and effective which could set

the way for Australia to make a change.

“The abolition of petrol tax, and the move towards all vehicles (whether they be petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid) paying for roads based on distance and weight, is the biggest change to how we fund our road network in 50 years,” said New Zealand Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

Whilst no date has been set for the full Kiwi transition, right now, New Zealanders pay fuel excise duty of about 70 cents per litre of petrol every time they fill up at the pump with a petrol car. Diesel, electric, and heavy vehicles pay road user charges (RUC) based on distance travelled.

The NZ Government’s plan will eventually see all vehicles pay based on actual road use (including weight) regardless of fuel type and the transition will happen in stages, and eventually, paying for RUC should be like paying a power bill online or a Netflix subscription. Simple and easy.

Reminder to submit your feedback for next Load Restraint Guide

The NHVR is currently undertaking a review of the Load Restraint Guide and is seeking feedback from industry for future updates, ensuring it continues to reflect safe load restraint practices.

The guide is an important resource used across the heavy vehicle industry Australia wide to support safe and compliant loading and load restraint practices.

This consultation focuses on improving how loading requirements and performance standards are explained and applies in the guide. You can view the discussion paper at www.nhvr.go v.au/ consultation/2025/09/12/load-restraintguide-review?utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=On-the-Road-Issue-1 and submit your feedback by 12 September 2025.

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Heavy Vehicle Pilot Signage

To enhance road safety and ensure clear communication with all road users, Main Roads WA reminds pilot vehicle operators of the critical importance of displaying compliant warning signage. The signage must be:

• Clearly visible and legible at all times;

• Unobstructed by any other additions or modifications to the vehicle; and

• Maintained in good condition to ensure effectiveness.

As advised to the pilot industry on 19 June 2025, updates were made to the following documents to reflect these clarified requirements:

• Code of Conduct - www.mainroads. wa.gov.au/49dc71/globalassets/heavyvehicles/pilot-licence/heavy-vehiclepilot-code-of-conduct.pdf?

• Single Trip OSOM Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions - www. mainroads.wa.gov.au/49024c/ globalassets/heavy-vehicles/getting-apermit/osom/single-trip-osom-vehiclestandard-operating-conditions-hvs.pdf?

• Oversize Vehicle & Pilot Vehicle General Requirements - www. mainroads.wa.gov.au/49a65a/ globalassets/heavy-vehicles/getting-apermit/osom/oversize-vehicle-and-pilotvehicle-general-requirements.pdf?

• Pilot Licence Main Roads Western Australia - www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/ heavy-vehicles/pilots/

These updates (located at www. mainroads.wa.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/) reinforce the obligation for all pilot vehicles to meet the specified signage standards. Non-compliant vehicles may be subject to enforcement actions, which can include:

• Issuance of infringements;

• Removal from scheduled Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) movements; and

• Classification as non-compliant under the relevant regulations.

Main Roads urges all operators to review the updated documents and take immediate steps to ensure their vehicles meet the required standards. These measures are essential to maintain safety for all road users and consistency across the OSOM transport network.

Heavy Vehicle Pilot Information Portal on My Say Transport website

To strengthen communication and collaboration with the pilot community, Main Roads recently launched the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Hub, a platform available through My Say Transport.

This initiative invites pilots to sign up and be part of ongoing discussions, updates, and feedback opportunities.

This dedicated portal has been developed specifically for heavy vehicle pilots as a “one stop shop” for all industryrelated updates, resources, and direct communication with the Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) team.

Through this portal, you’ll be able to:

• Stay up to date with the latest industry news and regulatory changes;

• Access important documents and guidelines in one central location; and

• Communicate directly with the HVS team for support and feedback.

To join the platform, follow this guide. How to Set Up Your Account Getting started is easy and only takes two steps:

1 Visit the link www.mysaytransport. wa.gov.au and select the “register” button located at the top right of the page.

2. Provide your registration details to Main Roads HVS.

Once you have completed the process

to register on the My Say Transport page, please send an email to pilots@mainroads. wa.gov.au and request to be added to the Pilot Hub, and advise the user name and email address that you used to register on the My Say Transport site.

For example: User name BSmith - Email address B.Smith@Jones.com

3. Confirmation of Pilot Hub Access

Main Roads will contact you via email to confirm when your Pilot Hub access has been granted. Once you receive this advice from Main Roads you can access and explore the Pilot Hub, by signing into the My Say Transport page using the ‘Sign in’ button located at the top right of the page.

Further information

For further information or to report any issues with your Pilot Hub access, please email pilots@mainroads.wa.gov.au

It has been pleasing to see the pilot industry taking up this access, and we encourage all pilots to register as soon as possible to take full advantage of this new resource. Your feedback is always welcome as we continue to improve the tools and support available to you.

General information for pilots can be found on the Main Roads WA website at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/ pilots

It has been pleasing to see the pilot industry taking up this access, and we encourage all pilots to register as soon as possible to take full advantage of this new resource

WA Mack Muster Launches 2026 Sponsorship Drive with Strong Industry Backing

The WA Mack Muster and Truck Show has officially kicked off preparations for its 2026 event with a dynamic sponsorship launch held at the event’s home base — the Mack Room in Perth. Attended by a cross-section of transport operators, equipment suppliers, industry service providers, and supporters, the launch set a strong tone for what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated industry events on the national calendar.

Hosted in mid-July, the launch event gave attendees an exclusive look at the 2026 show plans, which include expanded exhibits, interactive displays, and a renewed emphasis on community engagement.

Crucially, the 2026 Muster continues its commitment to raising funds for cancer research — a cause that resonates deeply across the road transport community.

Adding weight to the event was a keynote

from Professor Peter Leedman

AO, Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. His presentation on breakthrough cancer treatments underway at the Institute underscored the importance of the Muster’s fundraising efforts and the impact sponsorship can deliver well beyond the event itself.

The organising committee unveiled the 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus, which features a range of engagement options — from principal naming rights and branded feature zones to in-kind contributions and auction donations for the renowned Muster Dinner. “This event is built by and for the industry,” said Committee Chair Matt Lawrence. “It’s a chance for the sector to showcase its pride, attract new talent, and give back through meaningful support of Australian medical research.”

The launch wasn’t just a presentation

— it was a platform for connection. Many returning sponsors were joined by new prospective partners, with discussions already underway around campaign collaborations, customer engagement strategies, and brand activations for the 2026 show.

To ensure full sponsorship benefits, businesses are encouraged to submit completed agreements and high-resolution logos by 31 August 2025, with all sponsorships finalised ahead of the official promotional campaign launching in late October.

For industry operators and brands looking to align with a high-impact, valuesdriven event, the 2026 WA Mack Muster and Truck Show offers a unique platform. To express interest or request a sponsorship prospectus, contact the WA Mack Muster and Truck Show team via Facebook or Instagram @wamackmuster

Over to you

A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

STAYING HEALTHY

The life of a long-distance truck driver in Western Australia is not for the faint-hearted. It conjures images of endless highways, red dirt stretching to the horizon, and the rumble of a diesel engine cutting through the silence of the outback. Behind the wheel sits a hard-working professional, committed to keeping the wheels of the nation turning.

But while the job may seem simple on the surface — pick up, drive and deliver — the reality is one of long hours, physical strain, and the constant battle to stay mentally and physically healthy.

Western Australia is vast – a single trip from Perth to Port Hedland covers more than 1,600 kilometres. That’s a lot of time on the road — alone. When I was driving, a trip to Port Hedland was considered a small trip as many took me a lot further such as Kununurra or even Darwin. Many times, for one trip, we could be away for a week or more and sleep was caught in the cab of the truck.

Exercise? That’s a luxury not always available when your ‘workplace’ is sitting in a truck on a highway for hours on end, as your schedule is under pressure from tight delivery windows.

Food options for truck drivers are limited to what’s on offer at truck stops, many consisting mainly deep-fried choices and light on fresh produce.

Fast food, greasy meals, and sugary drinks are easy, quick, and everywhere. But after months or years of living on this kind of diet, the effects start to show. Many of us truck drivers battle with weight gain, high blood pressure, and the early signs of lifestyle diseases like diabetes. Not because we did not care, but because it’s genuinely hard to find healthy options when your "kitchen" is a fuel station.

My doctor once told me that I was a fat truck driver and suggested I take a bike with me and go for a ride in my spare time. It shows that many in the medical fraternity have no understanding of what truck drivers experience. I don’t ever remember having any spare time as we always seemed to be trying to keep to a schedule.

The job is demanding, and the lifestyle that comes with it makes maintaining health a serious challenge.

Fatigue is a constant threat — one that is not only dangerous to the driver but to everyone else on the road. Regulations around driving hours and rest periods are there for a reason, but anyone who's done the job knows the pressure to meet deadlines can make it hard to stop when the logbook says it's time.

Then there’s the mental health side. Long hours alone can take a toll - the isolation, the missed family events, and the feeling that you're just a number in a bigger machine — these things can weigh heavily on the mind. It takes a strong mind to stay positive out there on the bitumen, especially during hard times.

Yet, despite all this, many truck drivers in WA are finding ways to take better care of themselves. Some prepare meals before a trip, storing healthier food in their truck fridge. Others walk laps around the truck during breaks to keep the blood flowing. Podcasts and phone calls to loved one’s help pass the time and ease the loneliness. Some even carry resistance bands or small weights for on-the-road workouts.

There’s also growing awareness within the industry. More transport companies are offering support programs, mental health resources, and encouraging healthier lifestyles. Truck stops are slowly improving their offerings too, with a few now providing fresher food, and better amenities.

Staying healthy as a long-haul driver in Western Australia is not easy — but it’s not impossible. It takes effort, planning, and support from both the industry and the community. These drivers are the backbone of Australia’s economy, delivering everything from groceries to mining equipment across some of the harshest terrain in the world. They deserve more than just our thanks — they deserve conditions that allow them to stay well and healthy.

To every truckie out there doing the hard yards: your work matters, and so does your health. Keep on trucking — but don’t forget to look after yourself on the journey. The road is long, but with the right tools and support, it doesn’t have to be a lonely or unhealthy one. Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

What is a fair EV Charge when they cause more road damage?

Petrol and diesel vehicle drivers already pay for road maintenance through fuel excise charged at the pump, so it seems only fair that EV motorists also contribute their fair share to road maintenance as well.

But what would be a ‘fair share’?

A new study by the Telegraph in Britain has found that electric vehicles create double the pothole damage to roads and bridges compared to petrol and diesel powered vehicles.

Britain is suffering a pothole crisis, with half as many filled last year compared to a decade ago with a $12 billion price tag to fill them.

The study shows that, on a global basis, electric vehicles put 2.24 times more stress on roads than gas vehicles and the impact is even bigger with larger EVs, which can leave to up to 2.32 times more damage to road infrastructure, according to the report.

It comes down to the increased weight of EVs which is primarily attributed to their heavy batteries and they often weigh 30% more than gas-powered vehicles.

The Australian Governments National Electric Vehicle Strategy wants a rapid uptake of EVs in order to reduce road transport emissions and you would hope that they are also watching what is happening to the road infrastructure in other countries who have had the same mandate.

In the UK, Rick Green chair of the AIA, told the Telegraph, “Principal roads are already designed to deal with the axle weights for big trucks. However, local roads are not designed for heavy trucks and that is where roads will have the largest damage. Experts have said the proliferation of heavier electric cars on smaller residential and rural roads could have more of an impact.”

Separate research from the University of Edinburgh found that the roll-out of electric delivery trucks could increase the damage to roads and a report by the think tank The Centre for Policy Studies, raised the issue of electric vehicles causing more damage to roads, and suggested taxing vehicles based on weight.

In the Iowa in the USA, they seem to have got it right and have adopted an additional “electric fuel excise tax” meaning EVs in that state now pay “fuel” taxes two different ways, whereas gas vehicles only pay one – with both taxes

Does increasing the amount of EVs on our roads balance with the extra damage they cause to infrastructure and who is going to pay for this?

higher than what a gas vehicle pays.

We would hope our Governments are paying full attention to these findings which make sense and what other countries are already experiencing… and do not unfairly charge ‘all’ road users for the inevitable damage caused by EVs on our roads in the future.

There have been rumours that the federal government is fast-tracking the EV fee earlier than expected whilst no definite date has been set it may come into effect nationwide as early as 2028.

According to The Australian, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has met with decision makers in the transport and infrastructure industries to propose the road-user tax plan, and lay a roadmap for its implementation.

The shift will mean all electric cars will need to pay a tax based on distance travelled, as EV adoption increases however, would it not make more sense if they were also charged based on weight?

Currently, the government adds a 51.6cent fuel excise at the bowser, with the sum aimed at maintaining and improving roads. It is currently unclear if there will be

concessions or tiers of taxation based on what roads are used such as a rural car owner who would naturally travel further in a year compared to someone living in the city.

The Australian Trucking Association has called on the Australian Government to develop a national road user charge for all electric vehicles and said the case was strong.

ATA Chair Mark Parry called for consistency saying, “The last thing that national trucking businesses need is to have to pay road user charges at different rates to different governments with different record keeping requirements.”

Mr Parry said the Government should decide the details of the charge now but not impose it until electric vehicles make up 30 per cent.

“Right now, we need more EVs to reduce our carbon emissions and support Australia’s fuel security. Every EV on the road reduces our need for imported fuel,” he finished.

That being said, does increasing the amount of EVs on our roads balance with the extra damage they cause to infrastructure and who is going to pay for this?.

CONTACTS:

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Office: (08) 9274 6355

Mobile: 0418 802 007

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Email: alan@haulmore.com.au

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We have the following units currently in stock available for sale or hire:

Quad 4 Rows of 8 Full Axle Widening Low Loader with Hydraulic Suspension

Quad 4 Rows of 4 Full Axle Widening Low Loader with Hydraulic Suspension

Tri Axle Drop Deck Widener with Bi Fold Ramps

Dollys: 3x4 Low Loader Dolly – 2x8 Low Loader Dolly – 2x4 Low Loader Dolly

Side Tippers and Water Tankers

Flat Top Semi Trailers and Flat Top Extendables

Record funding boost to deliver safer roads across WA

Road safety will receive a major boost with the State Government announcing a record funding injection of nearly $57 million to support more than 100 projects across the State.

A total of $56.91 million will be allocated with the 2025-26 State Black Spot Program and Safer Roads Program and more than 100 locations across the State will receive road safety upgrades, including 54 in regional Western Australia.

The funding will deliver both upgrades and critical planning and pre-construction works.

A total of $26.91 million has been allocated to the State Black Spot Program and $30 million for the Safer Roads Program.

In addition to the State Governments committed funding, a further $8.46 million will be contributed by local governments from around WA to support safety projects on local roads.

The major funding injection takes the total amount invested into various WA road safety programs to more than $800 million. This is on top of the almost $1 billion invested since 2020 on the State Government's Regional Road Safety Program.

Projects being funded though State Black Spot Program include:

• $221,000 to widen Northampton Kalbarri Road, install protected left turn lane and painted right turn lane to Horrocks Road in the Shire of Northampton;

• $1,535,000 to widen Goldfields Highway providing for right turning movement and extend left turn lane to Hare Street, improve delineation, signs and pavement markings in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder;

• $137,971 to realign Moorilup Road intersection with Carbarup Road to T-intersection, extend sealed approach on Collins Road, upgrade drainage, delineation and signs in the Shire of Plantagenet;

• $1,718,000 to widen narrow seal on Hairpin Road, install gravel shoulders, clear vegetation, improve drainage, install signs and pavement markings in the City of Busselton;

• $400,000 to upgrade French Street

including seal gravel road, installing parking bays, pedestrian facilities and street lighting in the Shire of Carnarvon;

• $227,526 to widen narrow seal on Lakeview Drive, upgrade pedestrian path, install pavement markings, signs and delineation in the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley;

• $207,789 to widen intersection and approaches at Bullaring-George Road and Rabbit Proof Fence Road, install rumble strips, remove hazards from clear zone, improve drainage and install signs in the Shire of Corrigin;

• $183,333 to install raised plateaus on Kennedy Street between Banksia Street

• $435,733 to widen four-way intersection, install median islands on all approaches, clear vegetation and reduce speed limit at Summerfield Road-Richardson Street and Wright Road in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

Projects being funded though the Safer Roads Program road upgrades include:

• $1,720,000 to widen seal with centre line treatment and construct southbound passing lane on South Western Highway (Harvey North);

• $3,400,000 to construct northbound passing lane on Brand Highway (Boothendarra);

• $1,130,000 to widen culverts and

Investing in a record amount of critical upgrades including new street signs, passing lanes and roundabouts shows our commitment to improving road safety in WA

and Cottier Drive in the Town or Port Hedland;

• $728,000 to install a roundabout at Wellard Road and Henley Boulevard in the Town of Kwinana;

• $1,173,188 to upgrade the intersection at Beeliar Drive and Dunraven Drive in the City of Cockburn;

• $146,000 to install a roundabout and upgrade pedestrian facilities and lighting at Apsley Road and Aster Avenue in the City of Canning;

• $418,629 to install safety barriers at various curved sections on O'Brien Road in the City of Swan;

• $536,600 to install traffic signals at Hartman Drive and Prindeville Drive intersection, ban right turn movement from Buckingham Drive to Hartman Drive in the City of Wanneroo;

• $344,413 to replace two adjacent intersections with one elongated roundabout at Rowley Road and Liddelow Road and De Haer Road in the City of Cockburn and City of Kwinana; and

enabling works on Victoria Highway (Middle Creek to Yearling Creek); and

• $6,200,000 to construct passing lane on Albany Highway (Bedfordale South).

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “This represents the biggest investment we’ve ever made through these two critical road safety programs.

“This significant investment complements the work we're already doing through the landmark Regional Road Safety Program, which has seen around $1 billion invested since 2020, and roughly 10,000 kilometres of our State's regional road network upgraded with safety treatments like sealed shoulder and audible edge lines.”

Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said, “Investing in a record amount of critical upgrades including new street signs, passing lanes and roundabouts shows our commitment to improving road safety in WA.

“Despite another devastating year so far in road fatalities, we’re working hard in delivering road upgrades, increasing the safety for all drivers across our State.”

A STRONG & POWERFUL VOICE FOR TRANSPORT WORKERS’

At the TWU, we are relentless in the pursuit of building and exercising worker power, guided by clear, strong principles. We are committed to earning and keeping our members’ trust and bargaining collectively. We aim to hold corporations to account, empowering the workforce with a strong and powerful voice.

The TWU has a number of Enterprise Agreements in a myriad of transport companies. If you work for a company that has an EA with the TWU, you, along with all transport workers benefit from the years of struggle and collective action of union members before you.

And set the standard for transport workers into the future.

TWU Members also benefit from a range of services available only to members

 Legal Services

 Wage increases and improved conditions through collective bargaining

 Enforcement of your agreement and workplace rights

 Representation for incidents or disciplinaries

 Job Security and protection

 $5,000 Funeral benefits

 Free Wills

 Extraordinary Driver’s License

 Income Protection and Group Accident and Sickness cover

 Collective purchasing power of UnionShopper to provide members with discounts on a range of restaurants, gift cards, white goods and more

You should be a member of your union, the TWU if you enjoy these benefits like:

 Annual Leave

 Maternity Leave

 Long Service Leave

 Sick days

 Leave loading

 Penalty rates

 Superannuation

 Health and safety and workers’ compensation

 Allowances (meal allowances, shift allowances)

 Rest breaks

 Unfair dismissal protection

Becoming a member of the TWU ensures you can maintain these rights into the future.

Over to you

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION

A Simple Directive Can Start the Change

Productivity is rapidly becoming the buzz word surrounding the three-day meeting in Canberra to discuss the big issues facing the Australian Economy.

The population is ageing, and our demand for government services grows and grows, even as our capacity to fund that extra spending goes the other way. (The Guardian 17 Aug 25)

Banana Republic Anniversary

It is also nearly the 40th Anniversary of Paul Keating’s famous Banana Republic comment. Ie; Australia was living beyond its means and pretty much solely reliant on the commodity sector which sounds similar to our current problems.

“If this government cannot get the adjustment, get manufacturing going again and keep moderate wage outcomes and a sensible economic policy, then Australia is basically done for,” Paul Keating Federal Treasurer told John Laws 2UE. (14 May 1986 – famous Banana Republic Comment)

Regulatory Creep

Productivity Commission chief Danielle Wood has ‘encouraged all levels of

by Cam Dumesny, CEO

government’ to address issues of regulatory complexity and bureaucracy, noting that a significant increase in laws in recent years has created challenges for living standards.

She indicated that this trend, referred to as “regulatory creep,” involves governments responding to various issues with new legislation or regulations. Reported in the Sydney Morning Herald 17 Aug 25

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was reported in The West Australian newspaper saying that she wants the three-day summit to focus on cutting red tape for Western Australian projects.

We are Key to Drivers of Change

National Defence: We are now living in a period of increasing geo-political uncertainty, the likes of which we haven’t experienced since the 1930’s. The National Defence Strategy 2024 recognises this and has identified key objectives. One of which includes the transport and logistics sector’s critical role. A meeting is being finalised by WRF, bringing together Defence and Industry leaders to a roundtable. Note we will collaborate with NTRTA on this.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing is extremely dependent on efficient supply and logistics chains as parts and components are moved from subcomponent makers to final assembly then domestic and global markets.

In 1986, then Treasurer Paul Keating highlighted the issue of declining manufacturing in Australia, where it had fallen to 12% contribution to Australia’s GDP. Oh, to have that now, as it has collapsed to just 5% and going down faster than Nick Daicos chasing a free kick.

Nationally and at a State Level there is a focus on bringing back manufacturing. But the facts are:

• Labour: Can’t compete (nor should we) on labour costs as we are very high, and

• Energy: Energy costs which are heading north or most definitely into uncertainty.

• Innovation: We can compete on Innovation, and the WA Government is making solid progress in this area.

• Supply and Logistics Chain: Where we are making very little to no progress is in Supply and Logistics Chain productivity.

Most Remote Capital City – We Need Exceptional Logistics

When we are the most remote capital city in the world, with a highly dispersed state population, a long way from both domestic, international supply and customer markets, we must have exceptionally safe and productive Supply and Logistics chains.

Industry and Government Must Work Together

Red and Green Tape: Western Roads Federation (WRF) support the comments of the Deputy Premier that there must be a focus on cutting red tape. But WRF would go further that cutting of red tape must extend beyond just projects to all sectors, especially a critical economic enabling sector like ours.

Encourage Investment and Innovation: Economists argue that we need to encourage Capital Investment and Innovation. WRF and our members have repeatedly put forward proposals that reward and encourage both capital investment and innovation. Some have proceeded but far too often they get bogged down in bureaucratic inertia or referred to ineffective structures of Government/ Industry engagement.

Solutions are not only within industry, but they also lie within the Government’s own people. Repeatedly over the last decade Government people have privately approached me with good productive ideas, that they have proposed internally only to see the idea whither of the vine of bureaucratic inertia.

WRF Members Have the Solutions Aligned to Broader Government Policy

• Metro Logistics: Our members have solutions that will improve metropolitan transport efficiency ‘and’ concurrently cut emissions.

• Resilience: Working collaboratively with Government, which WRF initiated when we organised bringing WA, SA and NT Government and Industry together in Adelaide has demonstrated that we can develop practical solutions.

• Regional Growth: Our members have numerous practical ideas that can help our regional businesses and communities to grow and thrive.

• Infrastructure and Project Delays: Similarly, members have cited numerous examples of project and infrastructure project delays and cost increases caused by transport issues. Issues that we can

solve by working with Government.

• Road and Industry Safety: Members have solutions that can help address the rising road toll and on road risks that are leading to family trauma and costs to the economy.

Moving ForwardA Simple Directive

The three-day national summit will be on the big-ticket issues. It is imperative that following the national summit, there must be a state level summit and action.

Before that even the simplest of directives being given by all State Minister’s to their departments, “Reach out and work with industry to identify and where possible action productivity measures to help drive the state forward”.

That simple directive will start the mindset change needed. A mindset that will help us collectively begin to pick from the state’s proverbial productivity tree which is heavily burdened with low cost, low hanging fruit.

Transport and Logistics Event

WRF are organising an event to bring industry together to discuss further productivity barriers that can be removed.

HUMANS AREN’T MACHINES – Investigating Road accidents and human nature

By Transport researcher and road safety advocate Dr Brett Hughes

With the road toll increasing in Western Australia, it is clear that too many people are taking unnecessary risks and experts are attributing most of these to factors such as impatience, distraction or a disregard of the road rules or conditions.

But how do you explain when a competent driver, with a good driving record has an accident such as hitting a train?

Most people just can’t compute this unless they themselves have experienced a similar situation where for a moment they lose concentration or their mind does not process what they are seeing.

The responsibility for level crossing safety is assigned completely to road users with the exception of the rail industry itself. Yes, obviously trains cannot stop or swerve and it is clear that some of these accidents

were people taking unnecessary risks – but in balance, far too many of these fatalities have involved everyday responsible people who have been let down by poor visibility of the train itself, unclear or obstructed crossings or poor road geometry.

Understanding how we see According to Prof. Peter Gärdenfors, “The visual image we experience is adapted to our needs. For example, when we look at an object, we perceive it as having contours. However, the contours are not present in the light that hits the retina but are an addition created at an early stage of the visual process. Another form of adaptation is that we see what we need: Our field of vision covers about 180° in width and 135° in height.

“A common thought is that the visual process works like a camera. It is easy to show, however, this is wrong. For example, we feel that everything is sharp when we look at it. But in fact, only two angular degrees of the field of vision are sharp (about two fingers' width at arm's length); in the periphery, we see things as blurred we have more difficulty perceiving colours there. But every time we look at something, it becomes sharp and we therefore get the illusion that the entire field of vision is sharp.

“Another illusion is that we do not

experience any gaps in the field of vision. But there is an area of the retina that has no receptors; the blind spot means that there is a part of the visual field in which we see nothing. This could be a possible explanation for why we sometimes miss something in the environment when we think we have looked. "Looking without seeing" is said to be the third most common cause of road accidents”, says Prof. Gärdenfors.

Due to the inadequate reporting of train/vehicle accidents in Australia there is insufficient information to form a clear picture of how many people were those ‘taking an unnecessary risk’ or those who were let down by poor visibility, unclear approach or weather conditions.

As human beings are not perfectly made the onus must be on our governments and the rail regulators to account for the safety of all of us. We all make mistakes, some accidental, whilst others in hindsight are bad choices. Most don’t affect us too badly but sadly; some are tragic and can’t be corrected.

The rail industry is fond of blaming road users, and its train/road user safety advertising is aimed at those who are knowingly ‘taking risks’ with no emphasis at all on their industry’s failing to provide clear visibility.

Normal human beings make mistakes everywhere - on farms, workplaces, homes and on our roads. People in safety categorise mistakes as being inadvertent, or lapses of thought or concentration and some being deliberate actions – but regardless we don’t expect a mistake to result in a loss of life.

Humans aren’t machines. We don’t remember everything, or make perfect choices in a split second, especially in complex situations. A large proportion of road crashes occur with normal people responding reasonably to the circumstances they are faced with. We don’t have flawless skills and sometimes we forget to apply what we know or we haven’t had the experience.

We’re not perfect, and neither are the roads or the road rules. In other words, even if drivers break the rules, they’re not always idiots. Most times it doesn’t matter, we can retrieve a bad situation, or if we lose our attention, we can regain it, but sometimes our mistake does result in a crash, so we need to do whatever we can to avoid it.

Let’s take railway level crossings, we know that an average driver will normally overestimate the distance to a train and underestimate its speed. Have you ever watched a plane coming to land and think how slow it looks, yet it’s still doing a couple of hundred kph. Most people can’t estimate the time it takes for a train to reach a level crossing and it’s easy to say that drivers need to stop and wait for every train but they can’t know if a train is doing 40 or 100 kph, or if it’s even stopped. It’s even harder when you’re driving a loaded B-double and the angles to see aren’t good, or it’s a humped crossing or on a hill.

Many level crossings aren’t well designed because they were introduced when railways were slow and there were no motor vehicles. We live with the historical legacy that worked then but often fails us now.

Around 80% of Australian level crossings don’t have lights or boom gates because the cost and many have curved or angled approaches making it hard to see trains coming, especially from a trucks’ cab with limited vision. Many other crossings have poor visibility and old signage and some haven’t been used for decades, leading drivers not to expect trains there at all, or at other crossings.

Modern safety management accepts that people aren’t perfect and roads are intended to be safe ‘if’ humans to do the right thing all the time. That means roads will be inherently ‘unsafe’ simply because

humans occasionally do make mistakes. Now, clearly road users aren’t innocent bystanders and we can’t blame ‘the system’ when we should drive safely and to the road rules however, we need to know the rules in the first place and know how to drive safely to the conditions, plan journeys, not drive fatigued, not get distracted and drive safe vehicles.

People don’t crash vehicles because they expect to, they crash because they’re human, and the transport system isn’t designed to protect them.

Level crossings are the most dangerous sites for road users and for the railway industry. Road users need to be able to see and identify a level crossing, which is harder on curved and angled approach, manage their speed according to the signage and stop when required. Poor light such as dawn and dusk, rain, fog or dust add to the difficulty. Train lights can be easily confused with other road vehicles or lights in the background and it is not always ‘obvious’ what they are.

How can we improve level crossing safety?

Trains have bright lights but their narrow beams make them hard to see from curved or angled approaches - they just don’t shine around corners. Wagons are often virtually invisible due to substandard reflectors, not being cleaned or inadequate maintenance. Road signage needs to at a high standard, especially on curved or angled approaches,

but some is inadequate or out of date. We need to upgrade crossings, but governments can’t afford to do many and it is usually ‘after’ an accident this happens.

Trains must be visible in all circumstances, in all light conditions and on all approaches and this would improve safety at every level crossing.

Reflectors used on railway wagons are a far lower standard than used for trucks, caravans or even bicycles. All trucks require outline and side lights and oversize vehicles must have flashing lights, but there are no regulations requiring any specific lights on locomotives or railway wagons.

Flashing lights are everywhere to warn of hazards - on our roads, in industry, at depots, on farms and in all forms of transport including cyclists. Science tells us that a flashing light attracts people’s attention - it’s a virtually unstoppable human reflex. Railways use flashing lights at level crossings, on track machinery, for maintenance vehicles and in other places so it makes ‘no sense’ that flashing lights aren’t used on locomotives at level crossings.

We must remember that drivers are human and don’t respond perfectly all the time and none of us do on our roads and we need to do everything possible to help driver’s cross railways safely. Train visibility and lighting should have been upgraded a long time ago. Coroners, research, advocates and others had said so for decades and we all know to do so is both affordable and achievable.

ATO has seriously upped its game this year

If you have not lodged your tax return yet it pays to be aware that the ATO has seriously upped its game this year, leveraging AI and real-time data matching to catch inconsistencies and dodgy deductions before a return is even processed.

This is according to Coco Hou, CPA and CEO of Platinum Accounting Australia who says, “The ATO is stepping up its audit efforts in 2025 and is smarter and faster than ever before.”

Hou outlined the top five mistakes that are likely to trigger an ATO audit.

Over-claiming deductions

“Claiming excessive deductions is the number one reason Australians are audited,” Hou said.

“The ATO has systems to determine what is reasonable. If an office worker claims $6,000 in car expenses, saying they use their car for meetings but they work from home full time and can't produce a logbook, this is a red flag.

“Or if someone claims a home office setup worth $4,500, but they have already received a tax-free allowance from their employer, this is another red flag. Organisations submit details and information as well to the ATO on what benefits and payments have been provided to staff. All of this data is reconciled.”

Hou said if your deductions are far higher than others in your profession or income range, the ATO’s systems will flag it automatically. If you can’t back it up with receipts and real evidence, you’re in trouble.

Failing to declare all income

Leaving out income is one of the fastest ways to draw unwanted attention from the ATO.

“Deliberately omitting information such as income from other sources is a big red flag and downright stupid,” Hou said.

“If a taxpayer forgets to declare $850 in bank interest from a savings account the ATO will discover this. Or if they earn $12,000 doing weekend Uber driving but don't include it on their tax return because it's a side hustle,

the ATO will also identify this anomaly.

“The ATO already has that data from third-party sources. Many Australians don't realise how much information the ATO already receives, from crypto exchanges, banks, rental platforms and employers. If it’s missing from your return, it looks suspicious.”

Late or inconsistent lodgements

People who skip a year or file late tax lodgements consistently are more likely to get audited, especially if they have fluctuating income or sudden increases in deductions.

“This is another area that the ATO focuses on. If a freelancer doesn't lodge for three years, then suddenly files a return showing a big refund and thousands in deductions, or a taxpayer who usually earns $60,000 suddenly claims $18,000 in business-related expenses, these are red flags,” she said.

“Lodging late or making inconsistent claims from one year to the next, raises alarm bells. Even if you’re not doing anything wrong, the ATO wants to understand the sudden change.”

Failing to report foreign income or assets

If you’re an Australian tax resident, you must declare your worldwide income, not just what you earn locally.

“This is a big area of concern. For example, if a taxpayer sells a rental property overseas and pockets $75,000 but doesn’t report the capital gain because it is outside Australia's reach, or they have foreign bank accounts generating interest that aren’t

declared, the ATO will know,” Hou said.

“Data sharing doesn’t just happen across Australia; it happens across countries as well. Revenue organisations share information with each other to identify tax evasion globally.

“With data-sharing agreements in over 100 countries, the ATO will find out. It might take a year or two, but when they do, the penalties can be severe including being treated as deliberately evading tax.”

Using dodgy or unregistered tax agents

Unregistered agents or ‘cash refund’ specialists who promise big returns often make aggressive claims that don’t hold up under ATO scrutiny.

“People need to understand the importance of a good tax agent and why it is critical to work with someone who operates in a professional manner,” Hou said.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If your agent gets it wrong, you’ll be the one who pays. The ATO doesn't care who filed it, they hold you responsible.”

Don't risk being audited, take control now

Hou urged all taxpayers to seek advice from registered, qualified professionals and ensure they understand what they’re entitled to claim and what they’re not.

“The ATO’s systems are highly automated and brutally accurate. You don’t have to be rich to be audited, just wrong,” Hou said.

By Cliff Graham This

is ‘The Outback’

The difference between road safety and compliance

All we hear about is lately is compliance, or more specifically penalties for non-compliance.

When I worked in the eastern states, I was pulled over by Police numerous times to check logbook compliance. A couple of times the Police Officer said, “You haven’t filled in all the information on your logbook” to which I replied, “None of those requirements have anything to do with road safety”. One officer said as he shut the book and gave it back to me so I could continue in my work, “That’s actually a really valid point”.

I have been treated like the worst criminal on the planet for being half an hour over the logbook guidelines, so it appears whilst everyone else is getting paid penalty rates, heavy transport is the only category of employment who get fines for exceeding a time frame set by Government.

It’s costly to acquire a heavy vehicle license, so that eliminates quite a few young local people from getting into the industry and because someone has completed the course to receive their license means they comply with the regulations but it does not mean they have the experience or qualifications to drive safely - yet this is exactly what is happening.

‘Drive to the conditions’ in the correct sense means just because it’s a 100kph zone doesn’t mean you have to be doing 100. If you are not sure or confident back off a bit and let traffic behind overtake.

I’ve never been a believer that the same license requirements for a B Double is sufficient to drive a Quad Road Train. Maybe new license holders need to be cut

back to 90kph and have lower horsepower trucks like we did back in my day. Another option is to limit how many trailers they can pull for 12 months. A restriction system like red and green P Plate for cars should be introduced for new truck licenses.

It does not make sense to drive tired in order to comply with a regulation. I remember having to get to a destination that day so I could make the return the next day in within logbook hours and even though I was tired I had to keep going to comply. Before I knew it, I had a nod

He assured me he was good but he could not make it to a parking bay without the alarms going off at head office for driving over his hours

off and would pull up and walk around thinking of the many times I had been issued penalties for being 15 minutes over my logbook hours even though I was not putting anyone at risk on the road.

I have paid thousands maybe tens of thousands in fines for non-compliance just for being a ‘little’ bit out on the regulation hours. To this day I pull up when I’m tired and drive when I’m feeling right.

After my kids grew up and I moved west

I still cart cattle and try to park far away from others. Once, I was parked at the back of a big parking area and a major company driver had parked across the exit so nobody out the back could get out. I went and tapped on his door and asked him to back up a few metres so I could get out and he told me he couldn’t start the truck before a certain time or it would send alarm bells off at head office because of the required rest break time. He wouldn’t move so I had to wait putting me further behind in getting the livestock to their destination.

On another occasion I drove past another major company truck towing a triple parked out in the grass way off the road. I called up the driver asking if he was ok or blew a steer tyre. He assured me he was good but he could not make it to a parking bay without the alarms going off at head office for driving over his hours. So what safety issues were compromised for the sake of complying with regulations?

Road safety needs to involve everyone, including Government Departments. With the increase in transport movements there needs to be more overtaking lanes and parking bays.

Trailer mounted camera’s or those hiding in trees don’t catch drink drivers or dangerous drivers, they don’t catch the vehicles travelling in convoy at 80kph only metres apart and they don’t catch drivers staying in the right lane through overtaking lanes.

I don’t know what it will take for drivers to get back to being accountable and considerate on the roads but until then we need more police presence on the roads.

New speed zone now in place at 142 children’s crossings

Main Roads has reached a major milestone with new speed zones now in place at all 142 Children’s Crossings found outside of existing School Zones or 40 kilometres per hour areas.

The new 40kmh speed zones will

Tapply during standard School Zone hours - 7.30am to 9am and 2.30pm to 4pm on school days, ensuring consistency and enhancing safety for children and traffic wardens during pick-up and drop-off times.

The changes are part of a four-year $10 million program to improve safety at children’s crossings and will also see static signage gradually replaced with electronic signs at sites where speed limits exceed 60kmh.

The $10 million dollar program comes from the Road Trauma Trust Account, meaning valuable fines from speed and redlight cameras are going towards improving road safety.

To date, 17 schools have had Electronic Speed Limit Signage installed with 25 more planned by June 2026.

The State Government is also delivering 23 new signalised pedestrian crossings around the State to improve safety.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “Whilst many sites will have electronic signage installed in the coming years, motorists are reminded that 40kmh speed limits now apply to all Children’s Crossings across Western Australia to protect our children, parents and wardens.”

Australian transport companies going bust

ransport companies on the eastern seaboard continue to collapse hard and fast with the latest resulting in the loss of 200 jobs as Transport and logistics giant XL Express who had been in business for 35 years went into liquidation with close of $42 million in estimated debts.

The company went into voluntary administration in June after it was locked out of its premises in Smithfield, southwest Sydney, due to unpaid rent and administration progressed to liquidation with the company assessed as having no way of trading back to solvency.

XL Express who was once a was once a sponsor of the Brisbane Lions AFL team is $41.9million in debt, with $5.3million owed to 200 staff, $3.4million to the tax office, $18.9million owed to lenders and an additional $12.4million owed to unsecured creditors the administrators revealed.

More than a dozen associated companies that operated under the XL Express group were also wound up.

The massive debt could rise even higher,

with multiple injury compensation claims lodged by staff yet to be processed by insurers.

How much money can be raised to pay off creditors was still being assessed.

Another to enter voluntary liquidation is DJK Transport owned by sole shareholder and director, David Kean.

The trucking company had been operating for 57 years and did work for mining companies, as well as supermarkets and department stores running interstate routes with trailers, flat-top and tautliner trucks.

Two other transport companies AKG Trucking and Round Em Up Transport, which also have Mr Kean as the sole director also entered voluntary liquidation.

XL’s demise follows just weeks after the collapse of another trucking company Don Watson Transport who after running for more than 77 years, ceased operating in June. The trucking industry has been under pressure in recent years due to an increase in fuel prices, combined with labour shortages and increased government regulation.

Managing Partner of WA Insolvency

Solutions, Jimmy Trpcevski, said he’s seen an increase in insolvency appointments and inquiries from transport operators.

‘Businesses are being squeezed from every direction, whether that’s rising costs, labour shortages, or compliance pressures. Margins are incredibly thin,’ he said.

Financial year 2024-2025 was the worst on record for insolvencies, with 14,105 businesses going under, up 26.8 per cent from the last financial year.

National Road Transport Association CEO Warren Clark said the trucking sector had been under “serious pressure for some time, with rising costs and no real productivity gains in the last decade”.

“The vast majority of road freight companies are small businesses with average profit margins of just two percent,” he said.

“There’s also significant pressure from the end customer to reduce the price charged, but transport costs keep rising.

“It’s a race to the bottom as disrupters enter the market and undercut established businesses.”

Freight Disruptions Talk

Australian Trucking Association member associations, state governments, and road and rail regulators met in Adelaide recently to work toward a joint strategy on freight disruptions.

The meeting was organised by Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny who said there had been several years of increasing disruptions to SA-WA-NT road and rail freight routes due to incidents and climate related events.

“It was fantastic to see the WA, NT and SA governments, emergency services, regulators and our industry come together to solve practical challenges and work towards a joint strategic view for Australia’s vulnerable freight triangle,” Cam said.

We need to improve the time it takes to establish alternative routes after incidents and address road safety issues, including the lack of mobile phone coverage that hinders

incident response

“I will now organise a joint WA, SA and NT industry lobbying effort to raise the profile of the issue federally.

“We need to improve the time it takes to establish alternative routes after incidents and address road safety issues, including the lack of mobile phone coverage that hinders incident response.

“From Western Roads Federation’s point of view, I will also write to the WA Government to confirm our strong support for South Australia’s changes to MC driver licensing.

“Although I initiated and organised the meeting, it would not have occurred without the committed support of NTRTA, SARTA, the South Australian Freight Council, government agencies and above all our industry,” he said.

ATA Chair Mark Parry has also called on governments to adopt the South Australian MC licensing changes nationally which was covered in the August edition of WA Transport Magazine.

Contract award for major Reid Highway upgrades

Significant improvements to safety and efficiency on Reid Highway are another step closer with Georgiou Group awarded the contract to build two new interchanges at Altone Road and Drumpellier Drive/ Daviot Road.

The project will see major upgrades along the strategic east west route, reducing congestion, improving connectivity and facilitating the needs of the growing communities in Perth's north-eastern suburbs.

As part of the project, two of the remaining five sets of traffic signals along Reid Highway will be replaced with new grade-separated interchanges, allowing vehicles to pass freely through, improving transport efficiency in the area and providing more reliable movement of freight.

Construction is expected to commence in late-2025 with detailed design and community engagement set to get underway in the coming months.

The Reid Highway Interchanges project is jointly funded by the Australian ($112.5 million) and Western Australian ($112.5 million) governments.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “Our government recognises how important it is to address congestion and bottlenecks on our road network and the delivery of the interchanges on Reid

Highway will significantly improve safety and efficiency one of our key freight routes.

"The transformation of these intersections will be critical to meet the growing transport needs of the local community and keeping our freight networks moving.

"The project will also deliver critical improvements to our shared path network for cyclists and pedestrians, with new bridges and underpasses creating an uninterrupted path from West Swan Road to Malaga Drive, enhancing connections into the Swan Valley region."

Two of the remaining five sets of traffic signals along Reid Highway will be replaced with new grade-separated interchanges providing more reliable movement of freight

New state-of-the-art vehicles to support major police incidents

The Western Australian Police Force has acquired three new command vehicles boosting officers' capacity to modern policing demands.

Known as the Incident Command Vehicle (ICV) and Forward Command Vehicles (FCV), the new fleet is capable of being deployed at short notice to assist frontline officers across the State, over extended periods of time.

The WA Police Force has received one custom-built ICV with an officetype interior with workstations and two smaller FCV's worth a total investment of $3.7 million.

The ICV will be deployed to large-

scale events such as Leavers WA or missing person searches, standing ready for use at any other major event or critical incident requiring the convenience of an operational support facility on the road.

These vehicles are also equipped with enhanced digital communication systems, allowing connectivity to all emergency response partner agencies, ensuring officers remain updated with vital and evolving information.

A specialist police unit, the Emergency Operations Unit, within the Counter Terrorism and Emergency Response Command, will manage the new fleet.

Pilbara Ports achieves record throughput for sixth consecutive year

Pilbara Ports has achieved a significant milestone, with a record 775.7 million tonnes of exports and imports passing through its ports in the 2024-25 financial year.

Over the 2024-25 financial year, 775.7 million tonnes of throughput passed through the ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland, and Varanus Island.

This throughput equates to an estimated $153 billion worth of commodities across the four ports, highlighting the vital role Pilbara Ports plays in the global supply chain and the Australian economy.

The Port of Port Hedland contributed significantly to this achievement with a throughput of 577.7 million tonnes, a 1 per cent increase from last financial year,

solidifying its status as one of Australia's most important ports.

Despite global economic uncertainty, iron ore exports through Pilbara Ports remained strong, increasing by 3 per cent, to 730.8 million tonnes for the 2024-25 financial year. Pilbara Ports play a crucial role in facilitating Australia's iron ore trade, handling approximately 81 per cent of the national trade and 43 per cent of the global trade.

Salt exports through the ports of Port Hedland and Dampier totalled 5.3 million tonnes in 2024-25, accounting for about 26 per cent of Australian salt production.

Additionally, Pilbara Ports recorded 8,480 safe vessel visits, equating to an average of 23 vessel visits each day across

Tits four operational ports.

Further highlights include progress made on major Commonwealth and Western Australian Government-funded projects, such as Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland and the Dampier Cargo Wharf Projects in the Port of Dampier, supporting port growth for decades to come.

Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said, "The Pilbara remains the economic powerhouse of the nation, playing a crucial role in facilitating Australia's iron ore trade.

"Despite the challenging global economic environment, it is great to see the team at Pilbara Ports deliver a sixth consecutive year of record-breaking throughput and solidify itself as one of Australia's most valuable ports.

Legislation introduced to stop future sale of Utah Point

he State Government will introduce legislation into WA Parliament that would prevent the future sale of the Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility to private owners.

In 2016, the then-Liberal National Government passed the Pilbara Port Assets (Disposal) Act 2016, which allows for the sale of the critical port facility.

The Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility serves a critical function to the ongoing growth of the State's resources sector.

It delivers common user shiploading services and provides greater opportunities for smaller mining operators to access export opportunities out of the Pilbara.

Selling off the facility to private operators would undermine access to port facilities for smaller mining operators, stymying future private investment and risking Western Australian jobs.

It would also limit the capacity for the government to ensure pricing is fair and equitable for all operators.

Treasurer Rita Saffioti said, "We did not support and will never support the sale of the Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility.

"This Act was a bad idea at the time, and I'm yet to see any evidence to suggest it would have ever created any benefit for the taxpayer or the government.

"The Act was rushed and poorly written, failing to mention Utah Point by

name, meaning that, by rights, the Act granted blanket powers to sell any and all assets of Pilbara Ports.

"The introduction of this Bill will ensure we keep this critical piece of infrastructure in State hands, and future private sector investment and job creation is not hampered."

Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said, "We are proud to be in a unique position where the State Government owns and operates our ports.

"Utah Point provides export capacity for smaller iron ore miners and currently handles over 20 million tonnes per year, generating significant revenue for the State rather than private operators.

Engines

Sadleirs hits top gear

By Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Afleet of new Kenworths powered by Euro 6 Cummins X15 engines is the key to Sadleirs’ efficient triple roadtrain operations in Western Australia.

There’s a strong sense of history at Sadleirs, one of Australia’s most established logistics providers.

Family-owned, the company has an incredibly long history dating back to 1829. In fact, it is the oldest family-owned logistics company in Australia.

Sadleirs traces its origins to Lionel Samson & Son, by two brothers who established a merchant business in Fremantle on their arrival in Western Australia in 1829. In 1936, the company acquired RC Sadleir, which had opened in 1895.

Today, Sadleirs delivers services across Australia and internationally through multiple divisions, each focused on delivering tailored logistics backed by the kind of timeless customer services that has defined the business since its inception.

While the Sadleirs Resource division is known for its impressive fleet of threetrailer roadtrains powering north through Western Australia’s Pilbara and Gascoyne regions to service the mining, energy and oil and gas sites, the company’s reach goes well beyond road transport.

The prominent Sadleirs brand also transverses rail, air and sea routes through its specialist divisions in domestic rail linehaul and global freight forwarding and customs brokerage – demonstrating strong intermodal capability and the scale to support local and international supply chains.

Fleet investment

Sadleirs has invested significantly in its fleet

in recent years, with a focus on reliability, efficiency and sustainability. A key part of this strategy was the introduction of seven Kenworth T610 SAR prime movers in 2024, powered by Cummins X15 Euro 6 engines rated at 565 hp.

Projected whole-of-life costs were the key reason the Kenworths were given the nod, says Thomas McAulay, National Assets and Facilities Manager of Sadleirs.

Resale value, durability, fuel burn, service support and driver acceptance were among the factors that figured strongly in the analysis of which trucks to purchase.

Significantly, Sadleirs is looking at a lifespan of 10 to 15 years for the T610s.

All seven Kenworths are operating in triple roadtrain work between Perth and Karratha, a one-leg distance of 1,500km, hauling freight for the Barrow Island oil fields.

“We’re running at gross weights of around 100 tonnes from Perth to Karratha and around 80 tonnes on the return trip,,” Thomas points out.

“Our oldest Kenworth has done over 130,000 km and we've had no issues,,” he adds.

X15 performance

“The Euro 6 Cummins is impressive. Reliability has been very good to date, the drivers love the performance and we’ve had very good support from Cummins.,”

Sadleirs is operating the ‘Performance’ version of the Euro 6 Cummins which is evident in the power torque and curves.

The X15 delivers its rated 565 hp over a wide band, from 1600 to 2000 rpm, while this is backed up by peak torque of 1850 lb ft which extends from 1600 rpm all the way back to 1000 rpm.

Sadleirs’ Kenworths are equipped with Eaton Ultra Shift 18-speed automated transmissions, driving through the 4.3:1 years.

Thomas points out that the ECM download from the Kenworth shows fuel consumption of 1.58 km/litre, a running time of 90% in top gear, and the average engine speed of 1322 rpm.

“Fuel consumption is very good, in line with our expectations for the X15, and it will only improve when we fine-tune the aerodynamics,,” he adds, pointing out that rooftop wind deflectors are to be fitted.

The Euro 6 engines also fit with Sadleirs' commitment to decarbonization and supports its aspirational aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.

The X15 is EGR-free and utilizes a standard wastegate turbocharger for Euro 6. Single module aftertreatment technology integrates both the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and AdBlue selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Lower cost maintenance

While Sadleirs relies on OEM servicing of its European trucks, Thomas McAulay is utilizing Sadleirs’ own workshop to service the Kenworths which he believes will result in lower cost maintenance over the life of the trucks.

“We have a workshop team of 10 and Cummins has been involved in a familiarization program with our technicians,,” he points out.

Cummins’ support, led by Geoff Ironmonger, is rated highly by Thomas. “When we’ve wanted something from Cummins, the response has been quick,” he states.

A look at a couple of our Members

By KEVIN TOOVEY

The HCVC of WA has been going for more than twenty years and many of our members have a truck or two in their shed or garage that they are currently working on. There are also many fully restored historical trucks in the club. Our aim as a club is to raise the profile of historic commercial vehicles to the public. It is a hobby that may appeal to people from the transport industry as they would

have many of the skills required and the interest as well.

Two of our long-term members can no longer drive their trucks, but their work and trucks can still be appreciated. Des Curtis has restored three trucks, an International Loadstar, Dodge Kew and International AR110 and as a very active member, Des took them to many local events. Des also helped organise the cups of tea and coffee

after our monthly meetings. It takes people like Des to get others to stay and chat after the meetings.

Lindsay Hill was the newsletter editor for a long time. He has restored a Dennis fire engine, Chev truck, Ford Model T, Chrysler Bus and stationary engines in his workshop. Lindsay had a wide range of vehicle interests. I met Lindsay at a GM car day at Bassendean oval, he suggested I join the HCVC, not long after I became the editor of the HCVC newsletter and then bought my Dodge for a restoration project.

Both Des and Lindsay have also helped other members with their restorations, their knowledge, time and workshop space has been greatly apricated and valued by many members.

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

By Russell McKinnon

In a lifetime in the transport industry, Ray U’Chong has seen plenty of changes.

The WARTA Vice Chairman and Jayde Transport’s Manager Fremantle, has especially seen a vibrancy and purpose instilled at Fremantle Port.

“Specifically, the relationship of everyone in the link/chain — stevedores, container parks, brokers, end customer, transport companies, customs, quarantine and the like.

“Now we all communicate. Ten years ago, we didn’t,” he says.

“It all relates. Every business is in business to make money. Delays of any kind, mean a loss of money.

Ray is encouraged by the initiative from Patricks, offering 24-hour services seven days a week. Patricks has the majority of the container trade and continues to service its clients, but Ray feels that there needs to be far more competition on the wharves.

“One of the things that enhances us is the stevedores. There are only two stevedores on the wharf. There should be more. It should be encouraged by the Government.

“We need to be looking 10 years out. Then plan for another 20 years. We should be more aggressive in our implementation. We should be planning.”

“Infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired. It’s important that we have dedicated truck routes. The country’s still young. There are still plenty of opportunities to think of 2050. Let’s start thinking today,” Ray says.

Looking at what is happening today, Ray says the Rous Head redevelopment was absolutely a huge improvement, but that planning needs to take into account massive expansion.

“Throughput in the short-term is 680,000 containers (20’) and the predictions are that

in 2017 it will double. What plans are in place to accommodate that?”

Ray also says that the port community must be flexible with all the links in the chain. He points to the valued component of road transport over rail and the need to expand thinking.

“Why don’t we run road trains to Midland? We must have a vision. There has to be special truck routes — farm it out and get out of congestion,” he says.

Ray’s vision for the future of Western Australia includes the Government selecting hot spots for urgent infrastructure planning and development.

“Let’s do something, whether it be the expansion of the Roe Highway, a rail line to Perth Airport or better access to the new Fiona Stanley Hospital.

“Take small pockets of the State and slowly do something and in 20 years’ time we will have a better flow of transport.”

Ray says WARTA has achieved and maintained a very strong relationship with government bodies — Fremantle Ports, Main Roads WA, Department of Transport, Western Power — all the doors are open to us, even the Minister’s office.

He applauds Main Roads’ response to the permit process, through its Over Size Over-Mass unit. “They never shut their shop, have staff during holidays, and are still there to deliver permits, for Industry.”

He says that dialogue with Fremantle Ports, via CEO Chris Leatt-Hayter, is also a bridge to continued efficiency. “He embraces opinions of people. We talk to him quite regularly.”

He says the same of the WA Freight & Logistics Council, where more senior people work through the macro issues whilst having a goal for a specific time limit on projects.

If Ray had his way he would like to see

There’s no need to find another wharf. Just finetune this wharf

triples running at Rous Head.

“We should at least consider 53.5m road trains off the wharf.

Ray’s career started in 1972 when he was studying and worked part-time with AllTrans and TNT for two years casually during school breaks.

In 1974, he started an eight-year career with SPD Unilever Dutch Co. In January 1982, he switched to Mayne Nickless and in July of that year Wesfarmers took over Mayne Nickless. From 1982 until 2003, the business was sold to different transport groups.

Ray was in charge of logistics for Wesfarmers and then that part of the business was sold to Redolfo. Ray stayed 18 months and left.

He was with Lionel Samson for twothree months and then finally moved to Jayde Transport where he has been for nearly 10 years. In 1986, he represented Fremantle Operations on the Committee of Management Transport Forum and WARTA’s Freight Division, becoming chairman in 1988.

This brought him to the Association’s Committee of Management where he rose to the position of Vice Chairman of the Association.

The Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc) is the only transport association in WA specifically representing rural transporters.

We are a strong voice for rural WA, ensuring that policy decisions support the viability and safety of rural transporters, primary industry and the communities they service.

Members of the Management Committee are hands on business people, most of whom would drive a truck weekly and travel on nearly every road in WA’s 150,000 km road network in the course of a year.

This close proximity between transporting operations and the advisory role means that representatives of the Association are at the coal face and as such are able to provide that all too rare practical hands on advice in committees, consultative forums and meetings.

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