Aug 7, 2018
The NSW Government has allocated an additional $500 million towards the NSW drought relief package to assist farmers affected by the drought – an event that now strangles 99% of the state.
This brings the total relief package to $1 billion.
The additional funding includes $190 million in transport subsidies providing farmers access to a subsidy for up to 50% of the cost of moving stock, food, and water.
“A drought doesn’t discriminate and an entire rural community will experience the impacts. If local farmers are struggling, so too does the whole community,” says LBRCA President Lynley Miners.
“The package is not the silver bullet that will deliver a state-wide miracle but it’s going to keep the cogs turning while we wait for the drought to break.”
“The LBRCA agree that it is critical to support our farmers but is equally critical to extend adequate lifelines to the rural sectors that support our farmers including rural transporters.”
As part of the package, all NSW councils can now apply for funding to rectify poor sections of local roads that may impact on drought affected stock being transported.
Do the drought measures extend far enough to support all rural sectors? What else can be done to provide relief to – or support – rural carriers who may be experiencing the ripple effect of a long and drawn out drought?
The LBRCA is keen for members to express their views – please contact the Secretariat on 02 6295 6651 or email bec.coleman@lbrca.org.au
Aug 6, 2018
An interesting article appeared in The Daily Telegraph last Friday 3 August titled ‘Gay looks in driving seat for a plum job?’.
The exclusive written by well-known Sydney journalist Annabel Hennessy suggests that ex-NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay has been lobbying for the position as chair of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), a position currently held by former Liberal politician Bruce Baird.
The Daily Telegraph revealed that Duncan met with NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey in May to discuss appointing him as the chair of the NHVR.
This was confirmed by the LBRCA this morning with a spokesperson for Minister Pavey stating “The Minister supports Duncan Gay being appointed to the NHVR board given his extensive experience in the industry.”
Duncan also allegedly has the support of the Federal Transport Minister Michael McCormack who has put him forward as the Commonwealth’s nomination for the role.
In responding to this news, Duncan said “if the opportunity to be Chair of the NHVR arose, I would seek guidance from the Ethics Advisor or relevant bodies to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.”
It does seem that our former NSW Roads Minister is keen to take on the top job should there be no road blocks in his way. We will keep a close eye on any movements in this area.
Aug 6, 2018
Congratulations to LBRCA members Mick and Jo McCulloch from McCulloch Bulk Haulage who have taken delivery of their new Kenworth T610 SAR after successfully bidding on the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient production truck every to carry the iconic Kenworth badge.
The prime mover, generously supplied by Brown & Hurley Coffs Habour thanks to Dealer Principal Graham Sebbens, was the centrepiece of the 2018 LBRCA/ALRTA Conference held in Coffs Harbour in March.
Industry suppliers including Alemlube, AEI Transport Insurance, BP Australia, Haultech Engineering, Barrup Bullbars, Teletrac Navman and Truck Art Trailers generously donated a range of high-quality extras to the vehicle.
“This vehicle is a game changer for industry and it will turn some heads and start conversation in truck stops all over Australia,” LBRCA President Lynley Miners says.
The prime mover is powered by the Cummins X15 Euro V engine with Advance Dynamic Efficient Powertrain (ADEPT) technology and includes a suite of electronic features that interact with the Eaton automated manual transmission.
The T610 SAR is built for the versatile Australian landscape and dynamically adapts to operating conditions to enhance fuel economy with no impact on productivity.
Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with braking, Collission Mitigation as well as the standard EBSS safety systems are now standard and will ensure that the McCulloch team are operating under the safest conditions on our roads.
The LBRCA extends special thanks to Graham Sebbens and Alex Milne from Brown & Hurley Coffs Habour for their generosity, time and efforts making this delivery seamless as well as the generous suppliers who are dedicated to supporting an industry that supports them.
Aug 6, 2018
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has implemented a new process to enable the public to obtain heavy vehicle images online from the Safe-T-Cam and Point to Point (excluding average speed offences).
Previously there was no dedicated process for a customer to obtain a copy of a camera image for a vehicle they own or were driving. Further, an application was required to be completed along with a fee paid.
The new process allows a person who has a lawful interest in obtaining the images to apply directly to RMS Enforcement Services Unit – at no cost.
To obtain the images, customers must complete a ‘Heavy Vehicle Camera Image Request Form’ and email to enforcement.review@rms.nsw.gov.au
Unfortunately, the process does not apply to speeding offences. Revenue NSW separately manage these.
Important Links:
▪ RMS website: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/heavy-vehicles/safety-compliance/speeding-camera-enforcement/safe-t-cams.html
▪ Form: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/forms/45065676-heavy-vehicle-camera-image-request.pdf.
▪ Fact Sheet: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/business-industry/heavy-vehicles/faqs-requesting-heavy-vehicle-camera-images.pdf.
▪ Enforcement Review direct email address: enforcement.review@rms.nsw.gov.au
