Volume 42, Issue 33, 04 March 2022
This week we have worked hard to communicate early advice on road closures and impending openings to assist with your operational planning to keep your trucks moving. We really feel for our members who have been impacted by the weather belting that has occurred over the past week. Your ability to bounce back and just 'get on with the job' is really commendable. Please contact us if there is anything further that we can assist you with.
Until the full impact of the past week is known, many businesses and families in Queensland and New South Wales are facing the challenge of starting over and rebuilding. Coupled with the loss of homes and property, people living in flood affected areas are also dealing with a shortage of essential food and supplies due to major highways and roads being cut and trucks not able to access towns.
This is also impacting people outside these regions as trucks have been stopped for days with rising flood waters taking out major freight routes in Queensland. The events of the past week again reinforce the need for an all-weather flood immune freight network in Queensland in both north and south directions. Rail has been taken out of commission, which only increases community reliance on road freight to deliver. The amount of time and stress that road freight operators are required to spend on contingency plans sourcing alternate routes, keeping drivers informed only adds undue pressure on an industry that is still suffering from staff shortages due to the impact of COVID.
In this day and age, we should not be in a situation where trucks can't deliver essential supplies into communities in and out of south-east Queensland when we have an option waiting for ground to be broken, an essential investment for this State and Country's future - the Inland Freight Route.
In 2020, the Premier's 'A Real Plan for the Bruce' election policy commitment included building the Second Bruce.
"We will make the Bruce safer for regional communities who live and drive the Bruce locally, by building an inland highway - the Second Bruce - that will take trucks off the Bruce by providing an alternative route that is floodproof, boosting productivity for our truckies, farmers and mine workers.
(p10, A Real Plan for the Bruce)
This was a major win for the Association after our strong policy campaign in the 2020 election, but the proof will be in the delivery of this commitment. It's time now to get the work started on the Inland Freight Route and work towards creating the 'Second Bruce' that will ensure that Queensland's supply chain is guaranteed to be all-weather secure into the future.
Stay safe
Gary
Plans for Gin Gin HV Parking Facility
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QTA has been in continuing discussions with the Bundaberg Regional Council about the installation of a heavy vehicle parking area in Gin Gin.
This proposal does rely on the support of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and is a commendable improvement for Bruce Highway drivers.
The essential elements of a toilet block and pedestrian walkway have been agreed at this time as you see from the below diagram and we are optimistic the work to complete this project will commence early next year. Our representations to TMR continue for the inclusion of larger rest and parking areas for both North and South bound heavy vehicles with the new Tiaro bypass.
We commend the Bundaberg Regional Council for developing and supporting the industry with this initiative that will provide a high standard of necessary provisions needed at a heavy vehicle rest stop on this priority freight corridor. The will support truck drivers with an environment to not only park up, but also safely access service station amenities with the inclusion of the pedestrian walkway.
Establishing a plan for strategically placed rest facilities with a high standard of amenities up and down the freight corridor will greatly support our truck drivers delivering into and transporting out of our regional communities. We will continue to push for a larger facility at Tiaro which is around the four hour mark into a journey north out of Brisbane or travelling south into SEQ, making it an ideal location for drivers to stop for a break.
T&L: Support needed for HV Driver Apprenticeship by 11 March
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As the Industry Skills Advisor for Transport and Logistics in Queensland, the QTA is developing an Industry Proposal to have the Certificate III in Driving Operations declared as an apprenticeship in Queensland.
Although the apprenticeship has been announced federally, each state has to formally have the apprenticeship accepted.
We are gathering evidence of need to support the proposal and we are seeking your support for this.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Complete the short survey by 11 March.
Australian Industry Standards have released draft training products for the following projects and are inviting feedback:
- Customs Broking Project – Final draft training materials are now available for comment. These align the Diploma of Customs Broking with updated regulatory requirements, technology changes, and current industry practice. Feedback is invited until close of business Friday 4 March 2022.
- Electric Heavy Vehicle Project - Draft training materials are now available for comment. These include two units of competency designed to address the required skills and knowledge for operating an electric bus or heavy vehicle. Feedback is invited up to close of business Friday 18 March 2022.
Please contact Camilla at vet@qta.com.au if you would like to provide feedback directly to us on the above training package development projects, to ensure the voice of Queensland industry is heard.
Disaster Support for Businesses
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Information extracted from the Disaster Support for Business newsletter by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
A range of support and information is available for businesses impacted by the recent rainfall and floods.
Businesses are encouraged to follow Business Queensland on Facebook or check the Business Queensland website to stay aware of updates to available assistance or you can contact the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687.
Small Business Disaster Hub Resources to help businesses respond and recover following a natural disaster are available from the Small Business Disaster Hub website. Useful topics include:
Natural disaster assistance
Find out what financial assistance and support is available if you have been affected by a natural disaster.
Mental health support There is a range of mental health and wellbeing resources including tips, advice and support that have been developed by the Queensland and Australian Governments and other agencies to help small business owners.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need.
Natural Disaster Business Survey The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training has opened a Natural disaster business survey to understand the impact of rainfall and flooding on businesses in the South East Queensland area as well as Maryborough, the Fraser Coast and Toowoomba to determine the assistance they require.
Fair Work Australia If your business has been affected by a natural disaster you should be aware of your legal obligations and responsibilities as an employer. Fair Work Australia has information about employee entitlements during natural disasters or emergencies.
If you have to close your business temporarily after a natural disaster you may be able to change employment arrangements, including standing down staff without pay. Phone Ezra at the QTA office for assistance or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for specific information on your circumstances or visit fairwork.gov.au.
Government Media Releases/Statements
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State Government
All toll roads now free (Minister for Transport & Main Roads - Mark Bailey MP, 02/03/2022)
Travel on all toll roads is now free to assist drivers in the clean-up efforts who are navigating road closures around Brisbane. Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the toll suspension came into effect on the tunnel from 8am today, until midnight Sunday, 6 March 2022. Read more
Unlock and Reconnect at Trucking Australia 2022
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The ATA’s Trucking Australia 2022 conference will be held on the Gold Coast, from 4-6 May.
The conference is an opportunity for industry members to ‘unlock’ from the challenges faced during COVID and ‘reconnect’ as an industry to develop positive discussions and solutions for 2022 and beyond.
The program is packed full of hard-hitting business sessions and collaborative workshops that aim to inspire innovation, create synergy, and encourage you to embrace new ways of thinking.
QTA Ltd members who register before 18 March will save $100 and can take advantage of MEGA deal and full conference pass tickets.
View Conference Program | Register Now!
Get a Finance Partner that offers the full service
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We'll go the distance
Today. Tomorrow. Next year.
It’s not about transactions – it’s about partnerships.
Heritage never forget about service, because it’s the little things that matter. Like staying in touch, doing what you say you are going to do and never letting a client down. We call them the little disciplines. It’s the little disciplines in our day that that make yours better.
Asset finance is only part of Heritage's business model, we strive to offer our clients a one stop shop for all funding needs.
Our Services Heritage Finance has earned its respected reputation from the successful delivery of the following finance services:
• Chattel Mortgage Finance • Finance Lease • Commercial Hire Purchase • Debt Restructuring • Pre-approved funding limits • Debt Structuring Assistance
With offices in Brisbane & Melbourne, and an Australia wide presence, Heritage Finance is one of Australia’s largest introducers of asset finance.
For a tailored discussion about your finance requirements we welcome you to contact your Local Queensland Representative Jay Pyne on 0437 696 861.
Need help with recruitment?
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Recruitment Services – Supporting Business
Operating across both private and public sectors, dealing in permanent, contract and casual roles, BUSY place people in jobs from entry level through to managers and senior executives. They provide assistance in managing the recruitment process for your business and take great pride in their capacity to locate the right person with the right skills at the right time.
The BUSY Group recruitment services team design tailored training and employment programs that prepare job seekers for specific roles and meet the needs of industry employers.
The talented BUSY team of recruitment specialists advise some of Australia’s largest corporations on the attraction, selection and retention of their most valuable asset, their people.
We understand that a highly skilled and capable workforce is critical to business performance no matter how large or small you are.
Our recruitment services are funded under an Australian Government contract and are provided at no cost to you. You may also be eligible for government financial incentives to assist with wage and other costs.
We can help you:
BUSY can also provide you with all the information about Government incentives that are available to business owners who are looking for staff.
Let BUSY take care of the recruitment and paperwork so you can focus on running your business as usual.
CONTACT US about recruiting for your workplace.
Suspension on all excess mass and dimension movements - South Coast District
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Information provided by Department of Transport & Main Roads, Heavy Vehicle Unit
Due to the recent weather event in South East Queensland, TMR wishes to advise that a suspension on all excess mass and dimension movements is in place for the South Coast District.
This suspension applies to operators of all vehicles that exceed regulation mass and/or dimension and Class 1 Oversize and Overmass vehicles operating throughout the South Coast District. This suspension will be reviewed on 9 March 2022.
Heavy Vehicles with as-of-right access are not restricted.
Operators of Oversize and Overmass vehicles are recommended to continue to monitor changes in road conditions of affected areas as the road network is assessed and recovery work continues.
TMR is committed to maintaining ongoing safety for all road users and appreciate your patience during this time.
We are continuously monitoring, assessing and reviewing our roads, bridges and culverts across Queensland. Conditions can change quickly, particularly due to weather. Restrictions are implemented to maintain ongoing safety for all road users.
It is your responsibility to make sure you're using up-to-date information when you assess the suitability of your route.
You must check the Conditions of Operation Database before you start your journey.
Visit the QLDTraffic website, download the app or call 13 19 40 to report an incident or get real-time traffic reports.
Flinders Highway (Charters Towers - Hughenden) Temporary Width Restrictions
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From 6am to 6pm Monday 14 March 2022 to Saturday 26 March 2022 weather permitting, temporary width restrictions will be in place at Bullock Creek Bridge located along the Flinders Highway (Charters Towers – Hughenden), while asphalt replacement works are undertaken to improve road safety.
Vehicles with a ground contact width or load width exceeding 3.5m will be restricted during the construction period.
Vehicles with loads exceeding 3.5m wide:
- will only be permitted at daylight hours between 6am and 6pm with prior arrangement
- must contact Bhushan Chamakale 48 hours before arrival at site on 0437 421 736.
Failure to comply may result in delays to your journey.
Works will involve single lane traffic operation under traffic controllers/traffic lights, reduced speed (40km/hr) and delays will be expected.
TMR are continuously monitoring, assessing and reviewing our roads, bridges and culverts across Queensland. Conditions can change quickly, particularly due to weather. Restrictions are implemented to maintain ongoing safety for all road users.
It is your responsibility to make sure you're using up-to-date information when you assess the suitability of your route.
You must check the Conditions of Operation Database before you start your journey. Visit the QLDTraffic website, download the app or call 13 19 40 to report an incident or get real-time traffic reports.
Want to give your business a boost? With BP Plus and as a Qantas Business Rewards member you could earn up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points.
Sign up to BP Plus by March 31, and your business could earn 10,000 bonus Qantas Points. Plus, earn an 10,000 points every time you fuel up in the first 9 months. ^
That’s up to 100,000 points to use the way you want. Use those points to reinvest into your business, reward your team, or put them towards your next holiday.
Make the most of your business’ fuel spend. Sign up to a BP Plus fuel card by 31 March.
Visit BP Plus.com.au for more. It really is, business, the clever way.
Use code QBR100QTA.
Sign up now (Earn Qantas Points with BP Plus)
T&Cs apply ^ visit www.bpplus.com.au ^To earn bonus Qantas Points with BP Plus your business must 1) successfully sign-up for a BP Plus account between 15 January 2022 and 31 March 2022, 2) be approved for a BP Plus account, and 3) be a Qantas Business Rewards member, or within thirty (30) calendar days of being approved for a bp Plus account, become a Qantas Business Rewards member. Approved businesses will earn 10,000 bonus Qantas Points upon approval of a BP Plus account. Qantas Points will be awarded within 6 weeks of approval of a BP Plus account.
Your business will earn an additional 10,000 bonus Qantas Points by purchasing 1,000 or more litres of fuel in each calendar month (for up to 9 calendar months) following BP Plus account approval; up to a maximum of 90,000 bonus Qantas Points.
Bonus Qantas Points for each month will be awarded within 6 weeks of each monthly account invoice payment. bp Plus and Qantas Business Rewards terms and conditions apply. Qantas reserves the right to determine the award of bonus Qantas Points to eligible customers. Refer to BP Plus Terms & Conditions and Qantas Business Rewards Terms & Conditions.
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Queensland's road freight voice since 1907. Trusted to Deliver. Driven by Service.
www.qta.com.au | 0733944388
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