Volume 42, Issue 42, 25 March 2022
With the looming Federal Election the QTA is taking a close interest in commitments from the two major parties that benefit the road freight industry. In these difficult times, coming off the back of COVID, major flooding in Queensland/New South Wales and the volatility of fuel pricing, it is imperative that we as your Association are doing our utmost to improve conditions for the road freight industry.
I am pleased to announce that we will be releasing our Federal Election Blueprint next week. It will identify 4 key priorities that articulate a clear vision for the future of Queensland road freight industry that feeds into the nation’s economy. We will be strongly urging the next Australian Government to direct more economic stimulus monies to essential key road assets and initiatives, to unlock and connect key freight routes and drive the confidence of industry. Members will be first to receive exclusive access to the Blueprint.
One of our signature initiatives from the Think Big Election priorities of the 2020 State Election being the development of the all weather Inland Freight Route (IFR), has already received another significant boost. Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Barnaby Joyce announced yesterday, a further $400M towards the IFR which now takes the committed funding to date between Federal and State governments to $1B. We commend the government for continuing to commit funds to this regional infrastructure initiative that will greatly benefit regional and rural communities, and the many other sectors that are reliant on road freight to support their business function.
We expect these works ought be able to commence in 2023. This is a significant stepping stone towards creating an alternate all-weather freight network in Queensland that will connect to other major multi-modal freight routes. Our advocacy for the IFR will continue to be clear and consistent to ensure that this important piece of infrastructure remains at the forefront of government priorities.
Please continue to contact me to discuss any issues that are impacting your region or business in the lead up to the Federal Election.
Stay safe
Gary
QTA Annual General Meeting - 12 April 2022
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A reminder that the forty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Queensland Trucking Association will take place Online via Zoom on Tuesday, 12 April 2022 from 5:00pm to approximately 6:30pm.
Nominations for Board of Directors
Nominations are called for the Board of Directors of the QTA for the 2022 year. To nominate for the QTA Board of Directors for the 2022 year, please DOWNLOAD a copy of the full Notice of Meeting and return form no later than Tuesday, 5 April 2022.
Register your online attendance
Click here to Register your participation in advance. After registering, you will receive a Zoom confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Any member unable to attend, may vote by Proxy (form included in the full notice). Completed proxy forms must be return no later than Monday, 11 April 2022.
NQ Save the Date - Smart Business Seminar heading your way
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QTA is hosting a Smart Business Seminar for North Queensland Road Freight businesses in Townsville bringing together a suite of industry topics we believe will benefit you and the smooth running of your business. We know you are busy getting the job done, so we are here to help provide some advice and assistance on the following topics:
- Superannuation
- Cyber Insurance and what to do if you get hacked
- Cash flow and introducing fuel levies into your business
- Employee Contracts and employment and awards
Mark your diaries - more details including online registrations will be released in the coming weeks.
Truckie enjoying his new gig (Big Rigs, 19/03/2022)
Pure Hydrogen to develop Australia's first ever hydrogen fuelled garbage truck for JJ's Waste & Recycling (ASX, 21/03/2022)
Pure Hydrogen to develop Australian first (Big Rigs, 24/03/2022)
Qube provides wind farm transport, announces buy-back program (Prime Mover, 22/03/2022)
Les Blennerhassett - Blenners Transport, Tully, North Queensland (The Brown & Hurley Big Podcast, Spotify)
Feds green light another $400m to upgrade second Bruce Hwy (Big Rigs, 24/03/2022)
Hydrogen refuelling corridor announced by states (Prime Mover, 25/03/2022)
Act Now to help solve the long term driver shortage
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The long awaited news of the establishment of a HV Driver Apprenticeship in Australia was welcomed, however, we now need your support to have the apprenticeship approved in Queensland. Its now time to show your support by completing this short survery.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Complete the short survey now.
Government Media Releases
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Federal - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
$400 million in federal funding to upgrade Inland Freight Route (24/03/2022)
The Morrison-Joyce Government has locked in a further $400 million to upgrade the Inland Freight Route as part of our plan for a stronger future, creating thousands of jobs, keeping freight moving and better connecting regional Queensland industries and communities. Click here to view.
State - Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister Public Works and Procurement, Hon Mick de Brenni
Queensland hydrogen superhighway to link with southern states (25/03/2022)
Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have today announced a landmark tri-state collaboration on a renewable hydrogen refuelling network for heavy transport and logistics along Australia’s eastern seaboard. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the States have agreed to collaborate on the development of the east coast hydrogen refuelling network that includes the nation’s most critical roads and highways. Click here to view.
ATO's Attack on Trusts and Trust Distributions
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Article by Platinum Partner, The Enterprise Edge
Late last month, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) released a package of new guidance material that directly targets how trusts distribute income. Many family groups will pay higher taxes (now and potentially retrospectively) as a result of the ATO’s more aggressive approach.
This will potentially have a significant effect on transport operators who run their business (or components of their business) through family trusts. The tax legislation contains an integrity rule (section 100A) which is aimed at situations where income of a trust is appointed in favour of a beneficiary but the economic benefit of the distribution is provided to another individual or entity. If trust distributions are caught by section 100A, then this generally results in the trustee being taxed at penalty rates rather than the beneficiary being taxed at their own marginal tax rates.
There are some important exceptions to section 100A. The ATO’s guidance sets out four ‘risk zones’ – referred to as the white, green, blue and red zones. If you would like to find out more on these ‘risk zones’ or any other interpretation to this approach by the ATO, please feel free to contact Clinton Stewart CA, Managing Director at The Enterprise Edge on 0448 277 551 or clinton@theenterpriseedge.com.au.
Related articles by ATO:
Draft Practical Compliance Guideline
Draft guidance products impacting trusts released
Trust reimbursement agreements and unpaid present entitlements – draft guidance
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. We know Queensland operators are great supporters of this conference and this year you will get an opportunity to hear from our CEO Gary Mahon who will be a key contributor to a number of conference sessions.
At Trucking Australia, you will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive workshops and panel discussions as we explore the challenges and solutions for the industry in 2022 and beyond.
View Conference Program | Register Now!
Safe Work and Return to Work Awards - Submit your entry!
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Share your wins! -
Have you, or someone you know, shown outstanding commitment, leadership or innovation in work health and safety or return to work?
Be recognised and celebrate your safety success story, enter the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards!
With 12 to choose from, there is a category for everyone.
Visit WorkSafe.qld.gov.au to view categories or enter.
Why enter? You could win up to $2000 and have a short film made to showcase your
achievements. All finalists will be invited to the Awards ceremony on Friday 21 October 2022 at the W Hotel, Brisbane. Entries close Friday 17 June 2022.
More information
Visit WorkSafe.qld.gov.au, email awards@oir.qld.gov.au or contact the Awards team on 07 3406 9742.
*Closed categories – entries into these categories are chosen by the judges.
North Qld Work Well Conference
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The North Queensland Work Well Conference (previously the North Queensland Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference) is back in Townsville on 4-5 May 2022 at The Pavilion, The Ville Resort and registrations are now open!
The one-and-a-half-day conference focuses on injury prevention, mental health, work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work. The program includes a full day conference, networking function and half day of masterclasses where you will hear from a range of experts, including keynote speakers Rachael Robertson and Sam Cawthorn.
Conference and masterclasses (including Networking function): $297 incl. GST
Click here to register or view the full program.
Online Business Resilience Courses
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The Road Freight Resilience Program has been created for small to medium businesses to enhance business viability, productivity and efficiency in a low cost way, by accessing relevant information in a short online course format.
Take the opportunity now to increase your knowledge bank, review and improve your business practices.
Within the entire program there are eleven courses on topics including, road freight job costing (with a free template to calculate costs), how to find the right people, to understanding how to use Social Media in your business.
The entire program can be purchased for $99.00 or individual courses from $20/course. Enrol today.
The following course webinars are coming up.
MORE INFORMATION HERE
Changed traffic conditions - Port Drive (inbound), 29 March
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Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd advises that there will be traffic control on Port Drive on Tuesday 29 March 2022 from 6.00am to 3.00pm, weather permitting.
Contractors will be installing new signage on the edge of Port Drive between Kite St and Captain Bishop Bridge (inbound). The works will be in close proximity to traffic, and we request that all drivers comply with and respect all traffic management controls.
Where:
- Port Drive on-ramp between Kite St and Captain Bishop Bridge
- Port Drive overpass inbound
What to expect
- Partial lane closure on Port Drive inbound (Kite Street overpass)
- Changed traffic conditions on the Port Drive on-ramp (inbound)
- Traffic management and control measures
- Reduced road speeds to 40km/hr within the construction area.
For more information, please contact Wade Reidy – PBPL Infrastructure Maintenance Coordinator on 0438 888 125
Western Downs Region - Temporary load restriction and detour
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Effective Friday 18 March, a 42.5-tonne load limit is now in place on the Woleebee Creek bridge, near Wandoan. The bridge foundation and surface were damaged during the recent rainfall and flooding.
Heavy vehicles over 42.5 tonnes will be permitted to detour via the Leichhardt and Warrego Highways through Miles.
Woleebee Creek bridge is located on Jackson-Wandoan Road approximately 12 kilometres west of Wandoan. The timeframe for repairing the bridge is unknown at this stage.
For up-to-date information on road closures and traffic conditions, visit the QLDTraffic website or call 13 19 40.
NQ: Temporary closure of Helen's Hill H/Vehicle rest area extended (Bruce Highway, Townsville - Ingham)
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Due to delays in the supply of critical materials, the closure of the Helen's Hill heavy vehicle rest area has been extended. The rest area is now expected to reopen on Thursday 14 April 2022, weather permitting.
Until Thursday 14 April 2022 the Helen's Hill heavy vehicle rest area on the Bruce Highway will be temporarily closed. Plan your journey and manage fatigue accordingly.
Helen's Hill heavy vehicle rest area is located about 17km south of Ingham.
Alternative vehicle rest areas (see below map) are located at:
- Christmas Creek heavy vehicle rest area, about 47km north of Townsville.
- Rollingstone inspection and weigh pad site, about 65km north of Townsville.
Works on the Helen's Hill heavy vehicle rest area are being undertaken to upgrade the entrance and exit points, and parking areas. These works will improve road safety for heavy vehicles accessing the rest area and for motorists travelling along this section of the Bruce Highway.
Download the free RestSpace app to find, rate and add rest areas across the state. RestSpace features a database of about 2000 Queensland rest stops and a GPS routable base map.
Other features of the app include:
- GPS co-ordinates to locate specific rest areas, which can be used in external GPS devices.
- An estimated time of arrival to rest areas.
- Filtered search capability for particular rest areas based on amenities.
- Bookmarking capability to save favourite rest stops.
- Reviews and ratings about rest areas for other heavy vehicle users.
- Driver feedback for users to suggest improvements to the quality and accuracy of information available about the rest areas.
A reminder that 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.
NQ: Lane Closure and Width Restrictions - Burdekin River Bridge, Bruce Highway (Ayr-Home Hill)
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Burdekin River Bridge will be closed for rehabilitation works between the following times, weather permitting:
- 9.30pm Saturday 2 April to 6.00am Sunday 3 April and;
- 6.00pm Sunday 3 April to 5.00am Monday 4 April 2022
Heavy vehicles operators with an oversize vehicle or wide loads of 3.4m wide or greater will not be permitted to cross the Burdekin River Bridge during these works. The existing height restriction of 4.5m remains in place.
The Bruce Highway will reopen to normal traffic between 6am and 6pm on Sunday 3 April 2022; and after the work is completed at 5am on Monday 4 April 2022.
Wide load operators are advised to avoid the area and make alternative plans while the Bruce Highway is closed to loads wider than 3.4m.
For more information about the oversize and wide load restriction please contact the onsite supervisor by telephoning 0407 690 314.
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.
FNQ: Safety Works - Mulligan Highway
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TMR will be carrying out safety improvement works on the Mulligan Highway (Lakeland – Cooktown) at two sections near Little Annan River Bridge from early April 2022 - late June 2022 (from 6am to 6pm), weather permitting.
The works will include
- installation of guardrail and pavement widening on the road shoulders,
- Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM) on the centre and edge lines to improve driver safety. (ATLM installed to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes).
This project is part of the Targeted Road Safety Program which targets funding to help reduce trauma on roads identified as high risk and provide long term improvements to safety at key locations.
Changed traffic conditions will be in place including temporary speed limit and single lane reductions, under coordination of traffic controllers. Road users should expect minor delays and plan their journeys accordingly.
Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be in place on the approaches to the work site prior to works commencing to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions. Changes in dates due to poor weather will be posted on the VMS.
More information about road conditions across Queensland’s state-controlled road network is available via the www.QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au website or 13 19 40 Information services.
NWQ: Temporary Width Restrictons - Wills Developmental Road (Julia Creek - Burketown)
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From 6am to 6pm Monday 04 April 2022 to Saturday 09 April 2022 weather permitting, temporary width restrictions will be in place at Mittigudi River Bridge located along the Wills Developmental Road (Julia Creek – Burketown), 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 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).
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.
ARE YOU AN EXISTING BP PLUS CUSTOMER - Make sure you connect you Qantas Rewards number to your account.
If you aren't a BP Plus customer, 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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