Information Bulletin.
22 August 2008

We caught up with the Australian Logistics Councils (ALC) Ivan Backman and Hal Morris earlier his week.

Ivan and Hal were in town promoting the ALC and to get a feel for local issues.

Ivan said that after being here a few days and visiting various venues he and his wife Eve now had a much better appreciation of what the Territory was about.

Pleasing to see Delia Lawrie back in her pre election position again as Minister for Transport etc.

It’s never an easy job bringing a new person up to speed on our issues, and our minister is already across what we are about.

Note that the CLP has appointed new Alice Springs MLA Adam Giles as the shadow transport spokes person and we congratulate him to his new job.

Am sure the truckers in the centre will be keeping him on his toes over local road conditions.

Productivity Reform to Position Rail for Future Challenges.

An issues paper to support a strategic review of rail productivity has been released for public comment by the National Transport Commission (NTC).
The review will provide an important input to the Australian Transport Council’s National Transport Policy reform agenda across all modes.
Despite economic growth and high fuel prices, rail’s share of the transport task on many corridors continues to fall.
The issues paper explores opportunities to improve transport policy-making, land-use planning, regulation and investment to better connect transport networks, and improve capacity and service.
Public responses to the Issues Paper are welcomed by 18 September 2008.
A Draft Position Statement will be released in November 2008 for public comment, with a Final Position Statement to be released in March/April 2009.
Go to: Rail Productivity - Home Page

Trackside Vegetation Blamed for Rail Accident in SA Level Crossing Collision.

On Monday 6 August 2007, a loaded sewage truck drove into the path of the south-bound passenger train, The Ghan (7DA8), at the Murrow Farm level crossing near Two Wells, South Australia.
The driver of the truck was seriously injured and the truck was destroyed
The investigation has found that there was insufficient sighting distance for the truck driver to see The Ghan approaching from the north before he crossed the railway track.
There was vegetation growing adjacent to the rail track which impeded the sighting for the driver of the truck and the maintenance practices for the clearing of vegetation at the Murrow Farm level crossing were inadequate to maintain effective sighting of trains. Full Report: http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2007/RAIR/rair2007005.aspx

Bare Basics Trucking

Photo: Richard Kay

This interesting photo from Richard Kay was taken in 1952.

The old truck is a 1936 model Leyland fitted with a Blitz cabin (note the original wheel arch at the bottom of the left hand door)

Richard says that if was a challenge to get in and out of the cab when he was a youngster.

The vehicle that at the time belonged to Stanton and Litchfield, and was driven by Boyne Litchfield.

The photo was taken at Wooliana prior to departing for the Darwin Port with a load of peanuts that would eventually end up in QLD.

The ATA / Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) 2008 Technical and Maintenance Conference will put the spotlight on ways of reducing your fuel consumption, as well as other important workshop topics involving hands on demonstrations by industry suppliers and technical experts.

Sessions are designed with the underlying themes in mind - safety, productivity, environment and cost.

Early bird registrations close 31 August. Download the registration form at http://www.atatruck.net.au/tmc/

Spotted Rusting Away in the Bush

This old Mack 6x6 was spotted by Richard Kay out Roper River way rusting away in the bush.

The truck is an N series 6x6 probably built during WW2
Originally powered by a 6-cylinder 123hp Mack ED engine this one has been repowered with a GM.
Transmission: was a 5-speed Mack TRD37 gearbox coupled to a two speed transfer case.
Would be nice to get it into Darwin, Joe White at Mack Trucks says he is happy to give the old lady a temporary home with its off springs in Darwin. Any ideas?

Couple of Black Spots

I was interesting this week to note on a driver’s notice board in a local trucking company’s smoko room that two listed Black Spots include the overtaking lane just south of the Fergusson River.

(DPI is aware of the problems with the overtaking lane at the Fergusson and is having a look at it)

Incredibly, there also seems to be an issue with people fishing from the East Alligator River Bridge and approaches, apart from the fact that as I recall there is a sign that says it is banned.

ATA NT is interested in any feedback please.

Fatigue Training Course (IMConcepts)

Attached is a flyer for the TLIF1007C Driver Fatigue Training to be held on Friday 5th September at the Free Spirit Resort - BP Palms.

 The session will be presented by Louise Bilato (IMConcepts) and is the unit referred to in the new BFM and AFM fatigue management requirements.

• Disclaimer: The Australian Trucking Association NT ( ATA NT) accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of information provided. Recipients should make their own independent evaluation of statements made by the authors or contributing articles in the ATA NT Bulletin.