Information Bulletin.
22 September 2008

Mentoring Program for Women in Transport

The ‘Women Moving Forward Mentoring Program’ for women in the transport and logistics industry has been launched by the Australian Logistics Council.

The program will be offered every three months, both nationally and in regional locations. The next program commences 1 October.

The Australian Logistics Council promotes the mentoring program as delivering key career development opportunities for women, including developing and honing skills and strategies for excelling in the workplace, learning about how to improve their professional profile, and developing networks and contacts with other women in transport and logistics. They will have the option of gaining a TAFE Certificate 4 in Business or Frontline Management.

For more information, contact Melinda Buker on 1300 785 236, Melinda.buker@austlogistics.com.au

October Business Month (OBM)

Australian Apprenticeships NT are hosting information sessions as part of OBM throughout the Territory. 

Understanding Today’s Apprenticeships & Traineeships System will provide an explanation on how the current apprenticeships and traineeships system works.

This will include advice on selecting an appropriate qualification for the business need, recruiting and commencing apprentices and support throughout the training, including incentives.

Session Details:

Darwin : 14 October 5.00 – 6.30pm – Darwin Convention Centre

Katherine: 15 October 5.00 - 6.30pm – Katherine Training Centre

Nhulunbuy: 28 October 5.00 – 6.30pm – Arnhem Club

Alice Springs: 30 October 5.00 – 6.30pm – Alice Springs Convention Centre

To register (or for further details) please phone 89358231 or email skye.blake@aacnt.com.au

PBS Maps

As a first step toward an integrated road network for SMART heavy vehicles, the National Transport Commission (NTC) has published initial maps provided by states and territories.

The publication of road networks to support the Performance Based Standards (PBS) reform was directed by the Australian Transport Council (ATC), who approved the reform in October 2007.
“The maps are a starting point to identify and address the gaps and mismatches on the existing national road network and move toward a more integrated and productive transport system,” said NTC Chief Executive Nick Dimopoulos.PBS allows SMART vehicles to access a suitable road network based on the vehicle’s ability to stop, turn and travel safely without damaging roads or bridges.

The vehicle’s performance is linked to road network access; the better it performs the more roads it can operate on.

Better certainty of road access and more consistent decision-making were key issues identified by a PBS industry focus group meeting on 28 August, 2008. Outcomes of this workshop will inform a review of the PBS reform.“NTC is committed to ensuring PBS meets the needs of industry. The review is an opportunity for this important COAG reform to reach its full productivity and road safety potential,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
The maps provide guidance for transport operators in planning PBS applications; however access to the network remains dependent on approval of the vehicle design and permits issued by states and territories. Maps for Victoria and Tasmania are currently being finalised.

Applications for road access outside the published network maps are subject to route assessments and will be considered by states and territories on a case-by-case basis.
Ministers signalled their intention to implement productivity reform through PBS following a majority vote to increase the gross mass limit twin-steer prime-mover and semi-trailer combinations earlier this year.

A regulatory impact statement in 2009 will incorporate outcomes from the PBS review, including a proposal to replace vehicle permits with regulations.

You can read case studies of the SMART truck and an extendible SMART trailer published in Australasian Transport News here:  Floatliner  (4.75 MB)   and    Haulmark SMART truck  (2.52 MB)

View the initial PBS maps here: PBS - Network Classification Maps

Feedback from industry on the PBS maps is encouraged here: pbsmaps@ntc.gov.au

For more information on the reform visit the PBS website here: PBS - Homepage

Carbon Expo – on the Gold Coast

100 speakers and 90 exhibitors representing leading carbon market experience from Europe, Asia, North America, New Zealand & Australia will be at Australia's first international carbon market expo & conference on the Gold Coast in late October.
The final program can be viewed at: http://carbonexpo.com.au/uploads/file/FinalProgram22September.pdf
Gold Coast accommodation is rapidly filling - so use the online registration form at http://www.carbonexpo.com.au to secure your participation and accommodation at this landmark inaugural event. Source: https://mail.iinet.net.au/mail/reademail.pl?id=37&folder=Inbox&cache=47324998148d83ac38c47b.1222130371@www.vision6.com.au&DisplayImages=1

Chain of Responsibility Bites Local Government.

A NSW coroner has ruled that Gosford City Council was responsible for a road collapse that killed five people.

The coroner said Council had failed to provide the most basic road maintenance, and accused it of neglect.

Could be a sign of things to come!

IGA Is On the Move and Needs a Hand.

Independent Grocers are relocating to their new Distribution Centre at the end of October and are calling for owner operators interested in picking up some extra work that weekend.

IGA is looking for 20 pallet refrigerated pantecnicons, tautliners and flat tops for over that weekend.

Any one interested in finding out more can contact IGA’s Peter de Jonge, at 0889 470 363 or email to peter.dejonge@metcash.com.

TFMS No Benefit in NSW and Victoria during Transition.

Reminder that NSW and VIC will not allow BFM trained drivers to work 14 hrs under the TFMS during the 12 Month transition Period.

Fatigue Training Opportunity with IM concepts

IM concepts will be conducting Fatigue Training for drivers in Darwin on Friday 26th September 2008 and Friday 10th October 2008

Phone (08) 8941 3211or email imconcepts@imconcepts.net.au for more information.

ATA NT Annual Dinner and Auction

Reminder that the ATA NT Annual Dinner and Auction will this year again be held at the Tracy Village Sports and Social Club on Saturday 15 th of November 2008.

• 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.