--- title: ALRTA Weekly News - 6 December 2024 description: Everything you need to stay updated on industry news, ALRTA activities, and important developments affecting our community. image: https://blog.alrta.org.au/hubfs/image004.png --- [Skip to content](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/alrtaweeklynews-0#main-content) ![](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/ALRTA_LOGO_%20CMYK-PNG%20(1)-1.png?width=3720&height=3784&name=ALRTA_LOGO_%20CMYK-PNG%20(1)-1.png) - [Weekly News](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Weekly News](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news) - [Contact us](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/alrtaweeklynews-0#contact) [Contact us](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/alrtaweeklynews-0#contact) 6 December 2024, 10:07:41 pm AEDT # ALRTA Weekly News - 6 December 2024 [ALRTA](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/author/alrta) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/alrtaweeklynews-0) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/alrtaweeklynews-0) ## ** Repco Commercial: Partner of the Week** ## ![image004](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/image004.png?width=611&height=916&name=image004.png)  Check out the [Repco Commercial Consumables Guide](https://repcocatalogues.smedia.com.au/commercial-consumables-guide)  OR Contact [commercialenquiries@repco.com.au](mailto:commercialenquiries@repco.com.au) to learn more about ALRTA member benefits. ## **ALRTA Executive Director Update** Welcome to another weekly update. We are fast approaching Christmas and it's been a busy week in the office.    ![A person standing at a podium Description automatically generated](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined.jpeg?width=1381&height=943&name=undefined.jpeg) Photo: Christine Holgate, CEO Team Global Express Last week I attended the Industry Skills Australia Supply Chain Leaders Summit at Parliament House where we heard from Christine Holgate, CEO of Team Global Express on diversity and pathways into the Transport Industry.  We also heard from an expert panel, Mark McKenzie CEO ACAPMA, Catherine Walsh Chief People Officer Qantas, Videlina Georgieva Managing Director Svitzer Australia, Michael Kaine National Secretary TWU and Natalie James Secretary Department of Employment and Workplace Relations on industry training trends, attracting new workers and industrial relations reforms.  Thank you to Paul Walsh, CEO Industry Skills Australia for the invitation.   ![A group of people sitting in chairs Description automatically generated](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-1.jpeg?width=1378&height=634&name=undefined-1.jpeg) Photo (L to R): Mark McKenzie CEO ACAPMA, Catherine Walsh CPO Qantas, Videlina Georgieva MD Svitzer Australia, Michael Kane National Secretary TWU, Natalie James Secretary DEWR  Bec Coleman and I also attended a National Women In Transport luncheon hosted at the National Portrait Gallery where we heard from Jo Farrell, ACT Australian of the Year, ACT Woman of the Year and founder of Build Like a Girl on women working in non-traditional industries and some of her challenges and experiences over the years.  Jo spoke with candour about some of her struggles as a teen attempting to secure a carpentry apprenticeship in Wollongong and her early career through to working on a project in Lithuania decommissioning a nuclear power plant.  It was a great event and wonderful to network with other women in industry.   I also had the pleasure of attending the Australian Seed Federation End of Year celebration. It was a well-attended event with representation from across the ag sector. Thank you to Katherine and her team for the invitation. It was great to talk shop over a few drinks and line up some election priorities and synergies, particularly around access, infrastructure investment and unlocking productivity.  As we look to the end of the year, there's some exciting projects coming to completion or near completion including the EBS: Braking Habits HVSI project with collateral and educational tools currently under review by HVSI team, Tara is busy finalising the copy for our inaugural ALRTA year book (due for publishing in January 2025), finalising speaker programs and sending out invitations for the LBRCA ALRTA National Rural Carriers Convention and reviewing the final draft of the Truck Wash Guide. Plus, gearing up for the looming Federal election which will be called in early 2025.    Next week will be our final newsletter for 2024 and a quick reminder to members that ALRTA Secretariat offices will be closed from COB Friday 20 December 2024 and reopening on 6 January 2025.    Until next week  Rach    --- ## **Tackling Driver Fatigue: New Research and Practical Tools from the AAA** Driver fatigue is a significant safety concern on Australian roads. To address this issue, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), representing Australia’s motoring clubs, has completed important research through its Road Safety Research Program (RSRP). With $1.2 million in funding from state motoring clubs, this initiative evaluated fatigue detection technologies (FDTs) to assess their effectiveness and practical applications for fleets. Key findings from the research, conducted by Monash University, the Institute for Breathing and Sleep, and Central Queensland University, include: - Eye-monitoring technologies based on scientific sleepiness scales are the most effective. - Pre-drive technologies addressing fitness to drive are affordable and impactful. - Lane-drift detection and heartbeat-measuring devices are less reliable indicators of fatigue. [![](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/241202_AAA_RSRP_FDT_Social_2.png?width=960&height=960&name=241202_AAA_RSRP_FDT_Social_2.png)](https://www.aaa.asn.au/library/228596/) To assist fleet managers and safety officers, the AAA has created a practical guidebook. This free resource provides: - Information on the capabilities, effectiveness, and costs of different FDTs. - Best practices for adopting and embedding these technologies into fleet operations. The guide, along with the full research report and technical summary, is [available here](https://www.aaa.asn.au/library/228596/).  --- ## **Greg White ** **Benoak Devons, New South Wales ** **Getting livestock transport Wright at Glenco** Northern Tablelands beef and wool producers Greg and Joanne Wright truck weaner cattle once they are strong, well-handled and settled - anywhere from 10 days to three weeks after weaning. ![greg-and-joanne-wright-fi](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/greg-and-joanne-wright-fi.jpg?width=740&height=415&name=greg-and-joanne-wright-fi.jpg) Top tips for successful weaner transport: - Make sure cattle are recovered from the weaning process and are broken in and sensible. - Draft stock into sizes as needed to ensure the smaller cattle aren’t impacted by bigger animals during transport, and the larger cattle can be loaded on the bottom pens. - Have drafting done at least the day before transport. - Keep weaners settled in the yards and have everything done at least an hour before the truck is supposed to arrive “If something goes wrong, you’ve got time to sort it out,” Greg said. Check out the [MLA Transport Hub](https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/getting-livestock-transport-wright/)for the full article and advice on preparation for transport.  ## Smarter Roads for Perth’s Southbound Commuters Big changes are coming to the Mitchell Freeway Southbound, with Perth’s newest **smart freeway** going live on Sunday, December 22. With more than 1,400 pieces of advanced technology—like road sensors, CCTV cameras, and digital signs—this upgrade is set to make driving safer and smoother. From managing merging traffic with on-ramp signals to adjusting speed limits in real time, these smart systems are designed to keep things moving, even during the busiest commutes. With improvements like these, morning peak-hour drivers could save up to seven minutes. It’s part of a bigger picture for Perth’s roads, which includes a widened freeway section and new shared paths, thanks to joint funding by the Australian and WA governments. Smart solutions like these are paving the way for safer, more efficient journeys. Want to know more? Check out the details at [Main Roads WA.](https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects-initiatives/all-projects/metropolitan/smartfreeways/)   ## **Putting safety first this Christmas** The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and staying safe on the road is critical for everyone—whether you're traveling to see family or working hard to deliver essential goods. As part of a nationwide effort, **Operation Omega** will see officers focusing on preventing fatigue-related incidents in high-risk areas this December. The busy festive period can bring extra pressures but taking breaks and managing fatigue are essential for getting home safely. By working together, we can make the roads safer for everyone this Christmas. For practical tips and more details about the initiative, visit the NHVR website for more information [here](https://www.nhvr.gov.au/news/2024/12/02/nsw-government-and-nhvr-call-for-safer-roads-this-christmas). Let’s focus on safety this season and ensure every journey ends well. ## **Celebrating 40 years of the ALRTA at the LBRCA National Rural Carriers Convention** ### 4-5 April 2025 | Canberra **The 2025 National Rural Carriers Convention will be held in Canberra at Thoroughbred Park, the home of horse racing Canberra.** LBRCA is hosting the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) to bring to you the largest gathering of rural carriers in Australia to celebrate 40 years of the ALRTA.   Our event will provide a unique opportunity for the rural transport industry from across Australia to meet and reflect on the past 40 years and focus on the next forty. Our dynamic program, focusing on genuine issues, people, and solutions, will feature Ministers, regulators, state and federal transport authorities, local government representatives, supply chain partners and transporters from all federation partners including the LRTAWA, LRTAV, LRTASA, LRTAQ and LTAT. --- Registrations are now open: [lock it in here ](https://www.lbrca.org.au/lbrca-2025-conference-registration-form/) ## **Save the dates for 2025** - LBRCA/ALRTA National Combined Conference. 4 – 5 April 2025, Thoroughbred Park, CANBERRA ACT -  [REGISTER HERE](https://www.lbrca.org.au/lbrca-2025-conference-registration-form/)  - LRTAQ State Conference. 13-14 February 2025, Gold Coast Turf Club & Event Centre, QLD - [MORE INFO HERE](https://www.lrtaq.com.au/annual-conference/)  - LRTASA State Conference. 13-14 June 2025, Adelaide SA  - LRTAV State Conference. 8-9 August 2025, Move Museum, Shepparton, VIC - [MORE INFO HERE](https://www.lrtav.com.au/2023-lrtav-conference/)  - LRTAWA State Conference.  INFORMATION COMING SOON    [Our Trusted Partners](https://alrta.org.au/partners/)   ![bp](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BPP_Rlbg%20(1).jpeg?width=1773&height=2087&name=BPP_Rlbg%20(1).jpeg) ![Byrne Trailers](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LMB%20+%20BYRNE%20(1)%20(002)%20(1)%20(1).jpg?width=7000&height=1766&name=LMB%20+%20BYRNE%20(1)%20(002)%20(1)%20(1).jpg) ![Cummins](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.jpg?width=140&height=131&name=Logo.jpg) ![Lowes](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Lowes+BP_Blue%20-%20ALRTA.jpg?width=2183&height=729&name=Lowes+BP_Blue%20-%20ALRTA.jpg) ![NTI](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/NTI_Logo_RGB%20(3).jpg?width=2480&height=1526&name=NTI_Logo_RGB%20(3).jpg) ![PACCAR](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/PACCAR_Dealers_Logo_Colour%203MB%20(1)%20(1).jpg?width=8000&height=2092&name=PACCAR_Dealers_Logo_Colour%203MB%20(1)%20(1).jpg) ![RepcoCommercial](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/RepcoCommercial%5BPOS%5D%20(2)%20(1).png?width=2000&height=583&name=RepcoCommercial%5BPOS%5D%20(2)%20(1).png) ![V-DAQ](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/V-DAQ%20Logo%20-%20Blue%20PNG.png?width=1157&height=202&name=V-DAQ%20Logo%20-%20Blue%20PNG.png)       [news](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/tag/news) ## Related posts [![](https://blog.alrta.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/sadleirs_hero.jpg?height=200&name=sadleirs_hero.jpg)](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/alrta-weekly-update-july-11) [news](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/tag/news) ## [ALRTA Weekly Update: July 11](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/alrta-weekly-update-july-11) [ALRTA](https://blog.alrta.org.au/news/author/alrta) 11 July 2025, 2:00:00 pm AEST Sadleirs hits top gear Article below Director Update is supplied by Industry Partner, Cummins. 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