Issue 129 | 30 November 2021

Last week, we opened funding applications for the latest round of our Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which will deliver tangible safety outcomes for the Australian heavy vehicle industry and all road users. Over the previous six rounds of the initiative, the Federal Government has provided $28 million across 117 grant projects ranging from mental health and wellbeing initiatives to chain of responsibility education. One project from Round 4 that I was particularly excited to see launch recently was the ARTSA Institute’s Truck Fires Safety Program, which gave industry safety strategies to reduce the number of truck fires that occur every year. The HVSI is a fantastic program that can achieve significant safety benefits for the industry and community, so I encourage those with a budding safety project to submit an application. In other recent news, I would like to congratulate Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) newly appointed Chair and Board members. It is extremely pleasing to see the wealth of heavy vehicle industry experience represented on the new Board, as well as the diverse range of perspectives to form the nation’s independent infrastructure advisor’s panel. As we move into the busy season, your focus on safety will be important. We’ll continue to focus on education as an alternative to prosecution, and together we’ll work towards preventing future safety risks and tragedies on our roads. We know that in almost every case of an accident or injury, had proper safety measures been followed, an incident wouldn’t occur. You can read about the latest $750,000 enforceable undertaking the NHVR accepted from Lindsay Transport in this edition of On the Road. I encourage you all to continue to practise care and consistency and call out behaviours that are unsafe. Sal, CEO

$5.6 million for heavy vehicle safety grants

Applications are now open for Round 7 of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which will see $5.6 million invested into initiatives that will deliver safety improvements across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto urged community and industry groups with tangible, effective ideas that align with the theme Safer Drivers, Safer Vehicles, Safer Road Use to submit their application and make a difference. “I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to find solutions that make our roads safer,” Sal said. Applications for Round 7 funding are open until 14 February 2022. The HVSI is funded by the Federal Government. > Read more about HVSI Round 7

Lindsay Transport enters $750,000 enforceable undertaking

The NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Lindsay Transport that will see approximately $750,000 contributed towards implementing safety training and chain of responsibility education across the Lindsay Transport group of companies. The EU stems from an NHVR investigation into Lindsay Transport’s safety policies and procedures, following the death of driver John Bolton on the Logan Motorway in Queensland in November 2018. The EU requires Lindsay Transport to spend almost $750,000 across two years to implement safety strategies that will ensure all practical steps are taken to prevent any further loss of life, and future public risks are effectively mitigated. “We consulted with Mr. Bolton’s family who expressed their support to accept Lindsay’s EU proposal, given it will deliver activities that directly address the risk that caused this incident, compared to a prosecution where the only penalty available was a fine,” NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said. > To read more about the EU, click here

Court ordered conditions to prevent repeat law offenders

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has prosecuted two Tasmanian operators for unsafe vehicles and fatigue-related offences, resulting in $27,000 in fines and court ordered Supervisory Intervention Orders (SIOs). NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said the prosecutions marked two significant milestones for the NHVR, which would help improve safety across the entire heavy vehicle supply chain. > Read more about the SIOs here

New Board appointments for Infrastructure Australia

The Australian Government has appointed Cr Colin Murray as the new Chair of the independent Infrastructure Australia Board. Cr Murray is joined by Vicki Meyer, Cr Vonette Mead, Amanda Cooper, Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO, Elizabeth Schmidt and Robert Moffat who have also been appointed as Directors of Infrastructure Australia’s Board. Infrastructure Australia Interim Chair Mark Balnaves said he was pleased to welcome both Mr Murray and the new Directors to the IA Board and looked forward to the valuable contributions they will bring. > To read the full announcement, click here

Safety Management Systems – the smart move for businesses

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto recently reminded industry of the benefits of implementing a Safety Management System (SMS). “An SMS helps you better manage the safety of your operations, is a great way to attract new business and ensure you remain compliant with heavy vehicle safety laws. “As Australia’s heavy vehicle industry grows, I encourage everyone to take some time to either review your existing SMS, or to put one in place.” > Click here to read the full article

If it’s flooded, forget it

Flood weather warnings continue in NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD. Make sure you plan ahead and check conditions to ensure safe travel when operating around flood-affected areas. The NHVR has further information online, including road closure updates and applications for emergency accreditation.  > To view updates, click here.

COVID-19 Update

As state and territory border restrictions ease, it’s important that the heavy vehicle industry continues to work together to ensure the safety of our industry, particularly heading into a busy time of the year. The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website, outlining the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements and other information. Industry is encouraged to regularly check the website – www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus – and please continue to take care.

Consider a career with the NHVR

We value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring. www.nhvr.gov.au/careers

Connect with us on social media


    

Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.

Get in touch 13 NHVR (136 487) www.nhvr.gov.au   Enjoying On The Road? Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.