THE Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Australia (ALRTA) held it combined annual conference with the Queensland branch in April.

Executives and members from all states were represented, with the main objective to re-evaluate current issues and to set the agenda for the next twelve months and beyond.

Workforce and Drivers

Among the issues discussed were workforce and diversity. Attracting and retaining staff is a serious challenge and as an industry we are working towards solutions to attract more diverse cohorts of candidates and retain them through favourable working conditions, training and development opportunities and higher salaries.

The need for consistent licencing and training frameworks is needed including competency based training and heavy vehicle apprenticeships to build a pipeline of workers and engage them from school age.

Fuel Prices

Internationally fuel prices are moderating however, the global economy is still feeling the effects of refineries not coming back online after COVID. 

Part of this is being driven by uncertainty of future fuel refining requirements as more and more economies commit to electrifying their fleets. 

Fuel prices in Australia are heavily impacted by the price of the US dollar as Australia buys our fuel via the Singapore exchange.

Decarbonisation

There was general consensus in the room, and from on stage, that the transition to a net zero economy was being driven by ideology. But there are real challenges for livestock and rural carriers as the technology is simply not there and greener trucks are vastly more expensive.

It will be important for ALRTA to continue to advocate for sensible public policy in this space that does not negatively impact on operator productivity and financial viability.

Rural and Regional Road Funding.

Councils only receive three per cent of Australia's tax revenue which means they are chronically underfunded and unable to maintain their road networks.

While we were in Toowoomba the Federal Government announced an Inquiry into Local Council Sustainability.  ALRTA will respond to the inquiry, and I have reached out to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) to ensure consistent messaging on cross over issues. 

ALRTA will seek to re-establish the Rural Roads Alliance to advocate to governments to fund Australia's regional and rural road networks properly and sustainably.

Animal Welfare and Social License to Operate

National Council has approved the development of a suite of training podcasts on animal welfare for drivers and operators. 

This is an exciting development and demonstrates industry's commitment to proactively manage animal welfare risks in the meat supply chain.

National consistency with regards to animal welfare regulations is needed and this is an area ALRTA will continue to advocate for.