National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Changes to Chain of Responsibility

Recent advices received from National Heavy Vehicle Regulator may have an impact on some of our members who operate heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. Details of announcement, upcoming information sessions in our region and link to NHVR webpage for additional information is as follows.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE REGULATOR

Changes to Chain of Responsibility

New Primary Duty laws in 2018

On 1 October 2018, the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) will be amended to provide that every party in the heavy vehicle transport supply chain has a duty to ensure the safety of their transport activities. In practical terms, this primary duty represents an obligation to eliminate or minimise potential harm or loss (risk) by doing all that is reasonably practicable to ensure safety. As a party in the supply chain, the best way to do this is to have safety management systems and controls in place, such as business practices, training, procedures and review processes that:

  • identify, assess, evaluate, and control risk
  • manage compliance with speed, fatigue, mass, dimension, loading and vehicle standards requirements through identified best practice
  • involve regular reporting, including to executive officers
  • document or record actions taken to manage safety.

Information sessions

The NHVR is holding more industry information sessions across the country to explain the changes to CoR, the impact on your business and how a Safety Management System can help you effectively manage your operation’s safety risks.

Registration Date State Location Time Venue Address
Register 2 Aug QLD Townsville 1.30pm – 2.30pm Mecure Townsville Woolcock Street
Register 29 Aug QLD Mackay 1.30pm – 2.30pm Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Alfred Street

For further information – https://www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/chain-of-responsibility/changes-to-cor

Burdekin Shire Council – Growing Renewable Fuels in Regional Queensland

Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA) and Burdekin Shire Council invite you to attend a ‘Growing Renewable Fuels in Regional Qld – Project development and opportunities in the North’ event to be held on Thursday, 28 June, 2018 from 5pm to 8pm at the Burdekin Theatre, Ayr.

As part of QRFA’s paddock to parliament engagement across regional Queensland, you are invited to hear from key industry leaders who will highlight the importance of enabling biofuel policy, current and emerging renewable fuel technologies, updated project developments, future fibre and co-product opportunities and QRFA’s role with supply chain engagement.

This event will be an informative and educational networking event, bringing together opportunities for regional engagement of local business, companies and interested parties to meet with key industry stakeholders, QRFA, Federal and State Government and Council representatives. The event is to highlight the new opportunities that exist in Northern Queensland and the Burdekin region, current projects, and their developments, whilst strengthening the narrative and importance on renewable fuels as part of the energy matrix and the co-products and fibre opportunities that the industry offers. The event will place an emphasis on showcasing the progressive steps various stakeholders have taken in the Queensland supply chain to support and drive a low carbon fuel economy.

Please refer to the attached flyer for more information or to register for this free event please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/growing-renewable-fuels-in-regional-qld-project-development-and-opportunities-in-the-north-tickets-46105837802?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

Please contact me if you require any further information.

Regards,

Eliza Lovell

Economic Development Coordinator Burdekin Shire Council

T (07) 4783 9800 | D (07) 4783 9831

145 Young St | PO Box 974 | Ayr Qld 4807 read more

Sharing Knowledge to protect the Reef – Media Release

Queensland Government

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 

Media Release

20 June 2018

Sharing knowledge to protect the Reef 

Queensland government staff have held a joint workshop with marine scientists in Townsville to share knowledge and techniques for reducing nutrient and pesticide runoff into North Queensland waterways.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Regional coordinator for cane extension Terri Buono said better communication between extension officers from the Burdekin Cane Extension Group (BCEG), agricultural retailers, and marine scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) was essential if water quality in the Great Barrier Reef was to improve.

“The BCEG works closely with cane farmers to encourage greater adoption of sustainable and profitable farming practices,” Ms Buono said.

“The group meets several times a year to share its findings and skills, and runs activities for the sugar cane industry including farm field walks, field days and training of extension staff.”

AIMS Principal ecotoxicologist Dr Andrew Negri said the recent gathering was an opportunity for AIMS scientists to hear about on-the-ground initiatives to improve water quality.

“Our people in turn presented information on monitoring marine water quality, assessing the effects of pollutants and climate change, marine life, and assessing other threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef,” Dr Negri said.

“AIMS spends a lot of effort measuring the effects of water quality on the health of the reef. Meetings such as this help us to tackle current issues so we can come up with solutions in partnership with the agriculture sector.”

The visit to AIMS was organised through the Queensland Government’s new Enhanced Extension program. The program aims to improve co-ordination, collaboration and communication across different producer and extension networks to increase adoption of agricultural land management practices leading to improved water quality. read more

Sunrice Post season review and Update

SUNRICE POST SEASON REVIEW AND UPDATE

Sunrice has invited growers and advisors to attend their post season review and new season update.

WHERE: Brandon Bowls Club – 3 Toll St, Brandon QLD

WHEN: Thursday 14th June 8:15am (This Thursday)

TOPICS:

o   C18Wet data review & learnings

o   C19 Dry season trial plans and discussion

o   SunRice Operational Update

o   Mung bean processing update

Upcoming Events of Interest

Upcoming Events of Interest

A number of events are being held within Burdekin/Bowen region in the coming months which may be of interest to our members. Details below.

Ayr Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop – 14TH JUNE 2018

Whether you’re a seasoned extension practitioner or new to the field, this one-day training course will take participants on a journey of professional development and show the most important client for their monitoring and evaluation activities is you! The course will provide practical guidance on monitoring and evaluation within an agricultural practice change context. It will identify the current and emerging requirements and expectations of key funders within the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan arena, as well as providing useful protocols, tools and technologies to help you demonstrate the value of extension efforts. Presented by Brian Stockwell, learn more about:

  • Your role in a best practice monitoring and evaluating framework;
  • The tools, templates, technology and protocols of the trade;
  • Building networks and understanding your target audience; and
  • The purpose and practice of Paddock to Reef.
  • read more

    Futures Forum Workshop – Summary

    Futures Forum Workshop was held in Mackay last month which saw stakeholders from the Australian sugar industry come together to look at what’s in store 20 years and more into the future. Representatives from agribusiness, research organisations, government, and influencers discussed challenges, especially around productivity and profitability and the need for all sectors to lift international competitiveness. SRA Chairman Dr Ron Swindells said the purpose of the forum was be to be thought-provoking, inspirational, and interactive, so that it could deliver possible pathways forward.

    For any growers who may be interested a summary of workshop is attached for your information.

    thumbnail of Attachment – Futures Forum Workshop Summary Document