Over 65 CVIAQ members attended the CVIAQ “Future Directions” technical Seminar to hear presenters representing both State and Commonwealth Governments speak on future heavy vehicle policy development.

The event, held at the Oxley Golf Club on Thursday 18th February 2010, was a great success in terms of industry participation and government representation. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), sponsors of the event, were represented by six senior staff to attend the day and to be available to
talk face to face with industry attendees during the breaks between presentations.

The speakers on the day were Mr Angus Draheim, Director of Freight and Vehicle Systems Strategy,Department of Transport and Main Roads, Mr Steven Hoy, Vehicle Safety Standards branch, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Mr George Konstandakos,
Senior Manager – Productivity, National Transport Commission.

Mr Angus Draheim commenced proceedings and spoke on a number of issues that the Department of Transport and Main Roads was currently involved in includin its work with the Queensland Transport Logistics Council to address future key freight challenges, the establishment of a national heavy vehicle regulator by 2012, heavy vehicle charging reform and emerging heavy vehicle safety technology and its subsequent legislation.

Mr George Konstandakos then brought members up to date on NTC’s proposed simplification of the Performance Based Standards process.

Mr Steven Hoy spoke after lunch about the Department of Infrastructure’s 2010 workplan which involved the development and review of Australian Design Rules (ADR) with a particular focus on emissions and braking as well as the Department’s continuing work on the harmonisation of UNECE regulations into new and existing ADR’s.

The day finished with a question & answer forum moderated by CVIAQ CEO, Mr Brett Wright. Questions mainly centred on the implementation of the national heavy vehicle regulator and how existing state based regulation such as the Approved Persons Scheme may be impacted by the new arrangements.

CVIAQ wish to thank the Department of Transport and Main Roads for its generous sponsorship which enabled industry representatives to attend the event free of charge. CVIAQ CEO, Mr Brett Wright, said that the support shown by TMR sends a clear signal to the local automotive manufacturers and distributors of the importance the Queensland Government places on the industry and its willingness to further strengthen ties with CVIAQ, the peak industry body.