SYKES – MORE FINANCIAL PRESSURE ON OUR TRUCKING INDUSTRY

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, says if the proposed increase to registration costs for B-Double Trucks goes ahead it will have an enormous impact on country Victorians.

A recent discussion paper and draft technical report released by the National Transport Commission (NTC) suggests a possible increase of the cost of registration for B-double trucks by two to three times the current costs.

Dr Sykes said, “This simply does not make any sense! If this pricing structure is adopted it will penalise transport operators for utilising one of our most effective and efficient modes of transport. I support the Australian Trucking Associations (ATA) assertion that this has the potential for environmental, safety and economic ramifications.

“Such a large increase in the cost of transport will undermine our local industries and reduce our ability to compete in the market.

“This is not an isolated problem… the transport industry is already under enormous pressure through the soaring prices of fuel, these extra increases in running costs would have to be passed on. That means everyone will be affected, especially local primary and manufacturing industries.

“We do not have a naïve attitude to this. I understand, as outlined by the ATA, that the industry must pay for its share of road use – but it is the industry body’s concern that the parameter changes proposed by the NTC have produced distorted outcomes.

“There is still time to act. This is only the first stage of the Commission’s ‘Third Heavy Vehicle Road Pricing Determination.’ I therefore strongly urge trucking operators and users to respond to the discussion paper. Copies of the paper can be arranged by contacting my office on 5762 2100.

Dr Sykes concluded, “My office has been in contact with the ATA and they are currently compiling reports and conducting extensive analysis. I implore the NTC to give due consideration to the submission paper of the ATA when it is made public.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989