Transport Workers Union Welcomes Cook Decision to Bolster Freight Supply Chains and Reduce Costs for Regional Flyers

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) commends the Cook Governments announcement today to offer additional support to regional airlines travelling on critical infrastructure routes and to allow 53.5m road trains to travel along Great Eastern Highway.

53.5m road trains will be allowed to travel along Great Eastern Highway, between Wubin and Muchea, in a 3-month trial to reduce truck movements along the key route, and to save fuel by using bigger trucks to reduce overall travel time.

The decision comes with strict regulations that require drivers with at least 3 years’ experience driving vehicles of this length, and will connect Perth to key regional areas, including the Wheatbelt, Murchison, Goldfields, Pilbara and Kimberly regions.

The Cook government has also revealed it will reduce the cost of airfares for passengers traveling to key intraregional areas, such as Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra, Kalumburu, Geraldton, Karratha and Port Hedland.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO TWU WA STATE SECRETARY TIM DAWSON:

“The Transport Workers Union commends the Cook Government for their ongoing consultation with key industries in transport to ensure our roads remain safe, and that airlines can continue transporting our essential workers.”

“We must ensure that the protections in place are followed and that the Government monitors compliance at every step.”

“Safety is paramount on our roads, and it is great to see the Cook Government taking safety precautions seriously and ensuring our drivers are safe while also supporting society to keep moving.”