Registrations are now open for Trucking Australia 2013, a new event from the Australian Trucking Association that will give delegates the opportunity to make a difference to the industry’s future.

The event will be held at Hamilton Island on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June 2013.

The Chief Executive of the ATA, Stuart St Clair, said the trucking industry faced critical issues.

“We need to improve safety. We need to cut the red tape. We need to beat the industry’s staff shortage. And we need to deal with the carbon tax and the planned new road charges, so trucking operators aren’t taxed out of business,” Mr St Clair said.

“With the next federal election looming, it’s time for the industry to get together and make plans.

“Trucking Australia 2013 will be structured as an open meeting. There won’t be lectures from politicians or public servants. Whether you own one truck or manage a fleet, you’ll get to contribute your views, share your experiences and:

•    build a new safety action plan for the industry;
•    plan the way forward on the carbon tax and road charges;
•    work out how to beat the staff shortage and recruit more women and younger drivers; and
•    map out how to turn those ideas into results through grassroots lobbying, the media and the ATA and its member associations.

“A limited number of places will be available in an intensive, small group media training course. Every participant in the course will take part in a simulated television interview with broadcast equipment, to equip them to talk to the media about their business and industry issues,” he said.

Trucking Australia 2013 will feature the ATA Foundation Sponsors Awards Dinner, which will celebrate excellence and safety in the industry with the presentation of the 2013 National Trucking Industry Awards. It will also include the famous Kenworth Legends Luncheon and a relaxing poolside barbecue hosted by BPW.

Mr St Clair said Trucking Australia 2013 would be shorter than the trucking conventions of previous years.

“Our delegates will be able to fly in on Friday morning and fly out on Sunday. That’s less time away from your business – or more time to enjoy the Whitsundays,” Mr St Clair said.

The registration fee for Trucking Australia 2013 is $450 (incl GST), less than half the cost of attending previous trucking conventions. Four star accommodation is available at a special event rate of only $270 per night (incl GST), and airfares to Hamilton Island are competitive.

For more information and to register, visit www.truckingaustralia.com.au