For the first time in May 2014, IPWEA held a combined One-Day Plant and Vehicle Management workshop in Penrith, NSW, in association with CIVENEX.
The program featured a keynote address on the topic of '
Chain of Responsibility – Impact on Local Government' and a fellowship session at the end of the day (sponsored by
Plant Assessor).
Here’s what some participants had to say about the day:
STEVE CROXON
FLEET MANAGER
GRIFFITH CITY COUNCIL, NSW
Why did you sign up for the workshop?
I like to keep ahead of technology and any new regulations that effect the fleet industry. The workshops also provide an opportunity to network with other fleet managers and by networking and attending the workshop I always come home having learnt something. The workshops always provide up-to-date information and tools to assist us in managing our fleets to try and achieve our KPIs – therefore saving our communities funding and valuable resources.
Was there a highlight?
The first session on chain of responsibility was very important to us, as we need to ensure that we meet the requirements of the RMS. In particular load restraint, as this is an area that I believe there could be improvement across all road users.
There was another session on calculating downtime costs which was very valuable, as we need to put up a case each year for capital plant replacement funding, and if we can identify the costs of downtime, this allows us to calculate an optimum replacement point which in turn provides factual information for councillors and/or management executive to base their funding decisions.
Another highlight of the workshop was the session on Application Engineering, which is an area that has not been discussed much before, but is very important to ensure we use the best equipment to suit the application.
What was the most valuable lesson you took away from the workshop?
Probably the session on Chain of Responsibility where there are some changes in restraining heavy plant items, such as the trend of moving away from chains and dogs and going towards ratchet-type restraint systems.
Would you recommend the workshop to other fleet and management professionals?
I highly recommend the workshops to fleet personnel and also think that there should be more works managers/ engineers attend as well, that way it will give engineering staff an insight into why we do the things the way we do.
The workshops also provide a platform for younger fleet managers or those learning to become fleet managers to increase their knowledge in this area. Being a fleet manager requires a broad range of skills such as accounting, WHS, RMS (including load management) mechanical skills and maintenance management. Overall, the plant and vehicle management workshops provide a range of good speakers and topical information to allow us to keep up with the latest trends and requirements to do our jobs efficiently.
TIMOTHY MOONEY
PLANT & DEPOT MANAGER
ORANGE CITY COUNCIL, NSW
Why did you sign up for the workshop?
We usually have two workshops a year in Dubbo, but decided to take one to Sydney to coincide with CIVENEX and to combine all the groups across the state.
Was there a highlight?
The venue and the guest speakers all contributed in making it a good workshop.
What was the most valuable lesson you took away from the workshop?
The Chain of Responsibility Presentation was the highlight.
Would you recommend the workshop to other fleet and management professionals?
Yes. Out of all the workshops I have attended over the years you always learn and take something away from our Plant and Vehicle Management Workshops.
SEBASTIAN LEES
TECHNICAL OFFICER
TAMWORTH REGIONAL COUNCIL, NSW
Why did you sign up for the workshop?
Working in the Plant & Fleet Division of Tamworth Regional Council, I found the program for this day extremely relevant and potentially very informative, especially the topic of ‘Chain of Responsibility’ from a Local Government perspective.
Was there a highlight?
The information and insight provided by the keynote speaker, Mike Wood on Chain of Responsibility was a standout for me. It was extremely relevant and informative, and it was presented in a practical way.
What was the most valuable lesson you took away from the workshop?
Do not take shortcuts. Everyone has a responsibility and is accountable.
Would you recommend the workshop to other fleet and management professionals?
Yes, most definitely. It provides strategies, industry benchmarks and allows an opportunity to meet and discuss scenarios and circumstances that other Fleet Management Professionals are presented with.
PETER DAVIES
DEPOT/FLEET COORDINATOR
BLAYNEY SHIRE COUNCIL, NSW
Why did you sign up for the workshop?
Thankfully Blayney Shire Council has seen that attending these IPWEA Plant and Vehicle Management Workshops is a worthwhile tool in our Fleet Management. I have been attending the Dubbo NSW Workshop for a number of years now and thought that the opportunity to combine the Workshop and CIVENEX with one trip was one not to be missed.
Was there a highlight?
The presentation of the Chain of Responsibility by Mike Wood from LATUS, logistics risk management specialists.
These types of things really hammer home the importance of staying up to date with legislation. The fact that councils can no longer claim to be immune to some legislations is moulding a new approach to fleet management in local government – we are now finding we fall under many separate industry legislations (the Transport Industry, for instance], which is making life pretty tough for the small councils.
What was the most valuable lesson you took away from the workshop?
NSW Regional Councils are all doing it tough at the moment, but it is interesting to know that your neighbouring council is battling with similar problems.
A network of people with the same understanding of what running a fleet is all about – whether it be producing accurate charge out rates or working out how to tell what to buy and when to sell – can only make life that little bit easier.
Would you recommend the workshop to other fleet and management professionals?
Absolutely. At these workshops we hear from suppliers and developers of the latest products, technologies and methods that can be applied to the council fleet. This together with up-to-date market research and development in legislation makes putting the workshops at the top of your list to attend worthwhile.