Have Your Say – Draft 2025 Workforce Plans

Now Open for Feedback

Industry Skills Australia is seeking your feedback on their draft 2025 Workforce Plans for the Transport and Logistics Industry. 

These Workforce Plans set out the workforce development challenges and opportunities facing the industry and serve as a roadmap for the future by identifying what employers, unions, the national skills system, and governments need to do to build an agile, highly productive, and resilient workforce.

Feedback closes Monday 5:00PM AEDT, 7 April 2025.

To read the draft plans and provide your feedback, please visit:
👉 https://www.industryskillsaustralia.org.au/draft-2025-workforce-plans

If you have any queries, please contact our Industry Engagement Manager: 

Transport & Logistics: Camilla Elmes – camilla.elmes@isajsc.org.au | 0484 821 888

Americold Expands in Christchurch

Americold Breaks Ground in Christchurch, Doubling Site Capacity to Support FMCG, Retail, and QSR Business Growth

Americold, a global leader in temperature-controlled storage, logistics and facilities solutions, and value-added services, today announced the groundbreaking of its USD$34 million Halwyn facility expansion in Hornby, Christchurch. This ambitious project will more than double the site’s capacity, significantly enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for temperature-controlled storage solutions across the South Island of New Zealand.

This expansion marks the third regional growth initiative for Americold in the past 24 months, underscoring its commitment to provide solutions to capacity constrained markets across the APAC region.

"Temperature-controlled warehouses play a critical role in the farm-to-table supply chain," says Richard Winnall, President, International at Americold. "As a market leader, we operate varied types of facilities essential to the temperature-controlled food supply chain, also known as the cold chain. This ensures that products move from manufacturers to end consumers in a safe, reliable, cost-effective manner, with minimal environmental impact."

 By bringing global best practices and delivering top-tier service to the retail and QSR channels, Americold are poised to modernise the industry. “This expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to local business, job creation and sustainable facility design. Our New Zealand facilities are leading the way within Americold, achieving significant kilowatt-hour savings, high emission reductions, rainwater harvesting and solar energy generation,” said Doug Seccombe, Managing Director APAC at Americold.

"We have designed this facility to meet the immediate and future needs of our grocery and retail customers. This expansion will enable our South Island customers to grow their temperature-controlled supply chain now and into the future,” says Doug Seccombe, Managing Director, APAC. "We continue to provide innovative solutions and best-in-class service to help our customers feed the world." 

The 15,240m² site, at 32 Halwyn Drive, is just 10 minutes from Christchurch airport and 20 minutes from the CBD.

In conclusion, a love letter to the cold chain!

In the last in the Frostbite series, we discuss Govt involvement, national security, resilience and food security. Understanding the cold chain and questioning how it’s done and how can we do it better? A love letter to the cold chain!

National licensing scheme for electrical trades

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement to design a national licensing scheme for electrical trades.

We are very pleased to have Melbourne Cold Storage on board as a New Member, Welcome!

Melbourne Cold Storage is a state of the art, purpose-built facility offering tailored cold chain storage and logistics services.

Strategically located in the logistics hub of Northern Melbourne, MCS provide DAFF approved chilled to frozen temperature-controlled warehousing to both Australian and overseas manufacturers.

A New Dawn for Driver Safety and Comfort: Western Sydney Welcomes Its First Heavy Vehicle Rest Area

In a significant advancement for road safety and driver welfare, Road Freight NSW proudly announces the establishment of the first dedicated heavy vehicle rest stop in Western Sydney. This initiative, unveiled in collaboration with key governmental stakeholders, marks a critical step toward enhancing the working conditions of truck drivers across the region. Located strategically near major arterials, the Eastern Creek rest area promises a safe, well-equipped haven for rest and rejuvenation, reflecting the ongoing commitment to the dignity and well-being of our hardworking truckies.

Tasman Logistics Unveils New Facility, Boosting Cold Storage Capacity

Tasman Logistics Services, Cold Chain Solutions, has significantly expanded its cold storage capabilities with the launch of a new facility at Morningside, Queensland. This strategic move, effective 3rd March, has tripled the company’s capacity to 7,400 frozen pallets and 1,300 chilled pallets.

The Cold Chain Solutions division offers comprehensive services ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive products through advanced technology, secure storage, efficient packaging, continuous monitoring, transportation, certification, customs clearance, and product management.

The new facility features four loading docks, modern office space, and advanced racking systems, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery within the transport and logistics industry.

"With the launch of our new cold storage facility at Morningside, we are excited to significantly enhance our capacity and capability to serve our clients in the digital transport and logistics industry. Our commitment to safeguarding temperature-sensitive products is stronger than ever. This expansion allows us to not only meet the growing demands of our high-volume clients but also to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for every product we handle," said Stan Bearder, Head of Cold Chain Solutions at Tasman Logistics Services.

The RWTA welcomes Brianna Casey as a speaker for the 83rd National Conference.

RWTA Frank Vale Tech Tour, 2025

The Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) 2025 Frank Vale Tech Tour, hosted by Swisslog in collaboration with ASKIN Performance Panels offers an inspiring exploration of cutting-edge automation technologies within the refrigerated warehousing sector.

 Named after Frank Vale, a pioneer in Australian cold storage, this prestigious event connects the past with the future, celebrating innovative leaders and their transformative impacts on the industry.

This year, the tour will spotlight exceptional, space-saving automation solutions that allows companies to maximize their operational footprint and accelerate their return on investment. 

Amid rising industrial land costs and the premium on space, these technologies offer compelling alternatives to traditional expansion through costly new facilities.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to visit multiple sites across Sydney, each presenting its own set of sophisticated automation setups. These include high-density pallet systems, advanced robotic handling, and tailored automation solutions designed for specific industry needs—from food and beverage to e-commerce and retail.

The Tech Tour is more than just a showcase; it's a platform for aspiring industry leaders to witness firsthand the potential of modern intralogistics. It emphasizes the practical benefits of these technologies, demonstrating their role in enhancing efficiency and scalability within existing spaces, thereby paving the way for a more innovative and sustainable future in the cold chain logistics.

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The Australian Cold Chain and the RWTA mentioned in The Australian this morning

In the face of soaring energy costs and rising food prices, the RWTA is advocating for significant policy reforms to alleviate the financial strain on Australia's cold-chain industry.

We have emphasized the urgent need for an overhaul of energy policies to mitigate the impact of increased tariffs and substantial renewable energy levies on food prices. Our involvement is crucial as it supports a broader coalition of industry bodies pressing the government to develop a comprehensive food-security strategy. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of Australia’s food supply chains, particularly highlighted disruptions caused the pandemic. The RWTA's proactive stance is a testament to its commitment to ensuring that the cold-chain sector can continue to operate efficiently and cost-effectively, ultimately helping to stabilize food costs for consumers across the nation.

We are excited to welcome Vawdrey Australia to the RWTA!

Watch now as we introduce new member Paul Vawdrey, CEO Vawdrey Australia, speak about his company and the cold chain!

Vawdrey Australia is the nation’s leading manufacturer of quality semi-trailers and associated transport equipment.

Designed and manufactured in Australia at their Dandenong facility in Melbourne’s south eastern logistics hub, they build equipment that is custom made for the unique conditions found in the Australian operating environment.

Learn more about Vawdrey and get in touch now!

Paul Vawdrey 

CEO

Vawdrey Australia

Mob: 0417 559 512

Web: www.vawdrey.com.au

RWTA Chain Of Responsibility, Melbourne

Great numbers rolled up to the recent networking breakfast in Melbourne.

There were many early birds there to get a great coffee, enjoy the sunrise through the bay windows at The Strand and to do some serious networking prior to the presentation by Chris Catchpole about Chain of Responsibility.

Chris will be a great resource for the RWTA Members and there is a link with more information here (https://rwta-membership.com.au/Chain-of-Responsibility/)

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RWTA Chain Of Responsibility, Brisbane

First off the blocks in 2025, the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd (RWTA) celebrated our first networking event at the Gabba today with Chris Catchpole in the seat leading the Chain of Responsibility conversation with a room full of interested delegates. It helps to have someone to assist with deciphering an 800+ page document, to ensure safety at every turn and clarity for all. Thanks Chris, and thanks to all who attended to learn more about this important subject!

More CoR Resources here: https://rwta-membership.com.au/Chain-of-Responsibility/

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So, does this item need to be cold…or just fresh?

Are there options to store things without having to chill them? There is an FDA approved coating to avoid rot- so does food need to be COLD or FRESH? Do we need to risk a biodiverse diet, does meat need to be refrigerated and perhaps there is another option and a way to sidestep the cognitive dissonance, the struggle to make sense of contradictory thoughts or behaviours. Watch the video and find out more.

RWTA Perth Function, 18th February

Great to see all the Western Australians at the recent Perth function last week at the stunning and spacious beachside venue ‘Coast Port Beach Restaurant’, ready to catch up and engage in some great networking.

We were honoured to host Peter Hughes, Bali Bombing survivor as a guest speaker. Peter was the man whose swollen and blistered face we saw on television during the shock first hours of news coverage from Bali. He literally took our breath away when we heard him quietly tell medical staff at the scene to help those worse off than him. Looking at Peter, anyone could see that he was badly injured himself. And indeed he was. He had experienced burns to 60% of his body and wasn’t expected to live. Later, he lapsed into a month long coma and died briefly three times whilst on life support. Fortunately, he was able to be revived.

RWTA Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) Update FEB25

We all agree, the cost of insurance is crippling. The Discretionary Mutual Fund(DMF) is a cold chain initiative and proposed solution.

The document outlines the process for setting up a DMF, broken into three main stages:

1. Pre-Feasibility (1 week): This initial phase involves a basic review of past premium and claim data to assess the viability of a DMF.

2. Feasibility (6-8 weeks): This crucial step involves determining the fund's financial retention levels, obtaining potential reinsurance pricing, and deciding the most suitable legal structure for the DMF. This phase has not yet begun and will require a $50,000 feasibility study fee, half of which needs to be paid upfront.

3. Implementation (6-8 weeks): Post-feasibility, this phase will commence once there is approval from the client(s) to establish the DMF. This involves setting up the actual structure and beginning operations.

Key Management Questions and Answers:

• Setup Costs and Payments: The Mutual Manager (MM) clarified that a 50% deposit of the feasibility study fee is required upfront due to past issues with project continuations.

• Data Requirements: For the feasibility study, the DMF needs detailed past data on premiums, claims, and exposure information summarized in specified formats.

• Control and Oversight: Once operational, the DMF bank account will be controlled by the Mutual Manager under the DMF board’s direction, with regular audits to ensure compliance and financial integrity.

• Financial Returns and Capital Structure: The return on investment and the exact capital requirements will depend on the level of risk retained within the DMF. Initial capital is mainly used to cover potential risks, with any surplus possibly returned to members or reinvested as decided by the DMF board.

We are looking to set up, with Benjamin and Benjamin, a video link soon to answer any questions that there may be, and the next steps. Interested? Please book here.

We are excited to welcome Value Materials Handling to the RWTA!

As the Australian arm of Value Logistics, originally established in South Africa 45 years ago, Value Material Handling brings a legacy of expertise in logistics and material handling directly to your doorstep. Value Logistic has grown to be one of the largest logistics companies in South Africa, with 4,500 employees, 4,000 vehicles, and 2,000 forklifts and over 350,000m2 of warehousing. Serving all aspects of logistics from clearing and forwarding to warehousing, cold-store and linehaul.

In Australia, they've established themselves by acquiring Total Forklift Services that has serviced the industry for 35 years, which was primarily known for its repairs, maintenance, and servicing of material handling equipment. They have since expanded their offerings to include sales of their own brand of equipment, known as ValueQuip. They now provide a full spectrum of service offerings, sales of new equipment, short-term, and long-term lease options, ensuring you get tailored solutions that fit your business needs.

Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their introduction of the safest Lithium-Ion products on the market, helping clients reduce their carbon footprint while saving on operational costs. To better represent their comprehensive service offerings, they've transitioned from Total Forklift Services to Value Materials Handling (VMH).

Located in Cannington, with plans for expansion to Naval Base, VMH is strategically positioned to serve all Western Australia. What differentiates them is the focus on providing exceptional customer service, whether in rentals, sales, repairs, or maintenance. They've also been innovative in introducing new products to the market, such as electric wheelbarrows, stair climbing trolleys, self-loading tables, and stackers for easy loading and unloading of trucks and vans, aiming to create more efficient work environments for clients.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your equipment, need reliable servicing for your existing fleet, or want to explore options that enhance your warehouse and logistics operations. Are you keen on automating your existing fleets scheduled maintenance through their internally developed management system? Contact Dalefor more information. 

Dale Vinnicombe |  WA State Manager
M: +61 498 554 716 

DaleV@totalforkliftservices.com.au

www.valueforklifts.com.au

Frostbite - The Global Impact of the Cold Chain

In this video, we discuss that Ammonia is negligible global warming impact on the environment, and on that, global warming in the cold chain- why are we not reading about this?

If developing countries builds a cold chain, population increase, is this sustainable? Are there enough renewables to offset a world with more cold chain facilities? Our sector's emissions have now surpassed those of the aviation industry. Everyone is talking about green miles, no one is talking about the extended cost of keeping food cold. The 3 degrees of change, the Kigali agreement and are there options? Ice batteries, decarbonising options, cooling off the grid. Should Government offer incentives improve?  There are emerging new methods of cooling. The technology is exciting.

TRS Victoria Moves to Truganina: New Facility, Enhanced Capabilities

We are excited to announce that TRS Victoria has officially relocated to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Truganina! This strategic move marks an important milestone for us, as we continue to evolve and enhance our ability to better serve our customers. 

Luke Gordon, TRS National Sales Manager, shares his excitement about the new facility, stating, "I’m thrilled about the opening of our purpose-built facility in Melbourne. Thermaxx is, without a doubt, the best insulated rigid body on the market. With our new production capabilities, coupled with our expert team, we’re ready to bring that message to the Victorian market in a bigger and more impactful way.”

At our spacious new location, we proudly craft the most thermally efficient truck bodies using advanced Thermaxx body panels. These panels are designed to deliver unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring that your business is equipped with the best in the industry.

Peter Goulis, TRS Victoria and Tasmania Sales Manager, explains, "our state-of-the-art facility in Truganina is designed to streamline production processes and set new industry standards. This facility enables us to efficiently deliver both custom-made solutions and standard bodies at scale."

Additionally, we continue to support your business needs with our premium refrigerated vehicle rental service. Offering flexibility and convenience, we provide the perfect solution when you need it most—whether for short-term or long-term requirements.

We invite you to visit our new facility and experience the same trusted service. Let us show you how we can help your business grow, with high-performance truck bodies and services designed for today’s competitive landscape.

Frank Vale Award. Watch. Be Inspired. Nominate Now.

It’s that time of year for Managers to nominate their best and most promising Leadership talent to be part of the Frank Vale Award 2025!

Take a few moments to see what FV 2024 Winner Noah Hedlt, Linfox, has to say about this life changing competition in the Cold Chain.

Don’t let your emerging leaders miss out on this incredible opportunity.