VTA to host free forum in Geelong

THE Victorian Transport Association, representing the state’s freight and logistics industry, is hosting a forum in Geelong next month as part of a series providing regional transport operators with important safety and regulatory updates.

The free events are open to the public, and are being held in conjunction with other state and commonwealth industry stakeholders including WorkSafe Victoria, VicRoads and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

These groups, along with the VTA, will present important information to help operators run safer and more productive businesses.

Geelong will play host to the second of the four forums, which will be held at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club next month.

“The Regional Forums are a great way for the VTA and vital road and workplace health and safety agencies to get together and update rural freight operators with information that can help them to run safer and more productive operations,” VTA chief executive officer Peter Anderson said.

“Regional operators are a vital cog in Victorian and national supply chains and cover thousands of kilometres every year to help keep our economy ticking over and facilitating national and international trade.

“It’s important they have the same access to information as city-based freight operators, which is why the Regional Forums are such an effective way of meeting and networking with rural movers of freight.

He encouraged local residents to also attend in recognition that the movement of goods affected communities.

“The freight industry is very conscious that it has a role to play in improving and maintaining community amenity, which is why we are keen to hear the concerns of residents and educate them on the challenges of freight operators,” he said.

“As an association we are focussed on creating harmony between all road users and the forums are an effective way of establishing dialogue among all the stakeholders.”

The Geelong Regional Forum will be held at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, 325 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong, on July 11 from 7-9am. Registration is free and includes a light breakfast on arrival.

For more information and to register, head to vta.com.au or phone 9646 8590.