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Call for government intervention to stop closure of saleyards and wash bays

Russell Borchard, president of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV), is passionate about his job and the industry he represents.

The past three years under his tenure has seen the LRTAV make some serious headway in improving the lot of industry members but, as Borchard said, “We’ve jumped through some hoops and over hurdles and made headway in some areas, but in others we’re still butting our heads against brick walls.”

In particular, said Borchard, is the closure of saleyards and the consequent dearth of bio-security truck-wash bays as a result.

The problem has become so serious that the LRTAV has called for government intervention as a matter of urgency. The problem is adding yet another layer of pressure on livestock transporters when managing effluent.

The closure of saleyards around the state was a hot topic of conversation at the LRTAV conference in Shepparton. Image: Graham Harsant

“We have saleyards closing down around the state and it’s going to be an ongoing thing,” said Borchard at the recent LRTAV conference in Shepparton.

“The saleyards say that everyone’s costs are rising and if they’re not getting enough numbers through, the sale yards aren’t sustainable.”

Borchard said part of this issue is attributable to the internet which has allowed sales to go on-line, putting pressure on the smaller outfits and paving the way for bigger, more centralised ones in a commercial environment.

“That’s as well and maybe, but attached to all these saleyards are bio-security truck-wash bays for us to be able to wash our stock crates out and dump our effluent tanks,” he said.

“When the councils are close these saleyards they are also closing the wash-down facilities that work for bio-security.

“Bio-security is a big thing, whether it is in the state of Victoria or across Australia. One big problem we have is that the government wants these facilities but they are doing nothing about it; they are not working with us to build these facilities.

“Governments of all persuasions want it to be a user-pays scheme, set up by private enterprise. That’s just buck-passing to us.”

LRTAV president Russell Borchard. Image: Graham Harsant

Borchard believes the issue is a shared responsibility across all levels of government; federal, state and local.

“They all say that it is someone else’s problem. We don’t want to keep putting effluent on the road for normal road users. We need to be able to wash out. It is animal welfare and driver safety as well. These drivers need to be able to clean their vehicles and work in a clean vehicle. So it’s bio-security for everybody.”

“We have to get the government to look at this. We should have effluent dumps on the edge of every city going into Melbourne and on the edge of every town whether the saleyards are there or not. We need one in every shire in the state. It is something that is urgently needed.”

Borchard says the situation is now so bad some trucks are having to drive up to 300km empty to find a truck wash.

“The more they shut down, the worse it will get.”

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Family business Clancy’s Truck and Trailer is on to a winner

Clancy’s Truck and Trailer has taken the top prize in the combined Penske Australia and Cummins-Meritor promotion, winning a Toyota forklift valued at $37,000.

Family owned and operated, Clancy’s Truck and Trailer is a truck repairs, servicing and spare parts specialist, located in the New South Wales suburb of Penrith.

Its story started in 1976, when the late Bob Clancy began working as a mobile truck mechanic and just two years after operated out of a workshop in Kingswood, which marked the start of the company as we know it today.

It was in 1985 that Clancy’s moved to its current location on Batt Street, which paved the way for further growth, with Bob and his wife Sheila Clancy continuing to drive the business forward.

Tragically, in 1999, Bob passed away suddenly. Determined not to let everything he had worked so hard for fall apart, Sheila pushed through the toughest of times and continues to lead the business to this day. More recently, she’s also had her son Scott Clancy by her side, serving as workshop manager and now the next generation coming through with her grandson in his third year as an apprentice diesel mechanic. 

Under Sheila’s leadership, Clancy’s became an authorised Western Star and Detroit maintenance, parts and service dealer for Penske Australia, stocking a full range of parts, including Cummins-Meritor.

The workshop carries out minor and major mechanical work such as customer and fleet servicing, replacement of clutches, brake and suspension work, engine rebuilds, and electronic engine diagnosis. The experienced team of workshop staff carry out work on any brand of truck, from their well-equipped multiple bay workshop. Clancy’s also has a large variety of genuine and Allmakes parts on hand to support their long term loyal and growing customer base.

Clancy’s spare parts manager Dean Rixon said, “In the 15 years being with Clancy’s the team have contributed to a large amount of growth in our workshop, repairers, and retail customer base and it’s been rewarding to witness first-hand. There’s a few major fleets we look after, as well as the owner operators too. We have a loyal customer base – and many of them have been with us for a long time, thanks to Sheila and the team’s hard work and dedication.”

Dean added that what sets Clancy’s apart is a dedication to customer service and getting the job done right, the first time, every time. “It’s about listening to customers and what they want; and having that knowledge behind us so we can ensure customers get the right parts at the right time, to best suit their needs.”

Dean says he’s also seen greater demand for the Cummins-Meritor range of parts, which helped Clancy’s secure the win in the recent Penske Australia and Cummins-Meritor Lift Off! promotion, where a $37,000 forklift was up for grabs.

The competition was open to Penske Australia dealerships across the country.

As Penske Australia’s product manager – aftersales marketing, Phill Corpe, stated: “Clancy’s was a very deserving winner, this fantastic prize was awarded based on highest growth in Cummins-Meritor purchases compared to the same period the previous year, in which Clancy’s far exceeded our expectations.

“Penske Australia greatly appreciates Clancy’s efforts, and we congratulate them on winning the major prize.”

Sheila Clancy added, “I would like to personally thank all our loyal customers for their continued support which assisted us in achieving this fantastic result, culminating in taking out the prize of a new forklift. We look forward to putting it to good use servicing your needs in our workshop and spare parts department.”

For your Western Star Trucks, Detroit and Allmakes requirements, Clancy’s Truck and Trailer Repairs can be contacted on 02 4731 5809 or parts@clancys.net.au.

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Why driver training is my most rewarding career

By Andy Hughes

My grandfather was a fantastic role model, he taught me how to think, and he had a knack of cutting through the BS. He always said you should keep things simple. I’ve generally struggled with this principle, but I’ll give it a crack.

Driver training is fundamentally a road safety issue. Enhanced driver training programs and lifting minimum standards will lead to safer roads. However, there will be a bottleneck due to a shortage of professional educators – trainers who understand the industry, possess strong communication skills, and are eager to pursue further study. We need to work together across jurisdictions to identify and support the development of more highly skilled driver trainers to help fill the gaps.

“No more backseat for me baby!” Toby, 18 months. As parents we are the first educators for the next generation of drivers.
So let’s be road safety role models.
Image: Hughes Training Group

Recently, there has been significant media coverage about driver shortages, training standards and an increase in dangerous driving behaviours. As a nation, we need to re-evaluate heavy vehicle training and licencing on three fronts: lifting minimum standards, harmonising training and assessment standards across jurisdictions, and promoting a culture of competence over tenure.

Quantifying the return on investment of enhanced driver training policy and programs is challenging, but its importance is undeniable. It builds workforce capacity, keeps freight moving, and saves lives. Win, win, win.

Pop used to say, “Get your facts right before you start flapping your lips,” so here goes:

• Demand for road freight and public transport is increasing greatly: Australia’s road transport activity has grown over the past 35 years resulting in an eight-fold increase in road freight. And road freight is projected to grow by 77 per cent to 2050 (NFDH Navigating Australia’s Freight Future).

• Australia’s highways and busy city streets are very dangerous places to work, and therefore require a special skillset: Transport (truck drivers), postal and warehousing accounted for 7.8 fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2020. It’s one of the deadliest sectors in Australia, (Safe Work Australia, 2023).

• The human factor is the most common cause of road-related incidents. Risky behaviour, fatigue, poor attitude, and driver distraction are the worst offenders: The proportion of serious crashes attributed to human-factor related causes increased to 63.5 per cent of all losses (NTI, NTARC Major Crash Investigation).

• We need an army of job-ready truck and bus drivers to keep Australia moving: Over 26,000 drivers are needed to fill the current gaps. This is not just a crisis for the trucking industry, it’s a crisis for the national economy (IRU and NatRoad, 2024).

• Competency based assessment should be prioritised over a tenured licencing pathway: Heavy vehicle licensing should prepare applicants by ensuring that they receive adequate behind the wheel training (VTA, Prioritise training over experience, 2022).

Potential candidates are hard to find. Heavy vehicle driver training and assessment requires a specific mindset, a couple of Certificate IV qualifications, a clean police report, an understanding of adult learning principles, and extensive industry skills and experience.

My grandfather would proudly say, “Nobody taught me how to drive, I worked it out myself.” I suspect I’m lucky to be here as a result.

Providing someone a truck licence offers them a career opportunity, and comprehensive training equips them with the extra knowledge and skills required to survive and thrive.

I don’t claim to have all the answers to the issues that I’ve outlined in this editorial, but I do know that becoming a driver trainer is the most rewarding career choice I’ve ever made.

If you’re interested in becoming a truck or bus driver trainer, we can provide advice and support. Contact us at  hughestraining.com.au.

Andy Hughes is the director of Hughes Training Group Pty Ltd. With Diplomas in Vocational Education and Training, and over a million kilometres driving heavy vehicles all over the country, he is well placed to help you become a professional driving instructor. He also has years of truck (and bus) driver training experience.

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Upcoming 2.5-week closure for section of the M80 Ring Road

As part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, a 24/7 closure on the M80 Ring Road to the West Gate Freeway citybound will soon be in place, with big delays expected.

Asphalting works will be completed along this stretch, as crews work to widen the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 through lanes.

Once asphalting and other construction activities are complete, drivers will have an extra lane connecting the M80 Ring Road to the West Gate Freeway.

The works will take place from 9pm Friday September 6 until 5am Monday September 23.

Along with asphalting, other construction activities will take place on the ramps.

Works are scheduled to take place at this time due to the warmer weather, allowing for the asphalt to be properly laid down.

Drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow an extra 45 minutes travel time.

During the closure, motorists are advised to:

Consider an alternative route to the city or the eastern suburbs to reduce delays.
If staying on the M80 Ring Road, motorists will need to exit early at Boundary Road, Little Boundary Road and Grieve Parade.
Alternatively, drivers can take a later detour by making a U-turn at Kororoit Creek Road along the Princes Freeway.

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Driver in critical condition and Bruce closed after multi-vehicle crash

Three drivers have been taken to hospital, one in critical condition, after a multi-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway just south of Miriam Vale in Queensland earlier this morning.

A 98km stretch of the Bruce Highway remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain that way for most of the day, said police.

A diversion for motorists is in place from Gin Gin via Mulgrave Street into Bundaberg Gin Gin Road, Rosedale Road, Lowmead Road, Tableland Road through Fingerboard Road to Miriam Vale.

But it is not suitable for heavy vehicles.

Leanne Dyer from the Facebook group On The Pads Australia told Big Rigs that the only immediate solution she could see for truckies is to get on to the Burnett Highway, if possible.

“If they get on to the Burnett Highway up to Biloela and across to Calliope, it’s a big detour but the only one I can see that B-doubles can use,” Dyer said.

Police say a truck crashed at about 2am, with four other trucks becoming involved in the accident.

Big Rigs understands that fog and a hazard reduction burn affected driver visibility.

Two ambulances travelling to the scene also become involved in the crash.

According to reports, the paramedics received minor injuries but were able to continue to manage the scene and treat patients before being assessed at hospital later in the morning.

Police also said a man in his 20s with significant head and leg injuries was taken to Gladstone Hospital.

A second man in his 50s was also taken to Gladstone Hospital with life-threatening head, hip and leg injuries, and a man in his 20s with head, chest and leg injuries was taken to Bundaberg Hospital.

A Queensland Fire Department spokesman said fire crews used hydraulic tools to release three people who had been trapped in the vehicles as a result of the crash.

Tow-truck driver Corey Hindley told ABC News he had to swerve quickly to avoid being caught up in the accident and said visibility was low.

He said the ambulances crashed into a reversing truck trying to get off the road.

“The B-double’s tried to get off the road and one ambulance has followed the other one and they’ve both hit the truck, then pushed them straight into the ditch,” Hindley said.

“I probably had five metres before I just saw the hazard lights of the truck and they’re half on the road as well, coming around the bend.

“I’ve been in this game for 30-something years and I’ve seen it all. But you just didn’t expect it, just a dead stop like that with no warning.”

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Outback Truckers star Steve Grahame is thrilled to be back

It’s been a long three years since the last season of Outback Truckers aired, with fans eagerly anticipating a return.

Now that wait is finally over, with season 10 being aired on 7Mate on Tuesdays at 8.30pm – following the world premiere tonight, August 27,

Produced by Western Australian based Prospero Productions, Outback Truckers has showcased the challenges our truckies face on a daily basis to the world, with the show aired in over 100 countries since its debut in 2012.

While the new season will feature several long-time show favourites, there are plenty of new faces as well.

Outback trucking legend Steve Grahame, aged 72, has been on Outback Truckers from the very beginning, tackling the harshest terrain to deliver to some of the most remote corners of Australia. And he’s been driving trucks for a whopping 56 years.

He’s been taking viewers along for the ride since Outback Truckers premiered in 2012. Image: Prospero Productions

Based in Perth, Steve and his seven-year-old German shepherd/kelpie cross named Bella, take viewers along for the ride. 

His work takes him into Pitjantjatjara land in northern South Australia, up through the Northern Territory and across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

“I’m still travelling the same roads, undertaking the same work, the same sorts of jobs and dealing with the same risk factors,” said Steve.

He drives a 1994 model Kenworth C501. “The clock has been around over four times now, so the truck is getting up towards five million kilometres – but the only bit that’s original is the cab and the chassis rails. Everything else has been replaced at some point,” said Steve.

“Though I have been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I’ve fitted a new engine to my truck, which is run by not just me but also a computer. If something breaks, I’ll have to call a helicopter,” he laughed, adding that the new Cummins X15 600hp engine has been in the truck for about 10 months, having done around 110,000 kilometres so far.

Steve’s work takes him to some of the most remote locations in the country. Image: Prospero Productions

When Steve chatted with Big Rigs, he had just returned from the Great Australian Amethyst Mine in the Pilbara.

“I’m still doing all the longer stuff and Bella still loves coming in the truck – though she’s got to a stage where I’ve had to make a ramp for her to get in and out of the truck now,” said Steve.

Having been on Outback Truckers for so many years, Steve believes the show has had a positive impact in more ways than one – improving the perception of truck drivers and the industry among the public, showcasing what Australia’s vast and varied landscape has to offer, and – he says – it’s been great for his business too.

“I think the show has helped create a lot more acceptance for what we do. You get to see the industry, warts and all,” he said. “It lets people see what we are like, what we go through, how involved the work is and how hands-on it is from a mechanical point of view.

“It’s not just driving a truck down a road. I think it’s been an eye opener, showing that trucking really is a skilled trade.

“There’s a lot of knowledge truck drivers have to have these days – about the braking system, the trailers, customer and client liaison.

“The good news is, I’ve found we’re getting more accepted by other travellers on the road. We’ve been shown with our families and our dogs, and people can see that we’re just like everybody else.”

For Steve, he says he’s proud to be featured on the show, alongside Bella. “I’m proud of the fact that Outback Truckers has showcased Australia the way it has. My phone number is on the side of my truck and I’m surprised at how many people call from overseas to say how much they’d love to come and visit.

“It’s been good being able to showcase this wide, big, huge country of ours and the advertising has been pretty handy too. For me as a small contractor, I’ve definitely had jobs and contracts as a direct result of being on the show. I wouldn’t have thought a small contractor like myself would gain much from that sort of advertising, but I have.”

Sludge also returns for another season, but this time his wife Wendy is behind the wheel, as he recovers from injury. Image: Prospero Productions

For some time, the future of Outback Truckers had been hanging in the balance. The team at Prospero Productions worked tirelessly to get Season 10 off the ground, overcoming several hurdles before finally getting the green light late last year.

As per previous seasons, Season 10 will feature 13 one-hour long episodes.

Steve said he’s pleased to see the show make its return, revealing the production crew had joined him on a recent trip as they’re now filming  for season 11.

Prospero Productions is also currently casting for Season 11 of Outback Truckers, with filming of new episodes to continue through to February 2025.

House removal and relocation specialist Robbie Mackay also makes a return for Season 10. Image: Prospero Productions

“They’re looking for anyone in the industry that’s prepared to put up their hand. Long distance is always interesting, but if you’re doing linehaul off a wharf you could show the stress and frustration of the working environment there too,” explained Steve.

For any truckies considering applying, Steve’s advice is simple: “I’d say just do it, without hesitation,” he said, while also thanking Big Rigs readers for all their support along the way.

*If you think you have what it takes to star in the next season of Outback Truckers, contact rachael.s@prospero.com.au or c.falkiner@prospero.com.au.

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Travelling Jackaroo’s epic 27,000km charity trip comes to an end

Sam and his trusty old tractor, nicknamed Slim, recently
completed a 27,250 kilometre adventure across the country. Image: Travelling Jackaroo

Over the last three and a half years, 21-year-old Sam Hughes – who many will know as The Travelling Jackaroo – has travelled the length and breadth of the country, to raise money for charities close to his heart.

Steering his trusty old 1957 Chamberlain tractor, Sam travelled to every state and territory, including across the sea to Tasmania, to raise money for three charities: Royal Flying Doctor Service, Farm Angels (formerly called Drought Angels) and Dolly’s Dream.

Departing from his hometown of Maleny on the Sunshine Coast in March 2021, Sam travelled a total of 27,250 kilometres – at a top speed of just 35km/h – before coming home to a hero’s welcome on August 11, 2024.

The goal was to raise a quarter of a million dollars – and he surpassed that goal, with a grand total of over $260,000 for the charities.

Along with the old orange tractor, he towed a trailer with a motorbike and car inside, and a boat and a plane on top, ensuring he turned heads wherever he went.

Since his journey began, many have been captivated by his travels. He’s shared all of his adventures on his Facebook page, where he’s accumulated a massive following of over 267,000.

Upon returning home, a huge turnout of locals made their way to Maleny Showgrounds to show their support for all Sam has achieved. Here, the Rotary Club of Maleny also awarded Sam its highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow, for all that he’s achieved.

After arriving home, Sam told his followers, “To say it’s been an experience would be an understatement, more like an education. When I left home back in 2021 I was a fresh out of school 18 year old with a dream, and now as a 21 year old, I’ve made it become a reality.”

“But it isn’t something I’ve done on my own, it’s you amazing people that made it possible, all the people who lent a hand when I was having trouble, all those who made a donation, and of course to all my amazing sponsors.”

With Sam’s first big adventure over, he’s now taking some time at home on the farm before work begins on his next project.

He’s purchased a Mack R600 and is planning on building a mobile museum focusing on the people who have helped to shape Australia, including our truckies and the transport industry.

Sam plans to start work on the project in coming months and expects it will take about 12 months to complete, before he sets off on his next adventure, taking the museum across the country.

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BMSB season is coming

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) seasonal measures will soon apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries between 1 September and 30 April.

These measures extend to vessels that berth, load or tranship from target risk countries.

High-risk BMSB season, according to Agriculture Victoria, is the period from September to April each year. The invasive pest is native to China, Japan, Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. It has since spread to the US and Europe.

These bugs typically hide inside imported shipping containers, machinery, goods and packaging and are 12mm-17mm long, have a brown, shield-shaped body, pale white bands on the antennae and feature a distinctive black and white banding along the body.

They are known to feed on and damage more than 300 types of fruit and crops.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry outlines everything you need to know about BMSB including treatment, preparing to import BMSB goods, import scenarios, safeguarding arrangements and more here.

In other news, Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation National Secretary, Peter Anderson, has been appointed as a part-time member for the Road Transport Advisory Group.

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Mack fanatic restored 1997 Titan to ‘immaculate’ standards

Steven Della Bona has always had a soft spot for Bulldogs. 

His dad Michael founded WA Limestone with his brother Renzo and their brother-in-law Peter Zamboni back in 1973, and Mack trucks have played a big part in their family’s story. 

“We ran Macks back in the ’80s and ’90s,” Steven said.

“There was something special about that era, when Macks had the V8 engines.” 

Steven’s Value-Liner before it was restored. Image: Steven Della Bona

Fast-forward to 2024, and WA Limestone has grown to become one of the biggest suppliers of road construction materials in Western Australia, with Steven and his cousin/business partner David Della Bona at the helm. 

They have over 50 trucks in their fleet, and despite Steven lamenting the loss of the V8 engine, many of their rigs are brand-new Macks. 

To indulge their passion for “real trucks”, as Steven calls them, the cousins have also built up a collection of older Bulldogs, including a classic Value-Liner, a Super-Liner Series 2, a couple of B61s, and a Mack Titan. 

The Titan’s restoration in progress. Image: Steven Della Bona

The Mack Titan, which is a fully restored 1997 model, is one of Steven’s favourites. 

He purchased it in a bid to replicate a truck that WA Limestone had in the ’90s. 

“I tried to track down the original truck that we had, but I couldn’t find it,” he said.

“So I bought this one, which was very similar to it, off a bloke in Adelaide during Covid times.” 

The refurbished base takes shape as the new diesel tanks and guards are added. Image: Steven Della Bona

Steven rebuilt parts of the interior and exterior of the truck, painting it to replicate the old WA Limestone colours. 

“We put new brakes on it, rebuilt the suspension, rebuilt the front axle, put a new exhaust on it, gutted and rebuilt all the interior, and did some work to the engine,” he said.

“We put a new bullbar on it, a new grill, new tyres, rims, guards, toolboxes…We cleaned it all up.” 

He keeps the truck as clean as possible, and only he and his cousin are allowed to drive it. 

“It’s not a truck that goes to work every day,” he said. “We keep it immaculate.” 

The finished Titan in all its glory. Image: Steven Della Bona

Steven’s love for restoring Bulldogs led to him meet fellow Mack fanatic CTS Low Loaders Director Jason Clatworthy – and the two men went on to set up the WA Mack Muster and Truck Show. 

“I was in the process of restoring my Value-Liner, and Jason had a truck that I went to go look at, to do a bit of a comparison,” Steve said.

“We were brought together by having a common interest, so we came up with the idea of getting some other Mack enthusiasts together and having a beer on a Saturday afternoon.

“We formed a committee and got a few people involved, like Matt Lawrence from bp – I knew him because I bought my fuel off him.” 

The restored Mack Titan and Mack Value-Liner are an eye-catching pair Image: Steven Della Bona

Steven and Jason organised the first WA Mack Muster and Truck Show in 2020, and it’s taken place biannually since then. 

It’s grown massively since it started with just 120 trucks that first year, registering 360 rigs at the 2024 show.

“It’s a three-day event – on the Friday night we have an auction, the Saturday night is a drivers’ night and then on the Sunday we open it up to the public,” Steven said.

“We like to showcase our industry and what we do. 

“It’s picking up a lot of momentum, and personally I think it’s Australia’s best truck show.” 

This year’s Mack Muster attracted 330 trucks. Image: WA Mack Muster

The show raises money for the Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, a cause close to Steven’s heart. 

“Cancer got my father last year, and that’s part of the reason I started this journey,” he said.

“I had been involved with different bike rides and that kind of thing, over the years, to fundraise for cancer research.

“So I said I would do my own show and try to raise $20,000 in donations.”

Steven hard at work. Image: Steven Della Bona

The first year of the Mack Muster raised $100,000 for the Perkins Institute, and the second year rustled up $250,000 – but 2024 took things up a notch, pulling in an incredible $500,000.

“The WA Mack Muster committee is so overwhelmed by the support that we have received from the local WA transport industry and its suppliers,” Steven said. 

“The trucking industry has a lot of good people who are happy to donate to the cause, and hopefully we can help to one day find a cure for cancer.”

This story originally appeared in Issue 508 of Deals on Wheels magazine. 

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Truckies warned ‘not to stop’ in Boggabilla after series of attacks

Multiple truck drivers have been attacked or experienced close calls in the northern NSW town of Boggabilla over the past few weeks, Big Rigs understands.   

Gangs of youths have been targeting truckies, with some drivers claiming police told them “not to stop” in the rural area, which is close to the border with Queensland.  

The Shell truck stop at Boggabilla, which was the scene of an attack on a truck driver last year, is believed to be a particularly “dangerous” spot.

Truckie Jimmy Faulkner said he was lucky to escape the town unharmed recently after two cars tried to box him in. 

“They tried to block me in at the boot,” he said. “I crossed the road onto the northbound side – as I indicated a bit early, they thought I was pulling over.

“One car did a U-turn to come in behind, but I kept going to the T intersection.

“Another car then raced behind the bowlo, and I only just beat him past the back road, where he came out behind me. Hit the skids and turned around!”  

A spokesperson for NSW Police told Big Rigs that they are working to combat youth crime in Boggabilla. 

“Operation Regional Mongoose was launched in September last year throughout the western region,” they said.  

“It is a high-visibility police operation to tackle serious property-related crime committed predominately by young offenders. 

“Police will continue to work towards meeting the expectations of the local community to increase their safety and will continue to engage the community of Boggabilla to identify and address concerns that may exist or arise from time to time in the township.” 

The spokesperson said that the New England Police District covers the Boggabilla area, providing a 24/7 response with a “consistent and well-resourced complement of local officers to ensure the community has the best possible policing response and is equipped to meet local needs.” 

They added: “Boggabilla Police Station is also supported by other regional and specialist resources when community needs arise.   

“They are also supported by officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and have a full-time Aboriginal Liaison Officer based in Boggabilla.”

Youth crime in the areas of Boggabilla and Goondiwindi, which is about 9km away and just over the border in Queensland, has been a problem for years.

However, a spate of vehicle thefts, property crime incidents and street brawls have caused the towns to hit the headlines again recently, with concerns over “increasing violence” in the towns.

NSW Police explained that the cross-border nature of some offences can complicate matters.  

“Police in Boggabilla are recognised law enforcement officers of Queensland Police, and Goondiwindi Police are recognised law enforcement officers of NSW Police,” they said. “This allows them to exercise all police powers across borders.  

“The challenge arises in the event of offenders being arrested across borders which require a formal extradition to enable them to be prosecuted in the state in which the offence was committed.   

“Boggabilla and Goondiwindi Police work very closely together on a daily basis to address cross border crime issues. 

“Due to suitable housing availability in Boggabilla, officers attached to Boggabilla Police Station reside 9km away in Goondiwindi.” 

Viva Energy, which owns and operates the Shell-branded service stations in Australia, has been contacted for comment.

Read more: Where are the people paid to look after drivers’ safety?

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