December 2023 Newsletter Welcome to the December edition of the Traffic Management Reform (TMR) program newsletter.  The TMR program is transforming the traffic management industry by providing the extra support needed to promote safety on the road network and reduce unnecessary congestion and delays around worksites. This is our regular newsletter to keep the traffic management industry up-to-date on any progress and changes as part of the TMR program. Please share it with anyone you think should know about the program and upcoming changes.  Complying to the new Code of Practice (CoP) and National Training Framework As many of you are aware, the new CoP commenced on 1 December 2023. To support the new CoP, DTP has also adopted the National Training Framework for Temporary Traffic Management to ensure workers are trained in the new standards and obligations. This not only creates consistency in the content and teaching methods, but also nationally recognised qualifications. Complying to the new CoP As there has been a delay in the introduction of the new Traffic Management Design (TMD) training, DTP will not be enforcing compliance to the new TMD elements of the new CoP until the new TMD training is readily available and workers have had the opportunity to receive formal training. Memorandum of Authorisation (MoA) permit applications and supporting documents (such as the Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS)) designed to comply to the previous CoP will be accepted without penalty, until further notice.  Anyone who has already upskilled themselves in the new requirements can design in accordance with the new CoP. Information and supporting documents on the new CoP are available on the VicRoads website. If you have any questions or need more information, email ATPapplications@roads.vic.gov.au. Complying to the National Training Framework The National Training Framework has been adopted in Victoria, with the new Traffic Controller (TC) and Traffic Management Implementer (TMI) training both now available. A list of Approved Training Providers (ATPs) can be found on the Austroads website.  To ensure there is greater geographical coverage of training organisations to deliver this training, DTP has extended the mandatory uptake date of the new TC and TMI training from 1 December 2023 to 1 March 2024 to help industry better meet this requirement. Previous TC and TMI training can continue to be delivered concurrently with the new training until 29 February 2024 and any training taken during this time will be recognised by DTP. With the delay in the introduction of the new TMD training, until further notice any previously completed TMD training will be recognised by DTP. Qualifications under the previous TC, TMI and TMD courses will also continue to be recognised, until they expire. We will provide an update on when the new TMD training will be available as soon as the timings are confirmed. Information about the National Training Framework is available on the VicRoads website. If you have any questions or need more information, email ATPapplications@roads.vic.gov.au. Changes to activating and deactivating MoA permits from 4 March 2024 From 4 March 2024, DTP will require traffic management companies to begin using the Road Access Permits Portal (RAPP) to activate and deactivate MoA permits that don’t include LUMS or TRIMS, or are Road Works and Events (RWE) MoA permits. Why is this change being implemented? RAPP was launched with a feature to activate and deactivate MoA permits online to eventually replace the need to call the Transport Operations Centre (TOC) to activate and deactivate MoA permits without LUMS or TRIMS, or RWE MoA permits. This decision was made for a couple of reasons: We’ve received feedback from traffic management companies of long wait times to get through to the TOC to activate and deactivate MoA permits, especially during peak periods. We’ve received feedback from the TOC that overall call volumes have significantly increased, particularly faults, hazards, incidents and emergencies, which is contributing to the wait times traffic management companies are experiencing. These wait times can delay worksite set up as any activities related to traffic management implementation cannot start until the MoA permit is activated and are a factor in MoA permits not being deactivated, impacting how drivers use the road. How do I activate or deactivate an MoA permit in RAPP? The MoA activation feature can be accessed from the RAPP dashboard and includes an easy view of which permits are still activated and need to be deactivated. There is also training material on the VicRoads website if you need further help. The TOC will only action calls to activate and deactivate MoA permits with LUMS or TRIMs, or those that are RWE MoA permits. DTP will continue to investigate other options to make it easier for traffic management companies to activate and deactivate MoA permits when on-site, so if you have any feedback, questions or need more information, email the RAPP team on RAPP.support@roads.vic.gov.au. Changes to authorised MoA permits between 10pm 12 January and 6am 13 January 2024 Due to an important upgrade to the control software for DTP’s Managed Motorway System, no roadworks will be authorised to take place on any part of the managed motorway network between 10pm on Friday 12 January and 6am on Saturday 13 January 2024. The software controls the Lane Use Management System (LUMS), which includes all overhead signage on our metropolitan freeway network. The upgrade will severely impact DTP’s ability to change overhead signage on the managed motorway network. For safety reasons, a decision has been made to not authorise roadworks during this time. If you already have an authorised MoA permit in this time period, you will shortly receive an update with a special condition indicating that your MoA permit cannot be activated during this time for any works on a major metropolitan freeway in a LUMS environment. We appreciate your understanding and support during this essential upgrade. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Palmer, Associate Director Roadworks Permits, on linda.palmer@transport.vic.gov.au. New features in RAPP There were new features added to RAPP on 9 December 2023 including: Change 1: new column in the submitted dashboard view will show the ‘submitted on’ date for both MoA and Working Within the Road Reserve (WWRR) permit applications. Applicants will be able to calculate the number of business days an application has been in review from the submitted date. Change 2: RAPP users with a traffic controller account type will have access to view authorised documents in the approval document folder. This change will ensure traffic controllers have access to a digital copy of relevant documents required to implement an MoA permit. Reminder: Documents being uploaded to RAPP need to be less than 20MB. Please ensure you split up any large files if needed and advise your TGS designers. If you need information or help using RAPP, visit the VicRoads website or contact the RAPP team on RAPP.support@roads.vic.gov.au. Key TMR program dates  From 1 December 2023 New CoP commenced, however compliance to TMD elements will not be enforced until further notice. New National Training Framework introduced in Victoria with the new TC and TMI training commencing. Previous TC and TMI training can continue to be delivered concurrently with the new training until 29 February 2024. From 1 March 2024 New TC and TMI training courses become mandatory. Training taken under the previous TC and TMI courses post this date will no longer be recognised by DTP. DTP will continue to recognise any previous TC and TMI courses taken (and completed) before this date until they expire. From 4 March 2024 MoA permits activate and deactivate to be actioned via RAPP. TOC will only action calls to activate and deactivate MoA permits with LUMS or TRIMs, or those that are RWE MoA permits. First half of 2024 More details about the Volunteer and Occasional Road Workers and TMD training will be released. Further information about new Surveillance Framework and end-to-end enforcement processes will be released. Further engagement with local councils on aligning permit process and creating consistency for industry. 30 June 2024 TMR program completed. Festive greetings from the TMR team From all of us in the TMR team, thank you for your support of the program in 2023. We look forward to continuing to work with you on transforming the traffic management industry in 2024. Have a safe and wonderful festive season. Get in touch  Please email us at tmr.support@transport.vic.gov.au if you have any questions or need further information on the TMR program.

Guidelines for designing and procuring incident response vehicles released for industry feedback
14 December 2023

Austroads has published two new guidelines to aid with incident response vehicle design and procurement, and the use of truck-mounted attenuators in incident response.

The new publications provide guidance on the models, types and design specifications of incident response vehicles, and guidance on when and how truck-mounted attenuators and other attenuator vehicles should be used in incident response scenarios.

Effective and timely incident response helps road managers deliver better safety and improved network performance. However, the first responders to incidents work in a high-risk environment.

‘The fatality rate for first responders is 1.5 times higher than the national workplace fatality rate. It is critical that we improve the safety of all people involved in roadway incident response,’ said Amy Naulls, Austroads Transport Network Operations Program Manager.

The research underpinning the guidelines identified best practices in vehicle design, manufacture, procurement, and use. The researchers consulted with stakeholders and examined literature from Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

The practical information provided in both guidelines serves as a valuable resource for all stakeholders involved in incident response, contributing to a harmonised and safer working environment for incident response teams and road workers.

"This guidance will help create a safer environment for incident response teams and road workers while still allowing practitioners to respond to differing local needs," added Naulls.

Austroads encourages industry professionals and stakeholders to provide feedback on the guidelines, fostering a collaborative effort to further refine and enhance these critical resources. The feedback window is open until June 1, 2024.

The guidelines can be downloaded from the links below:

Guidelines for the Design and Procurement of Incident Response Vehicles

Guidelines for the Use of Truck-Mounted Attenuators in Incident Response

Research report: Incident Response Vehicle Design and Procurement and the Use of Truck Mounted Attenuators in Incident Response

Webinar

Join us for a webinar on Tuesday, 5 March 2024 with Narelle Haworth, Ashim Debnath and Drew Gaynor, for an overview of the project, including the findings of the literature review, results of the stakeholder consultations and guideline development.

No charge but registration is essential. Can’t make the live session? Register and we’ll send you a link to the recording.

Register now!

About Austroads

Austroads is the association of Australian and New Zealand road transport agencies that facilitates improvements in road and transport infrastructure through research and knowledge-sharing. With a commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency, Austroads plays a pivotal role in shaping best practices within the road transport industry.

Update on Tasmanian Temporary Traffic Management requirements Changes to transition timeframes for existing temporary traffic management qualifications The Department of State Growth will extend each transition period arrangement by six months to assist the industry, including traffic management companies, contractors, trainers, and State Growth. This is intended to provide flexibility and sufficient time for all stakeholders to adjust to the new requirements. This information is outlined in the table below, as it will appear in the revised Tasmanian Guide. Last qualification date Time until they must complete the NTFTTM* (from 1 Jan 2024) 2023 24 months 2022 18 months 2021 15 months 2020 and earlier 12 months *These timeframes may change with the requirements of delivering the NTFTTM. For example: An individual who last completed traffic management training in 2023 should book for the equivalent NTFTTM course within 24 months (e.g. before January 2026) An individual who last completed traffic management training in 2022 should book for the equivalent NTFTTM course within 18 months (e.g. before July 2025) An individual who last completed traffic management training in 2021 should book for the equivalent NTFTTM course within 15 months (e.g. before April 2025) An individual who last completed traffic management training in 2020 or earlier should book for the equivalent NTFTTM course within 12 months (e.g. before January 2025)  State Growth has recently committed to reviewing the implementation of the NTFTTM, including transition arrangements, by 1 April 2024 and quarterly after that.  State Roads will facilitate these reviews, and stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback. Approved Training Providers State Growth is pleased to announce the current Approved Training Providers in Tasmania.  The training providers are: Australian Academic Solutions CivilEdge Information on these ATPs, their locations, available courses, and website links are available on the Austroads and linked through the Tasmanian Transport website. We anticipate being able to announce more ATPs in early 2024. Tasmanian Guide to Traffic Control for Works on Roads The Tasmanian Guide to Traffic Control for Works on Roads has been updated and published on the Tasmanian Transport website. You can view a copy of the guide here. The Tasmanian Guide holds information such as: Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM) in Tasmania Training Requirements Transition Arrangements Refresher Training Training for non-practitioners Recognition of Prior Learning Approved Training Providers Truck Mounted Attenuators

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the State Roads Work Health and Safety team at StateRoadsWHS@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

The Department of State Growth would like to inform the TMAA Tasmania and members that a “Support Statement” has been prepared for Approved Training Providers (ATPs) and businesses who will host traffic management students on worksites to provide to clients who may not be aware of the incoming requirements for traffic management training. 

This statement is available on the Tasmanian Transport website, on the following page, under the “More information” tab: 

Temporary Traffic Management page

If you have any questions in relation to this, please contact

ttm.tasmania@staetgrowth.tas.gov.au

Regards, 

Annie Johns | Safety Advisor – State Roads 

Support Services Branch | Department of State Growth

E2023/9 - TMAA Election Notice and Nomination Form

Dear Members

The Election Notice and Nomination Form for the TMAA Management Committee election (Traffic Management Association of Australia, Scheduled Election E2023/9 - Stage 1a) are available for members to see and download.

Election Notice

Nomination Form

Kind regards

TMAA

The Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) has published a media release today expressing concerns about recent changes announced by Main Roads WA (MRWA) to its Traffic Management Company Registration Scheme. The TMAA media release conveyed its Members' apprehension regarding the newly announced modifications to the Scheme by the MRWA.

Read the Media Release

Holland Thomas joins TMAA as a National Supplier for Aggressive Behaviour Management

The Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) is pleased to introduce Holland Thomas as our new national supplier for the safe management of aggressive behaviours.

“With this partnership we aim to enhance safety and professionalism within the industry by providing diverse and effective training solutions for our members.”

Holland Thomas offers a range of training options to cater to the specific needs and preferences of TMAA members. Most of our members have expressed a strong interest in online training, seeking efficient and accessible ways to equip their workers with the skills to safely manage aggressive behaviours. Holland Thomas offers an exceptional eLearn course designed for just that purpose.

With the eLearn course, members can access online courses that are engaging and interactive. These courses provide the flexibility required in today's fast-paced work environments, allowing staff to complete training at their own pace. This not only saves time but ensures that essential knowledge and skills are retained and can be applied effectively on the job.

Most importantly, Holland Thomas understands that one size doesn't fit all. For example, some TMAA members prefer in-person, face-to-face training to foster team collaboration and provide hands-on experience. Holland Thomas will deliver on this front as well. Their interactive workshops allow participants to practice and refine their skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.

TMAA's partnership with Holland Thomas reflects our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our members.

Holland Thomas's expertise aligns seamlessly with TMAA's mission to enhance safety and professionalism in the traffic management industry. We are confident that this partnership will empower our members to create safer work environments, effectively manage aggressive behaviours, and ensure the well-being of their staff.

To find out more about Holland Thomas and their training solutions, please visit their website at Holland Thomas .

You can also explore their offerings for managing aggressive behaviours through these links:

E-Learn Courses

Face-to-Face Workshops

This collaboration between TMAA and Holland Thomas signifies our joint commitment to advancing safety and professionalism in the traffic management industry. We are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will have on our members and the industry as a whole. Together, we aim to provide comprehensive training solutions that make a difference!

For more information about Holland Thomas’ services and their special discounts for TMAA Members, please contact Travis Holland at travis.holland@hollandthomas.com.au.

Welcoming the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to TMAA!

From left to right: John Cassel (TMAA Vice President), Andrew White (TMAA President), Sally Stannard (Acting Director General of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads), Matthew Bereni (TMAA CEO).

The Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) is pleased to welcome the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads as its newest Associate Group member.

"We are pleased to support the TMAA and continue our close collaboration in promoting best practice traffic management outcomes with the goal of ensuring the safety of those who work on roads and the travelling public," said Dennis Walsh, Chief Engineer at the Department of Transport and Main Roads. "In an ever changing environment, being part of the TMAA is very important so we continue to share knowledge and help influence the future of traffic management as we galvanise around our common safety goals."

TMAA CEO Matthew Bereni said, "We are excited to have the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads on board. Their expertise and insights will be invaluable as we work together to improve road safety and traffic efficiency."

The TMAA looks forward to working closely with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to advocate for a safer and more effective traffic management sector.

Dear Members

Further to our 16 November 2023 General Members Meeting during which the Motion to alter TMAA Rules 6.5, 6.10, 6.13, 7.1, 7.4, 9.5 and 11.7 was presented and unanimously carried by all present Members, we would like to inform you that a rule alteration notification has been lodged with the Fair Work Commission on 28 November 2023.

This notification is published on the TMAA website in line with Regulation 126(1)(b) of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Regulations 2009.

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us at tmaa@tmaa.asn.au.

Kind regards
TMAA

The Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) is unveiling today the Australian Work Zone Memorial to pay tribute to Australian road workers who have lost their lives while carrying out their duties in active worksites.

By unveiling the memorial as part of the annual Road Worker Day of Remembrance on November 9, TMAA hopes to encourage the industry and our community to consider the human cost of work zone incidents.

Read the Media Release