WA Senator Glenn Sterle is doubling-down on his campaign to clean up service stations and roadhouses for the nation’s essential truckies.
In his first Facebook post since being passed over for a role in the Albanese government’s outer ministry, Sterle reconfirmed his commitment to the industry he worked in himself for many years as an owner-driver.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have reached out to me over the last week,” writes Sterle.
“It has been an immense personal privilege and honour to have served as Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety over the last four years.
“In that time I have built strong friendships that I know will continue for many years to come. I am also proud of the work my office and I have done and the outcomes we have been able to achieve for the transport industry and truck drivers specifically.
“Please rest assured, I am not going anywhere. I will continue to be your advocate in Canberra as part of an Albanese Labor government and I look forward to working in anyway I can to support our commitment to deliver heavy vehicle rest areas for truckies.”
Sterle also provided an update on how the clean-up campaign is progressing at the following sites:
BP Kalgoorlie – Goldfields Highway, WA
I was sent an email with photos from a trucking group of the showers at this site which were not in a very pleasant condition. After contacting BP management, they have engaged a local cleaning contractor who is going to conduct a deep clean of the site which is a great outcome for the drivers who visit.
Road train assembly area, Bedfordale Hill, WA
Now, the photos I was sent of the toilets at this site would make anyone want to vomit into their wheaties. I sent them on to my good mate Tim ‘Smokey’ Dawson at the Transport Workers Union WA Branch – TWU WA who chased up Main Roads. After reviewing the pics, Main Roads said they would arrange for the toilets to be cleaned ASAP and would also resolve the issues with the water on site.
Puma Bundamba, QLD
I was contacted by a driver who had been told that the showers had been turned into storage and were no longer accessible. Management informed me that they decided to do this due to low usage but have informed me that they plan to build a truck lounge on site soon.
BP Goondiwindi, QLD
I received an email from a concerned patron about the condition of the driveway entrance into the truckstop. I got in touch with BP management who organised a temporary repair of the potholes as soon as possible. I heard from the person who raised the original query with me last week who confirmed that the driveway has now been fixed which is a great outcome for the drivers and for road safety. Thank you BP!
BP Ceduna, SA
After sending photos of the shower block to BP management, which had been sent to me from a truckie, BP has got in touch to confirm that works are about to commence on an upgrade to the toilet and shower block very soon.
“Again, a very big thank you to all involved,” continued Sterle.
“As always, keep me updated on how things are looking out there, and if I can be of any help, please let me know.”
Extracted from Big Rigs