Range high priority
A GATTON transport operator has hit back at a government report that has rated the Toowoomba second range crossing as a low priority.
Gatton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gatton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A GATTON transport operator has hit back at a government report that has rated the Toowoomba second range crossing as a low priority.
An Infrastructure Australia report released last week categorised the project, which has been budgeted at $1.660 billion, at a 'real potential' level priority, below the Gateway Motorway Upgrade North, Ipswich Motorway upgrades, Brisbane Transitway which was at a "threshold" level and the Brisbane Cross River Rail which is "ready to proceed".
Freshwayz Transport manager Toby Toohill said the debate surrounding the second range crossing was a joke.
"There should definitely be other measures in place," he said.
"It adds pressure on drivers and on time slots because obviously we go off a kilometre basis not an hourly rate.
"A driver can only do a certain amount of hours and every kilometre they miss out on because they are sitting on the range, they miss out on income.
"The impacts on the transport industry are huge."
Mr Toohill said he had 10-12 trucks going up and down the range each day and every minute they were delayed was costing money.
"They have got to give us something back. They have increased our rego, taken our fuel rebate. We have been smashed," he said.
He said the transport industry had already paid for the building of the second range crossing.
"We pay for it every day," he said
"They don't realise what they are doing to transport and when they do this it can really hurt your business.
"They want to put this huge toll on us for the crossing once it's built and they're talking $50.
"It's just a joke."
The management of traffic is also a concern for Mr Toohill as there is no contingency plan in place if the range, which faces continual heavy traffic, has to close.
"There is no plan B for B-doubles if something happens and the road is closed to down the range. We just have to unhook the trailers and go through Murphys Creek or sit there and wait," he said.
"It's all got an extra cost, and the government really need to do something to give us an extra option."
Originally published as Range high priority
Pilot accused of murdering wife faces new charge
An air force pilot accused of murdering his wife and making it look like an accident has breached his bail conditions less than two months after being released from prison.
Former council worker turned stalker released from jail
A former regional council worker’s campaign of terror was revealed in court, which included a terrifying incident where the stalker showed up to his ex-partner’s home armed with an axe.
No BYO: Man booted from pub, heckles public for ciggies
A man’s decision to bring his own bourbon to a pub wasn’t the only poor choice he made, with a court told he went on to hassle people for cigarettes before wrangling with police.
Australian boxing mourns death of legendary coach and mentor
The Australian boxing community has been shattered by the death of a legendary coach who helped create one of the sport’s greatest dynasties. Read the touching tributes here.
Lockyer Valley man found with replica handgun, counterfeit cash
Gatton police scored during a search of a Lockyer Valley man’s property, locating a replica handgun and counterfeit bank notes.
Truckie on parole caught with meth
A South West Queensland truck driver on parole for serious drug offences found himself falling off the deep end after he was caught driving with meth in his system.