Federal Budget Update: A Focus on Energy Costs and Implications for the Food Distribution Sector
In the recent Federal budget reply, significant attention was given to the pressing issues of energy costs and their direct impact on the food distribution sector.
In the recent Federal budget reply, significant attention was given to the pressing issues of energy costs and their direct impact on the food distribution sector. The Shadow Minister for Energy, the Hon. Ted O’Brien, highlighted the need for sustainable energy solutions, which was further echoed by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP, in his speech. Both acknowledged the challenges our sector faces due to high energy prices affecting the entire food supply chain—from farmers to manufacturers to distributors—and ultimately, the consumer.
The proposed National Gas Plan aims to ensure a balanced mix of base load power, potentially easing energy costs for our industry. This initiative, coupled with the commitment to streamline regulatory processes, specifically the approval times for solar installations on warehouse roofs, promises to reduce operational hurdles significantly.
Additionally, the reduction of fuel excise on diesel was noted as a positive step, though it was also mentioned that the maximum benefit would be realized only if accompanied by a reduction in the road users charge. These changes are poised to provide some relief to our members facing high logistics costs.
While the budget was largely neutral with regards to direct initiatives for the freight and supply chain industry, it remains focused on easing cost-of-living pressures. It is crucial, however, to maintain advocacy for improved supply chain efficiencies and investments that support our transition to net zero.
The RWTA continue to push for tax offsets on investments in renewable energy solutions like solar panels and batteries, particularly for medium-sized enterprises, to further aid our industry in becoming more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
ARC Update: What the 2025 Code of Practice Means for the Cold Food Chain
The 2025 editions of the Australian and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice introduce important updates that impact the refrigeration and cooling sectors, including the cold food chain.
The 2025 editions of the Australian and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice introduce important updates that impact the refrigeration and cooling sectors, including the cold food chain.
These revised codes reflect significant advancements in refrigerant technology, safety practices, and environmental standards. Compliance with the updated codes is mandatory for anyone holding a refrigerant handling licence or trading authorisation through the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).
The codes provide mandatory requirements, best-practice recommendations, and essential guidance on the proper handling of scheduled refrigerants and any equipment containing them. These updates aim to reduce refrigerant emissions, delivering both environmental benefits and cost savings. The cold food chain, which spans cold storage, transport, and refrigeration systems for perishable goods, is a vital part of the economy. It relies heavily on effective refrigerant management to maintain product quality, prevent food waste, and ensure energy efficiency. The new codes strengthen safety, enhance system efficiency, and optimise refrigerant management, all of which are essential for businesses in the cold food chain sector.
Glenn Evans, ARC’s Chief Executive Officer, highlights the importance of these updates in relation to safety, industry standards, and evolving technology.
"The updated Code of Practice provides clearer guidelines and enhanced safety measures for technicians working with refrigerants in stationary systems," says Glenn.
"This update not only strengthens the competence and safety of our technicians but also aligns with ongoing changes in industry standards, refrigerants, and technology. By setting these clear benchmarks, the Code ensures that our technicians continue to meet the highest standards in the industry."
The updated Codes of Practice are freely available on the ARCTick website (https://arctick.org/refrigerant-handling-licence/codes-of-practice/). ARC strongly encourages all technicians and businesses in the cold food chain to familiarise themselves with these latest standards to ensure compliance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
The RWTA welcomes Paul Wood as a speaker for the 83rd National Conference.
Internationally sought after keynote speaker and best-selling author of the book “Mental Fitness: Build your mind for strength and resilience every day”.
Paul has worked with a broad range of people from professional athletes, advanced police negotiation teams, Google, Nike, to at-risk teens and prisoners.
THis session is brought to you by our valued sponsor Americold
Welcoming Cooler as our newest Member of the RWTA!
Cooler have provided high-quality Refrigerated Truck bodies , Pantechs, Servicing and Body Repairs for over 40 years.
Cooler have provided high-quality Refrigerated Truck bodies , Pantechs, Servicing and Body Repairs for over 40 years.
Their team has fostered a reputation for crafting robust and long-lasting solutions that cater to all your transportation needs.
They are committed to excellence, ensuring that they deliver nothing but the best service for their valued clients.
Offering full end-to-end care as part of their transport refrigeration and Pantech services, they can handle everything from the initial build to any required repairs.
With two dedicated worksites in Brisbane, they are capable of handling all your build, service, and maintenance demands so you can continue transporting refrigerated freight and other goods where they need to be.
Get in touch:
Mark Carter CPEng RPEQ
Managing Director
Phone: 07 3848 6979
Email: info@cooler.au
GCCA Copenhagen Conference Insight: Navigating EU-China Trade Dynamics
We are pleased to share an exclusive article written by keynote speaker John Clarke following the recent GCCA Copenhagen Conference:” EU China: The Light That Fails?”
We are pleased to share an exclusive article written by keynote speaker John Clarke following the recent GCCA Copenhagen Conference:” EU China: The Light That Fails?”
Click here to read more + picture attached + link towards article pdf
John Clarke is the Former Director Int’l Affairs EU Commission & Head EU Del to WTO and UN. Senior Trade negotiator. Journalist, Univ lecturer, consultant. Fellow Royal Asiatic Society, Board of Journal of Intl Trade Law and Regulation.
His article, “EU China: The Light That Fails?" focus is on the complex and evolving trade relations between the European Union and China in the context of rising global trade tensions, notably the U.S.'s impending tariff war. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič's recent trip to China was aimed at resetting these strained relations, amidst aggressive U.S. trade policies and China's strategic manoeuvring in Europe.
The piece highlights how China, facing significant external pressures, is keen to avoid a two-front trade war and is thus courting European alignment more fervently than ever.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the article stresses ongoing tensions over issues like cyberattacks, industrial subsidies, and China's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. As both regions grapple with these challenges, the article also considers the potential for cooperation on multilateral fronts such as WTO reforms and climate commitments, setting a cautiously optimistic tone for future engagements. This piece is essential for understanding the intricate dance of diplomacy and economic strategy between two major global players. To get the whole story, read here.
Have Your Say – Draft 2025 Workforce Plans
These Workforce Plans set out the workforce development challenges and opportunities facing the industry and serve as a roadmap for the future by identifying what employers, unions, the national skills system, and governments need to do to build an agile, highly productive, and resilient workforce.
Feedback closes Monday 5:00PM AEDT, 7 April 2025.
Now Open for Feedback
Industry Skills Australia is seeking your feedback on their draft 2025 Workforce Plans for the Transport and Logistics Industry.
These Workforce Plans set out the workforce development challenges and opportunities facing the industry and serve as a roadmap for the future by identifying what employers, unions, the national skills system, and governments need to do to build an agile, highly productive, and resilient workforce.
Feedback closes Monday 5:00PM AEDT, 7 April 2025.
To read the draft plans and provide your feedback, please visit:
👉 https://www.industryskillsaustralia.org.au/draft-2025-workforce-plans
If you have any queries, please contact our Industry Engagement Manager:
Transport & Logistics: Camilla Elmes – camilla.elmes@isajsc.org.au | 0484 821 888
Americold Expands in Christchurch
Americold Breaks Ground in Christchurch, Doubling Site Capacity to Support FMCG, Retail, and QSR Business Growth
Americold Breaks Ground in Christchurch, Doubling Site Capacity to Support FMCG, Retail, and QSR Business Growth
Americold, a global leader in temperature-controlled storage, logistics and facilities solutions, and value-added services, today announced the groundbreaking of its USD$34 million Halwyn facility expansion in Hornby, Christchurch. This ambitious project will more than double the site’s capacity, significantly enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for temperature-controlled storage solutions across the South Island of New Zealand.
This expansion marks the third regional growth initiative for Americold in the past 24 months, underscoring its commitment to provide solutions to capacity constrained markets across the APAC region.
"Temperature-controlled warehouses play a critical role in the farm-to-table supply chain," says Richard Winnall, President, International at Americold. "As a market leader, we operate varied types of facilities essential to the temperature-controlled food supply chain, also known as the cold chain. This ensures that products move from manufacturers to end consumers in a safe, reliable, cost-effective manner, with minimal environmental impact."
By bringing global best practices and delivering top-tier service to the retail and QSR channels, Americold are poised to modernise the industry. “This expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to local business, job creation and sustainable facility design. Our New Zealand facilities are leading the way within Americold, achieving significant kilowatt-hour savings, high emission reductions, rainwater harvesting and solar energy generation,” said Doug Seccombe, Managing Director APAC at Americold.
"We have designed this facility to meet the immediate and future needs of our grocery and retail customers. This expansion will enable our South Island customers to grow their temperature-controlled supply chain now and into the future,” says Doug Seccombe, Managing Director, APAC. "We continue to provide innovative solutions and best-in-class service to help our customers feed the world."
The 15,240m² site, at 32 Halwyn Drive, is just 10 minutes from Christchurch airport and 20 minutes from the CBD.
In conclusion, a love letter to the cold chain!
In the last in the Frostbite series, we discuss Govt involvement, national security, resilience and food security.
In the last in the Frostbite series, we discuss Govt involvement, national security, resilience and food security. Understanding the cold chain and questioning how it’s done and how can we do it better? A love letter to the cold chain!
National licensing scheme for electrical trades
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement to design a national licensing scheme for electrical trades.
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement to design a national licensing scheme for electrical trades.
We are very pleased to have Melbourne Cold Storage on board as a New Member, Welcome!
Melbourne Cold Storage is a state of the art, purpose-built facility offering tailored cold chain storage and logistics services.
Melbourne Cold Storage is a state of the art, purpose-built facility offering tailored cold chain storage and logistics services.
Strategically located in the logistics hub of Northern Melbourne, MCS provide DAFF approved chilled to frozen temperature-controlled warehousing to both Australian and overseas manufacturers.
A New Dawn for Driver Safety and Comfort: Western Sydney Welcomes Its First Heavy Vehicle Rest Area
In a significant advancement for road safety and driver welfare, Road Freight NSW proudly announces the establishment of the first dedicated heavy vehicle rest stop in Western Sydney.
In a significant advancement for road safety and driver welfare, Road Freight NSW proudly announces the establishment of the first dedicated heavy vehicle rest stop in Western Sydney. This initiative, unveiled in collaboration with key governmental stakeholders, marks a critical step toward enhancing the working conditions of truck drivers across the region. Located strategically near major arterials, the Eastern Creek rest area promises a safe, well-equipped haven for rest and rejuvenation, reflecting the ongoing commitment to the dignity and well-being of our hardworking truckies.
Tasman Logistics Unveils New Facility, Boosting Cold Storage Capacity
Tasman Logistics Services, Cold Chain Solutions, has significantly expanded its cold storage capabilities with the launch of a new facility at Morningside, Queensland. This strategic move, effective 3rd March, has tripled the company’s capacity to 7,400 frozen pallets and 1,300 chilled pallets.
Tasman Logistics Services, Cold Chain Solutions, has significantly expanded its cold storage capabilities with the launch of a new facility at Morningside, Queensland. This strategic move, effective 3rd March, has tripled the company’s capacity to 7,400 frozen pallets and 1,300 chilled pallets.
The Cold Chain Solutions division offers comprehensive services ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive products through advanced technology, secure storage, efficient packaging, continuous monitoring, transportation, certification, customs clearance, and product management.
The new facility features four loading docks, modern office space, and advanced racking systems, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery within the transport and logistics industry.
"With the launch of our new cold storage facility at Morningside, we are excited to significantly enhance our capacity and capability to serve our clients in the digital transport and logistics industry. Our commitment to safeguarding temperature-sensitive products is stronger than ever. This expansion allows us to not only meet the growing demands of our high-volume clients but also to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for every product we handle," said Stan Bearder, Head of Cold Chain Solutions at Tasman Logistics Services.
The RWTA welcomes Brianna Casey as a speaker for the 83rd National Conference.
Brianna Casey is the CEO of Foodbank Australia, the country's largest hunger relief organisation. In this role, she is proud to be tackling both food insecurity and food waste not only in Australia, but also across the world through her involvement with the Global Foodbanking Network.
RWTA Frank Vale Tech Tour, 2025
The Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) 2025 Frank Vale Tech Tour, hosted by Swisslog in collaboration with ASKIN Performance Panels offers an inspiring exploration of cutting-edge automation technologies within the refrigerated warehousing sector.
The Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) 2025 Frank Vale Tech Tour, hosted by Swisslog in collaboration with ASKIN Performance Panels offers an inspiring exploration of cutting-edge automation technologies within the refrigerated warehousing sector.
Named after Frank Vale, a pioneer in Australian cold storage, this prestigious event connects the past with the future, celebrating innovative leaders and their transformative impacts on the industry.
This year, the tour will spotlight exceptional, space-saving automation solutions that allows companies to maximize their operational footprint and accelerate their return on investment.
Amid rising industrial land costs and the premium on space, these technologies offer compelling alternatives to traditional expansion through costly new facilities.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to visit multiple sites across Sydney, each presenting its own set of sophisticated automation setups. These include high-density pallet systems, advanced robotic handling, and tailored automation solutions designed for specific industry needs—from food and beverage to e-commerce and retail.
The Tech Tour is more than just a showcase; it's a platform for aspiring industry leaders to witness firsthand the potential of modern intralogistics. It emphasizes the practical benefits of these technologies, demonstrating their role in enhancing efficiency and scalability within existing spaces, thereby paving the way for a more innovative and sustainable future in the cold chain logistics.
The Australian Cold Chain and the RWTA mentioned in The Australian this morning
In the face of soaring energy costs and rising food prices, the RWTA is advocating for significant policy reforms to alleviate the financial strain on Australia's cold-chain industry.
In the face of soaring energy costs and rising food prices, the RWTA is advocating for significant policy reforms to alleviate the financial strain on Australia's cold-chain industry.
We have emphasized the urgent need for an overhaul of energy policies to mitigate the impact of increased tariffs and substantial renewable energy levies on food prices. Our involvement is crucial as it supports a broader coalition of industry bodies pressing the government to develop a comprehensive food-security strategy. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of Australia’s food supply chains, particularly highlighted disruptions caused the pandemic. The RWTA's proactive stance is a testament to its commitment to ensuring that the cold-chain sector can continue to operate efficiently and cost-effectively, ultimately helping to stabilize food costs for consumers across the nation.
We are excited to welcome Vawdrey Australia to the RWTA!
Watch now as we introduce new member Paul Vawdrey, CEO Vawdrey Australia, speak about his company and the cold chain!
Watch now as we introduce new member Paul Vawdrey, CEO Vawdrey Australia, speak about his company and the cold chain!
Vawdrey Australia is the nation’s leading manufacturer of quality semi-trailers and associated transport equipment.
Designed and manufactured in Australia at their Dandenong facility in Melbourne’s south eastern logistics hub, they build equipment that is custom made for the unique conditions found in the Australian operating environment.
Learn more about Vawdrey and get in touch now!
Paul Vawdrey
CEO
Vawdrey Australia
Mob: 0417 559 512
Web: www.vawdrey.com.au
RWTA Chain Of Responsibility, Melbourne
There were many early birds there to get a great coffee, enjoy the sunrise through the bay windows at The Strand and to do some serious networking prior to the presentation by Chris Catchpole about Chain of Responsibility.
Great numbers rolled up to the recent networking breakfast in Melbourne.
There were many early birds there to get a great coffee, enjoy the sunrise through the bay windows at The Strand and to do some serious networking prior to the presentation by Chris Catchpole about Chain of Responsibility.
Chris will be a great resource for the RWTA Members and there is a link with more information here (https://rwta-membership.com.au/Chain-of-Responsibility/)
RWTA Chain Of Responsibility, Brisbane
First off the block in 2025, the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd (RWTA) celebrated our first networking event at the Gabba today with Chris Catchpole in the seat leading the Chain of Responsibility conversation with a room full of interested delegates.
First off the blocks in 2025, the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd (RWTA) celebrated our first networking event at the Gabba today with Chris Catchpole in the seat leading the Chain of Responsibility conversation with a room full of interested delegates. It helps to have someone to assist with deciphering an 800+ page document, to ensure safety at every turn and clarity for all. Thanks Chris, and thanks to all who attended to learn more about this important subject!
More CoR Resources here: https://rwta-membership.com.au/Chain-of-Responsibility/
So, does this item need to be cold…or just fresh?
Are there options to store things without having to chill them? There is an FDA approved coating to avoid rot- so does food need to be COLD or FRESH? Do we need to risk a biodiverse diet, does meat need to be refrigerated and perhaps there is another option and a way to sidestep the cognitive dissonance, the struggle to make sense of contradictory thoughts or behaviours. Watch the video and find out more.
Are there options to store things without having to chill them? There is an FDA approved coating to avoid rot- so does food need to be COLD or FRESH? Do we need to risk a biodiverse diet, does meat need to be refrigerated and perhaps there is another option and a way to sidestep the cognitive dissonance, the struggle to make sense of contradictory thoughts or behaviours. Watch the video and find out more.
RWTA Perth Function, 18th February
Great to see all the Western Australians at the recent Perth function last week at the stunning and spacious beachside venue ‘Coast Port Beach Restaurant’, ready to catch up and engage in some great networking.
Great to see all the Western Australians at the recent Perth function last week at the stunning and spacious beachside venue ‘Coast Port Beach Restaurant’, ready to catch up and engage in some great networking.
We were honoured to host Peter Hughes, Bali Bombing survivor as a guest speaker. Peter was the man whose swollen and blistered face we saw on television during the shock first hours of news coverage from Bali. He literally took our breath away when we heard him quietly tell medical staff at the scene to help those worse off than him. Looking at Peter, anyone could see that he was badly injured himself. And indeed he was. He had experienced burns to 60% of his body and wasn’t expected to live. Later, he lapsed into a month long coma and died briefly three times whilst on life support. Fortunately, he was able to be revived.
