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RWTA (QLD Division) Networking Event

RWTA Queensland Division Networking Breakfasts are a great forum for getting new information on our industry and a tasty start to the day, but we realise there really isn’t a lot of time to actually network – and our natural instinct is to spend time catching up with the people we already know.

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RWTA Queensland Division Networking Breakfasts are a great forum for getting new information on our industry and a tasty start to the day, but we realise there really isn’t a lot of time to actually network – and our natural instinct is to spend time catching up with the people we already know.

So we’ve created a special event TOTALLY DEDICATED to NETWORKING.  We’re going to make sure that every person attending gets time with every guest in a relaxing environment. No guest speakers – YOU do the talking!   

We’ve also changed the time so that you don’t have to rush off to work and can choose to continue the networking once the “official” event has finished.

To make the most of this event, we encourage you to invite staff from different areas of your business to attend – think about the up and coming young guns of your business. 

As we want to ensure every person gets a chance to meet each other we will be capping numbers, so please make sure you get your registration in quickly.

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Transport Women Australia Limited - Creating Connections Conference

Hear the latest from leaders in Transport both in Australia and internationally, and share your ideas with a diverse and influential audience.

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Hear the latest from leaders in Transport both in Australia and internationally, and share your ideas with a diverse and influential audience.

We are sure you will have an enjoyable and informative weekend with interesting speakers, our wonderful massage and coffee booths to keep you going, the return of our health check booth and a new exciting addition.

For information regarding any of the above, contact the Chair – Jacquelene Brotherton chair@transportwomen.com.au or 0417 422 319.

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Vale Dale Tieman

It is with great sadness the Tieman family has announced the tragic and sudden passing of Dale Tieman at 61 years of age.

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It is with great sadness the Tieman family has announced the tragic and sudden passing of Dale Tieman at 61 years of age.

Dale Tieman was doing what he loved doing every weekend, riding his mountain bike with two great mates, the Tieman family said.

For over 40 years, Tieman was heavily involved with the tail lift, materials handling and tanker industries.

His passion for the business and its engineering, family, employees and customers has never waned.

The Tieman family and all employees at Tieman Tankers are focused on continuing the family business as usual during this unforeseen circumstance and in the long term. Tieman Industries were long-time supporters of the RWTA and the RWTA sends their condolences to the family and his coworkers.

Tieman leaves behind his wife Donna and three boys, Mitchell, Brodie and Kaiden, all of whom work in the family tanker business.

He will be sadly missed and forever remembered as a key person in building the Tieman brand that reached so many people and industries. Funeral details will be advised as soon as possible.

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Cold Running Magazine - March 2015

Welcome to our “New Look Cold Running” we have updated our masthead, and changed the format from that of a newsletter to an eMagazine, enabling it to new be read across multiple devices (using ISSUU -  the fastest growing digital publishing platform in the world)  while still being able for download as a pdf and printing out if that is what you prefer.

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Good Afternoon Everyone,

Welcome to our “New Look Cold Running” we have updated our masthead, and changed the format from that of a newsletter to an eMagazine, enabling it to new be read across multiple devices (using ISSUU -  the fastest growing digital publishing platform in the world)  while still being able for download as a pdf and printing out if that is what you prefer.

In this issue you will find some great articles covering issues impacting the Australian Cold Chain including …….

Conference Announcements:

  • 124th IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo – 25th to 29th April 2015
  • SMART Supply Chain & Logistics Conference & Expo – 26th to 27th May 2015
  • NZCSA National Conference and Exhibition – 9th to 11th August 2015
  • RWTA National Conference and Exhibition – 26th to 28th August 2015

Keep your Cool –  JLLS Report on “The case for Refrigerated Logistics and Distribution Investment”

International News

  • Peter Worthington Smith Award (South Africa)
  • Dematic Acquires SDI Group Europe

Montague Open New Facility at Truganina

HR News – 3 Strikes and you’re out – the myth!

 News from GCCA

  • IARW Global Cold Storage Capacity Report
  • GCCA NextGen Award

Employee Engagement

Refrigeration Air Conditioning & GHG Reduction

Plus lots more ……

We trust that you enjoy reading the March ‘15 Issue, and if you would like to advertise, or contribute an article for inclusion in the next issue, Cold Running – June 2015, please email: rsturzaker@rwta.com.au  by COB on 1st May.

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2015 Frank Vale Award – Nominations Now Closed

The Frank Vale Award is awarded annually to acknowledge talented young people within the Industry, who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to make a positive contribution to the development of the industry, and become future leaders in the industry.

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Nominations are now closed for the 2015 Frank Vale Award.

The Frank Vale Award has been awarded annually since 1993 to acknowledge talented young people within the industry, who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to become future leaders, and make a positive contribution to the development of the Australian Cold Chain Industry.

The 2015 Frank Vale Award Winner will be announced at the RWTA National Conference and Exhibition Gala Dinner at the Stamford Grand Adelaide (Glenelg) South Australia on Friday 28th August 2015.


REWARDS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE AWARD

Participation in the Frank Vale Award is a rewarding process regardless of whether you win the award. State Finalists and their partners travel as special guests of the RWTA to attend the 2015 RWTA Conference and Exhibition to be held at the Stamford Grand Adelaide (Glenelg) South Australia from 26-28 August 2015. Travel expenses, conference registration, accommodation and meal expenses of State Finalist’s and their partners are met by the RWTA.

The 2015 Frank Vale Award Winner will receive a $5,000 travel prize to attend the Global Cold Chain Alliance (IARW/WFLO) 125th Convention & Expo to be held at the Cosmopolitan - Las Vegas, Nevada USA from 9th to 13th April 2016.  This prize is generously sponsored by Retracom Contracting.

Participating in the Award process and attending the RWTA Conference and Exhibition also provides State Finalists with an outstanding opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the Australian Cold Chain Industry, along with an opportunity to meet many of the key players.  Past finalists agree that this experience has been invaluable.

2015 Frank Vale Award Poster

2015 Eligibility Criteria & Nomination Form

 

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RWTA Welcome New Executive Officer and Administration Officer

The Board of the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd (RWTA) welcome Russell Sturzaker to the position of Executive Officer. Russell commenced with the Association on 22 September, and officially took over his new role on Friday 3rd October.

The Board of the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd (RWTA) welcome Russell Sturzaker to the position of Executive Officer. Russell commenced with the Association on 22 September, and officially took over his new role on Friday 3rd October.

After an exhaustive recruitment process, the RWTA Board appointed Russell Sturzaker as the new Executive Officer. Russell has extensive experience in the Not for Profit Sector, currently serving as Chairman of the Australasian Society of Association Executives (Melbourne Chapter). His previous role was as CEO of Four Wheel Drive Victoria, a position he held for five years. At Four Wheel Drive Victoria, Russell was responsible for the overall development and management of the Association. His key task was to provide services to members and key stakeholders in accordance with the strategic intent, statutory requirements and membership agreements. He initiated, developed and implemented sound business practices, financial planning and reporting. Russell helped to build the membership base through strong communication, marketing, and consultation skills. He brings strong database management skills, web development experience and a track record of service delivery.

Russell replaces David Costelloe, who retired from the RWTA on Thursday 2nd October, after more than nine years serving the Association. For the past seven years David has been ably supported by his wife Dianne as the RWTA’s Administration Officer. Dianne also retired from the RWTA on Thursday 2nd October. The RWTA Board wish to thank Dianne & David for their great efforts over the last nine years, the Association has come a long way over this period, and our growth and success have been to a very large part due to the great work of David & Dianne. David has been the face of the RWTA, and has worked tirelessly to benefit the Association, and both David & Dianne leave a great legacy.

Also new at the RWTA and supporting Russell in his new role is Anne Thornton who commenced on Monday 29th September (working three days per week) as our new Administration Officer. Anne also has extensive experience in Association Management and the Not for Profit Sector, having served as the the Executive Officer for a national specialty nursing group for 9 years. One of Anne’s tasks during this period was to assist the board with moving the College from a federated body to a

company limited by guarantee, and with the rewriting of their constitution. Anne has excellent organisational and administrative skills having run the college’s office on her own for 5 years, and then with minimal assistance for the following 4 years. Anne also assisted in the organization and running of conferences and seminars across Australia.

We welcome Anne to her new position and wish her well in her new role.

New Contact Details at the RWTA

Listed below are the new contact details for the Executive Officer and Administration Officer, and we would ask that you update your contact details for the RWTA as follows:

Executive Officer

Russell Sturzaker

Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia Ltd

VTA Offices, 50 Wirraway Drive Port Melbourne VIC 3207

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PO Box 5 South Melbourne VIC 3205

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Administration Officer

Anne Thornton

Refrigerated Warehouse & TransportAssociation of Australia Ltd

VTA Offices, 50 Wirraway Drive Port Melbourne VIC 3207

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PO Box 5 South Melbourne VIC 3205

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2014 FRANK VALE AWARD WINNER

At the Gala Dinner held on 22nd August, at the conclusion of the 2014 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition, Jeffrey Tusa, Project Manager, Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) was announced as the winner of the 2014 Frank Vale Award.

The Frank Vale Award is awarded annually to acknowledge talented young people within the Industry, who have demonstrated to their employers that they have the potential to make a positive contribution to the development of the industry, and who will become future leaders in the industry.

 Three very worthy finalists contested the 2014 Frank Vale Award. They were Joel Chapman, Team Manager, Americold Logistics Ltd (QLD), Jeffrey Tusa, Project Manager, Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) and Cherie Wassell, Quality & Compliance Coordinator, Americold Logistics Ltd (NSW).

 At the Gala Dinner held on 22nd August, at the conclusion of the 2014 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition, Jeffrey Tusa, Project Manager, Polar Fresh Cold Chain Services (VIC) was announced as the winner of the 2014 Frank Vale Award.

 When asked for his thoughts on the Award, Jeff commented as follows, “Participating in the 2014 RWTA National conference for me personally was a humbling experience, not every day do you get an opportunity to be sitting in a room filled with leaders who have helped shape our industry and speak about what the future looks like and areas of opportunity. Winning the 2014 Frank Vale award came as both a shock, and surprise at the time, as all the state finalists had a wealth of knowledge and experience in the cold chain industry”.

 “There were some very memorable presentations through the conference from topics such as the supply chain in Asia and the United States, through to Heavy Vehicle Regulation in our states, the Prawn Industry in Australia, and Business Fundamentals just to name a few. For me it was great to see people speak about their roles, where they fit in the chain, and most of all seeing the passion for what they do to service the growing demand in their areas. As a young leader in the industry it is encouraging seeing professionals speak about their passions, and most notably seeing their drive to change current practices for the future of the industry”.   “On the night of the Gala Dinner, the announcement of the Frank Vale Award was initially nerve racking, however the overall experience and recognition from members of the Association, and fellow participants made the night (for me) something to remember”.  

“Retracom’s support and sponsorship of the travel prize for The Frank Vale Award is a credit to their business through recognizing young leaders in the industry. I look forward to participating in the IARW/WFLO Annual Convention and Expo in Orlando Florida in April 2015, were I will be looking to absorb as much information as possible, while sharing my experience with the team”.

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2014 RWTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION VOTED A REAL WINNER

The 2014 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, held at Pullman Cairns International Hotel, Cairns, Queensland, from Wednesday 20th to Friday 22md August 2014 was a resounding success.

The 2014 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, held at Pullman Cairns International Hotel, Cairns, Queensland, from Wednesday 20th to Friday 22md August 2014 was a resounding success.
Under the theme “Leadership, Transformation and Technology”, our 2014 Conference featured some outstanding Australian and International speakers, and there were plenty of opportunities to network during the 3-day event, not only during the plenary sessions but also at the 2 cocktail functions and Gala Dinner.
In terms of attendance and support it ranked in the top four most successful RWTA Conferences & Exhibitions, following Sydney in 2013, Launceston in 2011 and Melbourne in 2010. 139 delegates and partners attended the event, and the exhibition was a sell out, well ahead of time, with 12 exhibitors, including 3 overseas companies.
We sincerely thank the support of all exhibitors, namely:
Exhibitors:

  • TWUSuper
  • Accellos Inc Canada
  • Crown Equipment
  • EMSC Australia
  • Toyota Material Handling
  • Dematic
  • Stow Australia
  • Vocollect by Honeywell
  • GEA Refrigeration Australia
  • Minus40
  • Efficient Refrigeration & Energy Saving
  • Genuine Tuck Bodies

 

 

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RWTA RESIGNATION ANNOUNCEMENT

After more than nine years serving our organisation, David Costelloe has decided to move on. David has also indicated that Dianne, who has supported David for the last seven years, will also be resigning.

After more than nine years serving our organisation, David Costelloe has decided to move on. David has also indicated that Dianne, who has supported David for the last seven years, will also be resigning.

David and Dianne will stay on in the Executive Officer and the office support roles until after this year’s conference. They have also agreed to stay on and help to transition process to a new Executive Officer.

I thank Dianne & David for the great efforts over the last nine years. The Association has come a long way over this period. Our Association’s growth and success have been to a very large part due to David & Dianne’s great work. David has been the face of the RWTA. He has worked tirelessly to benefit the association. Both David & Dianne will leave a great legacy. The association is financially secure and through the State meetings and sub-committees, engages members at a level the association has never done before. Dianne & David have developed our annual conference ensuring it remains relevant to all our members. Despite the contraction in the number of companies in our industry, conference participation has remained extremely strong. David has ensured that both members and associate members derive great benefits from their association with the RWTA.

Paul Fleiszig
Chairman RWTA

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CAIRNS IS THE DESTINATION FOR 2014

The 2014 RWTA National Conference & Exhibition will be held at Pullman Cairns International (previously Sebel Cairns) from 20-22 August.

The 2014 RWTA National Conference & Exhibition will be held at Pullman Cairns International (previously Sebel Cairns) from 20-22 August.

Contemporary and elegant, Pullman Cairns International reflects the grandeur and style of a colonial past and includes 321 spacious guest rooms with views of either the harbour or hinterland.  All guest rooms include furnished private balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, mini bar, safe, movies on demand and complimentary internet access for RWTA delegates.

With flexible event rooms and beautiful outdoor venues, Pullman Cairns International is ideal for our conference and exhibition and is designed to impress.

The hotel’s CBD location puts delegates right in the heart of Cairns.  Guests have hundreds of local attractions and adventures to choose from right at the hotel door step.  Cairns has so much on offer and only 30 minutes away are the renowned tropical beaches like Palm Cove and a little further north the magical Port Douglas. The location is perfect for delegates and their partners wishing to make a holiday out of their time in Cairns and the exciting Tropical North Queensland region.

Further details on the conference program, exhibition and sponsorship will be available shortly.

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2013 RWTA CONFERENCE A REAL WINNER

The 2013 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, held at Sheraton Four Points Darling...

The 2013 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, held at Sheraton Four Points Darling Harbour, Sydney, in August was a great success.

 

In terms of attendance and support it ranked in the top three most successful recent RWTA Conferences & Exhibitions, following Melbourne in 2010 and Launceston in 2011.

Over 140 delegates and partners attended the event. The exhibition was a sell out, well ahead of time, with a record 21 exhibitors, including 3 overseas companies. We sincerely thank the support of all exhibitors:

  • Commonwealth Bank
  • Bondor
  • Xtralis
  • TWUSuper
  • Assa Abloy Entrance Systems
  • Dexion
  • Askin
  • Vocollect Asia Pacific
  • Barpro Storage South Africa/Dematic
  • Hepworths
  • Temperature Technology
  • EMSC Australia
  • Labourforce Impex Personnel
  • Toyota Material Handling Australia
  • Ampac Technologies
  • Accellos Inc Canada
  • Minus40
  • GEA Refrigeration Componentry
  • Microlistics
  • Stow Australia
  • Ulti Group New Zealand

We had terrific support from sponsors – our 3 Gold Alliance Partners (Commonwealth Bank, TWUSuper and GSA Insurance Brokers), Accellos Inc Canada, Americold Logistics, Carrier Transicold, Montague Cold Storage, Progressive Green, Retracom Group, Swire Cold Storage, Toyota Material Handling Australia and Treasury Wine Estates.

Delegates enjoyed 2 days of plenary sessions with excellent speakers covering a variety of industry issues, including our 2 international speakers generously sponsored by the Global Cold Chain Alliance, namely Corey Rosenbusch, President & CEO GCCA and Doug Thomas, President/CEO of Bellingham Cold Storage USA and Chairman IARW.

The Gala Dinner was another night of glittering entertainment, fine dining and dancing where three awards were presented.

The Greg Montague Award for 2013, in recognition of outstanding contribution to the RWTA and our industry, was presented to Cate McGuire Chief Executive Officer for Oomiak Industrial Refrigeration. Cate has been a tremendous supporter of the RWTA over many years in South Australia and also served on the National RWTA Board as the SA Representative. Cate was instrumental in progressing a number of recent initiatives, including the new RWTA website and reviewing the selection guidelines and scoring for the Frank Vale Award. Well done Cate.

A new Life Membership was also announced on the night, namely to Peter Quinn, previously Director of the Montague Group. Peter has served as National Chairman of the RWTA for four years and was previously Vice Chairman and Board Member for a number of years prior to taking on the Chairmanship. Peter actively worked on the consolidation of the RWTA as a national body in all respects, helped strengthen our association with GCCA and VTA and instigated a number of sub-committees. Congratulations Peter on your Life Membership.

The Frank Vale Award for 2013 was announced and the winner is Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager, Americold Logistics, Queensland (see story in this edition).

We have received terrific feedback from delegates and partners, with expressed intentions by many members, including non-attendees this year, to attend the 2014 event.

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2013 FRANK VALE AWARD WINNER

The Frank Vale Award is awarded annually to an outstanding young achiever in our industry. Three very worthy finalists contested the 2013 Frank Vale Award. They were Daryl Nightingale,...

The Frank Vale Award is awarded annually to an outstanding young achiever in our industry.
Three very worthy finalists contested the 2013 Frank Vale Award. They were Daryl Nightingale, Customer Supply Chain Manager, BE Campbell (NSW), Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager, Americold Logistics (QLD) and Grant Keating, Telecommunications & Security Systems Manager, Oxford Cold Storage (VIC).

At the RWTA Gala Dinner in August, concluding the 2013 National Conference and Exhibition,  Scott Barbour was selected as the winner of the 2013 Frank Vale Award.

A very excited Scott Barbour stated “winning the Frank Vale Award for 2013 was a very pleasant surprise and honour. To just attend the 2013 RWTA National Conference was very rewarding in itself as Daryl, Grant and myself were able to mingle with the leaders of our industry for the duration of the Conference. 

Scott commented “all members were very inviting and wanted to know our stories and it really made me feel like we were a big part of the National Conference. On the night of winning the Frank Vale Award, it was a bit overwhelming with the amount of support that I received and it really was a special night”.

After winning the Frank Vale Award, Scott made a special trip to the Retracom Group site at Crestmead, Brisbane and met with the team who has sponsored the international travel prize component of the Award for the past 7 years. 

Scott comments were “Retracom's generous support of the Frank Vale Award and young leaders in the industry is instrumental and a great credit to them. The Frank Vale experience has really opened my eyes to the industry as a whole.  I think as a young member you tend to be quite micro in your thoughts and have the blinkers on while you cover off your specific responsibilities.   The Frank Vale Award and the entire Frank Vale Award process helps you open your eyes to the industry as a whole and all the pieces that come together to make it work.  As April 2014 fast approaches, I am really looking forward to heading over to San Diego California for the 2014  IARW/WFLO Annual Convention and Expo to soak up as much information as I possibly can. I am sure it will be a fantastic event and the opportunity to attend and contribute is very exciting”.

Well done Scott, you are a most deserving winner of the 2013 Frank Vale Award.

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2013 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition

We have great pleasure in announcing that the 2013 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition will be held at the spectacular Sheraton Four Points at Darling Harbour Sydney from 28-30 August.

TO REGISTER FOR THE 2013 RWTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION JUST CLICK ON THE REGISTRATION LINK BELOW:

We have great pleasure in announcing that the 2013 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition will be held at the spectacular Sheraton Four Points at Darling Harbour Sydney from 28-30 August.

Whichever way you look at it, this is going to be the event of the new millennium!!!!

We have secured the three adjoining ballrooms and surrounding area to offer one of the best combined conference and exhibition spaces in australia.

We have secured a block of harbour view rooms for delegates at a most reasonable rate.

Exhibitors and sponsors are advised to contact me early to ensure you can have a premium presence at this spectacular event.  Further information on the theme, speakers, social activities and registration details will be announced early in the new year.

Australia's largest hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour consists of 682 rooms, including 14 suites. You can enjoy superb comforts and stellar convenience at the best location in Sydney. Located in Sydney's central business district and overlooking Darling Harbour, the hotel is just a short walk from the major entertainment and shopping districts including Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, and Chinatown. The property has its own walkway directly linking to the myriad of waterside restaurants, pleasure cruises, shops and entertainment on Darling Harbour. Business or pleasure?

From contemporary dining to great function venues, a fully equipped business centre, and a 24-hour fitness centre, Sheraton Four Points has what you need. Great city and water views can be enjoyed from the 682 guest rooms with some even offering balconies.

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RWTA Energy Efficiency Subcommittee 2012

The RWTA Energy Efficiency Subcommittee last met on the 13th September 2012 and is due to meet again on the 6th December 2012. Closed

Report on the Activities of the RWTA Energy Efficiency Subcommittee

Gabor Hilton RWTA Director and Life Member

Cold Running November 2012

The RWTA Energy Efficiency Subcommittee last met on the 13th September 2012 and is due to meet again on the 6th December 2012. We wish to thank the retiring Chairman Rod McQueen for his contribution and leadership of the EE Subcommittee Chairperson from its inception. Glenn Edwards from Montague Cold Store was appointed the new Chairman and we are looking forwards to future growth under Glenn's committed leadership.

The Subcommittee's activities are hampered by the apparent lack of interest from our cold storage member's senior management. We are concerned by senior management failing to authorise their staff to participate in our surveys, and the lack of interest in participating in subcommittee meetings. We find it unbelievable and frustrating that senior management does not take ownership and fail to drive and encourage their staff's participation in this very worthwhile committee. Energy savings of up to 40% can be achieved by better plant control, management and adaptation of emerging technologies. In this regard, identifying opportunities and sharing experiences is vital to success and saving costs.

The ever increasing cost of energy can be offset by improving energy efficiency. Some of the emerging technologies that can help are;

  • Plant optimisation and SCADA control
  • Variable Frequency Drives on compressors, pumps, condenser and evaporator fans
  • Energy efficient solid state lighting (LEDs)
  • Voltage and Current optimisation
  • Heat reflecting coatings on external surfaces
  • Co-generation and Try-generation
  • Adaptation of Solar Photovoltaic generation

Combined RWTA REC Index and Energy Efficiency Benchmarking

RWTA employed the services of independent market researcher Anthony Frosh of Compact Research to carry out the monthly Renewable Energy Charges and Carbon Tax survey. We requested Anthony to include an additional column for the "Total volume of temperature controlled areas" so we can calculate the electricity used (kWh) per cubic meter for each facility.

We propose to publish the average Energy Efficiency (kWh/M³) for all facilities for the period together with the average state-wide impact on the cost of electricity of the clean energy charges. Members will be able to measure their energy efficiency against the average for the period for each Australian state.

We urge all RWTA members to participate in this independent survey so we can obtain meaningful data to be able to successfully lobby government to include the cold storage industry in funding for energy saving initiatives.

The average increases due to the clean energy charges for the month of July 2012 were:

STATE State RECs Increase Carbon Tax Increase Total REC/CT Increase
NSW 13% 21% 34%
QLD 18% 26% 44%
VIC 19% 24% 43%
AVERAGE 16.7% 23.7% 4o.4%

The average increases due to the clean energy charges for the month of August 2012 were:

 

Clean Technology Investment Programs

A number of organisations helped us to lobby the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, DCCEE, on the exclusion of independent cold stores from the Clean Technology Investment Funds. Only companies that are classified under the ANZIC as manufacturers are eligible for CTI funding towards energy efficiency improvement projects. We wish to thank the following for their assistance in making submissions on our behalf to inform government about this unfair situation:
 

1. Mr Tim Edwards - Australian Refrigeration Association

    2. Mr Phil Wilkinson - AIRAH

    3. Ms Vivian Filling - AIG

    The 1.2 billion DCCEE "Clean Technology Investment Program" was suspended during September but has now reopened for eligible applicants.

    Low Carbon Australia Funding Opportunities

    The Energy Efficiency Subcommittee members participated in a presentation at our last meeting that was followed up by a webinar with Low Carbon Australia on the possibilities of low interest long term loans to fund energy efficiency projects with repayments to be made mostly from energy savings. We thank Mr Henry Enning and his team for the special interest shown in RWTA.

    SGG Levy

    RWTA was represented in workshops, seminars and a Refrigeration Engineering Conference held in Brisbane on 24 July 2012 on the cost and consequences of the Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Levy that increased the cost of most widely used refrigerants by 400-500%. This new tax could have profound effects on cold stores.

    The synthetic HFC refrigerants were introduced after the Montreal Protocol banned the use of ozone depleting Freon refrigerants. Unfortunately these new blends have very high Global Warming Potential with GWPs in the order of 2000-4000 times that of carbon. The SGG Levy is paid by the importer and by the time the gas is charged into a refrigeration system the effect of the tax is multiplied many times. The cost of a major refrigerant leak in a cold store could cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars. Replacement refrigerants with low GWP are being developed but most existing products in trial cause an increase in energy use. The tax collected goes into general revenue and there is no funding to industry to retrofit alternative natural refrigerants.

    R22 also increased in price as the manufacture and importation will be banned after 2015 and only recycled R22 will be available. The synthetic refrigerants that are designed to replace R22 have a high GWP and also became extremely expensive.

    Natural Refrigerants
    The huge increase in the cost of synthetic refrigerants is designed to encourage industry to retrofit refrigeration systems to use natural refrigerants. These of us who use ammonia as a refrigerant are safe as ammonia is a natural refrigerant together with carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. Ammonia and carbon dioxide cannot be retrofitted into HFC systems and a complete rebuild is required. Hydrocarbons can act as a suitable alternative refrigerant but because they are highly flammable and explosive they are restricted to smaller systems and are not expected to be widely used in cold storage. Because of their explosive nature the requirement for a remote well ventilated location of the plant and the protection from electrically induced sparks the hydrocarbon retrofits are cot straight forward and require special considerations.

    RWTA is represented in the task force charged with developing an Australian Code of Practice for Flammable Refrigerants which should be released early 2013.

    A very good paper by AIRAH "Transition to a low emission HVAC&R industry, a report on commercial, technical and skills gaps" was recently circulated to all RWTA members. I recommend that all cold store operators considering using flammable refrigerants read this excellent document.

    National Energy Savings Initiative

    RWTA made a submission to the National Energy Savings Initiative which follows on from the Prime Minister's Task Group on Energy Efficiency and is designed for the introduction of a transitional energy savings initiative to replace existing and planned state energy efficiency schemes. As this is subject to agreement with the states it may never happen but we are involved so we can monitor the proceedings so our members will not be disadvantaged.

    Special Thanks

    On behalf of the cold storage members of the RWTA Energy Efficiency Subcommittee we would like to express our gratitude to Michael Bellstedt of Minus 40 Refrigeration, Mark Holden of Oomiak Refrigeration and Tony Kimpton from GEA Refrigeration. They are regular attendees of our meetings and give us lots of support.

    Last but not least.....

    I urge all RWTA Board Members to encourage their engineers to pay more attention to and to increase their participation in the activities of the RWTA Energy Efficiency Subcommittee.

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    2012 Frank Vale Award Winner

    Andrew Mates, Operations Manager at Americold Logistics in NSW is the winner of the 2012 Frank Vale Award which recognizes outstanding performance from our young achievers. The announcement was made at the Gala Dinner which concluded the 2012 RWTA National Conference and Exhibition at Peppers Salt Resort on Friday 31 August.

    A very proud Andrew is pictured above (centre), holding the 2012 Frank Vale Award trophy.

    Pictured with Andrew are from left Paul Fleiszig, RWTA National Chairman ( Director Oxford Logistics Group), Shane Triggell, Queensland Division Finalist (Cold Store Manager Rand Transport), Nathan Roylance, Victorian Division Finalist (Assistant Manager Oxford Cold Storage), and Martin Porter, Managing Director of Retracom Group.

    Once again, we are most grateful for the generous sponsorship of the Frank Vale Award travel prize by Retracom Group. This is the sixth year running that Retracom Group has sponsored the $5,000 travel prize which will enable Andrew to travel to the USA next May to attend the IARW/WFLO Convention in Hollywood, Florida.

    Our warmest congratulations go to Andrew Mates on his success and to our state finalists, Shane Triggell and Nathan Roylance, who were outstanding candidates and most worthy runners-up in a very close contest.

    Applications, together with award guidelines and criteria, for the 2013 Frank Vale Award will be distributed to all members in early 2013. Remember the Award is open to each and every member of the RWTA who meets the award criteria.

    All members are encouraged now to start thinking of suitable young achievers in their midst to put forward. All state finalists receive an all-expenses paid invitation to attend the 2013 RWTA National Conference & Exhibition and, if announced the winner, a trophy and a $5,000 travel prize to attend the 2014 IARW/WFLO Convention in USA.

     

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    2011 RWTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

    LAUNCESTON COUNTRY CLUB--11 to 13 August.

    2011 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION PROGRAM
     

    Speakers Papers

     

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    Telephone: 0490 799 777
    Email: marieb@rwta.com.au

    STATE State RECs Increase Carbon Tax Increase Total REC/CT Increase
    NSW 15% 21% 36%
    QLD 19% 24% 43%
    VIC 19% 24% 43%
    AVERAGE 16.7% 24.3% 42%