Announcing the RWTA 2026 Frank Vale Tech Tour is to be held in…

BRISBANE on the 3rd September!

We are delighted to announce that Sponsor of the RWTA Tech Tour in 2026 is Dematic, who provides supply chain automation solutions featuring advanced technologies and software for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations worldwide.

There will be multiple, cutting edge sites to visit in Brisbane, so, emerging leaders, put this date aside to date claim and assure your attendance!

Welcoming our new member, Protran Solutions!

In this edition of our 2026 Chilled Out Series, Marianne Kintzel is joined by Grant Turner, General Manager of ProtranSolutions, RWTA’s newest member.

As an Australian specialist in refrigerated transport equipment, ProtranSolutions plays a critical role in keeping fleets compliant, efficient and on the road.

In this short conversation, Grant shares how their offerings are evolving to meet the sector’s growing demands - and where operators most often lose performance in their refrigeration systems.

It’s a practical discussion on uptime, prevention and protecting cold chain integrity.

Connect with Grant and ProtranSolutions

We have a new Member - DotCom Logistics!

Introducing Nigel Edwards, Founder of DotCom Logistics and our newest RWTA member!

With experience spanning pharmaceuticals, blood services, FMCG and e-commerce, Nigel brings a sharp perspective on where cold chain risk is most often underestimated, and what operators should be paying closer attention to, right now.

Nigel shares insights from some of the most highly regulated cold chain environments and explains how DotCom Logistics is delivering and governing cold chain solutions across complex supply chains.

You can connect with Nigel here:

Nigel Edwards
M: 0488 331 350
E: nigel@dotcomlogistics.com.au

Vale – Hugh McMaster

We advise of the passing of Hugh McMaster, Treasurer/Secretary of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) NSW from 2008 to 2021, who passed away peacefully on 19 February 2026, surrounded by his family.

Hugh is survived by his wife Nadia, daughters Katherine and Jennifer, and grandchildren Zadia, Joanna and Melody.

Hugh made a significant contribution to the heavy transport industry over many years.

His work focused on improving safety standards across the sector, including fatigue management, Chain of Responsibility, fleet safety systems and load restraint practices.

He worked constructively with industry, regulators and government bodies to strengthen compliance frameworks and promote safer operating environments for transport operators and their personnel.

As Treasurer/Secretary of ARTIO NSW, Hugh played a central role in establishing and growing the organisation, guiding its formal registration under NSW industrial law and building a credible membership base representing employers and principal contractors. He also contributed to broader industry initiatives relating to industrial relations, superannuation and regulatory reform, and served as a Board Member of TWU Super from 2008 to 2021.

Hugh’s commitment to improving standards within the heavy transport sector leaves a lasting legacy.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

Did you know Blenners Transport also offers warehousing solutions?

In addition to our transport services, Blenners provides secure warehousing and storage options for both refrigerated and dry goods, supporting businesses with reliable supply chain solutions across Queensland.

With depots and warehousing facilities located in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Brisbane, we help keep freight moving efficiently - whether it’s chilled, frozen, or general freight.

If your business requires reliable cold storage solutions, our Brisbane warehouse offers secure freezer storage supported by an experienced logistics team and established transport networks.

We work with a range of industries and can support both short-term and ongoing storage requirements.

To request a quote, visit www.blenners.com.au/warehouse-storage-quote or contact our team on 07 4068 4444.

TruckShowX – Driving The Future’ presents solutions that work, results that matter, and progress that lasts.

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are proudly presenting the second edition of TruckShowX, following the success of the first event in Melbourne in 2024.

TruckShowX 2026 – Driving the Future will offer delegates the opportunity to learn from the industry’s prime movers how businesses are transforming through innovation and technology.

They’ll hear about the partnerships, projects, and real-world case studies focusing on decarbonisation, transport productivity, sustainability, efficiency and safety, held alongside drive-day opportunities, a trailer showcase, a technology and capability expo, and a lively social program.

All held in the centrally-located, postcard-perfect Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Interested parties can also visit the website or e-mail info@truckshowx.com.au

TruckShowX 2026 key dates:

• Sunday 17 May 2026: Truckline Golf Day / Pickleball Hit Out + Welcome Drinks

• Monday 18 May 2026: Conference, Trade Expo, Startup Pitstop, Trailer Showcase, Driving + Social Function

• Tuesday 19 May 2026: Conference, Trade Expo, Startup Pitstop, Trailer Showcase + Driving

$5 Billion Net Zero Fund: What It Means for Australia’s Cold Chain

The Government announced the design of the new Net Zero Fund within the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). The government is now consulting industry on design of the fund to ensure its fit for purpose.

The RWTA lodged a submission in 2025 with the NRF to help heavy industry cut emissions and scale up low-emissions technology manufacturing.

The $5 billion Net Zero Fund offers finance at a rate below typical commercial returns, enabling risk-taking that encourages adoption of decarbonisation technologies and attracts private investment.

It aims to lower energy costs, improve competitiveness and preserve jobs in key industrial sectors while supporting Australia’s transition to net zero emissions.

The Net Zero Fund is expected to be operational by mid-2026 and signals government commitment to capturing opportunities from the global energy transformation.

Read More Here;

Net Zero Fund's $5 billion of world-leading decarbonisation finance | Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Net Zero Fund proposed design Summary of consultation feedback

Australia and New Zealand’s Cold Chain Running Out of Room: Building Capacity and Resilience with Automation

By: David Rubie, Dematic ANZ Sales Director, Integrated Systems and Mobile Automation

Australia and New Zealand’s (ANZ) cold chain sector is experiencing one of the sharpest demand surges in decades. Frozen categories continue to rise as consumers seek value, meal-kit and online grocery services are expanding deeper into regional markets, and pharmaceutical and export volumes show no sign of easing.

Global forecasts illustrate this upward trajectory. By 2030, the refrigerated warehousing market is projected to reach US$427 billion, growing at more than 18% annually, with Asia Pacific outpacing every other region, according to Grand View Research.

Despite the ANZ region playing a central role in this growth story, capacity across the region is already tight – and it’s getting tighter. The question confronting industry leaders now isn’t whether demand will keep climbing, it’s figuring out how and where the sector will find the capacity and resilience to handle it.

For ANZ, the challenge has shifted from simply meeting demand. It’s now about managing it within tightening infrastructure, labour, and cost constraints. Development timelines remain lengthy, skilled labour is increasingly hard to find, and regulatory and land-use complexities make expansion difficult. As a result, operators are being pushed to consider new ways to increase capacity and maintain reliability across the supply chain.

What’s driving demand?

Consumer behaviour across the region has been changing in recent years. Economic pressures have driven stronger preference for frozen and ready-to-eat categories, with frozen fruit and vegetables among the fastest-growing segments. This is contributing to more stock keeping units (SKUs), higher stock rotation, and increased storage requirements.

Online grocery markets are also maturing, with meal-kit and fast delivery services extending further into regional areas. These models depend heavily on reliable temperature-controlled capacity and predictable throughput.

Outside the food sector, demand is growing for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, biologics, chemicals, and specialised materials that support healthcare and industrial sectors. Exports, particularly premium seafood and meat, continue to expand and place additional pressure on cold chain infrastructure.

Combined, these pressures are outpacing the rate at which new capacity can be brought online.

A widening capacity gap

Industry analysis by CBRE indicates that unless development accelerates, Australia’s cold storage shortfall could reach 4.2 million cubic metres by 2030. This gap is already visible in day-to-day operations. Facilities are running at or near full capacity, vacancy rates are extremely low, and available space is being leased quickly, often before new builds are completed.

Several factors are slowing expansion, including high construction costs (high price materials, refrigeration and specialist trades), lengthy approvals (extending timelines and increasing project risk), and land constraints (particularly near ports and distribution hubs).

At the same time, the sector continues to contend with a range of cost pressures, particularly labour shortages, rising energy costs, and high facility rental prices.

These factors are reshaping investment priorities across the sector.

A shift toward focused and strategic automation

In response to these constraints, the conversation around automation has matured. It’s evolved beyond the idea of fully autonomous warehouses. Today, the focus is on how automation can help to solve real problems to build capacity, improve throughput, support labour shortages and enhance consistency, while reducing operational risk.

Across ANZ, a clear trend is emerging toward targeted automation that delivers immediate, measurable impact. Freezer-rated solutions have become more flexible and cost-accessible, making them viable for a broader range of operators, including producers and regional facilities that previously considered automation out of reach.

Automation is increasingly being used to open up higher storage density within existing facilities, maintain throughput despite labour shortages, stabilise operations and improve reliability, and reduce manual handling and improve safety

A key development has been the growth of multi-client cold storage facilities, where anchor businesses consolidate volumes and share automation infrastructure. Flexible zoning within these facilities also allows operators to reassign chilled, frozen, or ambient areas based on seasonal needs.

Digital warehouse management and control systems have also matured, supported by AI-enhanced decision-making that improves inventory accuracy and operational planning. Gartner research showed that 74% of global supply chain respondents said AI would be a key driver of change over the next three to five years.

Meanwhile, operators building new facilities are trending towards higher density, maximising vertical capacity and energy efficiency. Whereas many existing low-bay or older warehousing facilities are shifting to deeper-lane racking, higher-density configurations, or partial automation retrofits.

What automation investments are being made

Across ANZ, investment is rising among producers, food manufacturers, and third-party logistics providers. Dematic data shows that last year investment in cold chain automation and robotics sat at almost AUD$100 million in ANZ region.

Key areas of automation investment include automated pallet storage, AGV pallet movement, and automated case storage and case picking. The strongest momentum is in automated pallet storage, driven by higher frozen demand, changing dietary trends, and the need for consistent temperature control and traceability.

Over the past 25 years Dematic has witnessed automated pallet storage grow from a minority to the majority of new pallet storage installations in the region. While large 3PLs have historically led this trend, a growing share of investment now comes from producers and processors, metropolitan and regional, implementing scaled-down automated facilities or retrofitting existing warehouses.

These smaller, integrated solutions offer one of the most promising avenues for unlocking capacity without relying solely on new builds.

Brownfield automation is the next step for many

As land becomes harder to secure and construction costs continue to climb, automation suitable for older facilities is receiving more attention.

Solutions like the 4-way pallet shuttle are helping to bring automation into existing and older facilities. The system travels both across aisles and storage channels and between levels, enabling deep-lane storage and significantly increasing density without requiring new building construction. It also offers the flexibility to expand or reconfigure as operational capacity or throughput needs change.

This opens opportunities for operators to extract more value from assets they already own, provided the building meets key structural criteria. Some criteria include sufficient ceiling height, adequate floor load and flatness, available or expandable power, robust insulation and envelope integrity, and transport access that can support higher throughput. These factors help determine whether a retrofit, partial automation, or new build will deliver the strongest return.

Dematic has seen strong uptake of retrofitted automation in Australian cold chain environments, particularly among operators aiming to increase resilience without undertaking full-scale redevelopment.

Where the industry is heading

ANZ’s cold chain is facing ongoing demand growth at a time when infrastructure expansion is becoming more challenging. Capacity constraints, rising energy and other costs, and labour shortages are shaping day-to-day operating decisions across the sector.

Automation is a practical, flexible, and scalable solution to address these pressures. Whether through new builds, targeted retrofits, or shared multi-client facilities, automation is helping operators find capacity, strengthen reliability, and improve operational resilience.

As operators look to optimise new and existing assets and prepare for future demand, a measured and strategic approach to automation will play an increasingly central role in building a resilient cold chain across Australia and New Zealand.

Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative Grant Now Open

This year’s funding round places a strong emphasis on harnessing emerging technologies and forward‑thinking approaches. We’re encouraging projects that explore new digital tools, data-driven insights, automation, advanced safety systems, and other innovations that can transform the way the industry operates.

By working collaboratively with industry, government, and the community, we aim to unlock new opportunities for safer, smarter, and more sustainable heavy vehicle operations.

Funding is available for projects that aim to:

• Enhance safety outcomes for heavy vehicle operators and road users

• Harness new technologies and innovation

• Build capability and knowledge across the sector

• Deliver long-term benefits for the freight and logistics network

We’re calling on organisations across Australia – from industry associations and local councils to innovators, researchers, and technology-focused businesses – to bring forward bold, future‑ready ideas that will make a real difference.

Together, we can create safer roads, smarter practices, and a stronger, more innovative future for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.

Key Dates:

• Applications open: 27 January 2026

• Applications close: 16 March, 5pm

• Assessment period: March – June 2026

• Funding announcements by the Australian Government: From July/August 2026.

Attachments Included:

• HVSI Program Guidelines

• Application Form

For queries about the program or application process, please contact grants@nhvr.gov.au to discuss.

CityPort Coldstores is officially complete and ready for occupation

A major milestone has been reached for Queensland’s cold chain infrastructure, with construction now complete at CityPort Coldstores, delivered by Modus Property Group.

CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development ever offered in Queensland, responding to growing demand for modern, scalable temperature-controlled facilities across food, pharmaceutical, and logistics supply chains.

The facility is available for immediate occupation, with flexibility to accommodate either a single large occupier or three subdivided tenancies starting from approximately 6,200 sqm.

Built for efficiency, scale, and margin performance

CityPort Coldstores has been designed with operational efficiency front of mind, offering a combination of freezer and chiller environments to support diverse cold chain requirements.

Key features include:

Best price per pallet in Southeast Queensland, supporting margin optimisation

Scalable storage suitable for seasonal peaks or long-term demand

Internal heights of approximately 11.5 metres, enabling high-density storage of up to seven pallets

Advanced temperature-controlled environments with a 50/50 freezer and chiller split

Six-metre-wide awnings for all-weather loading and unloading

29 dock levellers across three tenancies, supported by 15-metre-deep ante rooms

These design elements provide operators with the flexibility to scale, adapt, and optimise throughput without compromising compliance or efficiency.

Strategic TradeCoast location

Situated in the established industrial and logistics suburb of Morningside, CityPort Coldstores benefits from a prime TradeCoast location positioned between Brisbane’s CBD and the port.

The facility offers efficient access to key freight and logistics corridors, including:

Direct connectivity to the Port of Brisbane

Close proximity to Brisbane’s International and Domestic Airports

Access via major arterial routes including Lytton Road, the Gateway Motorway, and the Port of Brisbane Motorway

Importantly for operators, the site is accessed via a B-Double approved heavy vehicle route, allowing direct access for larger prime movers and interstate refrigerated logistics operations.

For more details, reach out to David Gibson, Partner 0431 119 602 david@moduspg.au or Henry Devine, Manager, 0408 745 466 henry@moduspg.au.

Stonepeak launches Peregrine Cold Logistics: What it means for the future of the Asia–Pacific cold chain

A major development has emerged in the global cold chain landscape, with Stonepeak announcing the launch of Peregrine Cold Logistics, a new specialist platform set to expand temperature-controlled infrastructure across Asia Pacific and the Global Cold Chain.

Headquartered in Singapore, Peregrine plans to acquire, upgrade and develop cold storage and logistics assets across ASEAN, North Asia, and the Gulf region. Their first acquisition, Pinnacle Cold Storage in the Philippines, signals a strong growth pathway into markets where demand for high-quality food infrastructure continues to rise.

With a leadership team boasting more than 30 years of experience, Peregrine aims to lift operational standards, sustainability performance, and modern facility development. Their focus aligns with global trends RWTA members are actively navigating regarding food safety, digitalisation, energy efficiency, and capacity expansion.

It is notable that Jeff Hogarth, an RWTA Life Member and presently a Board member of the RWTA, is the CEO of Peregrine.

He commented that “Peregrine was founded with a clear mission: to redefine cold chain logistics across Asia Pacific and the GCC by delivering first-rate infrastructure, fostering strong local partnerships, and enabling the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of food and essential goods.

We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Stonepeak, a leading global infrastructure investor with deep cold chain expertise, a broad regional footprint, and proven platform-building experience.

As rising standards for food safety and quality continue to drive demand for modern, purpose-built facilities managed by experienced operators, Peregrine is exceptionally well positioned to become a regional leader – not only in scale, but in innovation, reliability, and sustainability.

Why this matters for RWTA members

• Strengthens Australia’s strategic position within the broader Indo-Pacific cold chain

• Provides insight into capital flows shaping the next generation of cold-chain assets

• Highlights regional trends influencing investment, technology, and sustainability

• Reinforces global collaboration and benchmarking opportunities for members

• Demonstrates rising international demand for modern, purpose-built, compliant facilities

As global players expand in the region, opportunities for partnership, knowledge exchange and cross-market innovation will continue to grow supporting the resilience and competitiveness of Australia’s cold chain sector.

Extraordinary efficiency for new Melbourne cold storage facility

Building a giant cold store in Melbourne is a challenge, especially with potentially huge variations in ambient temperatures experienced during the Melbourne cool winters and hot summers, sometimes exceeding 40°C.

Under these conditions, it is essential for compressor systems, that can be responsible for up to 80% of the total plant power consumption, to be flexible and efficient. 

Fortunately, the GEA Grasso V1800 reciprocating compressors are designed for just such a job.

The new Premier Melbourne Cold Storage facility, just 10 km from the city centre, provides 22,141 m2 of cold storage space including both frozen (-25°C) and chilled (+2°C) areas and a huge, 200m-long staging area for temporary storage under optimal conditions. Together they offer 230,000m3 of cold storage capacity. The GEA Grasso V1800, 10-cylinder reciprocating compressors at the heart of the plant, have excellent part-load performance and a wide Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) range for outstanding energy efficiency with minimal oil carry over ensuring evaporator performance is and remains at a premium.

Using ammonia (NH3) in a centralized, low charge refrigerating plant delivers PFAS-free, zero ODP, and zero GWP refrigeration performance with a predicted Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) of only 8-9 kWh·m-3·year-1, compared to typical averages of 20-40 kWh·m⁻³·year⁻¹- resulting in annual energy costs that are more than 50% lower than conventional cold stores.

Capital and operational costs have been reduced thanks to optimized infrastructure and extended service intervals, based on real-time compressor monitoring.

These improvements contribute to a lower total cost of ownership, while maintaining high levels of efficiency and reliability.

Once again, the Scantec Refrigeration Technologies team, together with GEA, has combined its expertise with leading engineering to deliver outstanding results.

Scantec, Proven reduction of Energy Costs

During the 2025 RWTA Conference & Exhibition, Stefan Jensen highlighted how Scantec, using their expertise in industrial refrigeration, environment control and electronics to save thousands. 

Celebrating Our Gold Sponsors: Powering Excellence in the Cold Chain

The RWTA is proud to recognise and thank our valued Gold Sponsors—Flow Power, Labourforce and Scantec for their generous support of our 2025 National Conference. These industry leaders exemplify innovation, dedication, and excellence in their respective fields, playing a pivotal role in the strength and sustainability of the Australian cold chain. Their sponsorship ensures that our conference remains a vital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and industry advancement. We deeply appreciate their commitment not only to this event but to the ongoing evolution of refrigerated warehousing and transport in Australia and beyond.

A little about our Sponsors:

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Flow Power’s Gold Sponsorship of the 2025 RWTA National Conference highlights their leadership in delivering smarter, more sustainable energy solutions to the cold chain industry. With a mission to reshape how businesses interact with energy, Flow Power empowers operators to take control of electricity costs while supporting a more resilient grid. Their innovative technologies and demand response strategies are helping cold storage and logistics businesses navigate the energy transition with confidence. We’re proud to partner with Flow Power as they continue to drive cost savings, sustainability, and operational excellence throughout the temperature-controlled supply chain.

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As a Gold Sponsor, Labourforce continues to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the specialised workforce needs of the cold chain industry. With decades of experience in logistics recruitment, Labourforce understands the unique challenges of refrigerated transport and warehousing—and delivers tailored workforce solutions to match. Their deep sector knowledge, compliance expertise, and emphasis on safety make them a trusted partner for cold chain businesses across Australia and New Zealand. We thank Labourforce for their continued support of the RWTA and the critical role they play in ensuring our industry has the talent it needs to thrive.

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Scantec Refrigeration Technologies' Gold Sponsorship affirms their role as a pioneer in advanced refrigeration engineering for Australia’s cold storage sector. With a strong reputation for designing high-efficiency industrial refrigeration systems, Scantec is committed to reducing energy usage and environmental impact while enhancing performance. Their systems are renowned for reliability, safety, and longevity—attributes that align perfectly with the needs of modern cold chain operations. We are honoured to have Scantec's backing for our 2025 conference and applaud their ongoing innovation and leadership in delivering next-generation refrigeration solutions.

Award bestowed on long term Member of the RWTA, Stefan Jensen of Scantec!

Congratulations Stefan Jensen of Scantec!

The winners of the AIRAH Awards 2023 were announced at a glittering gala dinner held on Thursday, November 30 in Sydney and Stefan was awareded the prestigious James Harrison Medal. The James Harrison Medal is the highest honour AIRAH can bestow upon an individual. , it recognises the highest levels of individual achievement in the Australian refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

More than 250 members of Australia’s HVAC&R community gathered on AIRAH’s night of nights to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies within the sector.

The annual awards gala is one of the many ways AIRAH works to raise the profile of HVAC&R and shine a light on some behind-the-scenes heroes.

“The AIRAH Awards provide a platform to highlight the brilliant work our members do across a broad range of categories,” says AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng. “It’s an honour to help celebrate our industry’s leading projects, people and initiatives.”

 More about the James Harrison Award here