Andy Jacob steps down after a year in the role
Fyfe Transport director David Fyfe will head up the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (LRTAWA) after being elected president at the peak body’s AGM.
Predecessor Andy Jacob, who held the position for a year, did not renominate due to relocating interstate.
Fyfe – the father of AFL Brownlow medallist Nat – thanked Jacob for his commitment in the last year, pointing to his advocacy in the position at a time “when many members were anxious about their future due to the live export uncertainty and he had successfully shone a light on the importance of live export to our portion of the supply chain”.
Read Jacob’s call for activist accountability, here
Fyfe says his main priorities this year would be to continue to draw attention to the gaps in the heavy vehicle network.
“This lack of connectivity has a large impact on productivity and efficiency and I would like to see gains returned to producers as well as our members,” he says.
He says he is also keen to improve the facilities drivers had to contend with – on farm, at feedlots and on the road
“If we want professional drivers we need to give them the respect they deserve and not expect them to put up with infrastructure that is outdated, possibly unsafe or simply non-existent.
“I am also very concerned about the viability of our members’ businesses and will be doing as much as possible to ensure they are able to compete in an equitable regulatory environment.”
LRTAWA notes Jan Cooper’s role had transitioned to chief executive and would now operate with greater autonomy under increased delegation.