Dual-cab design a grade idea, says Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government is making learning to drive a 20-tonne, 12-metre long road machine easier for novice roadwork crews with a second dual-cab road grader in action.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the second of two specially-commissioned dual-cab graders had hit the road, thanks to the Palaszczuk Government, to help train road work crews across Queensland.

“Previously all operator training had to be done with pre-start instructions and two-way radios, but this grader allows the trainer to sit next to the operator while they are in the hot seat,” Mr Bailey said.

“This new state-of-the-art training grader has a wider cabin which can accommodate an extra seat for the trainer.

“RoadTek has been working with Komatsu for the past year to build this second dual-cab training grader worth $662,000, which will move around the state providing safe, practical training, which started in Bundaberg.

“A new grader was commissioned because the first one was so successful.

“The grader has provided valuable training for Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council trainees working on Endeavour Valley Road in the Far North.

“This new training grader will be another huge asset to the department and will allow our trainee operators to gain new skills under direct tuition by skilled operators.

“The Palaszczuk Government is all about jobs, which is why we’re investing in training for workers.

“Trainees on these sites receive practical, real-world experience in handling heavy machinery, including operating in built-up areas with traffic – experience which is vital for young people in securing employment now and into the future.

“The extended floor section of the grader is also transparent to allow the operator to gain an understanding of exactly how the grader works.”

Komatsu National Business Manager Government and Construction Graders Phillip Atley said it was a great experience for the team to build and supply the new Komatsu GD655-5 Grader.

“We held several meetings to ensure we delivered a training grader that included all of RoadTek’s desired features, while also meeting safety and compliance certification,” Mr Atley said.

“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when government and industry work together and we are very proud of the end result.”

The Palaszczuk Government is investing about $21 billion over the next four years into transport infrastructure through the Through the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2017-18 to 2020-21.

Nearly 17,000 direct jobs will be supported over the life of the program.

ENDS

Media contact:          Dominic Geiger, 0447355565