The transportable industry breakout forum at this year’s AALARA Conference proved extremely popular with delegates (attendees were from a wide range of industry sectors, not only transportable rides).

The opening panel focused on the Capital Shows which proved very informative to Transportable operators as it provided a look from the other side of the day to day operation of the shows.

Industry consultants, Ian Douglas and Des Wittingslow followed with a half hour practical risk assessment case study including some spirited questions and answers.

Finally, the state ‘WorkCover’ representatives took the stage and informed the audience about what is happening in the various States. Michael Chan presented the final version of the National Audit Tool, which seemed to be very well supported and received. All in all a very harmonious and informative Industry break-out forum.

From all the Transportable Industry our congratulations go to Tony Evens, who was awarded the AALARA Gold Service Award.

Greg O’Neill

Convenor Transportable Rides Industry Forum

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The prolonged bad press coverage on our troubled economy will continue to have an effect on consumer spending, meanwhile with diesel at $1.70cpl and still rising (most experts telling us to expect over $2.00cpl by the end of the year), many operators are struggling to see the financial benefit from moving their rides around the country.

These combined facts are making it a challenging year with rising operating costs and a downturn in turnover.

We are a resilient industry and I always believe that people enjoy a day out on the rides and games so let us hope this period will pass quickly.

The QLD show runs are well underway with reports that Gympie was quite good and the others trading steady.

There are reports of several new rides on their way into Australia including the launch of several large Ferris Wheel projects around the country (including the one at Southbank in Brisbane).

The single biggest issue immediately facing us has to be recruiting staff and retaining them, a problem across most industries, not just amusements.

In the near future we will have to explore a ride operators card and training system to not only address this problem, however, hopefully act as a recruitment tool and a continuation of our progress in safety systems and standards.

It is interesting and challenging time in front of us and as we have done in the past, we will continue to meet the challenges and present to Australia a world class operation of transportable amusement attractions.

Phil Durkin Chair Transportable Rides and Attractions