As the year rolls on so rapidly, it is good to report that we have a number of ride owners in the market to invest in new amusement rides in 2007.

Clinton Quay recently imported an Old Western Train and Choco Cups ride which will commence operation from February 2007.

Like many operators, I look forward to seeing the new rides being showcased at the AALARA Trade Exhibition including SBF Visas' spectacular TRAFFIC JAM which was recently awarded 1st place for 'Best New Product' at the 2006 IAAPA convention in the USA.

All the major ride manufacturers will be in attendance to showcase their new rides and discuss ride design developments so make sure you attend this year's trade exhibition at on the Gold Coast in May 2007.

On a less positive note, the AALARA office and several board members have been inundated with calls from ride operators who are finding it almost impossible to find an electrical engineer that meets the requirements and who is willing to look at amusement machinery to complete inspections.

The situation of varying ride registration legislation across Australia continues to frustrate owners.

In one recent case, a ride which was previously registered in one state required expensive modifications before registration was achieved in another state.

We hope the varying ride registration legislation is at the top of the agenda at the forthcoming Amusement Device Stakeholder and National OHS Regulators Forum in May, as the current varying legislation is heavily impacting on small business owners in this industry.

Phil Durkin

Chair, Transportable Rides/ Attractions