Goodaye all, left Dubbo Sunday, unloaded Newcastle Monday, then waited for a call re a load. Yes we do have a load for Mackay (I had asked if we did, to be able to attend my brother-in-laws funeral in Rocky) so over to load and out that afternoon and into Rocky Tuesday afternoon. Yes it is good to finally have the area opposite the Caltex done up and repaved, but shock horror, looks like it will end up smaller than before and of course, that’s what we need isn’t it, smaller bays with less spaces for trucks to park?
Good space, but no facilities at the roundabout coming in from the west but not from the south, even less coming in from the north and so with advice from a local mate, stopped at the Kabra pub. Good food, plenty of parking, though in the dust and dirt, but I parked out the front, did explain why I was there and offered to move the truck, but they were Ok with it and after tea had a shower in the block out the side. Had to look to find the light switch, the stockcrate driver who used it before me did it in the dark as he couldn’t find it, but it was still better that no shower or those supplied by TMR etc, funny that.
Stayed in the truck that night, picked up by family next morning, went to the funeral and after, had one softdrink and off to Mackay to get the last spot at BP Paget. Put in yet another gentle and respectful complaint about the bowsers not locking on (though the bloke who fueled up beside me was pretty pissed saying it hasn’t changed and no one gives a flying etc) and of course, it is not BP’s place to supply truck parking to all, but when the authorities won’t and yet expect us to comply with their rules, then who should.
No council should be able or allowed to approve any site, whether for a manufacturing, commercial or retail site, if it does not provide parking for employees or customers, that is how it is supposed to work no. Yet how can they put a truckstop with a signed Rest area inside and yet provide only 5 truck bays? Yes I have raised it with BP, TMR, NHVR etc etc and they are all sick of hearing it from me, but like anything else, if only one person complains they are simply a whinger and will and can be safely ignored.
I had not only spoken with another driver about the roadworks signs still in place with no work happening, or the other side where it was completed south of Banana and given him the number, I even stood up one Stopping Bay sign and took photos of others still laying in the grass, are they just too lazy and will keep mowing over and round them? Yes I got slack and will have to do that tomorrow direct with TMR, but will admit to a lot of frustration. If they put the bloody signs back up, I would not have to stop and mark the site with green reflectors.
Then on the way home at a site south of Sarina, opposing truck bays both sides of the road, big black skidmarks where someone has seen them at the last second, no signs what so ever and when I remarked both with green reflectors, laying in the culvert is the old guidepost with the reflectors still on it. First I can’t get them to put them up, then I can’t get them to replace them, then they simply don’t care and I am getting sick of seeing guideposts replaced and the old ones simply left in the grass etc. WHY IS IT SO???
Getting cranky now, so will go and apply some Swiftgrow to the fruit trees and grass and take some Nature B and hope to calm down before work tomorrow. Safe Travelling, Rod.
TRUCKRIGHT 