The Queensland Government has put its weight behind 2021 Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week and the events under its umbrella, all taking place in Brisbane in May.
The initiative is facilitated by industry body Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), owners and organisers of the Brisbane Truck Show from May 13-16, and now the accompanying South Bank Truck Festival, which kicks off on May 12.
HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking said the state government’s support enabled the expansion of the iconic industry event into South Bank Parklands and across the city.
“We are extremely grateful to the Queensland Government and the City of Brisbane for coming on board to enable this initiative to come to life,” said Hacking.
“They recognise that the Brisbane Truck Show is a vital Queensland business, tourism and cultural asset, recognised internationally amongst the world’s leading industry business events.
“This is such an important occasion for our industry to get together. The business that is done at the show is incredibly important but this year, more than ever, it is an important reunion.
“It is a reward for the incredible job that has been done keeping Australia moving over the last 18 months through drought, bushfires and the pandemic.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the return of Queensland’s big wheels to Brisbane.
“Whenever big rigs and heavy machinery are on show in one location, they draw a crowd,” Hinchliffe said.
“Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week brings together an industry that’s vitally important to all Queenslanders, whether its delivering food to supermarket distribution centres or building the infrastructure our growing State needs,” he said.
“The 2019 Brisbane Truck Festival brought almost 40,000 visitors to the capital and contributed more than $21 million to our overnight visitor economy.
“In its new format, Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week is expected to provide a significant boost for the local economy.
“The Queensland Government is investing in business events to help kick start the conference industry, which has been hit hard by the global COVID pandemic.
“This is great opportunity to attract interstate business visitors to Brisbane and support local jobs in the tourism, conference and logistics industries.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Government’s support reflected all Queenslanders’ gratitude for the efforts of freight operators, businesses and industry, in keeping the economy moving.
“The heavy vehicle industry’s role in that effort, working with our government to establish dedicated freight lanes at border controls, was critical and helped ensure our state is today the place to be,” Minister Bailey said.
Amongst the 2021 Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week activations are the:
•New Future Fuels and Sustainability Hub at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show
•An expanded Technology and Innovation Centre
•The South Bank Truck Festival featuring a truck and trailer display along Little Stanley Street and Stanley Street Plaza
•The National Apprentice Challenge, staged live at the South Bank Piazza including Jobs Hub and innovation masterclass series
•Laservision water projection spectacular at Streets Beach
•Family friendly Rainforest Play Zone
•TruckFest Outdoor Cinema plus other live free entertainment
•Civil Construction Field Days heavy equipment and machinery show
Beyond the walls of the BCEC, the Jobs Hub and the HVIA National Apprentice Challenge, will showcase career opportunities to the broader community with free entry at the South Bank Piazza amphitheatre.
For more information, visit brisbanetruckshow.com.au.
• Watch out for the May 14 issue of Big Rigs for our special bumper Brisbane Truck Show lift-out. If you’re heading along to the show, make sure you also stop by our stand in the Plaza, booth 238.