Evolve – Convention 2009

A global financial crisis, possible long-term climate change, a potential influenza pandemic. Government carbon reduction policy, water allocation policy, new native vegetation legislation in Queensland, a new aviation strategy under development, a new hand on the tiller at CASA – if you are not thinking about your company’s adaptability, then where have you been for the last few years?

The theme of AAAA’s Convention this year – Evolve – is aimed at stimulating discussion about what the industry needs to evolve into to do better than just survival – to prosper.

AAAA has drawn together very high quality speakers for this year’s Convention to ensure delegates continue to have access to the best advice available from the highest levels of Government and business.

The new CEO of CASA, John McCormick, has agreed to open the Convention and deliver the keynote address. AAAA members will be looking very closely to see what future is planned for CASA, the way it regulates the industry and opportunities to assist CASA simplify regulation of aerial application.

Jennifer Marohasy will be delivering her candid insights into sorting the wheat from the chaff in terms of science as it is represented in the media. Her take on how the media often gets the science wrong will provide delegates with a better understanding of what the science is really telling us about issues such as global warming, water allocation and pesticides. You can check out her challenging views at https://jennifermarohasy.com

Peter Jacobs is a key risk manager for the ANZ Bank and will be presenting his take on business management in a global financial meltdown. Peter was formerly the National Agribusiness Manager for ANZ and has a wealth of experience in helping businesses such as aerial application plan for the future – especially in a challenging environment.

To ensure delegates take away new skills from the Convention, AAAA has secured the services of David Hanlon from ‘The Right Mind’ company who provide a unique combination of skill set improvements to boost productivity and profits in organizations small and large. David will be running two workshops on “Whipping Your Business into Shape” and “Negotiating Your Future”.

The key regulator of agricultural chemicals in Australia is the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Dr David Loschke is the Principal Scientist at APVMA and he will be outlining a number of initiatives that will affect aerial applicators.

In addition, John Kassebaum will outline proposals for a new national licencing system for aerial application that offers significant simplification over the current State by State approach. John will also outline the current status of the Productivity Commission’s proposal to nationalise all chemical control of use legislation.

As well as great speakers, there will be a great trade show with exhibitors coming from around the country and overseas to ensure delegates have the latest products at their fingertips.

Add to that a social program aimed at ensuring plenty of fun along with the headline attractions and it is no surprise why the AAAA Convention is seen as the top event for aerial applicators.

AAAA is proudly supported by our Convention sponsors including CASA, Pratt and Whitney Canada, QBE Aviation, Hemisphere GPS, Air Tractor, Field Air, and Kenny Aikin Insurance Brokers.

Don’t be the one who fails to evolve because of a lack of information or inspiration – see you at Convention 2009!

Full registration and information is at www.aerialag.com.au

CASA Drugs and Alcohol Regulations
By now, all aerial application operators should be compliant with CASA’s new drug and alcohol regulations – CASR Part 99.

You should have in place the following:

• a drug and alcohol management plan (DAMP)
• a DAMP contact officer
• A DAMP Supervisor – with the correct training
• a Medical Review Officer – from the CASA list
• a testing contractor/collection mechanism – under a CASA exemption you can use a GP
• education for your staff

AAAA will continue to pursue simplification of the current regulations that have already necessitated CASA issuing a number of exemptions to make their new regulations work.