Trucking leader Ian Cootes honoured

Trucking magnate Ian Cootes has been honoured for his contribution to the Australian road transport industry.

Mr Cootes, who founded tanker company Cootes Haulage in the 1960s, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

The former policeman started his trucking company with one self-funded tanker before growing his fleet to become a dominant player in the transport industry.

As director of the Australian Road Research Board in the 1990s Mr Cootes also played a crucial role in raising safety and efficiency standards for dangerous goods transport.

He is a former president of the Australian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association and also served on the board of the National Bulk Tanker Association.

After selling Cootes Haulage in 2000 he was inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2003.

The businessman has dedicated himself to many charitable causes, and is a former chairman and current committee member of the Alfred Foundation.