Briefs Local News - 22 Feb 2007 ( #298 ) 1 min read Manitou goes touringSYDNEY, NSW, AustraliaManitou Australia staff will tour four Australian states to display and demonstrate Manitou products in May, June and August.Manitou masted forklifts, Maniaccess access platforms, telescopic forklifts, Manitransit truck-mounted forklifts, and other equipment will be displayed in Western Australia on May 3, Victoria on May 10, Queensland on June 15 and New South Wales on August 31.A Manitou statement said the tour idea began in France in 2005. Manitou Benelux and Spain will conduct tours this year.The aim was to provide a "fun-filled learning environment about Manitou and its product range". Go-karts and V8 trials would be part of the tour.Custom Forklift releases telescopic handlersBRISBANE, Queensland, AustraliaCustom Forklift Sales has added a telescopic handler range to its rough terrain forklifts. A statement said Custom would offer new and used units but would focus on late model, used Manitou, JCB and JLG telescopic handlers. Custom distributes one-tonne to 42-tonne container handlers and engine and electric powered forklifts.The statement said telescopic handlers were becoming popular in the building industry for construction work. "With a reach up to 17 metres, these machines are four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer and capable of handling large assignments."Australian Government announces funding for logisticsGOLD COAST, Queensland, AustraliaAustralia's Transport & Regional Services Minister Mark Vaile has announced AUD1.6 million in funding for the freight and logistics sector.Vaile said the money would be provided to the Australian Logistics Council (ALC)."The government will continue to provide ALC with funding support of AUD1.6 million over four years," he said."I encourage the industry to pursue world's best practice aggressively and seek opportunities to innovate, attract and retain quality staff, and draw on experiences from other parts of the world."