The Federal Government has declared that it continues to act on enhancing road safety across the country, particularly with news that a number of new heavy vehicle rest area projects been announced as part of its Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative.
The Government said that the projects are supported by a joint investment of more than $6.85 million between the Federal, state, territory and local governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $5.48 million to the program.
The Government said that they are funded through the third tranche of the HVRA, which it says will provide $140 million in federal funding over 10 years.
It said that the projects include the construction of new rest areas with facilities such as toilets and picnic areas, resurfacing, line-marking and bitumen sealing including the renewal of the Ted “Greendog” Stevens Truck Parking Bay in the Wollondilly Shire south of Sydney in New South Wales, the New Pindari Tops rest Area on Thunderbolts Way in the Walcha LGA, a new heavy vehicle rest area on the Bourke to Milparinka Road at Goonary in the Bourke Shire, and the Mukinbudin heavy vehicle rest area in the Shire of Mukinbudin in WA.
Also in WA there is a project for asphalt resurfacing of the road train/truck stop area on the Great Eastern Highway at Coolgardie and in the Northern Territory the upgrading of five heavy vehicle rest areas on the Buntine Highway
The assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm said the latest $5.48 million investment in improved and new rest areas is another example of teh government’s commitment toward achieving its Vision Zero—zero deaths on our roads by 2050.
“By investing in much-needed rest stops, we will ensure that truckies spend less time on the roads and get home safely to their loved ones,” said Senator Chisholm.
“I would like to thank the HVRA Steering Committee for their work in identifying these strategic projects, which are essential for the safety of all road users,” he added.
The chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, Senator Glenn Sterle said these projects are another example of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative boosting heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through new and upgraded rest areas.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to keeping our freight operators and communities safe,” said Senator Sterle.
“These new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce truckie fatigue as they work hard keeping our country moving,” he added.