The NHVR has announced it has received what it describes as ‘critical’ funding for fifteen industry-led projects as part of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), through the Federal Government.
The NHVR says that the funding of around $3.5 million will be invested into the projects through Round seven of the HVSI program to improve heavy vehicle safety.
The regulator said that the heavy vehicle projects have been created for industry, by industry, to make their workplace safer.
In the press release it further said that the Australian Government has invested in 132 HVSI projects over six years to ‘progress a safer, more productive heavy vehicle industry’.
Its also been revealed that the Australian Government has also committed a further $1.7 million to the NHVR to fund targeted projects to improve heavy vehicle safety, which takes the total commitment for HVSI projects to $5.6 million in 2022-23.
The Minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King said that Australia’s freight task is expected to increase 80 per cent by 2030.
“To make Australia’s roads safer for the growing transport and logistics sector, we have listened to what the industry said they need, and are supporting the safety projects that will make a real impact to their day-to-day operations,” said Catherine King.
Meanwhile the assistant minister for infrastructure and transport, Senator Carol Brown said that the Australian Government is also investing in further driver training, including a road hazard program that helps new drivers navigate driving in different conditions, managing fatigue and the importance of conducting daily safety checks to ensure a heavy vehicle is roadworthy.
“Another project is a web-based calculator that can be used across multiple different heavy vehicle combinations, to instantly identify the risk of a heavy vehicle rolling over,” Senator Brown added.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that greater road safety outcomes can be achieved through collaboration with government, industry and the community.
“There are some exciting grassroots projects included in Round 7 that can create meaningful change across a local, regional and national level,” Petroccitto said.
“I urge anyone who has a heavy vehicle safety project idea to get a head start on their application for Round 8 of the HVSI program, to contribute towards making Australia’s roads safer for all users,” he added
