Good news for truckies today as six new projects have been announced under the fourth tranche of Labor’s $140 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program (HVRAP).
The projects are part of a $17.4 million joint investment between the Australian and state, territory and local governments, with the Australian government contributing $9.7 million.
Projects funded through tranche four include the construction of new rest areas with facilities such as toilets and picnic areas, resurfacing, line-marking and bitumen sealing.
The funded projects are:
Maranoa Shire Council, Queensland – Asphalt surfacing of existing heavy vehicle truck stop area at the Roma Truck Stop precinct.
Queensland – Design and construction of a new heavy vehicle rest area at Homestead West on Flinders Highway.
Narromine Shire Council, NSW – Upgrade to the heavy vehicle rest area at Tomingley.
New South Wales – Upgrade to Ravensworth Eastbound and Westbound rest areas on Sturt Hwy, Maude.
Yarriambiack Shire Council, Victoria – Upgrade to nine existing truck parking locations in the Yarriambiack Shire.
South Australia – Stuart Highway Rest Area Upgrade at Arcoona and a new heavy vehicle rest area at Pimba.
Chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, Senator Glenn Sterle, said these projects are an example of the Australian government’s commitment to driver safety and supporting the road transport industry.
“I am very proud that the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative is boosting heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through new and upgraded rest areas,” he said.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to keeping our freight operators and communities safe.
“These new and upgraded rest stops will help truckies manage their fatigue as they work hard keeping our country moving.”
He encouraged all state and territory governments, as well as local government associations, to get involved in the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative by identifying projects that can be supported by the program.
Assistant minister for Regional Development, senator Anthony Chisholm, added: “This latest $9.7 million investment in improved and new rest areas is another example of our action towards improving road safety.
“By investing in much-needed rest stops, we will ensure that our truckies spend less time on the roads and get home safely to their loved ones.
“I would like to thank the HVRA Steering Committee for their work in identifying these strategic projects that are essential for the safety of all road users.”
Overall, the HVRA initiative provides $140 million in federal government funding over 10 years for the construction of new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas.
The initiative aims to improve road safety for heavy vehicle drivers and other road users through addressing the shortage of heavy vehicle rest stops in locations of need.
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