Industry projects to drive heavy vehicle safety with $5.5 million investment

Twenty-one new industry-led projects will receive vital funding from the Australian Government through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

$3.8 million will be invested into 12 heavy vehicle safety initiatives through Round 8 of the HVSI program, including for roadside health and wellness screening, driver training and increasing vulnerable road user safety.

A further nine projects have been selected to receive funding as part of $1.7 million in once-off funding to Chain of Responsibility (CoR) training and education projects.

The new projects under Round 8 address key issues in the transport and logistic sector and provide workable solutions, to reduce road trauma and save lives.

The CoR projects will help organisations develop training content and resources that will help participants improve the safety of their heavy vehicle transport activities and meet their obligations under the law.

Successful projects include the development of CoR training targeting executives and managers, training tailored for international freight forwarding and logistics, and training aimed at businesses that are not transport companies, but that send and receive goods using heavy vehicles.

The Government has invested in 132 other HVSI projects since the program began in 2016, delivering safety benefits to the heavy vehicle industry and other road users.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure and Transport Assistant Minister Carol Brown

“When it comes to creating a safer heavy vehicle industry, the Australian Government listens.

“This funding will support organisations that are providing critical CoR training and are closing the compliance gap.

“This once-off grant scheme will help pave the way to a safer future on our roads, by helping industry improve their safety practices.

“Delivery of vital CoR training, particularly in regional and remote areas nationally, will lead to improved industry safety across the complete supply chain.”

Quotes attributable to National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chief Executive Officer Sal Petroccitto

“Heavy vehicle safety is crucial for the entire community, and by taking collective action, we can implement change across a local, regional and national level.

“While the HVSI has already delivered some fantastic outcomes, it’s important we continue to support initiatives that will improve road safety for all Australians.

“The NHVR is thrilled to be working with organisations in developing CoR training.

“We’ve always placed a strong focus on education at the NHVR, and I’m pleased these organisations are doing the same.

“These projects will ensure compliance is improved across the supply chain, and I am looking forward to seeing the other positive outcomes of this grant.

“I look forward to working with the successful applicants and discovering the benefits of these latest projects.”