New heavy vehicle rest area upgrades to help keep truckies safe

The Australian Government continues to act to enhance road safety across the nation, with six new projects announced under the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative.

The projects are supported by a more than $6.85 million joint investment between the Australian and state, territory and local governments, with the Australian Government contributing $5.48 million.

They are funded through the third tranche of the HVRA, which will provide $140 million in federal funding over 10 years.

The projects 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:

• Wollondilly Shire Council – Ted “Greendog” Stevens Truck Parking Bay Renewal (New South Wales).
• Walcha Council – New Pindari Tops Rest Area on Thunderbolts Way (New South Wales)
• Bourke Shire Council – New Heavy Vehicle Rest Area on the Bourke to Milparinka Road at Goonary (New South Wales)
• Shire of Mukinbudin – Mukinbudin Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (Western Australia)
• Shire of Coolgardie – Asphalt surfacing of Road train / truck stop area at intersection of Bayley Street / Great Eastern Highway and Ladyloch Road in Coolgardie (Western Australia)
• Northern Territory – Five Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas on Buntine Highway to be upgraded

More information on these projects and on the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative is available here.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“This latest $5.48 million investment in improved and new rest areas is another example of our government’s commitment toward achieving 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.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, Senator Glenn Sterle:

“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.

“These new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce truckie fatigue as they work hard keeping our country moving.”