New rest stops set to keep truckies safe

The Australian Government is continuing to improve road safety for truck drivers and other travellers across the country, with six new projects announced under the fourth tranche of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative.

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.

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.

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.

More information on the HVRA initiative can be accessed here.

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

“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.”

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 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.

“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.”

“I encourage all State and Territory Government’s as well as Local Government Association’s to get involved in the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative by identifying projects that can be supported by this very important program.

“I congratulate the ongoing work of the Steering Committee and thank them for their commitment.”